Liverpool eye huge move for lethal forward as Man Utd learn release clause for top transfer target

Another weekend of Premier League action has come and gone and the end of the season is now very much in sight. With just one game-week left to decide fates at the top and bottom of the table, there’s still the chance for narratives to change.

This season’s results could determine how each club fares on the upcoming transfer window and a number of teams are already scouring the market for their potential new recruits. Let’s take a look at a couple of the biggest stories on the rumour mill from over the weekend.

Liverpool target second Newcastle star

Liverpool are in for a big summer as they prepare for life at Anfield without Jurgen Klopp. While a few players’ futures remain uncertain at this moment in time — the main name being Mohamed Salah — the Reds are scouring the market for potential replacements.

Newcastle United may be forced to cash in on some key players once the window opens in order to keep within Financial Fair Play guidelines and Alexander Isak is just one who has been linked with a reluctant exit. Reports have quoted a £100 million fee before the Magpies will consider selling their star striker, and Liverpool have been interested. But a new report has suggested the Reds are now targeting another man in the famous black and white strip.

According to the Daily Star, Anthony Gordon could be another placed on the chopping block for Newcastle this summer and Liverpool are ‘eyeing a move’ for the former Everton star. The report claims that it would take the same fee as demanded for Isak to see a sale at the end of the season.

The 3AM Verdict: It would be quite the statement if Liverpool signed a former Evertonian, regardless of whether he supports the Reds or not. Gordon has had a strong season in his first full campaign with the Magpies, hitting 11 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. However, £100 million is an awful lot of money for a winger who could well end up playing back-up to Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota.

If both players stay at Anfield beyond this summer, there will be hefty competition for that starting spot on the left, and it’s not a battle Gordon is going to find particularly easy. If Liverpool are going to fork out nine-figures, they are better off targeting a new striker like Isak or a replacement for Salah.

Man United handed release clause update for key target

Manchester United have been in the running for Michael Olise ahead of the summer and recent reports have claimed they are in fact leading the pack, despite interest from other Premier League clubs. The Red Devils are expected to make huge changes this summer under Jim Ratcliffe and talks of even the likes of Marcus Rashford being sold have been doing the rounds.

As they continue to pursue Olise, Football Insider has reported that United have now discovered that he has a release clause of close to £70 million in his contract with Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old, who has spent a significant time out injured this season, has still managed to contributed 10 goals and five assists for the Eagles in the Premier League.

Olise bagged a brace against United earlier this month and followed up with a goal and an assist in Palace’s clash with Wolves, marking four goalscoring contributions in his last two appearances.

The 3AM Verdict: United are in for a very busy window and they have struggled on the attacking front compared to the rest of the top ten. With 52 goals scored this season, they are way behind those above them in the table, and even the likes of Brentford and Bournemouth have scored more than them so far. Olise is a player who is destined to compete right at the very top and he could flourish at a team like United but other areas of concern in the squad must also be addressed before splashing out major money.