Southampton will look to cement their spot in the top half of the Premier League when they face Champions League qualification hopefuls Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Saints looked set to challenge West Bromwich Albion for eight positions after picking up seven points in a week last month but after taking just the solitary point – in a goalless draw against Hull City at St Mary’s last weekend – from a possible nine since, their place in the top 10 is in doubt.

Claude Puel’s men will be confident of picking up a positive result on Merseyside as they are unbeaten against Jurgen Klopp’s men in three meetings this term – including wins in both legs of their EFL Cup semi-final tie.

The Reds have become renowned for signing Saints’ top stars over the course of the past few summers – with Sadio Mane the latest man to make the move last year – but perhaps it is time that the south coast outfit reversed roles and targeted some of their players instead.

Here are THREE Liverpool players Southampton should look to sign this summer…

Mamadou Sakho

With Saints skipper Virgil van Dijk continuing to be linked with a £50m move away from St Mary’s, Martin Caceres looking likely to leave the club in the summer following the end of his short-term spell and having brought in no replacement for Jose Fonte, one of Claude Puel’s priorities could be to sign a new centre-back.

The French manager was linked with a move for Sakho during the January transfer window before the Reds defender eventually joined Crystal Palace on loan, but following some impressive performances for the Eagles, Puel could try again this summer.

Danny Ings

With the futures of Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez looking to be uncertain this summer after they have struggled to get a consistent run in the team this season, Claude Puel could be looking for a new forward to support Manolo Gabbiadini next term.

Despite suffering two long-term injuries during his time at Anfield, Winchester-born Ings has shown when he has been on the pitch that he can be a threat and perhaps he could make a new start at St Mary’s if Jurgen Klopp decides there is now future for the attacker on Merseyside.

Lazar Markovic

Having struggled to break into the first team at Anfield following a move from Benfica in 2014, the Serbian winger has subsequently spent time out on loan at Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon and now Hull City.

The 23-year-old has impressed for the latter to help them go from certain relegation candidates to lying two points above the bottom three, and he is proving that he can have a long-term future in the Premier League.

It is unlikely to be on Merseyside, but Markovic is the typical profile of signing for Southampton and he could link up with compatriot Dusan Tadic at St Mary’s.

Markovic is rated at £8.5m by transfermarkt.com.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.

As reported by ESPN, Manchester United are the latest club to have contacted Torino to register an interest in forward Andrea Belotti.

What’s the word?

According to their report, the Red Devils are determined to add two forwards to the squad this summer, in light of the long-term injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The superstar Swede, who has proved so important to Jose Mourinho’s cause this season will be out of action for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery on his knee and the future of captain Wayne Rooney is in doubt.

With that in mind, Belotti is understood to have emerged as a target. Mourinho is said to have told Ed Woodward he needs quality reinforcements for the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, amid big links with Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.

What would he bring?

Well, throughout his career as a manager, Mourinho has tended to enjoy deploying a physically imposing centre-forward. Ibrahimovic led the line for him at both United and Inter Milan, with Didier Drogba and Karim Benzema doing so at Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.

Belotti, an Italian international, can operate in that role. Crucially, the 23-year-old has also proved a palpable goal threat this season, scoring 25 times in 31 Serie A games this season.

Manchester United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing that it could be a surreal and emotional day for the opposition as they prepare to play their last ever match at the old White Hart Lane stadium.

For Jose Mourinho’s men though, they won’t be thinking too much about sentimentality, hoping that they can put together a performance that gives them three points which keeps them in with an outside chance of reaching the top four in the English Premier League.

It’ll be a tough afternoon for the Red Devils who are missing the likes of Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luke Shaw through injury, alongside Marouane Fellaini through suspension.

They’ll also be missing Paul Pogba who is on compassionate leave following the death of his father on Friday.

It all means Mourinho has some tough decisions ahead to put out a team worthy of taking on what has been a very impressive Spurs side this season.

Supporters know the the route he should take and are hoping that the Portuguese makes two big calls in selection – giving starts to both Axel Tuanzebe and Scott McTominay. Tuanzebe started last week’s clash against Arsenal while McTominay also featured off the bench.

Fans took to Twitter to make their please for both to play today…

According to reports on Sky Sports, Everton, Manchester United and Chelsea target Leander Dendoncker is set to hold talks on his future with Anderlecht.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Belgian First Division A champions following an outstanding season in the centre of midfield, with the Toffees, Red Devils and Blues all said to have registered their interest in the Belgium international.

However, having sold star man Youri Tielemans to Monaco already this summer Anderlecht don’t want to lose Dendoncker as well, and they are set to hold talks with the midfielder when he returns from international duty with his country.

How well has he done this season?

He has been very impressive.

The Belgian has been a regular for Anderlecht over the course of the past three seasons but he made 57 appearances in all competitions this term, and despite primarily being a defensive-minded player he also scored six goals – including a last minute equaliser against Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Would he be a good signing for Everton?

He certainly would be.

If the Toffees want to challenge the top four over the course of the next few seasons then they need start buying some of the best young talent from Europe instead of some of the more established players that they won’t be able to compete for, and Dendoncker is a perfect example of that.

Do they need him?

With Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye impressing in the middle of the park following the former’s arrival at Goodison Park during the January transfer window, and with other players such as Tom Davies, Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic too, there would be a lot of competition whether they have the extra Europa League fixtures or not.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while the Toffees are clearly interested in Dendoncker they may face a real battle to convince both Anderlecht and the player that a move to England would be the right one just a year before the 2018 World Cup, but the likes of international teammates Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas may also have a word in his ear.

According to reports in the Evening Standard, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is ready to turn down the £200,000-a-week deal offered to him by Manchester United and accept a lower wage to return to Chelsea this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, despite being offered a long-term contract by the Toffees that would see him become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, the 24-year-old has so far refused to sign it and is determined to leave Goodison Park this summer in order to compete for trophies and play in the Champions League.

That news has alerted both the Blues and the Red Devils, but it appears as though the Belgium international would prefer a return to west London – having departed there to join Everton on a permanent deal in 2014 – rather than linking up with Jose Mourinho.

United were ready to offer him £200,000-a-week wages, but the attacker is ready to reject that offer despite the fact that he could be earning closer to £150,000-a-week with Chelsea.

Is a deal close then?

Lukaku confirmed earlier this week that he has decided where he wants to play next season, but while he will be hopeful that the two clubs can come to an agreement, the transfer fee could be a sticking point.

The Toffees are said to be demanding £100m for their star man – who scored 25 Premier League goals this season and has netted 85 in total over the last five campaigns – but Chelsea are hopeful they can do a deal for nearer £80m.

Of course those valuations are quite a way apart and it will take some negotiating to find a suitable compromise.

Will he be first choice at Stamford Bridge?

It was previously thought that any new addition would probably be competing with Diego Costa – who netted 20 Premier League goals to help Chelsea win the Premier League title this term – but the Spaniard confirmed on Wednesday night that Conte has told him that he isn’t part of his plans next season.

Whether the 28-year-old leaves the club this summer remains to be seen, but whatever the situation it appears as though Lukaku would be the main man up top as the Blues look to regain their top flight title and have a real crack at the Champions League.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, Lukaku obviously has his heart set on a move to Chelsea and it only seems to be a matter of time before the deal is completed.

According to an interview he did with French publication Onze Mondial, former Newcastle United midfielder Medhi Abeid is keen to return to the club this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 24-year-old left the Magpies two years ago after making just 21 appearances in all competitions for the club despite signing a five-year deal in 2011.

However, following spells with Greek giants Panathinaikos and Ligue 1 outfit Dijon since, he feels that he would like to return to St James’ Park and prove himself again.

What did he say?

In an interview with Onze Mondial, the Algeria international said: “Newcastle, it remains my club of heart.

“They counted a lot for me, so why not one day? I have not had any contact yet.

“Perhaps they follow me, it would be all to my honour, for it is a great club, I do not close the door.”

How well has he done in Greece and France?

He has done pretty well considering he failed to get on the scoresheet during his time on Tyneside.

The midfielder scored 14 goals and provided a further six assists in 72 appearances for Panathinaikos, while he netted three times and picked up two assists for Dijon last term, although more than half of his outings came in a defensive midfield position.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle right now?

It’s difficult to say, but perhaps not.

One of Rafa Benitez’s preferences in the transfer market this summer will be to look for players that have Premier League experience and while he does have some of that , it was far from a fruitful spell.

The Spaniard does seem to be keen to bring in a central midfielder though having been linked with the likes of Fabian Delph and Andreas Samaris this summer, and I guess you can never say never if the transfer window rumbles on with little success in bringing in a new player in that area.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while there is no doubt that Abeid seems to be keen on a return to Newcastle in the future, it seems very unlikely that a deal will be done this summer, with Benitez knowing that he needs proven players in order for the Magpies to avoid being in a relegation battle next season.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has claimed that Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton is likely to spell the end for Ross Barkley.

The midfielder seems to be in limbo at Goodison Park after manager Ronald Koeman delivered numerous public ultimatums regarding his future.

The Dutchman told the media towards the end of last season that Barkley needs to sign a new contract this summer or be sold.

As it stands, the 23-year-old has not put pen to paper on a fresh deal, which leaves him with one year remaining on his current terms.

Tottenham Hotspur have been the main club linked to him, with recent reports in The Sun claiming that the North London outfit remain keen on signing the England international.

The same newspaper stated this week that Rooney is on the verge of returning to Goodison Park on a two-year deal worth £250,000 per week.

The 31-year-old forward, who has at times been used in a midfield position over the last few seasons, came through the ranks at Everton before joining Manchester United in 2004.

While Rooney’s arrival would be huge news on Merseyside, Warnock feels that Barkley will be forced out as a result.

He told talkSPORT:

“Yes, I do [think it’s the end of Barkley’s Everton career]. I had Ross at Leeds, and he’s an unbelievably good pro. He comes in first thing and he takes free kicks until it goes dark, he trains all the time. But as a manager you can’t really find a system you can trust him in.

“It’s a really difficult with him, because he still loves to turn and take players on in his own half and often loses it. He hasn’t got the responsibility in his make-up regarding as and when to do it, he just does it when he feels like it. I don’t think you can change him in that.

“I think he’d be a super player for a club like Spurs. I think he could be a top five player, but for a certain manager.”

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Newcastle United completed the signing of Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo on Tuesday, with the 23-year-old penning a three-year deal at St James’ Park.

The Spaniard has previously spent time on loan in the Premier League with Liverpool – and last season with the Magpies’ arch-rivals Sunderland as they were relegated to the Championship – after struggling to make a breakthrough at hometown club Atletico.

Manquillo follows Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune and Jacob Murphy through the St James’ Park entrance this summer as Rafa Benitez’s begins to make some progress in the transfer market ahead of an important season in which he is hoping his side avoid being involved in another top flight relegation battle.

The 23-year-old is likely to battle with DeAndre Yedlin for the right-back spot next term after Vurnon Anita was released following the expiry of his contract last month.

Here are three reasons Newcastle fans should be delighted with the Manquillo deal…

Premier League experience

One of the attributes Benitez will be looking for when he is bringing in new players this summer will be some with Premier League experience – with the current side not having too much – and Manquillo will certainly bring at least a bit of that having made 31 English top flight appearances for Liverpool and Sunderland.

In addition, the 23-year-old is able to play at both right and left-back, and that versatility could prove to be a useful tool in what could easily prove to be a difficult season for the Magpies.

Potential

While he perhaps didn’t set the world alight at Liverpool or Sunderland last season – the latter was a tough task given downward curve the Mackems have been on in recent years – the Spaniard is still just 23 years of age and has plenty of time to develop and improve at St James’ Park.

Benitez obviously believes the full-back can make an impact and sees the defender being a success on Tyneside in the upcoming season, and the fans have to back and trust him on that.

Manquillo made 43 appearances for Marseille before his spell at the Stadium of Light and you don’t do that unless you at least have something about you.

Price tag

According to reports in The Sun, Newcastle have paid £4.5m for the 23-year-old and that has to be seen as something of a no-risk bargain with some of the obscene prices that are being thrown around during the current summer transfer window.

Newcastle fans can’t really complain at getting a versatile full-back who has Premier League experience and potential to improve at that price, and he could prove to be another sensible addition by the Magpies ahead of the new season.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.

According to reports in The Sun, Southampton are keen to sign young Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts on a season-long loan deal.

The Sun says that new Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino is keen to strengthen his side’s attacking options after they scored just 41 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last season, and he plans to ask City manager Pep Guardiola whether the 20-year-old will be involved for the upcoming campaign.

The England Under-20 international, valued at £6.38m by transfermarkt.com, moved to the Etihad from Fulham in 2015 but he has made just three appearances in all competitions since then, spending the last 18 months on loan with Celtic.

He certainly made a big impression too for the Bhoys after scoring 11 goals and providing a further 19 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions last term, primarily from a right wing position.

However, while he is a promising prospect the deal might not be the right one for the south coast outfit.

Here are three reasons Southampton should avoid a loan deal for Roberts…

Blocking the pathway of their youngsters

While bringing Roberts to St Mary’s would be something of a coup, it would almost certainly mean that he would be required to play regularly if City agreed to loan him to the Saints.

That could mean that the 20-year-old blocks the pathway to the starting line-up for the likes of Josh Sims, who made a positive impression on the wing on a number of occasions last season.

The fellow 20-year-old set up a goal for Charlie Austin on his Premier League debut, as well as assisting Shane Long as the south coast outfit sealed their spot in the EFL Cup final, and he will hope to gain more first team opportunities in the upcoming campaign.

The loan deal itself

Southampton haven’t signed a player on loan from another Premier League club since they got Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea in 2014, and it hasn’t tended to be something they have done since they returned to the Premier League in 2012.

Saints would effectively be developing another Premier League side’s young player when they already have a respected academy of their own, and it would certainly be a different story to Bertrand if they brought in Roberts on a similar deal as the left-back was 25 years of age at the time and considered to be unwanted by the Blues.

What happens a year from now

One of the other problems for Southampton is that Roberts could make a huge impression at St Mary’s next season, and rather than then signing a permanent deal with Saints, City could choose to keep him or place a valuation on his head that is out of their reach.

If Pellegrino really does want a new wide player, it would probably be better for the club if they signed someone permanently that they know will be theirs for more than one season as they once again look to qualify for Europe and progress.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.

As reported by ESPN, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make a massive return to Manchester United as early as this week as he continues to make his comeback from serious injury.

What’s the story?

Ibrahimovic was huge for Manchester United last season and had he not suffered a knee ligament injury against Anderlecht would surely still be a Red Devils player. However, his contract was not extended, throwing his future at the club into doubt.

However, ESPN reckon he could be joining the club very soon indeed, as early as this week.

The outlet say Jose Mourinho has been keen on him signing a new deal throughout the summer and his quicker than expected recovery is bringing forward the timeline on his return to Old Trafford.

Is he ready?

While his injury was reported to be serious enough to keep him out of action until January 2018, the striker has being dropping hints on social media recently that he might be closer to a return than most people think.

On Sunday he posted on Twitter a video of him viciously kicking a heavy bag with both legs, displaying strength in his knee.

Does Lukaku complicate things?

There’s no doubt that new number 9 Romelu Lukaku will take precedence in the Jose Mourinho pecking order this season, at least initially, after his superb start to the Premier League season.

However, Ibrahimovic still has a role to play in a busy season for the Red Devils, as they look to make an impact in the UEFA Champions League as well as the English top-flight.

The Swedish legend scored an incredible 28 goals last season in all competitions and injury or not, he won’t lose that kind of ability of the course of one summer.

Whether it’s competing with Lukaku or simply providing back-up, he could play a pivotal role in any success Mourinho’s side have over the season ahead.