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Celtic went into the international break off the back of a 2-1 win away from Parkhead against Ross County in Dingwall in the Scottish Premiership.

The Hoops have won all seven of their games in the top-flight so far this season, and the penalty they conceded on Sunday was the first goal they had let in in the division.

Brendan Rodgers will now be hoping that the players who have jetted off to play for their respective countries come back without any injury issues and full of confidence.

Meanwhile, the group of stars who did not go away on international duty went over to Ireland to take on Sligo Rovers in a friendly earlier this week.

Scott Bain, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, Alex Valle, Luis Palma, Luke McCowan, and Hyun-jun Yang all started for the Hoops, alongside youngsters like Francis Turley and Lewis Dobbie.

Palma was the star of the show for the Scottish giants with a hat-trick in a 3-2 win, with two of his goals coming in stoppage time with the score at 2-2 heading into the final minutes.

This week may have also brought some bad news for the Honduras international, though, as the club are reportedly eyeing another winger…

Celtic's interest in Chile international

According to The Boot Room, Rodgers has a Celtic interest in Dario Osorio and that the Scottish giants ‘admire’ the FC Midtjylland wide player.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that the Hoops and Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers are both interested in the 20-year-old talent, but they are far from the only suitors.

It states that Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United have also been keeping tabs on the Chile international.

His form at international level and in the Danish top-flight for Midtjylland has seemingly attracted the attention of clubs across Europe, with The Boot Room adding that teams in Spain and France are keen on the impressive youngster.

This means that Celtic would likely face plenty of competition from a host of clubs if they decided to make a swoop for the versatile winger in the January transfer window.

The outlet does not, though, reveal how much money his current team would demand if any team were to make a move for him at the start of next year.

Irrespective of whether or not a transfer to Parkhead is currently viable or not, the news that the club are looking at potentially signing another winger should come as bad news to Palma, who is looking to break into the starting XI.

Luis Palma's Celtic struggles

Rodgers swooped to sign the forward from Greek side Aris for a reported fee of £3.5m and the attacker enjoyed a terrific start to life in Glasgow.

The Hoops sensation recorded an impressive return of five goals and nine assists in his first 16 games in the Premiership for the Scottish giants in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, which suggested that he was on course to be the club’s new Jota – who had left to join Al-Ittihad a few months prior.

2024, however, has not been a kind year for Palma in the league. He racked up just two goals and zero assists in 12 appearances in the Premiership during the second half of last term.

He has only featured twice in the division so far this season, both times as a substitute, and is yet to record a goal or an assist for the champions.

This means that the 24-year-old attacker has only been directly involved in two goals in 14 league appearances in the Premiership since the start of the year, which is a relatively poor return when you consider his initial start to life in Scotland.

The former Aris star, who has been an unused substitute in both Champions League games so far, still has over two months to go before the January transfer window to force his way back into the starting XI, ahead of Daizen Maeda or Nicolas Kuhn, but it does not look likely on current form.

His friendly hat-trick against Sligo Rovers does, at least, show that he is motivated to perform and still fight it out for his Celtic career, which will be pleasing for Rodgers, but the club’s interest in Osorio will still be bad news for the forward.

Why Celtic's interest in Osorio is bad news for Palma

The Hoops wanting to bring another flanker to the squad, particularly one who has spent the majority of his career playing down the left side, will not be music to Palma’s ears.

Firstly, their interest in Osorio suggests that they are not currently happy with the quality or depth of their options on the wing, with Yang and Palma currently being the back-up options to Maeda and Kuhn.

Secondly, the arrival of another player in his position would see the Honduras international’s chances limited even further, which could make it harder for him to break back into the starting XI.

Osorio has started the current season with one goal and two ‘big chances’ created in five appearances in the Superliga, along with 2.1 completed dribbles per game.

The 20-year-old starlet, who was described as a “flamboyant” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also caught the eye with his performances for the Danish side last term.

Appearances

23

Starts

15

Goals

8

Big chances missed

0

Big chances created

4

Assists

2

As you can see in the table above, Osorio produced eight goals and four ‘big chances’ created in just 15 starts, without missing a single ‘big chance’ in front of goal.

This suggests that the Chile international, who is valued at €7m (£6m) by Transfermarkt, can provide quality as a scorer and a creator of goals from the left flank, at least in the Danish league.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he can translate his strong form over to Scotland, Celtic’s interest alone is enough to be of concern to Palma, who may have to consider his future at Parkhead if they bring in another player in his position when he is already behind Maeda in the pecking order.

Got Soro instead: Celtic once wanted to sign a £27m star in the making

The Hoops were interested in a deal to sign the midfielder from the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Oct 9, 2024

The 2020 summer transfer window was a significant time for Leeds United. The Whites spent millions of pounds to prepare for their first season back in the Premier League in 16 years and even broke their record transfer fee to sign Spanish attacker Rodrygo from Valencia.

Some of the other incomings included French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who is still the club’s number one today, and Spanish centre-back Diego Llorente. However, perhaps the signing with the most significance that summer proved to be Brazilian winger Raphinha, who became a key player at the club and made crucial contributions to the Yorkshire outfit.

Raphinha’s Leeds career

Leeds paid £17m plus add-ons for the wing wizard, who joined on a four-year deal from French outfit Stade Rennais. Although he stayed at the club just two seasons, his contributions were significant and he played a huge part in keeping the club in the Premier League.

It was the winger’s penalty against Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign that ensured Leeds’ survival in the Premier League. That proved to be his last game for the club, and he made a big move to La Liga giants Barcelona that summer, for £49m up front with a potential for the deal to rise to £55m.

Indeed, he left the club with a superb record. Leeds’ former number 18 played 67 times in that famous White shirt, scoring 17 times and registering 12 assists. There were some impressive goals for the club, but none more important than the strike against Brentford.

Since his departure to Catalonia, the former Sporting star has been superb, especially this season under Hansi Flick. He has made 100 appearances for the club, scoring 29 times and grabbing 33 assists. This term, he already has nine goals and eight assists in 13 appearances, including a wonderful hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League this week.

Raphinha has been a revelation since leaving Elland Road, and will always be remembered fondly by the Leeds faithful for his contributions to the club. Although they have never really managed to find his replacement, there could be one player they reignite interest in before long.

Who Leeds could sign to replace Raphinha

The player in question here is Marseille winger Jonathan Rowe. The English winger was a player chased by the club over the summer, but he ended up making the move to the South of France on a loan with an obligation to buy him for a package of £17m.

Pundit Don Goodman explained – in an interview with MOT Leeds News – that the Yorkshire outfit might “be there for him again” if the 21-year-old decides to return to England one day, something that Goodman has “no doubt” will happen.

So far, the England under-21 international has performed well for French outfit Marseille, who are managed by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. He has played seven times, scoring twice and grabbing an assist. However, it is worth noting that he has played just 209 minutes in Ligue 1, the equivalent of just 2.3 full 90-minute games.

This deal would certainly mirror the move that Raphinha made to Elland Road. Should this deal get over the line, it would see the Whites sign a tricky winger from Ligue 1, just as they did when the Brazilian joined four years ago. He is someone of “EPL potential” according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and would hope to prove that just as Raphinha did.

Like the Barcelona man, he is a versatile player, capable of playing in multiple attacking positions, as his time at Norwich City showed. Indeed, Barcelona’s number 11 has played in several positions this season, including on the left wing to accommodate young star Lamine Yamal.

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Left-wing

15

1

2

Right-wing

11

4

0

Right midfield

8

5

0

Left midfield

3

1

0

Attacking midfield

3

1

1

Second striker

1

0

0

Signing Rowe could be an inspirational move from Leeds. Not only is he a quality winger who has an impressive record in few minutes this term, but signing a winger from Ligue 1 has been incredibly successful in the past for Leeds.

If this deal was to be anywhere near as good as the one that brought Raphinha to Elland Road, then Leeds supporters are in for a real treat.

Worth more than Raphinha: Leeds star has seen value soar by £40m since exit

This former Leeds United star has come on leaps and bounds since exiting Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 24, 2024

Chelsea and chairman Todd Boehly by extension sent delegates to one club over the weekend, with an £83 million defender and alternative to Wesley Fofana on their potential transfer agenda ahead of 2025.

Chelsea targeting new centre-backs for Maresca

Enzo Maresca’s side have enjoyed an impressive start to the new Premier League season, most recently getting back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Top club obsessed with £100,000-p/w Chelsea ace, could bid for him in 2025

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave in the next 12 months.

ByBen Browning Oct 29, 2024

Their only top flight losses of the campaign came against title-chasing Man City and Liverpool, which is a good example of the stellar job done by Maresca so far. In the background, Boehly, BlueCo and co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are identifying potential squad upgrades for the Italian.

One item on their to-do list, according to reports, is to bring in a new central defensive option who can complement, or even compete with, Fofana and Levi Colwill – who have both formed an impressive partnership at the heart of Maresca’s back line so far.

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

Southampton (away)

December 4

Chelsea are monitoring Robert Renin as one option, with the Brazilian currently on a loan spell at Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia from Russian Premier League giants Zenit St. Petersburg.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is also a target for Chelsea, with some reports suggesting that the west Londoners are prepared to make a “significant” bid for the Uruguay international.

This comes after a previous claim by journalist Simon Phillips that Chelsea are scouting South American centre-backs, as Boehly and co take a particular interest in centre-backs from that region of the globe.

Another very highly-rated South American on their radar, and the radar of many other elite clubs, is Palmeiras starlet Vitor Reis. The 18-year-old could cost as much as £83 million to prise away from Brazil, the value of his release clause, with Reis attracting attention from Arsenal and Real Madrid as well.

Both the Gunners and Galacticos have already approached Reis’ club and representatives ahead of a potential move (The Athletic), with Liverpool, Barcelona and Chelsea also expressing an interest in him.

Chelsea send scouts to watch Reis ahead of potential move

Now, The Boot Room claim Chelsea sent scouts to watch Reis in action over the weekend.

The Blues had delegates running the rule over him during Palmeiras’ 2-2 draw with Fortaleza in Sao Paulo. Chelsea gem Estevao, who is set to fully link up with the club in 2025, got on the scoresheet during this encounter – but west London employees also had their eyes firmly on Reis.

It is believed the teenage sensation could be signed as an alternative to Fofana, and Chelsea are “huge admirers” of Reis. Interestingly, the player only made his professional debut in June, featuring in a 3-0 loss to the same team that Chelsea watched him against on Saturday.

Reis has since become a regular, with journalist Oliver Mason writing for the Rio Times that he is the young defender shaping Palmeiras’ future.

Aston Villa are among the Premier League teams interested in signing a £150,000-a-year La Liga ace, according to a recent report. The Midlands side were very busy during the summer, as Unai Emery put together a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe, but they already have their eye on fresh additions for the New Year.

£15m Aston Villa target considering leaving Boca Juniors in 2025 transfer

Villa are considering making a move for a player who is happy to leave his current club.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 30, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

The January transfer window is still a bit away, but NSWE, Monchi and his recruitment team at Villa look to be getting their plans in place for what could be a busy January. It has been revealed that Monchi has sent scouts from Villa to watch young French defender Nathan Zeze, as they look to make a move in 2025.

But while they look at potentially strengthening their backline, Villa are also interested in signing Alex Baena. The Villarreal winger is known to Emery already, as the pair worked together at the Spanish side, and he could now be pushing Villa to bring him to England. However, it isn’t considered an easy deal to complete, as they face competition from Newcastle United, and Villarreal will not let him leave on the cheap, as he’s got a £50 million release clause.

The Villans are also leading the race to sign Boca Juniors’ Kevin Zenon, as his performances in Argentina have impressed the Midlands side, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle. But the transfer stories don’t stop there for Villa and Emery, as they are also pushing to sign another player from Spain, this time a 21-year-old.

Aston Villa set to bid hard for £150k-a-year ace in January

According to reports from Spain relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are interested in signing Getafe’s Christantus Uche. The attacking midfielder joined the La Liga side in July, and his performances have already caught the eye of Newcastle and AFC Bournemouth, as well as Villa.

Uche, who earns €180,000 a year, which is roughly £150,000, started his career at Campos FA in Nigeria, but in 2022 he was picked up by Moralo B. The 21-year-old stayed with them until July 2023, when he joined AD Ceuta, playing 36 times for them in all competitions.

The report states that Villa, as well as Newcastle and Bournemouth, are all in “pole position” to sign the midfielder, who has been deployed as a striker at times this season. Uche is under contract at Getafe until the summer of 2028, and they have an option to extend that by another 12 months.

Apps

11

Goals

1

Assists

0

But despite him having four years left on his contract, his time at the La Liga side seems to be coming to an end, given the interest from the Premier League. It adds that Villa and these other English teams will be “bidding hard” for Uche in January, as they all look to strengthen their team in the winter transfer window.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot must lament that yet another international break has taken hold of football, putting his team’s sensational start to the season on pause once more.

The Reds’ sole defeat of the campaign arrived after the September pause, a shocker at home against Nottingham Forest. However, the outfit’s fluency has since hardened, and the Anfield masses are reaching fever pitch as their club sits atop the Premier League and Champions League tables.

It’s a good chance for certain stars to make further gains after showing promise of late. Curtis Jones scored a fine backheel on his England debut, while Ibrahima Konate kept a clean sheet for France. Further south, Alexis Mac Allister didn’t enjoy his finest hour for Argentina.

How Liverpool players got on for their countries

England scored a much-needed Nations League victory over Greece, who recently defeated them at Wembley, as they look to claw their way back into the top level of the competition. Jones excelled for Lee Carsley’s penultimate line-up and will hope for regular call-ups hereafter.

Jones’ growth in recent weeks is an exciting thing for those of a Liverpool persuasion, not least because he’s so distinctive in the middle of the park, with high-level and many-faceted technical qualities.

France may have toiled against Israel, drawing 0-0 with Kylian Mbappe still AWOL, but Konate made a big impression at the rearguard, winning all eight of his combined duels and tackles.

Minutes played

90′

Clean sheet

1

Touches

85

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

69 /75 (92%)

Tackles

3

Interceptions

2

Ground duels (won)

3 (3)

Aerial duels (won)

2 (2)

Conversely, Mac Allister struggled and was unable to inspire the World Cup and the Copa America champions Argentina to victory against Paraguay, with a poor performance that resulted in a 2-1 loss. Anonymous, he managed just 22 touches.

All players of high quality, and Konate and Jones were both first-class for their countries. However, neither reached the same level as Caoimhin Kelleher, who was brilliant as the Republic of Ireland defeated Finland in the Nations League.

Caoimhin Kelleher was the pick of the bunch

It’s amazing that Liverpool have a backup shot-stopper of Kelleher’s ability. He has played second fiddle at Anfield since rising from the youth ranks, but his presence has been indispensable, for Alisson rarely completes a campaign without picking up an issue or two.

Virgil van Dijk even went as far as to pronounce him “world-class” such is the level of his quality. It will be painful to watch him go when that inevitable day comes.

Yesterday evening, it was crucial that Ireland defeated Finland, for they have now preserved their B-tier status in the Nations League, relegating the Finnish down to C. The hosts were on top throughout, but Kelleher still saved four shots, as per Sofascore, en route to a well-earned clean sheet – with one a penalty kick.

Writing in their post-match ratings, RTE revealed that Kelleher was deserving of a 9/10 score after his redoubtable display after being handed the Player of the Match award. His ‘superb’ spot-kick save was complemented by three more denials that reinforced his steel-strong grip on the number one spot for his nation.

If only Alisson Becker didn’t also ply his trade for Liverpool – well, from Kelleher’s point of view, anyway. And moreover, given that Richard Hughes acted prudently to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardashvili back in August in a deal worth £29m, set to arrive on English shores next summer, Kelleher’s Merseyside days appear numbered.

He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and he’s not even first choice. We of Liverpool Red simply cannot begrudge the 25-year-old for wanting to seek out his fortune and continue his rise. But, without question, FSG must demand a pretty penny for his sale.

Liverpool must ask for "obscene" money

Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili was a good one, but it does indeed spell the end for Kelleher. So long, then, you brilliant shot-saving superstar. Both Carabao Cup triumphs under Jurgen Klopp owe plenty to your performances – and the 2022 FA Cup victory too.

LFC podcaster Graeme Kelly remarked after Ireland’s victory: “The amount of money we should be asking if Kelleher moves on is obscene. Absolute elite keeper.”

It’s a sentiment that no doubt echoes through the Anfield halls, right the way through to the boardroom, where Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards shuffle pieces like stooped-over chess players.

This summer, interest was there, but nothing concrete enough to convince the Reds to part ways. Liverpool were looking to claim £35m for the keeper, and despite intrigue from the likes of Celtic and Nottingham Forest – among others – it was ultimately nothing doing.

Of course, the Irishman is playing out the penultimate year of his £10k-per-week Liverpool contract and has no desire to pen fresh terms. We know this. Slot knows this. Hughes definitely knows this.

Will Liverpool manage to claim as significant a fee in 2025, or perhaps even something larger? Kelleher’s skill set suggests that it wouldn’t be out of the question, but with the last chance to cash in fast approaching, the Liverpool bosses might need to harness every ounce of their business savvy to get it done.

Liverpool thought they had the next Messi & Ronaldo, then he left for £0

Liverpool must regret signing £20m flop who was once compared to Messi & Ronaldo

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 14, 2024

Chelsea are demanding £100 million from La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid for a “world-class” player in their squad, with Carlo Ancelotti’s struggling Spanish champions in the market for emergency signings.

High-profile Chelsea players attracting interest from elite sides

While the likes of Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are more likely than not to be sold, once we reach 2025 and the January transfer window, there are a few more high-profile players are on the radars of elite suitors.

£200k-per-week Chelsea player working to join elite club via intermediaries

Pochettino called him one of world football’s “best” in his position.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 22, 2024

Chilwell is wanted by Juventus, alongside a host of other sides in Italy, the Premier League and Spain (Simon Phillips), after head coach Enzo Maresca deemed the left-back surplus to requirements.

The £200,000-per-week defender has played just 45 minutes all season, so the writing appears on the wall for his departure, while it is believed Chelsea are also prepared to sell Chukwuemeka, who isn’t in Maresca’s long-term plans either.

Reports abroad claim that Casadei is destined to leave Stamford Bridge as well, amid interest from the likes of AC Milan, so it appears the aforementioned trio stand out as most likely candidates to be let go after the turn of the year.

However, Europe’s elite could also look to tempt away much more key players. Barcelona are believed to hold an interest in Romeo Lavia, for instance. The Belgian is deemed “vital” to Chelsea’s long-term plans by those within the club, as reported by Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

Southampton (away)

December 4

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

“Lavia and Chukwuemeka, with Barcelona showing an interest in both players,” wrote Phillips.

As for Lavia, we checked in with other club sources and they have said there is ‘absolutely ZERO chance’ Chelsea would even entertain an enquiry for the 20-year-old right now and he is a huge part of the future of the club and someone who the club and Enzo Maresca see as vital for their plans and project going forward. Quite simply, they would tell Barcelona ‘not for sale at any price’ if an enquiry would come in. This will come as no surprise to anyone, thankfully.”

Meanwhile, Phillips stated in that same report last month that Barca hold a tentative interest in midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea demand £100m from Real Madrid for Fernandez

The £107 million signing hasn’t exactly enjoyed a perfect spell at Chelsea since arriving for seismic cash, recently escaping a ban from the FA for singing a derogatory chant after Argentina’s Copa América win earlier in the year.

Off the field, he’s split up with childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes to live on his own. On the field, he recently lost his starting eleven place to Lavia, with Maresa preferring his physicality alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield.

Now, reports in the Spanish media suggest that Real Madrid have made an approach to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, who could offer him a way out of Cobham and into illustrious new surroundings.

However, they’ve “communicated” to Ancelotti’s side that the Argentine won’t be leaving for less than £100 million. Real will have to pay big for Fernandez, which is understandable considering the money they paid, and the notion he can be “world-class” at his very best (Jamie Carragher).

West Ham United have now been told a key condition of them potentially signing Brighton forward Evan Ferguson in January, with multiple reports linking Julen Lopetegui’s side to the Republic of Ireland starlet.

West Ham thrashed 5-2 by Arsenal as Julen Lopetegui faces sack

Lopetegui is a man under ever-increasing pressure, especially after their 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Arsenal, with the away side 4-0 up after half an hour after cutting through West Ham like a knife through butter.

£60m striker wants January exit as West Ham communicate intent to sign him

The Hammers have apparently “confirmed their intention”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 30, 2024

It was a Premier League record-equalling opening 45 minutes of goals, and while West Ham did threaten an exceptional comeback by notching two back, Gunners star Bukayo Saka put the result beyond all doubt with his penalty deep into first period stoppage time.

Lopetegui was left “frustrated” by their lacklustre defending and some of the decisions that went against them, but did praise his players for showing the “character” to compete in stages.

“Overall, I am frustrated with the first-half. We deserved two goals, but they didn’t deserve five,” said Lopetegui on West Ham’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.

Leicester City (away)

December 3

Wolves (home)

December 9

Bournemouth (away)

December 16

Brighton (home)

December 21

Southampton (away)

December 26

“We were unlucky in the decisions, in my opinion. The first goal, I think it was a block. We were unlucky. We have to do better for sure. We didn’t make good decisions in a defensive way – that’s why it was a strange match.

“The team showed character to compete. We were unlucky with the decisions today. We asked before the match, the referee with the block, as a coach we have to know the limit.

“This week we have to do better in our individual actions, in a defensive way.”

Lopetegui’s men next face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City tonight at the King Power Stadium, and it is surely a must-win game for the Spaniard. FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is now being seriously linked with the West Ham job, and while Hammers chiefs are hesitant to axe Lopetegui so early, there is alarm within the London Stadium over their dismal form right now (The Guardian).

West Ham told Brighton condition of potential Evan Ferguson deal in January

Amidst their on-field struggles, West Ham are planning to sign a striker in January, following Niclas Fullkrug’s struggles with injury since his £27 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Brighton striker Ferguson is on West Ham’s radar heading into January, with reports suggesting the 20-year-old could depart on loan in the winter after falling behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in the Amex pecking order.

GiveMeSport have shared an update on their pursuit of the Irishman, sharing one condition of a potential temporary deal for interested sides, including West Ham.

They write that Brighton are likely to only green-light a straight loan for Ferguson, and they’re not inclined to negotiate a buy option clause, meaning his maximum stay in east London would be for six months.

The Seagulls clearly see a bright future for Ferguson, going by this update, and it is believed they’ve not fully signed off on his January exit just yet – despite his lack of consistent game time under Fabian Hurzeler.

Other reports have claimed that the price tag to sign him permanently would be around £60 million, and it is very debatable whether West Ham could afford that next summer anyway.

Contracts. Becoming quite the frustrating word on the red half of Merseyside. Liverpool have been brilliant this season and are chasing down the biggest prizes, but it’s getting toward kitchen sink time on that particular front.

Recent news, at least, has suggested that Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and co are looking to extend Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deals, but whether FSG will be successful is another matter entirely.

Contracts contracts contracts. It’s perhaps telling that The Athletic’s confirmation that Van Dijk has been offered a new deal and an official approach for Salah is being prepared, but it’s all quiet on the Trent front.

Though transfer guru David Ornstein claims that talks are active and ongoing, it suggests that discussions are at a different stage with the Scouse-born vice-captain. You can’t help but feel a sense of foreboding, however, with Real Madrid grinning like a hungry hyena in the background.

Real Madrid looking to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold

It’s pretty frustrating that Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s biggest academy success since Steven Gerrard, is a month away from being free to talk with suitors from overseas concerning a pre-contract agreement.

If he does leave, it seems patent that there’s only one destination in the right-back’s mind: the Spanish capital. Alexander-Arnold, 26, is entering the prime of his career and offers a breadth of passing and creative influence that Liverpool simply won’t be able to replicate through Conor Bradley or a potential transfer replacement.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said last season that “it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back” when discussing the England star’s ball-playing brilliance.

It would be a detrimental blow to lose an inspiring figure on a free transfer next summer. That said, Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Anfield member to have caught Florentino Perez’s attention, and indeed, this other potential saga might be even more damaging for Arne Slot’s side.

Trent's not the only Red on Real's list

As per GIVEMESPORT, Real Madrid are keen on signing Ryan Gravenberch next year, having struggled for control and fluidity in the middle of the park this season in the wake of 34-year-old Toni Kroos’ retirement.

Anfield sources have attempted to placate the rumours by confirming Gravenberch’s devotion to the Liverpool cause, where he is happily cemented as Slot’s midfield linchpin.

While Liverpool would fetch a pretty penny through the Dutchman’s sale, it’s hard to imagine it being anything other than a disaster to the Merseysiders’ high-flying system.

Losing Ryan Gravenberch would be a bigger blow

Make no mistake, it would be a calamity to lose Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, but the very nature of Liverpool’s contractual quandary means that there has been ample time to prepare for the wretched eventuality.

Last season, Gravenberch sat on the margins of Jurgen Klopp’s regular first-team crop, starting 13 top-flight fixtures and showing signs of promise but failing to maintain a regular berth with real conviction and quality.

How things have changed. Slot has unlocked a maturity and freedom of expression that his young compatriot has met warmly, now repaying the faith with monstrous midfield performances.

As per FBref, Gravenberch ranks among the top 3% of central midfielders in the Champions League this season for pass completion and the top 1% for interceptions per 90, highlighting his technical quality and robust athletic energy.

He’s started every single one of Liverpool’s matches in the Premier League and on the continent this term, deservedly regarded as one of the highest-performing midfielders in Europe this season, having been praised by journalist Steve Nicol for his “sensational” form.

It’s almost like he’s tailor-made for Slot’s brand of football, and it’s for that reason that losing him would be so damaging. Liverpool’s failure to convince Martin Zubimendi to join the cause this summer was met with derision from rival fanbases, who tittered at the Reds’ lack of strengthening at the beginning of a new era.

Week by week, Slot has stripped detractors of their excitement at Liverpool’s anticipated downfall, and Gravenberch has been the veritable life-juice at the centre. There’s no certainty that Zubimendi, whom FSG still harbour an interest in, would perform at the same level in a new land that he has expressed deep reservations about moving to.

Matches (starts)

14 (14)

15 (14)

Goals

0

1

Assists

1

1

Touches*

73.8

70.%

Pass completion

89%

85%

Key passes*

0.6

0.6

Dribbles completed*

0.9

0.8

Ball recoveries*

5.4

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

3.9

3.7

Total duels (won)*

5.5 (63%)

6.0 (64%)

Given that Gravenberch is already outperforming him, such fears are only corroborated. The most exciting part is that Liverpool’s dynamic anchorman is still only 22, and thus has so much more to learn, so much more to absorb.

Alexander-Arnold is also a world-class player, more so, but Liverpool already have a top prospect coming through in Bradley and demonstrated in recent victories against Southampton and Real Madrid that they can thrive without Trent in the mix.

Truthfully, Slot’s outfit aren’t going to want either sensation to leave the fold any time soon. The Reds squad have proved that they are capable of great things, sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League while at the summit of the Champions League group phase too.

However, Gravenberch is starting to show that he’s made of elite-level stuff, and cannot be allowed to leave.

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Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over signing a 28-year-old title-winner “in recent days”, with a January bid on the cards as chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange could sign the player for under £10 million.

Ange Postecoglou refuses to rule out Tottenham signings after Johan Lange talks

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was gifted some much-needed breathing room surrounding his precarious position in the dugout on Sunday when his side ran out convincing 5-0 winners over Southampton at St. Mary’s.

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However, with difficult fixtures still to come and the Lilywhites in the midst of an injury crisis, as they attempt to compete on four fronts, Postecoglou will surely have the looming January window firmly in his thoughts.

The winter transfer market is set to open in just under two weeks, and it represents an opportunity for the north Londoners to bolster numerous key positions.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League games

Liverpool (Home)

Nottingham Forest (Away)

Wolves (Home)

Newcastle United (Home)

Arsenal (Away)

Postecoglou is currently without Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison due to injury, whilst both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are currently serving domestic bans (Premier Injuries).

Son Heung-min has picked up a knock as well, with Postecoglou waiting to find out the severity of his problem, while Destiny Udogie was taken off against Southampton as a precautionary measure after he felt tightness.

Postecoglou has refused to rule out the possibility of January deals, after having extensive recruitment meetings with director Lange behind-the-scenes.

“A lot of it will depend on where we are as a squad at that time,” said Postecoglou on the January transfer window late last month.

“Richy will hopefully be back in the New Year and we will just assess where we are squad-wise but certainly, with Johan I’ve already had a number of meetings for a strategy in January.

“I think last year we did a little bit of business which ended up helping us, but nothing concrete now because January is always tricky and it depends on where we are squad-wise.”

Tottenham make contact to sign Botafogo keeper John Victor "in recent days"

Vicario’s long-term injury has prompted some reports linking Spurs with a new shot-stopper at the turn of 2025.

Reports in England have suggested that Tottenham are ready to open talks over signing Botafogo keeper John Victor, with media sources from his homeland now reinforcing the club’s interest.

UOL report that Tottenham have contacted Botafogo over signing Victor “in recent days”, alongside Man United, as the Premier League duo sense an opportunity to reinforce their goalkeeping ranks.

The 28-year-old, who’s won a Brazilian Serie A title, could be signed for under £10 million according to CaughtOffside – who estimated his price tag to be at around £7-8 million earlier this week.

Spurs are “expected to go into the transfer market in January”, according to this report, so a winter move for Victor appears to be firmly on the cards.

Things just haven’t gone Arsenal’s way this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side finally put an end to their Premier League dip with an emphatic 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and while fans should be delighted with such a display, the mood has once again soured.

Early on in the first half, club poster boy Bukayo Saka came off with what looked like a hamstring injury, and then yesterday afternoon, it was confirmed that he would be out for “many weeks.”

Such an injury threatens to derail the club’s entire campaign, but should they make the right signings in January, they might be able to keep things ticking over, and the good news is that they were linked with the perfect candidate last month.

Saka's form this season

It’s bad enough to lose one of your attackers to injury, but it’s a whole other level when the star you lose is unquestionably the team’s most important player, which is exactly what Saka is for Arsenal.

For example, in his 24 appearances across all competitions so far, the Gunners’ “future legend”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists, meaning he was averaging a goal involvement every 1.09 games.

Unsurprisingly, this made him both the top scorer and provider of assists in the North Londoners’ squad, with the next best attacker being Kai Havertz with 11 goals and three assists.

In short, trying to replace the Hale End icon is almost an impossible task, but that does not mean the club shouldn’t try, especially when a player they’ve already been linked to this year would do an excellent job at chipping in with goals.

The Premier League star who could solve Arsenal's Saka problem

So, to get straight to the point, the player we are talking about is Brentford’s goalscoring extraordinaire, Bryan Mbeumo.

The good news is that the Gunners were actually linked with the Cameroon international late last month; the bad news is that according to a report from Football Insider in October, the Bees will demand around £60m to sell him in January.

Now, that is undoubtedly an awful lot of money to spend on a player mid-way through a campaign, but given the circumstances and what could be on the line in terms of major honours this season, the club have to spend.

With that said, why would Mbeumo be an excellent stand-in for Saka over the coming weeks and months?

Well, firstly, like the Hale Ender, he is a left-footed attacker who primarily plays off the right, and he has done so with aplomb this season.

Appearances

17

16

Goals

10

5

Assists

2

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.93

For example, in just 17 league games this year, the 25-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by football producer Michael Johnston, has scored ten goals and provided two assists, which isn’t a million miles off the Englishman’s five goals and ten assists in 16 league appearances.

Furthermore, the “unstoppable” Avallon-born dynamo, as dubbed by Premier League legend Alan Shearer, isn’t just getting lucky at the moment either, as in just 25 league games last season he racked up a haul of 15 goals and assists for a team that struggled as well.

Lastly, while the exciting goalscorer would be brilliant cover for the next couple of months, he’s also good enough to compete with the Gunners’ number seven when he’s fit again, and he has the positional versatility to challenge whoever’s off the left and down the middle to boot.

Ultimately, apart from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Mohamed Salah, there might not be another winger in world football who could replace Saka at this point in time, but Arsenal have to try.

Therefore, of all the options possibly open to them next month, signing the free-scoring Mbeumo from Brentford seems like the best.

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