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Liverpool supporters will undoubtedly have a sense of foreboding ahead of the looming transfer deadline day, with many seemingly unconvinced that the summer business suffices after a subpar season.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp's side fell by the wayside last year and finished fifth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for this year's Champions League.

Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo have been signed, but a first-class holding midfielder should really be targetted to combat the £40m sale of Fabinho, and with time running out, a move must be made soon.

What's the latest on Cheick Doucoure to Liverpool?

According to Sports Zone, Liverpool have "sent a contract offer" to Cheick Doucoure, with the Crystal Palace star having attracted attention from the Anfield side all summer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

The Evening Standard, meanwhile, claims that the Reds have been deterred by the Eagles' current £70m valuation of the Mali midfielder, but anything could happen between now and the end of the week, as we've often seen.

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

While the figure mooted for Doucoure's name appears rather steep, Liverpool's failed £111m bid for Moises Caicedo, who opted to join Chelsea, suggests that the substance is there to secure a momentous, galvanising new signing.

Although Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schamdtke combatted the failure to sign Caicedo with the astute acquisition of Endo – who has been dubbed a "warrior and leader" by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard – the Japan captain is candidly not the solution.

What Liverpool need is a "combative, intelligent, and consistent" man in the middle, and since Doucoure has been hailed as such by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Klopp must throw the kitchen sink at securing his signature.

As per FBref, the £60k-per-week star ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for interceptions, the top 17% for blocks and the top 20% for tackles and clearances per 90, highlighting his excellence as a ball-winning phenom.

It would be a transformative signing for Liverpool, and one that could emulate the club's past deadline day triumph in landing Luis Suarez from Ajax.

While the transcendent Uruguayan joined in January, completing a £23m transfer in January 2011, he represents one of the finest last-minute deals in any transfer window in modern football history, plundering 82 goals and 46 assists across 133 outings for the Merseyside outfit.

The 36-year-old produced one of the most incredible, scintillating individual seasons in Premier League history during the 2013/14 term, posting 31 goals and 17 assists from 33 league displays, almost single-handedly spearheading the Reds' title challenge, albeit falling at the final hurdle.

Heralded for having "everything" by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who described Suarez as his favourite teammate, the defence-shattering striker proved to be one of the most destructive signings in Liverpool's history, and while Doucoure is a very different player, he could have a similarly catalysing effect on Klopp's side.

Indeed, Liverpool boasts a turbo-charged attacking verve and a smorgasbord of high-quality players, but there is a sense that one of two well-placed moves could complete the team.

The club might consider Doucoure's price tag to be exorbitant, but they have left it late and now need to act to ensure that the squad have apt resources to fight for silverware once again.

Marcus Rashford sent his Manchester United team-mates a message in light of their win at Fulham and Ruben Amorim's latest dig to the exiled forward.

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• Rashford left out of Man Utd's Fulham win
• Amorim aims brutal dig at wantaway star
• Red Devils man sends message to team-mates

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Not long after United's 1-0 Premier League win at Fulham and head coach Amorim questioning Rashford's attitude again with a savage dig, the 27-year-old congratulated the squad on claiming all three points on Sunday.

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• WHAT MARCUS RASHFORD SAID

  He wrote in an Instagram story: "Congratulations on the win," followed by the raising hands emoji.

  Instagram

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford has not played for United for six weeks now, is increasingly being criticised by Amorim, and continues to be linked with a transfer exit. For someone who has spent his whole career at the Red Devils, this is turning quite sour for the England international.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Amorim's United will prepare to face FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday, Rashford will hope to secure an Old Trafford exit before the transfer window shuts on February 3.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is a wanted man as Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio shares news on Bayern Munich’s interest.

The Lowdown: Back firing…

The 29-year-old, after a brief spell out-of-form under ex-manager Nuno Espirito Santo last year, has certainly found his feet again at Spurs.

Antonio Conte looks to have transformed Kane on the field as the England international spearheads his Lilywhites attack whilst ranking as one of their best-performing overall players.

Indeed, according to WhoScored, no other Spurs star has managed a higher rate of shots at goal or key passes made per 90 than the fan favourite.

Kane also boasts nine goals in ten Premier League starts this campaign, backing his real resurgence under Conte and explaining exactly why huge sides are taking note.

The Latest: Di Marzio shares update on Kane and Bayern links…

Now, according to Sky journalist Di Marzio, it appears Bayern are seriously eyeing the Three Lions superstar.

Speaking to Wett Freunde, the reporter claims they in fact want to steal Kane and hold a genuine interest – though there is nothing more advanced at this stage.

He explained:

“Bayern Munich after Lewandowski was sold to Barcelona don’t have a striker like him. You didn’t buy a Lewandowski replacement. They have Mane, but Mane is not a physical striker. If they need a player like him, they will surely try. They will try to get Harry Kane or a player similar to Harry Kane.

“I know Bayern Munich want Harry Kane. I don’t know if this is the right move for Harry Kane. He should stay if Antonio Conte stays.”

The Verdict: Worry for Conte?

Whilst there has been no news of contact or offers, Kane’s sumptuous form will be keeping Bayern alerted amid their search for a Lewandowski successor.

This could come as a worry for Spurs, mainly because their star man still hasn’t signed a new deal and provides much more than just goal scoring ability for Conte.

Called a ‘creative genius’ by members of the media, Kane can provide a spark dropping deep and linking up play when required, as evident from his 2020/2021 Playmaker of the Year award.

Losing the striker would be a monumental blow and Bayern’s interest will be keeping Spurs hierarchy on their toes.

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Adams at Leeds

Adams, a USA international, made the move to Leeds over the summer from RB Leipzig. The 23-year-old central midfielder has been a regular at Elland Road, missing just one Premier League game.

His displays in a struggling Leeds side appear to be catching the eye of Old Trafford officials, and it looks as if a future Old Trafford move could be on the cards.

The Latest: United keen

FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared a story on Wednesday evening regarding Adams and Manchester United.

He revealed that the Red Devils have a long-term interest in the midfielder and are keeping close tabs on his situation as they shortlist midfield targets.

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The Verdict: If Leeds are relegated?

Erik ten Hag bolstered his midfield ranks in the summer by bringing in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, but it looks as if he wants further arrivals in 2023.

Adams is still fairly young at 23 and has impressed with his ‘energy and dynamism’, so if the midfielder suffers relegation with Leeds, you’d expect he may be open to the idea of remaining in the Premier League.

That may open the door for United to make their move, so his performances could be one to keep an eye on ahead of a potential transfer next year.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks with Antonio Conte over the possibility of seeing the Italian sign a new contract at the north London club. 

The Lowdown: A new deal for Conte?

Spurs appointed Conte as their new manager a year ago this week after he signed an 18-month deal to take charge of the Lilywhites.

Twelve months down the line, it appears as though the Premier League club are keen on getting the 53-year-old to pledge his long-term future to Spurs.

The Latest: Spurs confident of new Conte deal

According to a recent report from The Athletic, there is a confidence at Spurs that Conte will sign a new long-term deal at the club, with talks underway between the two parties.

This news comes after recent reports linking the Tottenham manager with a move back to his previous club Juventus, where incumbent boss Max Allegri is apparently on thin ice.

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The Verdict: Would be great for Spurs

Since Conte took charge a year ago, the Italian has won 31 of the 54 games he has overseen at Tottenham, drawing nine and losing 14. During his time with Spurs, the former Chelsea manager was able to get his side into the Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

After 13 league matches in this campaign, the north London club have won eight, drawn two and lost three, leaving them in third place having scored 26 goals and conceded 16.

Given the fairly positive time that the manager has had in charge of Tottenham, it’s easy to see why the club are keen to offer him a new long-term deal.

If this were to happen, we feel it would be a great move for all involved. It would not only see the club keep hold of a very good manager with a glittering CV, but also put to bed any concerns that there may be about his future.

When Boubacar Kamara joined Aston Villa from Marseille in the summer, he was surely hoping that some impressive performances in the Premier League would earn him a spot in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.

Unfortunately for the midfielder, a combination of Villa’s poor form and injury problems meant that he didn’t make the France squad that was announced on Wednesday.

Kamara had started every game in the Premier League under Steven Gerrard until he picked up an injury in the 1-0 win against Southampton in September.

At the time it was suggested that the knee ligament injury would rule him out of the tournament in Qatar, but the 22-year-old has clearly worked unbelievably hard behind the scenes to get back fit, making his return from the bench against Manchester United last weekend.

Sadly, that was not enough to convince Deschamps that he was worth taking on the plane, although he does have a plethora of incredible talents including Eduardo Camavinga and Aurielien Tchouameni to choose from in midfield, with former Villa flop Jordan Veretout also making the squad.

Therefore, Kamara will no doubt be disappointed and keen to prove himself, so Unai Emery should hand him his first start back from injury when his side travel to Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

The game represents an opportunity to rest some tired legs and give opportunities to lesser-seen players, as Premier League managers will perhaps not be too fussed if defeat in the League Cup means they avoid further fixtures in an already-congested season.

Emery will want to have Kamara fully match-fit for when the Premier League resumes after the World Cup, so giving him 90 minutes against Erik ten Hag’s side makes a lot of sense, while it shouldn’t weaken a side that triumphed against the Red Devils at Villa Park last time out.

The former Marseille man had already won over Villa journalist Dan Rollinson just a couple of games into the new season, as he described the 22-year-old as the club’s “best midfielder” after the 2-1 win against Everton.

Therefore, with World Cup disappointment no doubt on his mind, the £26m-rated “phenomenon” – as dubbed by past teammate Rolando – should be given a chance to impress at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. It could just inspire him to reach even greater heights.

Tottenham Hotspur are now ‘looking’ for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ long term replacement after a ‘massive decision’ from Antonio Conte, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Wonderful servant…

The Frenchman, who is a near-certain inclusion for his country’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar as Les Bleus captain, has proved a long-serving, reliable and dependent mainstay since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2012.

A decade has passed since Lloris’ move to the Premier League, with the Spurs figurehead going on to make 436 appearances in all competitions. Even now, the 35-year-old is an ever-present under Antonio Conte, playing more league minutes than anyone in the squad (WhoScored).

However, Lloris has been criticised for some of his performances this season, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even questioning the Spurs number one’s fading abilities.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘looking’ for Lloris replacement…

In light of the 35-year-old’s apparent downturn in form, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an update on the goalkeeper’s long-term future at Spurs.

Conte has apparently made a ‘massive decision’ in regards to Lloris, with Tottenham now looking at his future heirs as they draw up a shortlist. It is believed that Spurs are eyeing Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier as possible candidates, with it being ‘unlikely’ that the Frenchman remains their number one after this season.

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Bailey explained (via TEAMtalk): “Hugo Lloris has a deal until 2024, but it is highly unlikely he will be Tottenham number one after this season. He has been up and down and it is understood Tottenham are looking for his long-term replacement. And we can reveal that a number of options are in the Premier League.

“They have been linked to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier, and these are the options for them. They really like Sanchez at Brighton – but it is likely that won’t be until the end of the season.”

The Verdict: End of an era…

Spurs supporters will surely look back fondly on Lloris’ long tenure at their club’s number one shot-stopper with great memories, and he is hardly over the hill despite a recent slump.

Just this season, the goalkeeping veteran put on a brilliant performance away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, with reporter Alasdair Gold describing him as a ‘bright light’ in that Tottenham defeat.

Lloris does deserve to see out this season as Conte’s first choice at the very least, even if all eras must come to an end eventually.

Leeds United youngster Archie Gray has suffered an injury blow, with journalist Phil Hay confirming that the teenager will be out of action for ‘six to eight weeks’.

The Lowdown: Gray an exciting prospect

The 16-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the Whites’ academy at the moment, with a big future predicted for him.

Gray is yet to make his senior Leeds debut but his progress is highlighted by the fact that he has already made 19 appearances for the under-21s, despite his tender years. The midfielder has four assists in that time, not looking out of place at all in an older age group.

He has been included in senior matchday squads on occasion and featured for the first-team in pre-season, albeit that he is waiting on a competitive debut.

The Latest: Gray injury news

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay relayed the news that Gray is set to be sidelined for effectively the rest of 2022 because of an ankle injury.

Relaying updates from Jesse Marsch’s pre-game press conference ahead of Leeds’ weekend trip to Tottenham, the journalist tweeted:

“Archie Gray has an ankle injury – six to eight weeks out.”

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The Verdict: Setback in his progress

This is a clear setback for Gray, who has been progressing so well – Jamie Redknapp has hailed him as ‘tremendous’ – although the timing of the injury could have been a lot worse.

With the World Cup starting next week, Leeds won’t be in action again until Boxing Day, so the teenager won’t miss any action in that time, should Jesse Marsch have been planning to use him.

Leeds’ under-21s aren’t playing again until January, either, so the teenager won’t miss any matches in Premier League 2 either.

Gray’s main focus should be on recovering as soon as possible and featuring for the under-21s again, hopefully continuing to enjoy a meteoric rise in the process.

Aston Villa have been handed a potential boost to their hopes of securing a transfer deal for reported summer target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. 

The Lowdown: Villa’s summer interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Midlands club were linked with a move for the Englishman during the previous summer transfer window, but ended up bringing in Leander Dendoncker on deadline day.

This season has seen the Liverpool figure make just four appearances for the club across all competitions, with a hamstring injury ruling him out for a large portion of the campaign.

Following his previous links to Villa Park, it seems as though a big update has emerged regarding the 29-year-old’s current situation and Anfield and his future with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Latest: Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave Liverpool

In a recent Twitter post, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared that Oxlade-Chamberlain is ‘expected’ to leave Liverpool as a free agent.

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He said: “Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, expected to leave Liverpool in 2023 as free agent. There are no talks to extend his contract as things stand.”

The Verdict: A useful signing for Emery

With over 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, across which he has scored 19 goals and delivered 28 assists, Oxlade-Chamberlain certainly has sufficient top-flight experience to be a useful addition to Villa’s squad.

Having featured in almost every outfield position possible throughout his career, this sort of versatility would also make the Reds figure a rather helpful option for Unai Emery to have at his disposal.

Across the 17 league appearances he made last season, the midfielder ended up making more crosses into the 18-yard box (4) than the likes of Diogo Jota (2), Harvey Elliott (2) and Thiago Alcantara (1).

Taking all of this into account, if Villa were to reignite their reported interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain and bring him to Villa Park in the summer as a free agent, this could be a very smart and rather risk-free move from the Midlands club financially and from a footballing perspective.

Newcastle United have Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos on their ‘wish list’, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: Recent interest

The Premier League side have certainly strengthened their squad ever since PIF completed the takeover of the club last year, though they are now on the lookout for a talented prospect as a signing for the future.

The Magpies have held an interest in the Brazilian, with reports last month claiming that the 18-year-old, who is valued at approximately £20m, was in talks over a potential move to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Downie’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie revealed that Newcastle are in the process of looking at several younger players, and name-checked Santos as being one of the particular targets.

“I think he’s one of a number of younger players they’re looking to bring in, to try and get around the FFP rules.

“We saw them bring in the guy from Australia, Garang Kuol, 18 years old, and I think this is another player on that kind of wish list.”

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The Verdict: Guimaraes successor

Santos has been dubbed a ‘monster’ by Juninho, and he could be seen as the ideal long-term successor of Bruno Guimaraes in the northeast.

The teenager has bags of potential and has already shown what he’s capable of this year having scored eight goals, not to mention he has the versatility to operate in all positions across a midfield (Transfermarkt).

If the opportunity to land him does arise next year, Eddie Howe and co could jump at the chance to secure his services and bag themselves a possible star in the making.