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Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a promising campaign in the Premier League but supporters will now hope for a convincing run of form across the final two months, with Champions League qualification on the line.

"I don't see fourth as the prize. This club has finished fourth before. It's finished second before. I don't want to finish fourth if we haven't grown as a team and developed as a team. If nobody believes me then that's fine."

These are the words of Ange Postecoglou, who views growth as a unit as his side's real success during his maiden term at the club.

While Champions League football is not the be-all and end-all, fifth-placed Spurs would find retaining their most coveted assets far easier.

Trailing Aston Villa in the top four by just three points – while holding a game in hand – highlights the significance of succeeding in this endeavour, lest failure allow top talents like Pedro Porro to search for pastures new.

Why Pedro Porro could leave Spurs

Porro joined Tottenham from Sporting Lisbon on loan in January 2023 and made the move permanent for £40m last summer, having now cemented himself as one of the squad's most important and influential players.

As per Sofacore, the Spaniard has racked up seven assists from 25 top-flight appearances this season, creating ten big chances and averaging 1.7 key passes, 2.8 tackles, 5.8 ball recoveries and 4.9 successful duels per game.

Naturally, Manchester City are eager to snap the 24-year-old up, with the Premier League champions looking to re-sign the player after allowing him to leave during his younger years.

However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy isn't willing to play ball and has touted Porro at a staggering £100m, with the "bulldog" – as he has been described by teammate Dejan Kulusevski – one of English football's standout stars this year.

Without Champions League football, Porro's signature is coated with a slippery layer that City will use to wrestle him out of the north London club's clutches.

Tottenham: Most Valuable Players

#

Player

Market Value

1.

Dejan Kulusevski

£68m

1.

Destiny Udogie

£68m

3.

Pedro Porro

£51m

3.

Micky van de Ven

£51m

3.

Cristian Romero

£51m

3.

Brennan Johnson

£51m

Sourced via CIES Football Observatory

It wouldn't be the first time Pep Guardiola's outfit have raided Tottenham for a right-back, with Kyle Walker completing a £53m transfer back in 2017 (a world-record fee for a defender at the time).

Should the unthinkable materialise, it just so happens that Postecoglou might already have the perfect replacement out on loan in Djed Spence.

Why Djed Spence could have a Spurs future

Spence signed for Tottenham from Middlesbrough in a £20m package back in 2022 and there was much excitement after Brian Laws gushed over the young wing-back following his promotion-winning loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2021/22.

The former Forest star said: "He has been the standout player in the Forest side and we are talking about a full-back. Full-backs do not tend to get many headlines. He grabs them by the handful. In every single game, he has a positive impact.

"He has power going forward, he has electric pace, he has an abundance of skill, he can drop his shoulder, step over, go inside or outside — he is a major threat. I’ve been impressed with his one-to-one defending. He is decent on the back post, he is strong in the air. There is nothing I have seen that you could call a weakness.”

However, since making the move to Tottenham Spence has fallen by the wayside, only completing three minutes in the Premier League under Antonio Conte (41 in total) – who admitted he did not want to sign the 23-year-old – before being shipped out on loan to French club Rennes for the latter half of the 2022/23 campaign, only featuring eight times in Ligue 1 but catching the eye after completing 89% of his passes, winning 61% of his duels and succeeding with 63% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

There's a player in there but disciplinary issues are hindering Spence's chances of success, having seen his loan move with Leeds United this season ended prematurely in January after falling out of favour with head coach Daniel Farke, since moving out to Italy to complete the remainder of the year with Genoa, who Radu Dragusin arrived from.

Genoa supposedly have the option to sign Spence for around €10m (£8m), but after impressing in Serie A perhaps Postecoglou should consider giving the dynamo another shot.

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Indeed, Il Grifone held Juventus to a goalless draw in Turin at the weekend and Spence starred, completing 92% of his passes, making one key pass, winning five of his ten contested duels, making three tackles and two clearances and interceptions apiece.

Under Postecoglou, in a stable and progressive Spurs environment, Spence could finally find the stability he needs to make a successful career in the Premier League, potentially saving the club millions if Porro departed for a team such as Manchester City.

Related Spurs "monster" is now worth less than Hojbjerg & must be sold

This polarising player is immensely talented but is certainly not irreplaceable.

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Moreover, given that he's actually been compared to the erstwhile Lilywhite right-back Walker, he might just have the skills to succeed down N17.

Analyst EBL was one of the first to draw the comparison, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to pen his thoughts: "Djed Spence is special. He's a ridiculous athlete who could be used like Kyle Walker in defensive transition or as a powerful runner from deep. Only question is his dedication to the sport after his run in with Neil Warnock. If that's in check, he'll be an elite right back."

Spence's versatility and fleet-footed pace do make for qualities that few right-backs can emulate, but Walker is arguably the cream of the crop in this regard, having recorded the fastest speed in the 2022/23 Premier League at 37.31 km/h – despite being 33 years old. To put that into some context, fellow speedster Micky van de Ven has been clocked at 37.38 km/h this season.

Whether Spence – who is yet to play a single minute for Postecoglou – will forge the career that was once touted for him is anybody's guess, but he has the natural ability to succeed and he may yet find a regular starting berth at Tottenham.

Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing a striker once compared to Blues legend Didier Drogba, as they look to add some much needed firepower in the January transfer window.

Chelsea linked with Victor Osimhen

The Blues have made a bitterly disappointing start to the Premier League season, only picking up three wins in their opening ten matches and sitting 11th in the table at the moment.

There have been issues throughout Chelsea's team since Mauricio Pochettino came in as manager, but the main issue has clearly been the lack of a proven number nine. Nicolas Jackson has invariably been tasked with leading the line, but he has only netted twice in the league, with Raheem Sterling leading the way with three strikes.

In truth, there shouldn't be such issues, considering how much money has been spent at Stamford Bridge in recent windows, but there have to be serious question marks about some of the recruitment, given how much Chelsea are still lacking an out-and-out centre forward.

The January transfer window will afford the Blues the opportunity to correct that mistake though, and they have been strongly linked with Napoli's Victor Osimhen. The Blues reportedly see the Nigeria international as their top target to come in and fix their goalscoring woes, but his current employers are expected to demand a huge price tag.

Abraham could be perfect Osimhen alternative

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are eyeing a reunion with former striker Tammy Abraham, looking to bring him back to the club in the coming months as a possible alternative to Napoli star Osimhen.

The 26-year-old is currently plying his trade at Serie A giants Roma, but Abraham's statistics there this season make for grim reading, with not a single minute of league action coming his way as he recovers from an ACL injury.

It could be that Abraham wants to leave Roma in January given his recent struggles, and Chelsea are now keen on re-signing him, seeing him as someone who can solve their attacking woes, being lauded as "outstanding" by The Times' Henry Winter in the past.

This would certainly be a signing that raises eyebrows, considering the Blues let him go because they didn't see him as a key player for the future, but he is now a more mature and polished footballer than the one who left, with Abraham's overall goal tally at Roma standing at 36 in 107 matches.

Back in 2019, Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical over Abraham, comparing him to Drogba and saying: "I saw elements in Tammy's game today that I hadn't seen as much that I'd have liked to. His hold-up play, coming to the ball and bringing others into play.

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"First half, one ball went up to him, Didier Drogba-esque, chests it down for someone, runs on for the next phase – I think he's developing nicely. He's scoring goals, he's scoring different types of goals and I think he's a threat."

As mentioned, Abraham has continued to grow since those comments emerged four years ago, scoring three goals in 11 caps for England, but there would still be a risk element in Chelsea bringing him back to Stamford Bridge, not least because of the severity of the knee injury he suffered earlier in the year.

He isn't the world-class striker that the Blues arguably need, and may never be, so if the money is there for the west Londoners to spend big, they should be looking at a higher calibre of footballer. Abraham could still come in and do a good job, but there is no guarantee that he would be a roaring success.

With speculation still swirling regarding Harry Kane's future at Tottenham Hotspur, chairman Daniel Levy could be eyeing a dream successor to the England skipper in the form of Paris Saint-Germain contract rebel, Kylian Mbappe.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

As per various reports, Levy may be forced to cash in on Kane this summer rather than run the risk of letting the 29-year-old leave for nothing in a year's time, with Mbappe seemingly facing a similar situation at the Parc des Princes, as the Ligue 1 giants will also not entertain a free transfer exit for the Frenchman next summer, if he does not commit his future to the club.

According to French outlet, L'Equipe, Spurs could look to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old's current situation, with the north Londoners said to be among the clubs who have 'taken information' from PSG chief, Nasser al-Khelaïfi in recent days.

The belief is that the likes of Tottenham – as well as their rival suitors – see a 'possibility' of taking the former Monaco man on loan for the upcoming campaign, with Ange Postecoglou's ready to lodge an 'important' bid in order convince his current side to agree to that temporary exit.

This comes amid claims that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have lodged a mammoth £260m bid for the forward, despite the 70-cap superstar being valued at closer to €126m (£108m), according to Football Transfers.

Could Mbappe replace Kane at Tottenham?

For many, attempting to replace Kane either this summer or the next appears something of an impossible task, with the Premier League side set to be forced to fill the void of a player who is their all-time record scorer, having also netted 30 league goals last season to finish second in the scoring charts behind Erling Haaland (36).

If there was a man to plug the gap, however, it would seemingly be Mbappe, with the "crazy" talent – as described by Arsenal icon, Thierry Henry – having arguably been more clinical than the Englishman in recent times.

While the latter man has 280 goals in 453 games in all competitions for Spurs to date with a goal-to-game ratio of 0.61, his PSG counterpart has bagged 212 goals in just 260 games for his current side, resulting in a superior goal-to-game ratio of 0.81.

Equally, despite Kane's heroics last season – as he netted 32 goals and provided five assists in 49 games in all competitions – the Walthamstow native which still edged by Mbappe, with the World Cup-winning hotshot contributing 41 goals and ten assists in just 43 appearances across all fronts.

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In the Champions League, for instance, Mbappe netted seven goals in only eight outings despite seeing his side crash out at the last 16 stage, while the Englishman only bagged one goal in eight appearances as his side were also dumped out in the first knockout round.

While it remains to be seen if the younger man could emulate his goalscoring feats in the Premier League, on the evidence of his career so far, the 5 foot 10 machine has certainly proven himself to be particularly lethal in front of goal, performing at a level that even Kane seemingly can't get close to.

Regard as arguably "the best" in the world at present – according to pundit Rio Ferdinand – Mbappe's arrival at N17 could provide Postecoglou with a new, devastating attacking figurehead.

Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron has “returned” to training and could be available for Saturday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.

What's the latest on Almiron's injury?

The Magpies came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Brentford and keep their top-four dreams going last weekend, but were without the services of Almiron, who has recently been enduring a spell on the sidelines.

The St James’ Park winger last featured in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, where he soon after picked up an unfortunate thigh injury in training, which meant he has missed the last four top-flight games.

Last month, Eddie Howe initially stated that his talisman could be ruled out of action for up to six weeks, which would have been concerning for supporters to hear, though a positive update on his fitness has now emerged.

Taking to Twitter, Cronin revealed that Almiron has pulled his boots back on and staged his comeback to the training pitch much quicker than was anticipated in a massive boost for Newcastle. He wrote:

“Miguel Almiron has returned to NUFC training ahead of schedule, despite Eddie Howe previously doubting that would be the case. The Paraguayan could come back in contention for Saturday lunchtime's trip to AVFC.”

Is Almiron's injury return positive news for Newcastle?

Journalist Josh Bunting previously labelled Almiron as Newcastle’s “key player”, and being Howe’s top goalscorer so far this season despite missing a run of fixtures, it’s hard to argue otherwise, so it’s definitely positive news for the boss that he could be available for selection again this weekend.

The Asuncion native has clocked up 12 goal contributions (11 goals and one assist) in 25 Premier League games this term, but is also a real standout performer apart from when he gets on the scoresheet.

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The left-footed forward has recorded 50 shots since the start of the season, which is higher than any other member of the squad, alongside 66 shot-creating actions – at a rate of three per game, ranking him second just behind Kieran Trippier (FBref).

The Magpies have just eight matches remaining to secure their place in the Champions League, and we think the return of Almiron, who has evidently been one of the most important players in their success, will only increase his side’s chances of achieving their goal as we head deeper into the run-in.

Fabrizio Romano says that Arsenal are moving ‘behind the scenes’ to try and sign right-back Ivan Fresneda, although Borussia Dortmund are doing likewise.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed with Fresneda

The Athletic reporter David Ornstein shared last week that both Arsenal and Dortmund have already ‘agreed terms’ with the 18-year-old over a move from Real Valladolid in the January transfer window.

The deal would be expected to cost €15m (£13.1m), and the defender would be loaned back to Valladolid for the rest of the season.

The Latest: Arsenal moving for Fresneda…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano says that Arsenal are moving ‘behind the scenes’ to try and get a deal done for Fresneda after already agreeing terms with him, although Dortmund are doing the same.

The Italian stated: “Let’s see how it will progress. The player has to decide, it’s really important to understand what the player wants to do.

“I’m told the that the German club is also moving behind the scenes on Fresneda, but now Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal are leading the race.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Arsenal’s focus may be on trying to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion after reportedly making a second bid for him, but they must try and get a deal over the line for Fresneda as well.

Lauded by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita for his ‘beastly‘ ability to maraud forward and put in crosses, the Spaniard averages one key pass and 0.4 crosses per game in La Liga, ranking high among his team-mates in both metrics (WhoScored).

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At just 18, he also ranks in the top 11% for tackles, clearances and interceptions per game among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBref), showing an impressive defensive side to his game which belies his tender years.

With Cedric looking set to join Fulham this week, it makes sense for Mikel Arteta’s side to sign Fresneda now, as he is sure to attract plenty more interest in the summer should they wait until then.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Rodrigo de Paul to the Premier League in January.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER (via Daily Express), who claim that, after Atletico Madrid failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Diego Simeone’s side now desperately need to raise funds in the winter transfer window, with the LaLiga side reportedly putting four players – including De Paul – up for sale.

The report goes on to state that the forward-thinking midfielder’s most likely destination could be Tottenham, with the 28-year-old – who was reported to have rejected Fabio Paratici’s advances this summer – now looking set to reassess his options ahead of the January market.

Bentancur 2.0

It is true that De Paul has not been at his free-flowing best since joining Atleti in a €35m (£30.5m) deal last summer – something which has been attributed to the attacking midfielder being played in a more reserved role under Simeone – but considering just how impressive the Argentine was at Udinese, it is easy to see why Paratici would be keen.

Indeed, across his 36 Serie A appearances in 2020/21, the £52m-rated talent was in sensational form for Le Zebrette, scoring nine goals, registering nine assists and creating 20 big chances for his team-mates – the joint-most in the league – along with taking 2.3 shots, making 2.3 key passes and completing 3.4 dribbles per game.

The £111k-per-week playmaker also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, averaging 40.7 passes, 0.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 4.5 long balls and winning 8.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

These returns saw the 43-cap international, who Roy Nemer dubbed “unplayable” and a “monster”, average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.53, not only ranking him as Udinese’s best performer in the division but also as the second-best player in the league as a whole, behind only Lorenzo Insigne.

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As such, should De Paul be able to rediscover this level of form following a potential move to Tottenham this winter, it is undeniable that signing the 28-year-old would very much appear to be the answer to Antonio Conte’s lack of creativity in the middle of the park.

Should Atletico be willing to part with the Argentine for a cut-price fee – something which has been suggested – the forward-thinking midfielder could even prove to become Paratici’s next Rodrigo Bentancur-esque capture in the transfer market. The Italian’s £15.8m January signing is already worth a whopping £52m after highly impressing at Spurs.

Crystal Palace are still in with a chance of swaying a huge prospect to Selhurst Park from a European club…

What’s the word?

Pete O’Rourke spoke to GIVEMESPORT on reported interest in Hirving Lozano, a target that the Eagles had seemingly held an interest in all summer.

He said: “It would definitely be an advantage to Crystal Palace in trying to sign any player, and I’m sure a lot of players across Europe, in the world, would love the opportunity to work under Patrick Vieira and learn under him as well.

“And that’d be no different for Lozano or anybody else, and that’s also an added bonus for Crystal Palace having that up their sleeve – Patrick Vieira’s reputation helping them maybe attract some transfer targets.”

He’d fit in at Palace

With Vieira having crafted a young, exuberant and exciting footballing side in just a year in the post as Palace manager, he has surprised many with how his team has performed and evolved.

It therefore would be a huge surprise to see Vieira flex his profile to secure a higher-level player who still fits this mould.

Lozano earned huge praise for his performances during the 2018 World Cup, earning him his move to Napoli. During that tournament, he scored one and assisted another in four appearances, with his goal being a winner against the then defending champions Germany.

The 27-year-old is blessed with blistering speed and skill, so perhaps a move to the Premier League could allow the Mexican to truly reach the potential that was touted after his breakthrough performances.

He did impress last season, however, scoring five and assisting six in 30 Serie A appearances.

To add these numbers and the threat that he poses to a Palace said already inundated with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and more is a terrifying prospect for the Premier League.

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The £112k-per-week speedster who was labelled “wonderful” by journalist Liam Canning, could indeed be that at Palace, adding pure pace to Vieira’s ranks as well as creativity.

He completed 8.06 progressive carries, 2.88 total shots and 5.95 touches in the attacking penalty area, outlining him as a constant threat for defenders both creating out wide and scoring goals through the middle.

He seems like he could be the perfect Crystal Palace player for Vieira’s revolution, and it would be a huge coup to get a player of his calibre in for the youngsters to learn from.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUEmployee, who stated on the latest episode of the West Ham Way Podcast: “McGinn of Aston Villa. Scottish international, Moyes really, really likes him, really likes him and wants him to be a marquee signing in midfield although there is a number of other clubs that are interested in signing him as well.”

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There is uncertainty as to whether or not the Scotland international will be in Steven Gerrard’s plans at Villa Park for next season, with the West Midlands outfit already securing the signing of Boubacar Kamara from Marseille whilst reportedly keen on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma.

Therefore, the Hammers may find themselves able to secure a deal for one of the Premier League’s most under-rated midfielders.

West Ham must swoop for McGinn

Signed in 2018 to assist the Villans with promotion to the Premier League, McGinn was excellent in the Championship and has also taken to the top flight like a duck to water.

The 27-year-old started 35 of Villa’s 38 league matches this term, averaging a 79% passing accuracy per match whilst providing an impressive three tackles per game alongside one interception and 0.8 clearances.

However, with Moyes’ regular midfield duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek proving inseparable at times, it could be argued that McGinn would struggle to find regular playing time at the London Stadium. In a three-man midfield, though, the deep-lying midfielder would be an exceptional addition.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty regarding the future of Rice, with the 23-year-old the subject of a plethora of links away from east London this summer, McGinn would provide the Irons’ defence with extra protection whilst also adding some energy in the middle of the park.

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The Scotland international made 54.8 touches per game in the Premier League this season, slightly more than Soucek’s 52, with Rice averaging an impressive 73.6.

Although goals from the Villa maestro in 2021/22 were limited to just three, the 27-year-old would be brought in for his defensive attributes rather than being a goal threat. That is an area where McGinn really thrives, so would be a signing that West Ham supporters would surely love.

AND in other news: Moyes can unearth West Ham’s own Antoine Griezmann in £12.6m deal for 20 G/A predator

Following a season in which Ivan Toney scored 26 goals and registered seven assists over 39 appearances in all competitions, Celtic’s interest in signing the centre-forward in the summer of 2020 would not have come as a surprise to many.

Indeed, the Bhoys were reported to have had a £5m bid rejected for the then Peterborough United striker, with the Posh holding out for a figure closer to the £10m mark in order to part with the hitman.

And, while Celtic were dithering, Brentford stepped in with a bid of an initial £6.5m – rising to £10m with add ons – for the striker, which the League One side swiftly accepted, seeing Toney sign a five-year deal with the Bees.

Speaking about the Bhoys’ interest in his services back in 2021, Toney revealed just how close he came to making a switch to Parkhead, stating: “Yeah, that was close. I spoke to a few people there and I spoke to the manager, but just couldn’t get a deal over the line.”

Instead, Celtic opted for a £5m swoop for West Ham United’s Albian Ajeti, a player who is already being linked with a move away from Glasgow after scoring just nine goals in 48 appearances for the Hoops.

Meanwhile, Toney has flourished at Brentford, scoring 33 goals and providing ten assists over promotion-winning Championship campaign last season, and having bagged nine goals and registered two assists over 23 Premier League outings this term.

So impressive has the £31k-per-week forward been that the likes of Everton and Chelsea are believed to have taken an interest in the £28.8m-rated hitman, with the Peterborough United chairman, Barry Fry, suggesting that Brentford could demand a figure of up to £50m in order to part with the 25-year-old.

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As such, considering the contrasting trajectories of Toney and Ajeti, in addition to just how close Celtic came to signing the former, it is clear to see that Peter Lawwell and the Bhoys had a nightmare when failing to pull the trigger on the centre-forward who Fry dubbed a “revelation” – a decision that has quite evidently cost Celtic dearly.

In other news: Ange could unearth Celtic’s next Ajer in 18 y/o “complete leader” who “nothing fazes”

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted with their verdicts as a transfer claim emerged involving Barcelona gem Ronald Araujo.

The 22-year-old, who is currently a regular in the Catalans’ backline, has already impressed his new boss Xavi with his ‘excellent character’ and positivity in training (Heavy).

Indeed, Araujo’s form over this past year has also garnered praise from club legends like Gerard Pique, with the World Cup-winning defender saying that the Barcelona youngster will be a top centre-half for the next ’10 or 15 years’.

Steadily earning a name for himself in La Liga, his performances have also attracted attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest names, including Liverpool. According to ESPN correspondents Moisés Llorens and Samuel Marsden, the Reds and FSG have sent representatives in an approach to the player amid his contract dispute at the Camp Nou.

His current deal expires in 2023 and Barcelona apparently see Araujo as ‘key to the future’ of their club, but they are aware the ‘greats of the Premier League’ pose a real transfer threat. This is where Liverpool and Chelsea come in, with both clubs said to be ‘on the prowl’.

Liverpool fans erupt…

As FSG make their first move for Aruajo by sending emissaries to Catalonia, it’s little wonder this news has prompted many Liverpool fans to erupt on Twitter.

The Uruguay international, who Pique also called ‘physically strong, fast and powerful’, is a valuable commodity with plenty of sell-on value and a winding-down contract.

Liverpool’s stance in potential negotiations is strengthened by his precarious situation, and Barca could feasibly be put under a bit of pressure to sell if he continues to delay a renewal.

Lauded as a centre-back who ‘has everything’ by Pique, Araujo would surely strengthen Liverpool’s backline.

Here’s what these Reds supporters thought of this development:

“Ello, Ello, here we go.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“ain’t no way lol.”

Credit: @zak_tyrese

“Only watched him a handful of times but I’ve been impressed ngl.”

Credit: @AdxmLFC

“Uhm yes please”

Credit: @calcio_danny

“OMDSSSS please make it happen”

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Credit: @Affanisntalive

“If it happens I’ll be madly happy!! Liverpool needs Uruguayans again!!”

Credit: @AndresStein05

“I’d have this guy over Gomez any day of the week. Gomez is good but he’s older and injury prone. Araujo would be an insane option”

Credit: @LFCDunc

In other news: This transfer claim also had numerous Liverpool fans excited