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Liverpool are reportedly still undecided as to whether to make a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his forward line, although German giants Borussia Dortmund appeared to have won the race for his signature.

However, according to the ECHO, Malen is still admired by the Liverpool recruitment team, and they could still place a bid for the highly-rated striker this summer.

Any move will have to be made quickly, though, with Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness) reporting Dortmund want to sign Malen as Jadon Sancho’s replacement.

The report states that BVB’s official offer for the Dutch international is expected imminently as they look to replace the Manchester United-bound winger.

Michael Edwards must swoop

After being released by Arsenal without ever making a first-team appearance for the north London outfit, Malen has rebuilt his career at Eindhoven.

Big things were expected of the pacey forward during his time in England, with his agent Mino Raiola stating: “I think he can be a revelation,” as his client continued to impress for the capital clubs Under-18’s side.

Things didn’t work out at Arsenal, though, but back in his homeland, Malen has cultivated a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards following a string of impressive performances for PSV.

In 116 appearances for the Eredivisie heavyweights, the youngster has bagged 55 goals and provided a further 24 assists, catching the eye of some of the continent’s top clubs.

With Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both enduring hugely underwhelming seasons for Liverpool last time out, Klopp is expected to bolster his attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.

And in the £27m-rated Malen, the Anfield outfit may have found the perfect candidate. Renowned for his pace, dribbling, finishing ability and eye for a pass, the PSV ace appears to be the ideal fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing system.

Indeed, he has also been described as a “very quick” and “explosive” forward by talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell. Both phrases could be coined to describe the German’s current options on both flanks.

The sales of Marko Grujic and Taiwo Awoniyi, respectively, have given director of football Michael Edwards some funds to play with in the transfer market, and he’d be wise to use them on the prolific Malen.

And, in other news…Liverpool could be set for huge boost after Anfield news emerges, fans will be excited 

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo are “happy” again in the United States with Inter Miami after enduring “hell” at Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Argentine struggled to settle in France
• Has gone chasing the American dream
• Young family feeling settled in Florida

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil international Neymar has claimed that he endured a nightmare in the French capital alongside his former Barcelona and PSG team-mate. Messi walked away from that situation in the summer of 2023 when becoming a free agent, with the decision taken to go chasing the American dream.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He has become a star attraction in the U.S., with his every move being followed closer than ever, but he is feeling settled in Florida alongside his wife and three children. The Sunshine State is considered to be a perfect fit for the Messis, as they embrace a more relaxed way of life in an area of the world with a large Spanish-speaking community.

• WHAT CEA SAID ABOUT MESSI

  Messi has been visiting the Prima Pasta restaurant in Miami for several years – helping to make that outlet famous – and owner Gerry Cea has told of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has his smile back: “Leo is always super cool. His family has been coming for the last 12 years. He’s always so relaxed, always smiling. Never a problem. Just a very cool person. It was a release to win the Copa America and the World Cup. Leo had so much pressure inside of him all of these years. And now he’s in Miami. The Messis love summer. I was talking to Antonela, and yes they’re new here, but being close to Argentina and the summer weather in Miami…that’s why they’re happy.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Messi helped Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, bringing his long wait for senior international silverware to a close, and he has gone on to lift the Finalissima trophy and World Cup at Qatar 2022. He inspired a historic Leagues Cup win for Inter Miami within weeks of his arrival in the States – making him the most-decorated player of all-time – and has more honours in his sights for 2024.

Dutch giants PSV are lining up another American addition to their ranks, with Miles Robinson wanted in Eindhoven as he prepares to leave MLS.

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• Defender about to hit free agency
• Ready to explore options in Europe
• International team-mates in Eindhoven

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international will see his contract at Atlanta United expire on December 31, allowing him to drop into the free agent pool. The 26-year-old defender is expected to explore options outside of his homeland when mulling over his next move.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It could be that he heads to the Netherlands to link up with USMNT colleagues Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, with PSV’s director of football Earnie Stewart admitting to readying an approach for Robinson.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  The former U.S. star has told of the speculation suggesting that Robinson could be heading to Europe: “He has been on our list for a while, along with a number of others, so that is correct. There has been contact, but not only with him. I have contact with several players, because that is my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you don’t just pass him by.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Robinson has been with Atlanta United since 2018. He has earned 27 caps with the USMNT, with seven of those coming in 2023 after missing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar due to an unfortunate pre-tournament injury.

Alexi Lalas has warned that there is “always going to be baggage” between Gio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter despite differences being put aside for now.

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• Reyna back in USMNT under Berhalter
• Started against Germany in friendly
• Lalas expects more tension

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The pair butted heads before and after the 2022 World Cup, with their feud getting personal at one stage as Reyna’s family got involved. Questions were asked of whether the duo could work together again after Berhalter was reappointed as USMNT boss.

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  WHAT THEY SAID

  He has called upon Reyna since picking up the reins and handed him a starting berth in a friendly date with Germany. Lalas has told his podcast of whether an unfortunate saga can be considered closed: “I think Gregg Berhalter kind of put out a fig leaf if you will and said: 'Yeah, not only do I believe in you, but I believe in starting you against Germany’. I think that Gio after that first half doesn't look worse for wear – as a matter of fact I think looks better. And maybe people are even more confident. And I think Gregg kind of gets to assume the position of letting bygones be bygones and going forward.

  "Now, don't think for a second that there isn't always going to be baggage and history relative to these two. But what you hope is that it dissipates enough where they can go on and they can function in these types of settings.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Berhalter has been trying to sweep the issue under the carpet, with the United States coach telling reporters when inevitably asked about a supposed divide in the camp: “I know that's going to be on people's mind. What I'd say is that we're moving forward. [I don't] really want to talk too much about the past. I think it's about talking about the future.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  The United States suffered a 3-1 defeat against Germany – despite seeing Christian Pulisic open the scoring in spectacular style – and will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on Ghana.

Lionel Messi is “an ET” and the Inter Miami superstar “seems to get better and better every year”, says Brazil international Ganso.

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• Argentine icon sits among the all-time greats
• Thrilling audiences for almost 20 years
• Showing no sign of slowing down at 36

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Argentine superstar is now 36 years of age, but he has lost none of his ability to amaze and inspire. He has been thrilling audiences around the world for almost 20 years, with a record-breaking collection of honours picked up along the way.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi is in contention for an eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 – having inspired his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 – and has made an immediate impact in the United States since leaving European football at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to go chasing the American dream at Inter Miami.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Ganso is among those that consider Messi to be superhuman, with the Brazil international midfielder having come up against the South American icon at the Club World Cup several years ago.

  Quizzed by FIFA’s on whether the Barca side that Santos faced that day is better than the Manchester City one that won a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble last season, Ganso said: “Barcelona. This City side is outstanding, but Barcelona had a fantastic XI and an ET, the genius of world football. He’s simply a genius. You can’t help but admire him. That was in 2011. You look at him now, how he has evolved, and it’s difficult to believe. He seems to get better and better every year. It was a privilege to see Messi play up close. Like I said, Messi is an ET.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Messi helped Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States, while also earning them a shot at U.S. Open Cup glory – before having to sit out the final of that competition through injury. He is now hoping to see them into the MLS play-offs, with more silverware still in his sights.

The 46-year-old has walked away from the national team job after an embarrassing World Cup, so who should be considered to replace him?

It was once the biggest job in the women's game, and perhaps it still is. The United States women's national team is looking for a new head coach to usher in a new era but, strangely enough, there isn't an obvious candidate out there.

Vlatko Andonovski is gone after a disastrous 2022 World Cup that saw the U.S. eliminated in the last 16. The moment the USWNT fell to Sweden, Andonovski's fate was sealed. There would be no second cycle, no Olympics; this team was onto something new.

Whichever coach comes in will face a massive task in rebuilding a fallen juggernaut. There's no debating that the USWNT regressed under Andonovski, although how much is up for debate. Did the rest of the world catch up completely or did the USWNT never quite find the level needed to be, well, the USWNT?

The answer is probably somewhere in the middle. This is a team and a player pool still loaded with talent, but also one that needs some tweaks. The USWNT's mentality and athleticism aren't enough to overwhelm teams anymore and, as several key veterans prepare for their exits from the international stage, it'll be up to a new head coach to build this team around several new stars.

With the 2024 Olympics just a year away, that new coach won't have too much time to put their stamp on things before a major tournament begins. Even with what we saw this summer, though, the USWNT will be among the favorites in Paris, especially if the new coach can make even the slightest tweaks to the factors that let the USWNT down this summer.

So who might that coach be? GOAL takes a look at some of the candidates to replace Andonovski:

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  Sarina Wiegman

  Probably the best coach in the women's game right now, but also a hire that is essentially a pipedream. Sarina Wiegman is set to lead England into the country's first Women's World Cup final on Sunday, having already won back-to-back European Championships and taken her native Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final.

  Her contract with England runs through 2025 and, with the Olympics just around the corner, is there really any reason for her to leave? The answer is 'probably not', but U.S. Soccer will almost certainly make the call to check just in case.

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  Laura Harvey

  Probably the most natural hire the USWNT could make, Laura Harvey has coached the U.S. at U20, U23 and senior level, and has worked with Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma during their rises to the top of the game.

  Harvey, of course, is close with Andonovski, having worked with him and competed against him, so there could be concern about having too much continuity after a poor World Cup. Her time with OL Reign, though, has proved she's a fantastic coach, and she's already come out and hinted that she'd be interested in the role if offered.

  "The U.S. women's national team is probably the top job in the world," she said. "If my name is anywhere near it, that's an honor. But first and foremost, my priority is the Reign." 

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  Tony Gustavsson

  Tony Gustavsson led hosts Australia on a magical run through the World Cup, so his stock has never been higher. And, given his USWNT history, he may be the perfect fit.

  Gustavsson previously served as an assistant under Jill Ellis from 2014-19 before returning to his native Sweden when Andonovski was hired. In 2020, he took over the Matildas and led them on a fantastic run to the semi-finals of this World Cup after finishing fourth at the Olympics in 2021.

  He's another one that may not want to leave a good situation with the Olympics looming and his results with Australia, until this summer, were possibly a bit too inconsistent to overlook. Ellis, though, has already backed him, telling ESPN: "He should definitely be a strong candidate for the job."

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  Emma Hayes

  One of the top coaches at club level in the women's game, could Emma Hayes be tempted by the biggest job at international level?

  Hayes has been the Women's Super League's best coach for years, winning the Manager of the Season award six times, as well as The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021. She also has a history in the U.S., having previously coached Long Island and Iona at the college level, before managing the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.

  Prying her away from Chelsea may be impossible, but the USWNT job is one of the few in the world that may be better than coaching the Blues.

The Frenchman doesn't just have two elite clubs dancing to his own tune – he also has an incredible level of control over the entire transfer market

Unlike nearly everyone else connected with Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe was in good spirits during Saturday's Ligue 1 clash with Lorient. While those seated around him at Parc des Princes were bitterly frustrated watching the champions try – and fail – to break down the team that finished 10th last season, Mbappe was spotted several times laughing and joking with new PSG signing Ousmane Dembele. And why not? The game did nothing other than prove just how important he is to PSG.

The day before, Luis Enrique had stated that he was still hoping to see an amicable resolution to Mbappe's contract stand-off with Nasser Al-Khelaifi & Co – but the new coach pointedly added: "The philosophy of this club is very clear: that the club is above everything and I share it 100 percent."

Undoubtedly admirable and heartfelt sentiments on the part of Luis Enrique – but simply not applicable in this case. The events of the last few days have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kylian Mbappe is bigger than Paris Saint-Germain. Right now, in fact, he's probably the most powerful player in the world.

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  Acutely aware of his own worth

  The morning after being given what must have felt like a terrifying glimpse of a future without Mbappe, PSG announced that the France captain had been welcomed back into the fold with open arms.

  To casual observers, that would have looked like a remarkable turn of events. PSG, remember, had seemingly stood up to Mbappe at long last. When a letter confirming his intention to leave the club in 2024 was mysteriously – and conveniently – leaked to the press, Al-Khelaifi insisted that Mbappe would have to find himself a new club before the close of the transfer window. PSG understandably had no intention of losing the world's most valuable player on a free transfer next summer.

  Things turned so toxic that PSG rather pettily took down Mbappe posters in and around their stadium, stopped selling his shirt in the club shop, while also resorting to the mother of all guilt trips by claiming that if Mbappe leaving for nothing would result in a "wave of redundancies".

  They even accepted an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for Mbappe, in an attempt to force his hand. Mbappe, though, refused to even discuss the transfer. Why? Because he can. He's the man in demand, the player holding all the aces here – and he knows it. This is a young, generational talent who is acutely aware of his own worth, particularly to PSG.

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  'Cornerstrone of the club's project'

  Al-Khelaifi made Mbappe "the cornerstone of the club's project" last year for a reason. They are utterly dependent upon him, and not from a sporting perspective. His goals can be replaced. As former sporting director Leonardo pointed out, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Chelsea have all won the Champions League since Mbappe joined PSG – so it is possible to win the trophy without him.

  But PSG's superstar-obsessed owners clearly do not believe that is possible for a club with no competition in France to maintain relevance on the global stage without a player of Mbappe's stature – one that is immensely popular with young fans from every background – and certainly not at this moment in time.

  With Lionel Messi and Neymar having left this summer, Mbappe is their one remaining icon – and the one most important to their brand. They could build a better, more cohesive and functioning team with the money made from selling Mbappe, one capable of finally realising their dream of conquering Europe, but without the World Cup winner, they would just not be as attractive a proposition in terms of marketing and commercial opportunities, or even just in terms of attracting social media followers.

  Mbappe and his team know all that, which is why they could afford to simply sit tight and call PSG's bluff.

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  Making Madrid wait too

  Because it's not as if Real Madrid are going anywhere. Mbappe led Florentino Perez down the garden path last summer, and yet the Spaniard still clearly wants to sign him. He is even prepared to wait until next year to do so.

  Again, though, Mbappe will decide if or when he moves to Madrid. He may yet sign an extension at PSG, but if he does, it will be once again done on his terms. Indeed, do not be surprised if he manages to 'persuade' PSG to put a 2024 buy-out clause into the agreement – and for a fee that he knows Madrid will be willing to meet.

  In that sense, Mbappe is displaying an element of control over not only his career – but also the transfer market – that we have never seen before.

  He has been a little fortunate in that regard. Cristiano Ronaldo had to move to Saudi Arabia because nobody wanted him in Europe anymore. Lionel Messi was forced out of Camp Nou on account of Barcelona's financial problems. Mbappe, though, is in a position to do as he pleases, and while he decides what's best for him, several other players are stuck in the departures lounge. If Mbappe stays at PSG, Madrid will simply have to sign a goalscorer this summer. And PSG, of course, would need to sign a replacement if he were to leave.

  Either way, Mbappe is the potential catalyst for a chain reaction that would see a succession of forwards switch clubs.

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  Spineless PSG panic under the pressure

  Not that he'll care about that, of course. For now, his sole focus will be on seeing what else PSG are willing to offer him to sign a contract extension. They bent over backwards for him last summer, while this time around they have replaced Neymar, with whom Mbappe fell out, with his France team-mate and good friend Dembele. More Mbappe-approved moves yet be made at the Parc des Princes.

  Of course, the club have tried to make out that a relationship that appeared broken has now been mended thanks to "very constructive, positive talks" between the two parties led to the player being "reinstated into first-team training" on Sunday morning. In truth, though, a desperate and spineless PSG panicked under the pressure and decided to give Mbappe everything he wanted once again.

  In the era of player power, not one has more than Kylian Mbappe.

Rangers have been tipped to return for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel in the transfer window and if he were to join Steven Gerrard’s side this summer, it could well lead to Ianis Hagi departing Ibrox on a permanent deal.

According to Turkish news outlet Fotaspor (via Glasgow Live) Rangers have now made an approach for the former QPR man as he eyes a return to the UK this summer, with the Gers’ Old Firm rivals also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.

Gerrard’s side were heavily linked with the young Nigerian in the January transfer window and he would’ve been available on a free transfer in the summer had he not completed a move to Fenerbahce, with the Turkish giants paying a fee to ensure that he joined before his contract with the R’s expired at the end of the season.

However, things have not really gone to plan for Osayi-Samuel in the Super Lig, as he has managed just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances for Fener, which has seemingly led to them wanting to cut their losses and sell him this summer after less than six months with the club.

The winger was really starting to hit form with QPR in the Championship before his January departure, with three goals and three assists in 21 appearances, so if he could rediscover his best form and improve even further with Rangers, then he could prove to be a solid addition this summer.

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QPR boss Mark Warburton was full of praise for him last season, saying:

“I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game.

“He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful.”

If the 23-year-old were to make the switch to Ibrox this summer then he could prove to be a direct replacement for Hagi in Gerrard’s side.

Following an impressive season that saw the former KRC Genk man contribute eight goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Teddy Bears, he has been linked with a move away to the likes of Lazio and Sevilla, whilst a recent dispute over him wanting to play at the Olympics for Romania this summer could also be a catalyst in him leaving for good.

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Therefore, if Rangers were to splash the cash on Osayi-Samuel this summer there would be a lot of competition at right-wing in Gerrard’s squad, so it would perhaps not be a surprise to see Hagi depart.

And, in other news… Rangers could sign their ideal Kamara heir with swoop for 9 G/A beast

The Spaniard may have left United on bad terms but he still has the ability to make logic-defying saves and will be in demand.

For the first time in 12 years, David de Gea is on the lookout for a new club. The Spaniard joined Manchester United as an inexperienced and shy 20-year-old and leaves as the club's longest serving goalkeeper with 545 matches and a record 190 clean sheets.

He was so often United's saviour in a turbulent era following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and was named their player of the year on four occasions, a record he shares with Cristiano Ronaldo. But in his final season there was a sense that he was holding the club back due to his limitations with the ball at his feet, preventing the team from playing as Erik ten Hag envisaged.

He also made a series of high-profile errors, both with his feet and his hands, at crucial moments in the season, including in the FA Cup final. That ultimately led to the club withdrawing their offer of a new contract for him which had been previously agreed, bringing his long and glorious career with United to a sour end.

But as one long chapter comes to a close, a new one begins. De Gea is only 32 and has remained relatively injury free throughout his career, meaning he still has at least four more years, if not more, to give at the highest level.

Although his ball-playing abilities have come under ever greater scrutiny, he remains an outstanding shot-stopper, capable of making seemingly impossible saves. And that's a quality that many clubs continue to value above all when they are looking for a goalkeeper.

GOAL assesses where De Gea could go for his next footballing adventure…

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  Fenerbahce

  The Turkish Super Lig has long been an attractive destination for Europe's top players when they are into their 30s. Just look at Mauro Icardi, Juan Mata and Dries Mertens, who fired Galatasaray to the title last season.

  They have a reliable and long-serving goalkeeper in Fernando Muslera but their fierce rivals Fenerbahce are reportedly on the lookout for an upgrade on Altay Bayindir and have expressed an interest in signing De Gea. Fener last won the title in 2014 and are looking to take the next step after finishing second in the last two seasons.

  De Gea would be guaranteed a rapturous reception from Fenerbahce's intensely passionate supporters and the club have been able to attract their fair share of big names in recent years. The likes of Enner Valencia and Michy Batshuayi have turned out for them, and having just landed Edin Dzeko, they've proven they can still offer competitive salaries. The club also should have extra cash to spend on player wages after selling Arda Guler to Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €30 million (£26m/$33m).

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  Al-Nassr

  If De Gea wants to come close to earning anything like the £375,000 per week he received at United, then Saudi Arabia is his most obvious destination.

  Al-Nassr have made the most eye-catching signings since the gulf nation decided to seriously invest in football at the start of the year, landing Cristiano Ronaldo in January and Marcelo Brozovic from Inter in July.

  The club are reportedly ready to tempt De Gea with £250,000 per week and that would likely be the goalkeeper's most lucrative offer. It all depends on whether he still wants to compete at the top level in Europe or values having a top salary above playing competitive football.

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  Major League Soccer

  If De Gea is ready to move outside Europe, but not the radical lifestyle change in Saudi Arabia, then Major League Soccer is a logical move. Inter Miami have made a splash by signing Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets and De Gea would certainly fit into the experienced, star-studded squad Gerardo Martino is building.

  Miami aside, the former United 'keeper would be attractive to any MLS club looking to raise their profile off the pitch and raise standards on it.

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  Inter

  Inter are likely to be needing a new goalkeeper if they end up selling Andre Onana to Manchester United. De Gea is a very different type of 'keeper to the Cameroonian, who United want to sign precisely because of his ability on the ball.

  But the Spaniard is available on a free transfer and as Inter look to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea – and need to find replacements for Brozovic and Dzeko – not having to pay a large fee to get a new goalkeeper could appeal to the Nerazzurri.

The Bosnian broke the deadlock after just eight minutes with a terrific volley before fellow golden oldie Henrikh Mkhitaryan struck in a 2-0 win

Age really is just a number as far as Edin Dzeko is concerned. At 37 years old, he might just be about to play in his first Champions League final, with the Bosnian having netted a brilliant opener in Inter's 2-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their last-four showdown at San Siro on Wednesday night.

On a great night for the game's golden oldies, the 34-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the Nerazzurri's advantage in the 11th minute, as the 'visitors' stunned their city rivals with the fastest of starts.

Indeed, Milan didn't manage a single shot in the opening 25 minutes – Inter had already racked up seven by that point – and, in truth, never looked turning the game around, despite seeing Sandro Tonali strike the post in the second half.

As a result, Inter are now perfectly placed to make amends for their two previous Champions League derby defeats to Milan, in 2003 and 2005, by booking their place in next month's final in Istanbul against either Manchester City or Real Madrid.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers on an incredible night for Nerazzurri supporters…

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  WINNER: Edin Dzeko

  Immediately after the full-time whistle, Dzeko was asked when he's signing a new contract with Inter. "You have to ask the club," he said with a smile in his post-match interview with . "It depends on them."

  On the evidence of what we saw at San Siro on Wednesday night, Inter need to sign him up as soon as possible, because the veteran striker is showing no signs of slowing down. He's now just the seventh player in history to score 20 Champions League goals after turning 30, while he's the second-oldest to ever score in a semi-final.

  Dzeko's never relied on blistering pace, of course. His game has always been about a mix of physique and technique – as his goal so perfectly illustrated.

  Quite why Davide Calabria was charged with picking up Dzeko at a corner is anyone's guess. It was, as Alessandro Nesta said on , "a complete mismatch", with the Bosnian easily holding off the Milan captain before almost effortlessly guiding a fantastic volley into the top corner of the net.

  Dzeko could – and perhaps should – have added a second goal shortly after half-time but when he exited, he did so to a fully deserved standing ovation from the 'visiting' supporters on the Curva Nord, who will no doubt be hoping that confirmation of that contract extension arrives sooner rather than later.

  After his 14th – and most important – goal of the season so far, Dzeko definitely deserves one.

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• LOSER: Milan's attacking options

  Stefano Pioli waited for as long as possible to see if Rafael Leao would be fit enough to feature at San Siro, which was wholly understandable. The Portuguese winger is, by some distance, Milan's most talented attacker. The Rossoneri simply aren't the same side without a player who has previously provoked comparisons with Thierry Henry and Ruud Gullit on account of his tremendous turn of pace.

  So, his injury-enforced absence came as a massive blow, even if it had been expected, given Leao hobbled off just 10 minutes into last weekend's win over Lazio with a minor muscular problem.

  The hope was that Milan could make do without their talisman, just as they had done on Saturday, beating the second-placed Biancocelesti to boost their hopes of a top-four finish in Serie A.

  However, the Rossoneri were already reeling when Ismael Bennacer was forced off with a knee problem after only 17 minutes of the derby. The Algerian, who has been operating as a kind of defensive-attacking midfielder, has been one of Milan's best players of late, even netting the crucial winner in the first-leg win over Napoli in the previous round.

  The exact nature – and full extent – of his injury has yet to be determined but Pioli will be praying that Bennacer recovers in time for the second leg, particularly as there is no guarantee that Leao will be close to 100 per cent by next Tuesday.

  As this loss so painfully underlined, Milan are not a squad blessed with a vast array of attacking options. Junior Messias is not good enough for this level, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is always injured, Divock Origi has been a disaster and Charles De Ketelaere a colossal waste of money.

  So, if you take a couple of key men out of this side, they are always going to struggle to score.

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  WINNER: Beppe Marotta

  Beppe Marotta appeared on Amazon before the game and admitted that while Inter's Champions League run wouldn't resolve all of the club's financial problems, it would go some way towards ensuring that more money is available to strengthen the squad this summer.

  It's not as if Marotta will need much to work with, though. He may have made the odd mistake over the years but Marotta's mastery of the market has long been the stuff of legend. He made one fantastic free transfer after another at Juventus, and is now doing likewise at Inter. Indeed, Inter's opening two goals were both scored by players who arrived at Inter from Roma for nothing.

  The Nerazzurri could yet be forced to sell at least one of their stars at the end of the season to help balance the books, which is a disconcerting situation for the supporters. But they should thank their lucky stars that they have Marotta managing the situation. No other director in football has a better eye for a bargain buy.

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  WINNER: Federico Dimarco

  It's hard to imagine any Inter player enjoyed this derby more than the Federico Dimarco, who was born and bred in Milan. The 25-year-old was in the stands at San Siro when Inter lost out on away goals to their city rivals in 2003, so, as he pointed out on the eve of the game, he didn't exactly have "wonderful memories" of the last time these two teams met in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

  It's fair to say he's remember this particular game with far more fondness, having set up Inter's second goal with a brilliant break down the left-hand side. Dimarco is arguably Inter's most improved player this season, having emerged as an excellent attacking wing-back, as underlined by the fact that no player has more assists in this season's Champions League (five).