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According to The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Academy director Alex Inglethorpe has said that 22-year-old Ryan Kent is worthy of a call-up to the first team. 

Kent is currently on loan with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, where he is turning a lot of heads at Ibrox. The winger has bagged four goals and two assists in 14 appearances this season, and is proving to be one of The Gers’ most dangerous players down the flank.

He has certainly been impressive this season, and there is no doubt that he will get his chance with Liverpool at some point, but he may need to wait a while.

In all honesty, neither Jürgen Klopp or the Liverpool fans would want to start tinkering with their squad and trying out new players at this stage of the season. Sadio Mané seems to have his place secure on the left flank at Anfield, and Xherdan Shaqiri is an able replacement should anything happen to the Senegalese forward.

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With Liverpool in their best position to win their first ever Premier League title, it would be nothing short of madness to start throwing new players into the mix, particularly as they are out of the FA Cup and League Cup. This would also entail recalling the player from his loan in Scotland, which creates further complications.

However, next season may offer Kent the chance to feature for The Reds, however, it is still unclear whether he would be able to make the sizeable step up. Unfortunately for him, he has a very tough task of trying to break into this Liverpool team.

Italian journalist Giancarlo Padovan has named Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs in the mix to sign Juventus forward Paulo Dybala. 

The lowdown: The end of an era

The 28-year-old is set to leave the Italian giants as a free agent in the summer and as a result, end a seven-year spell in Turin.

In that time the versatile Argentinian attacker has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, helping Juve towards five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia successes and three Supercoppa Italiana victories.

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However, despite previously agreeing on terms to sign a new deal, Dybala is now believed to be moving onto pastures new with a host of clubs keen.

The latest: Spurs named

Speaking to Sky Italia, via CalcioNapoli1926 and translated by Sport Witness, Padovan has doubled down on previously reported interest from Tottenham in bringing the Argentina star to the Premier League.

The journalist said: “He knows that besides Juventus there are many important teams, he knows that he can go to Atletico or stay in Italy, at Inter. In England, there are Arsenal or Tottenham: in short, he will not remain unemployed.”

Padovan went on to claim that the 32-cap ace may struggle to earn the €10million (£8.4million) per year salary that he desires but the forward is determined to prove Juventus wrong.

It’s also suggested that Dybala will requisition UEFA Champions League football as a ‘minimum’ requirement from a new club.

The latest: The importance of top-four

Potential deals such as this one truly underline the importance of finishing inside the Premier League top four and subsequently qualifying for Europe’s elite competition.

Whilst a move for the man lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by Alessandro Del Piero could be difficult to complete due to the fierce competition, Antonio Conte would undoubtedly be desperate to add a player of Dybala’s calibre to the Lilywhite’s squad.

This season, the man valued at £36million (Transfermarkt) has scored 13 times and provided six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions – predominantly from a second striker role – so to sign him for zero initial transfer cost would be incredible business.

In other news, Tottenham eyeing four major summer signings. Find out more here!

West Bromwich Albion appear to have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring Vedat Muriqi to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer insider relaying the quotes of Lazio director Igli Tare on Twitter, who seemed to suggest that the 27-year-old centre-forward will not be leaving the Serie A side in the current market.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Vedat Muriqi won’t join CSKA Moscow, Lazio director Igli Tare says: “It was fake news. He’s not joining CSKA Moscow.”

Aside from CSKA Moscow, previous reports had also suggested that Valerien Ismael’s Albion side were interested in a move for the Kosovo international this month, while both Leeds United and Hull City have also been credited with an interest in Muriqi.

However, with Tare stating quite intently that news of the club’s striker potentially leaving Rome is ‘fake’, a move elsewhere could now also be off the cards, including to the Hawthorns.

Fans will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Muriqi’s return of goals during his seven and a half year spell in Turkey was impressive, considering how poor the striker has been since making a big-money move to Lazio back in the summer of 2020, the news that the Kosovan looks unlikely to be leaving Italy this month is sure to have left Baggies fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 246 appearances for the likes of Giresunspor, Genclerbirligi Ankara, Caykur Rizespor, Fenerbahce, KF Teuta and KS Besa Kavaje, the £12.5m-rated man scored 81 goals and registered 23 assists – not far off making a direct goal contribution every other game.

However, since his £17.93m move to Lazio, the £52k-per-week striker has failed to hit anywhere near these heights, having bagged just two goals and provided two assists over his 49 appearances in all competitions for I Biancocelesti.

As such, when taking into account Muriqi’s extremely hefty weekly wage, in addition to the fact that the 27-year-old has proven he does not have what it takes to make it in one of Europe’s big five leagues, the news that the Kosovan will not be leaving Italy for The Hawthorns this winter is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the Baggies.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit drops worrying WBA January claim, it’d be a “huge blow” for Ismael

A crucial transfer claim has been made as Rangers plot their second signing of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, the Gers are in a ‘strong position’ to sign Vitesse Arnhem defender Danilho Doekhi on a pre-contract agreement this month.

His deal with the Eredivisie outfit expires in the summer and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are leading the interest in his services.

Fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news, as it suggests that the club have a great chance of landing the centre-back at the end of the season. The Gers could be set to bring him in on a free transfer, which would be a coup for Ross Wilson as it would free up funds to strengthen in other areas instead of needing to splash out on a big transfer fee for a defensive signing.

James Sands has already joined the club on loan from New York City FC and this deal for Doekhi could be Van Bronckhorst’s second signing of the month, although he would need to wait until the summer to line up for the Scottish giants.

Last year, his current boss Thomas Letsch lauded his ability, saying: “Danilho is extremely important. He is one of the best center-backs of the Eredivisie.

“Of course there is more talk about Oussama Tannane, Riechedly Bazoer and the attacking players. But it is very important for the team that you are stable and prevent goals. Everyone is responsible for that, but Doekhi, Jacob Rasmussen and also Tomas Hajek do a super job.

“He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed at the highest level in every game. Danilho makes almost no mistakes and is an absolute team player, a very calm player. flat developed. He coaches other players very well. He is calmer than other players and perhaps that makes him less noticeable, but he is the reserve captain for a reason.”

This highlights the Dutchman’s qualities as a defender and illustrates why Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing over this telling update from Campbell. The ex-Feyenoord coach will surely love to have a centre-back who makes ‘almost no mistakes’ and, at the age of 23, has potential to improve even further.

It is now over to Wilson to ensure that he can get a deal over the line for the defender in the coming weeks by pinning him down to a pre-contract agreement.

AND in other news, Chris Jack reveals Rangers swoop for “wonderful” 6 ft 1 beast, fans will be buzzing…

According to a report by L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), it ‘seems clear’ that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy ‘intends to separate’ from Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: A failed transfer

In the summer of 2019, Lyon playmaker Ndombele joined Spurs in a £55m deal, making him the North London club’s record signing. However, since his arrival, the midfielder has suffered a disappointing tenure under various managers.

When Antonio Conte joined the club, fans hoped that the Italian could revive the Frenchman’s Tottenham career. However, this has not been the case; the 52-year-old has given Ndombele just 80 minutes of Premier League football, using him as a substitute in two out of his three appearances.

The Latest: Levy wants Ndombele gone

According to a report by L’Equipe (translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham chief Levy has made his decision regarding Ndombele’s future: he wants him gone.

L’Equipe report that the Spurs’ ‘decision seems clear today’, as ‘Levy intends to separate’ the Frenchman from the club. As a result, Ndombele has even been made to train alone since last Wednesday.

The French outlet reveal AS Roma and Napoli have come forward in recent days, with former manager Jose Mourinho said to have maintained a ‘close relationship’ with the France international.

The Verdict: Difficult to find a solution

With the January transfer deadline looming, it is becoming worryingly possible that Ndombele will remain at Spurs for the rest of the season, soaking up wages without contributing on the pitch.

The report details how his salary has become a major stumbling block – his £120,000 per week would put him immediately at the top of Roma’s wage structure, for example.

Levy would surely jump at a loan-to-buy deal if one presented itself, but an official offer has yet to be made.

The Spurs chairman will be hoping that Mourinho ramps up his approach for the player, with the Roma boss having previously hailed the Frenchman as ‘magnificent’ – perhaps he will be Spurs’ saviour on this occasion.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Leeds United ‘like’ Ross Barkley ahead of the January window, Give Me Sport report.

The Lowdown: Barkley links

Barkley, described as ‘first class’ by former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, spent a brief time at Elland Road on loan back in 2013.

The attacking midfielder made just four Championship appearances for the Whites and has now been linked with a return to Yorkshire.

Leeds are short of midfield options at this moment in time and are thought to be monitoring the 28-year-old ahead of the New Year.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

O’Rourke was talking to Give Me Sport in a story shared on Wednesday evening – 24 hours on from Leeds’ 7-0 defeat to Manchester City.

This is what he had to say, believing an attacking midfielder isn’t a priority for Marcelo Bielsa.

“They do like him [Barkley], but I don’t think it’s a major priority for Marcelo Bielsa to bring in another attacking midfielder.”

The Verdict: Avoid…

Leeds have Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts who can play just in behind the striker, however, their only out and out defensive midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, is sidelined for two months with a hamstring issue.

On that basis, a move for Barkley should be avoided, with the main aim to bring in a defensive-minded midfielder.

Hopefully, that is what happens over the coming weeks, as failing to add to their defensive and central ranks could prove costly with Leeds currently flirting with the bottom three after just three wins all season.

In other news: Second Leeds man injured vs City alongside Shackleton; issues reach breaking point. 

Celtic have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring John Souttar to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that, despite Celtic’s interest in the Heart of Midlothian centre-back, the 25-year-old’s preference is a move south of the border, with the likes of Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Luton Town, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Preston North End all reported to be keen on the 25-year-old.

The report goes on to state that Hearts are continuing contract negotiations with the defender in an attempt to convince him to extend his stay at Tynecastle, with the Scotland international’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Postecoglou will be furious

Considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Hearts this season, the news that the centre-back would rather secure a move to England than make a switch to Parkhead this winter is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, over his 12 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £720k-rated man has helped his side keep two clean sheets and scored three goals, as well as making an average of two interceptions – the most of any defender in the top flight – 0.7 tackles, 44.9 passes and winning a whopping 6.3 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £3.1k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 7.39, ranking him as the sixth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football so far this season.

As such, it is clear to see that Souttar would make an excellent addition to Postecoglou’s options in the heart of defence, something which is exactly the reason why the news the 25-year-old would prefer a move to a Championship side ahead of playing European football and fighting for the league title with Celtic is sure to come as a major blow to the 56-year-old manager.

In other news: Postecoglou in grave danger of big Celtic blunder over “outstanding” £7.6k-p/w flop

The Liverpool ownership FSG will be having nightmares about what could have been if the club had signed German star Mario Götze back in 2016.

Ahead of Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield, it wasn’t surprising to see him linked with players he’d worked with in the past. One of those was Götze.

The world cup winner was at Bayern Munich at the time and his spell there wasn’t going to plan having made only 14 appearances the season before.

The German giants wanted £30m for him but Liverpool were only willing to pay £15m – £20m which was well below what Bayern paid for him.

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Götze was keen to move away from the Allianz Arena at the time and eventually opted for a move back to former club Dortmund instead of reuniting with Klopp in the Premier League.

His best years were during his first spell Signal Iduna Park, where he’d been described as “special” by reporter Liam Twomey and was a key part of Klopp’s success there.

In his second spell at the club he made 103 appearances and was involved in 31 goals, before eventually moving to the Eredivisie where he now plays at PSV Eindhoven.

Overall his career hasn’t been bad by all means, he has won the Bundesliga five times and most famously the World Cup in 2014 where he scored the winner in the final for Germany.

His legacy will forever be remembered because of that. He was so young at the time and achieved everything every young boy dreams of, so why at 29-years of age are we not talking about him being one of the best midfielders in the world?

Well, he’s had his fair share of injuries and ultimately it seems as though he peaked at a young age. You can’t blame him for moving to serial winners Bayern at the time, but just how good could he be now if he had followed Klopp to Merseyside?

He seems to think he would have been better for it. In a recent interview cited by the Mail he revealed how he “should have joined Liverpool” and that manager Klopp had the biggest impact on his career.

Not many players have had the privilege of playing under both Klopp and Guardiola but Götze is one of them. Could he still potentially join Liverpool at some point in the future?

He’s been performing well since moving to PSV with 17 goals and the same number of assists in 71 appearances, however, he isn’t at the level required for a Liverpool player.

He won’t regret much in his career given everything he’s won, but in the back of his mind, he may always think about what could have been if he had made the bold decision to move to England.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool now set to sign “generational” ace, he’s more exciting than Carvalho

Former Tottenham and Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has stated that it would be a “massive boost” if West Ham could see star defender Kurt Zouma return from injury ahead of schedule.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson explained how key Zouma is for the Irons, stating: “It would be a massive boost for them if Zouma returns ahead of schedule.

“David Moyes signed him to be the main man in that area of the pitch. His form in the earlier part of the season was brilliant.

“He is the best centre-half they have so to have him come back would be a massive boost.”

Last month, Moyes gave a promising update on the 27-year-old, stating: “Kurt is coming on and we’re really pleased with where Kurt is.

“I couldn’t turn around and say he’s going to be back in a week or a month but he’s really positive about his injury, well ahead of schedule at the moment.”

The centre-back, who arrived at the London Stadium last summer, has been absent for over a month with a hamstring problem with the timing of the injury far from ideal with Angelo Ogbonna suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury just weeks before.

However, it appears that the 27-year-old will be back playing in claret and blue soon.

West Ham fans will be buzzing

It is fair to say that Zouma has made an instant impression in East London after swapping city rivals Chelsea for the Irons in August and thus, fans will understandably be buzzing to hear that he could return sooner than initially thought.

The defender has been a major contributor to West Ham’s impressive start to the season with the Hammers winning six of the 11 Premier League games that Zouma has played in, including famous scalps over Liverpool and Chelsea.

Moreover, West Ham’s form has dipped slightly since the Frenchman’s injury, with Moyes’ side dropping points at Burnley as well as losing to Arsenal and Southampton before wins over Watford and Crystal Palace.

The East Londoners’ goals conceded per game is also slightly higher without the 27-year-old, with the Irons conceding an average of 1.6 goals per league game without Zouma as opposed to the 1.27 with him.

The sooner Zouma can return, the better with West Ham set for a hectic second half of the season with commitments in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.

In other news: West Ham interested in promising forward

Newcastle United are willing to offer Marcelo Brozovic ‘crazy money’ to lure him to Tyneside, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown

The 28-year-old is thought to be earning £106,000 per week under his current deal at Inter Milan. For context, Newcastle’s highest-paid player at present is reportedly £86.5k-per-week frontman Joelinton.

Crucially, Brozovic’s contract is up at the end of the current season, so if Inter can’t agree fresh terms, they’ll either have to cash in during January or allow him to walk away for free next summer.

The Croatian showed his class with a strong performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage in September. SofaScore rated him as the Nerazzurri’s best player after he played 99 accurate passes (including seven out of nine long balls), won three out of his five ground duels and chipped in with four clearances and two tackles.

The latest

Newcastle appear to be desperate to sign Brozovic, with The Athletic’s report suggesting that a ‘crazy’ contract may be tabled.

However, that interest isn’t reciprocated by the player, who is especially hesitant to join the Magpies midway through the season given the looming spectre of a relegation battle.

The verdict

Herein lies the problem for Newcastle United. They may be one of the wealthiest clubs in the world now, but they could struggle to attract top talent for as long as they remain in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Brozovic has started every single Serie A match for reigning champions Inter this season and helped the Nerazzurri to book their place in the Champions League round of 16. Why would he want to swap those circumstances for a relegation battle?

What’s more, if he does end up leaving in the summer, you’d imagine that this World Cup finalist and seasoned Champions League operator would be able to pick a club who have already established themselves in European competition.

In other news, Lee Ryder talks up Newcastle links with this Premier League ace