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Tottenham Hotspur has started life without Harry Kane optimistically after the 30-year-old completed a £100m move to Bayern Munich this month, but the London side still need to replace their distinguished talisman.

What's the latest on Ivan Toney to Tottenham?

According to The Times, Brentford are bracing up for the inevitable January onslaught for the signature of striker Ivan Toney, with Arsenal and Spurs both interested in the Premier League sharpshooter.

The 27-year-old will complete a ban for betting breaches in January, coinciding with the winter transfer window, and Thomas Frank's outfit are prepared to negotiate if their £80m valuation is met.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Such a figure might be deemed exorbitant by most, but Ange Postecoglou needs a new focal frontman, and Toney could be the perfect fit to replace Kane and enhance the collective Lilwhites squad.

How good is Ivan Toney?

The English talisman made his Premier League debut way back in 2015/16, making substitute appearances against Chelsea and Manchester United for Newcastle United, failing to make waves on Tyneside and joining Peterborough United in 2018 after a plethora of loan spells.

The doubts that the Magpies had vis-a-vis Toney's calibre were swiftly eradicated, as Toney plundered 45 goals and 15 assists from 94 matches before he penned a deal with Brentford, where he had spearheaded an ascent from Championship to Premier League prominence.

During that decisive second-tier campaign in 2020/21, the "unique" and "special footballer" – as Frank has waxed lyrical over his star man – posted a whopping 33 goals and ten assists as the Bees flew up the football ladder, and where he failed on the first occasion, his current stint in the Premier League has been nothing short of resounding.

Indeed, Toney scored another 12 times in the 2021/22 campaign before he netted 20 strikes last term, and his brilliance in and around the box has left the likes of Spurs and Arsenal so desperate to secure his services, so eager to welcome him to the fold despite his ongoing suspension.

At Tottenham, Toney would easily replace Kane – the club's record scorer with 280 goals from 435 outings – and bring his precision in decisive moments and admirable link-up play to enhance the Lilywhites' squad.

One star who would undoubtedly benefit from his arrival would be Richarlison, who has struggled to live up to the £60m price tag after Spurs signed the Brazilian from Everton last summer.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has only scored three times from 37 displays for the Australian's side, branded "toothless" by reporter Andrew Gaffney for his subpar showings last term.

However, Richarlison is a dynamic and energetic “warrior” of a forward, as has been proclaimed by former manager Antonio Conte, and he would finally start firing with Toney alongside him, having scored 20 times from 44 games for Brazil and 53 times from 152 outings for Everton.

While it's true that Richarlison did not find his feet last term despite boasting the all-embracing Kane as his teammate, Postecoglou's arrival and Kane's subsequent departure have signalled a new era for the club, who have started well after drawing away against Brentford before dispatching Manchester United on home grass.

Toney, who recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.25 last season and complimented his prolific striking record with 2.8 shots per game – also creating 12 big chances – was praised for having the "mindset of a lion" by his Brentford manager.

Considering the esteemed Kane created 14 himself last term, it highlights just how good Toney's link-up play and selflessness is, despite his cutting edge and how it could quickly benefit Postecoglou.

The Aussie boss will be aware that Toney's signature cannot be procured until January, but the evidence on the pitch is that Spurs are raring to go and avenge the mishaps of last season, and what a way to bolster the squad, should Toney arrive to inject his presence at the season's midpoint.

Arsenal may have seemingly tied up all of their transfer business for the summer, but with deadline day fast approaching, Mikel Arteta could be swept up in the late drama to push for a few late acquisitions…

Is Ansu Fati leaving Barcelona?

Having welcomed Kai Havertz to the Emirates as their first signing of the window, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and David Raya all followed suit by joining the north London revolution which has ambitions of claiming the Premier League title this season.

However, their stuttering start to the campaign has immediately drawn questions regarding their capability to achieve such a feat, with a real lack of creativity and cutting edge leading to three unconvincing results against far weaker opposition.

Therefore, perhaps there might be one final move to be made, adding another attack-minded winger to round off a squad suitably bolstered.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Although their mooted interest in Barcelona's Ansu Fati clearly came to nothing, given his move to Brighton and Hove Albion is now imminent, perhaps they could instead seek to reignite another rumour by plucking Kaoru Mitoma from the side who snagged the Spaniard from them.

After all, the blow would be softened by their brand new signing and would be sufficiently renumerated given his reported £50m price tag.

How good is Kauro Mitoma?

Whilst the 20-year-old dynamo boasts immense potential, with a wealth of experience far beyond many within his age category, there remain a few key factors that could suggest Fati might not have been the right fit for what Arteta is trying to build.

All fees via Sky Sports

After all, his move is a straight loan deal, meaning after one year he will depart the Emirates, offering now long-term value to a project that is nearly four years in the making.

Not only that, but the injury history of the Spain international is highly questionable, and should those issues flare up once again, it could turn into a very expensive headache for the 41-year-old head coach, who already has spent big this summer.

Meanwhile, Mitoma has more than earned his status as one of the Premier League's most dangerous wingers, racking up 36 appearances in the competition after a stellar last season that has caught the eye.

The 26-year-old is at a fine age to both earn success now whilst also continuing his growth, and did score ten and assist a further eight across all competitions last term, firing the Seagulls into Europe and giving their fans a trip to Wembley as they reached the FA Cup semi-final – journalist Dan George sought to outline his success from that year, noting:

"Special football player! What a season Kaoru Mitoma is having".

This form has clearly been translated into the new term too, given he already has three goal contributions in as many league matches so far.

To see writer Seb Stafford-Bloor having branded him "outrageous" and "magic" should come as no surprise, as when compared to other wingers across Europe, Mitoma sits in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.

He is a consistent goal threat with the ability to score and create for his team, and although Fati already boasts 112 appearances for the Catalan giants, his seven goals and four assists in LaLiga mark a worse return than his alternative from last year, in a division ranked well below the English top flight on UEFA's coefficient list, despite being second.

Whilst Fati will likely mark a fine addition to Roberto De Zerbi's team, it does mark an opportunity for Arteta to secure an alternative by now prying Mitoma from them at the eleventh hour.

Southampton's quest to bounce straight back up to the Premier League has got off to a flying start.

Under the stewardship of new manager Russell Martin, the Saints have scored ten goals and registered three wins from a possible four on the board.

Martin's possession-heavy style has worked a treat so far and to ensure their standards don't slip, the club have recently dipped into the loan market, acquiring Newcastle's Ryan Fraser, Everton's Mason Holgate and West Ham's Flynn Downes.

The quality Southampton have been able to add, particularly in the loan market, is a remarkable feat for a club in the second tier and this is demonstrated by the top-flight experience accumulated between the aforementioned trio.

What is the Southampton team news vs Sunderland?

When Southampton travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland this afternoon, Martin virtually has a fully fit squad to choose from, and that is a frightening prospect for the Black Cats.

While centre-back Jack Stephens is their only current casualty after suffering an injury last weekend, Holgate is a fine replacement, and he is likely to make his debut alongside Jan Bednarek.

Further forward, Downes could be handed his first start for the club, but he faces strong competition from central midfielders Carlos Alcaraz, Stuart Armstrong and Shea Charles.

The most exciting of the Saints inclusions could be the lightning-quick Fraser, who would offer an injection of urgency and experience to make way for 17-year-old starlet Samuel Amo-Ameyaw.

How good is Ryan Fraser?

Fraser's rapid rise to stardom began in 2012, joining Bournemouth at the start of their ascendancy up the football league pyramid, ending with a fairytale promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

The "electric" winger, as lauded by journalist Sean McCormick, would go on to spend eight years at the Cherries, appearing for the club on 208 occasions and registering 57 goal contributions.

His most impressive season came in 2018/19, registering an extraordinary seven goals and 14 assists in the top flight, alerting the likes of Arsenal to a potential transfer.

The following season saw his stock take a dramatic tumble as the Scotland international only managed five goal contributions in 28 appearances during the 2019/20 season.

Having joined Newcastle in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer, Fraser has been unable to replicate the highs of his time at Bournemouth, scoring only three goals in 59 appearances for the Magpies.

While his time in the North East hasn't worked out as he would have liked, moving back down south can see Fraser resurrect his career and become a key piece to Martin's promotion puzzle.

The 31-year-old has the telling attributes to become a difference-maker for this Saints side, utilising his electric pace and low centre of gravity to help unlock opposition defences.

Not only would his pace and dribbling provide Martin with an ace in his pack when trying to break down low blocks, but Fraser is also capable of matching, if not, bettering the statistical output of most wingers at Championship level.

During Fraser's most productive season in 2018/19, the 5 foot 4 ace produced monstrous numbers that saw him stand out when comparing his per 90 stats to his positional peers in the Premier League.

He ranked in the top 1% for assists (0.40), top 2% for crosses (7.70), top 3% for key passes (2.62), top 7% for progressive passes recorded (7.93) and top 15% for non-penalty goals (0.20), as per FBref.

If Fraser can roll back the years and start to produce a similar level of attacking output at Championship level, Martin will have a player on their hands who is capable of firing them to promotion. That begins by unleashing him against Sunderland today for his full debut, in a game that could see him get his career back on track.

There have been key updates over Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson's Newcastle United futures recently, but another player could also be about to extend his stay at St James' Park.

Which Newcastle players are extending their deals?

The Magpies have made a dispiriting start to their Premier League season, having gone into it with such high hopes, especially after dispatching of Aston Villa 5-1 at home on the opening weekend, in what was a scintillating performance.

Since then, Eddie Howe's side have lost three league matches in a row, firstly away to champions Manchester City, then at home to 10-man Liverpool and finally at Brighton last time around, in which they were comprehensively outplayed in a 3-1 defeat.

The hope is that this is just a minor blip during what is a difficult run of fixtures, but it is vital that things improve quickly, or Newcastle will risk a top-four finish looking like an uphill battle.

While some exciting new signings have come in this summer, from Sandro Tonali to Harvey Barnes, it is just as important to keep hold of current key players, tying them down to new contracts and ensuring the team continues to improve for many years to come.

Bruno and Wilson are two of those who are said be on the verge of extending their stays at the club, but another individual could also be set to do the same.

What's going on with Joelinton?

According to The Telegraph, Joelinton is also now in discussions with Newcastle over a new-and-improved deal at St James' Park, in a report that also discussed his dip in form alongside Bruno:

"It has been the same for Joelinton, who has been struggling with a knee injury and was, by his all-action standards, a passenger in Newcastle’s midfield against Brighton.

"Joelinton certainly has the personality to cope with criticism, He was widely derided under former manager Steve Bruce and flopped as a centre-forward, but he is adored by fans now and is loved for his commitment and character as much as anything."

This is fantastic news for Newcastle, with Joelinton enjoying one of the great turnarounds in fortunes in recent years, becoming a vital figure after initially looking like a lukewarm signing.

His physicality and quality on the ball have made him a massive part of the Magpies' midfield, and at 27 years of age, there is still plenty to come from him, having scored 22 goals and registered 11 assists in 161 appearances to date.

Granted, the Brazilian's form this season has been a little underwhelming, which applies to a number of players in truth, but it will surely be no time at all until he is back to his best, considering he has been hailed as "amazing" player by Ally McCoist in the recent past.

Reliable reporter Mark Hendry has shared what he’s heard out of Celtic following rumours of a potential move to bring Jota back to Parkhead.

Is Jota returning to Celtic?

The Hoops enjoyed a productive transfer window over the summer under new manager Brendan Rodgers. The club managed to bring in 10 new players at a total cost of just under £20m and still brought in a healthy profit due to Jota’s big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

The 24-year-old moved to Al Ittihad in a deal worth £25m, however, things haven’t quite gone to plan, with Jota making just five appearances so far. Al Ittihad also brought in nine overseas players but are only able to register eight, resulting in Jota being the man left out and only able to feature in AFC Champions League and Club World Cup games.

It was even claimed that Jota requested for his contract to be terminated but saw that rejected, with Tottenham one club to be linked with a move. Celtic have also been rumoured over making a potential swoop, with pundit Frank McAvennie recently saying:

“Someone told me Jota is coming back in January.

“It would be nice to have him back because you know what you are getting with him but I do think Brendan will need to sit down with the powers that be and tell them that he needs to sign some players.”

However, Hendry shared an update for Football Scotland regarding the Hoops and Jota in the last 48 hours. The reliable reporter stated that ‘sources have confirmed’ that no movement or approach has been made to bring Jota back to Glasgow in what ‘would be a major swoop’, with the club not considering a transfer.

Who did Celtic sign this summer?

It doesn’t look as if Jota will return to Scotland, however, as mentioned, Celtic have a number of new players thanks to the Portuguese attacker’s sale.

Maik Nawrocki, Luis Palma, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Tomoki Iwata all penned permanent Parkhead deals, whereas Nat Phillips and Paulo Bernardo joined on loan from Liverpool and Benfica respectively.

Palma, Yang and Tilio are naturally wingers, so Celtic aren’t exactly short of options despite the loss of Jota, with Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and the injured Liel Abada also on the books.

Bringing back a player of Jota’s quality could have been nice for Rodgers, especially if it was for a cut-price fee, however, the Northern Irishman will have to work with what he has until the New Year, recently hinting that he wanted one or two more additions over the summer.

"We work with the players who are here. I’m not saying that in any disrespectful way. I think every manager will tell you they maybe wish they could have done one or two more signings but the window closed, we had the players we had and we will work with the best players at our disposal to make our performance level as best as it can be."

Jurgen Klopp has come to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold after he claimed that Liverpool's trophies "mean more" than Manchester City's.

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• Liverpool to host Man City at Anfield
• Tempers are flaring in the build-up
• Klopp defended his star full-back

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City – a match that could significantly impact the Premier League title race. With the Reds holding a narrow one-point lead over City in the league table, Sunday's showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the season.

  However, tensions escalated in the lead-up to the match when Alexander-Arnold suggested that City had acquired their success through financial muscle-flexing and hence the titles won at Merseyside hold more value than at the Etihad. He emphasised the emotional attachment and significance of winning the title for Liverpool, claiming that it "means more" to his team.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Erling Haaland responded sharply to Alexander-Arnold's comments, asserting the importance of winning the treble and implying that the Liverpool full-back may not fully comprehend the feeling of such achievement as he has yet to win one. Despite the backlash, Klopp stood firmly by Alexander-Arnold, stating that he saw nothing wrong with his player's remarks. He further highlighted one of the club's slogans, "this means more," to emphasise the emotional connection and passion associated with representing Liverpool in the defence of his player.

• WHAT KLOPP SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Klopp said: "I had a few people telling me what I should say (laughs). I am not sure how often in this club that we have to say how much we respect City. Pep is the best manager in the world. They have incredible players. At the moment they have the best No 9, Haaland, who scores when he wants. Kevin De Bruyne will go down in history with players like Steven Gerrard! Phil Foden, the best English player at the moment. We all respect that.

  "Trent respects that. But he is born in Liverpool, he stood on the bins [outside Melwood to watch players train as a kid]. What would you think in that situation? One of our slogans, that I love, is 'this means more'. It means more to us. This club is special to us. So if we feel it, why shouldn't we be allowed to say it? I am not really interested [in outside opinions]. It's just how he feels. How we feel and I have absolutely no problem about that. I just got told about it. I am pretty sure he showed total respect as well. In the last decade, Man City is the most successful team in English football and maybe Europe. It's ridiculous record they have. It means a lot for their people I am sure. We're still allowed to think what we want. But nothing wrong with what Trent said in my view."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The sentiment of "this means more" resonates deeply within Liverpool, reflecting the club's rich history, traditions, and the unwavering support of its passionate fanbase. As the Reds prepare to face off against City, the message is clear: for the players, the staff, and the fans, this match holds immense importance and represents more than just a game of football. Expect nothing short of a Sunday blockbuster at Anfield!

Liverpool could have to replace Mohamed Salah in the near future, and they are interested in signing someone even faster than him, according to a fresh transfer update.

Could Salah leave Liverpool in 2024?

The time will come when the Reds have to find a successor for Salah, who is out of contract at Anfield in the summer of 2025. There was a huge amount of interest in him during the summer transfer window, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad seeing a £150m bid rejected, but there is every chance that they could be back in for him in 2024.

At that point, the 31-year-old will only have a year remaining on his deal, so Liverpool will know that it may well be the last opportunity to earn enormous money for him, while a move away could even appeal to the player himself. Replacing Salah may prove to be an almost impossible task for FSG and Jurgen Klopp, should he move on at the end of the season, but it looks as though one new attacker is being lined up at Anfield.

Liverpool line-up speedster to replace Salah

Speaking to Caught Offside [via Empire of the Kop], journalist Christian Falk claimed that young Hoffenheim winger Maximilian Beier is seen as a potential signing by Liverpool, labelling the player as "interesting".

"Another name on Liverpool’s list is Maximilian Beier of Hoffenheim – I heard he’s definitely on the list, as he brings something that’s very interesting for Liverpool! His high speed this season was 35.45kmph.

"He’s not very expensive, which would fit into Liverpool’s business model. Keep in mind, though, that Brentford and Everton’s interest in the player is concrete."

In truth, the hope is that Salah remains at Liverpool beyond this season and also 2025, considering the Egyptian King is still a world-class player who could be at the top well into his 30s. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but Beier could certainly be an intriguing option as a long-term successor.

The 20-year-old has been hailed for the "dynamism" that he possesses by Hoffenheim head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo recently, and he is actually even faster than Salah, having clocked a speed of 35.45km/h, as Falk mentioned, compared to the Egyptian's tally of 33.9mk/h.

Granted, Beier is still a raw player who is learning his trade at the top level, but he looks to have the right qualities to be a great fit at Liverpool, already scoring six goals in 18 appearances for Hoffenheim, and once in two caps for Germany's Under-21s, making this one to watch.

Chelsea have managed to make a decision on the future of a first-team star who has attracted high-profile interest over the last few months, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest news involving Chelsea?

Speaking on The Overlap, former Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has indicated his belief that Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk should be given an extended run in Mauricio Pochettino's starting line-up.

The 45-year-old stated: “When you bring a player in, for instance, Mudryk, we know he hasn’t done well. He cost £80million-odd, but they’re still buying wingers left, right, and centre. I’m thinking you’ve got to give that lad a chance. You’ve got to say there’s a path to go and play. Every player must feel like there’s not really an opportunity there for them because there’s someone going to take their place two games later."

Blues' boss Pochettino meanwhile is of the opinion that Chelsea's performances haven't been fairly reflected in terms of results so far this term, as he stated in a recent interview: "I really believe in the project because I think the balance is good, but the problem is that we cannot show it.

"The results don’t reflect the balance because we have players who should be important today who are not in the team because they are injured. Even with all the players fit maybe you can lose games but when there are the circumstances that we have now, it is about having patience and trying to recover all the players."

Is Armando Broja leaving Chelsea?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer guru Romano has detailed that Chelsea striker Armando Broja is set to remain at Stamford Bridge despite interest in his services from the likes of West Ham United and AC Milan. Romano stated: "For Armando Broja, it is really important for him to be back and play some minutes and return to his level. It is important to mention that over the summer two clubs approached Chelsea – AC Milan and West Ham – and one more club from abroad, really interested in Armando Broja."

He then added: "Chelsea discussed internally about the situation but then their position was very clear – Armando Broja is not for sale. They trust him, they want to keep the player at the club. They believe that he can be an important player for many years, not just for this season."

The Albania international, who was labelled "devastating" by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini in the past, recently returned from a long-term injury with an 11-minute cameo in the dying embers of Chelsea's defeat to Aston Villa, which was his first appearance for the Blues since late 2022.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is suspended for his side's trip to face Fulham next Monday in the Premier League, potentially offering up a golden opening for Broja to cement his place as an important part of Pochettino's plans moving forward.

With all signs pointing to Chelsea deciding to keep Broja for the foreseeable future, it will now be up to the 22-year-old to prove his worth in the coming weeks.

Xabi Alonso’s reasons for favouring a move to Bayern Munich over one to Liverpool have been revealed, with Jurgen Klopp playing a leading role.

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• Klopp preparing to leave Anfield
• Tuchel set to depart Allianz Arena
• Spaniard wanted in both posts

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Managerial change is on the cards at the Allianz Arena and Anfield, with Bayern and Liverpool preparing to part ways with their current coaches. Klopp has announced that he will be walking away from his contract on Merseyside in the summer, while Thomas Tuchel is to sever ties with Bundesliga giants in Bavaria.

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  Alonso, who played for both clubs and has led unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga table this season, has emerged as a frontrunner to fill either post. The former Spain international has a big decision on his hands, with reporting that the 42-year-old favours an extended stay in Germany.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  It is claimed that Bayern are “cautiously optimistic” when it comes to acquiring Alonso. That is because the “Klopp legacy” at Liverpool is considered to be too difficult to follow – with the German having delivered Premier League and Champions League glory to heavyweights in England.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Discussions between Bayern and Alonso’s representatives are said to have taken place, with it still possible that Tuchel will be relieved of his duties at the Allianz Arena before the end of the 2023-24 campaign amid suggestions that a Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Lazio will lead to an early sack call being made.

Julian Gressel and Leonardo Campana admit Inter Miami “can’t count” on Lionel Messi “all the time” as they adjust to life without the Argentine icon.

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• All-time great nursing niggling knocks
• Fitness has to be managed carefully
• International commitments added to the mix

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is a talismanic presence at Chase Stadium, and the biggest draw in MLS, but he is 36 years of age and beginning to nurse the kind of niggling knocks that he has been able to avoid for the best part of his legendary career.

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  WHAT GRESSEL SAID

  Messi sat out Inter Miami’s latest MLS fixture through injury, but they were still able to claim a 3-1 victory away at D.C. United. USMNT star Gressel told reporters after that game: “This was a big one. Short rest, tough week, tough two weeks. Not an easy game, obviously, midweek and then to have to travel on a short rest in this league is not easy. And to come here after going down 1-0 as well, and being able to fight back and ultimately play really well, I thought, after the first 15-20 minutes, to come away with the win and get the three points without Leo is something that I think we can take a lot from.

  "There's going to be stretches where there’s guys at national teams, where we play through those moments, where Olympics are coming up, Copa America – those types of things where we know or we've known that we have to rely on the whole squad.”

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  Campana, who was on target in the win over D.C. United that also saw Luis Suarez bag a brace, added on the need for others to step up in Messi’s absence: “We know how important Leo is to the team, what he is and what he represents within us. We probably really can't count on him all the time and we will have to take charge. Lucho [Suarez] is obviously a high-ranking player, as seen in the games he’s started in the league – scoring goals, enjoying what he knew how to do best. It makes me happy to see him score and enjoy himself here with Messi, with his friends and to know that he is happy.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

  Inter Miami sit top of the MLS Eastern Conference, with 10 points taken from five games, and will be hoping to nurse Messi back to full health ahead of back-to-back meetings with rivals from New York – with the South American superstar not expected to link up with his country for international duty.