كشف السويسري مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، عن بدلاء الفريق في مباراة الجونة، التي تقام بينهما، اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
ويلعب الأهلي مع الجونة، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الـ21 من بطولة الدوري المصري.
ويتواجد على مقاعد بدلاء الأهلي أمام الجونة، مروان عطية وأكرم توفيق ومحمد هاني بجوار محمود عبد المنعم كهربا. بدلاء الأهلي اليوم أمام الجونة في الدوري المصري
محمود الزنفلي “حارس مرمى” وخالد عبد الفتاح ومحمود كهربا وأكرم توفيق ورضا سليم ومروان عطية وأنتوني موديست ومحمد هاني.
طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام الجونة في الدوري المصري.. محمود متولي أساسيًا
يذكر أن الأهلي يحتل المركز الحادي عشر، في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 24 نقطة من 12 مباراة وله 8 مؤجلات.
وعلى الجانب الآخر، يتواجد فريق الجونة في المركز الثامن بترتيب جدول الدوري، برصيد 28 نقطة، من 19 مباراة.
Leeds United are entering a new chapter this summer with a full takeover from the 49ers, a newly-appointed manager in Daniel Farke and a huge challenge ahead of them in the Championship.
The Whites were relegated from the Premier League after a struggle to find the recipe for success and consistency at Elland Road last season, with important players departing and three different managers trying to find a solution to the struggles on the pitch.
As a result, the supporters will be hoping that a fresh start is ahead of them and after many changes behind the scenes the main focus can return to performances on the pitch and earning an instant bounce-back to the top-flight over the 46-game campaign ahead in the second tier.
Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…
In terms of the summer transfer window, following a number of departures there is still a lot of work to be done to get the terraces in West Yorkshire rocking by deploying a team that can compete from automatic promotion.
Who are Leeds' transfer targets?
Despite kicking off their opening game of the season this weekend, the west Yorkshire outfit are still linked to a number of players including Liverpool's Nathaniel Phillips, Manchester City's Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Swansea City's Joel Piroe.
However, there is one player who has been linked that would show the club's ambitious intent to not only secure promotion but challenge again comfortably in the Premier League beyond next season.
According to Mexican news outlet W Deportes, Leeds have been in talks to sign Napoli winger Hirving Lozano this summer, an incredible talent who could be Farke's very own Raphinha.
How good is Hirving Lozano?
There is no doubt that the signing of Lozano would a monumental achievement for Leeds given the situation they have found themselves in and considering the player is currently playing Champions League football with his Serie A side.
However, it is fair to say that a spark at Elland Road burnt out when Raphinha departed for Barcelona last summer, something that was painfully obvious last season with Leeds missing that huge quality and game-changer in their squad.
Now Farke could emulate the Brazilian's impact on Leeds by acquiring the services of Lozano and providing the squad with a creative talent and consistent outlet to serve in the attacking threat.
The Mexico international – who has a reported £13m price tag – ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, interceptions and blocks, as well as ranking in the top 30% for successful take-ons and touches, as per FBref.
When comparing Lozano's output to Raphinha's last season, the pair shared many similarities in key attacking attributes including shots on target rate (31.7% v 31.6%), pass completion rate (75% v 72.3%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.45 v 0.65) and successful take-ons (48.7% v 42.5%).
Lozano has even been compared to Lionel Messi by former Everton sporting director Marcel Brands, who compared the 28-year-old's strengths to those of the World Cup winner:
"When you look at his playing style, without wanting to compare, you know, Lozano has what Messi also has – a centre of gravity low to the ground, the ball is usually quickly under control, very explosive and agile. Then your opponents automatically force mistakes."
With that being said, if an opportunity arises for Leeds to sign Lozano this summer it is one they should not miss, as his talent and quality would be an incredibly valuable asset to the team next season.
Arsenal are preparing to make a fresh attempt to sign Southampton's Romeo Lavia, with the midfielder recently giving the move the green light following positive talks, according to a report from Football Insider.
Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton this summer?
There are a number of top Premier League clubs set to battle it out for Lavia this summer, following Southampton's relegation from the top flight, with the Saints resigned to losing him, although they do hope to receive a sizeable fee.
Amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, the midfielder could end up costing any potential suitor around £50m, but there is hesitancy among the interested parties about whether he is worth that much.
The Gunners have already held talks with the Belgian's representatives, but the indication is that they will not be willing to pay Southampton's asking price, given their expenditure in the transfer window up to this point.
Football Insider also report the Saints are looking to hold out for a fee of £50m, with Manchester City entitled to 20% due to the sell-on clause included in the 19-year-old's contract, and Arsenal could now be ready to pursue a deal.
Following positive conversations, the youngster has now given the move the green light, and there is an indication he would be eager to play under Mikel Arteta, as the report claims he is a big fan of the manager.
With Thomas Partey now closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia, the Gunners are well aware they will need a replacement for the central midfielder, and they are now expected to push Liverpool all the way in the race for Lavia's signature.
Chelsea also retain an interest in the Southampton star, so there could be a real transfer battle on the cards in the coming weeks.
How good is Romeo Lavia?
Football writer Lewis Steele has previously expressed his shock that Pep Guardiola was willing to sell the young midfielder, saying: "Romeo Lavia is a sensational midfielder. Who at Manchester City sanctioned selling him for just £15m?"
However, the Man City boss has since made it clear that the Belgium international's departure was not due to a lack of ability, stating: “I'm impressed with what Romeo Lavia is doing at Southampton. We’ve an incredible opinion of him. We thought to keep him — but we couldn't give him enough minutes like he has at Southampton”.
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
It was undoubtedly the right call for the former Man City man to move on last summer, as he has really started to develop during his time with Southampton, having made 29 appearances in the Premier League last season.
The Brussels-born maestro only scored one league goal, but he was very impressive in other areas, averaging the highest pass-success rate of any Saints player to start more than one game.
Lavia is also very adept defensively, averaging 2.1 tackles per game in the league, the same amount as Partey, while he also averaged more interceptions than the Ghanaian, indicating he could be a solid long-term replacement.
Manchester United target Rasmus Hojlund is "super keen" on a move to the club as United prepare their "opening bid" for the Danish international, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.
Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United?
After a brilliant season on the pitch for United, one that saw them reclaim their spot in the Champions League and secure yet another piece of silverware, the club are now enjoying a fantastic transfer window as well.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag
Despite the ongoing saga around the club's potential sale and all the distractions that come with it, the transfer business conducted by the Red Devils thus far has been impressive.
The first name through the doors was Chelsea's academy star Mason Mount, who joined for just £55m, and now it looks as if the £47m deal to sign Cameroon international Andre Onana from Inter Milan is almost complete as well.
With two imoirtant positions in the side sorted already, attention has shifted to the search for a new number nine, with Atalanta's exciting youngster Hojlund one of the potential targets.
The young Dane has been courting the interest of the Red Devils for quite some time and is himself "super keen" on the move. Still, previous reports suggesting that the club had made an official bid were premature, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.
He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:
"For Rasmus Hojlund, now for Manchester United, it's time to prepare the opening official bid. So, Man United are discussing internally about the opening bid for Hojlund.
"They never sent any official bid at the moment. They had some exchange with Atalanta through intermediaries to understand how much they wanted, and from what I'm told, it's something around €70m (£60m); then let's see if this is something to be negotiated in the next days or if Atalanta will remain firm on their position to ask for €70m (£60m), but this is the potential fee for Rasmus Hojlund.
Romano also explained the player's perspective on the transfer, adding: "From what I am told, the player is super keen on the move. Hojlund wants to try a top club experience. He was a United fan as a kid, so Hojlund is super keen on the move to Man United."
How does Rasmus Hojlund stack up to Marcus Rashford?
With the departure of Wout Weghorst and the unreliability of Anthony Martial's fitness, the player that would likely fill in as United's number nine next season should they not sign Hojlund is England international Marcus Rashford, so who is better?
From a goalscoring perspective, it looks very one-sided, at least at first glance.
England'sMarcusRashfordcelebrates
Rashford ended last season's Premier League campaign with 17 goals, whereas his Danish counterpart concluded his Serie A season with nine.
However, with 2890 league minutes under his belt, Rashford scored a goal on average every 170 minutes, which isn't a million miles away from Hojlund's ratio of a goal every 204 minutes, thanks to his 1836 minutes of game time last year.
Their underlying numbers are a lot closer than their goalscoring might suggest as well, with FBref placing the Englishman on 0.48 expected goals per 90 last season, while the Atalanta dynamo sits on 0.47 also per 90.
The Copenhagen-born gem does have a slightly higher percentage of his shots hitting the target at 54.7% compared to Rashford's 45.4%.
While there is certainly some similarity between the two forwards, and United's poster boy could play another season as the side's number nine, the introduction of Hojlund would allow Rashford to play in his desired position on the wing, while giving the Danish prodigy the starting position he needs to fulfil the lofty expectations people already have for him.
Manchester United are one step away from signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports.
Is David de Gea leaving Man United?
The Red Devils could have a busy summer in the transfer window, with numerous incomings and outgoings seemingly on the table. Up to 13 players have been put up for sale ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, including Dean Henderson, who could complete a £15m permanent move to Nottingham Forest.
David de Gea’s future is also up in the air, with the Spaniard’s Old Trafford contract actually set to expire in a matter of days. Recent reports have suggested that De Gea actually signed a new United contract that would drastically cut his current £375,000-a-week salary, however, the Red Devils have since backed out of that deal and have made a new proposal with even lower wages.
As a result, the club appear to be on the hunt for a new first-choice ‘keeper, and it looks as if Onana is on course to move to Manchester with those at Old Trafford previously in pole position to secure his services.
What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Onana?
According to reports from Italy over the last 48 hours, Man United are one step away from signing Onana this summer, with Inter Milan identifying Yann Sommer, Keylor Navas and Hugo Lloris as potential replacements.
The Red Devils are expected to pay an initial €50m (£43m) fee for Onana, although a transfer will reportedly include bonuses as well.
Onana knows Ten Hag well from their time at Ajax, where the 27-year-old made 145 appearances under the Dutchman. Therefore, the United manager will know exactly what to expect from Onana, including his ability on the ball.
Mark Goldbridge described the shot-stopper as “box office to watch when he's got the ball under pressure”, whereas Pep Guardiola also hailed Onana’s ability on the ball following the Champions League final.
“When you have a goalkeeper like Onana who can read perfectly where everyone is to pass to, with Calhanoglu and Barella, then the strikers hold it up and move the ball around. It is very, very difficult. It would be a tiny bit easier without this goalkeeper, but still very tough.”
With a move seemingly close, it looks as if Onana could come in and become first-choice under Ten Hag, and it will be interesting to see if De Gea’s future finally gets resolved before the end of the month.
Haroon Lorgat has said CSA hopes to host India in 2017-18, rather than have Sri Lanka back for a second consecutive season
Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Jan-2017
Sri Lanka were heavily beaten the first two Tests of their South Africa tour – and may not be invited back for 2017-18•AFP
India are on the verge of bumping Sri Lanka off the schedule for South Africa’s next home summer, CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat has revealed. The move may also affect the India v Pakistan series scheduled for the same 2017-18 New Year period.The international schedule – agreed to by boards in 2014 – had Sri Lanka going to South Africa for a second successive summer, for a three-Test tour. However CSA is now attempting to have India play four Tests, five ODIs and three T20s at that time instead.”I’ve given an indication to Sri Lanka that that tour is unlikely,” Lorgat said. “We’ve got a very packed season coming up, starting with Bangladesh in the early season. We’ve got India touring for four Test matches plus five ODIs and three T20s, and then we follow with Australia for four Test matches. It’s very unlikely, and I’ve already given the indication to Sri Lanka that they should avail themselves to someone else.”CSA’s plans to host India also hinge on the cancellation of the India-Pakistan tour scheduled for that same period. The India-Pakistan series that had been scheduled for December 2015 failed to go ahead due largely to political turmoil between the two nations. The schedule has Pakistan touring India for a three-Test tour at the end of this year, but that encounter is also under serious doubt.Lorgat said the BCCI had not confirmed the proposed tour of South Africa, but he put that down to the administrative upheaval in the India board, following a Supreme Court order earlier this week.”About the tour schedule with India: I’m not reading anything untoward,” Lorgat said. “They’ve got a difficult period that they’re going through currently. You would have read the president has been removed and the secretary has been removed. They are in a state of turmoil. I’ve been assured by them that in the next few weeks they will try and confirm that, but they’ve got a history of not confirming until a few months or a few weeks before.”SLC is aware that CSA wishes to bump them off the schedule, but have limited scope to protest, since next summer’s tour does not have a corresponding reciprocal series scheduled in Sri Lanka. Just as Sri Lanka have not been a particularly profitable guest for CSA – gate earnings at the Newlands Test have already been affected by the match failing to go five days – SLC also loses money when South Africa tour for Tests.The ICC does pay the smaller seven Full Member nations biannually from its Test Cricket Fund, in order to protect ties such as the Sri Lanka-South Africa series. However, the boards have generally been underwhelmed by the combined $1.25m paid to them each year as part of this fund. Even a two-Test series is understood to cost most boards more than $1.25m to host.
Daniel Christian’s returned figures of 5 for 14 – the BBL’s second-best ever – to dent the Strikers
The Report by Will Macpherson02-Jan-2017 Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDaniel Christian recorded the second-best figures across BBLs•Getty Images
As the BBL group stage approaches its halfway point, both Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers arrived at Bellerive Oval with a win and two defeats under their belts; it shaped as a vital clash for both.And, thanks to a supreme bowling performance – led by an unlikely spearhead, Daniel Christian – it was Hobart Hurricanes who prevailed. Chasing an underpar 144, D’Arcy Short and Tim Paine put on 105, the highest opening stand of the competition so far, and the Hurricanes got home with eight wickets and 14 balls to spare.Earlier, Christian had taken 5 for 14 – which included three wickets in the final over of the innings – and recorded the second-best figures in the BBL’s history, eclipsing the 5 for 16 taken by Sean Abbott two nights ago.In that game, the Strikers did brilliantly to defend a low score against the Sixers having been invited to bat first, but they were unable to provide a repeat dose; as a result, their finals hopes hang by a thread. The two teams meet again at Adelaide Oval on Friday – another vital clash but, this time, the Hurricanes’ position looks rather stronger.Hurricanes believe in Christian With Shaun Tait injured and Hamish Kingston dropped, Hurricanes’ bowling attack had a rather different look. There were three seam options – the excellent Stuart Broad, Simon Milenko, making his first appearance of the season, and Christian, who was yet to bowl in the competition. Regular spinners Clive Rose and Cameron Boyce were joined by debutant Beau Webster. Tim Paine opted to bowl first, but on a flat pitch and with one square boundary of around 54m, the Hurricanes were up against it.Broad set the tone brilliantly – and returned for three more fine overs, all in separate spells – but Christian immediately tied Strikers down. His two Powerplay overs cost three, then two, with the second picking up the wicket of Jono Dean. He returned in the 13th to dismiss Travis Head – courtesy a fine catch from Broad at long-on – then was entrusted with the final over. Two had fallen in the penultimate over, bowled by Broad, and Christian dismissed key man Brad Hodge, then Ben Laughlin next ball, and Liam O’Connor to end the innings. The story of Christian’s success – which included 16 dots in 24 balls – were the variations in pace and length, trying slow bouncers to swift yorkers and much in between.Of Hurricanes’ bowlers only Milenko disappointed, conceding 50, but he picked up the vital wickets of openers Ben Dunk – whose fine form continued with a quick 31 – and Jake Weatherald.Brad Hodge’s 55 was not enough for Strikers as Daniel Christian ran through the batsmen at the other end•Getty Images
Hodge’s lone hand The Strikers’ bowlers could not bail their batsmen out this time. The swift loss of the top three threw away a fine start and it was left to Travis Head and Brad Hodge to rebuild. Head, who had been dropped on five, was out immediately after a big straight six, but Hodge batted through until the final over, smiting cleanly over the leg side. With Keiron Pollard struggling again and a long tail, five wickets fell in the final two overs, and 143 never looked enough.Strikers’ Paine is not Short D’Arcy Short looks quite a find for Hurricanes. He enjoyed a dream debut in the win over Sixers, before a couple of quiet games. He was in outrageous form here, standing tall, swinging hard and watching the ball fly, putting on 105 with the team captain Paine. Short took Michael Neser’s first over (the 11th) for three huge sixes – the third of which went out of the ground to bring up the 100 – and 15 from Chris Jordan’s third.Paine was happy to play the role of amused onlooker, plodding along in Short’s slipstream and targeting the spin of Head and O’Connor. Eventually Billy Stanlake – who was outstanding again (bowling 16 dots), and the only bowler to trouble Short – had him caught behind by Dunk, the man he replaced at Hurricanes, and Paine was bowled by Head, but not before he passed Chris Lynn as the season’s leading scorer. Fortunately for them, George Bailey and Kumar Sangakkara picked up the baton to see Hurricanes over the line – with the Sri Lankan finding some form in the process.
November 6-10, 2016, Harare Start time 10.00 am (0800 GMT)Sean Williams’ dismissal for 40 on the final day of the first Test hastened Zimbabwe’s loss•Associated Press
Big Picture
In July, Zimbabwe hosted New Zealand for two Tests in Bulawayo. Considering this is only the third time in 11 years that they’re playing four Tests in a season at home, Sri Lanka’s tour ought to have provided continuity. Instead, the players were involved, not for the first time, in a protest with Zimbabwe Cricket over non-payment of match fees. When matters were temporarily resolved in September, the board was grappling with issues surrounding their annual audit which was yet to be submitted to the ICC more than three months after it was due.That delayed the appointment of a new head coach. When Heath Streak finally took over from Makhaya Ntini, who briefly held the role after Dav Whatmore’s sacking, he had a little over three weeks to prepare a side that that was once again short on cricket in the lead-up to a major series, with the domestic season yet to be finalised. Considering all this, Zimbabwe’s performance in the first Test, also their 100th overall, in Harare was seen as a massive improvement even though they eventually lost by 225 runs.They batted close to 200 overs in the Test – something they’ve done just twice in the last five years – and took it into the final hour before Sri Lanka dug deep into their reserves to eke out a win. The resistance in both innings was led by Graeme Cremer, the captain, who followed-up his maiden Test century with a gritty 43 in the second dig. It somewhat made up for the top order’s inability to build on starts, something the team management would have taken note of.The one aspect that has always been encouraging – even in Zimbabwe’s cricketing decline over the last decade-and-a-half – has been the fielding. That came a cropper in Harare – as many as seven catches were dropped in the first innings. Their bowling effort, typically restrictive, was led by debutant medium-pacer Carl Mumba, who took four wickets in the second innings. The other bowlers were largely ineffective. Therefore, a shot at equalling the series seems far-fetched for Zimbabwe, although walking away with a draw is possible, like they showed last week.For Sri Lanka, time spent in the middle here will take them a step closer to narrowing down on their combination for the bigger battles in South Africa next month. Strong performances from Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga will add to a healthy selection dilemma once Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews, the designated captain, return from injuries.Rangana Herath’s delayed declaration in the second innings may have been scrutinised had Zimbabwe managed to hold on. For now, it’s a decision that can be firmly put on the back-burner as Sri Lanka aim for a clean sweep to cap Herath’s first – and possibly last – series as captain.The implementation of DRS, for the first time in Zimbabwe, will add an element of intrigue. Zimbabwe have been at the centre of a number of poor umpiring decisions in recent times.
Form guide
ZimbabweLLLLL (completed matches, most recent first) Sri Lanka WWWWDDilruwan Perera’s utility could be tested on surfaces that don’t turn as much as the ones in Sri Lanka•Associated Press
In the spotlight
Malcolm Waller came into the fray for selection for the first Test on the back of 37 and 87 for Zimbabwe A in a four-day fixture against Pakistan A. Prior to that, he recorded three successive half-centuries in the 50-over format. He made scores of 22 and 0 in the first Test; the timing of his dismissal in the second innings even as Zimbabwe fought to save the Test was crucial. With Tarisai Musakanda, who also made runs against Pakistan A, breathing down his neck, there could be pressure on Waller to make a significant score here.Dilruwan Perera‘s utility in this Sri Lankan line-up, especially at home, can’t be understated. He’s a more-than-capable lower-order batsman, and a tidy offspinner. But on surfaces that aid swing and seam movement, like Sri Lanka could encounter in South Africa, it remains to be seen how effective he would be. Perhaps another solid performance in the second Test could go a long way in convincing the team management that he could be a contender for a spot even if Sri Lanka decide to play an extra fast bowler.
Team news
Streak and Tatenda Taibu, the selection convenor, have spoken of the need for continuity, which means Zimbabwe are likely to field the same XI despite their top-order batsmen failing to convert starts. That could mean Musakanda, who made 87 against Pakistan A to earn his selection in the Test squad, may have to wait longer for his first Test cap.Zimbabwe: (probable) 1 Tino Mawoyo, 2 Brian Chari, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Peter Moor, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Graeme Cremer, 9 Donald Tiripano, 10 Carl Mumba, 11 Chris MpofuSri Lanka picked up 20 wickets, but were stretched a fair bit. With the top order among the runs in both innings, there could be a temptation to bring in left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan to boost their bowling stocks. That could mean Asela Gunaratne, who made 53 and 16 not out, may have to make way.Sri Lanka: (probable) 1 Kaushal Silva, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kusal Perera, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Upul Tharanga, 6 Dananjaya de Silva, 7 Dilruwan Perera, 8 Rangana Herath, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lakshan Sandakan/Asela Gunaratne 11 Lahiru Kumara
Pitch and conditions
A similar pitch to the one last week is expected, which points to another workout for the bowlers. There is solace, though, in the fact that conditions are expected to be a lot cooler following intermittent spells of summer rain since the conclusion of the first Test. There could be brief rain interruptions from time-to-time in this Test.
Stats and trivia
Herath will surpass Anil Kumble and have the second-most number of wickets by a spinner in his first 75 Tests if he takes nine wickets in the match. Kumble had 346; Herath, after 74 games, is on 338. Muttiah Muralitharan tops the list with 420 wickets after 75
Cremer aggregated more than half of his career runs (258 runs in 26 innings) in the first Test alone through scores of 102* and 43
Quotes
“We know that we can’t control what decisions go our way, but as long as we’re playing that positive brand of cricket then hopefully a few things will go our way. We’ve just got to do the best we can with bat or ball.” when asked about his team being rather luckless with umpiring decisions in the first Test”From the beginning it was a different challenge and a different experience but I’ve enjoyed every moment. I’ve had a lot of confidence from my playing career, so that has helped as well.”
Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in signing Wolves star Ruben Neves this summer, with the Reds wanting to be "informed" about his situation.
Is Neves leaving Wolves this summer?
The Portuguese midfielder has remained a loyal servant to Wanderers since arriving back in 2017, proving to be an influential figure at the heart of their side.
This time last year, it looked highly likely that Neves would leave Wolves, having waved goodbye to the supporters after the final game of the campaign, but he ended up staying put for another year. This time around, it really does feel as though he will find a fresh challenge, however, with his current deal expiring next year and Wanderers needing to earn a big fee for his signature.
Liverpool are looking at various midfield options ahead of the start of the summer transfer window, and it looks as though the £50,000-a-week Wolves ace could be a potential target.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.
Are Liverpool keen on snapping up Neves?
According to Football Insider, the Reds "have asked to be kept informed about developments in the race to sign" Neves at the end of the season, with it being stated that he has "made up his mind to quit the Molineux club this summer and has already bid farewell to fans during an emotional lap of honour."
Liverpool still reportedly hold a "strong interest" in the 26-year-old, with January interest in him "knocked back" because Wolves weren't willing to sell at that point, however, they could now cash in if they receive a bid in the region of £50m.
Neves could be a strong summer signing by the Reds, coming in as someone with a wealth of Premier League experience at this point, having racked up 176 appearances in the competition, and been hailed as an "outstanding" player by journalist Tim Spiers in the past.
The Portugal international, who shares the same agency as Darwin Nunez and Fabinho, is capable of playing in both a No.6 or No.8 role, which could appeal to Jurgen Klopp, allowing him to provide competition for Fabinho in defensive midfield, but also be a box-to-box presence at other times.
Some may feel that he lacks of mobility to cover ground and bite into tackles like some others in his role, but the statistics suggest otherwise, with an average of 2.4 clearances and 2.3 tackles per game coming his way in the league this season. At 26, he is also at an age that not many Liverpool midfielders are currently, with many of them either still very young or ageing.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in the weeks preceding the summer transfer window, with the player currently riding a brightly-hued purple patch.
What's the latest on Eberechi Eze to Liverpool?
According to a recent report from the Evening Standard, Eze is attracting the attention of a host of top European outfits following his exploits this term, with Liverpool joined by the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain in vying for his signature.
The 24-year-old, however, expressed nonchalance at the claims, affirming his only focus was on finishing the season with Palace on a high.
He said: “I’m not really too bothered about that. I’m just focusing on the present. I want to continue enjoying it and contributing to the team as much as I can. I’m improving every game.”
On £30k-per-week at Selhurst Park, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp would do well to find a more dynamic midfield outlet in the Premier League outside the European contenders, and might just turn his attention to the 24-year-old upon the season's conclusion.
Should Liverpool sign Eberechi Eze?
Eze is undoubtedly in some of the most prolific form of his top-flight career having been beset with inconsistency under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira in the earlier phases of the present campaign.
Indeed, having scored ten goals and provided four assists from 29 starting showings in the division, Eze's commendable return of six goals from his past eight matches coincides with the Eagles' seasonal resurgence under the wing of the sagely Roy Hodgson once more, having won five of their past nine games to navigate away from the danger of the drop.
Hailed as Palace's "star man" by Jamie Redknapp, Eze is his outfit's highest-rated performer this term, according to Sofascore, boasting an average score of 7.14 and complementing his direct potency with an 82% average pass success rate, a 65% dribble success rate and an average of 1.1 tackles per outing.
As per FBref, the mercurial midfielder ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for touches in the attacking box per 90.
Should Liverpool further negotiations for the gem, who is valued at just £20m by Football Transfers, they could unlock the perfect midfielder to occupy a roaming role behind Klopp's versatile new talisman Cody Gakpo, who was signed for £35m last winter.
Crystal Palace'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring
Gakpo is likely considered the replacement for iconic forward Roberto Firmino, who is departing at the end of his contract in several weeks, and ranks among the top 8% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 10% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
With Eze such a driving force from the centre, pushing into the opposition's penalty area, melding his forward-thinking approach with Gakpo's seamless creative prowess and drifting between direct attack and more fluid positions across the final third to divert defenders and create pockets of space, a brilliant partnership could be created.
Hailed as "magic" by former teammate Christian Benteke, Eze could bring the spark to reignite the fire at Anfield's centre, guiding Liverpool back to glory at the forefront of European football.