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Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday may have downplayed the importance of Virgil van Dijk – the Dutchman was suspended for the clash – as Fabinho and Joel Matip stepped into defence capably and dealt with Robert Lewandowski well, but the former Southampton man is keen to etch his name in history at Anfield Stadium in the years to come.

Speaking to respected pundit Guillem Balague, van Dijk said that he is keen to be remembered as a legend of Liverpool and achieve amazing things with the historic club. Indeed, if he continues to have seasons as impressive as the one he is currently enjoying, the big centre-half has every chance of a mention in discussion of Reds greats.

Winning the Premier League or Champions League wouldn’t hurt, either, although Bayern Munich threw somewhat of a spanner in the works on Tuesday night as they held the Merseysiders to a 0-0 draw.

Does Newcastle’s infamous title collapse of 1996 mirror what is happening at Liverpool right now? The Magpie Channel discuss in the video below…

Having arrived at Liverpool in January 2018 after handing in a transfer request at Southampton, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders and, if his aspirations are anything to go by, he could become the pride of Anfield Stadium in years to come.

Not all Liverpool fans were confident he would reach that status at the club, though, while others think he is already there. You can check out the best of the reaction on Twitter below…

Everton are reportedly among a number of clubs considering a move for Norwich City defender Max Aarons in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, AS Roma, Borussia Dortmund and fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in securing the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services.

The report claimed that Antonio Conte’s Spurs have the ‘greatest chance’ of snapping him up either in the winter or next summer, although the Toffees could provide some stiff competition for his signature.

Rafael Benitez can kickstart post-Marcel Brands era

Following the departure of former director of football Marcel Brands from Everton, it seems as though Benitez will have much more input when it comes to transfer dealings in the future, and the Spaniard could get the new era off to a flying start by bringing Aarons to Goodison Park over the coming months.

Current first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman has been a fantastic servant to the club, but he is set to turn 34 next season, indicating that a changing of the guard will be required sooner rather than later.

In recent years, Aarons has continuously displayed his credentials to become an elite-level defender for an inconsistent Norwich side, impressing throughout his 145 appearances for his boyhood club and earning 14 caps for England’s under-21s as a result.

His outstanding displays for both club and country have drawn praise from several impressed onlookers, including his former Carrow Road boss Daniel Farke, who told reporters last December: “In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future.

“I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.”

Since then, the £19.8m-rated star has continued to go from strength to strength and is currently enjoying a stellar campaign for the Canaries despite their struggles at the foot of the top-flight table.

As per WhoScored, Aarons has averaged two tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.3 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per league game throughout 2021/22, highlighting his effective displays at both ends of the pitch.

Whether Benitez can fend off the extensive competition for the youngster’s signature remains to be seen, but his arrival on Merseyside would be a significant show of intent from the Toffees.

In other news… Forget Gray: Everton beast who won 8 duels was Benitez’s real hero v Arsenal

Many Everton fans have been left speculating over some transfer news that has emerged on Vitaliy Mykolenko.

According to the number one Ukrainian football news outlet, Zorya Londonsk, the Goodison Park faithful, as well as an Italian club, have now sent an offer to Dynamo Kyiv to try and sign the left-back, but a move is not at an advanced stage as of yet.

A lot of Merseyside club supporters have tied the link to the potential departure of Lucas Digne, who after a ‘disagreement’ with Rafa Benitez, has now been left out of the squad for their last two games in the Premier League.

Mykolenko is much younger than Digne (28) at 22 years of age, and was averaging 1.6 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per match in a UEFA Champions League group containing Bayern Munich, Benfica and FC Barcelona (SofaScore).

He has shown that he is capable of playing at a high level, and the top flight may well be his next destination, should Digne end up leaving.

Everton fans on Mykolenko transfer news

These Toffees speculated over Digne’s future as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“Doesn’t look good for the Digne situation.”

Credit: @EFCT0M

“Digne replacement then”

Credit: @Lbelle_efc

“The end of Digne”

Credit: @adamm1878

“LB so Digne being sold then”

Credit: @Jonatoffee

“He’s trying to get rid of Digne”

Credit: @Ryqeuxval

“That’s Digne sold then”

Credit: @ste50efc

In other news, find out what Benitez comments have confused Blues here!

Aston Villa are still looking to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma during the January transfer window.

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, with a number of Villa fans reacting to the update on social media.

Steven Gerrard has already bolstered his midfield ranks in 2022 by bringing in Philippe Coutinho on loan, and it appears as if a holding midfielder is next on the radar following Marvelous Nakamba’s serious knee injury.

Bissouma is capable of playing in a defensive or central midfield role and has made 100 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls – he averages 3.6 tackles per game this season, far more than any Villa player.

The £22.5m-rated Mali international has just 18 months remaining on his Amex contract and has also been linked with a summer switch to Manchester United.

Dorsett said on Twitter on Wednesday that Villa are still chasing Bissouma this month with a move for Everton’s Lucas Digne now done, ending his post by calling the move a ‘statement’ by the Villans.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Dorsett’s claim on Twitter soon after, with these Villa supporters buzzing and one labelling the Brighton man as a ‘game changer’.

“Gerrard pull”

Credit: @Jamie_UTV

“Please”

Credit: @BenAvfc94

“This one would be the game changer. He is so good”

Credit: @Nakamba_19

“Top six incoming The league best be afraid”

Credit: @CoutinhoProp

“Make it happen”

Credit: @deniswhite1114

“If we actually pull Yves Bissouma off, it’ll be scary hours.”

Credit: @avfcIewis

In other news: ‘Called it a week after Gerrard arrived’ – Lots of AVFC fans flock to Ornstein’s transfer update.   

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign at least one player before the January transfer window deadline on Monday night, regardless of any outgoings…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered a huge update on Spurs’ current state of play heading into the weekend in an article shared on social media.

“#Tottenham continuing talks for Luis Diaz today – one of a number of targets before deadline. No last minute Adama [Traore] intervention expected. [Dele] Alli struggling for a concrete option to leave that suits everyone. More from me here:” he wrote on Twitter.

In the accompanying column, he reveals that the north London outfit are ‘hoping to make at least one new signing this month’ as they continue in talks with the FC Porto winger, for whom they are willing to pay £46m to sign.

Late drama

Spurs have been left frustrated in their attempts to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad this month, although they have left it very late indeed.

Traore’s U-turn in recent days has left them scrambling for other options as the Wolves winger is set to join his former club Barcelona, whom he left for Aston Villa back in 2015.

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However, it has got tomust be encouraging to learn that Spurs are prepared to pay up for Diaz, who is a hugely exciting talent and one of Europe’s hottest properties, having also been linked to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Colombian sensation has delivered 16 goals and six assists in only 28 appearances for the Portuguese giants so far this season, and that includes a few outings in the Champions League.

It’s hard to envisage where Diaz will fit into Conte’s system, with the Italian utilising wing-backs rather than wingers, but he has shown that he’s not afraid to adapt when necessary.

Thomas also suggests that the Porto gem is one of multiple targets heading into the final few days of the window and that the club are hoping to sign at least one name, regardless of whether Alli, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, or anyone else for that matter, depart N17.

That must be hugely exciting to hear for Conte, as he desperately needs reinforcements if he’s to even stand a chance at improving Spurs’ fortunes on the pitch in their quest for a top-four finish.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops major Spurs transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some early team news has emerged ahead of their game away at Burnley in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at Turf Moor, Rafa Benitez has now revealed that as many as 11 players are currently out for his team, with six injured and a further five who have tested positive for Covid-19.

Considering that they had a depleted squad in their last game in their 1-1 draw away at Chelsea, in where they could not fill the bench and had to field some youngsters, including starting debutant Ellis Simms (BBC), this is yet another kick in the teeth for the Goodison Park faithful, who may not fancy their chances against the Clarets with so many squad players still unavailable.

Nonetheless, the fixture still goes ahead at this moment in time, much to the anger of some Merseyside club supporters.

Everton fans on team news

These Toffees fumed as the team news was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that it was ‘scandalous’:

“The league is a joke, it should be all teams play or they don’t. Not pick and choose what clubs they can force to play. Integrity of the league has gone for me”

Credit: @lee_efc78

“Scandalous tbh”

Credit: @MainManMina

“Farcical that it hasn’t been called off, if that’s the case”

Credit: @victoriacarlin_

“Ridiculous that it won’t be called off when other teams “sky 6” teams have been able to get them called off !! Joke”

Credit: @robbiethetoffee

“Madness”

Credit: @mcnallyc95

“League should be suspended. 2 weeks at least. This is absurd.”

Credit: @IamFidgell

In other news, find out what transfer news has been lauded by Evertonians here!

According to a report by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, via Inside Futbol, Tottenham Hotspur may have been gifted a financial boost as they Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Vlahovic move…

The 21-year-old has been on Tottenham’s radar for the last few months as transfer chief Fabio Paratici eyes striking reinforcements at N17.

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The Italian is reportedly contemplating swoops for strikers in an effort to bolster new manager Antonio Conte’s options, prompting him to turn to a known summer target in Vlahovic.

The Serbia international looks set to leave his current club eventually after he rejected La Viola contract offers to make him the highest paid player in their club’s history.

His current deal expires in 2023, putting the Serie A outfit under some pressure to sell while they can, with Corriere della Sera now claiming that his price could significantly drop next year.

The Latest: Spurs gifted 2022 price boost?

According to their information (via Inside Futbol), if Fiorentina can’t offload for their desired €70m  (£59.3m) fee in January, they will be prepared to accept a discounted €40m (£33.9m) offer in the summer.

This may gift Tottenham and Paratici a significant financial boost in the race for Vlahovic, but it could also benefit fellow suitors Juventus, who are suffering from financial problems.

The Verdict: Wait or bid?

Saving well over £20m in pursuit of the player would be ideal, but which takes more prevalence for Spurs – signing a striker as soon as possible or operating within their means?

Tottenham recently announced a pre-tax loss of £80.2m for the last financial year, taking their overall debt to £706m and perhaps indicating that they cannot just simply splash the cash.

Taking into account a potentially limited transfer kitty, not to mention Tottenham’s need to strengthen other positions like centre-back, we believe that waiting until next summer could actually be the wise decision.

The 6 foot 3 star, lauded as a ‘phenomenon’ by former Italy international Antonio di Natale, would certainly be worth the wait as Conte eyes a long-term rebuild at his new club.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’…Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with big offer tabled, find out more here.

Speaking live on talkSPORT to Jim White and Simon Jordan, as transcribed by their website, reporter Alex Crook has dropped an update on West Ham’s chase to sign Man United star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Lingard a top target…

The Red Devils playmaker is also one of manager David Moyes’ top transfer priorities for the January window amid his search for a striker and new defensive signing (The Evening Standard).

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Out of contract in the summer, Man United could now be forced to sell for a cheap fee this month in order not to lose Lingard for nothing at the end of 2021/2022.

He is also attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United with the latter club apparently at work behind-the-scenes.

Crook, in a live on air update as West Ham still chase him, has made an encouraging claim.

The Latest: talkSPORT update…

Speaking to talkSPORT, the journalist says Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman still haven’t given up on signing Lingard this month.

“They’ve not given up hope, I’m told, of prizing Jesse Lingard away from Manchester United,” he explained.

“So West Ham could be one of the busier clubs in the Premier League come the next couple of weeks.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Reports indicate that United are sceptical over selling to a top four rival like West Ham or Spurs in January with Newcastle currently the favourites, but if even Lingard manages to leave Old Trafford on a free at the end of this season, he may well come as a stellar free agent signing.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a fantastic spell on loan at the London Stadium last year, bagging nine goals and four assists, and it is believed that the player favours a move back down south over St. James’ Park as things stand.

This could boost West Ham’s chances of a free summer deal at least and it would most certainly be an astute bit of business.

Former England international Paul Robinson is certainly in agreement, calling Lingard a would-be ‘massive signing’ for Moyes who could add ‘another dimension’ going forward (Football Insider).

In other news: ExWHUemployee backs reports as West Ham now willing to bid for ‘phenomenal’ man, find out more here.

Sam Johnstone should not play for West Brom again this season in order to prepare for his inevitable exit, according to reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Johnstone set to leave WBA?

The 29-year-old stayed put at the Baggies last summer despite their relegation to the Championship and he has continued to be a key figure in 2021/22, making 36 league appearances.

There does seem to be a potential inevitability about Johnstone moving on, though, with Albion’s promotion hopes effectively over for this season and his contract expiring in June.

The goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move away in recent months, having been hailed as a ‘wonderful’ player by Micah Richards in the past and winning the WBA Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2021.

The Latest: Madeley makes big Johnstone claim

Taking to Twitter on Monday as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic, Madeley claimed that Johnstone should not play for the rest of the season, allowing West Brom to transition and prepare for life without him next term. He claimed:

“Sam Johnstone’s status as a successful Albion player is secure but he should not play again this season – there is no point.”

The Verdict: There’s sense to it

With the Baggies completely out of the promotion picture and with little to play for in the remaining weeks, Madeley’s suggestion does make sense in many ways.

It would give Bruce an opportunity to use others in the role, with those of a West Brom persuasion knowing what Johnstone can offer and also realising that he is coming to the end of his time at the Hawthorns.

In truth, the hope is that a high-quality replacement comes in, given the 29-year-old’s aforementioned influence, but giving David Button a chance to prove himself over the next few weeks shouldn’t do any harm for the time being.

In other news, West Brom reportedly face competition for one player. Find out who it is here.

Yerry Mina was in ‘WWE mode’ during Everton’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Tuesday night, The Liverpool Echo’s Phil Kirkbride says.

The lowdown

Everton fell to a 3-1 defeat against their relegation rivals after Ryan Fraser’s effort proved to be the winner, while Kieran Trippier added another for good measure.

Mina made his second successive Premier League start in a back three alongside Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.

But the Colombian lasted only 35 minutes before he was forced off with an injury.

The latest

Kirkbride tweeted in the early stages of the first half that ‘showman’ Mina was in ‘WWE mode’ for ‘bundling into the opponent’ and ‘giving the Newcastle centre forwards a few verbals’.

BT Sport’s Chris Sutton offered a similar assessment after a foul on Allan Saint-Maximin, accusing Mina of ‘wrestling’ in commentary.

He added that the 27-year-old was ‘lucky’ to escape a yellow card.

Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh also felt the challenge was ‘suspect’ and said even Frank Lampard would ‘know that was a bit naughty’.

The verdict

On the one hand, you could praise Mina’s aggression and call it an imposing display. You might point to the fact that he won three of his five aerial battles before coming off (via SofaScore).

But on the other, he only won 25% of his ground duels (one out of four) and he could be accused of lacking composure.

Indeed, Sutton blasted him for an ‘awful’ pass which led to a Newcastle chance, and Kirkbride noted that his ‘jittery start’ to the game had in turn rattled his team-mates.

Still, his injury represents a real blow for Everton, who will already be without Ben Godfrey until March after he sustained a hamstring issue against Brentford at the weekend.

In other news, Everton are interested in this UCL defender.