Former Juventus and Real Madrid midfielder Emerson has warned Bianconeri star Paul Pogba against a move to the Bernabeu, citing his own struggles after completing a transfer in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.

Speaking to Tuttosport (h/t Goal’s Stefan Coerts), the Brazilian outlined Pogba‘s current situation and the things he would be giving up if he were to move to the Spanish capital, saying:

Pogba should not make the same mistake that I made.

You have to start all over again when you join a new team. Pogba has a special status at Juventus and has a phenomenon like Andrea Pirlo at his side. I would think twice before making the decision to leave Juventus for Madrid.

It is not all gold that glitters at Real Madrid. Their fans are very demanding. They always expect a new player to make the difference, even more so if a transfer fee of about €100 million has been paid.

Cristiano Ronaldo will always have the backing of the fans after everything he has achieved, but it can be hard for new players who don’t impress right away.

Madrid are one of the best clubs in the world, but Juventus are back to their old level, too. They are dominant in Serie A and have now set their sights on European success.

The Brazil international established himself as one of the best midfielders in all of football and moved to Real in 2006. He was one of many Bianconeri to leave the club after they were relegated as punishment for their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.

After flopping in La Liga, Emerson moved back to Serie A just one season later. He never returned to his old form with AC Milan.

France international Pogba is regarded as the best young midfielder in all of football and a future Ballon d’Or contender, and Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson believes he’s ready to become the most expensive player in the sport’s history very soon:

The 21-year-old recently signed a new deal with the Italian champions, but given his incredible progression and consistent performances, that likely won’t stop interested parties from launching big offers in the summer.

Real are one of the few clubs with the financial firepower to convince Juventus to sell, and Florentino Perez’s tendency to buy as many top stars as possible means Los Blancos will likely be in the thick of the Pogba sweepstakes.

Plenty of fans, like JuveFC.com’s David Tenenbaum, are hopeful the Frenchman will stay in Turin for the foreseeable future, but given the economical state of Italian football, it’s hard to imagine Pogba still playing on the peninsula in 2016:

Emerson can advise the youngster all he wants, but once the giants of European football start waving cash in front of a player like Pogba, it’s hard not to give in to the temptation.

FC Porto‘s Danilo is another prime example, as the full-back is expected to move to the Bernabeu in the summer. Team-mate Jose Angel believes the 23-year-old will be a smash hit for Los Blancos, via Marca‘s Diego Soto:

He’s a great full-back, very attack-minded; he gets up and down the flank well, but also works hard in defence. I think he’s good enough to play at Real Madrid. He’d be great there because he has the right skill set.

He offers a lot going forward, but is great in defence. He’s really tough to beat one on one and when he roams further up the pitch he creates space on the wing, from where he fires in pinpoint crosses.

He’s a very similar player to Maicon when he was at the top of his game at Inter Milan, when Real Madrid were interested in him. He has a similar skill set, which makes him good enough to play at Real Madrid.

Dani Carvajal is the current starter for Los Blancos at right-back, and while the Spain international was fantastic in 2014, his form and consistency have declined since the winter break.

He still has the potential to be a star, but with Alvaro Arbeloa as the only real backup at the position, there’s no young talent pushing the 23-year-old to give it his all. Danilo fits the bill, and his arrival would give Carlo Ancelotti two excellent options for his starting XI.

A starting position won’t be guaranteed, but at the very least, the presence of Danilo should push Carvajal to get back to his best form.

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Juventus legend Emerson became the latest to warn Paul Pogba against leaving the club for the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester United, citing his own transfer flop as a prime example of what can happen.

Speaking to Tuttosport (h/t Goal’s Stefan Coerts), Emerson explained why he believes the France international would be better off staying in Turin:

Pogba should not make the same mistake that I made.

You have to start all over again when you join a new team. Pogba has a special status at Juventus and has a phenomenon like Andrea Pirlo at his side. I would think twice before making the decision to leave Juventus for Madrid.

The Daily Star‘s Jamie Anderson interpreted the Brazilian’s words as a plea to spurn Los Blancos for a Premier League side, but Emerson only touched on the example of Real to illustrate why he believes Pogba should stay put.

JuveFC.com’s David Tenenbaum relayed what the message was all about:

Emerson was a star for the Bianconeri and left the club for the Spanish capital in 2006, only to flop for Real Madrid. He returned to Italy after just one season, signing for AC Milan, but his play never approached its previous heights.

Pogba is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in all of football, and the 21-year-old is expected to be the subject of several bids at the end of the season.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Johnson believes he could one day become the most expensive player on the planet, and that day may not be far off:

Juventus are understandably keen to hold onto their ace midfielder for as long as possible, but with Serie A no longer a prime destination for the top talents in football, it seems only a matter of time before Pogba leaves for a top league.

Pogba’s former club Manchester United will likely be in the mix once the Pogba sweepstakes begins, having the necessary financial power to complete such a massive transfer and a clear need for a physical midfielder.

Emerson’s transfer came at a time when Serie A was still regarded as a top league—AC Milan won the Champions League in the 2006-07 season, while rivals Inter Milan emerged victorious in 2009-10—but the situation has changed in 2015.

Juventus sit a step below the likes of Real and United in the international pecking order, unable to match the giants of football in terms of wages and exposure. It would be fantastic for Serie A if Pogba stayed with the Bianconeri just a little longer, but don’t expect the Frenchman to stay in Turin for the next decade.

One player who could be moving to Juventus is Edinson Cavani, according to French media outlet Le10sport.com (h/t Daily Express‘ Charles Perrin). The 27-year-old rose to fame on the peninsula before completing a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has so far failed to live up to expectations.

United have also been linked with the Uruguay international, per Perrin, and given his struggles so far in the 2014-15 campaign, he could be available for a discount at the end of the season.

As shared by WhoScored.com, efficiency has been a major concern:

Part of his struggles come from the fact that he’s simply not a good fit for PSG’s system, which is built around the play of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cavani has been forced into a wide role more often than not, and while he has been serviceable, the forward can do so much better when played as a lone striker.

The current system hasn’t exactly paid huge dividends for Les Parisiens, via Sky Football’s Matthew Stanger:

The Red Devils have their fair share of misfiring strikers, with Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie both failing to live up to their potential so far this season. Cavani wouldn’t come cheap, even at a discount, and at this point in time, a move to Old Trafford would make little sense.

Juventus need to find a replacement for Carlos Tevez, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, and Cavani‘s best performances came when he played in Serie A. On paper, it looks like a match made in heaven, so expect Cavani to prioritise a move to Turin in the summer.

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Chelsea’s interest in striker Mauro Icardi has led to Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio confirming the Serie A side wish to keep their prolific striker for the “long term.”

Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard believes Inter are unwilling to match Icardi‘s contract demands, something which could help Chelsea “weigh up a summer move.” However, Ausilio suggests the situation will be addressed at the right time, considering Icardi‘s current deal doesn’t expire until 2018, per Transfermarkt.com.

Ausilio‘s comments were reported by David Amoyal, who is part of Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s team:

We don’t consider Icardi‘s situation a problem, maybe someone thinks he deserves more but he’s serene. He has a five-year contract, and that’s an important reality, maybe it was a lot of money when we signed him, if today it isn’t enough there isn’t an urgent deadline, if not we would see him more often.

We want to lock him up long term, we’ll do it at [the] right time and in a way that works for everyone. There is no rush.

Icardi could be an excellent replacement for the diminishing force of Didier Drogba. Although not a powerful holdup man like the Ivorian, the 21-year-old is currently enjoying his best campaign to date. This season’s tally of 13 league goals already eclipses his previous high of 10—scored while playing for Sampdoria in 2012-13.

Rumours of his departure are currently among the most prominent in football, with others recently highlighted by B/R UK’s Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti:

Manager Jose Mourinho always seems to be in the process of maximising the potential of his squad. It’s questionable whether Icardi would readily accept competing for a lone place alongside Diego Costa and Loic Remy, the former of which is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 17, per BBC Sport.

Chelsea’s immense strength in depth continues to provide Mourinho with a wealth of options, highlighted by goalkeeper Petr Cech’s excellent performance during Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Everton. Blues fans will be forgiven for forgetting the likes of Thorgan Hazard, Marco van Ginkel and Patrick Bamford are currently out on loan.

Thorgan, the younger brother of Eden Hazard, is one who may give up waiting for an opportunity in the first-team. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at German club Borussia Monchengladbach, where he has produced two goals and six assists in 24 appearances.

Hazard suggests he could be able to secure a permanent move before the summer, as told to Kicker (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC): “I believe that there will be a decision before the end of the season—the sooner the better.”

This follows on from Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl confirming the club are in negotiations to sign the Belgian, per the club’s website (h/t Uersfeld): “We are still in discussions with Chelsea. The fact of the matter is that Thorgan would like to stay here, Chelsea can see a transfer happening and we want to sign him. All three are very positive signs, so we will try to come to an agreement and hopefully get a contract agreed.”

Thorgan, while talented, is threatening to live in the shadow of his sibling. Eden has 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, and he has developed into one of Chelsea’s key stars. He is likely to be among the PFA Player of the Year candidates, having won the Young Player award last season.

Blues fans may long to witness the two brothers in Chelsea’s lineup, but it seems unlikely this will ever happen. Mourinho could cut plenty of fringe players loose in the summer—the club had 30 players out on loan at the start of the season—particularly if he wishes to make room for Icardi.

UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules ensure the west London side cannot spend above their means, meaning the turnover of players is likely to continue for the Premier League leaders.

Stats via WhoScored unless otherwise noted. 

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Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has stated that the club are looking to “lock” up Mauro Icardi’s long-term future amid rumours the Argentina striker could be heading to the Premier League.

Liverpool are believed to be among the clubs who scouted Icardi during his two-goal performance in the recent 3-0 win over Palermo, reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard. The Reds are “long-term admirers” according to the Daily Star‘s Jonathan Green, who also believes Chelsea “have stepped up their interest” in the 21-year-old.

Ausilio, however, has revealed there is “no rush” to give Icardi a new contract, reported by David Amoyal, who writes on behalf of Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio.

Johnson previously suggested Inter are only willing to up Icardi’s wages to £28,000 per week, failing to match the £43,000 weekly slice he allegedly wants. Ausilio remains relaxed on Icardi’s future, reported by Amoyal:

We don’t consider Icardi’s situation a problem, maybe someone thinks he deserves more but he’s serene. He has a five year contract and that’s an important reality, maybe it was a lot of money when we signed him, if today it isn’t enough there isn’t an urgent deadline, if not we would see him more often. We want to lock him up long term, we’ll do it at right time and in a way that works for everyone, there is no rush.

Icardi has netted 15 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. He is a potential candidate to lead Brendan Rodgers’ 3-4-2-1 formation and can offer clinical quality in the box. He’s a natural finisher, highlighted below:

It seems the Reds may also come up short in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain’s Ezequiel Lavezzi, a player who was heavily linked with Liverpool during the January transfer window, reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express.

According to Italian publication Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Lavezzi is now a target for Inter boss Roberto Mancini, who remains “underwhelmed” by Lukas Podolski’s performances. The on-loan Arsenal forward is yet to net since moving at the beginning of the recently closed window and could head back to north London in search of a permanent move elsewhere.

Mancini “will opt to sign” Lavezzi instead of the German, reported by Anderson. B/R UK’s Sam Tighe recently dissected whether or not Lavezzi would be a smart purchase for Liverpool, who possess a number of similarly styled players:

Lavezzi has suffered a poor season, both on and off the pitch. He was recently accused of showing a “total lack of respect” by PSG boss Laurent Blanc after returning to the French capital late from the Christmas break, reported by the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC).

The 29-year-old has just three goals in 26 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, making him a likely candidate to be chopped in the summer. He would fit in well with Rodgers’ style—he’s direct, quick and can be pushed to work hard—but it seems Mancini will put up a major fight to secure his signature.

Liverpool are getting stronger all the time and have a real possibility of making next season’s Champions League.

Rodgers’ men haven’t lost inside 90 minutes for 15 matches and are looking to build on Tuesday’s terrific 3-2 victory over Tottenham. Quality players are needed to take the team forward in the summer, but with Icardi and Lavezzi reportedly generating major interest, Rodgers may need to scour elsewhere.

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Lukas Podolski is set to return to Arsenal in the summer after failing to impress Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan, according to Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star).

Podolski joined the Italian outfit on loan in January after struggling for first-team opportunities at Arsenal. Anderson suggests he has “underwhelmed” Mancini, who will opt to spend greater cash to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Ezequiel Lavezzi at the end of the season.

Even so, Anderson believes Podolski’s north London reunion will be “brief.” It’s questionable whether we’ll ever see the German international in an Arsenal shirt again, particularly when you consider the poor form and public irritation he displayed while at the Emirates.

Podolski scored three goals in 13 appearances across all competitions this season for Arsenal, two of which came during his only start against Galatasaray, per WhoScored.com. He is yet to net in six appearances for Inter, where he hasn’t managed to make Arsene Wenger regret letting him leave.

The former Bayern Munich man was critical of the Frenchman upon leaving Arsenal, reported by The Sun (h/t Sky Sports):

He said nothing to me. He did not call or say goodbye. I don’t need flowers or a kiss from him. But it is about respect, about saying goodbye. For me, respect is important. I did everything for the club I possibly could have. I don’t believe I did anything wrong.

A parting shot of this kind makes it even more difficult for Podolski to be welcomed back to England with open arms. Even if Mancini opts for Lavezzi, it’s unlikely Arsenal fans will see Podolski bombing down the left wing again.

Someone who could operate this side is Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao, a player Arsenal have reportedly scouted in recent weeks, reported by Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro). It is suggested the full-back has been added to the club’s “list of summer targets” and that the Gunners are “set to make an official offer for the player,” per Sanderson.

Coentrao is a quality all-rounder, the type of individual who struggles to break into the Madrid first-team but would excel elsewhere.

Wenger has deployed Nacho Monreal at left-back in Kieran Gibbs’ absence this season, making additional strength necessary in the summer. Coentrao has the versatility to play further forward and has even been known to slot into defensive midfield, so he could be a smart capture.

The Portuguese player is currently struggling with injury, per AS:

Coentrao’s transfer would be among the most noteworthy of the summer. Bleacher Report UK’s Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently looked at a handful of other deals which could grab headlines across Europe:

Wenger’s squad is moving in the right direction. His capture of centre-back Gabriel Paulista during the January transfer window ensures Arsenal have enough defensive cover to see out the season, but there’s no doubt additional quality is needed across the board if the club are to challenge in all competitions.

It’s likely Wenger will target another forward when the summer market opens, particularly if Podolski’s reported return is short-lived. Arsenal have spent big during the last two end-of-season windows—bringing in Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez—so it’s likely Wenger will once again drop significant cash to improve the squad.

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Filipe Luis has made a point of publicly showing he is happy at Chelsea after taking to Twitter to combat claims he wishes to exit Stamford Bridge.

Spanish publication AS (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star) recently claimed Luis has “realised how content he was” at Atletico Madrid, the club he departed for Chelsea in the summer. “It’s suggested that he confessed to fellow Brazilian Miranda that he would like to come back,” notes Wilson.

The left-back has responded quickly, making his love for the Premier League leaders well and truly known:

Luis has made 16 appearances across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. The attack-minded full-back has largely failed to knock Cesar Azpilicueta out of the team, but he enjoyed a recent run in Jose Mourinho‘s side during the Spaniard’s recent recovery from injury.

His presence in the squad underlines Chelsea’s top-quality back-up. Luis would automatically make it into most teams in the world, but to be able to field him in something of a rotational role underlines the strength at Mourinho‘s disposal.

Supporters will likely wish to focus on who the club could bring in during the summer transfer window.

Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard believes Mauro Icardi has become a “contract rebel” at Inter Milan, who are not prepared to meet his £43,000 per week wages demands. The striker’s name continues to be linked with Chelsea, who are “considering” a move, per Johnson.

Interestingly, speculation has emerged suggesting Bastian Schweinsteiger could be looking for a route away from Bayern Munich.

Chelsea are outlined as potential candidates for his signature by Bruce Archer of the Daily Express, who indicates the German midfielder believes, “he could move abroad.” This information allegedly comes from Schweinsteiger‘s upcoming autobiography, with Archer citing Spanish sources.

Mourinho is a lover of all-action midfield leaders. During his initial spell in west London, the Portuguese boss deployed Claude Makelele in a holding role, before trying to sign Steven Gerrard. He eventually settled on Michael Ballack, a player who offers similar physicality and energy to German counterpart Schweinsteiger.

Chelsea’s midfield has been in excellent shape this season. Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas offer an often match-winning blend of tackling ability and vision, instantly forming arguably the best central midfield partnership in the division (aided by Oscar sitting just ahead). John Obi Mikel has also performed well during his bit-part displays, and Ramires is currently enjoying a rich turn of form.

There’s no denying Schweinsteiger would be a quality addition, though. The World Cup winner has captured everything imaginable at the Allianz Arena and could continue to progress with a different challenge. He is 30, after all, and may fancy proving his worth outside the Bundesliga.

Schweinsteiger‘s move would undoubtedly be one of the biggest transfers of the summer. B/R UK’s Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently weighed up other potential deals which could provide headlines across the continent:

Mourinho continues to fine-tune his squad. Despite only returning to Chelsea at the start of last season, he has proven decisive and ready to act when pinpointing transfer targets. Matic and Fabregas are the result of a manager who doesn’t settle for anything less than world-class.

Schweinsteiger would fit in well and, indeed, further galvanise one of Europe’s most complete squads.

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Manchester United are one of four clubs currently courting Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, according to reports.

BeIN Sports’ Tancredi Palmeri suggests Chelsea are making the most noise ahead of potentially capturing the 21-year-old striker:

Icardi took his Serie A goals total to 13 this season with his recent brace against Palermo, reported by WhoScored.com. Louis van Gaal will have the opportunity of signing Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether the Colombian will prove his worth during his current loan spell. If he doesn’t, Icardi could be an option.

Falcao has scored four Premier League goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances this campaign, per WhoScored.com. His work-rate has been impressive, but it’s difficult to shake the feeling this isn’t the same player who romped through Europe at his previous clubs, noted by former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker:

The 29-year-old striker missed an excellent opportunity to equalise during United’s recent draw with West Ham, a result which was salvaged through a last-gasp Daley Blind strike. Falcao continues to throw his weight around but is regularly knocked off the ball.

His partnership with Robin van Persie is slowing United’s forward play, and in truth, Falcao hasn’t hit domestic double-figures since 2013, per WhoScored.com. This is something Icardi has already achieved with an improving Inter side, potentially giving Van Gaal something to think about for the summer.

United are also said to be eyeing Palermo’s Paulo Dybala, tweeted by BT Sport:

Reported target Marco Reus is said to be on the brink of penning a contract extension at Borussia Dortmund, per Ben Jefferson of the Express. Will Tidey of B/R UK thinks Van Gaal will pass with this in mind:

Such a player could be a long-term replacement for Angel Di Maria, who has confirmed he wishes to return to Argentina to finish his playing days. While this shouldn’t happen for some years yet—the 26-year-old is just getting started at Old Trafford—his desire at least provides United ample time to plan for the future.

Di Maria spoke to FifaTV (h/t Jack De Menezes of The Independent):

I think the next step would be to go back to Rosario Central, another giant! Let me explain: it’s true, I have played for big European clubs already. I’ve played two World Cups, I’ve won the Champions League.

I started at Benfica, not as big but one of the biggest clubs in Portugal. I’ve played for Real Madrid. Then I moved to Manchester United, from a giant to another giant. I think after this, it’ll be time to go back home. I hope so.

United’s decision not to spend in January and incoming £75 million per-season shirt deal with Adidas ensures the club can go big in the summer. Players such as Icardi, Dybala and Reus represent real options for Van Gaal, who needs to continue adding quality to his squad.

The Red Devils will become a more attractive prospect if Champions League football can be attained, a feat which would also allow the club to spend further cash in their attempt to become one of Europe’s powerhouse teams once more.

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Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Mauro Icardi’s agent after a host of Premier League clubs were said to have scouted the Inter Milan striker during his two-goal performance in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Palermo.

Tancredi Palmeri of BeIN Sports provided the lowdown:

Icardi is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract at the San Siro, according to Serie A specialist David Amoyal, who writes on behalf of Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio:

The negotiation continues, while a divorce is still a possibility. Inter and Icardi have ongoing conversations about an extension for the striker who currently earns €1 million net. The club has offered €2.8 million a season, but they are still discussing the image rights.

Inter recently changed their policy, they want to control all of those revenues, but they are willing to make an exception and leave Icardi 50 percent.

Amoyal notes that, “despite the ongoing talks, it’s possible Icardi leaves in the summer.” The 21-year-old’s current contract runs until 2018, so his value isn’t likely to take a massive dip for another two seasons.

Inter are likely preserving their own interests with negotiations—perhaps inserting a buyout clause—to ensure prospective suitors pay top dollar for the man who has netted 13 goals in the Italian division this season, reported by WhoScored.com.

Icardi’s brushes with controversy always threaten to lower his value, however. He recently got into a heated confrontation with Inter fans after the team’s defeat to Sassuolo, reported Marcus Christenson of The Guardian. He is also famed for marrying the ex-wife of former team-mate Maxi Lopez, who he failed to shake hands with on the pitch in April 2014.

The youngster certainly picked an excellent time to perform well if scouts were present against Palermo, though, noted by WhoScored.com:

Icardi’s game is built around a natural fire, the kind which you wouldn’t want to completely extinguish in fear of him losing his edge. Those monitoring the player will undoubtedly be making note of the silly antics, but when all is said and done, Icardi’s ability to score goals will signal his true value.

Chelsea currently play a lone striker, so it’s difficult to suggest he would receive much playing time at Stamford Bridge. Both Diego Costa and Loic Remy are capable of spearheading the line every week, while Didier Drogba’s time is running out as a top-level footballer. Whether Icardi would settle for being one of three quality options is debateable.

Manchester United’s interest is curious. Louis van Gaal needs to make a decision over Radamel Falcao’s permanent signing at the end of the season. If he doesn’t bother to retain the Colombian, United will have ample funds to spend on a new striker. The Red Devils need pace up top, however, particularly if Robin van Persie is to continue slowing down.

Liverpool already possess one hot-headed Italian in the form of Mario Balotelli, a punt which has paid off with exactly zero Premier League goals this season. Balotelli’s potential exit would be among the most interest-generating moves of the summer, with other potentially interesting deals recently outlined by Bleacher Report UK’s Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti:

Manchester City’s reported interest appears misplaced after the club spent £28 million on Wilfried Bony in January. Considering Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic still reside at the Etihad Stadium, there’s little room for Icardi right now. 

Should Icardi continue to mop up in the box with regular goals, the controversies and headlines won’t matter. Should he fail to maintain a consistent run of form, these stories will be amplified. There’s certainly a rough diamond on offer here, a player who can go far if he focuses, but Icardi is a risk. 

Jose Mourinho has proven he doesn’t mind taking a chance in the past—Costa is hardly a squeaky-clean player—so it wouldn’t be beyond the Portuguese manager to submit a bid for the Italian and, indeed, get the best out of him.

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Liverpool “sent a scout” to watch Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala in action during Inter Milan’s 3-0 win over Palermo on Sunday, according to Gazetta dello Sport (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo).

Both strikers are in hot demand this season and are among Serie A’s top goalscorers, per WhoScored.com. Icardi took his tally to 13 with his brace in the aforementioned victory, while Dybala remains on 11 after failing to build on his goal against Verona the week before.

Walsh suggests Liverpool “wanted to keep an eye on” the duo as they squared up at the San Siro. They are wildly different players but could fulfill Brendan Rodgers’ current need to sign a top-quality central striker.

Icardi is a tempestuous, difficult character whose argumentative nature recently saw him confront Inter fans with expletives after the defeat to Sassuolo, reported by Marcus Christenson of The Guardian. Despite his two goals against Palermo, the 21-year-old opted not to celebrate in front of his own supporters.

“It is his decision not to celebrate, but I can assure you in the locker room he was very happy,” said his team-mate Fredy Guarin, per Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia).

The Italian feeds off chances fired into the box but could be accused of being selfish on the pitch. He has played 0.7 key passes per match this season, averaging just 15.9 passes each fixture with a success rate of 73.1 percent in the domestic league, recorded by WhoScored.

Icardi has also only completed an average of 0.2 dribbles in every display, so it’s questionable whether he would fit in with Liverpool, whose players work for each other. Dyabala appears a more natural fit and possesses the attributes associated with Liverpool’s frontline: pace, energy and creativity.

Indeed, he has completed 1.4 key passes per match, averaging 32.1 passes with a success rate of 82.6 percent, per WhoScored. He also creates his own space with three successful dribbles every appearance and has six assists to Icardi‘s one. Dybala is far more of a natural worker and less of a risk for a manager who has consistently banished moody summer signing Mario Balotelli to the bench (or out of the squad) this season.

Dybala‘s qualities are highlighted below, per BT Sport:

It’s also worth noting he missed a clanger against Inter, tweeted by beIN Sports’ Tancredi Palmeri:

Both players are likely to interest many clubs throughout Europe. Icardi has been touted for a move to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the past, meaning Liverpool may struggle to compete financially if huge sums are involved.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini previously placed a €40 million tag on Dybala‘s head, telling Mediaset (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC), “Within two years, he’s going to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic.”

This is unlikely to turn out true, but he’s certainly a top prospect for the future. Liverpool will most likely need Champions League qualification to lure players of this potential in the summer.

Daniel Sturridge’s recent return indicates Rodgers will have ample firepower at his disposal for a push to make fourth, but his fitness and Balotelli‘s inability to score a Premier League goal means it’s possible Liverpool could come up short. Such a failure would see the club fall behind those vying to take Icardi and Dybala elsewhere at the end of the season.

Rodgers certainly needs someone to mop up chances in the opposition’s box, as much of Liverpool’s excellent work is done outside the area.

A clinical, speedy marksman stationed in the middle to provide runs ahead of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho could see Liverpool score with greater regularity—they haven’t netted more than twice in 10 matches, per WhoScored—a feat that would allow the team to maintain pace with England’s best.

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Celtic travel to Dundee to take on Paul Hartley’s high-flying side in the marquee fixture of the fifth round of the 2015 Scottish Cup, while Glasgow Rangers face a difficult afternoon when they host Raith Rovers.

Rangers are still reeling after the bitter loss against arch-rivals Celtic in the League Cup, and with issues surrounding the club off the pitch—the squad is making more headlines with the Dave King takeover than their actual performances, per BBC Sport—Sunday’s match comes with some serious upset potential.

Dundee have been more than solid since winning promotion to the SPFL last season and caused the upset of the fourth round by eliminating Aberdeen back in November, so cup favourites Celtic will be warned. Here’s the full schedule for the fifth round:

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Celtic Will Struggle But Survive against Dundee

Scottish champions Celtic unsurprisingly lead the SPFL standings, having yet to lose a match in 2015, and look primed to add several trophies to their impressive collection of silverware in 2015.

The Hoops were among the more active teams during the winter transfer window, highlighted by the signing of Dundee United duo Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, per Sky Sports:

The Old Firm may no longer carry the same meaning as it did before Rangers’ liquidation, but it’s still arguably one of the highlights of Celtic’s season. A relatively easy 2-0 win on Sunday means the visitors will travel to Dundee with plenty of momentum.

Despite all of that, fans shouldn’t expect a walk in the park on Saturday. The Dees sit well outside the relegation zone, so the Scottish Cup is likely the club’s main objective right now.

Manager Hartley told BBC Sport he knows Saturday’s clash won’t be easy, but after a strong first season back in the top flight, he’s confident of Dundee’s chances:

We know it’s going to be an extremely hard game but it’s one we’re really focused on and looking forward to.

We’re six games unbeaten, so we’ve been consistent over the last few weeks and we need to try and keep that going.

We’ve got a chance to progress to the quarter-finals and supporters always look forward to a good cup run.

Celtic will play Partick Thistle and St. Johnstone in the league before the highly anticipated Europa League fixture against Italian heavyweights Inter Milan, and with the Nerrazzuri struggling in Serie A, it’s all too easy to get carried away with the club’s current streak of good fortune.

Reuters’ Jamie McGeever is just about on cloud nine right now:

Going into Saturday’s match with that mentality could result in disaster, and fans better hope the players are taking this clash a little more seriously. Dundee are unbeaten since the derby against Dundee United on New Year’s Day, and the hosts should not be taken lightly at all.

Controversy Will Doom Rangers against Raith Rovers

As if the Dave King takeover didn’t provide Rangers with enough distractions, even more controversy broke out on Thursday. Chief executive Derek Llambias was forced to hold a press conference to deny claims the board is influencing team selections at Ibrox, per BBC Sport’s Chris McLaughlin:

Those comments came in response to caretaker manager Kenny McDowall, who told reporters he is being forced to play five loan signings from Newcastle United, a club owned by Rangers shareholder Mike Ashley, via BBC Sport.

McDowall has already resigned from his post and is currently in charge of the squad on a 12-month notice period. To call the current situation at Ibrox “unhealthy” would be an understatement.

Sporting Life’s Gavin McGrane is predicting an upset at the hands of Raith Rovers on Sunday, and it’s easy to see why:

Rovers are built for a deep cup run, playing the kind of feisty, defensive football that can drive opposing teams mad. Last weekend, Hibernian spent the bulk of the second half trying to kill Raith off, only to watch striker Christian Nade score in injury time to conserve a point for his team.

Hibs were frustrated by Rovers’ defensive resiliency throughout the match despite leading for the majority of the second half, and the result at Easter Road will give the visitors plenty of confidence ahead of their trip to Ibrox.

Add Rangers’ struggles, question marks regarding McDowall’s motivation, the controversial loan signings and the emotional impact of the loss to Celtic, and you have a recipe for disaster for the home side.

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