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Liverpool ended Napoli’s 21-game unbeaten run at Anfield last night when they delivered a 2-0 victory in front of the home support in the Champions League, but it’s not all good news for the team.

What’s the latest?

Jurgen Klopp took to his post-match interview to give an update on James Milner who sustained a head injury in the 48th minute of the clash with the Italians last night.

When asked about the midfielder’s condition, the Liverpool boss told the media:

“Don’t know. He seems to be fine now but we have to probably do further checks.”

It could be a big blow for Liverpool

Although Milner isn’t always the first name on the team sheet, it could be a big blow for Liverpool if the veteran midfielder can’t recover before the game with Tottenham Hotspur in north London this weekend.

It is no secret that Liverpool have struggled with injury issues in the centre of the pitch this season with Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo all sustaining problems over the first few months of the new campaign.

Arthur is the only aforementioned player who is still sidelined, however, there has been another scare as Jordan Henderson was omitted from the Champions League squad on Tuesday night.

It was confirmed the Liverpool captain trained alone in the gym instead of joining his teammates on the grass in the lead-up to the final Champions League group stage game, but there has been no confirmation as to whether Henderson has picked up a knock or whether he will be available for the clash with Spurs this weekend.

As a result, the injury to Milner could leave the squad weakened in terms of experience on the pitch if the skipper is unavailable for selection too in a game where picking up points is essential for the Reds.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League table following two consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, and are now eight points adrift of Newcastle United in fourth which is a troubling situation for Klopp.

Indeed, the Merseysiders will now not be able to break into the top four before the World Cup commences next month with just two league fixtures remaining but they will be hopeful that stealing as many points as possible in the meantime can start to close the gap slightly before they return to action after Christmas.

That task, however, will be a lot trickier if they don’t have the services of Henderson and Milner.

Nottingham Forest have sacked head of recruitment George Syrianos and head scout Andy Scott, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy.

The Lowdown: Summer signings

Having won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years, the Tricky Trees set about building a squad capable of retaining their status in the top-flight.

With 20 players having left the club this summer, the Reds were forced into a spending spree in the transfer market. Consequently, Forest welcomed 22 new signings to the City Ground before the cut-off with more free agent additions since, with Steve Cooper’s side having spent a massive £146m.

However, subsequent results haven’t gone the way owner Evangelos Marinakis would have hoped for, with the club 19th in the Premier League table.

The Latest: Percy’s claim

Despite a vast transfer overhaul this summer, a surprising twist has now taken place behind-the-scenes at Wilford Lane.

Taking to Twitter, Telegraph journalist Percy revealed:

“NFFC have sacked head of recruitment George Syrianos & head scout Andy Scott. Review of summer transfer business and strategy conducted by owner Evangelos Marinakis & sporting director Filippo Giraldi. Process underway to appoint replacements.”

The Verdict: Too late?

With over 20 summer signings and nearly £150m spent, the rash sackings of Syrianos and Scott come a little too late in the grand scheme of Forest’s top-flight survival.

If Marinakis had concerns over his scouting department following their promotion from the Championship this summer, a decision as to their futures should have been made ahead of time – rather than in hindsight.

Despite this, two of the side’s top three best rated players thus far this season are new recruits. Neco Williams tops the list with a 6.89 average match rating, whilst record signing Morgan Gibbs-White stands in third (via SofaScore).

Whilst a number of signings weren’t entirely necessary, Marinakis’ decision to part ways with the recruitment pair appears somewhat scapegoating, given the squad were given very little time to gel with one another ahead of the new campaign.

Aston Villa’s form has fluctuated all season, with the 0-0 draw against Leeds United yesterday bringing them back down to earth following a win in their previous match.

Steven Gerrard’s side currently occupies 14th spot in the Premier League table and European football appears to be slipping away with each passing match.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom at Villa Park, with the club unearthing one of their brightest academy products in the last few seasons, and his career is really beginning to take off.

Jacob Ramsey could make Villa a fortune

Ramsey has been at Villa since he was just six years old and has progressed through the ranks with a talent destined to make him shine in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old first came to prominence by scoring 11 goals in just 26 appearances in the U18 Premier League between 2017 and 2019, offering glimpses of his potential and displaying a natural goalscoring ability.

A productive loan spell at Doncaster in 2019/2020 – netting a dream double on his debut for the club – gave Ramsey all the confidence he needed to shine at the highest level.

His previous two full seasons have seen the midfielder make 62 appearances for Villa, chipping in with six goals and two assists and he is now a fully-fledged member of Gerrard’s team.

The CIES Football Observatory now values the Englishman at an eye-watering €50m (£43m) and with every good performance, this value will surely rise and the club could make an absolute fortune from the player in the next few years, much as they did with a certain Jack Grealish.

With Ramsey recently signing a new contract taking him to 2027, earning £70k-per-week, Gerrard will be able to use this to his advantage if a bigger club came in for him, with Liverpool seemingly taking an interest in the midfielder earlier this year.

Last season saw Ramsey achieve a rating of 6.9 via SofaScore for his performances in the league, ranking him in the top ten out of the Villa squad.

He ended the campaign with six goals, with only Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins finding the net more often. He also completed 63% of his attempted dribbles and made two tackles per match, proving how he has developed into the complete midfielder, being able to contribute either offensively or defensively to significant effect.

After scoring a brace against Leeds last season, he was dubbed a “hometown hero” and it certainly looks like he could be an integral part of this Villa side for years to come.

They just need to hope they can hold on to him for long enough to generate a mammoth fee, something his current market value suggests will be possible.

Derby County are thought to be interested in a move for Northampton Town forward Sam Hoskins.

The Lowdown: Hoskins profiled

Hoskins has made an impressive 306 appearances for Northampton after joining back in 2015. Primarily a right-winger, the 29-year-old has made 10 or more appearances in seven positions during his career.

The Englishman has begun the current campaign in career-best form, already scoring 11 league goals in just 10 games. That form appears to have caught the eye of Derby, with Paul Warne now the new man in charge at Pride Park.

The Latest: Derby interest

According to Football League World, Derby are one of six EFL sides looking at a January move for Hoskins.

As well as the Rams, League One rivals Barnsley, Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday are also interested in the forward.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Hoskins appears to be at the peak of his powers following an excellent start to the season, and his versatility could come in extremely handy under Warne.

He knows where the back of the net is after taking his senior club tally to 72 goals, something which could prove invaluable in the second half of the season as Derby look to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

However, given his current form, array of suitors and the fact Hoskins’ deal doesn’t expire until 2024 – the Rams may have to invest significantly or win a potential auction to seal the winger’s signature.

That being said, a move for the Northampton star may well be worth the effort based off his current trajectory.

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta after personal terms edged headed in the right direction, according to L’Equipe. 

The lowdown: Moving fast

The Hammers have well and truly stepped up their pursuit of Paqueta over the last few days as David Moyes looks to strengthen the midfield department at the London Stadium.

Subject to interest from Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City, the 24-year-old Brazil international has been highly sought after and as such, West Ham are hellbent on getting a transfer wrapped up swiftly.

Now, having had two bids reportedly rejected for Paqueta, it seems as though the switch is closer than ever as fresh claims from France emerge…

The latest: Personal terms ‘very close’

As per L’Equipe, West Ham and Lyon are believed to have ‘come closer’ due to the player’s talks with the Irons.

While the Ligue 1 side haven’t accepted anything yet, it’s claimed that Paqueta and the Irons are ‘not far from finalising the details’ of a deal that would see the creative Brazilian sign a deal to stay in east London until 2027.

The French media believe a ‘contractual agreement’ is ‘very close’, which could force Lyon’s hand somewhat.

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The verdict: Statement signing

Adding a player of Paqueta’s proven quality to the West Ham ranks will be a huge statement of intent from GSB, particularly following what has been a disappointing start to the 2022/23 campaign.

Albeit the midfield combination of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek has worked well previously, it’s a pairing full of industry and endeavour, with little in the way of creativity, an area the Brazilian’s arrival could solve immediately, perhaps alongside the arrival of Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken.

Last season, the former AC Milan sensation scored 11 times and provided seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.13 average SofaScore rating whilst winning 7.3 duels, successfully completing 2.3 dribbles and making 1.2 key passes on average per game, showcasing impressive attacking and defensive acumen in the process.

Dubbed ‘really really good’ by former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell and a potential ‘incredible signing’ amid links to Newcastle by Frank McAvennie, there can be little doubting that West Ham will have pulled off a major coup if this deal gets over the line.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Yeremy Pino this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez, Liverpool have put a €40m (£33.8m) bid “on the table” for Villarreal wonderkid Pino.

Márquez tweeted: “Villarreal have received two offers from two Premier League teams for Yeremy Pino.

“Those clubs are Arsenal and Liverpool.”

“Both have put €40m (£33.8m) on the table. Villarreal asks €60m (£50.7m).”

He could be Salah’s heir

Despite signing a contract extension this summer that will secure his future until 2025, Mohamed Salah is not a player that Liverpool will easily replace in just three years time, and preparing for the future should be something FSG will need to consider with many players in the squad in the latter stages of their career.

Six of the 11 players fielded against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the disappointing 2-2 draw this weekend were over 30 years old, so it would certainly not hurt Liverpool to start thinking about the future of the team to ensure the club’s success over the last six years won’t be short-lived.

As mentioned above, the Egyptian winger will not be an easy player to replace and his perfectly mastered position in the team will take some getting used to for any new forward intending to step into Salah’s shoes, but Pino has already shown glimpses that he is a talent worth paying attention to at Villarreal.

The 19-year-old who was hailed a “special talent” by Fabrizio Romano, made 31 appearances in the wide right position in Unai Emery’s side last season, scoring six goals, delivering four assists and creating six big chances, with the manager clearly trusting in the young player by deploying him in the position consistently.

In fact, Emery has lavished praise on his rising star, hailing Pino “brave” following his performance against Espanyol last season when the youngster scored four goals in just 53 minutes to become the youngest ever player to score a first-half hat-trick in La Liga:

“Yeremy is a 19-year-old boy who has a lot of maturity for certain things. He is competitive, brave and always wants more.”

Clearly incredibly competent in front of goal, as Salah is, the pair share more than just a prolific nature. Indeed. Pino is incredibly exciting with the ball at his feet, completing 1.6 dribbles per game last term. By comparison, Liverpool’s attacking sensation managed 1.5.

With that being said, the signing of Pino would be a great piece of business for Liverpool. Not only could they secure a young player that Klopp can develop into Salah’s heir but the club could also inject some more youth into their team in order to ensure they can compete at the highest level for years to come.

Can’t get enough of Liverpool? Get a live stream reminder for their next match: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that Aston Villa have ‘explored’ the possibility of signing Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas this summer. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Already linked with a move to the Villans in this transfer window, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton have all also been indexed to De Tomas.

However, despite the apparent major interest in his services, the 27-year-old Spain international is yet to secure a move away and has reportedly been awaiting offers from boyhood club Real Madrid, where he came through the youth ranks.

Having allowed Wesley to join La Liga outfit Levante on loan for the upcoming campaign, Steven Gerrard is believed to be on the lookout for additional firepower and one well-informed onlooker has shed some light on the perceived interest in De Tomas from Villa Park…

The latest: ‘Explored’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – has claimed that Villa have ‘explored’ a deal for the four-cap star.

He said: “I think it’s one that’s been explored.

“I think that ultimately, Steven Gerrard needs to know for sure that it definitely elevates their goal output for next season. That’s what he’s trying to make sure of, there can be no risks taken here.”

The verdict: One needed

Albeit both Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings have proven to be capable operators in the Premier League on multiple occasions, injuries, dips in form and struggles when working as a pair detracted from their ability to lead the line last term.

Behind those two, Gerrard currently only has Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer at his disposal, two vastly inexperienced operators at anything like the level of the top flight, leaving room for at least one frontline addition, particularly given the manager’s preference to utilise a 4-3-3 formation.

A classic number nine also capable of playing across the front three, last season, De Tomas – who was described as possessing a ‘special elegance’ in the way he plays by reputable analysis site Breaking The Lines – scored 17 times and provided three assists in 34 Spanish top-flight outings.

Valued at £22.5million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing the talented Spaniard would be an expensive venture for Johan Lange and the Villa hierarchy – who are also attempting to tie Douglas Luiz down to fresh terms – but would certainly be a welcome addition as the new season looms.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Glasgow Rangers supporters ‘will be absolutely over the moon’ with some ‘huge’ news involving Ryan Kent.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

As per Football Scotland, Kent is now in talks to sign a new contract at Ibrox.

His current deal expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move to both Leeds United and Aston Villa, so it would certainly be a wise move from Ross Wilson and Co to get him signed up long into the future, even if they do eventually want to sell.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that it would be ‘huge’ if Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team could tie Kent down, adding that the supporters ‘will be absolutely over the moon’ if he ends up signing:

“I think Rangers fans will be absolutely over the moon if Kent signs a new contract.

“He’s one player who is at the right age now. He’s coming into his prime years.

“He’s exciting, scores goals, assists, loads of pace – and he’s tenacious in that midfield area.

“He is exactly the sort of player who fills the stadium and gets fans off their seats. To tie him down would be huge, a huge reassurance.

“The money they’d have to pay would be money well spent – it gives Rangers that peace of mind.”

The Verdict: Huge indeed

It would indeed be huge if Kent ends up signing a new deal with the Gers.

He managed two goals and eight assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, and finished as their second-best performer in the UEFA Europa League, grabbing one goal and three assists and ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average shots, key passes and dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the English winger is still just 25 years of age, and so is a big asset for the Teddy Bears with years left to grow into an even better player.

It will be difficult to fend off Premier League interest in the future, but supporters will be happy if the club can keep Kent on at least for this season while also increasing his price tag in the mean time.

Nottingham Forest have just signed their 11th player of the summer, with Jesse Lingard joining the ranks at the City Ground, and a reliable source has now given an update on the club’s potential 12th signing since they won promotion to the Premier League.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Nottingham Forest reporter Paul Taylor, the club remain interested in signing Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

As per Taylor’s report, despite securing the deal for Lingard on Thursday, the Reds will continue to pursue the potential signing of the Wolves midfielder this summer. His £30m price tag is an issue but won’t deter Forest from their efforts in trying to land him.

Cooper will be delighted

Forest have wasted no time or resources in ensuring that they have a team fit to compete in the Premier League, and Steve Cooper will surely be delighted that his squad is full of fresh new talent. Indeed, there is still a chance they will add more.

The Forest manager is no stranger to Gibbs-White after guiding him to his first international success with England under-17s in their World Cup triumph at that age category five years ago, and then signing him at club level on a six-month loan at Swansea City. It’s clear that Cooper has a soft spot for the player, and the feeling is mutual.

Gibbs-White spoke out about his relationship and admiration with Cooper, which could put Forest in a great position to sign him this summer, saying: “Steve Cooper and I have always had a good relationship. He did unbelievable things for me in the World Cup with England and when he was at Swansea, he gave me my chance when I went on loan there.”

Since working with the Welshman, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength, and he proved that he is worth his weight in gold during a season-long loan spell at Sheffield United in 2021/22 which earned him the club’s Player of the Season award.

Over 35 Championship appearances, Gibbs-White scored 11 goals, delivered nine assists and created a whopping 16 big chances. He made 1.6 key passes, won 4.9 duels and completed 1.3 dribbles per game, proving that he can offer a huge attacking threat from the centre of the pitch.

There seems little doubt that the Wolves star would be a fantastic signing for Forest this summer, and if he can emulate his Championship form in the Premier League, it could make a huge difference to the Reds’ survival chances next season.

AND in other news – Forget Garner: Nottingham Forest plot bid for £13m “real talent”, Cooper needs him

After a disastrous season in the Premier League which left Everton in a relegation scrap, there are high expectations on the powerbrokers at Goodison Park to improve the situation and the squad, and Farhad Moshiri has now spoken out to confirm the Toffees’ transfer plans.

What’s the latest?

The Everton owner has broken his public silence amid speculation surrounding the club’s financial struggles, a potential takeover and their transfer plans.

In a statement cited by The Athletic’s Everton reporter Greg O’Keeffe, Moshiri claims: “There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club.”

“My commitment to the club remains strong and focused and Kevin Thelwell and the Chairman are currently working hard to bring in new players to improve Frank Lampard’s squad.

“There will be new signings and I would ask supporters to judge us at the end of the transfer window – not now – and to listen to official club channels for information.”

Supporters will be excited

It is no secret that Moshiri has had a turbulent relationship with the Goodison Park faithful, and many supporters of the club have made their anger towards the Everton board clear with a number of protests throughout last season, but supporters must be excited to hear that there is clarity on some issues.

Signing new players is the most important aspect in the owner’s statement, as there is a desperate need for improvement within the squad after the disappointing Premier League campaign which saw them only scrape survival in their penultimate game of the season.

Everton have already signed James Tarkowski on a free transfer to bolster the defence when they return to competitive action next month, but with Richarlison leaving the club this summer, there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure that Frank Lampard’s can again compete in the top half of the table.

Everton have been linked with a number of players so far this summer, including Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Morgan Gibbs-White. They have already made a £25m bid for the latter, and although it was rejected by Wolves, the Toffees remain interested in the 22-year-old.

The Merseysiders struggled with huge injury problems last term – in fact, they had the worst injury rate per 1,000 minutes in the entire Premier League – so Lampard will surely be hoping that his team can maintain a good level of fitness next season and also bring in the right amount of squad depth to avoid the mistakes of the past.

With that being said, it is looking promising for the Toffees in terms of making new signings, but they will need to act fast so that Lampard can work with his squad to develop the best plan of action going into the new season.

AND in other news – “In talks…”: Sky Sports journalist drops big Everton transfer claim that’ll delight Lampard