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News of Jack Wilshere’s absence from the England Under-21 squad has set tongues wagging. The rumour mill rumbles into gear about a possible call up to the senior squad for England’s friendly against Hungary this Wednesday, and as well as Wilshere; Theo Walcott, Micah Richards and Lee Cattermole have all also been left out.

The fact that there is an England friendly three days before the start of the Premiership season is of course inexplicable, and a ridiculous state of affairs, however that debate is for another day and the fact remains that there is an England game, so Capello must get as much as he can out of it.

This should be a team that contains ideas concerning the 2012 European Championships: the qualifying for the tournament, as well as any friendlies played in over the next two years should all be geared to preparing a team for that tournament. And not just for that tournament, but for years after that. This last World Cup performance should be both a chance to build something new, as well as an opportunity for the country to lower the levels of pressure and expectation.

There is no point in playing the likes of Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney in this fixture. It would take a drastic set of circumstances for these players to not be in the first team come 2012, and they will be an important part of qualifying for the tournament itself. There is nothing to be gained from Wayne Rooney, playing an England game in between the Charity Shield and first Premier League fixture of the season. That said, I don’t believe there should a complete overhaul of the entire squad for this game.

Any player that Capello doesn’t believe will make the 2012 squad, even at this early stage, shouldn’t really be included. Players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jamie Carragher and Emile Heskey (although his retirement has pipped me to the post) conceivably are not going to part of the evolution of the England team, and so maybe now is the time to sever ties.

This game should be used as an opportunity to try the system or players that Capello would have considered, but may have been wary to try in a major tournament. Any players from the Under-21’s that may or may not be promoted to the squad, should be complimented by the players who went to South Africa, but were denied the chance to make an impression, or players who didn’t make the trip in the first place i.e. Adam Johnson, Michael Dawson, Stephen Warnock, Tom Huddlestone and Theo Walcott. In the case of Walcott, he hasn’t improved at perhaps the rate people were hoping, but it is too early to write him off, and he still has the potential to be a very good player.

The actual result of the game is irrelevant. Even after the World Cup, fans will much rather watch fresh players trying to express themselves, playing without restriction and fear. It is time to stop thinking in the short term; England will be forgiven for a quarter-final finish in 2012 if there are signs, and clear ones at that, not just talk of it, of genuine progress. If in two years, the England side looks like it is on the way to creating something progressive and sustainable, then that will excite England fans.

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Celtic have brought Martin O’Neill back to the club on a caretaker basis and could now find themselves in a fight with Rangers to sign a midfielder this month.

Martin O'Neill expects Celtic to make January signings

Wilfried Nancy is gone, and Celtic fans are feeling a little more optimistic about the rest of the Scottish Premiership campaign now that O’Neill is back in the dugout, and the Irishman has hinted that signings could be on the way to help his side in the title race.

Speaking after being appointed on an interim basis for the second time, the 73-year-old laid out his hopes that the Bhoys would be able to acquire reinforcements as quickly as possible to beef up his pool of options.

He said: “We need the players in and as quickly as possible. I would be hoping for it (the window to be busy) – but if the board were to listen to me then we would have about 56 players. It’s a difficult window in terms of buying players.”

Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi is set to join Celtic from Maccabi Netanya. Meanwhile, Red Bull Bragantino winger Ignacio Laquintana is also a real contender to arrive at the Glasgow giants this month.

Nevertheless, Paul Tisdale has also left the building after his stint as recruitment chief, so it remains to be seen whether the club will move in a different direction after his involvement in some less-than-favourable deals during his time in Scotland.

Uncharacteristically, Celtic find themselves third in the league table and six points off Heart of Midlothian at the summit, and they may now be taking some action on the transfer front to try and reverse their frustrating position.

Celtic could rival Rangers for BK Hacken star Silas Andersen

According to Bold.dk, Celtic could rival Rangers to sign BK Hacken midfielder Silas Andersen, albeit their Glasgow rivals appear to be leading the race for his signature after Danny Rohl’s side held talks over the Denmark Under-21 international moving to Ibrox.

However, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions are ‘waiting in the wings’ to lodge an attempt of their own to land the 21-year-old, who previously attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and FC Copenhagen in the summer window.

Related Celtic set to sign £2.5m star with contract terms and medical arranged

The Bhoys are getting to work and could be set to announce their second signing of the window imminently.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford

Andersen has made 13 appearances across all competitions this campaign, scoring twice and registering an assist, and is capable of featuring in a variety of central midfield roles, as well as filling in as a centre-back when required.

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Celtic already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in the engine room, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one or two players depart to make way for fresh blood after their poor first half of the season.

Newcastle United are now set to launch an enquiry to sign a talented Ligue 1 defender this month, according to recent reports.

Howe admits "season-defining" month for Newcastle

It’s a crucial time for Newcastle. Not only must they get results on the pitch, but they must also get things right in the transfer market. They’ve got unfinished business after hosting a late show in the summer and new sporting director Ross Wilson has the chance to get off to the perfect start this month.

Even Eddie Howe couldn’t escape how important this month is, admitting that it will be “season-defining” for Newcastle before having his say on potential incomings.

He told reporters: “Marquee signing, I don’t know quite what that means – I suppose you’re talking big financial outlay?

“I don’t think that’s the desire in this month for various reasons, because I don’t think it’s a great month necessarily to make that kind of signing.

“Any signing that we do make in this window will restrict our ability to do business in the summer, so I think we’ve got to be really careful that we make the right decisions for the here and now and for the future.

“We’re still in that position where PSR will influence every decision that we make, so that’s where we have to be really smart. I don’t think that’s necessarily the wish in this month, but I think our injury situation to a degree will impact what we do and don’t do.”

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson

If smart is the way to go, then the Magpies should expect to welcome reinforcements who are available at the right price and in a position to make an instant impact such as Bazoumana Toure or perhaps even Dayann Methalie.

According to Craig Hope reporting on Friday lunchtime, Newcastle are set to enquire about signing Methalie from Toulouse in an attempt to strengthen their defensive depth.

Newcastle set to launch Methalie enquiry

Still just 19 years old, Methalie is far from the finished product but could at least provide some competition for Lewis Hall by arriving this month.

Subscribe to the newsletter for smart transfer insight Unlock deeper transfer context—subscribe to the newsletter for focused analysis on targets like Methalie, competition at left-back, and what roster moves mean for Newcastle. Ideal for readers wanting informed transfer coverage.

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As Newcastle’s injury issues continue, the teenager may not be short on opportunities at St James’ Park, either, and that should be the selling point for a player yet to reach his full potential.

League stats 25/26

Methalie

Hall

Minutes

1,160

792

Interceptions

11

13

Tackles Won

19

17

Ball Recoveries

56

44

One look at the numbers and it becomes easy to see why Newcastle are interested in Methalie. The Frenchman was dubbed “one of the best left-backs in Ligue 1” and described as “powerful” by Get French Football News journalist Alfred Frank last month. Now, he could be on his way to Tyneside.

It’s currently unclear how much Toulouse will demand to sell their left-back, but it’s a deal that Newcastle should be all over if the right price emerges this month. Howe needs depth across his backline and Methalie would offer exactly that.

Newcastle United have endured an inconsistent start to the Premier League this campaign and may now be set to ramp up their interest in a long-term target to bolster their rearguard.

Newcastle United seek January reinforcements

Without question, Newcastle fans will feel their campaign could’ve went slightly better than it has so far, though they are still within touching distance of the chasing pack in the hunt for European qualification.

Eddie Howe will feel his side are slowly getting back on track. However, former Magpies defender John Anderson believes he will have a tough juggling act to gauge when trying to compete efficiently across all fronts.

He said via BBC Sport: “He sees the Premier League as the main priority because of wanting to be in the Champions League again next season. The League Cup comes next because it is a semi-final, and then it is the FA Cup and Champions League. Realistically, it is just about qualifying for the next round or stage.

“Somewhere along the line, the amount of games they are playing will take its toll so Howe is going to have to make changes. He has to rotate and give players game time.”

Reinforcements will be necessary, and Oscar Mingueza is on the Magpies’ radar and could make an £8 million move amid competition from Aston Villa for his signature.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is also admired by Newcastle after his summer saga nearly saw a transfer to St James’ Park come to fruition. Now, another Premier League star could have a similar dilemma.

Newcastle tracking Brentford star Michael Kayode

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are keen on signing Brentford star Michael Kayode and have been hot on his trail since 2023 when he pitched up at Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

Manchester City, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the full-back, who has made 24 appearances for the Bees this term.

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Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham

With Tino Livramento the subject of interest from Manchester City, a move for Italy U21 international Kayode would make a great deal of sense. Nevertheless, it is difficult to envisage Brentford letting one of their key men depart mid-season with Keith Andrews having already described him as a “sensation.”

Tottenham Hotspur also retain an interest in the £14m Brentford man and it is easy to see why, given he has won 118 duels on league duty this term, per Fotmob. It’s easy to see why scout Ben Mattinson has heralded him as a “powerful runner.”

Newcastle transfer insight — subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to the newsletter for focused transfer coverage and analysis of Newcastle’s pursuit of Michael Kayode. Gain clear context on squad fit, rival interest and tactical implications to better understand what the potential move would mean.

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Howe clearly wants his side to kick on after a trying first half of the campaign and will now look to convince Kayode and other potential arrivals that the North East is the best place for their footballing development.

Manchester United are now preparing an ambitious move to sign an £80m+ mega star who is keen to complete a Premier League switch, according to reports.

Man Utd preparing £80m+ offer to sign Juventus forward

The debt may be increasing at Old Trafford, but that’s not set to stand in the way of INEOS’ spending in 2026. According to recent reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. have set their sights on major upgrades for Ruben Amorim ahead of 2026, which could include one of Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton.

The Premier League duo are wanted men in English football and whoever wins the race to secure their signatures next year will land transformative midfield additions.

Midfield is certainly an area of concern for Amorim, who needs the same overhaul at the heart of his side that his frontline received last summer.

As things stand, the former Sporting CP manager has an ageing Casemiro, an untrusted Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and the unhappy Kobbie Mainoo to call on in his deep midfield roles. And given that Bryan Mbeumo is heading to AFCON, Fernandes may be forced to push ahead into one of the No.10 roles.

A deep-lying midfielder should be top of INEOS’ priority list, but that is unlikely to stand in the way of even more attacking additions. According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing an offer to sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus worth as much as €100m (£88m in 2026.

The Juventus star reportedly wants a Premier League move, handing those at Old Trafford a major boost in pursuit of his signature next year.

"Magnificent" Yildiz would spearhead Man Utd rise

Aside from Fernandes, it’s difficult to pick out a true world-beater in Man United’s strongest side. They’re beginning to form the foundation of a side capable of getting back into the Premier League’s top four, but still lack that big standout player that all top sides can boast across Europe.

Yildiz would be that superstar. The 20-year-old is already one of, if not the top stars at Juventus and was dubbed “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig last season.

After 21 games in all competitions this season, Yildiz has scored six goals and created another six with plenty more to come throughout the campaign.

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In the current market, signing a player of the 20-year-old’s quality who can play all across the frontline for around £88m could even turn into an undeniable bargain. If United have the funds, then a deal to sign Yildiz should be seen as a no-brainer next year.

Liverpool turned a corner at the weekend, professionally defeating West Ham United at the London Stadium to arrest the shocking slump that has sent Arne Slot’s project into a spin.

However, it’s important for those of a Red persuasion not to get too excited. West Ham are hardly in good form, teetering on the edge of the Premier League relegation zone.

But there were some positives to be taken after that industrious win. Particularly, Liverpool looked sharp in attack, with Alexander Isak netting his first league goal for the Reds and Cody Gakpo notching a goal and an assist. Florian Wirtz sparkled in his creative role.

There has been talk of FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes dipping into the transfer market for a new forward in January, but if anything, the win over the Hammers and Liverpool’s abject form highlight a different area that needs attention.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

It’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back. Top sources have also linked the Premier League champions to prolific Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause valid from January.

However, the centre of the park appears to have been overlooked. Certainly, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have not formed a convincing partnership this season, and a tough-tackling and dynamic option could be worthwhile for a Liverpool side looking to bounce back.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are expected to table a €60m (£53m at current exchange rates) bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s understood that Los Blancos have held informal discussions about the 23-year-old’s future after an injury-affected few years, but Camavinga is one of the best in the business, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing him for a comparatively affordable fee.

Why Liverpool want Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga has been at Real Madrid for most of his professional career, having left France and Rennes and joined the Spanish giants in a €40m (£34m) package back in 2021.

He’s won the full gamut, and, on an individual level, been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a real war machine in midfield”. One of the sternest criticisms Slot’s side have faced pertains to their lack of physicality and bite in midfield this season, outduelled in most of their defeats – and there have been a whole host of losses.

Camavinga would fix that, settling into the six berth. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 12% for successful take-ons, and the top 1% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his ball-playing quality and the gritty defensive acumen that would stabilise Slot’s sinking system.

Looking at those metrics – and more – in a different format, see how Camavinga could add more defensive solidity to the engine room when assessing his data against that of Mac Allister, whose form has plummeted this season.

Camavinga vs Mac Allister (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Camavinga

Mac Allister

Goals

0.11

0.18

Assists

0.11

0.20

Touches

76.18

63.79

Pass completion (%)

90.8

83.3

Shot-creating actions

2.44

3.80

Progressive passes

4.76

5.76

Progressive carries

1.93

1.46

Successful take-ons

1.13

0.67

Recoveries

5.72

4.65

Tackles won

2.72

1.46

Interceptions

1.25

0.91

Aerials won

1.30

0.56

Data via FBref

But those metrics are taking across a year-long stretch, and the Argentine was among the creme-de-la-creme last year as Slot’s Reds romped their way to the title.

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Semenyo might be a stellar addition to a Liverpool side who opted against a direct Luis Diaz replacement this summer, but Gakpo has held down the fort measurably well, and Rio Ngumoha, 17, was entrusted with a regular first-team role after an impressive emergence season.

Real Madrid are in a state of upheaval right now, and signing a player of Camavinga’s ilk for a decent figure won’t come around too often. Wataru Endo is scarcely used by Slot and Gravenberch and Mac Allister need proper competition.

Should Liverpool instil some French flair into their midfield in the form of Camainga, they would be sure to level up, adding the joie de vivre that has been lacking this term, and a tough-tackling presence that would ease the defence’s burden and free up the forwards to reach new heights.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

Sources have described an incoming Chelsea starlet as another potential superstar, as BlueCo prepare to welcome another Estevao-like talent.

Estevao rise leads Chelsea youth transfer revolution

Estevao has announced himself as one of world football’s brightest young talents since joining Chelsea this summer, producing performances that suggest the Brazilian teenager could become a generational superstar at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life in English football, scoring five goals and providing one assist in just 740 minutes across all competitions.

Statistically, he’s already surpassed legendary figures at similar stages of their careers, with his goal contributions eclipsing what Lionel Messi and Ronaldo managed in their first seventeen appearances for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Estevao’s finest hour yet came against Barça in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

His breathtaking solo goal left top-level defenders trailing in his wake before the ex-Palmeiras sensation fired into the roof of the net, making him only the third teenager in history to score in each of his first three Champions League starts alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Man City’s Erling Haaland.

Estêvão’s game v Barça

Minutes

83′

Expected Goals

0.13

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.35

Big Chances Created

1

Key Passes

3

Long Balls

1/1

Shots

2

Touches

47

Recoveries

4

All Stats via Sofascore

Estevao’s Premier League performances have shown similar promise, with the South American’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Liverpool in October sending Enzo Maresca into raptures on the touchline.

Chelsea’s investment in young talent continues to shape their long-term recruitment strategy, with Estevao representing just the beginning of an exciting wave of arrivals.

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, who is currently on loan at sister club Strasbourg, has been tipped for an exciting future, with Kairat Almaty forward Dastan Satpaev and Corinthians left-back Denner also set to arrive in 2026 — alongside Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.

As well as the aforementioned quartet, Chelsea will welcome Sporting CP sensation Geovany Quenda to London next summer.

Maresca’s side struck a £44 million deal for the winger in March, and he’s already been described by some as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Quenda has been on fire this term with five goals and eight assists in 20 appearances, with Chelsea signing Quenda for half of his release clause earlier this year in what could turn out to be a bargain move.

Chelsea have already signed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo' in Geovany Quenda

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who also says that those in Portugal are describing Quenda as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ in very high praise.

Speaking in a video down at the bottom of a Sky Q&A, Solhekol also reports that there are ‘more Estevaos on the way ‘— referencing Quenda as chief among them.

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Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Sporting boss Rui Borges did have a word of caution for the Portugal Under-21 international — namely that this hype could ‘affect his mental state’.

Being compared to Ronaldo brings its own pressure, but from what Quenda has shown already, Chelsea could indeed be about to welcome yet another Estevao to Maresca’s ranks.

Manchester United have now set their sights on signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, according to recent reports, with talks over Casemiro’s contract beginning to drag on.

Ruben Amorim’s side entered the international break off the back of an impressive run rather than a crisis for the first time in the manager’s Old Trafford tenure. Their last-gasp draw at Tottenham Hotspur summed up their recent change in belief and featured yet another impressive display from Casemiro at the heart of their midfield.

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It wasn’t so long ago that Jamie Carragher infamously told the Brazilian to “leave the football” before it leaves him, but it turns out that the former Liverpool defender couldn’t have been more wrong. Casemiro has rediscovered his best form under Amorim and now regularly keeps the likes of Manuel Ugarte out of the side.

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand recently hit back at Carragher’s comments following the midfielder’s return to form this season, claiming that he thought the comments were “disrespectful” at the time.

Now, reports are indicating that Amorim wants to keep hold of Casemiro — sparking what are proving to be complicated contract talks as the midfielder suddenly becomes an important player at Old Trafford.

Man Utd now eyeing Tchouameni move

If INEOS fail to agree a new contract with Casemiro at Amorim’s request, which would present a fresh midfield worry, then Man United will target a move for Tchouameni at Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

The French midfielder is valued at as much as €100m (£88m) by the Spanish giants and has clearly impressed those at Old Trafford as they aim to strengthen their midfield.

As things stand, however, there’s nothing to suggest that Tchouameni is looking to leave Real Madrid anytime soon and reports have claimed that he’ll only head for the exit door at the request of his club. Of course, if that does change, then the fact that he shares an agent with Bryan Mbeumo could provide United with an instant boost.

League stats P90 25/26

Tchouameni

Casemiro

Minutes

874

614

Progressive Passes

5.88

4.41

Tackles Won

0.82

1.76

Ball Recoveries

4.23

5.74

The statistics suggest that Amorim is right to have some hesitation about letting Casemiro’s contract run down. The Brazilian has so far outperformed Tchouameni in a number of areas.

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It highlights just how impressive he’s been in recent months rather than indicating anything major about Tchouameni’s form. The Real Madrid man is just entering the peak of his powers and has impressed the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, who previously dubbed him “fantastic”.

Amorim can axe Dorgu for one of Europe's "most exciting teens" at Man Utd

Leeds United travelled to the City Ground on Sunday with just one away win under their belt this season in the Premier League.

Thankfully, they were about to do battle with a Nottingham Forest side who had only won once on their patch all season long in league action.

But, come the end of the frantic affair, the Tricky Trees collected their first home victory since August, as Sean Dyche’s men comfortably got the better of Daniel Farke’s visitors in a 3-1 win, having notched up 14 efforts at Lucas Perri’s shaky goal.

Journalist Graham Smyth labelled Leeds’ overall performance at the final whistle as “desperately poor” as the West Yorkshire side now hang precariously above the dreaded relegation zone.

Jaka Bijol – in particular – had another afternoon to forget in the heart of the away team’s leaky defence.

Bijol's poor performance vs Forest

Bijol’s day wasn’t completely pitiful, with the Slovenian centre-back coming away from the 3-1 defeat with four of his six duels being successfully won.

Unfortunately for the £15m summer recruit, regardless of having some positives to latch on to, he was still caught out by a moment of ball-watching to hand the hosts the decisive 2-1 lead, as Morgan Gibbs-White evaded his marker to head home.

It was a nicely executed move by Forest, with Omari Hutchinson getting the better of Gabriel Gudmundsson’s lax marking, before putting it on a plate for Gibbs-White.

But, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker was given far too much room to head past Perri, off the back of Bijol being caught in no man’s land.

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Having also struggled against Brighton and Hove Albion on the road, before this slip-up in Nottinghamshire, when winning zero tackles and just one duel, it could well be time for Farke to move the former Udinese man back to the bench, for the more Premier League-ready Pascal Struijk to take over.

Bijol isn’t the only defensive option who could now be dropped by Farke, however.

Leeds dud had his worst game of the season

In all fairness, nobody donning Leeds’ changed strip of blue was trudging off at the end of the 3-1 loss, overjoyed with what they offered up.

Ethan Ampadu definitely won’t have been thrilled with what he conjured up as Farke’s supposed midfield anchor, with the Welshman both uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball at his feet and surprisingly weak when launching himself into duels.

Ampadu’s performance in numbers

Stat

Ampadu

Minutes played

90

Shots

2

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0

Touches

57

Accurate passes

31/41 (76%)

Possession lost

15x

Tackles won

1/2

Fouls

3

Total duels won

4/9

Stats by Sofascore

The promotion-winning captain fell way below the standards he had previously set when lining up for the West Yorkshire giants, with Ampadu coming away from the 3-1 loss with only 76% of his passes reaching their chosen target. On average, this season, so far, he typically completes 86% of his passes.

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Moreover, the below-par number 4 would lack his usual bite and drive, with only one of his tackles being successfully won, which led to Ampadu barely laying a glove on the tricky Dan Ndoye early on, before his quick feet down the flank led to Ibrahim Sangare firing home the equaliser.

Ampadu also didn’t help Bijol out when Gibbs-White sent the City Ground into raptures, with the former Chelsea midfielder also guilty of idly watching the ball, before the match-winning effort was prodded home.

For a defensive option that usually prides himself on winning duels and being energetic – as seen in him averaging 4.3 duels won this season – it really did feel like a low point for him against the Tricky Trees on Sunday afternoon, as Farke now contemplates whether dropping one of his “indispensable” promotion heroes, as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig, is the correct call.

Ampadu faced the media after, calling for togetherness as Leeds attempt to navigate the choppy seas of a relegation battle, with his concrete starting spot now up for grabs, as the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev eye up a spot in defensive midfield, instead.

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Liverpool are now reportedly intensifying their move to sign South American wonderkid Ian Subiabre after he impressed Anfield chiefs in recent months.

There’s been endless examples in which a top six side in the Premier League have been forced to pay a premium price for a South American wonderkid turned great at a mid-table side. Chelsea paid a record price for a midfielder when they signed Moises Caicedo, Liverpool also bought Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Carlos Baleba could be next in line.

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Arne Slot could be set to build something of a superteam at Liverpool.

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford

The strategy may be changing, however, and the Reds’ pursuit of Subiabre proves that. It also makes perfect sense why a young winger is being linked with a move to Anfield, given that Mohamed Salah will be into the final year of his contract next summer.

At 33 years old, the Egyptian has looked a shadow of his best self for most of the current campaign. It was only against Aston Villa last time out that he looked anything close to the player that won the Golden Boot and Playmaker award in the Premier League last season.

Whilst it was a major boost for Arne Slot that Salah looked at his sharpest against Villa, there’s no escaping the concern that the winger’s form has created in the opening weeks.

For the first time, there’ve been questions over Salah’s ability at 33 and just how the Reds will replace one of the best wingers in Premier League history.

The arrivals of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could take Liverpool’s frontline down a fresh route when Anfield’s Egyptian King eventually departs, but Slot is yet to see any sign that they can work together as a duo.

Instead, those in Merseyside may be better off replacing Salah with a rising star and that’s where Subiabre could come in.

Liverpool intensify Subiabre move

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are intensifying their move to sign Subiabre from River Plate and Michael Edwards is even willing to bring negotiations forward to fend off interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

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Having missed out on previous South American wonderkids, 18-year-old Subiabre is someone that Liverpool should do everything to land.

Naturally a right winger who can also play through the middle and on the left, Transfermarkt compared the River Plate star to Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez – a player Liverpool have been linked with in the past. Having missed out on the former Manchester City star, signing his younger clone wouldn’t exactly be a bad idea at Anfield.

Dubbed a “technical winger” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Subiabre is already making his mark in Argentina and could be on his way to the home of the Premier League champions sooner rather than later.

Mohamed Salah receives £132m salary offer to leave Liverpool