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After beating Watford 5-0 on Saturday at Vicarage Road in their latest Premier League outing, Liverpool are back in Champions League action on Tuesday evening with an away clash against Atletico Madrid.

A hat-trick from Roberto Firmino and additional goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah perfectly set up Jurgen Klopp’s side for their latest Champions League match in midweek after winning their opening two group games.

On the chalkboard

One player that wasn’t involved in the game against Watford, that we think should be in the starting XI to face Atletico is midfielder Fabinho, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £180k-per-week according to Spotrac.

The 27-year-old wasn’t in the squad to face Watford as he was involved with Brazil on international duty just a short period before the match against the Hornets, alongside Alisson Becker.

Given that Fabinho has now had time after returning from Brazil duty to get ready for the Atletico match, we feel he should be back in the team as he would presumably be fresher than the midfielders that played against Watford such as James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.

Taking into account some of Fabinho’s numbers and it’s evident why he deserves to play.

He has managed to rack up an average of 2.5 interceptions per game and 4.5 tackles per game from the two previous Champions League outings he’s played in for Liverpool this season. On top of that, he’s won 73% of all duels he’s been involved in so he could definitely prove himself to be a tough and possibly even terrifying opponent for Atletico’s attacking players. That’s given how Diego Simeone’s side have only managed to score 11 goals in eight La Liga games so far this season.

One in, one out

In terms of who Fabinho could replace in the team, we feel that Klopp should take Keita out of the team given he played 90 minutes against Watford and has struggled with his fitness and numerous injuries in the past. It might be a risk to play him again in midweek, even though he played well against Watford, earning himself an overall match rating of 7.2/10 according to SofaScore.

Looking ahead to the match, whether Klopp decides to start Fabinho, who has been described as “outstanding” by the Reds manager in the past, they will definitely be looking to keep their winning streak in the Champions League going ahead of their big Premier League clash against Manchester United at the weekend.

In other news: Klopp could land perfect Mane heir at Liverpool in “pure class” £22.5m-rated star – opinion

Sheffield United are expected to sign Liverpool centre-back Ben Davies on loan for the season, as per an update from Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Davies not needed at Liverpool

The 25-year-old made the surprise move to the Reds back in February as Jurgen Klopp looked to sort his centre-back injury crisis.

Davies still hasn’t played a single minute of competitive action for the Premier League side, though, and with Ibrahima Konate arriving from RB Leipzig, he is now even further down the pecking order.

The Blades have been linked with a summer move for the defender, with Liverpool happy to let him leave.

The Latest: Loan move set to be completed

According to Thomas via Twitter on Saturday, Davies’ season-long loan move to Bramall Lane is ‘expected to be completed’ imminently.

The deal could be done ‘early next week’, allowing the former Preston man a fresh challenge after his abortive Anfield move and Slavisa Jokanovic to land his primary defensive target.

The Verdict: Makes sense for all parties

This move makes perfect sense for everyone concerned, considering that Davies has no future at Liverpool and Sheffield United could do with additional quality at centre-back.

The 25-year-old has plenty of Championship experience, making 129 appearances in the division, and he also won Preston’s Player of the Year award in 2018/19.

The hope is that he can come in and make Jokanovic’s side stronger, aiding their promotion push in the process.

In other news, one Sheffield United player is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United could seal a dream deal after being linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Leeds Live (who cite Spanish outlet Fichajes), the Whites are considering a move for the 28-year-old over the coming months as manager Marcelo Bielsa looks to bolster his forward line.

Diaz is reportedly desperate for more minutes on the pitch between now and the end of the season after struggling for regular game-time, so a move to Elland Road could be on the cards.

Victor Orta could seal a dream transfer

Enticing the Real Madrid forward to west Yorkshire over the winter window would represent a dream transfer for Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta, given the 28-year-old’s previous exploits.

After rising through the ranks with the capital club, Diaz departed the Santiago Bernabeu in 2017 after finding the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karin Benzema impenetrable ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Dominican Republic ace joined Lyon in a £7.2m deal and proved to be an instant hit at the Ligue 1 giants. In 45 appearances in all competitions, Diaz bagged an impressive 21 goals, providing a further six assists for his grateful teammates, earning the praise of assistant manager Gerald Baticle.

“He’s a real goalscorer,” said Baticle to Eurosport (as relayed by Goal). “When others might want to make a pass, his first idea is to find an angle to shoot towards goal. All his play is in the centre towards goal.

“Of course, with his first touch, he has to raise his head more often to take in more information and make better choices. But in individual raids, he’s good because he’s capable of piercing the lines.”

His success in French football saw Real Madrid exercise their £33m buyback clause after a single season away from Los Blancos, but Diaz has struggled to replicate his best form back in Spain.

Since the beginning of 2018/19, the £9m-rated hitman has only started nine La Liga fixtures, receiving just one of those under new manager Carlo Ancelotti in the current campaign. However, his proven track record of finding the back of the net on a regular basis could make him the ideal signing for Bielsa’s struggling side.

With star striker Patrick Bamford out injured for most of the campaign so far, Leeds have only scored 13 goals in 14 Premier League games, an issue that Diaz could certainly help to address.

In other news…”It’s likely..”: Leeds handed major injury boost vs Brentford, Bielsa will be buzzing

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford’s return from injury for the Whites is now ‘on the horizon’, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Bamford out for months

The 28-year-old was a huge player for Leeds last season, topping their Premier League scoring charts with 17 goals and helping them to a ninth-placed finish.

However, Bamford has been absent since the middle of September with an injury, which has duly restricted to just five league starts in the current campaign.

It appears as though the striker’s return is edging closer, though, with Hay providing a very positive update on the situation.

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The Latest: Hay gives positive update

Taking on Twitter on Friday to promote an article on Bamford’s situation, Hay confirmed that the Leeds striker’s injury return is now ‘on the horizon’.

That suggests the England international will be able to play a key role in the Whites’ December fixtures, which would be a timely return amidst a busy upcoming schedule.

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The Verdict: Season turning point?

Bamford’s influence on this Leeds team is enormous both on and off the ball – he has averaged three shots and 1.6 clearances per game in the league this season – so his return should be huge for Marcelo Bielsa.

Granted, it may take time for him to rediscover top form, but his ability to find the net and bring teammates into the game could be priceless.

Without him, Leeds have looked far more toothless in attack, scoring just seven goals in as many games in his injury-enforced absence. Indeed, it’s not exaggerating to suggest that Bamford’s return might just be the turning point in the Whites’ season, if he can pick up where he had left off prior to his injury.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped for a move to Liverpool. Find out who it is here.

Steve Howey believes losing Youri Tielemans would come as a bigger blow to Leicester City than seeing James Maddison depart this summer.

Belgium international midfielder Tielemans, who scored the winner as the Foxes got their hands on the FA Cup for the first time in their history in May, has been attracting interest from Liverpool.

Reports published by Belgian media outlet Voetbal24 suggest the 24-year-old is keen to leave Leicester for Anfield.

However, Brendan Rodgers’ side have made keeping Tielemans, who has two years remaining on his current deal, a priority this summer and they are eager for him to pen a new contract.

Meanwhile, creative midfielder Maddison is being courted by Arsenal, with the Gunners looking to bounce back after a disappointing season which means they will not be involved in European football for the first time since 1995.

Howey, the former Leicester defender, feels the Foxes would be more inclined to let Maddison depart instead of Tielemans.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Tielemans would be the bigger loss, for me.

“Maddison is an excellent player but I think there were a couple of issues off the field last season. We all make mistakes, so I haven’t got a problem with that.

“Sometimes players just feel as though they could do with a move to give their career another spark. He might fall into that category. But, if I were him, it would have to be a very good offer from a very good club to tempt me away from Leicester.”

West Ham United would be crazy to not launch a bid for Adam Armstrong amid recent developments…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Championship side Blackburn Rovers are said to be willing to cash in on the 24-year-old this summer for just £8m due to his current contract status, thus handing the East Londoners a massive boost as that fee is much cheaper than what Rovers were said to looking for just a few weeks ago.

This transfer window represents the final opportunity to make money on his signature as the former Newcastle United graduate is entering the final 12 months of his deal at Ewood Park.

The Hammers also face competition from Premier League rivals Norwich City and Southampton.

Only a month ago, it was thought that Armstrong would command in the region of £25m, as per The Sun.

Crazy not to

If the prolific talisman is indeed available for as little as £8m, then David Moyes and the Irons’ hierarchy would be fools for not wanting to pay that out as soon as possible.

It’s no secret that the 58-year-old needs to bolster his frontline, having contended in the second half of the season with just one senior option – an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

Several targets have been mentioned, including Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham, but it seems like Moyes isn’t willing to stump up his £40m asking price, which makes a move for Armstrong surely more appealing.

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West Ham legend Frank McAvennie has urged the club to sign Armstrong this summer, he told Football Insider:

“He can make that jump to the Premier League. I want him at West Ham. He could play with or instead of Antonio.  He needs that Premier League chance, look at Jarrod Bowen, look at Bamford. There is talent in the Championship. I really hope West Ham go in for him.”

Indeed, the Irons have to answer his calls.

The diminutive 5 foot 8 dynamo bagged a whopping 29 goals in all competitions this campaign, building on his tally of 17 from a season earlier, via Transfermarkt.

Armstrong isn’t just known for being a goal machine as his manager at both Rovers and former club Coventry City, Tony Mowbray, described him as having “explosive pace” that can create a “devastating effect” when speaking to The Athletic.

Signing the Championship marksman for such a bargain price would allow Moyes to add another centre-forward to the squad or even bolster other areas of the pitch, something that needs to happen with the club competing in the Europa League next season.

The East London side must not live to regret avoiding someone of Armstrong’s quality being available for just £8m, even more so with Transfermarkt valuing him at £14.4m.

It’s time to get that deal done.

AND in other news, Moyes could seal another West Ham transfer bargain amid exciting ExWHUemployee update…

Aston Villa sporting director Johan Lange wanted Morgan Sanson to be given a chance under Dean Smith prior to his injury, according to Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Sanson’s struggles

Sanson, on £48,000-a-week at Villa Park, hasn’t had the best of starts to his career in the Midlands following his move from Marseille in January.

The 27-year-old missed the final nine games of the 2020/21 campaign through injury. However, before then, the French midfielder only started three of 12 and failed to complete a full 90 minutes under Smith.

Lange was the man who pushed through a New Year move, and it appears as if he wanted Sanson to have featured more prominently at Villa Park.

The Latest: Evans’ claim

Evans, Villa’s reporter for The Athletic, shared a story on Villa’s transfer business on Wednesday.

Within his report, he spoke in detail about the club’s central midfield ranks after they failed in an attempt to sign Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.

Evans admitted that Lange was very keen for Sanson to be given a chance to show what he is made of, presumably before his injury last season.

The Verdict: Crucial campaign

Sanson made his first appearance for Villa in 149 days on Tuesday for the Under-21’s against Wycombe Wanderers, registering an assist in a 3-1 win.

The midfielder is working his way back and this season appears to be crucial when it comes to Sanson making the grade in the Midlands.

He wasn’t starting on a regular basis prior to his injury, and if he continues to struggle, a transfer worth over £14m won’t look good business.

In other news: ‘Welp’ – Many Aston Villa fans fume as news emerges.

Writing for football.london, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped a behind-the-scenes reveal surrounding those within the club and Moussa Sissoko’s summer exit from north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs mass summer exodus…

In quite an eventful summer transfer window, there were absolutely no shortage of departures from Tottenham as new boss Nuno Espirito Santo and managing director Fabio Paratici undertook a major rebuild.

Indeed, Juan Foyth, Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Danny Rose, Paulo Gazzaniga, Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier and Sissoko all left the club permanently in what you could deem to be a successful clear out (Transfermarkt).

However, Gold has revealed that those within Spurs were left unhappy over one gaffe surrounding the latter man’s move to Watford.

The Latest: Spurs chiefs left seething over Sissoko exit gaffe…

As per the reliable journalist, there were ‘shocked’ and a ‘few angry’ faces inside Spurs when it was announced that the Frenchman was in Xisco’s starting line up to face his old club at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Apparently, Tottenham’s football administration department assumed Sissoko was not registered in time to face Spurs due to the timing of the deadline – but Watford somehow managed to complete his registration in time to make him eligible for the encounter.

The 32-year-old’s inclusion, therefore, ‘annoyed a number of people’ within the club given it is quite rare that a seller would allow a transfer to go through in time to aid the buyer’s efforts against them.

The Verdict: Interesting claim…

While Sissoko’s contribution didn’t amount to much at the weekend, you can understand why Spurs chiefs weren’t happy with his allowed involvement at the time – especially considering how players can often hurt their old sides.

One interesting aspect of this story is how Watford managed to play the midfielder given new signings must be registered by 12pm on the last working day before a match for eligibility.

As explained by Gold, that deadline was midday last Friday, with The Hornets seemingly unable to officially sign Sissoko until much later that same afternoon.

In full credit to Watford, they somehow managed to get him registered before 12pm even though the full transfer had not been announced at that point.

In other news: Report lifts lid on Tottenham player’s summer exit U-turn, find out more here.

Portsmouth have been dealt a major transfer blow as “excellent” defender Jack Whatmough has signed for League One rivals Wigan Athletic.

What’s the talk?

Wigan Athletic have https://twitter.com/LaticsOfficial/status/1400859923274211333officially announced the signing of Whatmough and the centre-back will join up with the Tics at the start of July.

This comes after BBC journalist Chris Wise claimed the 24-year-old has decided to sign for Leam Richardson’s Latics and will leave Pompey at the end of the month. He is out of contract this summer and has opted against signing an extension with Portsmouth to remain at Fratton Park.

Wise has claimed that Wigan were able to offer a more attractive package to Whatmough than Portsmouth, both in terms of the finances involved and the length of the deal.

Former Pompey defender Paul Robinson, who currently works as a coach at Millwall, recently spoke about Whatmough’s quality. He labelled the 24-year-old an “excellent” defender at League One level and commended his hard work and determination.

Robinson told The News: “What he has shown is what he has always shown on the pitch – that determination and hard work to get himself back fit and get back out there. When he does that, he’s a really good player and one Portsmouth will be gutted to lose.

“I think he is an excellent League One defender. Perhaps the only reason he hasn’t gone to a higher level already is because of his injuries.”There’s no doubt in my mind he would be and you’ve seen how much Portsmouth have struggled when he hasn’t played. When he wasn’t available for some of those crucial games (due to suspension), you saw that and it’s maybe why they ended up just missing out on the play-offs.” Cowley will be gutted

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley will be gutted by this news as it means that he is losing one of his top performers from the 2020/21 campaign. Whatmough ended the season on a WhoScored rating of 6.86 in League One, with only three Portsmouth players ahead of him in the rankings. Tom Naylor, Sean Raggett and Ronan Curtis were the only Pompey men who outperformed him, highlighting the defender’s importance to Cowley’s squad and why his potential exit is a big blow.

The 24-year-old particularly impressed when starting at centre-back. In his 31 starts in that role, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.91, with a couple of substitute appearances and a showing at full-back taking the overall average down to 6.86. He won 1.6 tackles and made 1.1 interceptions, 3.8 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game in League One, showing his strong defensive skillset at this level.

Cowley is now watching one of his best players walk out of the door and join one of their League One rivals in Wigan, which could be all the more frustrating as the defender is not making a step up. It could be a different story if a Championship or Premier League team were offering Whatmough the chance to leap up a division or two.

Instead, Portsmouth are allowing one of their competitors to improve whilst weakening their own squad.

AND in other news,  Pompey handed major boost over £315k-rated gem dubbed “Juan Mata”, fans surely buzzing – opinion

Tottenham are reportedly willing to sell Leeds-linked defender Joe Rodon this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds interest

Rodon, labelled as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ in a Wales shirt by journalist Ian Mitchelmore, was linked with a move to Elland Road in the January window.

Victor Orta and co. were keen on his services in a potential loan deal alongside Newcastle, however, the Wales international remained in north London.

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Antonio Conte is yet to use the 24-year-old in the Premier League, and it looks as if a Spurs exit will be discussed once again over the coming months given he is so far down the pecking order.

The Latest: Rodon update

TEAMtalk relayed an update from The Telegraph, suggesting that Conte is willing to green-light an exit for the centre-back this summer.

Their report claims that Leeds and Newcastle are once again on alert regarding the Wales centre-back and both could be interested in a summer swoop.

The Verdict: Orta target?

Jesse Marsch currently has five centre-back options, however, he has taken over the league’s leakiest defence and is thought to be planning a defensive overhaul.

Robin Koch has been linked with an exit in recent weeks, so should he depart this summer, a new centre-back would more than likely be on his radar.

Orta clearly wants Rodon at Elland Road given the interest under two different managers, so a move could be one to keep a close eye on, providing Leeds remain in the Premier League.

In other news: Approach made: 49ers and Radz now in exit talks with club for ‘awful’ Leeds defender.