Aston Villa could smash their transfer record to sign an "incredible" player next year, with club officials potentially increasing their interest this week.

Aston Villa transfer update

The Villans and Unai Emery have made a solid start to the new Premier League season after bringing in some shrewd signings over the summer. So far, Villa have won six of their nine top-flight fixtures and one of their two Europa Conference League games ahead of tonight’s clash against AZ Alkmaar, with new additions Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres playing key roles in Emery’s side.

However, despite an impressive start, owners NSWE and president of football operations Monchi already appear to have an eye on 2024 and bolstering Emery’s squad even further. One player who was linked with a move to Villa Park in the summer was Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves, with Aston Villa transfer rumours continuing following the summer window. Now, a fresh claim has emerged which shows that Villa are still eyeing the Portugal international.

Sport Witness relayed a Pedro Goncalves transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming that Villa are watching the player and could use tonight’s match when Sporting CP take on Rakow Czestochowa in the Europa League to increase their interest. Goncalves has a €80m (£70m) release clause in his contract, and there is a hint that Villa could pay that fee due to the financial power that English clubs have.

Pedro Goncalves in "incredible" form for Sporting

Goncalves is 25 years of age and is primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or as an attacking midfielder. He was previously on the books with Midlands rivals Wolves but has starred back in his native country with Sporting in recent years, with reporter Sacha Pisani saying he’s “been playing at an incredible level since joining”.

In total, Goncalves contributed to a whopping 35 goals in all competitions last season and has already scored twice and registered two assists in the current campaign, where he has reportedly recently been tested as a full-back. (Pedro Goncalves stats – Transfermarkt)

Should he end up making the move to the Midlands for his release clause of €80m (£70m), then Goncalves would comfortably become the club’s most expensive signing of all time.

Aston Villa record signings	Fee
Moussa Diaby	€55m (£47.9m)
Emi Buendia	€38.4m (£33.4m)
Ollie Watkins	€34m (£29.6m)
Pau Torres	€33m (£28.7m)
Leon Bailey	€32m (£27.9m)
Diego Carlos	€31m (£27m)
Lucas Digne	€30m (£26.1m)

As can be seen above, NSWE haven’t been afraid to splash the cash at Villa Park in recent years, so if Goncalves continues to impress club scouts, a move could develop over the coming months, where he could possibly come in to challenge the likes of Diaby, Leon Bailey, Nicolo Zainolo and Emi Buendia.

England and Man Utd star Ella Toone has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo's 'really nice' gesture after she missed out on meeting her 'inspiration'.

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• England star Toone idolised Ronaldo growing up
• But missed chance to meet the Man Utd icon
• Reveals CR7 made up for it with classy gesture

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Toone grew up as a Man Utd fan and idolised Ronaldo, who was starring for the Red Devils when she was a young girl. The forward helped the club to win nine trophies during his six-year spell, including the Champions League.

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  The England star has never met the 39-year-old and when the opportunity came up to finally make that happen, things didn't work out. However, Ronaldo did make up for it somewhat.

• WHAT TOONE SAID

  Speaking on the podcast, Toone named Ronaldo when asked who her 'inspiration' was growing up, then added: "I was meant to meet him and we were meant to do a shoot together but when I got there, he'd gone. I was gutted. So then they got him to send me a video."

  Asked what he said, Toone replied: "I can't remember but it was really nice. It's saved in the camera roll."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Toone wears No.7 for Man Utd, just like Ronaldo did during his time at Old Trafford. She's also become a club legend with that number on her back, no player having made more appearances or scored more goals for the Red Devils' women's team than Toone.

Glasgow Rangers return to domestic action today for one final match before yet another international break halts the campaign, just when the Gers were building up some momentum.

Under Philippe Clement, the club have won five and drew one of his opening six matches in charge and the turnaround from the stagnation under Michael Beale just a few months ago is remarkable.

The 49-year-old has established a clear identity and playing style, and while it will take time to develop, the embryonic stages of his reign have seen major progress.

A trip to Livingston presents its own unique challenges, especially with the playing surface and their style of play, but the early signs under Clement are positive, and the Gers should find a way to break through the Livi defence.

There will likely be some changes to the starting XI ahead of the tie this afternoon, with a few changes looking likely in order to rest some weary bodies.

Rangers team news vs Livingston

Following the 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague, Clement heads into the clash today nursing a few injuries, although some players should be back after the break.

The Belgian discussed these injuries when speaking to the press, saying: "I expect Rabbi Matondo back after the international break, John Souttar and Nico Raskin – so there will be more competition.

"We are unsure about Scott Wright for the weekend, but we are hopeful for after the break."

The good news is these players will be ready to step back into the team ahead of the hectic festive season, thus giving Clement some more options.

However, this doesn’t help in the Premiership today and the former Club Brugge coach might just have to rejig his starting XI slightly.

One change that must be made is moving Todd Cantwell to an attacking midfield slot and dropping Sam Lammers from the first team.

Todd Cantwell could replace Sam Lammers

The Dutchman looked like he was gaining in confidence following a wonderful display against Dundee a couple of weeks ago.

Not only did he score a stunning goal from outside the box, but he also assisted another Gers goal while creating a big chance and making one key pass during the tie.

It looked as though the former Atalanta man had finally turned the corner and was ready to showcase his wonderful creative talents, yet his display against Sparta was far from efficient.

He failed to have a shot on target during the match, while he lost possession nine times and struggled to really get into the match.

Cantwell was deployed on the right wing yet again under the Belgian, yet he cut inside to great effect and even scored his first goal of the season in the first half.

Hopefully, this could be a catalyst for the Englishman to demonstrate his talents and prove to Clement that he deserves to play just behind the striker.

Cantwell also completed 100% of his attempted passes in midweek, along with making one key pass, and took four shots in total, suggesting he was keen to get on the scoresheet.

Livingston will provide an altogether different challenge, but Cantwell’s eye for goal and creative abilities should give him the nod over Lammers.

Who will be unleashed on the right wing, however?

Ross McCausland’s season in numbers

With Wright missing the game through injury and Cantwell operating in a more central role, the vacant spot on the right wing should go to McCausland, who clearly deserves a spot in the starting XI given his impressive cameos this term.

Although he has yet to start a Premiership tie, the youngster has come off the bench four times and for an average of just 20 minutes on the pitch, he has already created one big chance and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.

Indeed, the emerging superstar has created the same amount of big chances as Lammers and has averaged more key passes per game than the Dutchman (0.5), further demonstrating the need to start him this afternoon.

The Northern Irishman has also made a splash in the Europa League, featuring twice and it was his 21 minute spell against Sparta that got a lot of people talking.

Not only did he manage to take two shots during his brief spell on the pitch, but McCausland also made one key pass, succeeded with his only dribble attempt and lost possession just once, showing that is capable on the ball.

This led to praise from journalist Josh Bunting, who said: “Ross McCausland has been excellent since coming on, he’s been positive. For such a young player his vision and eye for a pass is of superb quality. Honestly don’t think he’s long away from a start, brings a new dimension and spark into this Rangers side.”

Ross McCausland is out of contract at the end of the season

One of Clement’s priorities will be to tie the youngster down to a long-term deal, especially as his recent form could soon begin to attract admirers from afar.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has provided a recent update on his contract situation, saying: “Exclusive: Rangers have sent their proposal to talent Ross McCausland for new contract valid until June 2027.

Ross McCuasland's stats this season for Rangers

Premiership

Europa League

Key passes per game

1.3

0.5

Successful dribbles per game

0

0.5

Big chances created

1

0

Touches per game

13.8

10.5

Stats via Sofascore

“Ross impressed again in Europa League in front of PL clubs scouts, now Rangers pushing to tie him down as compensation fee would be £350k in the summer.”

Having lost players such as Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos upon the expiration of their contract at the end of last season, Clement won't be looking to repeat Beale’s mistakes and thus must secure the young gem on a new deal.

He has the talent required to make an impact in matches, the main thing now is for him to build up some consistency while earning his first start for the club.

Unleashing the 20-year-old against Livingston would be a bold move by the Belgian, yet he could prove plenty of people wrong by working well alongside Cantwell and Danilo, who is likely to lead the line.

It could just be the catalyst for McCausland to make that right-wing spot his own.

Aston Villa are no longer a side battling it out near the foot of the table or sitting in the stale comforts of mid-table in the Premier League. Instead, under Unai Emery, they are a side capable of competing for a spot among Europe's elite, all whilst building a project likely to attract some of the names plying their trade at those very same teams.

The Villans have simply been transformed under Emery, and after getting off to a good start in the Spaniard's first full season in charge, they look better than ever. Now, their attention could turn towards the January transfer window, where they look set to battle it out to welcome one particular South American star.

Aston Villa transfer news

It's a credit to the work done to improve the club off the pitch, as well as on it, that Villa are in a position to welcome certain players. The likes of Moussa Diaby came through the door at Villa Park in the summer, and he has been a revelation ever since, with five goal involvements in just nine Premier League games. The Midlands club will hope to see future arrivals have the same impact, which could include one particular reported target.

According to Brazilian reporter Diego Firmino, Aston Villa are monitoring Joaquin Piquerez, alongside Marseille, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur, ahead of a potential January move. The Palmeiras defender has impressed in Brazil to earn the interest of clubs around Europe.

At 25-years-old, too, now could be the perfect time for Piquerez to make his move, with his best years potentially on the horizon. When the January transfer window does swing open, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Villa make their move for the full-back.

Piquerez could be the perfect Moreno replacement

Piquerez's stats show exactly why Villa have reportedly been eyeing a move for the defender. In the current Serie A season in Brazil, the left-back has scored eight goals and assisted a further six in an incredibly impressive campaign, especially given the defensive role that Piquerez plays. His offensive talent would suit Emery's system to perfection, with the likes of Matty Cash and Lucas Digne often asked to get forward and create.

The 25-year-old has earned the praise of South American football content creator Nathan Joyes, who posted on X: "Palmeiras’ Joaquin Piquerez linked with a move to LUFC. Would be great business. Tidy left back, likes to press forward and can certainly pick a pass. Great coup for Leeds if it happens."

With that said, if Emery is to welcome Piquerez in January, or indeed in the summer transfer window, then Villa may have to act fast. The left-back has seemingly attracted plenty of interest, and now he must choose whether to stay put in Brazil, or make the move into Europe, and potentially the Premier League.

He could be the perfect replacement for Alex Moreno too, who has suffered an injury setback, with the duo perhaps eventually competing for the shirt after Digne moves on.

One day, Liverpool will have to contend with the departure of Mohamed Salah. It is a thought that strikes fear into the hearts of those on Merseyside – the red half, at least.

For the blue side, and indeed far beyond, the Egyptian machine has plagued Premier League defences for many years, since signing from Roma in a £34m transfer back in 2017.

Salah, aged 31, has scored 196 goals and supplied 83 assists from 320 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side; he has been the offensive catalyst and enjoyed a starring role across an illustrious period in the Reds' history, instrumental in the conquering of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – not an exhaustive list.

Liverpool warded off advances from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in the summer, who are believed to have presented a £150m package for the 32-year-old, but with Salah out of contract in 2025, he will not remain on Anfield grass forever.

While the defensive and central thirds require immediate attention, Klopp could be tempted to spend big on a new attacking outlet when the time comes, and if reports are to be believed, that addition could be Jamal Musiala.

Liverpool transfer news – Jamal Musiala

According to Sport1, Liverpool are very much among the contenders for Musiala's services as the Bayern Munich star continues to sit at an impasse with the Bundesliga champions regarding a contractual renewal.

More recently, Sport Bild – via ESPN – have reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid have also joined the race and will prioritise the 20-year-old's signing next summer should efforts to sign Kylian Mbappe prove fruitless.

Reports from October have suggested that Liverpool will have to cough up €100m (£87m) to secure Musiala's signature, and while this is an eye-watering figure, they may not find the opportunity to find such an extraordinary talent still malleable enough to be shaped to Klopp's creation.

Jamal Musiala's style of play

Having been a starring member of Chelsea's youth academy throughout his formative years, Musiala opted to return to his homeland in 2019 after the Stamford Bridge side failed to match Die Roten's offer.

How they must rue that call; Musiala has now plundered 35 goals and 26 assists from 138 professional outings, clinching 32 direct contributions from 47 games last year.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, for Germany, Musiala was one of the only bright sparks as his nation languished to a group phase exit, with the gem, who has been hailed as a "future Ballon d'Or winner" by teammate Alphonso Davies, completing 12 dribbles in one match against Costa Rica (the most ever from a teenager in a single game at the tournament).

This year, he has only started five league matches so far – a large reason behind the growing sense that he might be unsettled – but has scored four goals and supplied three assists across all competitions – serving a goal against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Dribbling

Crossing

Through balls

Tackling

Long shots

Key passes

Finishing

*Sourced via WhoScored

A remarkable prospect, Musiala ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and successful take-ons, the top 7% for assists and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

The £87k-per-week gem boasts skills that would slot into Klopp's Liverpool system like a dovetail joint, and should it come down to it, the Reds simply must prioritise signing the Bavarian machine over his countryman Florian Wirtz, who has been sensational for Bayer Leverkusen this season.

How Jamal Musiala compares to Florian Wirtz

Wirtz has scored six goals and supplied nine assists from 15 matches across all competitions this season as Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen perch atop the Bundesliga table, having been dubbed an "elite talent" by scout Jacek Kulig.

Destined for a career at the very top, Wirtz has made 2.5 key passes per game in the German top-flight this term; Sofascore highlights his tendency to linger around the left channel, influencing play from the touchline and weaving inside to create chances and strike on goal himself.

There are compelling cases to be made that a club such as Liverpool should focus on signing either one of these stunning midfielders, but Liverpool would find Musiala of greater value to Klopp's project, with Wirtz also attracting the side's attention, according to the Star – via the Daily Mail.

(stats per 90)

Goals

Assists

Shots

Pass %

Prog. passes

Prog. carries

STA

SCA

Jamal Musiala

0.31

0.34

1.76

86%

5.54

4.20

4.05

4.78

Florian Wirtz

0.30

0.53

2.41

79%

7.06

3.99

3.63

5.96

*Statistics sourced via FBref

As the table delineates, the players are of a similar ilk if differing slightly in their approach on the pitch. Wirtz is more creative and influences play from deep, as highlighted by his superior shot-creating actions (SCA), but Musiala is a more adept dribbler, driving the ball forward and bypassing hapless defenders with successful take-ons (STA).

Make no mistake, either one of these prodigious Germany starlets would be an incredible addition to the Anfield side, and there is little dispute that Wirtz is one of the finest, most dynamic playmaking talents of his generation. It might just be that Musiala is more suited to the role that Klopp would hope for him to play.

The Bayern player, who has been heralded as a "potential world beater" by a recruitment figure central to transfer speculation surrounding his name, is a dribbler at his core and could be the perfect foil for Liverpool stars such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose creative ingenuity would blend sumptuously with Musiala, as he weaves through the half-spaces.

The figures that might be involved in a transfer could be astronomical, but the Liverpool chiefs have already demonstrated their willingness to spend big after capturing Darwin Nunez for a club-record fee totalling £85m.

When Salah does bow out, it will be important to secure a shiny new signature of someone who could compensate for his exit; directly replacing such a prolific phenomenon would be difficult, true, but investing in a new kind of attacking threat would be an astute move.

Musiala could be the talismanic figure to ensure Liverpool remain challenging for the biggest honours over the coming years, and if an opportunity arises, then Klopp must pounce.

Newcastle United are believed to be interested in making a January move for a "really good" Premier League player who is currently enjoying an excellent season.

Newcastle eyeing January signings

The Magpies' squad looks decimated at the moment, with a string of injury problems arguably holding them back in both the league and the Champions League. A new fitness issue seems to emerge in almost every game currently, and last Saturday's 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth was a tired-looking performance that highlighted the need for new signings to arrive in the January transfer window.

Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, seeing him as arguably a standout option to come in for the suspended Sandro Tonali for the rest of the campaign, while other players are also seen as targets, including Manchester United's Scott McTominay. It is understandable why midfield additions have taken precedence, but the Magpies could also target players in other areas of the pitch, and a fresh claim suggests that they could be eyeing defensive reinforcements.

Newcastle want Jarrad Branthwaite

According to a new update from Football Transfers, Newcastle are keen on signing Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in January.

"Newcastle United have targeted Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as the man to strengthen the heart of their defence, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal. Manager Eddie Howe is a particularly big fan of the centre-back, who spent last season on loan at PSV in the Eredivisie.

"Since returning to Everton, 21-year-old Branthwaite has quickly won his place in the starting XI and has been one of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season. Now Newcastle and Howe have earmarked him to become the long-term successor to Fabian Schar, who is now 31."

Branthwaite could be a fantastic signing by Newcastle if they manage to snap him up midway through the season, with the Englishman enjoying an excellent season for Everton to date. The 21-year-old returned to Goodison Park in the summer, following a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, and he has hit the ground running. Branthwaite has made 10 starts in the Premier League this season, averaging 5.1 clearances and 2.7 aerial duel wins per game in the competition, and the Blues will clearly be desperate to keep hold of him.

The lure of playing for a team once again challenging for Champions League football could be too much for the centre-back to ignore, however, and he may think that he can oust Fabian Schar from the off at St James' Park, becoming Sven Botman's strongest defensive partner for the foreseeable future.

Someone who is clearly impressed with Branthwaite is Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who recently described him as a "really good left-footed centre-half", which is high praise from a big figure in the game. At just 21, Branthwaite is already a regular for a Premier League team, playing a key role in Everton's improvement this season in the process, and he is someone who could mature into a future England international, highlighting why Newcastle would be wise to make a move for him when January arrives.

England star Alessia Russo believes the Lionesses "can demand higher of each other" after standards were "lower" in a disappointing draw with Sweden.

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England held to 1-1 draw by SwedenDisappointing start to Euros qualifying campaignGoal-scorer Russo notes 'lower standards'WHAT HAPPENED?

In England's first match of their 2025 UEFA Women's Euro qualifying campaign, Russo put the European champions 1-0 up in the first half with a header that capped a nice move. But Sweden were a threat throughout and got an equaliser they deserved just past the hour. It was Fridolina Rolfo on the scoresheet, the Barcelona star capitalising on a lapse in concentration from club-mate Lucy Bronze to level things up.

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Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius had a golden opportunity to win the game for Sweden, too, but missed the target completely when one-on-one with Mary Earps, meaning the spoils were shared at Wembley.

WHAT RUSSO SAID

Speaking to after the game, Russo said: "To our standards, we know that there's a little bit all over the pitch that we can demand higher of each other from. I think us as players, we'll own that and we'll look back at it. I think all across the board, there was just a little lower standards than we're used to."

Asked why that might've been the case, the goal-scorer replied: "I don't know. They pressed us really well, so it's tough. It's not like it's an easy game. They're on top side and we struggled at times to figure out their problems but at the same time, we still got a draw."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Russo's first-half header was her first goal at Wembley Stadium, despite it being her 18th for England. "I love playing for England, I love playing here, so it's really nice to get on the scoresheet," she said of the milestone.

It isn’t a novel take to suggest domestic pitches in Pakistan are not up to the standard a major Test team requires from its first-class cricket. But what happened in Faisalabad on Friday was, even by the lamentably low standards of the Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy, something of an eyebrow-raiser. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, winners of five of the last six QeA titles, found themselves bowled out by Habib Bank Limited for 35. This is a team that tops Pool A this season with four wins and a draw in five matches; a team that has 39 points, 15 clear of next-best Peshawar. A team that, for heavens’ sake, counts Taufeeq Umar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Adnan Akmal and Bilawal Bhatti among its ranks.You can imagine what the scorecard would look like, but it is worth rehashing, if only to illustrate the forlorn nature of the contest itself. Bilawal was the only man who made it to double figures, scoring 15. Ali Waqas, who faced more balls than any other batsman – 35 – managed to limp to 9. No other batsman crossed 4. This is a scorecard from the premier first-class competition of a country that, just two years ago, was ranked the best Test team in the world. It would be more at home in the Cricket 2004 video game.The QeA may think it’s inoculated against criticism of its pitches, so accustomed is it to snide barbs at its expense. But even so, this has been a week of frightfully bad publicity for the tournament. On the same day in Islamabad, Mohammad Amir struck Mohammad Saad, the third-highest scorer in the QeA last season, on the helmet from a delivery that pitched on a length. WAPDA captain Salman Butt, at the non-striker’s end, complained to the umpire, and the match was abandoned after 58.4 overs.Last year, the tournament was lambasted for how hostile the pitches were to batting, with 25 sub-100 totals through the season. This year seems to be no better. There have already been nine such innings, four of them having occurred in the previous two rounds. What’s more, the totals are getting lower and lower. Two of these four scores have been sub-50 ones; National Bank of Pakistan were bowled out for 44 last week. There was only one sub-50 score in the QeA last season, when the now-relegated PTV were dismissed for 37 by Khan Research Laboratories.Over the last couple of years, the state of domestic pitches has attracted increasing attention and criticism, without any indication that things are on the upturn. Last month, newly elected PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said revamping domestic cricket was one of his foremost priorities, and while he did not mention the state of the pitches, it is evidently one of the key aspects that need urgent improvement. Reducing the number of teams that play domestic cricket was raised as a possibility, with former cricketer and newly elected Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan apparently favouring “the Australian model” of domestic cricket.”I have set my priorities to fix domestic cricket and make it stronger than ever, because this is the place where cricketers come through,” Mani had said. “I met with the patron [Imran Khan] and publicly expressed my wish to have fewer teams compete in domestic cricket to ensure greater quality. [Imran wanted] an Australian model but we instead have to invent a Pakistani model. We have different circumstances but, in principle, it’s only quality teams that should be playing first-class cricket.”This won’t happen overnight; we have to conduct a thorough review and consult with all stakeholders. We cannot ignore departments who are the major contributors in our domestic structure. They are undoubtedly the major employees for our cricketers and we cannot keep them out of the loop. I am forming a management task force who will identify the problems and suggest how we can make the structure stronger. There are a lot of challenges but we have to empower the regional set-up.”

Liverpool's draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon emphasised this season's rekindled cohesion and resilience, with Jurgen Klopp manufacturing a budding title bid in the Premier League after missing out on Champions League football last year.

Saturday's dropped points paved the way for Arsenal to leapfrog both Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's treble winners into pole position, but at this stage, such frivolous details matter not.

Liverpool are third-placed and two points off the top, with the overall squad performance levels above last year's dingy travails, where a malfunctioning engine room required a complete overhaul.

While there is still work to be done, the Reds are in a fantastic place and will now look to sustain this new-look squad's efforts beyond the new year, but to do so, it's paramount that moves are made in January.

The winter transfer market is notoriously difficult to conquer, with clubs demanding exorbitant figures for key personnel as everyone battles within the campaign's din to break free and cement a position of power.

Liverpool transfer news – Lucas Beraldo

While Liverpool will need to work hard to secure the right signature, recent reports suggest that Klopp and co have identified an astute deal just waiting to happen, with São Paulo defender Lucas Beraldo on the radar.

Indeed, according to UOL journalist Rafael Reis, Liverpool are tuned to the 20-year-old's development and are considering a swoop in January.

Reports from earlier in November also reveal that Liverpool sent scouts to observe the prospect in action, with the winter transfer window viewed as the right time to seal the deal for the £20m-rated ace.

Fabrizio Romano has also previously acknowledged Liverpool's interest, though the respected journalist did question whether a move would be good for him at this stage of his career when game time might not come regularly at a stadium such as Anfield.

Lucas Beraldo's style of play

Beraldo has been excellent in the Brasileiro Serie A this season and has now completed 21 matches as the campaign nears its culmination, with his skills very much on show in his homeland.

Indeed, Beraldo has completed 89% of his passes, averaged six ball recoveries and 3.4 clearances per game and succeeded with 58% of his contested duels, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to release a glowing endorsement of his style via Twitter.

Having won the 2023 Copa do Brasil (the Brazilian equivalent of the FA Cup) this term too, he's already developed a hunger for silverware that could serve Klopp's side very well indeed, with the pursuit of prominence very much on.

As per FBref, the talented centre-half ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A for pass completion and the top 5% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90, highlighting his natural ball-playing ability.

Player

PrgP per 90

Lucas Beraldo

5.57

Virgil van Dijk

4.95

Ibrahima Konate

6.54

Joel Matip

3.29

Joe Gomez

4.64

*Sourced via FBref

His aptitude in distribution is perfect for Liverpool, with the early signs promising for a player making penetrative passes with greater regularity than all of Liverpool's current central defensive options barring Ibrahima Konate.

This is exactly why the Liverpool bosses will be so eager to get their hands on the Brazil starlet, and while Romano might question whether a transfer to Merseyside would be appropriate at this time, there's little question regarding the suitability for Klopp's system.

The player's scope for development and current ability perhaps not leaving him ready for a regular starting berth in Klopp's starting lineup should actually be flipped around and viewed positively, increasing the depth as the team competes across multiple different fronts.

Why Liverpool should sign Beraldo over Inacio

Falling back on that earlier point of the winter transfer market proving difficult to secure top targets, Liverpool may well find that Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio's signature proves unattainable, given the €60m (£52m) release clause that stands in the way of an agreement.

TEAMtalk reported recently that Liverpool are set to revisit their intrigue in the Portuguese star after failing to make progress in the summer, and while the 22-year-old is a fantastic, modern player, Beraldo might be the better option at this stage.

Liverpool could hand Trent new role by signing "breathtaking" £52m-rated target

Jurgen Klopp could strengthen his side in a number of areas with one January signing…

ByRosie Tudball Nov 23, 2023

Portraying the qualities that would make Inacio such a good fit for the Reds, BBC Sport analyst Raj Chohan said: "Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor. Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play. Immense recovery speed & coverage of space."

It's certainly accurate praise, with Inacio ranking among the top 5% of centre-backs across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90, but he would expect to receive a central role under Klopp's wing and this might not be feasible.

Couple that with the required outlay and it's certainly tempting to put the interest back in the folder and move for Beraldo, who can be moulded to Klopp's own creation while not expecting to oust the likes of Konate straight away.

While Inacio appears to be more established, Beraldo boasts all the skills that are requisite for a prominent position in a squad such as Liverpool's, and given that he would probably be happier integrating into the first team, it could be a move to enhance, not disrupt, the harmony.

Moreover, Inacio is more expensive and this may prove to be a sticking point at the season's midpoint, especially with the summer transfer window likely focussing on the acquisition of a new first-class holding midfielder.

With Virgil van Dijk and Konate still expecting to take the starting spots in the centre of the backline, Beraldo feels like the apt man to sign.

He might be young, but the dynamic Brazilian looks the perfect fit and could blossom into something special over the coming years.

Lionel Messi taunts in Saudi Arabia are said to be “really irking” Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is expected to spend another season at Al-Nassr.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Portuguese icon moved to Middle East in 2023
• Showing no sign of slowing down at 39
• Has reacted angrily at time to terrace chants

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portuguese superstar became the first household name to head for the Saudi Pro League following his shock release by Manchester United. Ronaldo made his way to the Middle East as a free agent in early 2023.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He is now 39 years of age, but is showing no sign of slowing down – with 42 goals to his name this season. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has, however, been subjected to “Messi” chants from rival supporters on a regular basis – leading to him serving a ban at one stage after delivering a crude response to his detractors.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo’s contract is due to run until the summer of 2025, with Saudi football expert Ben Jacobs expecting that deal to be honoured despite obvious frustration on the part of CR7.

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  WHAT EXPERT SAID ABOUT RONALDO

  Jacobs has told : “I think he’ll do another season. I think Ronaldo still feels that he’s the one capitalising this. So there’s a personal aspect that feeds into maybe his ego that he started all of this. By the same token he’s frustrated. Al Nassr are second, they're out of the Saudi Super Cup, he got sent off late in a game against Al Hilal. And every time he does anything wrong, opposition fans are chanting the name ‘Leo Messi’. And that juxtaposition of Messi winning the World cup, Ronaldo being in Saudi Arabia, I think is really irking him. I expect him to do one more season, but quite clearly there's aspects out there now that are irritating Ronaldo. Particularly, and oddly at this stage of his career, when people are chanting the name Lionel Messi at him.”