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Tottenham are ‘above all’ suitors in the race to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, according to reports in Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Torres move…

The former Man City star has been sporadically linked with a move to north London in recent months as sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly makes transfer plans behind-the-scenes.

This summer could be an absolutely huge one for Spurs as there are currently many plates spinning – namely the future of Antonio Conte, Harry Kane’s contract, who could replace goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Spurs’ hunt for a centre-half.

Conte has been tipped to leave the club at the end of his current contract, which is set to expire later this year, and many names like Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank have been linked to the job.

Amid this situation, Spurs also have to contemplate who they could sign for any proposed new manager, with Italian sources sharing news on Torres.

The Latest: Spurs ‘above all’ in race for Torres…

According to Calciomercato.it, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are in fact ‘above all’ suitors in the race for Spain’s international forward.

Pep Guardiola’s former starlet is thought to be attracting serious interest from Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus, but it is the Lilywhites who have apparently taken an out-of-window step.

It is believed Spurs have ‘come forward prematurely’ for Torres ahead of the summer – which presumably means an approach of some sort has been made.

Calciomercato don’t go into much detail beyond this but it appears Tottenham are out in front.

The Verdict: Great player…

The 23-year-old is a player of real promise, even if he hasn’t exactly been in the form of his life for Barcelona this season.

Scoring just two goals in 22 La Liga appearances over 22/23, Torres is perhaps stifled by the major competition he faces to gain a consistent place under Xavi.

The Catalans boss has held the versatile winger in high esteem, though, calling him ‘world class’ last year in a statement to the media.

Xavi said:

“Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He’s a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class.

“He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.” 

This is a glowing endorsement from one of the best Spanish midfielders in history, and still young, Torres could yet improve.

A lot could come down to price tag and whether Barca are willing to part ways with the former Valencia star, but one thing is for certain, there is incentive for Spurs to make a move.

Journalist Laurie Whitwell has revealed that people within Manchester United are wary of Financial Fair Play rules ahead of the summer transfer window.

What have Manchester United planned for the summer?

The club's top priority is reportedly to bring in a striker, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen linked with big-money moves, and whilst there is uncertainty over their ownership situation, United may well look to spend heavily in the summer as they have in recent seasons.

However, even if new owners come in, an extraordinary window with plenty of huge signings seems unlikely due to FFP rules.

Whitwell has pointed to Newcastle United as an example of a club capable of increased spending that has imposed such limits, and that United could follow suit.

Speaking on the Stretford Paddock, Whitwell revealed that people within United are taking FFP seriously and United could follow in the footsteps of the Magpies.

He said: "Certainly, people at United think it's [FFP] a thing, they're the ones that are going to be signing the cheques.

"This is what Newcastle are getting into at the moment, even with PIF and Saudi Arabia backing them – ok, they've signed Alexander Isak for £60m, which is beyond what they definitely could have bought under Mike Ashley – but they're not like they've not gone and spent £300-350m in one transfer window and just thought, 'we'll get away with it'.

"According to what I'm told, Dan Ashworth is very alert to the Financial Fair Play [guidelines] that he's trying to work under, and it's the same at United, so that's why I think they will have to really look hard at sales and who they can let go and try and get good money for to then bring in other players."

What should Man United prioritise?

Given the FFP rules, it is doubtful that United will be able to sign players to cover every position they would ideally fill, but they could still afford to bring in a few top-quality signings.

A striker should be the priority given Wout Weghorst's lack of goals and Anthony Martial's lack of fitness, and one of Kane or Osimhen – who have 48 goals between them this term could transform Ten Hag's attack.

And with David de Gea's future uncertain, a new goalkeeper – perhaps one suited to Ten Hag's style which would see the goalkeeper become more involved with his passing – could be another key area to upgrade.

There have been links to Diogo Costa at Porto, but a cheaper alternative could be Brentford's David Raya, and with the Spaniard entering the final year of his contract, it could be an easier deal to do, which would also leave funds to potentially invest elsewhere.

Former Celtic striker and pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to a transfer update on attacker Liel Abada.

What’s the latest on Abada’s Celtic future?

Abada made the move to Parkhead back in 2021 and has proven to be a smart signing by the Hoops. The 21-year-old is already closing in on 100 first-team appearances in Glasgow, contributing to 45 goals in the process.

The right-winger has contributed to 19 goals during the current campaign, and his impact in Scotland has not gone unnoticed. Premier League side Southampton are thought to be readying an eight-figure offer for Abada, who has reportedly failed to come to an agreement with Celtic over a new contract. As a result, the Hoops appear to be open to offers for the attacker heading into the summer window.

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding a potential exit for Abada. He believes that the player won’t go to a bigger club than Celtic and feels that Ange Postecoglou won’t be too bothered should he leave. The pundit also described Abada as ‘terrible for a couple of games’, resulting in Postecoglou taking him out of the starting XI.

“It is inevitable players move on but he is only a young boy. He is at a big club and doing well and all of a sudden agents are creeping in.

“I do not think it will bother Ange too much. If he goes somewhere else he will be like another player. Abada is not ready to go to the Premier League. He is at a huge club, the fans love him and he has got to settle down.”

Should Celtic sell Abada?

Celtic have been in this position before when it comes to Premier League interest in one of their impressive performers so may not be too stressed at the possibility of an exit. The Hoops paid £3.6m for Abada, who is still under contract until 2026, so the ball is firmly in Celtic’s court. Should Southampton offer an eight-figure sum for the player, then the Hoops would be making an eye-catching profit which could be invested into bringing in his replacement.

Abada may have had his ups and downs this season, as McAvennie mentions, but he has shown his ability in Scotland, however, if the price is right, it could be wise to cash in, especially with the forward failing to agree on new terms in Scotland.

Liverpool will host Mikel Arteta's incredibly on-form Arsenal side at Anfield for their Premier League showdown this afternoon and Jurgen Klopp will surely be desperate to give the home support something to believe in following a disappointing campaign so far.

The Reds are 13 points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots inside the top four ahead of their clash with the Gunners, whilst their opponents will be heading to Merseyside with one thing on their mind – improving their lead in the top spot to avoid Manchester City closing in on them over the remaining fixtures of the season.

Indeed, Klopp knows exactly what it feels like to be looking over his shoulder for Pep Guardiola's formidable side, so attempting to put a dent in the North London club's challenge for the title will likely present a tough game for the Merseysiders.

In terms of injuries, Calvin Ramsay, Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita remain unavailable for selection, whereas Luis Diaz is continuing to build his fitness to get back to action but is confirmed to be unlikely to appear until the Leeds United game.

However, Klopp did hint in his pre-match press conference that two key players could make an appearance today, with the long-awaited return of Thiago Alcantara imminent and Virgil van Dijk ready to play following a bout of illness:

"Virgil, completely normal, he was back in training,"

“Luis and Thiago training completely normal too. The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100 per cent for Leeds (on April 17)."

"Thiago looks slightly different. He was not out that long, trained now three or four times with the team and he might be available. But we have to check how he feels."

How could Liverpool line up vs Arsenal?

Kloop could make as many as six changes to the team that drew with Chelsea earlier this week, maintaining his classic 4-3-3 formation.

The first of which may see a complete overhaul of the defensive set-up, with only Ibrahima Konate retaining his spot in the back four alongside Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, who will reprise their roles at Anfield.

Unlike his fellow returnees, the £100k-per-week Scotland captain – once hailed "clever" by Gary Neville – did make a 24-minute cameo against Chelsea after Kostas Tsimikas was hooked for a disappointing display.

The fourth and fifth changes may come in midfield after the side found themselves overrun in the middle third on many occasions in west London, with Thiago and Harvey Elliott joining Jordan Henderson to complete the midfield.

The sixth and final change is an inevitable one with Egyptian goal machine Mohammed Salah returning to the starting eleven alongside an otherwise unchanged attacking force completed by Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Henderson, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Firmino

Liverpool haven't had too much to celebrate this season, with a number of inconsistent performances and a failure to maintain their high standards so far, which has led to the club being unable to compete for another trophy.

The Reds were knocked out of both domestic cup competitions prematurely and a two-leg thrashing from Real Madrid saw them crash out of the Champions League in the round of 16, whilst they also fell to eighth in the Premier League table this weekend after losing to Manchester City at the Etihad stadium.

It's safe to say that beyond the monumental 7-0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield and the 9-0 smash against Bournemouth, most Liverpool supporters would happily forget that this season ever happened once the final whistle is blown on the final day.

Not only that, the pressure to reinvest has never been so high on FSG this summer as success has dwindled and the squad is now stale, in dire need of a refresh. Indeed, there are a number of players coming to the end of their contract or are well into the latter stages of their respective careers.

Having said that, there has been one shining light that has broken through the dark cloud hanging over Anfield at the moment with academy graduate Stefan Bajcetic displaying just how influential a fresh perspective and injection of youth can be in this otherwise uninspiring squad.

The talented Spanish midfielder was a breath of fresh air in the centre of the pitch this season until suffering a serious leg injury that has left him unavailable for selection for the rest of the campaign.

How much is Stefan Bajcetic worth?

Bajcetic joined the Merseyside giants back in December 2020 when he was just 16 years old for a fee of just £224k from Celta Vigo and has been developing at an incredible rate ever since.

Surprisingly, the teenage sensation started out on his journey in the Liverpool academy as a centre-back in the U18s but ultimately found his perfect role in a defensive midfield position, which helped him catch the eye of Jurgen Klopp.

The first few opening games of the season saw Liverpool's midfield completely fall apart through injury – with Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita all sustaining issues early on, ultimately paving the way for Bajcetic to prove his worth in the centre of the pitch. The rest, as they said, is history.

Over 11 Premier League appearances, the "cheeky" 18-year-old – as dubbed by Klopp – has made an impact at both ends of the pitch, having score scored one goal, averaged 2.22 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes and successfully completed 43.8% of his take-ons.

The youngster has also made 40 ball recoveries and won 64.3% of his aerial duels, proving that he is a huge presence capable of being potent in attack and efficient in winning back possession of the ball.

Considering Liverpool paid less than a quarter of a million to acquire the services of Bajcetic just over two years ago, it is phenomenal that the player is now worth 7,712% more, with CIES Football Observatory valuing the youngster at €20m (£17.5m) already.

As a result, it is without doubt that the Reds have hit the jackpot with the talented teenager and his market value will surely only increase further when he returns to action next season in Klopp's team.

Liverpool are looking to sign a new right-back as competition for Trent-Alexander Arnold, rather than as a "direct replacement", according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities have been regularly discussed this season, with Jamie Carragher recently questioning whether he will ever be good enough at those duties, urging the club to sign a new right-back.

Other members of the media have called on Jurgen Klopp to "accept the inevitable" and start playing the 24-year-old as a winger, as he is a "sensation" in the attacking third, but a "liability" when it comes to tracking back.

Calvin Ramsay is currently the only real competition at right-back, however, and he has had a very frustrating first season at Anfield, with the Scot being ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery – meaning the Reds may have to bring in a new option this summer.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones suggests that it's a good idea for Klopp to bring in a new reinforcement at right-back, as Alexander-Arnold would be under more pressure to improve his performances.

The journalist said: “I'm told they are looking more for competition for Alexander-Arnold than a direct replacement. That makes sense at this stage.

“It would be difficult for him to take if they were to go and spend £50m on a right-back instead of somewhere between £20m and £30m.

“It's a tough moment for them, but the only way to get Alexander-Arnold to step it up a gear is if he has that level of competition.”

Should Liverpool sign a new right-back?

There is no doubt the Englishman is fantastic in the attacking third of the pitch, recording a remarkable 12 assists in the Premier League last season, but Gary Neville has made it clear he must improve defensively if he is going to fulfil his vast potential.

That said, Liverpool have already enjoyed a great deal of success with the full-back playing every game – namely in the 2019-20 season, when he featured in all 38 matches en route to the Reds winning the league title.

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As such, there is no reason to replace the £180k-per-week defender, who has been lauded as "exceptional" by members of the media, but healthy competition is always a good thing.

If Klopp is able to bring in a right-back who can challenge for Alexander-Arnold's first-team spot, the manager is likely to see defensive improvements far quicker, as he will be more determined to work hard and keep his place in the starting XI.

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over at Wrexham two years ago, the club has just gone from strength to strength.

Plentiful amounts of money have been pumped into the Welsh side and they are now just one game away from that elusive promotion.

It has been over a decade since they were last in the Football League, but a victory over Boreham Wood on Saturday evening will mean at long last, they are back in the EFL.

At present, the Red Dragons sit on 107 points, a National League record, with Phil Parkinson having worked wonders with one of the finest squads you are ever likely to see at non-league level.

Not only do they possess former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, but League Two top scorer of 2020/21, Paul Mullin, is also at the club, while they paid the best part of £300k to lure Ollie Palmer from Wimbledon too.

This only feels like the beginning of their investment, however, particularly if they do secure a place in the fourth tier.

It even looks as though another former Premier League star could be on their way to the Racecourse Ground after Foster.

Who could sign for Wrexham this summer?

It's likely that the manager will have a number of targets in mind in order to improve the squad further ahead of next term, but one such player could be someone of Welsh origin, Hal Robson-Kanu.

The 33-year-old hasn't played since leaving West Bromwich Albion behind in 2021, but could be tempted out of retirement in order to join in the fun at Wrexham.

Indeed, taking to Instagram, the attacker commented on a post from co-owner, Reynolds, by saying: "I’ll come out of retirement and come and play for Wrexham next season. I’ll also give my salary to charity of the fans choosing…"

The statement is yet to be met with a response from the movie star, although there must be some element of excitement behind a potential swoop.

After all, this is a player with experience of playing and scoring at a major international tournament for his country, while Robson-Kanu also boasts 14 Premier League goals and 31 Championship strikes.

Mullin, Palmer and indeed Foster were remarkable signings, but this one, in terms of goalscoring ability might just top the lot.

Leeds United return to action in the Premier League this afternoon as Javi Gracia looks to steer his side away from the relegation zone with a trip to AFC Bournemouth.

The Whites were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow relegation rivals Leicester City in midweek, leaving them just one point above the dreaded drop with only five games left to play, so it will be interesting to see if the Spaniard makes any alterations to the starting XI for this encounter.

How will Leeds line up against Bournemouth?

It seems unlikely that Illan Meslier loses his place despite a poor run of form and his back four could remain much the same, given they very nearly beat the Foxes and the fact that some sort of regularity should aid their quest for more consistency in the backline.

Therefore, full-backs Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling occupy the flanks, with skipper Liam Cooper and Robin Koch in the middle.

The first change could come in midfield as Adam Forshaw makes a return, taking the place of Marc Roca, who has underperformed in recent outings – leading to claims that he is part of the problem in Leeds' "lightweight" and "horror show" engine room.

He'd partner Weston McKennie, with fellow American Tyler Adams still absent through injury, whilst there could be a place for Brenden Aaronson in an advanced no.10 role as further forward, Rodrigo returns to the striker role, where he displayed much of his impactful form earlier in the season.

Indeed, eight of his 11 strikes in the Premier League this term have come in the centre-forward position – as per Transfermarkt. The usually talismanic Patrick Bamford may drop to the bench as a result. The 29-year-old has only been able to provide three goals across his 24 appearances.

The £70k-per-week Englishman could have won the game for the Yorkshiremen in midweek after he saw a close-range effort go wide in what talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham described as "a shocker" that could see them relegated.

Those three points would have certainly created more breathing room heading into today's kick-off.

And finally, Jack Harrison may well keep his place on the flank, though the third and final change could see Wilfried Gnonto finally unleashed on the left in what would be his second start under Gracia, taking the place of the injured Luis Sinisterra.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Firpo, Cooper, Koch, Ayling; Forshaw, McKennie; Gnonto, Aaronson, Harrison; Rodrigo

Tottenham Hotspur have not had many legends to boast about in recent years, as a club that enjoyed a steady rise under Mauricio Pochettino, and a sharp decline under the three managers that succeeded him.

As such, this period has only added to a barren run for the Lilywhites, in which little silverware has graced their side of north London.

Daniel Levy has been a lightning rod for such failures, earning a reputation as a frugal negotiator who is unwilling to compromise if he feels someone is trying to make a fool of him. Therefore, it has led to the club neglecting top targets and refusing to spend big to keep up with their rivals.

This has also come alongside numerous big sales, only further adding to fan unrest.

Such a downturn in form has likely tarnished the legacy of many around the club of late, with only Harry Kane the exempted party given his relentless scoring form.

One name who has arguably experienced the greatest fall in stock is Hugo Lloris, as a once domineering goalkeeper and one of the best in the Premier League, now opposition hopes to see the Frenchman in between the sticks given his culpability.

How has Hugo Lloris played for Spurs across his career?

Having joined the club under Andre Villas-Boas, the Portuguese boss was tasked with reinvesting funds from two major sales: Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, both to Real Madrid.

His swoop for the Lyon shot-stopper came on deadline day in 2012 and merited a fee of just £13m. Given how he has since gone on to play 447 times for the club, one might be fooled into thinking this automatically merits legend status.

However, performances in recent years have tarnished what would have been a remarkable tenure for the 36-year-old, who was once one of the division's top performers.

During the 2018/19 season, arguably the apex of his career, Lloris recorded a 7.12 average rating in which he would concede just 33 goals in as many games. This came alongside his 3.1 saves per game, with just one error all season leading to a goal, via Sofascore.

To compare that with this campaign, where the keeper has contributed heavily to the sixth-worst defence in the league whilst making four errors leading to goals, this is what will stick in the memory.

The £100k-per-week stalwart has unfortunately seen such a fine career wane for some years now, with journalist James Maw branding him a "liability" in 2019 before pundit Jason Cundy followed up on this in 2021: "Lloris has got to move on," he said. “He is a weak link, I really think they need an upgrade. Lloris does not fill the back four of Spurs with any confidence."

What makes this even more frustrating is the performances of the 6 foot 2 titan for his national team, as he captained France to World Cup glory in 2018. Meanwhile, his near-eleven-year legacy in north London remains without a trophy.

Who has a bigger legacy than Hugo Lloris?

Although a great servant to the club, recency bias can work in both directions. Should this mark one of his last few years at Spurs, the goalkeeper will unfortunately be remembered for his failures during the twilight of a lengthy career.

Meanwhile, the likes of Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City for £53m in 2017, left while he was on top. Perhaps if Lloris had done so in a similar manner, seeking some silverware of his own, the struggling asset might not have continued to tarnish his legacy.

The 27-year-old defender has since won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups under Pep Guardiola, whilst also enjoying a fine final year in north London to ease fans' unrest.

During that 2016/17 season before departing, the right-back maintained a 7.10 rating alongside 1.2 key passes, 2.8 clearances and 2.2 tackles per game, via Sofascore. Although many might question the manner of his exit, few can have issues with his input before bidding farewell.

However, Walker is far from the only past and present Lilywhites player to likely leave the fans with fonder memories. Harry Kane and Heung-min Son are the outstanding options from the current team, but even some of their last trophy winners like Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Rose could make a strong case.

Lloris has enjoyed a fine career laden with honours and praise, but his contribution has not proven enough to bring those titles to N17.

As such, inconsistency and ever-dwindling performances could see next season, the final year of his contract, as the final nail in his coffin that cements a legacy that does not befit such a devoted leader.

There are few Liverpool players who can confidently hold their heads high after such a dismal and inexplicably discordant campaign.

Goalkeeper Alisson has been manager Jurgen Klopp's shining light, exuding authority and demonstrating his world-class credentials as his backline has so often flattered to deceive, shirking away from their defensive duties and failing to offer any scrap of organisation. In fact, the Reds boss was full of praise for his No 1 ahead of yesterday's clash with Brentford.

The late-season upswing in form has certainly boosted optimism around Anfield, but even though their impressive form in the Premier League might not be enough to salvage a top-four place, with a score of contracts set for expiry in a matter of months, new signings are undoubtedly imminent.

Despite this, Klopp must delve into his youth ranks and look to blend any acquisitions with options already on the books; the eccentric German need only look at the success of Stefan Bajcetic this season as a reminder of the fortunes that can be reaped by doing so.

Forward Ben Doak is arguably the highlight name at Kirkby, but midfielder Bobby Clark offers just as much potential and could well find himself a prominent figure in the top flight over the coming years.

Who is Bobby Clark?

In 2021, Liverpool signed Clark from boyhood club Newcastle United for their development side; the Chronicle's lead Newcastle United journalist Lee Ryder – speaking to Liverpool Echo via the Blood Red Club Podcast – remarked upon the pathos surrounding the agreement to let the precocious talent leave Tyneside.

He said: "Bobby was Newcastle's most promising youngster.

"He is a really exciting player with bags of skill and talent. He could have lit up the stage at St James' Park but now he has gone to Liverpool and that is a real kick in the teeth."

As the 2022/23 campaign draws to a close, Clark has played copious amounts of football – featuring 32 times for the U21s, scoring two goals and providing four assists – and set himself in stellar stead for further shots at the first team next term, having featured from the bench against Bournemouth in the Premier League and from the start against Derby County in the Carabao Cup.

Hailed as "confident" by Goal's Neil Jones, the former Toon talent was prolific as they come at U18 level, clinching 13 goals and five assists from 27 matches in midfield, and with such innate prowess and a staggeringly high ceiling, he could well be the Reds' next Trent Alexander-Arnold.

While the 24-year-old is technically a right-back, he is one of the most devastating creative forces in football, scoring 15 goals and serving up 71 assists from 269 appearances for Klopp's side, and is valued at £61m by CIES Football Observatory.

If Klopp can harness the skills of yet another prospect with a glinting cutting edge, he could well find that Liverpool's next big thing in midfield already resides within the ranks.

With such confidence in this young man's skill set, Clark truly could emulate the success of Alexander-Arnold and become Liverpool's next big talent to stem from the youth ranks.