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Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will miss the Reds’ Premier League clash with Leeds United, journalist James Pearce has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Must-win for Reds

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, looking to build on Wednesday’s impressive 3-0 win away to Ajax in the Champions League.

Despite Liverpool’s patchy form, they will be the undoubted favourites at Anfield, as they take on a Leeds side wallowing in the relegation zone.

While some injury problems have eased for Jurgen Klopp, including Thiago, one key figure remains absent.

The Latest: Keita still injured

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Athletic‘s Pearce confirmed that Keita would play no part in proceedings on Saturday:

“No Keita v Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Frustrating ongoing problem

Keita’s Liverpool career has been such a deeply frustrating one, with the Guinean clearly a talented, effective footballer – Virgil van Dijk has called him ‘world-class’ – but someone who just can’t stay fit.

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The 27-year-old is still yet to play a single minute of league action this season and Klopp has badly needed him while other midfielders have struggled, from Fabinho to Jordan Henderson.

It does at least feel as though Keita is nearing a return to action but the next six months or so are crucial for him, in terms of whether or not Liverpool retain his services.

Aston Villa have already made contact with Mauricio Pochettino, who is keen on returning to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Pochettino speculation

Pochettino was first linked with a move to the Midlands at the end of August and again towards the end of September with Steven Gerrard struggling in his first full season at Villa Park.

The Telegraph revealed on Monday that Villa will make an ‘ambitious attempt to convince Pochettino to step back into management’, with Gerrard facing a pivotal week in charge.

They even claimed that a positive result against Fulham or Brentford may not be enough for Gerrard, and it looks as if NSWE are now officially working on a move for Pochettino.

The Latest: Contact made

Journalist Owen O’Brien took to Twitter shortly after The Telegraph’s update on Monday to share what he knows about the situation.

He said that Pochettino is Villa’s ‘number one choice’ to replace Gerrard, adding:

“Understand contact has already been made between Pochettino’s representatives and Aston Villa, and suggestions are that the 50 y/o is keen on returning to the PL.”

The Verdict: A coup

Should Villa decide to part ways with Gerrard, bringing in Pochettino could be viewed as a major coup by NSWE and Christian Purslow.

The Argentine likes to play an attacking 4-3-3 system and has plenty of experience at the highest level with both Tottenham and PSG. Pochettino also knows exactly what it takes to succeed in England, winning more than half of his 256 games in the Premier League.

Therefore, he could be the ideal man to come in at Villa Park, although with the club’s current struggles, it could be a tough sell for the board.

West Ham United could look to offload Manuel Lanzini and bring in younger replacements in the near future, according to former BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Lanzini a West Ham stalwart

The Argentine has been a great servant for the Hammers in recent years, proving to be one of the most creative and exciting players at the London Stadium since his arrival in the Premier League seven years ago.

Lanzini has scored 30 goals and registered 27 assists in 210 appearances for West Ham, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award in 2016/17.

However, the 29-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of this season, and there currently appear to be no plans to extend his stay in east London. Indeed, it was reported last week that the Irons plan to offload the long-serving midfielder.

The Latest: Pundit talks up possible Lanzini exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that West Ham could indeed look to bring in younger alternatives and allow Lanzini to leave on a free transfer.

The 47-year-old stated:

“I think if the club are looking to get rid of Lanzini to bring in some younger players and trying to bring in a longevity and stability – I think West Ham will want fresh blood.

“He’s done a great job, but they’ll want someone who can go longer for their success now.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on soon?

There is an argument to say that Lanzini has drifted a little past his peak now, with David Moyes not necessarily him as a regular anymore, starting him in just one Premier League game so far this season.

Indeed, having earned WhoScored ratings of 7.00 or higher in each of his first three seasons at the club, Lanzini has not done so since 2017/18 and has even sunk to 5.93 so far this term, a sign that he may be on the wane.

As he approaches 30, it could make sense for him to have one last campaign at West Ham before moving on to enjoy a fresh challenge next summer instead of extending his stay in east London.

It doesn’t make too much sense to offer an ageing player who is already on £70,000 per week a long-term contract when there could be younger alternatives out there who can have a more lasting impact at the London Stadium into the future.

Tottenham Hotspur negotiations are ‘underway’ as they chase a late move for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye late move…

It’s been a summer to remember for Spurs supporters as their club make a plethora of signings and back manager Antonio Conte after his Champions League qualification last campaign.

The Premier League side have added Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie to their squad whilst also completing the permanent signing of defender Cristian Romero recently.

As Deadline Day begins, they have one last chance to add another name or two to the squad and further strengthen Conte’s options, with news emerging on Ziyech.

The Latest: Ziyech negotiations begin…

Indeed, according to reports, it appears that the north Londoners have their sights on Chelsea’s international forward.

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Relevo claim that the Moroccan is attracting late interest from Fabio Paratici and co, with ‘negotiations underway’ to sign Ziyech before the deadline.

Tottenham are allegedly chasing a move for the 29-year-old, and ‘conditions with the player’  are ‘already on track’.

The Verdict: Get it done?

As Conte and Paratici seemingly chase a right-sided winger before the deadline, Ziyech could fit the bill.

The £100,000-per-week star, who has been called a ‘real handful’ on his day by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, actually attempted Chelsea’s second highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 last season, with only Mason Mount managing a higher number (WhoScored).

Despite starting just 14 league games in 2021/22, he still chipped in with a respectable haul of four goals and three assists in the top flight (WhoScored).

It’s clear that Ziyech can pose a real threat when available and given the opportunity, leaving little surprise Spurs are eyeing a late move.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit to sign AS Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo, according to an Italian report.

The Lowdown: Agent talks, bid rejected

The 23-year-old has been a long-time target for Antonio Conte’s side, and it seemed as though the boss had taken a step closer to bringing his man to the Premier League after it was revealed that the player’s agent has been in talks with the club over a potential move.

However, some hope was lost when others reports suggested that the Lilywhites have had an opening offer for the Italian rejected.

Following a fresh update though, there might still be a chance of Spurs pulling this deal off after being given a considerable advantage…

The Latest: Zaniolo fancies Spurs move

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Juventus, another potential suitor for Zaniolo, have now ‘moved on’, with a switch to Tottenham seen as ‘a real temptation’ for the attacker.

The source states that Spurs have been ‘thinking strongly’ of their target ‘for a few days’, though the proposal that they are currently putting forward ‘doesn’t satisfy’ Roma.

It’s believed that Conte wants a loan deal ‘with an obligation to buy that could go up to more than €40m’ (£33.8m), though the Serie A giants ‘continue to value their jewel at €60m’ (£50.7m), meaning that ‘there is a distance between demand and offer’.

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The Verdict: Time to move on?

Zaniolo, dubbed a ‘beautiful’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, is a hugely talented midfielder having made 17 goal contributions across all competitions for Roma last season, but the probability of a move coming off at this stage is looking slim.

Conte already has the likes of Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski at his disposal in those wide areas and it would be almost impossible for the 6 foot 2 playmaker to come in and replace them in the starting XI.

The two parties are miles apart in their valuations, and while the player does seem keen to come and join Conte’s revolution, Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici are going to have to massively up their offer for this one to stand any chance.

Southampton may have already brought one forward to the club this summer in Sekou Mara but another attacker is very much on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s radar.

However, they have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring one to St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

The Saints have had their eyes on landing the son of Rory Delap, Liam, in the summer transfer window but their chances of doing so are now looking rather slim.

That’s according to both Fabrizio Romano and Dan Sheldon, with the former revealing the following on Twitter over the weekend:

“Stoke City are in advanced talks to sign Liam Delap, favourites to find full agreement with Man City.

“Been told City will only let Delap go on loan. Southampton £16m official bid and Newcastle approaches have been rejected. Stoke, on it – as per @dansheldonsport.”

Supporters will be gutted

With Armando Broja heading back to Chelsea and with it also appearing unlikely that he will be allowed to leave, the addition of further firepower to Hasenhuttl’s ranks has become incredibly important.

Mara and Joe Aribo will undoubtedly add greater quality to the side but another striker would go down a treat.

Landing Delap for £16m would have been shrewd business but with Stoke now closing in on his signature, albeit on a temporary basis, it comes as a huge blow for Southampton, one that will no doubt leave supporters gutted.

After all, this is a young talent who like Broja, has the world at his feet.

He may not have played much senior football to date – just six games in total – but his goal-scoring record at youth record is rather astonishing.

Across various age ranges, Delap has found the net on 47 occasions in 68 outings, with eight of those goals coming in ten Premier League 2 fixtures last term.

Clearly a gifted player with a keen eye for goal, Delap would surely have taken to life under Hasenhuttl like a duck to water.

Dubbed an “absolute beast” by scout Jacek Kulig, it would really seem like the sky is the limit for Manchester City’s 19-year-old sensation.

Southampton have proven themselves to be a tremendous breeding ground for young talent and there would surely be fewer better places for Delap to craft his trade and play than on the south coast.

If he ends up at Stoke, the Saints may well learn to regret not enticing him to their grateful clutches.

AND in other news, Hasenhuttl can form “spectacular” Saints duo by swooping for “quality” £10m maestro – opinion…

Crystal Palace are still battling to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, and Patrick Vieira could be key to bringing the Englishman to Selhurst Park.

What’s the word?

After a superb season on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship, Gibbs-White has been a man in demand this summer, with Palace, Everton, Southampton and Nottingham Forest among those said to be interested in signing him.

However, Wolves boss Bruno Lage is keen to give him a chance in the first team and it seems as if only a bid of £30m will be enough to prise him away from Molineux ahead of the new season.

Of those clubs, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Palace have the best chance of signing the 22-year-old, as he told GIVEMESPORT: “It does seem to be a club going places, Palace. A young vibrant side now under Vieira as well.

“So, I’m sure that will play a part in players’ thinking if they were to move to Palace. But it’s going to be a big battle, I think, for Gibbs-White if he does end up leaving Wolves this summer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering Conor Gallagher is unlikely to return to Palace next season, Vieira needs an attacking midfielder to fill the void left by the Chelsea man, who hit eight goals and made three assists in the top flight last season.

Gibbs-White could be the ideal candidate after starring for Sheffield United, winning their player of the year award after contributing an impressive 12 goals and 10 assists in the second tier, averaging a superb 7.14 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

As O’Rourke suggests, Palace have a history of giving young players chances, as we have seen with their development of talents such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Gallagher and Marc Guehi.

Therefore, supporters will be hoping that O’Rourke is correct and that if Gibbs-White does leave Wolves this summer, then Palace is his most likely destination.

AND in other news: Vieira could land dream signing in “brilliant” £17k-p/w star who loves the Palace fans

Everton offered the required funds to tempt Tottenham Hotspur to sell Steven Bergwijn, but the winger preferred a move to Ajax.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, who wrote on Twitter that both Everton and Manchester United were willing to pay for his services.

The reported fee was €40.6m, or £35m, and both Premier League clubs had matched it.

It does however appear that the Netherlands international will now move to Ajax; a move which will leave Everton supporters gutted.

In full, he said: “Everton and Manchester United were willing to pay the price for English clubs for Steven Bergwijn. £35m (€40.6m). But the player wanted to go to Ajax.”

Supporters will be gutted

Following the big-money sale of Richarlison to Spurs, Evertonians will be frustrated to see a potential replacement go amiss.

Bergwijn has struggled since signing for the north London club, and opportunities have been few and far between. He has come up with some spectacular moments however, such as his debut winner against Manchester City.

He is more of a natural winger, using pace and skill to take on full-backs, and would probably have suited a Frank Lampard side more than Richarlison actually did.

Whilst only managing four goal contributions in the league, he did manage two in two games in the EFL Cup. If given game time, he does have the quality to trouble defences.

He ranks highly in certain offensive stats that mark him out to be a tricky customer to defend against, as he ranks in the 95th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area, the 89th percentile for total shots, and the 98th percentile for non-penalty expected goals.

His performances for his national side have seen him lauded by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, with the Liverpool star labelling him “excellent”, saying defenders “couldn’t get a grip on him”.

Clearly, when given game time he can perform, and at Everton he would have been guaranteed that. However, a return to the Eredivisie, where he contributed towards 15 goals in his final 16 games for PSV, does make sense for the trickster.

Supporters at Goodison Park will be gutted however to see this great option go begging, who would surely have gone a long way towards replacing Richarlison.

AND, in other news: Thelwell plotting bid for “massive” £13m Everton target, just imagine him & Gallagher.

Liverpool look set to keep hold of midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain beyond this summer, following a new transfer report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Future up in the air

The 28-year-old endured a frustrating 2021/22 season for the Reds, only starting nine Premier League matches and not featuring at all after March.

Recent rumours have suggested that Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave Liverpool this summer, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.

However, a new update suggests that the Englishman might not be on his way out of Anfield just yet.

The Latest: Liverpool want to keep him

According to The Liverpool Echo, the Reds ‘have no plans to sell’ Oxlade-Chamberlain, instead looking to retain his services for at least another year.

It is stated that ‘Anfield insiders’ are claiming as much, with the club seemingly performing a U-turn in their stance on their player after recent reports suggested that the Merseysiders would allow him to leave if a satisfactory offer came in.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here. The Verdict: Time to leave instead?

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Liverpool career has had plenty of positive notes – he has been described as ‘very valuable’ by Jurgen Klopp and enjoyed some big-game goals in his first season at the club – but this update still comes as a surprise.

It could suggest that the Reds won’t be signing another midfielder this summer, but considering that they could lose the 28-year-old on a free transfer next summer rather than receiving a hefty sum for him this time around, moving him on in the next few weeks could make more sense.

The idea of Oxlade-Chamberlain staying certainly isn’t a disaster – far from it – but he will surely have to accept being a bit-part player in 2022/23, having drifted behind the likes of Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott in the pecking order.

In other news, a contract claim has emerged regarding one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford says he has told the Whites’ current players ‘not to let’ Kalvin Phillips leave the club this summer. 

The lowdown

Beckford made more appearances for Leeds between 2006 and 2010 (151) than he did for any other club in his professional career. Now 38, the Englishman was something of an Elland Road hero, impressively bagging 85 goals for the Whites.

Phillips has two years to run on his contract at Leeds, but the club have yet to make significant progress toward an extension.

The midfielder is now reportedly attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s big hitters, including Manchester United, Manchester City and, most recently, Liverpool.

The latest

Speaking to the Sunday Express, as quoted by MOT Leeds News, Beckford said he had urged Leeds players to do whatever they could to persuade Phillips to stay put.

He revealed: “As it stands, I’ve spoken to one or two other lads and told them not to let Kalvin go, and to handcuff to the crossbar if they have to!”

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The verdict

You can understand why Beckford is desperate for Leeds to keep hold of Phillips.

The 26-year-old one of his country’s best footballers, earning England’s Player of the Year award for 2021 ahead of Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. Also, 24% of Leeds fans also voted him as their Player of the Year, which left him second only to Raphinha.

His influence and industry in Jesse Marsch’s midfield is evidenced by his match averages of 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions, placing him joint-second and fifth in the Elland Road squad for those respective metrics, as per WhoScored.

The Whites stayed up by the skin of their teeth in 2021/22, usurping Burnley for 17th place on the final day, but they could be fearful that losing key players like the England midfielder might land them in trouble again next season.

In other news, further talks are planned over this potential Leeds transfer