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Liverpool have a number of players coming to the end of their contracts this summer with Naby Keita set for an Anfield exit and now an update has emerged on a potential replacement.

What’s the latest?

According to The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney, Liverpool could reignite their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that Liverpool have taken an interest in the player before alongside Manchester United and could be tempted to revisit that at the end of the season as Haidara’s contract has a release clause.

It said that following a rejected bid from Brighton for the player, the German outfit are not willing to sell in the winter.

Dream Keita upgrade

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp and the powerbrokers at Anfield will be working hard to identify the right targets to recruit in their midfield rebuild expected to take place in the summer with Jude Bellingham already touted as the number one priority for the club.

Whilst the Borussia Dortmund wonderkid would be a fantastic piece of business for Liverpool, the club will need to add a few more midfielders to their squad with Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner – as it stands- lined up to leave for free this summer.

As a result, the signing of Haidara could be exactly what Klopp is looking for in a Keita successor as the player was brought into Leipzig to do the exact same thing for the Bundesliga club when the 27-year-old made the move to Merseyside back in 2018.

Haidara was hailed “exceptional” by former Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick, who commented on his potential to fill Keita’s boots at the club:

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

The 24-year-old sensation – who has a release clause worth £33m – ranks in the top 25% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, assists, progressive passes, interceptions and tackles, displaying his potency in progressive play.

In fact, he could be the dream Keita upgrade as Haidara has outperformed his positional peer in a number of midfield attributes this season so far with a better pass completion rate (83.04% v 75.2%), more ball recoveries (42 v 18), duels won (17 v 6), clearances (7 v 1) and interceptions (5 v 1), according to Squawka.

The Mali international has also spoken out on his admiration of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and even compared himself to his role model:

“He was an exemplary player who had it all and battled on the pitch.

“I’m a combative player who works hard in defence and I try to do my best going forward. I’ve also got a good shot.”

With that being said, if Liverpool do reignite their interest in Haidara they would surely be in a great position to compete for his signature in the summer as he clearly possesses midfield traits that Klopp admires and already has a vested interest in the Merseyside giants with his admiration for Gerrard.

Arsenal are still following Montpellier striker Elye Wahi for a potential swoop, according to a reports from France.

The Lowdown: Wahi targeted by Arsenal

It was reported at the beginning of the month that the Gunners were eyeing the 20-year-old as a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus, although Eddie Nketiah has performed very well in the Brazilian’s absence, scoring six goals since Christmas.

Everton have also been credited with an interest in recent weeks (as reported by Media Foot), with the Toffees said to be strongly considering a bid, and there is now a growing list of potential suitors…

The Latest: Arsenal still following Wahi

According to Foot Mercato, the Gunners are still following the ‘very coveted’ striker, while Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Juventus are also considering moves for the 20-year-old.

The report goes on to state that Montpellier value their prized asset at more than €30m (£26m) and they have no plans to let him leave this month, while the player is also believed to be settled.

The Verdict: Worth it?

Nketiah has defied expectations and done very well while Jesus has been on the treatment table, scoring four goals in his last five Premier League games. Therefore, Mikel Arteta does not necessarily need Wahi, but the youngster is showing signs that he could be a fantastic long-term prospect.

Hailed as ‘very impressive’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet is putting in performances beyond his years in Ligue 1 this season, scoring seven times in 18 outings, the joint-highest goal tally of any Montpellier player.

The forward is still quite raw, with some fundamental parts of his game still to develop. That is indicated by his return match average of just 0.04 assists per game over the course of the past year, placing him way below average compared to other strikers in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, the most crucial part of any striker’s game is their ability to put the ball in the the net, and he is already doing that in abundance.

Everton are reportedly now in ‘advanced discussions’ to try and sign free agent Andre Ayew.

The Lowdown: Toffees take their time

Even though the official transfer deadline for English clubs is at 11pm, Everton can take their time if they want to sign Ayew, as he is a free agent.

He recently left Qatari club Al-Sadd, and is available to discuss a transfer to another club, should he wish for another move.

The Latest: ‘Advanced discussions’

As per French news outlet L’Equipe’s live transfer blog (19:12 pm), Ayew is now in ‘advanced discussions’ with the Goodison Park outfit over a potential move:

“A few days after breaking his contract with Al-Sadd (Qatar), Andre Ayew could well make his return to the Premier League, where he has already played (Swansea, West Ham). The former OM attacking midfielder (33) is in advanced discussions with Everton. Given his contractual situation, Ayew will be able to find a new club beyond Tuesday night’s limit.”

The Verdict: Avoid for now?

Even though the Merseyside club will be desperate to get players in with just a few hours to go, they need to avoid Ayew being one of them if they can.

The Ghana international has scored a total of 177 goals for club and country combined over the course of his career so far, and of course has previous experience in the Premier League with Swansea City and West Ham United, but at 33 years of age, is a player that is past his prime.

The Toffees have targeted younger options in recent hours in Udinese’s Beto and Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, and so should be putting all of their focus on trying to get one or both of them over the line.

Nonetheless, Ayew is an option to fall back on in case either deal falls through, as he can still be signed after the deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane secured his place in Spurs’ history on Sunday with a record-breaking goal but there have been some concerns raised over whether he can catch Alan Shearer’s record.

What’s the latest?

Sunday proved to be a game to remember for all involved in north London with Spurs securing three massive points as their stunning home record in their new stadium still intact against Manchester City.

However, the record which was most significant on Sunday was Jimmy Greaves’ all-time goal-scoring record which Kane surpassed with his 267th goal for the Lilywhites.

Next on the list for Kane is the all-time Premier League record of 260 goals which is now 60 goals away with Shearer currently holding the accolade.

But speaking on Match of the Day 2, Leon Osman has suggested injuries could be a big concern over the coming years for Kane in his bid to clinch the record:

“He’s definitely not finished if he stays fit. That’s going to be the main concern. Does he choose to stay in the Premier League? Because, you know, there’s rumours that he might move on.”

Injury worries

Despite turning 30 years of age later on in the year, Kane has shown very little signs of slowing down and, in fact, is enjoying one of his best seasons in front of goal of his career.

Last season proved a tricky one for the England captain after a summer of speculation seemingly hindered his start to the Premier League campaign.

However, he was able to rediscover his form under Antonio Conte and went on to score 17 Premier League goals in his 37 appearances.

Rumours, though, have indeed persisted despite the striker reigniting his Spurs career over the last 18 months or so, with Bayern Munich among those linked with a summer transfer in recent weeks.

Spurs have only played 22 times in the league thus far and Kane has already equalled last season’s total with only City’s Erling Haaland having scored more across the Premier League so far.

The 29-year-old’s highest return in a Premier League campaign is 29 goals and with 16 games remaining in the season, he’s certainly on course to beat that record.

However, as Osman alluded to, Kane has suffered serious injury setbacks in the past with ankle and hamstring issues keeping him out for large periods of time.

And, with this in mind, it could be a concern for the England captain in regard to the longevity of his career.

But it is important to recognise that Kane has not suffered an injury which has kept him out for more than seven days for almost three years now.

So there is the suggestion the 29-year-old has discovered better methods to conserve his body and protect himself from injury issues which should put him in good stead for the years to come.

Danny Higginbotham believes Marcus Rashford cut a frustrated figure during Manchester United’s disappointing draw last night.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag will be frustrated

Despite coming back from 2-0 down against a bitter rival, Erik ten Hag will likely be furious with his side, who put themselves into a difficult position against a relegation-threatened opponent.

When Man United found themselves 2-0 down against Leeds United, it was clear that something had to change – and that’s what happened when Wout Weghorst was hooked off after 59 minutes.

This then allowed the in-form Rashford to be moved more centrally as Jadon Sancho took up a spot out on the wing, and that appears to have been a smart move given how frustrated Rashford appeared to look, according to Higginbotham.

The Latest: Rashford has to be the main man

It’s bizarre given Rashford’s form of late that Ten Hag would force him into a different position to the one he’s been thriving in, and it didn’t pay off until he got moved, as Higginbotham stated on The 2 Robbies podcast.

He said: “He played three different positions in the game. The first half, Garnacho obviously was playing left wing, so that meant Rashford went to the right wing.

“I think he cuts a frustrated figure in that position. He’s been at his best on the left, driving inside, and when he doesn’t play on the left, I think it affects other players. I think it affects Luke Shaw, who wants to get into that space that would naturally be left by Rashford tucking inside, but because Garnacho was there, Luke Shaw didn’t have any space to get into.”

The Verdict: Man United must keep Rashford fit and firing

Rashford hasn’t just been one of Man United’s most in-form players, but one of the Premier League’s best players. Since the turn of the year, last night’s goal means he’s now scored five times in 2023, which is more than Liverpool and Chelsea have managed as a team, and led to analyst Statman Dave labelling him a ‘monster’.

Especially when the player who took his natural and favoured spot on the left was an 18-year-old in Garnacho – who’s got just one senior goal to his name – it’s perhaps unlikely Ten Hag will set up like this anytime soon.

Given the sheer number of important games Man United have coming up including two matches against Barcelona and a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, Ten Hag must ensure Rashford doesn’t get the hump by being moved out of position and keep him fit during this run of games.

Liverpool have reportedly been boosted in their efforts to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, with talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge going nowhere.

The Lowdown: Mount linked with Liverpool move

The 24-year-old’s future in London has been a key talking point of late, with the Reds one of the clubs linked with signing him in the summer transfer window.

Mount has continued to be an important player for Chelsea this season, starting 19 matches in the Premier League and scoring three goals along the way.

The England international’s current Blues contract expires at the end of next season however, and he looks increasingly unlikely to sign an extension.

The Latest: Reds given new boost

According to Football Insider, Mount wants to be among Chelsea’s top earners moving forward but the club are ‘refusing to budge’ on their current offer.

That is described as a ‘boost’ to both Liverpool and Juventus, whose interest in the midfielder is ‘genuine’.

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

It still feels most likely that Mount will end up reaching an agreement with Chelsea, given his lifelong affiliation with the club, but Liverpool signing him could be a superb piece of business.

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While the 36-cap England start isn’t necessarily the most flashy of players in his position, he is extremely effective both on and off the ball, with Jose Mourinho once describing him as ‘very, very intelligent’.

Mount is someone who could provide Jurgen Klopp with the legs he so desperately needs in midfield, capable of excelling as one of the No.8s on either side of the three having started ten league games in that role this season.

At 24, he is also still a relatively young player who can become even better in the coming years, and he could perhaps become the Gini Wijnaldum replacement that has been missing since his exit, should Klopp want to mould him into that type of player.

Filip Helander is reportedly not expected to play for Glasgow Rangers again, given his long-term injury and contract situation at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Rotten luck

Helander has had rotten luck with injuries at Rangers, having missed 109 games in total over the last three-and-a-half seasons, being sidelined since April of last year.

Michael Beale admitted in January that Helander could face up to another three months out, and with his contract up in the summer, the Gers have a big decision to make over whether to extend it or let him go on a free transfer.

The Latest: Played his last game?

As per Football Insider, Helander is not expected to play for the club again, according to ‘sources’ from the Light Blues and the player’s camp.

The Sweden international is thought to be one of their biggest earners, which suggests that the Teddy Bears would like to get him off of their wage bill.

The Verdict: Shame

It is such a shame to see Helander’s Rangers career hampered by injuries, and unfortunately with his contract up in the summer, it may be best for all parties to part ways.

Hailed as a ‘leader’ by former Gers manager Steven Gerrard, he was a player that the Englishman rated highly, as Helander played title-winning 2020/21 season.

The central defender is capable of producing in the big moments, notably scoring the winner against bitter rivals Celtic at Ibrox in 2021, but with the likes of John Souttar and Ben Davies joining in the summer, Beale will feel that he is well-covered at centre-back, and so can afford to let Helander go.

The agent of Celtic teenager Eseosa Sule has confirmed that the player has completed a Parkhead exit.

The Lowdown: January speculation

Sule is an out-and-out centre-forward and was heavily linked with a move to Championship side West Brom last month.

Reports suggested that an agreement had been reached with the Hoops for the 16-year-old, however, only now has a move been rubber-stamped by his agent.

The Latest: Move confirmed

Sule’s representative, Darren McBay, took to Twitter on Monday to share an update on the forward. He said that a transfer to West Brom has been completed, posting pictures of the player holding up a Baggies shirt inside The Hawthorns.

McBay added that a move was delayed beyond January as it ‘still had to get international clearance approved’, something which now appears to have happened.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Sule had been tipped to make an impact on the first-team stage at Parkhead, so losing his services to West Brom isn’t ideal.

Celtic have a recent history of losing teenagers to English sides, with the likes of Leo Hjelde and Ben Doak moving to Leeds United and Liverpool respectively, with both going on to make Premier League appearances.

Sule could well be the next to breakthrough down south, so his development will be one to keep an eye on closely over the coming years, but unfortunately, it won’t be Celtic reaping the rewards.

Journalist James McNicholas has revealed that Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba had an on-pitch “disagreement” at full-time after the club’s recent win.

What’s the latest on Gabriel, Saliba and Arsenal? In their latest Premier League game, the Gunners managed to extend their lead at the top of the table as they picked up a victory against Leicester City.Indeed, a single second-half goal from Gabriel Martinelli gave Mikel Arteta’s men an important 1-0 win away against the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.Despite the three points and the clean sheet, it seems as though Arsenal centre-backs Saliba and Gabriel had some reason to be upset with one another.Indeed while speaking on YouTube after the game, McNicholas noted the duo had an angry exchange on the pitch when the full-time whistle blew.He explained (3:24): “There was a bit of a disagreement at full-time between Saliba and Gabriel, I noticed, about I don’t know putting the ball out of play or whatever it might have been.”Listen, that’s good, it shows standards are high. Arsenal just won to go five points clear at the top of the table and they’re still looking for perfection, they’re still looking for more.”How important are Saliba and Gabriel to Arsenal?Considering the Gunners got the win and limited Leicester to just one shot in the entire game (which was off-target) it’s safe to say the two defenders did their job extremely well on the day.With that in mind, it’s easy to see why McNicholas notes this as an example of high standards between the duo who were still not entirely satisfied when the game ended.Gabriel has started every league game alongside Saliba so far this term, tasting defeat just three times across 24 games – proving just how available they are to the north London club.All in all, it sounds as though this shouldn’t be anything to worry about for Arteta and the club’s fans. Indeed, passions may have been running high in the heat of the moment but it seems unlikely that the pair will fall out over this issue.

A number of clubs from the Bundesliga have reportedly registered their interest in signing Glasgow Rangers central midfielder Ryan Jack this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Jack is out of contract at Ibrox this summer, and so as it stands he will be leaving as a free agent at the end of the season.

They have recently been linked with a move for Panathinaikos midfielder and captain Dimitrios Kourbelis, who is seen as Jack’s potential replacement.

The Latest: Approaches made

As per Football Insider, some teams from the Bundesliga have made approaches to try and sign Jack on a free transfer this summer.

The Scotsman is thought to be ‘keen’ on remaining at the club however, and Michael Beale still thinks of him as a ‘key’ member of the squad.

The Verdict: Sign him up!

The Gers simply cannot let Jack leave on a free transfer, and so should be looking to tie him down to a new deal if possible.

Despite not being a regular starter at times this season, the 31-year-old has still made 27 appearances in total over all competitions, scoring two goals and making a further two assists (Transfermarkt).

Beale has even claimed previously that Jack is in the ‘best eleven‘ players at the club, and so losing him for free this summer just does not seem like a smart move at all, especially if an adequate replacement is not brought in.