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A number of Liverpool supporters were left frustrated after the Reds reportedly distanced themselves from a move for midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Liverpool have not made any additions to their midfield since Thiago arrived in September 2020, with Jurgen Klopp making do in the meantime with what he has at his disposal.

There could be a need to sign someone in that area at the end of the season, though, with James Milner now 36 and both Jordan Henderson and Thiago in their 30s as well.

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One player with whom Liverpool have been linked is Zakaria, who has continued to shine for Borussia Monchengladbach this season, making 15 Bundesliga starts and standing out as one of his team’s best players in a difficult campaign.

According to The Liverpool Echo [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], though, a move now looks increasingly unlikely, with the Reds distancing themselves from the Switzerland international, who will be out of contract in the summer.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Zakaria latest

These Liverpool fans have reacted negatively to the update on Twitter, with some expressing their ire towards the notoriously frugal club owners FSG.

“Smh”

Credit: @NegusSabali

“Why aren’t we interested??”

Credit: @TrentinoProp

“I won’t be surprised if either Arsenal, Man U, Tottenham or Chelsea signed him. We scout for players and other PL top 4 teams signed them. This has been the routine. Good luck to whoever eventually signs him”

Credit: @Femmyontop

“What a waste of a chance. He can be a good backup for Fabinho. Atm, we don’t have any player who can play CDM except for Fabinho and Morton who is too young”

Credit: @luqvanderlinde

“Interested FC”

Credit: @NoelPhils

“What else do FSG want? He’s free!!”

Credit: @Yasoofi5

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited by the Reds’ interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Ralf Rangnick has only had a matter of weeks in the Manchester United dugout but his thinking will have to quickly revert from implementing his playstyle to recruitment in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, that’s an area where the German thrives in having had numerous director roles during his career in football.

What’s the word?

Considering Man United boast Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad, it seems ridiculous to suggest that the Red Devils need to strengthen in attack.

However, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that they cannot rely on their Portuguese dynamo.

Bruno Fernandes hails from the same nation and has also had great importance placed on his role in the team. However, he and his compatriot could be given some respite from January.

That’s because United have been linked with securing the services of Joao Felix, another Portugal international who is held in high esteem around the globe.

Speaking recently to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke commented: “I’m sure Manchester United, as well as maybe some other Premier League clubs, will be interested in Joao Felix if Atletico Madrid did decide to cash on him. I’m sure he’d definitely be an attractive option for United.”

Must swoop

Atletico signed the diminutive sensation for a grand total of £113m back in 2019 but his career in the Spanish capital has never truly lived up to expectations.

While climbing the ranks of Benfica, the tricky forward was one of the most impressive young players in the world, scoring 20 goals in 43 senior outings.

After moving to La Liga the 22-year-old has scored the same number of goals, but it’s taken him much longer, making 90 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.

That said, having been described as “outstanding” by Jurgen Klopp, Felix still has an abundance of talent, even if he does annoy Man United legend, Roy Keane.

Speaking during the European Championships, the Irishman launched a scathing attack on his qualities, saying: “Felix, when he came on, that guy’s an imposter, he’s an imposter. He comes on, your country needs you…hit the target! What was he? £100 million? If I was [Cristiano] Ronaldo I’d certainly be going after him in the dressing room. Shocking.

“Felix and Fernandes were driving me crazy.”

That won’t exactly fill supporters with confidence but he is still a remarkable player with the world at his feet.

He registers a career average of two shots per game, just 0.6 fewer than Fernandes, and has racked up 1.3 dribbles per outing in 2021/22, a statistic that would place him fourth in the United squad.

That’s ahead of the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and Ronaldo.

On that evidence, he’d certainly provide United with added spark and when you combine that with his ability to score goals, it makes him a prime candidate for Rangnick to recruit over the winter.

AND in other news, Rangnick must brutally axe “God awful” £180k-p/w MUFC dud who Keane dubbed a “worry”…

Aston Villa would be wise to make a move for Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez as a replacement for Azel Tuanzebe, according to Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Villa linked with Gomez move

The 24-year-old has found it difficult to get regular minutes for the Reds this season, appearing for just 14 minutes in the Premier League.

Villa have been linked with a move for Gomez in the January transfer window as Steven Gerrard looks to strengthen his squad between now and the end of the season.

With Tuanzebe set to leave Villa and join Napoli on loan, a centre-back may well be needed this month.

The Latest: Phillips talks up possible Gomez move to Villa

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips talked up the idea of Villa acquiring Gomez’s services.

After Gerrard admitted that “we would be delighted to keep [Tuanzebe]” and “we just hope we have the opportunity”, the former Sunderland striker stated: “He’ll definitely need a new centre-back. Whether Joe Gomez happens, I’m not sure. It’d be a great signing.

“But when managers speak like that, ultimately it looks like the player will be moving on. Then, it will be a priority to get a centre-half through the doors”

The Verdict: Tough to see happening

Gomez is a top-class defender who has won both the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, being hailed as ‘sensational’ by Jurgen Klopp.

He could be an exceptional signing for Villa despite some sizeable injury problems, but it is hard to see the Reds allowing the England international to leave.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both now in their 30s, Gomez will surely be viewed as a future regular if he can stay fit, and even a loan move could feel needless after the Reds’ centre-back shortage last season.

Villa may well need to look elsewhere if they intend to add to their ranks in this department during the month.

In other news, some Villa fans have reacted to reported interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion appointed former Barnsley manager, Valerien Ismael, as their new manager in the summer after the side was relegated from Premier League under Sam Allardyce.

Ismael is suffering a poor run of form that has seen West Brom struggle to score and failing to register enough wins to close the gap on Fulham and Bournemouth who currently sit in the automatic promotion spots at the top of the table, whilst West Brom trail behind in third.

What’s the word?

Valerien Ismael is now speculated to be in a vulnerable position, with former Birmingham Live journalist, Chris Lepkowski, taking to Twitter to discuss the potential of the dismissal of Ismael as early as before Christmas.

Lepkowski tweeted;

“I suspect Valerien Ismael is in territory now where he might struggle to make Xmas if things don’t quickly change,” he said.

“It’ll be the manager who pays the price. It always is. We are now closer to 13th points wise than 2nd. The players will be protected.”

He further added:

“Sacking him now would be a huge admission they got it wrong.

“But if attendances drop – which they already are – and the Board start getting it, they’ll be more likely to act. He needs a big result on Saturday.”

There have been no official reports or word from West Brom on their stance as yet on the future of Ismael, but surely the pressure will rise for the manager if he doesn’t start to pull something out of the bag for West Brom.

Would fans be happy to see Ismael go?

West Brom’s priority is to get promoted back into the Premier League, and if they feel that it can’t be achieved under the management of Ismael, there will surely be very quick decisions made to ensure the club can bring in somebody who can secure promotion for the side and change the path of their season in time.

It’s clear that Ismael’s tactics is only taking the side so far, with Friday night’s performance against Nottingham Forest the perfect example of the tactics not being adaptable to counter or react to the opposition’s course of play.

Although West Brom are creating chances in high numbers, with 61 shots in the last three games, not a single one has been finished correctly to seal a win for the Baggies.

Some fans would be happy to see Ismael sacked, even at this early stage in the season, taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

One fan tweeted; “Ismael needs to be sacked because this will get worse and worse #wba”

Another Albion fan speculated the potential of sacking Ismael tweeting;

“I’m not calling for Ismael’s head BUT I do think it’s worth pointing out Watford sacked their manager in 5th and went up 2nd. Villa sacked Bruce and went on a real run. Board know what it’s like leaving it too late with Bilic last year.”

With that in mind, a large section of the Albion faithful would surely be buzzing if Lepkowski’s prediction came true. After all, it could put an end to their current poor run of form – a stretch that’s seen them win just once in five – and inspire a run to promotion.

In other news: Johnstone tipped to stay at West Brom until summer

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Everton left-back Lucas Digne, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux.

The Lowdown: Palace’s left-back shortage

Patrick Vieira made a number of signings in his first transfer window as Eagles boss, but he failed to add to his left-back ranks after Patrick van Aanholt left the club.

That has left Tyrick Mitchell as the club’s only senior recognised left-back, with the 22-year-old not missing a minute of Premier League action so far this season.

It now seems as if Everton will be bringing in Ukraine left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko in a deal worth a reported £17.9m, and it appears as if Palace want to take Digne from Goodison Park.

The Latest: Digne links

Jeunes Footeux shared a story on Friday afternoon regarding the French defender, who Vieira is reportedly keen on signing.

The report claimed that Digne has been involved in an altercation with Everton manager Rafael Benitez and a Toffees exit could be on the cards, especially with Mykolenko set to join the Merseyside club.

The Verdict: Big fee required?

The 28-year-old has made 113 appearances in the Premier League, so based on that ample experience, he would certainly challenge Mitchell for a starting spot at Selhurst Park. However, the Eagles may need to spend big for Digne’s services, as he holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £31.5m and is earning £110,000 per week on Merseyside.

Regardless of his reported altercation with Benitez, Everton would still look to receive the best deal possible should they part ways with the defender.

On that basis, Palace may need to decide whether they are willing to splash the cash on a player like Digne, or else look to spend the money bolstering other areas of the pitch and bring in a second-choice left-back with Mitchell as first choice.

In other news: ‘Going to be insane’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react to ‘wild’ club update

With the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Connor Coady looking increasingly uncertain as the January transfer window draws closer, the Molineux faithful would be forgiven if they are starting to worry about losing their services of a player who is undoubtedly Wolves’ most influential defender.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has been a highly important part of the club’s impressive rise from the Championship back to the Premier League, making a total of 287 appearances in all competitions for Wolves, as well as being appointed club captain.

However, with reports suggesting that Newcastle United are targeting the England international in the winter market, a move which – one would assume – would see the defender handed a rather significant pay rise on his current £62k-per-week salary, the chances of Bruno Lage finding himself without the £22.5m-rated man for the second half of the campaign would seem to be rather high.

Although, while it would undoubtedly come as a major blow to lose Coady this January, the 45-year-old Wolves boss may already possess a ready-made replacement for the 28-year-old in his first-team squad – in the shape of Max Kilman.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has highly impressed over his 10 Premier League appearances so far this season, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 3.8 clearances and winning five duels per game.

The £4.05m-rated man has also chipped in going forwards, scoring one goal, in addition to taking an average of 0.6 shots and making 0.2 key passes per fixture.

These returns have the player who commentator Arlo White dubbed an “authoritative” figure average a SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Wolves’ best defender in the top flight – and fifth-best performer overall.

As such, should the £14k-per-week Kilman be able to maintain this level of performance over what remains of the current campaign, while Lage may have to bring in another centre-back in order to make up the numbers at the back, the 24-year-old could well be the man who the Portuguese manager builds his defence around.

In other news: John Percy issues exciting Wolves claim that should leave fans buzzing

Celtic will be without striker Giorgos Giakoumakis for their League Cup semi-final with St Johnstone, Alison Conroy reports.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis under Postecoglou

Giakoumakis made the move to Celtic Park on deadline day in a deal worth £2.5m from VVV-Venlo.

However, since then, he has had his fair share of issues after initially struggling to get up to fitness before injuring his calf in the warm-up against Raith Rovers in September.

The 26-year-old, labelled as a ‘phenomenon’ by a Dutch reporter, has started twice under Ange Postecoglou, with his only goal coming against Saturday’s opponents in the Scottish Premiership.

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The Latest: Conroy’s update

Sky Sports reporter Conroy shared an injury update on Twitter following comments from Postecoglou.

Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week due to a knee issue, whereas Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic are unlikely to be ready in time following hamstring problems.

“Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says Giorgos Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week with a knee injury. League Cup semi likely to be too soon for Carl Starfelt & Tom Rogic.”

The Verdict: Not ideal…

Postecoglou will have his first taste of Hampden Park this weekend, and being without three first-team members on top of long-term absentees Christopher Jullien and Greg Taylor isn’t exactly ideal.

Giakoumakis, Starfelt and Rogic all started in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone last month, so Postecoglou will now have to find a way to win without the trio.

In terms of Giakoumakis’ latest injury, you’d expect Kyogo Furuhashi will almost certainly occupy a central role, with all but one of his 13 Hoops goals coming as a centre-forward as opposed to out wide.

In other news: Ange now wants to sign another forward for Celtic in January; came through same academy as Rogic. 

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Vitoria Guimaraes defender Abdul Mumin as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to complete the overhaul of his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Eagles have recently been scouting the highly-rated 23-year-old ahead of a potential move.

The report states that: “Several clubs have been sending scouts to watch him in action for Vitória, where he’s been impressing since joining the club last year.

“Crystal Palace are said to be one of those who recently ‘made sure’ to send an official and get more information on the athlete, as they study an ‘eventual’ attempt for the signing.”

However, the south London outfit are expected to face stiff competition for Mumin’s signature, with fellow Premier League sides Leicester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all credited with an interest.

Vieira needs him

The 6 foot 2 beast only arrived at Guimaraes in August 2020 from Danish side Nordsjaelland – who are renowned for producing several top young talents – but he’s already made a big impression.

In his 25 top-flight outings last term, Mumin averaged a whopping 3.8 clearances, the second-highest total amongst his teammates, as well as 0.7 tackles and 0.7 interceptions, as per WhoScored.

During his short career, the Ghanaian has shown glimpses of his top-class potential, and with a market value of just £1.8m, he could be a bargain addition to Vieira’s relatively threadbare squad.

Currently, only veteran centre-back James Tomkins is a natural backup to the first-choice pairing of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, meaning Palace will need added reinforcements at the heart of defence over the coming transfer windows.

Therefore, director of football Steve Parish must sanction a swoop for the defender, providing Vieira with a plethora of options along his backline.

Mumin may not be a household name or a popular choice amongst the fanbase, but he would certainly be a value for money signing, leaving plenty of room in the capital club’s budget for further acquisitions.

And, in other news…Journalist drops worrying claim over £40m-rated Palace dynamo, fans will be concerned 

Southampton currently have a number of senior players in their squad who will see their contracts expire in the summer such as Fraser Forster, Jack Stephens and Shane Long among others.

However, the Saints also have one player in their squad that has a contract set to expire at the end of January – 26-year-old left-back Sam McQueen.

As a product of Southampton’s youth academy, McQueen played his way through the ranks at the club before making his senior debut back in February 2014 in a FA Cup match against Sunderland.

Since then, the defender, who is currently valued at £720k according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of just 29 senior appearances for the club across all competitions.

McQueen has not featured for the Saints since the 2017/18 season where he made seven appearances in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup, making him somewhat of a forgotten figure in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

In fairness to the player, McQueen suffered a cruciate ligament rupture back in October 2018 and is still recovering from it, highlighting just how serious the injury was and still is given how long he’s been out of action.

Back in April, Hasenhuttl, unfortunately, claimed that it would be a miracle if McQueen ever played football again, showing the severity of the injury and how unsuccessful his recovery has been.

However, in July, The Athletic reported that Southampton gave McQueen a six-month contract that is set to expire in January to see if he can impress Hasenhuttl after being involved in first-team group training sessions in pre-season.

McQueen, who was reportedly earning a weekly wage of £18k-per-week last season according to Spotrac, hasn’t made a senior appearance for the Saints this season and with the club now possessing Romain Perraud, it doesn’t look good for the defender’s chances of getting back into the team by January. Combine that with the fact Kyle Walker-Peters has played in that role too and the future does isn’t bright at St Mary’s.

With this in mind, if the full-back can fully recover by then, we feel it would be the best option for all parties if Southampton didn’t offer McQueen a new deal in January and instead moved him on to a club that would be willing to give him a chance to get his career back on track.

After all, it’s the least he deserves after such a rotten few years on the south coast.

In other news: Ralph could unearth a new Bednarek at Southampton in 20 y/o beast with “real promise” – opinion

Reacting to an official announcement by the club, reliable West Ham United reporter Roshane Thomas of The Athletic says ‘supporters should be excited’ by new head of recruitment Rob Newman.

The Lowdown: Newman era begins…

On Friday, West Ham confirmed a new era of transfers as they appointed former Manchester City chief Newman to oversee their recruitment and scouting strategy moving forward.

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The former Sky Blues executive, who played a hand in signing the likes of Aymeric Laporte whilst at Eastlands, will now try his hand at improving West Ham’s fortunes in the transfer market.

While the Irons enjoyed a fairly productive summer window, bringing in four senior internationals, they still faltered in their bid to sign a striker.

Reacting to Newman’s appointment, Thomas has now dropped a claim on the new West Ham employee.

The Latest: Thomas makes Newman claim…

Taking to Twitter, sharing a previous article on the 57-year-old, the reliable journalist says ‘supporters should be excited’ by his appointment.

Reminding fans of what he can bring to the role, Thomas has relayed his piece from August explaining that Newman also had some involvement in signing the likes of Brahim Diaz, Angelino and Pablo Maffeo for Man City.

Moyes has also stated on ‘numerous occasions’ that he wants to sign young players with re-sale value as well as senior players and it appears West Ham’s new man will certainly help him do that.

The Verdict: Time to celebrate?

This big off-field development will certainly boost West Ham in terms of tackling the transfer market with even more vigour and efficiency.

Newman’s experience in Manchester, working alongside big City transfer figureheads like Txiki Begiristain, James Smith, Brian Marwood and Gary Worthington, will now be transferred to the London Stadium in a major boost for Moyes.

In other news: ‘Perfect’, ‘I would cry’…Many West Ham fans erupt as talks held for ‘incredible signing’, find out more here.