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Liverpool have started their midfield rebuild this summer with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai joining the Merseyside giants and now a new update has emerged on another potential transfer target.

Is Cheick Doucoure joining Liverpool?

According to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are now showing "interest" in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure.

Mokbel took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to reveal:

"Crystal Palace value Cheick Doucoure between £70m-£80m amid interest from Liverpool. No club-to-club contact as yet but Palace and Doucoure aware of Liverpool’s initial interest."

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

Jurgen Klopp and his sporting director Jorg Schmadtke have been forced to re-evaluate their transfer business this summer, due to the imminent departure of Jordan Henderson and the expected exit of defensive midfielder Fabinho too.

After missing out on Liverpool's first pre-season friendly against Karlsruher SC on Wednesday, it was confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano that there is now a full agreement in place for the club captain to make a move to Al-Ettifaq to join fellow former Reds skipper Steven Gerrard – with a transfer fee of around £12m reported.

Brazilian mainstay Fabinho is also destined for a move to the Saudi Pro League too and did not travel with Liverpool at all on their trip across Europe, due to a potential £40m move to Al-Ittihad and has already agreed personal terms with the Saudi Arabian club.

As a result, the signing of Doucoure would be a great piece of business for Liverpool, as he has the Premier League experience and the perfect profile to replace Fabinho in the deep-lying role of the Merseysiders' midfield.

Crystal Palace snapped up the services of the former Lens star for £21m last summer and over his first full season in the top flight has been a stand-out performer despite the south London club's initial struggles over the 38-game campaign.

Over 34 Premier League appearances, the 23-year-old – hailed "combative, intelligent, and consistent" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – registered three assists, successfully completed 71% of his dribbles and won 54% of his duels combined, proving he is a dominant presence in the centre of the pitch.

When comparing Doucoure's output to Fabinho's last season, the Palace powerhouse outperformed his Liverpool positional peer in a number of key attributes including shot-creating actions per 90 (1.98 v 1.85), percentage of dribblers tackled (55.8% v 38.7%) and successful take-ons (71.4% v 46.7%), as per FBref, indicating that he is a more well-rounded asset.

Not only that, the Mali international ranked in the top 20% of his Premier League positional peers last season for successful take-ons, interceptions, ball recoveries, shots blocked and tackles in the defensive third per 90 minutes played, further demonstrating his outstanding ball-winning abilities.

With that being said, if Liverpool can agree on a deal with Palace to sign Doucoure this summer it would be a major addition for Klopp, as it would provide him with a worthy successor to Fabinho who could be the final piece of the puzzle in the club's youthful revolution in midfield.

A third consecutive season of European football beckons for West Ham United, who must begin shaping their squad for yet another gruelling campaign.

Last summer, the Irons splashed a whopping £179m, and they are likely to replicate a similar level of spending this summer as they're set to land a monstrous £105m from Arsenal for Declan Rice.

Jonathan Tah is a player constantly linked with West Ham and could make the switch from Germany during this transfer window.

What’s the latest Jonathan Tah to West Ham?

According to the Rheinische Post (via Sport Witness), Tah’s desire to play in the Premier League has 'long been documented' and West Ham are keenly tracking his services.

This outlet also revealed that the 27-year-old has a €18m (£15m) release clause valid until 10 July and the Hammers are described as a 'hot candidate' in the race for his signature.

It is understood that even if this isn’t triggered, it is still 'conceivable' for the German to change clubs before the window shuts, allowing David Moyes the opportunity to pounce.

Negotiations could be made easier as West Ham has recently appointed former Bayer Leverkusen sports coordinator Tim Steidten as their new technical director.

Is Jonathan Tah a good signing for West Ham?

Last season, the centre-back notched 47 appearances in all competitions and formed a magnificent defensive triumvirate with Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 5, Tah is a pillar of calmness and composure. This is supported by his rank within the best 10% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion per 90.

Clearly highly competent with the ball at his feet, the £48k-per-week man is also extremely collected in defensive situations, having made no errors leading to a shot or a goal in the Bundesliga in the 2022/23 campaign from his 33 league outings, whilst also failing to concede a penalty.

Upon his arrival to Leverkusen, then-sporting director Rudi Voller described Tah as “quick, technically gifted but still robust.” Meanwhile, Christoph Kramer has labelled him as a “real battleship.”

If Tah can secure a move to the London Stadium he could form a solid defensive partnership with Nayef Aguerd, who when fit and available, has largely looked like a reliable asset, having been "playing well" in his short time at the club to date, according to teammate Kurt Zouma.

He was perhaps at his most impressive during Morocco’s history-making World Cup campaign, in which they became the first-ever African side to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

In the four games he featured in, the 6 foot 3 centre-back was part of two clean sheets, averaging three clearances, one interception and one tackle per game, whilst winning 69% of his total duels and not being dribbled past across the campaign.

From a wider perspective, Aguerd has also performed admirably for West Ham as he ranks within the best 25% for clearances and blocks per 90 across the last 365 days. After a season to acclimatise and adapt to English football, he looks ready for a campaign of consistent football if he can stay clear of injury.

Moreover, a partnership with Tah makes sense as Aguerd is left-footed whilst the Leverkusen star is right-footed. With Angelo Ogbonna no spring chicken at the age of 35 and with the worrying injury record of Zouma, there is a high chance there could be a new-look defence for Moyes next term.

Aston Villa are set to “listen to offers” for Leander Dendoncker this summer, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When did Leander Dendoncker join Aston Villa?

The Premier League defensive midfielder only made the move across the Midlands from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, but despite recording a total of 21 appearances during his debut season, he’s not been able to make the positive instant impact he would have hoped having been nothing more than a bit-part player.

The Belgium international was only handed seven starts over the course of the previous campaign so clearly doesn’t figure as part of Unai Emery’s long-term plans after being signed by former boss Steven Gerrard. There was even suspicion when he first put pen to paper because the length of his contract hadn’t been disclosed, which is unusual when a club is unveiling a new signing.

Furthermore, Youri Tielemans has already been confirmed as one of the new summer arrivals at Villa Park and it’s believed that Villarreal’s Pau Torres won’t be far behind him, both of who can play in the 28-year-old’s positions, so with the manager bringing in fresh faces, it’s not looking promising for the future of the former Molineux star.

Is Dendoncker leaving Aston Villa?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Aston Villa are willing to sanction the sale of Dendoncker this summer with the player himself also on board in terms of an exit, and he won’t be short of potential suitors from the Premier League and overseas. He wrote:

“Understand Aston Villa are open to listen to offers for Leander Dendoncker despite his longer running deal. He's rated by Emery but there's [a] lot of competition. French and Italian clubs already asked for info; player open to any kind of proposal. PL clubs also keen.”

Should NSWE sell Dendoncker?

Aston Villa will have no doubt expected Dendoncker to be a marquee signing and Emery is likely to have wanted much more from him, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case, so NSWE and Monchi would be making completely the right decision by letting him go this summer, albeit with regret that it didn't work out as initially hoped when pursuing him.

The Wasserman client, who’s sponsored by Nike, last season ranked as the 18th overall worst-performing player out of 21 squad members and 11th defensively having averaged just one tackle per top-flight game, via WhoScored, which isn’t good enough for a player who is naturally stronger in that aspect of his game.

The Passendale native has not only also failed to register a single goal or assist, he additionally picked up an unnecessary red card during the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to League One side Stevenage back in January for a “rash” challenge, as labelled by Nedum Onouha, so he hasn't even taken his opportunities when given the chance.

Finally, Dendoncker pockets £90k-per-week which is actually higher than the likes of Ollie Watkins – who deserve their wages much more – and that’s a hefty sum to be paying a fringe player so cashing in would allow the hierarchy to put these funds towards bringing in fresh faces.

Manchester United looking to be closing in on a £43m deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Corriere del Ticino, via The Faithful MUFC.

Manchester United transfer news – could they sign Andre Onana?

Given David De Gea's unresolved contract issue, which doesn't seem to be going away any time soon, Man United are in need of a number one as things stand. And, as reports in Italy suggest, Onana could be that new shot-stopper.

The Inter Milan man would be Erik ten Hag's first signing this summer as the Red Devils look to take things up a level or two at Old Trafford.

After De Gea's season to forget in the last campaign, too, it comes as little surprise that United have their sights set on finding a new number one – a move which signals a sign of intent.

Indeed, the report states that Inter may well be willing to cash in on the stopper after the Red Devils lodged a bid of £43m.

A deal to sign Onana would, therefore, eat away at Ten Hag's budget who has reportedly been told that he has £120m to spend unless he moves players on this summer.

Would Andre Onana make Lisandro Martinez look better?

The best goalkeepers in the world can make even the most unreliable defenders look far better than they are, and vice-versa – see De Gea last season, for example.

Onana would reverse the roles at United by making the backline look even better than they already look after a solid season together last time out – conceding just 43 league goals and helping De Gea secure the Golden Glove.

The Inter shot-stopper would help show off a trait that Lisandro Martinez hasn't been able to express as much during his United career so far. And that's his ability on the ball.

De Gea's poor distribution often leaves United forced to scrap any thoughts of playing from the back and to play over the press, rather than through it.

Last season, the Spaniard attempted 11.8 passes per game, completing just 3.71 – a completion rate of 31.4%. By comparison, Onana attempted 11.3 per game, completed 4.38, with a completion rate of 38.9%, as per FBref.

For context of Onana's quality, Alisson Becker had a 41% completion rate last season, meaning that the United target isn't far off one of the best goalkeepers in the world in terms of passing ability.

Meanwhile, Martinez's stats show that, when given the chance, he can comfortably progress from the back. As per FBref, in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, he completed more passes per 90 than Declan Rice. Simply give him the chance and Martinez will play a key role in bypassing a press.

When at Ajax together in the 2019/20 season, Onana had an impressive 45.04% pass completion rate, completing over four passes per game. Martinez, with the goalkeeper supplying the passes, made 9.24 progressive passes per 90.

However, last season, with De Gea behind him, the Argentina international made just 3.53 per game in a frustrating drop-off.

Onana's quality is recognised by the best in the world, too, with Pep Guardiola full of praise for the shot-stopper prior to Manchester City's Champions League final victory over Inter.

The Manchester City boss said, via Manchester Evening News: "They [Inter] have a real good process, starting from Onana, an exceptional goalkeeper in the build-up – one of the best in the world right now."

With that said, it's clear that if United sign Onana, he would take them and particularly Martinez up another level.

Newcastle United boast one of the richest owners in world football. That is a fact that everybody is well aware of, especially selling clubs.

Nobody will be willing to allow a bargain to slip through their fingers when the financial might of a Saudi prince is the buyer, and so the Magpies are set to suffer from a similar issue that Manchester United have been plagued with; over-inflated price tags.

Whilst they are happy to pay on occasion, FFP will keep them restricted despite their presence in the Champions League next campaign.

As such, they must once again invest with intelligence and precision, so as to not fall into the pitfalls that these 'unlimited funds' can bring.

With a few key areas certain in need of urgent improvement, it could be argued that a matter of priority lies at centre-back.

For all the quality Fabian Schar has, the Swiss is set to turn 32 next season. A replacement is sorely needed to partner Sven Botman, and a quality one at that.

It is therefore admirable that someone like Marc Guehi has already reportedly been lined up, once again showcasing the forethought of this remarkably well-oiled machine that Dan Ashworth keeps ticking.

However, the £45m fee could prove a stumbling block for a side that reportedly only had £75m to spend this entire window…

Would Marc Guehi improve Newcastle United?

Given the way Eddie Howe has ingrained his philosophy into this current squad, the former AFC Bournemouth coach will likely want a few readymade assets that don’t demand additional coaching.

With his centre-backs, playing out from the back remains a prerequisite, alongside the physicality and speed to cope with his high line.

In Guehi he would immediately attain all of these attributes and more, with a particular resemblance to Raphael Varane that has surely caught the eye. FBref certainly thinks so, as they include the former Real Madrid ace on his list of ‘similar players’.

The Frenchman has been a rock at the back for their Manchester rivals, as an admirable stopper worthy of mimicry.

After all, his trophy cabinet is one laden with silverware, boasting four Champions League titles, three La Liga successes, as well as last season’s EFL Cup win over the Tyneside outfit.

Not to mention he was a mainstay of a defence last campaign that helped David De Gea take home the Golden Glove award.

Whilst Guehi has shone on a much smaller scale, their shared ability to dominate with grace and poise suggests the England international is ready to make that step up.

Especially given his 6.94 average rating from last season, in which his figures were more than comparable to the World Cup-winning defender.

His rating was aided greatly by his 85% pass accuracy and 82% dribble success rate, alongside 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

It is no surprise to see he has been lauded as an “absolute tank” in the past by former U21 teammate Josef Bursik.

When compared to Varane, the 31-year-old only trumps the 22-year-old in pass completion (87%) and clearances (3.7 per game), neither of which are particularly convincing victories either, via Sofascore.

Perhaps Guehi is more ready for the elite level than many would believe, as his true talents are hidden by the struggles felt at Crystal Palace.

As a top homegrown talent who could command his back line for the next decade, Howe needs to look no further.

Chelsea talks are ongoing to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer and the player is "ready to agree" personal terms, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Who will join Chelsea this summer?

Mauricio Pochettino, after Chelsea's lacklustre and regrettable 2022/23 Premier League campaign, is aiming to transform the west Londoners back into a major force.

The Blues couldn't even muster a top-half finish last season and ended the campaign without any silverware, coming just two years after they were crowned champions of Europe.

Despite owner Todd Boehly and co spending north of £520 million on transfers since the summer of 2022, it appears Chelsea have work to do if they wish to reach the heights of Man City or Arsenal.

Pochettino's arrival also marks the beginning of a new era, though, and Chelsea are apparently working to back the Argentine this summer.

Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, after drawn-out negotiations, is now reportedly set to become a Chelsea player with reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano even giving his famous "here we go".

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Caicedo of Brighton is another firm transfer target.

Chelsea are apparently favourites for the Ecuador international and reliable reporter Kinsella of The Evening Standard has shared a promising update.

Writing for the outlet, Kinsella claims that the Stamford Bridge side are "making good progress in negotiations" and Caicedo is "keen" to join Pochettino.

The 21-year-old is also "ready to agree personal terms", with the player side proving to be no issue, though club-to-club talks over a transfer fee are proving more complicated.

After already rejecting a £60 million bid from Chelsea, it is claimed that Brighton are holding out for a fee closer to £100 million for their prized asset.

Caicedo, though, has a verbal agreement with Roberto De Zerbi for his manager to stand aside and green-light an exit – if a suitable offer arrives that is.

What's been said about Moises Caicedo?

Averaging more tackles per 90 than any Brighton player last season, the South American star has proven to be a capable midfield enforcer and rock solid in the middle of the park (WhoScored).

Enrico Castro-Montes, a vying football historian of Ecuador, has also detailed just how highly-rated Caicedo is in his homeland. Indeed, the midfielder is apparently seen as a cross between N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.

"Caicedo covers the whole field. He is much more eye-catching," said Castro-Montes (Het Niuewsblad via Sport Witness).

"There will be a lot of pressure on Caicedo’s shoulders. His nickname in Ecuador is ‘La Joya’, the jewel. In his own country, he is really seen as the crown jewel of a new generation.

"That’s also how they describe him in Ecuador: a cross between Kanté and Pogba."

Arsenal have now turned their attention to Romeo Lavia after holding internal discussions about their transfer plans, according to reports…

Arsenal transfer news – Romeo Lavia

The Gunners are believed to be pushing to seal a deal West Ham United captain Declan Rice as their first priority but according to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, manager Mikel Arteta is keen to sign two midfielders, having also been linked to Brighton & Hove Albion gem Moises Caicedo.

It's now thought the north London outfit have shifted their focus onto other players due to the sizeable sum it would take to secure the Ecuador international, as per the aforementioned report. Lavia is one potential alternative, with talks being held about making a potential move to bring the relegated Southampton star to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Sun, meanwhile, claim the Belgian midfielder is valued at around £45m by the Saints and is viewed by Arteta as 'a better option' than Caicedo.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are also keen to sign Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz, with the German said to be "very close" to joining, whilst the north Londoners are said to be in pole position to land Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen too.

Should Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia over Moises Caicedo?

Lavia was perhaps one of Southampton's only shining lights in what was a dismal Premier League campaign, one which saw them relegated to the Championship for the first time in 11 years.

The former Manchester City youth product was second to only James Ward-Prowse when it came to the average match rating of the Saints' engine room options and similarly, he ranked second for tackles per game (2.1) too, as per WhoScored.

Such impressive form saw Independent journalist Benjy Nurick hail the teenage sensation as an "absolute monster" and it also led to him picking up his first cap for the Red Devils back in March 2023.

Lavia grew up idolising Spain powerhouse Sergio Busquets and that is quite apparent when watching him play, with the same reporter waxing lyrical about his qualities as a defensive midfielder, taking to Twitter to say: "Always offering himself as an option to the defence, great range of passing, and a devastating turn away from markers with a little drop of his shoulder."

At just £45m, the dynamic 5 foot 11 enforcer would represent a shrewd piece of business, especially with Brighton looking 122% more (£100m) for Caicedo.

Lavia is not only younger, fitting in with Arteta's developmental project, but he has also come through an all too familiar system at City, where the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola's assistant prior to taking the helm at the Emirates Stadium.

These factors could indeed make him a better option than Caicedo this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in raiding Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and procuring centre-back Max Kilman, according to reports.

It's the beginning of a new chapter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with manager Ange Postecoglou departing treble-winning Celtic to take the reins and lead Spurs back to brighter days after a dismal campaign that culminated in an eighth-place finish and failure to qualify for European competition next season.

Tottenham started the campaign brightly under the stewardship of the distinguished Antonio Conte but trickled further into the murky abyss as the season went on, ending another year without silverware.

The defensive efforts were shoddy and a large part behind the woes, and that's why Kilman could prove to be a shrewd acquisition to return some stability and grit to the N17 backline.

90min certainly think it could be a possibility, stating that the 26-year-old "has long had admirers" at the club and "remains a target", with The Athletic's Tim Spiers revealing this year that his signature could cost around £20m-£30m.

Should Tottenham sign Max Kilman?

Kilman, who is eligible to play internationally for both England and Ukraine, played 37 matches this season as Wolves finished 13th in the Premier League after looking like relegation favourites before Julen Lopetegui's appointment before the mid-season pause for the 2022 World Cup.

Praised as "immense" and a "monster" by Talking Wolves presenter Tom Parker, he recorded an average match rating of 6.85 this season, according to Sofascore, and caught the eye by keeping 11 clean sheets, making 4.4 clearances per game and winning 67% of his aerial duels.

His prowess is further illustrated by metrics provided by FBref, who suggest the distinguished Manchester United titan Raphael Varane is his most similar player.

Indeed, with the £15k-per-week Wolves star ranking among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 28% for progressive carries and the top 5% for blocks per 90, his skill set does indeed draw similarities to Varane.

The £350k-per-week United phenom ranks himself among the top 25% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 28% for successful take-ons per 90, having also averaged 3.7 clearances per match in the Premier League this term while winning 72% of his aerial duels.

Kilman could harness his skills to provide an iron-clad grip on the Spurs defence, potentially forging a solid partnership with the aggressive Cristian Romero and living up to the tag of "generational talent" – as he was dubbed by reporter Nathan Judah.

Varane is a player who has seen it all, the 30-year-old notably winning the 2018 World Cup with France and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, also ending Manchester United's trophy drought this year with a triumph in the Carabao Cup.

If Kilman can indeed channel his own talents, he could match his confrere in Varane and play a central role in Spurs' desired resurgence, perhaps even providing the sweeping stability at the back to end a 15-year wait for silverware at the club.

A lack of potency and end product is a storyline that has become synonymous with Chelsea’s abysmal season.

The Blues netted just 38 times in as many games, a dismal reflection of the club’s underperforming frontline.

Kai Havertz was often tasked with leading and was the top scorer with a measly seven goals.

It has since been revealed by Fabrizio Romano that the German is open to leaving West London to try a new experience after Real Madrid registered an interest in him last week.

When Havertz finished a difficult debut season in England with the Champions League winning goal in the 2021 final, he was tipped to kick on at Stamford Bridge and display some ruthless consistency.

However, it has unravelled into a disappointing spiral, and he looks set to depart this summer.

One player who has been linked to being part of the Mauricio Pochettino revolution is Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who has been far more clinical and effective across the year.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

The Argentine’s transfer to the English capital could be discussed when the clubs hold talks over the Romelu Lukaku situation later this month, Romano revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

He said: “At the moment I'm not aware of any contact for Martinez, but let's see what's going to happen in the conversations between Inter Milan and Chelsea for Lukaku this month when they speak about that. But at the moment, with Martinez and Chelsea, there is still nothing concrete.”

Previous reports have suggested he may cost around £70m.

Why would Lautaro Martinez be a good signing for Chelsea?

The £186k-per-week forward has been in magnificent form for the Nerazzurri this year, having notched 39 goal contributions in 56 appearances in all competitions this term.

Quite frankly, these are numbers that Havertz can only dream of in a Chelsea shirt.

Whilst the debate rages on the former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy’s best position, it is quite clear to see that the chances cannot keep falling to him and each week that passes he seems to cut an even more dejected and uninvolved figure.

Earlier in the season, Frank Leboeuf described the playmaker as “shameful” and after three full seasons at Chelsea, he is yet to convince anyone that he can consistently perform.

Meanwhile, in northern Italy, Martinez is arguably Inter’s most important player – a devastating outlet that can score and link the play.

In Europe’s top five leagues among his positional, he ranks in the highest 13% for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the best 9% for non-penalty goals per 90, according to FBref.

The 48-cap international star won the World Cup in Qatar and Lionel Messi has even hailed his compatriot, saying: "He's spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player and he is showing that.

"He's very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He's very complete."

If Chelsea could land this outlandish coup, they will instantly be a more menacing outfit next year.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to revive their interest in Brighton and Hove Albion star, Moises Caicedo, with the Red Devils having previously snubbed the chance to sign the midfield maestro.

What's the latest on Caicedo to Man United?

According to journalist Sam Dean, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be among a host of Premier League clubs who are keen on signing the 21-year-old this summer, albeit with any deal set to cost beyond £70m.

Writing on Twitter, the respected source stated: "Brighton will demand significantly more than £70m for Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest — and Liverpool could yet become involved, depending on the eventual cost."

In his attached piece for The Telegraph, Dean reveals that the Seagulls are 'willing' to let the Ecuadorian starlet leave the Amex ahead of next season, despite the youngster only signing a new long-term deal earlier this year.

Should Man United sign Caicedo?

It would certainly be a long time coming if United were to sign the 5 foot 10 sensation this summer, with the club having pulled out of a move to sign the then-teenager from Independiente de Valle back in 2021 after the deal became too 'messy' – as per Manchester Evening News – prior to the exciting prospect joining Brighton for just £4.5m.

That decision not to pursue a deal for Caicedo now appears a notable error as far as the Red Devils are concerned, with the midfield "jewel" – as hailed by historian Enrico Castro-Montes – having blossomed into a leading presence on the south coast of late.

As manager Roberto De Zerbi noted, the one-time Beerschot loanee could "become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and in Europe" such is his outstanding talent, with the dynamic gem looking like a player who has "no limit".

Not only would Caicedo be a player that Erik ten Hag could build his side around over the next decade or so, due to his relative youth, yet the 30-cap gem could also prove to be the Dutchman's answer to Declan Rice, with the pair said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

The West Ham United skipper has been mooted as a possible target for Ten Hag this summer, although a reported valuation of around £100m is likely to prove something of a stumbling block, while rivals Arsenal are also believed to be "leading the race" for his signature at present, as per Fabrizio Romano.

As such, finding an alternative to the 24-year-old in the form of Caicedo could represent a real coup, with the pair both alike due to their creative, front-foot quality from the centre of the park, showcased by the fact that the Englishman racked up 240 progressive passes in 2022/23 in the league, while the Seagulls ace recorded 219 for that same metric.

Equally, the dominant duo have also proven themselves to be particularly effective at winning back possession for their respective clubs, with Caicedo ranking in the top 11% among his European peers for interceptions, while Rice ranks in the top 5% in that regard.

That similarity is also illustrated by the fact that while the latter man averaged 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game combined in the top flight this season, his younger counterpart was only just ahead after averaging 4.2 per game for those same metrics under De Zerbi.

That would suggest that even if Rice – who has been lauded as the "best central midfielder in the country" by ex-United man Paul Parker – does prove unattainable this summer, turning to Caicedo could allow Ten Hag to find his own version of the West Ham machine.