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Brentford vs Bournemouth is one of the newest fixtures in the Premier League – in fact, it's only happened twice. But these two teams actually go back quite a way.

Of course, the vast majority of their meetings have come away from the Premier League. Six different competitions have hosted this one, though, as Brentford and Bournemouth have consistently found ways to come up against one another over the years.

This is actually the most-played fixture in Bournemouth's history, while Brentford have only faced four teams more often than they have the Cherries. We're going all the way back to 1925 for the first meeting, meaning we're coming up on a century of football between the two.

So what does that tell us about the upcoming fixtures? We at Football FanCast have taken a look at what's come before to find out.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the head-to-head record?

In total, there have been 37 meetings between the two (38 if we count a friendly), dating back to 1925. That initial game came in the FA Cup, with Bournemouth winning 2-1 away at Brentford.

Incredibly, they then wouldn't meet again for nearly 40 years. A 1963 League Cup tie went to a replay, leading to two games that again saw Bournemouth come out on top. Their next string of meetings wouldn't happen until the '90s, where they met three times in the FA Cup within six years.

Their first league meeting wasn't until 1999 but Brentford and Bournemouth have since been almost ever-present for one another. They've faced off in all four professional divisions, building up 37 professional contests.

And funnily enough, they're dead even. Each side has won 14 games, with nine draws. Bournemouth do move onto 15 if you count a 2019 friendly, but we're not going to do that.

Brentford wins

14

Draws

9

Bournemouth wins

14

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the record at Brentford?

18 of the 37 meetings have been at Brentford over the years and as with most home records, the Bees boast the superior record there. Quite comfortably, too.

They've won 10 of them, so just over half, while losing only three times. That leaves five draws, of course.

In fact, their home record is strong against Bournemouth in every competition – and there are a lot of them here. Though, given their overall record is dead even, you won't be surprised to hear similar things about the Cherries at home.

Brentford wins

10

Draws

5

Bournemouth wins

3

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's the record at Bournemouth?

There has been one more game at Bournemouth than at Brentford, with 19 taking place on the south coast. The numbers are still remarkably similar to the Bees' home record, though.

In all, Bournemouth have won 11, so one more home win than Brentford have managed. However, the visitors have also managed one more away win than the Cherries, with four. That leaves four draws, so you're marginally less likely to see a draw when this one takes place at Bournemouth.

Brentford wins

4

Draws

4

Bournemouth wins

11

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's their league record?

Usually for these, we'd cover the two sides' Premier League record against one another. These two only met in the top flight for the first time last season, though, making it a bit of a stretch to call that a 'record'.

But they have met plenty in league competition, from League Two all the way to the Premier League. All four professional divisions have hosted this fixture, with the majority coming in League One.

They first found themselves in the same league back in 1999/00. They'd spent the next three seasons facing one another in League One, splitting the wins evenly three apiece. After a one-year break in 2002/03, they'd then compete in League One again from 2003 through 2007.

However, both were relegated by 2008 and there would be a pair of games in 2008/09 in League Two. Brentford won both.

The clubs were then back in League One against one another from 2010 through 2013, and were then each in the Championship for the 2014/15 campaign – one that saw the Cherries promoted. Thus their league meetings were on pause until 2020, by which point Bournemouth had been relegated again.

We'd only get a pair of meetings, though, as the Bees would get their turn at promotion to the top flight in 2021. Bournemouth followed soon afterward and now we're back in the modern day – two Premier League sides who just can't seem to avoid one another.

Brentford wins

11

Draws

7

Bournemouth wins

10

Brentford vs Bournemouth: What's their record in the cups?

These two met exclusively in the cups up until 1999. Since then, quite strangely, they've only been drawn with one another once, and that was all the way back in 2002.

But as we mentioned, there was a span of 70+ years where this fixture had only taken place in the cup competitions, primarily the FA Cup. There have been seven total meetings across the FA and League Cups – and it's led to a relatively balanced record (isn't it always?).

Bournemouth won the first-ever fixture, while the second was a draw that led to a replay – which the Cherries also won. The next meeting was also a Bournemouth win and that was back in 1991 – Brentford have won every cup game since.

They'd beat the Cherries in the FA Cup in both 1995 and 1996, then beat them on penalties in a League Cup tie in 2002.

Brentford wins

3

Draws

1

Bournemouth wins

3

Brentford vs Bournemouth: Which team has the most goals?

As you've likely guessed already, things are incredibly close. Though perhaps that genuinely surprising thing here is just how low the goal tally is for each side – they barely average a goal per game each in this one.

Across 37 games, Bournemouth have scored 42 goals. Brentford are right behind them with 41. As you'd expect things are also reflected pretty well when you look at it in home and away terms.

At Bournemouth, the Cherries have 28 goals in 19 games. Brentford have responded with 17. In 18 games at Brentford, the home side have 24 goals – the visitors have just 14.

So this one is particularly low-scoring at Brentford, with the average score at both grounds being 1-0.

Brentford goals

41

Bournemouth goals

42

Brentford vs Bournemouth: How did they do last season?

These are two of the smallest sides in the Premier League but both managed to succeed in their goals last season. In fact, both arguably exceeded them.

Brentford were by far the better of the two, though. They finished 9th overall, just two points away from the European spots. But perhaps that doesn't sell it enough. Brighton, for instance, were heralded for their efforts last season, with several of their stars moving for incredible fees. The Bees finished only three points behind them, however – and just eight behind Liverpool.

Bournemouth enjoyed their first season after promotion, even if it started incredibly badly. Manager Scott Parker stepped down shortly after a 9-0 defeat at Anfield and people were understandably worried for them. But things turned around and the Cherries didn't spend very long under threat of relegation. In fact, they managed to finish five points clear of the drop despite a very poor run of form to end the season. It wasn't the most comfortable first season back but certainly one to build on.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: How have they started this season?

Brentford have started things reasonably well, with draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace sandwiching a 3-0 win at Fulham. Though, they haven't managed to win one at home yet – this meeting with the Cherries will be a very good opportunity to do just that.

But after three games, they sit ninth, one point behind Manchester United and one above Chelsea. You can't really ask for much more so early in the campaign.

Bournemouth haven't made quite the same start. They're down in 16th and without a win. The silver lining is that of the five teams without a win, they have the most points – one.

Perhaps a greater silver lining, though, is the quality of their three opponents. They started at home to UEFA Conference League winners West Ham, picking up a draw. Then they went to Anfield and were unfortunate not to get at least a point, before losing 2-0 at home to Tottenham. All three are very tough games against sides they won't necessarily expect to finish around this season.

Brentford vs Bournemouth: When is it?

Brentford host Bournemouth on Saturday, September 2nd at 15:00 UK time. It'll be the 38th competitive meeting between the two teams and only their third in the Premier League or top flight.

A win for either side would be a bit of a statement, even if it's not necessarily season-altering. Brentford, for instance, would continue their unbeaten start and almost certainly climb into the European places after four games.

Bournemouth, though, are looking to get off the mark and create an early buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. Given the early-season form of the sides down there, winning at Brentford almost certainly gives them that four-point cushion.

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After a dual offensive from fast bowler Trent Copeland and opener David Warner on day one, New South Wales batsmen procured themselves a lead of 150 in Adelaide, steered by Daniel Hughes’ 101-ball 57.That NSW added 89 runs to their overnight score of 5 for 153 with the lower-middle order batting around around Hughes; Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc struck 23 and 20 each, before Chadd Sayers struck twice to wrap up the innings and finish with an innings haul of 4 for 82 from his 27 overs.South Australia got off to a solid start in their second innings, with Johnathon Dalton and Jake Weatherald hitting 64 and 71 each. The duo stitched together an opening stand of 137, blunting NSW’s bowlers for 54 overs, before Nathan Lyon got the breakthrough, Weatherald caught by Steven Smith. Starc subsequently imposed himself on the opposition with a double-strike, nipping out Dalton and Travis Head in the following over. Head, the captain, was sent back for a golden duck. Starc struck once more, bowling Jake Lehmann. The collapse, which amounted to the loss of four wickets for eight runs, meant South Australia finished at 4 for 145 at stumps.

MatériaMais Notícias

A segunda-feira é de despedida no Sport. Revelado pelo Leão, o lateral Rafael utilizou a rede social para mandar mensagem ao torcedor rubro-negro e agradecer o carinho que recebeu durante a passagem meteórica pela Ilha do Retiro.

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‘Agradeço o carinho de todos do Sport no período que estive defendendo as cores da equipe. Foram três anos de aprendizado, amadurecimento e de muita felicidade. Cheguei um menino, saio um ser humano formado e pronto para qualquer desafio. Deixo aqui meu até breve, cheio de carinho e gratidão, agradecendo por cada momento vivido. Sigo, de longe, na torcida pelo Leão e pelos amigos que fiz. Obrigado por tudo, Sport. Estará sempre no meu coração’, postou no Instagram.

Aos 18 anos, Rafael vai incorporar o elenco do Cruzeiro, que tem como meta voltar à elite do futebol nacional em 2021.

No Sport, Rafael, que é lateral de origem, jogou como ponta em alguns jogos e ganhou destaque. No total, ele disputou apenas oito jogos.

وجه أحمد حسام ميدو مهاجم الزمالك الأسبق رسالة إلى إياد العسقلاني المحترف المصري في صفوف فريق روستوف نادونو الروسي.

وكان إياد العسقلاني قد انتقل إلى صفوف فريق نادي روستوف الروسي بداية من يناير 2024 الماضي.

طالع | إياد العسقلاني لاعب الإسماعيلي يرحل إلى الدوري الروسي

وانتشرت أنباء في الفترة الماضية عن وجود مفاوضات من جانب مسؤولي الأهلي لضم اللاعب خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة.

وقال ميدو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة المحور: “دربت إياد العسقلاني في الإسماعيلي وهو لاعب قادر أن يلعب في مستويات كبيرة بأوروبا، لاعب سريع ويجيد اللعب بالرأس”.

وتابع: “إياد العسقلاني يمتلك الشخصية، مشروع مدافع كبير لـ منتخب مصر، وحرام أن يعود لمصر”.

وأردف: “اسمع كلامي أنا أخطئت وأنقل لك خبراتي، وقيل لي ألا أعود من الاحتراف إلى مصر ولكن عدت ودفعت الثمن، أقول للعسقلاني استمر في أوروبا”.

وأكمل: “إياد العسقلاني قادر أن يلعب في الدوري الإسباني، أتمنى أن يستمر في الاحتراف، خبر مفاوضات الأهلي معه أحزنني، ولو كان سينتقل لنادي الزمالك سأقول نفس الكلام”.

واختتم: “رغم اعتزازي الكبير بنادي الزمالك ولكن خطأ أنني عدت من الاحتراف لمصر”.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been a busy man throughout the summer transfer window as a raft of fresh additions have come through the door at Ibrox.

The Gers have snapped up seven new signings to bolster their playing squad after the club's failure to secure a single piece of silverware last season.

Sam Lammers, Leon Balogun, Cyriel Dessers, Kieran Dowell, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, and Dujon Sterling have all arrived either permanently or on loan since the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Scottish giants may not be done there as they still have well over a month to get their business done before September's deadline.

Last month, it was reported that the Light Blues are still in the race to land Malik Tillman on a second loan spell after his impressive performances for the club last term.

Bayern Munich, although they would be open to a sale, are prepared to sanction another temporary deal if the right opportunity comes about, whilst Premier League teams are also showing an interest in his services.

How many goals did Malik Tillman score last season?

The USA international plundered 12 goals across all competitions for Rangers and his return to Glasgow could allow Beale to brutally bin Ianis Hagi.

It was recently claimed that some unnamed teams in the Serie A are keeping tabs on the Romania international with a view to a potential swoop for his signature this summer, which could open up the door for the Gers to cash in on him.

The 24-year-old wizard missed 69 competitive games through a knee injury between January 2022 and 2023. He made his comeback under Beale last season and, understandably so, struggled to make a significant impact.

Hagi scored one goal and failed to create a single 'big chance' for his teammates across eight Scottish Premiership outings for the club, to go along with a Sofascore rating of 6.90 – the 15th-best score within the squad.

Tillman, on the other hand, ranked ninth on the team with an average Sofascore rating of 7.09. The £13k-per-week sensation, whose "infectious" attitude was hailed by ex-Gers boss Alex McLeish, racked up ten goals alongside 12 'big chances' created in 28 league matches for Rangers.

Fashion Sakala (12) was the only winger or midfielder with more Premiership goals than the German-born talent, which highlights how important the exceptional loanee was to the side with his ability at the top end of the pitch.

His form was also more impressive than Hagi's most successful campaign at Ibrox to date. The Romanian maestro averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 and contributed with seven goals to go along with six 'big chances' created in 33 matches during the 2020/21 title-winning season.

This suggests that Tillman has the ability to offer more, as a scorer and a creator, than Hagi in the final third as a midfielder or wide player.

Therefore, with the additions of Dowell and Sima to further bolster the club's options in those areas of the pitch, bringing the Bayern Munich dynamo back to Glasgow would allow Beale to cash in on Hagi amid interest from teams in Italy.

Glasgow Rangers have made seven summer signings under Michael Beale, however, the summer overhaul could now see a few players departing the Ibrox side during the transfer window and Glen Kamara appears to be attracting interest.

Will Glen Kamara be a Rangers' player next season?

Transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that “it does look like he will finally leave” amid the growing interest in Kamara from teams such as Southampton, Sheffield United, Stade Rennais and OGC Nice.

With the Gers reportedly slapping a £5m price tag on him ahead of any potential departure, according to Christopher Jack of The Herald, Beale stands to make millions on the midfielder who arrived at the Light Blues for a fee of just £50k back in January 2019, turning an impressive profit on the player.

According to Turkish outlet Sozcu, Besiktas are in the chase for the 27-year-old midfielder and the report claims that Kamara has asked to travel to Istanbul in order to thrash out a deal with the club.

Judging by the sheer volume of clubs who are interested in him, it certainly appears that he will finally depart the Gers after four and a half seasons at Ibrox.

What happened to Glen Kamara at Rangers?

The former Arsenal youngster was seen as one of Steven Gerrard’s finest signings when he arrived for the aforementioned £50k four and a half years ago from Dundee, adding some steel into the midfield at a bargain price.

After 18 months of bedding into the side, he became a key member of the team that went on to secure the 2020/21 Premiership title in record-breaking fashion, going the entire season unbeaten and conceding just 13 goals in 38 matches.

Although Kamara was impressive domestically, he took his game to the next level when appearing in Europe, and during the 2021/22 campaign, he was excellent in the stunning run to the Europa League final, ranking in the top ten across the squad for accurate passes per game, interceptions per game and key passes per game.

His form was already slipping domestically towards the end of that season, however, with Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie having dubbed him as “terrible” and he struggled again during 2022/23.

He made just 11 Premiership starts all season, falling out of favour with Giovanni van Bronckhorst and then the returning Beale, whilst his Champions League performances were a major disappointment given how solid he had been on the road to Seville.

Kamara was the worst player in the squad in Europe’s premier club competition with regard to overall Sofascore rating (5.9) and also ranked 15th for accurate passes per game, seventh for interceptions per game and key passes per game, clearly proving he was out of his depth at this level.

The £21k-per-week liability must now make the move away from Ibrox in order to get a fresh start to his career elsewhere. The talent is certainly there, displaying it across his first three years at the club, however, he doesn’t quite fit Beale’s tactical system.

Generating £5m for the midfielder would allow Beale to pursue other targets and significantly boost his squad for the challenges ahead next term.

Arsenal have been linked with Porto striker Mehdi Taremi; however, he is not 'on the radar' for the time being at the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

How good is Mehdi Taremi and who has been linked with signing him?

Taremi is a player with a knack of finding the back of the net and enjoyed a masterful campaign for Porto last season, registering 31 goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored take into account that Taremi was extremely consistent for the Portuguese giants in 2022/23, recording an average match rating of 7.47/10 in Liga Portugal alongside taking on 2.9 shots per game.

His clinical form in front of goal has attracted interest from the Premier League and O Jogo via TEAMtalk have reported that Arsenal and Manchester United among others are keen to secure the £29k-a-week ace's services in the off-season.

The Sun have picked up on a potential hint from Taremi's agent Borna Khoramdel, who is the CEO of Arvand Sport, that he could be on his way to join Manchester United following a post on Instagram that showed a picture of his representative at Old Trafford.

Sky Sport cite that AC Milan are big admirers of Taremi and claim that Porto have lowered their asking price for the Iran international to €20 million (£17.09 million) plus bonuses. Roma and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal are said to be monitoring his situation.

Football Insider mooted back in April that Mikel Arteta could look to bring another striker to north London this window that possesses a different profile to current options Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, targeting a physical presence in the frontline.

Nevertheless, transfer insider Jones doesn't think that Arteta will move to bring in an alternative forward to add to his options in the final third.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: "Yeah, I mean, Mehdi Taremi is suddenly being linked with a lot of clubs. Whenever that happens, I'm always a little bit cautious about whether he's just being touted around and what the meaning is behind it.

"I haven't heard too much on this one in terms of Arsenal's genuine interest. As far as I've been told, a forward of this sort of mould isn't really on the radar at this sort of time."

What else is going on at Arsenal this transfer window?

The Gunners have already already secured their first signing in the summer in the form of Kai Havertz, who has moved across London from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £65 million, as per Sky Sports.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber have both underwent medicals at the club and will be officially announced this week, according to The Evening Standard.

Speaking to The Residency quoted by 90min, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho admitted that he has 'no idea' when both deals will be announced.

Southampton star Romeo Lavia is another midfielder that is under consideration from Arteta as he aims to bulk up his midfield, as per The Guardian, signifying that some exciting times may be in store at the Emirates in the next few weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has decided to remain in north London and is excited by the prospect of working with Ange Postecoglou.

Who is leaving Spurs?

The Lilywhites have moved quickly to confirm a few major additions for Postecoglou, perhaps most notably Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison.

The latter duo in particular represent great coups for Spurs, especially given Vicario cost just £17.4 million to prise away from Empoli, while Maddison's signing only set Tottenham back £40 million.

Speaking after the signings of both men, Postecoglou drew particular attention to their attitudes and elite mentalities, with the Austrailian explaining they are exactly what the club needs.

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers," said the former Celtic boss.

"It’s what they bring as people as well because we are going to play football that requires a certain type of personality and character.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room."

However, to make room for these players, certain squad members may be deemed surplus. Indeed, it is believed that Hugo Lloris, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele are nominations to follow Harry Winks out the door.

Lucas Moura and Arnaut Danjuma left north London too, with Dier being one of the names linked to potentially leaving this summer. However, a new report has shed light on the Englishman's situation, and it's other contrary to reports.

Sharing an update on the 29-year-old and his future, reliable Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed he wants to remain at N17, all while being excited by the prospect of working with Postecoglou.

Gold wrote for football.london:

"Eric Dier, who has 12 months left on his contract and returned to training at Hotspur Way this week following his groin surgery at the end of last season, is understood to have no intention of departing the club this summer and is excited about the coming season under Postecoglou."

What's been said about Eric Dier?

The defender has endured his fair share of criticism over the last 12 months, with members of the media calling him "very poor" and "nowhere near the required level" for Spurs to succeed.

However, when at his best, the former Sporting Lisbon star can be a useful asset to Postecoglou. Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, speaking after a 2020 draw with Burnley, heaped praise on Dier for his versatility and attitude.

"I think it’s a question of self-esteem and self-confidence," said Mourinho.

“To be playing so well as a centre-back, to raise the levels of confidence and he goes to midfield and was very, very good. Very, very good.

“When people were asking about his frame of mind I think they don’t need to ask again because I think he was very, very good.”

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has around two months left to build a squad capable of going all the way in the Championship next season after failing during the semi-finals of the play-offs earlier this year.

One area in which the former Blackburn Rovers head coach is seemingly looking to strengthen in is the forward department, as Ross Stewart is the only senior No 9 in the squad as it stands.

The Sunderland Echo recently reported that the club are 'obviously' interested in a deal to sign Ellis Simms from Premier League side Everton.

He spent the first half of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and Kristjaan Speakman is now eyeing a second swoop for the attacker, who is said to be keen on returning to Wearside.

Although, they must first wait for the Toffees to green-light an exit for the centre-forward after Sean Dyche called on him for 11 Premier League matches this year.

Would Ellis Simms be a good signing for Sunderland?

The 22-year-old has the potential to be an exceptional addition to the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign due to his previous form for the club.

Simms' impressive performances in the first half of the last term indicate that he would be a huge upgrade on Joe Gelhardt, who spent the final few months of the season on loan with Mowbray from Leeds United.

The Whites attacker averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.82 across 16 Championship starts and contributed with three goals alongside three assists, whilst the former Wigan man also created two 'big chances' for his teammates.

He ranked 12th among the squad for Sofascore ratings and did not crack the top three performers for Sunderland for goals or assists in the division.

These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old marksman endured a fairly average spell at the Stadium of Light as he was unable to provide quality on a regular basis.

Simms, however, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 across 14 league starts for Sunderland and chipped in with seven goals to go along with two assists and five 'big chances' created.

Only Ross Stewart (7.40) averaged a higher rating than him in the Black Cats squad, which suggests that the English hotshot was one of the team's top performers during his time at the club.

The £3.3k-per-week finisher, who was dubbed an "absolute nuisance" by journalist Phil Smith, has already proven himself capable of delivering excellent performances and consistent end product in the final third under Mowbray's management with the likes of Stewart and Jack Clarke alongside him.

Therefore, Simms could be an exceptional signing as he is a player who could hit the ground running to make an instant impact next season while being a big upgrade on Gelhardt.

Manchester City have made enquiries to Real Madrid over the possible signing of midfielder Fede Valverde, per TEAMtalk.

Manchester City transfer news – Fede Valverde

The arrival of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid has meant English clubs including City have checked in on the potential availability of the Uruguay star.

TEAMtalk claim that the Premier League champions, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool, have all made enquiries with the LaLiga giants about Valverde and to those close to the player, but the message that Valverde does not want to leave, and that Real do not want to sell either.

Valverde has won a haul of trophies with Los Blancos, including LaLiga twice and the Champions League once. He also added the Copa Del Rey to his trophy cabinet this season.

This season, his game time was split almost equally between a central midfield role and one on the right wing.

With the potential for City to lose both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva this summer, Valverde could be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola and with newfound competition in the engine room at the Bernabeu, this rumour is surely likely to rumble on throughout the summer.

Valverde could be the perfect Bernardo Silva replacement

Valverde has been crucial to Real Madrid in recent years, this includes an assist for Vinicius Jr’s Champions League final-winning goal against Liverpool in 2022.

The 24-year-old machine joined Los Blancos' academy in 2016 from Uruguayan club Penarol for a mere £4.5m, and it is now worth an estimated €150m (£129m), according to CIES Football Observatory

England and Chelsea legend Joe Cole spoke glowingly of Valverde’s quality on BT Sport as he compared him to the incoming Bellingham.

“He’s at the top of the young players alongside Jude Bellingham, and he’s about to become the best," the pundit said. “We talk a lot about Bellingham in England, but this kid is as good as he is.”

Silva has been linked with moves away from the Etihad this summer, most notably to clubs in Saudi Arabia. Gundogan, meanwhile, is closing in on a move to Madrid's rivals Barcelona, meaning Guardiola will have a lack of options in midfield.

If the Spaniard does lose a player of Silva’s quality, Valverde would be one hell of a replacement.

It’s hard to understate the importance of Silva since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium from Monaco in 2017. The winger has played over 300 games for the Citizens, contributing as many as 55 goals and 59 assists, per Transfermarkt.

The wide-man has also made 82 appearances for his native Portugal, and has won almost all there is to win in English football during his time at the Etihad Stadium. Silva is a five-time Premier League winner, two-time FA Cup winner, and four-time League Cup winner. Now after defeating Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul, he is also a Champions League and treble winner with the Citizens.

If Silva does leave, Valverde must be a top priority, given the similarities in playing position and statistical profile.

As per FBref, the Madrid maestro ranks among the top 5% of all midfielders across Europe's top-five divisions over the last year for non-penalty expected goals and assists, averaging 0.39 per 90. This is actually more than Silva in Guardiola's squad. Both are in the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, with the City man just getting the nod.

Having been lauded as an "absolute machine" by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguyauan star poses clear and obvious qualities that will be of interest to Guardiola and his coaching staff and if Silva were to leave the Etihad, then this tentative interest must be revisited with a firmer force.

If any club right now has the pulling power to change Valverde’s mind, it’s Man City and Guardiola.