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Sunderland journalist James Copley has shared some big VAR news before their League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, shortly before official confirmation came from the EFL.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Sunderland

After knocking out Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, Alex Neil knows that his side are now only one win away from returning to the Championship.

Beating Wycombe will not be easy though, as they knocked out third-placed MK Dons in the other semi-final, and they were promoted from League One through this very route just a couple of years ago.

The Latest: VAR news

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Sunderland Echo journalist Copley revealed that ‘discussions’ had been ‘ongoing’ between the two clubs and the EFL over the use of VAR at Wembley for the final.

He outlined: “I’m told ‘discussions are ongoing’ between the EFL, Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers in regards to potentially using VAR in the League One play-off final.”

At noon on Monday, the EFL confirmed that VAR will indeed be used for all three play-off finals to be held at Wembley over the next fortnight.

The Verdict: Needed

Even though VAR has not been used for the entirety of the League One campaign, this is simply too big a game to ignore it, with the stakes too high not to make use of the technology when it is available.

It had been suggested that the teams competing in the Championship play-offs would welcome its use, and judging by Copley’s tweet about the ‘discussions’ involving the relevant clubs, it seems as if those involved in the League One and League Two play-offs are also open to VAR being utilised if needed.

The technology is there to help the referees reach the right decisions, and while it has had its critics, the EFL’s decision should be welcomed by both Sunderland and Wycombe ahead of Saturday’s pivotal showdown.

In other news, this Sunderland ‘pocket dynamo’ is now being linked with a summer exit

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Racing Club starlet Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, according to reports in Spain.

What’s the word?

As per Marca, the Premier League outfit have been named as one of the clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the promising 19-year-old following his impressive displays for the Argentine club since his senior debut in January 2020.

The report suggests that, while the teenager has a $25m (£20.4m) release clause in his current contract, Spurs could well be able to secure his services for $20m (£16.3m) should they wish to bring him to England this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-levy-conte-paratici-thfc” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

One of the most highly-rated prospects in South America, the report compares him to compatriot Lautaro Martinez for the potentially colossal fee that he could command in the future.

The next Ardiles?

A move for the teenager would no doubt stir memories of another great Argentine to have played for the Lilywhites, with the hope that he can go to replicate the success of the club’s legendary former player and one-time manager Ossie Ardiles.

The similarities don’t just exist in their country of birth, with Alcaraz also mirroring the Tottenham great in the attacking midfield role that he plays.

A star of English football in the 1970s and 80s, Ardiles scored 25 goals in 311 appearances in all competitions for the north London side in a glittering decade-long stint at White Hart Lane, notably winning the FA Cup in successive seasons in the early 1980s while also claiming the UEFA Cup in 1984.

Although it may well be an unwanted burden to compare the youngster with such an icon of the game, the £1.35m-rated gem has already shown glimpses of his talent in his embryonic career to date, netting four goals in just 13 Copa de la Liga games this season, while also developing something of a penchant for free kicks.

An all-round talent, the starlet also has a 51% dribble success rate and averages 1.2 tackles per game, while he has won an impressive 64% of his aerial duels this term – an illustration of his tenacious, hard-working nature.

Such qualities appear to indicate a player who would be at home under Antonio Conte, with Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici needing to get the deal over the line for the Ardiles-like Argentine talent Alcaraz.

In other news – Imagine him & Bentancur: Spurs can find perfect Conte gem in £49.5m-rated “phenomenon”

Manchester City have seen many players come and go at the Etihad Stadium over the past few years, usually for significant sums of money.

As things stand in their current season, the Citizens are four games away from potentially securing the Premier League title once again.

Should the club manage to do that, it would be the only trophy they would get their hands on this season after getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and, this week, the Champions League.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though a big clue has emerged regarding what sort of business could be done behind the scenes at the Etihad this time around.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, City are preparing to “refresh their squad this summer amid hope Pep Guardiola will extend his contract with the club.”

It has also been claimed that City “are expected to sign the Norway striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for the £63m release clause in his contract regardless of what happens with the manager’s longer-term future.”

The report added that the Citizens “want to bring in another midfielder, with Fernandinho due to leave at the end of the season, and doubts surrounding the futures of at least five other senior players.”

Focusing on their potential swoop for Haaland, the fact that City have missed more big chances (58) than any other team in the Premier League this season shows that they could do with having a clinical striker like the Norwegian in their line-up.

Having scored 85 goals in 87 games for the Bundesliga giants, it’s safe to say that the 21-year-old could be a crucial signing for City if he can replicate that same sort of consistent goalscoring form in England.

Taking all this into account, it seems as though the hierarchy at the Etihad could be set for a busy summer period in terms of securing deals for players potentially moving into and out of the club once again.

This would surely be great news for City supporters who will be hoping that whatever business gets done in the summer will put their team in with a great chance of winning every competition in which they are involved next season and beyond.

In other news: Behind-the-scenes transfer development emerges, it’s bad news for Man City

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has backed West Brom for a total squad overhaul during the upcoming transfer window, amid reports of the club being interested in a summer move for Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane.

The Lowdown: Hourihane news

The 31-year-old Hourihane, who is currently out on a season-long loan at Sheffield United from the Midlands outfit, was just last week linked with a potential switch to the Albion at the end of the campaign.

However, the former Baggies striker Phillips has admitted that he believes Steve Bruce should be targeting more youthful options rather than experienced veterans if the club have aspirations of making a return to the top flight anytime soon, essentially calling for a full rebuild at the Hawthorns.

The Latest: Reshuffle on the cards

Giving his thoughts on the link to Hourihane in an interview with West Brom News, Phillips said: “Again, he’s a midfielder who can score goals.

“I would understand why you would go for those types of players, but I think if you bring too many into the squad, I think West Brom need to have an overhaul.

“They have got some good players there, but I think bringing more experience in, might not be the way forward, but bringing youth, energy and pace in the squad as well as those who know the league.

“I think it’s right to get the balance right.”

The Verdict: Play-off ambitions

The midfielder has made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Blades this season, providing five goal contributions during that time, via Transfermarkt.

Despite having plenty of experience in the second-tier of English football, Hourihane, who was once hailed a “quality” player by his former teammate Jack Grealish, isn’t the profile of player that the Baggies should be looking at bringing in, especially considering the fact that their campaign has ended in disappointment, having almost finished as a mid-table side.

Bruce will no doubt want to make some wholesale changes to his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 term, but he has to ensure that whichever new signings he brings in have the potential to help reach the play-off places and kick on for a long-term future at the club.

In other news… West Brom are reportedly eyeing a summer move for a Championship duo.

Leeds United could sign their new Stuart Dallas this summer in Bristol City starlet Alex Scott…

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, the Robins rate him at around £10m, and while he is under contract with the club until 2025, their financial issues could see some Premier League clubs look to take advantage.

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It’s added that both Leeds and Spurs have scouted the 18-year-old ahead of a planned summer raid for the midfielder.

Shades of Stuart Dallas

Having played in a number of positions this season for Bristol City – including as a right-sided winger, central midfielder, holding midfielder, a number ten and a second striker – Scott has had a footballing education unlike most teenagers his age.

Indeed, that versatility is something which will surely impress Jesse Marsch, and it will also draw very eye-catching similarities to Leeds’ very own Swiss army knife in Stuart Dallas.

Whether Scott can match that level of impact that the Northern Irishman has had at Elland Road remains to be seen, but it is promising to say the least.

Bristol City’s player pathway manager Brian Tinnion hailed the teenager as “one of the top young talents in the country” before adding: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.

“He has been taken in very well by the senior lads, they know he’s got the quality to play with them. He has every single attribute you would want in a professional footballer. He can tackle, he’s great with both feet, he can head the ball, his delivery is good and his overall quality is great. He lets his football do the talking and he’s getting better all the time.”

Essentially, he is the do-it-all player who Leeds already boast in Dallas.

Given his age, and having already played a number of times in the Championship this season – 37 to be precise – Scott would seem to be a very shrewd addition in the mould of a Joe Gelhardt.

Imagining the prospect of both Scott and Gelhardt leading the way for Leeds over the coming years would be a sight to behold, with both having cut their teeth in the Championship.

The future would certainly be bright at Elland Road with the signing of Scott this summer, and it could give them their long-term successor to Dallas.

AND in other news – Marsch now facing his first major Leeds United mistake, Elland Road will be fuming

Sunderland have now reportedly made contact in the race to sign a teenage sensation, who is on course to leave his current club as a free agent next summer.

Le Bris praises "demanding" Premier League ahead of Liverpool clash

Sunderland just do not know when they’re beaten in the Premier League. They are writing a blueprint that every newly-promoted side must follow to secure survival and their comeback victory against Bournemouth followed that plan to perfection.

The Black Cats came from two goals behind to secure a dramatic victory and keep hold of their place in the top six after 13 games. With Liverpool at Anfield up next, things don’t get any easier, but Sunderland have relished the challenge of upsetting the odds so far this season.

Regis Le Bris was full of praise for both his side and the Premier League itself following Sunderland’s victory over Bournemouth, telling reporters: “This league is really demanding. You make two mistakes and are punished.

“With the ball, we are good, so just keep pushing. We are able to hit their defence, and it was important to be clinical in the box. I think here we have a great energy in the stands. If we give a lot on the pitch, then they will react. We deserved to win in the end.

“It’s important to play game after game. We went to Fulham last week and we lost. We were dominated. We go again. It’s positive to start this week with three points. It’s an exciting league with tough challenges but we want those challenges.”

Survival, which almost looks guaranteed already, would be a major achievement on the pitch, but it would also make an impact away from the action. The Black Cats are already thinking about the future on that front, targeting Rangers teenager Bailey Rice.

Sunderland make contact to sign Bailey Rice

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Sunderland have now made checks on Rice, who is on course to leave Rangers as a free agent next summer after rejecting the Gers’ contract offers.

The 19-year-old became the club’s youngest post-war player to make a Scottish Premiership appearance in 2023, but now looks destined to leave Ibrox with Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City all queueing for his signature.

Manchester City were also tracking the young midfielder when he decided to leave Kilmarnock, only for Rangers to jump in and secure his arrival.

Better than Xhaka: Sunderland flop is one of "the best" in the PL after leaving

Sunderland once had a star who is now more exciting than Granit Xhaka and one of the best players in the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025

For Sunderland, it would therefore be a major coup to land a player of Rice’s potential. Man City’s initial interest highlights how highly he’s rated in England and praise from Rio Ferdinand echoed that earlier this year.

The Manchester United legend said on commentary when Rangers squared off against Manchester United last year: “I tell you what, I’m liking Rice by the way, he’s come on and looked composed, the kid’s got something about him, he’s got a lovely left foot on him.”

Sunderland star who Speakman was "excited" to sign is the new Jermain Lens

A full-back’s role has changed significantly in recent years, with managers now wanting more than just defensive stability from their right-back.

The best of the best have to be just as good going forward, building attacks and contributing to goals all while stifling wingers coming back the other way… but who is the top right-back around today?

Ranking factors

To help rank the right-backs in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their team’s performances Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others say about them

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Achraf Hakimi

26

PSG

Morocco

Trent Alexander-Arnold

27

Real Madrid

England

Jules Kounde

26

Barcelona

France

Jurrien Timber

24

Arsenal

Netherlands

Jeremie Frimpong

24

Liverpool

Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries

29

Inter Milan

Netherlands

Pedro Porro

26

Tottenham

Spain

Dani Carvajal

33

Real Madrid

Spain

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

32

Napoli

Italy

Tino Livramento

22

Newcastle

England

Malo Gusto

22

Chelsea

France

Marcos Llorente

30

Atletico Madrid

Spain

Daniel Munoz

29

Crystal Palace

Colombia

Vanderson

24

Monaco

Brazil

Diogo Dalot

26

Man Utd

Portugal

15 Diogo Dalot Man Utd and Portugal

Named Man Utd’s Player of the Year in 2024, Diogo Dalot has impressed at Old Trafford on a personal note. The Portugal international has featured regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, who has hailed the full-back’s pace and “qualities” at Old Trafford.

Capable of playing on either side, Dalot, who is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt, is under contract until 2028.

Nations League

2025

Liga Portugal

2018

FA Cup

2024

League Cup

2023

14 Vanderson Monaco and Brazil

Brazil have had some brilliant full-backs down the years, and it looks as if Vanderson could be the next star right-back for the Seleção.

Vanderson, who has been compared to iconic right-back Maicon, has starred for Monaco, which saw him become a top transfer target for Barcelona.

Campeao Gaucho

2021

13 Daniel Munoz Crystal Palace and Colombia

Starring under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace in 2025 has been Daniel Munoz, with the Colombian an ever-present in a 3-4-2-1 system at Selhurst Park.

The 29-year-old really impressed in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, which resulted in interest from Pep Guardiola and Man City. Munoz has also chipped in with some important goals for Palace, with Glasner calling him “amazing”.

FA Cup

2025

Community Shield

2025

Belgian Cup

2021

12 Marcos Llorente Atletico Madrid and Spain

Marcos Llorente has starred for Atletico Madrid since joining from Real Madrid back in 2019 and has been used regularly as a right-back under Diego Simeone, who has called him “indispensable”.

The Spain international can play in a variety of positions all across the pitch and has been hailed as a ‘modern football machine’ due to his ‘relentless engine’. At 30 years of age, Llorente is showing no signs of slowing up.

Champions League

2018

FIFA Club World Cup

2018, 2019

La Liga

2021

UEFA Super Cup

2016

Spanish Super Cup

2017

11 Malo Gusto Chelsea and France

Malo Gusto has found his feet at Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge in 2023 and helped the Blues win the Club World Cup in the USA.

Under contract until 2030 with the Blues, Gusto is into double figures for Chelsea assists and has been called “fantastic” and “top” by Enzo Maresca.

10 Tino Livramento Newcastle and England

Versatile Newcastle star Tino Livramento can play as a right-back or as a left-back at St James’ Park and looks to be Kieran Trippier’s long-term replacement on the right-hand side of the back four.

The Magpies star is going from strength to strength with the Magpies since joining from Southampton and is now valued at a career-high figure by Transfermarkt.

He’s also been called “outstanding” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer and even pocketed Mohamed Salah in the 2025 EFL Cup final.

9 Giovanni Di Lorenzo Napoli and Italy

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been a consistent performer for the 2025 Serie A winners in recent seasons and will soon close in on 300 appearances for his current employers.

Also a regular for Italy, Di Lorenzo has been hailed for his composure on the ball in the final third alongside his ability to read a game, which has resulted in him being regarded as one of Serie A’s best and most dependable players.

European Championships

2021

Serie A

2023

Coppa Italia

2020

8 Dani Carvajal Real Madrid and Spain

Iconic right-back and Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal is next on the list. The 33-year-old has made more than 400 appearances for the European giants over the past 12 years and has called himself a “total killer”.

Unfortunately, Carvajal has missed the majority of the 2024/25 season with a cruciate ligament injury, but has vowed to be in his “prime” when he returns.

European Championships

2024

Nations League

2023

Champions League

2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024

FIFA Club World Cup

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023

La Liga

2017, 2020, 2022, 2024

Copa del Rey

2014, 2023

UEFA Super Cup

2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024

Spanish Super Cup

2017, 2019, 2021, 2023

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

7 Pedro Porro Tottenham and Spain

If an attacking right-back is what you want, then Tottenham’s Pedro Porro is a standout candidate after being labelled as the “best” in the Premier League over the last 18 months.

The “titanic” Spain international is averaging an assist every five games at Spurs and a goal every 10 games, showing his attacking qualities.

Europa League

2025

Liga Portugal

2021

Taca da Liga

2021, 2022

6 Denzel Dumfries Inter Milan and Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries has been described as a “monster” of a right-back, and he has excelled at Inter Milan in an attacking wing-back role.

His “complete” performance against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final highlighted his attacking ability by scoring twice, and it is no surprise to see him in the top 10.

Serie A

2024

Coppa Italia

2022, 2023

Italian Super Cup

2022, 2023, 2024

Eerste Divisie

2016

After Liverpool lost for the second time in the space of a few days courtesy of Galatasaray, Jamie Carragher has called for one of Arne Slot’s biggest stars to be dropped.

Slot "disappointed" again by Liverpool

After needing late goals in several of their opening games to salvage victory, something seemed off about the Premier League champions. They looked vulnerable and defeat seemed inevitable. The late goal simply wasn’t always going to arrive. And, as expected, Crystal Palace have since exposed that uncomfortable fact for Slot’s side.

The Eagles stole the late show from the Reds to hand them their first defeat at the weekend and Galatasaray have now followed suit to deal Slot back-to-back defeats for just the second time in his Liverpool career. For many, the decision to award Galatasaray a first-half penalty was contentious, but that shouldn’t have been that for Liverpool, who never truly reacted to going behind.

Having his say on his side’s defeat, Slot told reporters: “Again, disappointed. For me, this was a different performance on and off the ball [than Crystal Palace]. First half, we played quite well and had a big chance to go 1-0 up.

“It is difficult to compare this situation to before. We are sometimes a bit outsmarted in situations like this, and I cannot blame Dominik Szoboszlai for the situation. They make a 20% penalty a 100% penalty, which is very smart from them.”

Liverpool star who's "on par with Salah & VVD" had his worst game under Slot

Liverpool endured a night to forget as they were beaten by Galatasaray in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 1, 2025

It doesn’t get any easier for the Reds, either. They travel to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and club legend Carragher has already called on one player to be dropped against the Blues.

Carragher calls for Liverpool to drop Wirtz

In a brutal assessment, Carragher called for Liverpool to drop Florian Wirtz “right now” following another disappointing display from the £200,000-a-week German. The former Bayer Leverkusen star is without a goal or assist since the Community Shield and is struggling to get up to speed at Anfield.

Whether it’s been out wide or in midfield, it’s hard to argue with Carragher’s verdict. Something is wrong with this Liverpool side and it’s only natural that the blame goes the way of the £116m midfielder who hasn’t contributed since Wembley.

Slot certainly has a big decision to make. A few, in fact. As the Chelsea game approaches, Liverpool must lay down a marker as Premier League champions.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to tackle the summer transfer market following the confirmed arrival of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement in the dugout.

Tottenham announce as Thomas Frank as their new manager

Spurs were repeatedly linked with Frank after chairman Daniel Levy made the tough decision to sack Postecoglou, with the Australian helping to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy but also guiding them to 22 Premier League defeats last season.

Tottenham may be offered "quick" £26m defender in Radu Dragusin swap deal

Spurs apparently agreed a deal for him in January.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

On Thursday evening, Frank was officially unveiled as the Lilywhites’ fifth manager since 2019, after Spurs triggered his £10 million release clause and reached an agreement on his backroom staff.

“Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 – since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League,” a club statement said.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.

“In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.”

On paper, Frank is arguably a perfect for the north Londoners, having worked wonders with limited resources at Brentford whilst also operating under a data-driven recruitment model.

However, the Dane also has zero experience managing a team of this magnitude, nor does he boast any silverware or Champions League know-how, yet he is the man who is about to lead Tottenham into Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.

If Frank is to become a success at Spurs, Levy will need to back him in the transfer market, and this summer is set to be another crucial one.

Frank’s side are reportedly trying to hijack Man United’s move for Bryan Mbeumo, but that is not all.

The 51-year-old has already recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Tottenham, according to GiveMeSport, and it is now reported that he’s also a fan of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank "pushing" Tottenham to move for Morgan Gibbs-White

That is according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Frank is “pushing” for Tottenham to sign Gibbs-White in a “statement” move.

The England international, despite this report that a £51 million deal is possible, is likely to cost far more. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have him under contract for another two years, with other reports claiming Forest could demand as much as £100 million for him this summer.

Gibbs-White was a superstar player for Forest during their unlikely push for Champions League football last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions, so Spurs will have to seriously dig deep into their pockets to get them talking.

Manchester United could now make a move for one of Real Madrid’s top targets, having been left impressed during scouting missions, according to a report.

Man Utd ringing the changes ahead of important summer

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, this summer could be one of the most important in Man United’s modern history, and INEOS have already started to ring the changes, signing Matheus Cunha and making a key off-field decision.

It has now been revealed that Jason Wilcox has taken up the role of sporting director, which had been vacant since Dan Ashworth’s departure last November, and the 53-year-old has a big rebuilding job on his hands over the next few months.

Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Marcus Rashford are among the forwards who could leave, with the latter being widely linked with Barcelona, which means it could be important for the Red Devils to bring in more attacking options, despite having already signed Cunha.

Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward

The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho…

ByDominic Lund Jun 4, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, one attacking midfielder who Man United scouts have been left impressed by is Como’s Nico Paz, having monitored the 20-year-old’s progress in Italy this season.

The Red Devils could make a move for Paz, but Real Madrid’s interest could be an obstacle, with the Spanish heavyweights identifying the youngster as a top target, given that new manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan.

As such, Madrid could be tempted to trigger the €8m (£7m) buy-back clause and sign their former player, although the Tenerife-born maestro may only be willing to move back to Spain if he receives guarantees over his first-team place.

"Exceptional" Paz could be ready to join top club

It is little wonder that Madrid are looking to sign the Argentina international for a bargain fee, considering he enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season in Serie A last term, picking up six goals and nine assists in 35 outings.

The starlet’s attacking numbers certainly catch the eye, but perhaps equally impressive is the fact he is also willing to pitch in defensively, having displayed his ability to win back possession on a regular basis over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

1.71 (81st percentile)

Interceptions

0.70 (88th percentile)

Blocks

1.64 (96th percentile)

It is evident to see why Alonso is so fond of the Como star, and he is not the only former Madrid star who appreciates the Argentine, with Toni Kroos previously saying: “This lad (Nico Paz) should be training with us every day because he’s exceptional.”

Paz could be a fantastic long-term addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad, but it could be difficult to compete for his signature with Real Madrid, given the allure of playing for the Spanish side.