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Liverpool managed to see off Championship side Preston North End in the Carabao Cup last night by a scoreline of 2-0 thanks to goals from Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.

As well as the two goalscorers, one other Liverpool player that delivered a good performance at Deepdale was centre-back, Joe Gomez, over Adrian who managed to make three saves in the match and keep the Reds in the competition.

The defender, who started and played the full 90 minutes of the match in midweek with the captain’s armband, managed to make three clearances and one tackle, win 90% of the duels he was involved in.

He also completed 119 of the 131 passes he attempted, proving to be equally adept with the ball at his feet, and ultimately earn himself an overall match rating of 7.3, making him the joint-second highest-rated outfield Reds player on the day alongside the goalscoring duo, according to SofaScore.

This says to us just how much of an important figure Gomez is for the Merseyside club and how much they can rely on him when they need to even though he has only played a full 90 minutes on three occasions so far this season.

Liverpool signed Gomez, who has been previously described as a “sensational” player by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Charlton Athletic for a fee of just £3.5m.

Since then, the 24-year-old, who is now valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 128 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League in that time.

Forget Adrian, it was Gomez who was an absolute rock at the back despite the Championship outfit’s advances in the first-half.

Moving forward, with Liverpool set to take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the weekend, Gomez’s performance in midweek will certainly have given Klopp some food for thought over whether he should start the Englishman on Saturday or not.

However, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate getting rested in midweek after keeping a clean sheet at Old Trafford in their 5-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, it would make sense for Klopp to stick with those two and put Gomez back on the substitutes bench for the Brighton clash.

In other news: FSG could land LFC’s next Henderson in 18 y/o “huge talent”, fans should be excited – opinion

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips could be keen to join Aston Villa because of Steven Gerrard’s influence, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips rumours continue

The 26-year-old has endured an injury-plagued season for the Whites, proving to be mostly helpless in their battle to stave off the threat of relegation.

At the same time, Phillips has been continually linked with a move away from his boyhood club this summer, as he potentially eyes up a fresh challenge with a side chasing European football rather than running from the drop.

Villa are one of those to have shown an interest in the midfielder, who has been lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former England manager Fabio Capello, with Gerrard reportedly plotting to launch a £60m bid this summer.

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The Latest: Gerrard influence key?

Speaking to Give Me Sport about those rumours, Jones believes Gerrard’s legendary reputation in the game could be enough for Villa to snap up Phillips in the summer:

“I think if Kalvin Phillips were to leave Leeds, he would be looking for certain aspects to fit what he’s looking for. Aston Villa have got Steven Gerrard and that, obviously, is a massive positive for them in terms of persuading him.

“They’re going to be pushing for European football from this point on and that’s the aim, so that’ll suit him.”

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The Verdict: Perfect mentor?

While Gerrard is clearly a legend of the game and someone any midfielder would want to learn from, a move to Villa still wouldn’t feel like a big enough step up for Phillips.

Granted, they are currently faring better than Leeds, but if the England international is to leave the club, it should be for a team playing in the Champions League rather than one currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table.

Only Phillips knows what his decision will be – so much may hinge on whether or not Leeds are relegation – but moving solely because of a manager who may not be at Villa Park forever would feel a little like a sideways move.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be keen on signing a defender. Find out who it is here.

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Graham Roberts insists he is not against the club making a move to re-sign Fernando Llorente on a free transfer.

Spurs enjoyed an aggressive summer of recruitment as they looked to refresh the squad of Nuno Espirito Santo.

Spurs have brought in five new players, with Bryan Gil, Emerson Royal, Pape Sarr, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero all coming in, though Sarr was loaned back to French club Metz for the remainder of the season. Spurs also shipped out Juan Foyth, Toby Alderweireld, Moussa Sissoko, Joe Hart, Danny Rose, Erik Lamela, Paulo Gazzaniga and Serge Aurier.

However, the club did not manage to bring a new striker into the club to provide support for Harry Kane.

Llorente, of course, is a former Spurs star, playing for the club between 2017 and 2019 and playing a key role in their run to the Champions League final, scoring the winning goal in the quarter-final against Manchester City and assisting Lucas Moura’s third goal in the remarkable semi-final against Ajax.

Llorente has left Udinese on a free transfer and remains without a club, and Roberts says he would be open to the potential of him returning in the summer.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “He could do. He’s been around, he knows what the club’s about.”

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the arrival of Xande Silva at the City Ground.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the Nottingham Forest website, the Reds officially announced the permanent signing of the West Ham United winger for an undisclosed fee, with the 24-year-old putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Championship side.

The club went on to mention the fact that the former Portugal U21 international joined the Hammers from Vitoria Guimaraes in a £3m deal back in 2018, as well as stating that the forward has become the club’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window.

Hughton will be buzzing

While Chris Hughton was not exactly short of options in the wide attacking areas of his squad prior to the signing of Xande Silva, with the 62-year-old having Philip Zinckernagel, Joe Lolley and Alex Mighten as options on either the left or right-wing, the arrival of the 24-year-old will nevertheless have left the manager buzzing.

Indeed, while Xande Silva struggled to break into the West Ham first team during his time in east London, making just two senior appearances for the Premier League club, the forward demonstrated his potential while out on loan at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki last season.

Over his 28 Super League appearances – only 11 of which came as starts, the £720k-rated man scored four goals and provided his teammates with three assists, playing a key role in his side securing a highly impressive second-place finish in the top flight of Greek football.

As such, should the Portugal youth international be able to refind this form in Nottingham Forest colours this season, his signing will undoubtedly provide Hughton with a considerable boost at a time when the 62-year-old desperately needs one – with his side currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship standings.

In other news: Reliable journo sheds light on failed NFFC deadline day swoop, Murphy will be fuming

Writing for Chronicle Live, reliable Newcastle United reporter Mark Douglas has shared news on another new managerial candidate in Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Lowdown: Far from over…

Despite former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca becoming an overwhelming favourite for the role at St James’ Park, with some reports suggesting it could even be made official soon, other reliable sources suggest that it is far from a foregone conclusion.

Craig Hope of The Daily Mail believes that other major contenders like Roberto Martinez, Lucien Favre and Unai Emery could emerge over this next week as PIF continue to deliberate who should take the club forward (Twitter).

Writing for The Chronicle, Douglas has now lifted the lid on yet another name to potentially succeed Steve Bruce in the Magpies dugout.

The Latest: Douglas makes Van Bronckhorst claim…

Indeed, as per the journalist, Van Bronckhorst is now eyeing the vacant Newcastle managerial role as he throws his hat into the ring.

This comes as a plethora of managers, beyond those mentioned in the bookies and press, make PIF aware of their availability as they contend for what is surely one of the most sought-after positions in football at the moment.

Van Bronckhorst in particular is an interesting fresh candidate, having worked closely with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for a brief spell.

The Verdict: Good option?

The Dutch footballing icon, known more for his star-studded career as a player, certainly comes as a surprising name to emerge given his lack of experience compared to other contenders.

An Eredivisie title winner with Feyenoord in 2016/17, his most recent post in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou City lasted just 23 matches before he ultimately left (Transfermarkt).

Only taking charge of two senior teams so far during his managerial career, the Newcastle job could be one major step-up too soon for Van Bronckhorst at this moment in time.

In other news: ‘In the coming week’…PIF could now turn to ‘world class’ boss over Fonseca, he wants Newcastle! Find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s interest in Ryan Alebisou.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Tom White has revealed that the Black Cats are interested in signing the 19-year-old right-back on loan from Arsenal before the end of the month.

White claims that the Wearsiders are in talks with the Premier League club over a potential deal, although they are yet to make an official offer for the defender.

He told the Roker Rapport podcast, via Football League World: “We are in for a player from Arsenal called Ryan Alebiosu. Never seen him play, hadn’t heard of him until someone told me about him. We’re in for him but at this stage it’s only in talks. He’s a full-back, don’t even know if he’s right or left.

“This guy from Arsenal, Alebiosu, that would be a loan but at this stage we haven’t actually made the offer. It’s just a case of “in talks.”

Get it done

Kristjaan Speakman must ensure that these talks with Arsenal are successful. Alebiosu could be an exciting addition to Lee Johnson’s squad in an area which needs more depth.

Summer signings Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin are currently the only natural full-back options for Johnson, although the likes of Luke O’Nien, Carl Winchester and Dan Neil are capable of playing there. Therefore, adding Alebiosu could provide competition at full-back whilst allowing O’Nien, Neil and Winchester to play in their favoured positions instead of needing to plug holes in the team.

The teenager’s agent Roberto De Fanti has gone as far as to say that he could follow in the footsteps of Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka.

He told CaughtOffside: “Ryan [Alebiosu] has to first show his qualities with the under 23s; once he has shown he can make the difference in the category he will surely be considered for the first team.

“He is a very talented footballer, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he follow the footprints of Bukayo Saka. I am very excited because I think that Arsenal is the best club for a player like him to develop.”

Given that Saka has been capped nine times by England and made 90 senior appearances for Arsenal at the age of 19, this is some praise from De Fanti. If Alebiosu can get anywhere near that sort of level, then Sunderland will be laughing at having a talent of that quality in League One.

The youngster can play left-back, right-back and on the wing, making him a versatile option for Johnson to call upon on Wearside. Along with the competition he would provide and his potential, that is why Speakman must get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, Lee Johnson provides injury update on £4k-p/w “revelation”, Sunderland fans will be relieved…

Wolves have enjoyed a consistent and comfortable first half to their Premier League season, with the side sitting 8th in the table right now, but climbing as high as fifth and sixth over the past four months thanks to seven wins and four draws from their last 18 fixtures.

A lot of credit must be given to the defensive attributes that Wolves have displayed over the season, conceding only 14 goals, with an interesting statistic that proves just how strong Wolves have been out of possession – Bruno Lage’s side are the only Premier League team to not concede a goal from a set piece so far this season.

Although we could credit the whole team and Lage for the performances we have seen over the last four months, there is one player in particular that has been given high praise for Wolves and rightly so.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher recently did a ‘half season awards’ on Sky Sport’s Monday Night Football, with Neville naming Wolves goalkeeper, Jose Sa, as the best Premier League summer signing praising his “massive impact” on the side.

“The signing of the season properly is Ronaldo for what he has brought to the Premier League, but the kid at Wolves, I was flipping between the pair earlier, but he’s only conceded 14 goals from 18 games.

“The Wolves goalkeeper has had a massive impact on their season and at this moment in time Manchester United are struggling.”

According to OneVersusOne, Jose Sa has made 71 interceptions this season so far putting him in third place amongst his goalkeeper peers in the Premier League and in the top ten (sixth) when it comes to shots saved (62)

The 28 year old keeper also has the highest rating of any other player in the Wolves team on SofaScore, with a 7.15 average.

Neville isn’t the only one to recognise and credit Sa on his phenomenal form, his manager at Molineux has also praised his player;

“He is very important for us. He came with lots of ambition to replace a top goalkeeper in Rui Patricio, and he is doing very well.

“We are very happy with him and we hope he can continue with what he is doing for us.”

The £12.5m-rated beast will be hoping to keep up the impact he is making on his side as Wolves charge on into the second half of the season in the hopes of snatching a finish that could secure the club European football next season.

Given that he was only signed for just £6.25m, it’s fair to say Jeff Shi pulled off a transfer masterclass with the6 foot 4 goalkeeper.

In other news: Ruben Neves squashes rumours of a move away

Newcastle United are among the Premier League clubs chasing FC Koln defender Timo Hubers, according to The Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Hubers profiled

25-year-old Hubers is predominantly a centre-back, though he has played a handful of games as a right-back, left-back and defensive midfielder during his career, showing impressive versatility from a young age.

He made headlines in the UK in March 2020 when he became one of the first professional footballers to test positive for Covid-19.

He’s played 15 Bundesliga matches for Steffen Baumgart’s eighth-place side this season, including 12 of the last 13.

Significantly, his contract at the RheinEnergieStadion is due to expire in just over 14 months’ time, potentially putting pressure on Koln to cash in this summer.

Newcastle did strengthen the heart of their defence in January with the signing of Dan Burn from Brighton and Hove Albion, but clearly Eddie Howe wants further reinforcements.

The latest: Premier League interest

Journalists Chris Wheeler and Olly Allen write that Steve Nickson and Newcastle are ‘understood to be tracking’ Hubers ahead of the summer transfer window.

PL rivals Leeds United, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Southampton are also in the frame in his signature, with Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham keen too.

He’s apparently likely to cost as little as £6million, in part due to his contract situation.

The verdict: A cheaper Salisu

What kind of defender is Hubers? Well, he looks to be very comfortable in the possession, ranking in the 82nd percentile (among positional peers in the ‘big five’ leagues) for passes attempted and the 95th for dribbles completed.

He also very much defends on the front foot, recording 11.58 pressures per 90 minutes (80th percentile) and reads the game well, as evidenced by his 4.12 interceptions per game (99th).

According to FBRef, he boasts a similar profile to Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu, another player Newcastle are said to admire. Indeed, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards revealed that Newcastle considered a move for the Ghanaian in January.

But he’s valued at £13.5million by Transfermarkt, and Hubers could be available for only half the price. It may be a no-brainer, then, for Howe and his recruitment team.

In other news, this trio struggled most against Tottenham Hotspur.

Crystal Palace slumped to their second consecutive defeat after Raphinha snatched all three points for Leeds United with an injury-time penalty in their Premier League clash at Elland Road.

The Eagles were looking to bounce back from their disappointing result against Aston Villa over the weekend and looked to be heading home with a point until referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot in the 91st minute.

Summer signing Marc Guehi was adjudged to have handled the ball following an in-swinging corner, with the decision confirmed after the Video Assistant Referee advised Friend to go to the pitch-side monitor.

The result perhaps wasn’t a fair reflection of the game, though, with Palace having the better opportunities to win the closely fought encounter.

Substitute Christian Benteke had two golden opportunities to put the visitors ahead after Wilfried Zaha clipped a delightful ball to the back post before the Belgium international headed wide, and Illan Meslier just about kept out his effort after connecting with a long ball upfield.

However, the capital club’s backline looked suspect throughout the 90 minutes, not just when Guehi gifted Leeds a golden opportunity to claim their fourth top-flight victory of the campaign.

Experienced right-back Joel Ward struggled to cope with the pace of Dan James following the break, with the former Manchester United youngster playing two key passes and creating one big chance.

As per SofaScore, the 32-year-old was awarded a match rating of just 6.5 out of 10, the second-lowest total received by any of his teammates who featured from the off on Tuesday night, letting Vieira down as a result.

And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why. Ward achieved a measly passing accuracy of 61%, won just 50% of his duels and had only 39 touches, one fewer than goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

These figures highlight his underwhelming display, and Football.London reporter Mark Wyatt was equally disappointing with his sub-par showing.

“Solid outing in the first 45 minutes from Ward other than being booked, which means he’ll miss the next game against Manchester United. Less influential in the second period as Dan James got the beating of him on a couple of occasions,” wrote Wyatt after awarding him a lowly 5 out of 10.

With winnable fixtures against Everton, Southampton and Watford on the horizon for Palace, Vieira will be hoping one of his most experienced and reliable campaigners can get back to his best as soon as possible.

And, in other news…“I imagine”: Journo drops update over £7.2m-rated flop, Palace fans will be delighted 

Newcastle United have reportedly now offered a deal to Sven Botman ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The Lowdown: Two-way battle

It has been widely reported that there seems to be a two-way battle between the St. James’ Park faithful and AC Milan for Botman’s signature this summer.

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The former reportedly had a bid rejected from Lille for the Dutchman in the January transfer window, and now it looks as if they will return for him at the end of the season, while the latter have even had their club legends talking up a deal.

The Latest: Deal offered

As per Football Insider, a source from the North East club has revealed that they have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman, after holding ‘extensive negotiations’ since January.

Both the KSA Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Milan have ‘offered a contract’ to the central defender, and have already ‘verbally agreed personal terms’.

The Tyneside outfit now have to negotiate a fee with Lille, who are thought to value Botman at £30m.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Magpies can snap Botman up for £30m, it could prove to be a real bargain in the future.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is already playing regularly at the highest level at just 22 years of age, and is surely a player that Eddie Howe would love to work with.

At six-foot-five, Botman is a colossus, and only two of his teammates win more aerial duels per game on average in Ligue 1 this season.

Nonetheless, he would certainly be a statement signing by the new owners and would seemingly settle into a monstrous back-line alongside 6 foot 7 Dan Burn.

In other news, find out who NUFC now ‘want’ as their ‘marquee’ signing here!