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There is a glaring issue within the Liverpool squad which if the club are to achieve anything this season, simply has to be addressed in the January transfer window.

That, of course, is in the middle of the park where the Reds have struggled significantly.

Jurgen Klopp and FSG ignored that third of the pitch until transfer deadline day in the summer, bringing in Arthur Melo.

Sadly, the Brazilian has only made one appearance since joining as a result of injury. That factor has plagued the squad this term, leaving Klopp rather hamstrung when it comes to his midfield options.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are both out of contract at the end of the current season while Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara are now all in their 30s.

Although the latter will never lose his class, injuries have also troubled him throughout the current term.

After the World Cup, the name on the lips of most Liverpool fans will certainly be Jude Bellingham.

Clubs the world over will be queuing up for the teenager’s signature next year but the Reds could find an alternative in Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentine has also caught the eye in Qatar, scoring a delightful goal in their win over Mexico before assisting in the victory against Poland.

Reports in recent days suggest that the Reds already have a pre-agreement in place with the Benfica midfielder over a possible deal in 2023, with any such move potentially costing in the region of a whopping £103m.

Dubbed a “cheat code” by one source for his performances on the big stage this autumn, he has all the hallmarks of being the club’s perfect Thiago replacement.

The Spaniard possesses plenty of poise and grace, sitting in the top 8% of positionally similar players across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion (89.4) while he also ranks in the best 2% of midfielders for passes completed per 90 minutes (82.66) and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (7.34).

These stats are incredibly similar to Fernandez, albeit the 21-year-old is compared to those in the world’s next-best eight leagues outside of the big five by FB Ref.

Across those divisions, the Argentina international is in the top 11% for pass completion (87.1%). That is slightly below Thiago but in the other metrics already assessed, the Spaniard is actually defeated.

Compared to Liverpool’s classy number 6, Fernandez completes a whopping 96.83 passes per 90, 9.50 of which are progressive passes. Both of those figures mean the talented youngster ranks in the very best 1% of players.

Couple that with his ability to score goals and create for his teammates, numbers seen by his three goals and five assists this term, and you have a rather fine player.

Given the sheer lack of depth in central areas for the Reds, the pair could well play together. That said, with Thiago not getting any younger, it feels as though Julian Ward would be signing the Spain international’s natural heir.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will undoubtedly be rubbing his hands as the first transfer window of his reign draws close, with several targets already circled. 

What’s the word?

Spanish publication Vamos mi Sevilla have recently reported that four European outfits are looking to clinch the service of the versatile flanker, who won the Copa America with Argentina last year.

Reports in Spain suggest that Emery is intrigued by the prospect of luring Sevilla ace Marcos Acuna to Villa Park and bolstering his wide options.

Despite winning two of his first three matches for the midlands club, the Spaniard will look to add his own flair to the side, making tweaks and changes as he looks to lead Villa back towards the upper end of the table. 

Star in Qatar

Acuna has most recently been earning plaudits for Argentina in Qatar, where he has aided his national side to a first-placed group finish, despite a seismic loss in the opener to lowly Saudi Arabia. 

In that match, Acuna was one of the few candles not extinguished by the second-half wave of Arabian wind that sent La Albiceleste spinning, recording a rating of 7.1 off the bench as he forayed forwards and searched for openings. 

And with a performance that bred a 100% pass success rate, two big chances created, and 27 touches, the 31-year-old was in the very thick of the action, consequently earning a starting role in the following group matches against Mexico and Poland, with the South American giants winning both. 

It’s these stunning showings that have attracted interest from a train of clubs vying for his signature, with the blend of experience and explosive dribbling a worthy addition to any top-flight team across Europe. 

As per FBref, he ranks within the top 8% for passes completed across Europe, whilst ranking within the top 7% for successful dribbles, when compared to positional peers, whilst also contributing defensively for Sevilla this season with 1.9 tackles per match and 1.1 interceptions.

His rounded and refined arsenal has led to claims that he is “one of the best”, and with an achievable price tag of roughly £10m, Emery could receive the reunion he so desires in the coming months.

Having contributed with two goals and ten assists across 92 outings for the Andalusian side, the 46-cap Acuna will no doubt be enticed by the prospect of working under manager who boasts a consistent track record of success, with his particular skill set well-suited. 

But with the likes of Inter Milan, Emery’s former team Villarreal, Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt, and Premier League midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers all interested, Villa would to well to act swiftly, with conviction, to lure the whiz to Aston.

Journalist Gaston Edul has shared a crucial injury update on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso amid his loan spell at Villarreal.

The Lowdown: Lo Celso stars on loan…

The Argentina international has been thriving on loan in La Liga in the build up to this year’s World Cup in Qatar, yet his latest injury blow has shrouded his potential involvement.

As per WhoScored, Lo Celso ranks in Villarreal’s top four in terms of shots at goal, completed dribbles and fouls drawn per 90 but it appears they will have to be without the South American for a period.

The 26-year-old has been described as a ‘major doubt’ for Argentina’s squad after being forced off on 25 minutes during Villarreal’s 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at the end of last month.

Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia later this month but a latest update from Edul has made Spurs’ stance crystal clear.

The Latest: Spurs want Lo Celso surgery…

It is believed the Lilywhites have adopted a zero-risk stance as Villarreal await more scans on their loanee.

Spurs allegedly want Lo Celso to undergo surgery on his hamstring injury with the midfielder appearing more and more doubtful for Qatar.

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Edul explained:

“Villarreal hopes that Gio Lo Celso’s inflammation goes down to do some more studies and decide whether to operate or not. Tottenham wants him to have surgery.”

The Verdict: Massive blow…

Spurs’ desire for Lo Celso to have an operation can surely only spell trouble for the player.

Potentially missing Argentina’s World Cup campaign would come as a devastating blow for the playmaker, who enjoyed a brilliant stint on loan at Villarreal last season as well as this campaign.

Lo Celso enjoying a noticeable campaign for Argentina in the far east could have also drove up his price tag in a real benefit for Spurs to try and sell him off permanently.

Alas, depending on how this situation develops, it appears he could well be a real doubt.

Everton could land a “massive coup” if they are able to secure a January transfer deal for potential World Cup star Cody Gakpo, according to pundit Noel Whelan. 

The Lowdown: Previous interest in Gakpo

Back in the previous summer transfer window, the Toffees were named as one of the clubs interested in signing the winger.

Other Premier League clubs such as Leeds United, Southampton and Manchester United were also linked with the PSV starlet, who has scored 82 goals in total for the club across 220 appearances in their senior and youth sides.

Now that the next January transfer window is approaching, it appears that the possibility of Everton making a move to sign the Dutchman has been the topic of discussion once again.

The Latest: Get it done

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan told Everton to get it done, labelling a deal as ‘massive’.

He said: “If they can get him, it’d be a massive coup. There’ll be a lot of clubs looking at him. I’m pretty sure in January – he’ll be a player who can make a difference to any side, he’s a fantastic talent.

“If there’s a bidding war, Everton could find it difficult – with their league position and their style of play. But if they can get this deal over the line, it would be an absolutely tremendous coup.

“If they start coming up against Man United and other top sides, it could become a lot more difficult.”

The Verdict: A stunning move for Everton?

Regardless of Whelan’s doubts over Everton’s ability to sign Gakpo in January, the 23-year-old, who will be hoping to have a breakout tournament with the Netherlands in the upcoming World Cup, has shown this season why the Merseyside club should do all they can to secure his signature.

With 17 appearances under his belt this season across the Eredivisie and the Europa League, the winger has scored 12 goals and delivered 13 assists, boasting well above one direct goal contribution per game.

Hailed as an “electric” player by journalist Josh Bunting, Gakpo has also had more shots at goal (47) and shots on target (24) than any other player in his division, further highlighting the attacking talent he has.

Taking all of this into account, we agree with Whelan that if Everton were to sign the PSV figure in January, he would be a great signing for the club and an exciting addition to Frank Lampard’s squad.

Tottenham Hotspur could re-sign their former defender Dennis Cirkin as journalist Alan Nixon shares an update out of N17.

The Lowdown: Spurs back Conte…

The Lilywhites backed Antonio Conte in the summer transfer window after receiving a £150m equity injection courtesy of club owners ENIC.

Spurs’ head coach was repaid for guiding them to a Premier League top-four finish as sporting director Fabio Paratici sealed summer moves for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and a permanent deal for Cristian Romero.

Ahead of January, the north Londoners are reportedly monitoring other targets, including Leicester City playmaker James Maddison.

Now, as per reliable reporter Nixon, some news has come to light on a former Spurs player they are seemingly targeting.

The Latest: Tottenham could re-sign Cirkin…

Tottenham, and Paratici by extension, are said to be eyeing a move for Sunderland defender and their former youth star Cirkin.

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Writing for The Sun, Nixon claims that Spurs are ‘tracking’ the 20-year-old alongside top-flight rivals Brentford, and the player could have a decision to make as the Black Cats consider potentially cashing in.

This comes after the north London club ‘surprisingly let him go’ last summer.

The Verdict: Wise move?

The 20-year-old has impressed since moving to Sunderland from Spurs and has carried on this season with some solid defensive returns.

Cirkin currently ranks among Sunderland’s top four players for interceptions, clearances and blocks per game, with journalists like Phil Smith calling the youngster a ‘machine’ for some of his performances.

Homegrown and familiar with the club, it’s no surprise that Paratici and co are considering a move to bring the youngster back to Hotspur Way.

Arsenal are a side who have reaped the benefits of possessing an impressive academy set up in recent years, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka having all graduated from the Gunners’ youth ranks before establishing themselves as regulars in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.

However, arguably one of the club’s most talented academy prospects in recent memory, Reiss Nelson, is yet to fulfil his undoubted potential at The Emirates. And, with a matter of months remaining on his current contract in north London, time is running out for the 22-year-old to prove he has what it takes to make it at the club.

Indeed, former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, previously stated his belief that Nelson “has shown that he can dribble, go past people and he isn’t fazed by the occasion,” while legendary Gunners centre-back Martin Keown claimed that the winger “showed the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player.”

There has been evidence of these claims on the pitch, with the £5.85m-rated talent having impressed during a loan spell at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2018/19, scoring seven goals and registering one assist over his 23 Bundesliga appearances, with Julian Nagelsmann going as far as to compare the attacker to another of Arsenal’s former academy graduates, Serge Gnabry.

Regarding Nelson, the former Hoffenheim manager said: “Reiss is a player whose qualities can be compared to those of Serge Gnabry, but just not so well developed.”

And, considering the fact that Gnabry now boasts a market valuation of £72m – having scored 67 goals and registered 43 assists over 182 appearances for Bayern Munich – just eight years after he left Arsenal for a measly £4.5m, it would appear extremely wise for the Gunners to learn their lesson from the 27-year-old’s rise and hand Nelson one more chance to impress before the end of his current deal.

Indeed, it is undeniable that the academy prospect possesses the potential to be a massive success in the professional game, perhaps even going on to match the level of the Germany international, but whether or not this development occurs at The Emirates looks to solely depend on whether or not Arteta affords the £15k-per-week starlet a final opportunity in an Arsenal shirt.

Nottingham Forest are interested in taking Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon on loan for the season, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Position at the club

After falling out of favour at Spurs under manager Antonio Conte, the 25-year-old’s future at Hotspur Way seemed uncertain as Fabio Paratici prepared for a busy summer in the transfer market.

However, his position soon became clear after he was omitted from Tottenham’s squad for their pre-season tour of South Korea, alongside the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele, who have now left the club.

The Latest: Ornstein’s news

After a lack of interest so far this summer, Ornstein has shared news of a Premier League club considering making a loan move for the Spain international.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Nottingham Forest considering taking Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon on loan. Talks between clubs in recent weeks as #NFFC seek cover for Omar Richards. #THFC would want full salary covered if 25yo goes. He’s approaching match fitness.”

Shifting the full-backs wages off the books would bank Daniel Levy £2.5m for the year.

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The Verdict: Disappointing situation

Reguilon arrived at Spurs in 2020 bearing the weight of high expectations after joining from La Liga giants Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £32m.

At the beginning of last season, the 25-year-old was a guaranteed starter in Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting eleven, in which he played the full 90 minutes in the side’s first eight Premier League games.

However, under Conte, the Spaniard’s playing time has become far more sporadic. Reguilon featured in the starting team 13 more times, often being substituted early on in the second half.

Having failed to make an appearance so far this season, a move away from north London seems to be the best option for the left-back, who needs a fresh start to get his career back on track.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch is dealing with several injury problems ahead of his side’s return to Premier League action this afternoon.

The Whites welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Elland Road to kickstart the 2022/23 campaign but the American head coach is without as many as six first-team players.

That includes his only senior left-back, Junior Firpo, and his usual alternative, Stuart Dallas.

The former Barcelona man picked up a problem in their 4-0 win over Blackpool last month and was subsequently ruled out for the start of the new season. He could be another two or three weeks away from a return.

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Meanwhile, the latter suffered a major injury against Manchester City at the back end of last season and he isn’t likely to feature again in 2022.

Leeds have signed as many as six new faces this off-season but none have been with the left-back role in mind, so it leaves Marsch awfully short on options.

As a result, he must turn to the colossal Pascal Struijk, who can do more than a job outside of his natural central defensive position.

The Dutchman featured in 29 of the Whites’ top-flight matches last term, where he was deployed in as many as three different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

He was involved in both matches against the Old Gold last season, where he helped steer the Yorkshiremen to four points, once at centre-back and the other time in defensive midfield.

Given the threat that Wolves have on offer with the likes of Pedro Neto and Adama Traore on the books, Marsch will need a stern presence like Struijk to combat them.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe, the former Ajax graduate ranks inside the top 1% for pressures (16.95 per 90), as well as the top 2% for tackles (2.98 per 90) and the top 4% for blocks (2.50 per 90), via FBref.

It’s no wonder that the £13m-rated titan, who stands at a whopping 6 foot 3, has been described as a “monster” by journalist Daniel Fraiz-Martinez.

As such, Marsch must entrust him with the task of keeping Wolves’ right flank quiet in front of their home crowd later today. It could prove to be a game-changing call from the American as he looks to change Leeds’ fortunes this campaign.

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops transfer update…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Maxwel Cornet to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that, despite West Ham United believed to be progressing in talks to sign the Burnley forward, the likes of Newcastle United, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also made contact with the Clarets concerning a deal for the 25-year-old, while Leeds are another side said to be keeping tabs on the Ivory Coast international.

The report continues to state that Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City are also casting an eye over the former Olympique Lyon winger, who it is believed has a £17.5m release clause written into his current contract at Turf Moor.

“Unbelievable”

Considering just how quickly Cornet took to English football following his €15m (£12.5m) move to Burnley last summer, in addition to the fact that the Ivorian is also capable of operating from left-back – a position it is well documented Victor Orta is looking to strengthen – the argument that the 25-year-old would be an unbelievable signing for £17.5m is an easy one to make.

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Indeed, over his 26 Premier League fixtures for the Clarets last time out, despite his side’s struggles in the top flight, the £13.5m-rated forward still managed to catch the eye, bagging nine goals, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

Compared to those at Leeds, he would have been their third top-scorer behind Jack Harrison and Raphinha, so it’s evident how much he’d give to Marsch’s men if he pens terms in Yorkshire, especially considering the latter has now left.

The above returns saw the £30k-per-week flanker who Maximiliano Bretos dubbed an “unbelievable talent” and Ale Moreno labelled an “explosive player” average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.84 – a rating that, were he to have played for the Whites last season, would have ranked him as Jesse Marsch’s joint eighth-best performer in the top flight.

As such, while it would appear as if Orta will face fierce competition from a number of Premier League rivals in pursuit of Cornet this summer, the 25-year-old would very much appear to be worth the fight – as the winger’s versatility, ability in the final third and £17.5m release clause would all look to make him something of an unbelievable signing.

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Manchester City are ‘strongly considering’ making a move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer.

The Lowdown: Top of Guardiola’s wish list

The Croatian is believed to have been a long-time target of City’s Premier League rivals Tottenham, but the Sky Blues haven’t been deterred, with the Daily Mail claiming that the 20-year-old is at the top of Pep Guardiola’s transfer wish list.

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath backed this up even further on Twitter last week, stating that the English champions could weigh up an approach for the Leipzig centre-back as a potential replacement for Nathan Ake if the Dutchman is to leave the club in the coming weeks.

The Latest: City debating Gvardiol bid

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs outlined that City are in the process of deciding whether or not to submit an official bid for Gvardiol.

He said: “Man City are looking at RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. He’s also been heavily linked with Spurs. City are yet to place a bid but are strongly considering it. The only downside is the fee Leipzig want, which could be as high as £75 million.”

The Verdict: Strong physical presence

With Ake looking highly likely to make the move to Chelsea, Guardiola must now be on the hunt for reinforcements, and Gvardiol could add a fantastic physical presence to the Spaniard’s backline at the Etihad Stadium.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the Leipzig gem was once dubbed a ‘tank’ by Izak Ante Sucic, assistant editor of Germania Sport, and with good reason. He averaged 1.9 clearances and won 1.8 of his aerial duels per Bundesliga match last term, via WhoScored.

Whether or not City would be willing to cough up £75m after recently splashing out on big-money moves for the likes of Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips remains to be seen, but Guardiola has seemingly cast a watchful eye over Gvardiol, and who’s to say that the young Croatian won’t be the next marquee arrival at the Etihad…