Liverpool Move Quickly in England as Reds Close In on Senegal Teen Defender Mor Ndiaye While Premier League Rivals Watch Closely

Liverpool’s recruitment team have been busy behind the scenes and are now close to wrapping up a deal for young Senegalese defender Mor Ndiaye.

The left-sided centre-back caught the eye while representing Senegal at the recent Under-17 World Championships in Qatar.

Ndiaye currently plays his football at Amitié FC, a Senegalese club backed by former Chelsea striker Demba Ba.

If everything goes to plan, he will arrive at Anfield as an Under-21 development signing, working closely with academy coach Rob Page.

The knock-on effect could see some of Liverpool’s existing youngsters head out on loan.

Players such as Amara Nallo may benefit, fitting neatly into the club’s wider plan to create clearer development routes.

Ndiaye is one of two teenage defenders Liverpool have marked out.

The other is towering Austria Vienna prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who stands at 6ft 5in and is expected to be targeted in the summer once he turns 18.

Both have been tracked by Liverpool’s director of global talent, Matt Newberry, and his scouting team.

Silence from Juventus on Chiesa Talk

Despite rumours swirling in Italy, Liverpool have not been approached by Juventus about Federico Chiesa.

There has been no formal contact and no informal soundings either, according to sources.

Chiesa moved to Merseyside for £12.5million at the start of last season after four years in Turin, where he made 131 appearances and collected three trophies.

However, life at Anfield has been frustrating, with just two Premier League starts across the last 18 months.

Even during a spell where Liverpool were short of attacking options, Chiesa’s role barely expanded.

He did start the 2-1 win against Wolves last month, but that has been the exception rather than the rule.

Suggestions of a January return to Juventus have so far failed to materialise into anything concrete.

West Ham Spend Big to Bolster Survival Fight

West Ham have completed a major piece of business by landing Lazio striker Taty Castellanos in a deal worth £25.2million.

The Argentine forward becomes their second signing of the window following the £21million arrival of Pablo from Gil Vicente.

Castellanos, 27, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will wear the No.11 shirt at the London Stadium.

The Hammers are hoping his arrival can add some much-needed firepower as they battle to secure their Premier League status.

Newcastle Press On Despite Injury Concerns

Newcastle United remain keen on Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie and are expected to press ahead with a bid even though the teenager has just undergone knee surgery.

The 19-year-old, who can operate at left-back or centre-back, had a procedure to address ongoing knee pain but is forecast to return within a month.

The Magpies are eager to move quickly to fend off rival interest in the highly-rated defender.

Elsewhere at St James’ Park, striker William Osula continues to attract attention from Eintracht Frankfurt, despite the German club lining up a loan deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo from Nottingham Forest.

Aston Villa are also monitoring Osula, who is currently working his way back from an ankle injury.

Frankfurt expect Kalimuendo to complete his medical within 48 hours after agreeing a £1.2million loan fee with Forest, including an option to buy.

Spurs Knocked Back, Chelsea Lurking

Tottenham have seen an £8million offer for Santos left-back Souza turned down.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in Brazil and has also drawn interest from Chelsea.

Any deal would be complicated by an eye-watering £87million buyout clause written into his contract.

Bournemouth Draw Up Contingency Plans

With Antoine Semenyo expected to leave in a £65million move, Bournemouth are actively looking at possible replacements.

Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu is already on their radar, but Stoke City’s Sorba Thomas has now been added to the shortlist.

The Wales international has enjoyed an excellent Championship campaign, scoring nine league goals so far.

The 26-year-old underlined his form at the weekend by scoring once and providing an assist in Stoke’s 2-0 win away at Norwich.

Brentford Monitor Manchester City Youth Options

Brentford are assessing potential centre-back reinforcements and have identified Manchester City youngster Juma Bah as a possible target.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Nice, meaning any move would require that spell to be cut short.

The Bees are scanning the market with Wolfsburg showing interest in Kristoffer Ajer.

Another City defender, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, has already taken a step towards Germany.

The 20-year-old completed a medical with Cologne ahead of a loan move that includes an option to buy.

The England Under-20 international spent the first half of the season at Celtic.

City have also made enquiries about 18-year-old winger Mathys Detourbet from sister club Troyes.

The France Under-21 international can play on either flank and made his senior debut last year.

Ake Decides, West Ham Shuffle the Pack

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is still weighing up his future after turning down a move to West Ham.

The Hammers are also busy elsewhere, with winger Luis Guilherme finalising a £14million transfer to Sporting Lisbon.

Despite uncertainty around manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s position, Taty Castellanos is still expected to complete his medical.

West Ham have also held discussions over a potential move for Al Ittihad winger Steven Bergwijn, who previously spent time at Tottenham.

Loans, Youth Moves and One for the Future

Manchester United left-back Harry Amass is attracting loan interest from Stoke and Watford.

The latter are in the market after sending Caleb Wiley back to Chelsea due to injury.

Watford have also asked about Bournemouth defender Julio Soler, who has previously been linked with Ajax.

Amass is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Finally, Leeds United are keeping tabs on Salford City’s highly-rated Under-16 centre-back Archie Oldham as they continue to invest in young talent for the future.

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