Transfer Notebook: Liverpool target £80m Salah replacement, Man City and Newcastle in tangle over two stars, why Spurs ace skipped holiday

Liverpool look ready to join the race for RB Leipzig teenage sensation Yan Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international will be one of Europe’s most sought-after stars this summer after a prolific breakout season in the Bundesliga with a host of giant clubs interested.

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Manchester United and Chelsea have both been keeping tabs on Diomande and Liverpool scouts were present as he scored during last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Wolfsburg.

The 19-year-old, a potential replacement for Saudi Arabia target Mo Salah, is also wanted by Bayern Munich and Leipzig have put a price tag of more than £80million on his head.

That valuation could come down if Leipzig, currently fifth in the table, miss out on Champions League football next season.

Frustrated Trafford handed Toon escape plan

Newcastle are ready to rescue James Trafford from his Manchester City misery.

Trafford has spoken publicly about City bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma over his head weeks after re-signing from Burnley on a five-year contract.

The 23-year-old has seen his hopes of being part of England’s World Cup squad dashed having started only three Premier League games.

Trafford was wanted by Newcastle before returning to the Etihad Stadium and remains high on their transfer wish-list.

The Magpies signed Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton instead, but there is no guarantee they take up the option to buy the ex-Arsenal No.1 permanently.

Spurs star skips holiday for extra training

Xavi Simons passed up the opportunity of a mid-season break to put in extra hours on the training ground.

Tottenham Hotspur star Simons and his teammates were somewhat surprisingly given five days off following last week’s defeat at home to Newcastle which saw manager Thomas Frank lose his job.

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But rather than jetting off to sunnier climes, midfielder Simons put in extra hours on the training ground to fully prepare for this weekend’s north London derby at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Unlocking Simons’ talents will be one of the keys to interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor steering them away from any relegation danger.

The Netherlands international has scored two goals since a summer £51.8m arrival from RB Leipzig.

Ironically, Simons was just starting to find his feet in English football in the games leading up to Frank’s sacking.

City ready to tempt Newcastle ace to Etihad

Manchester City are ready to make a strong push for Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.

City have been tracking Livramento for several months with a view to a summer swoop for the England international.

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Right-back has been a problem position for Pep Guardiola since allowing Kyle Walker to leave, with midfielder Matheus Nunes being utilised there for much of the season.

Newcastle are keen to tie Livramento down to a new contract, but sources have told talkSPORT the 23-year-old is in no rush to commit his future to the North East.

Livramento has played 76 Premier League games for the Magpies since a £40m switch from Southampton in the summer of 2023.