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Leeds United could make a move for AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo if Jack Harrison makes a deadline day departure, insider Dean Jones has claimed.

What’s the word?

Harrison has been linked with a move to Leicester, who are level on points with Leeds in the Premier League, and a replacement would be needed if he departs.

Zaniolo could leave Roma after a fallout with manager Jose Mourinho, and has been linked with a number of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur.

However, speaking to Football FanCast, Jones has claimed that Zaniolo could be an option for Leeds to replace the Englishman.

“If Harrison does end up leaving Leeds, then obviously opens up a spot in the squad. Zaniolo, I’m not sure about, I mean, he’s been linked with various teams,” he stated.

“What I’d say is, like Bournemouth are willing to pay €30m for him, which a substantial amount of money to go and spend on deadline day out of the blue.

“So it depends what level of scouting these teams like Leeds and Tottenham have already done on Zaniolo, as to whether he’s actually attainable at the moment. The player’s head must be all over the place.

“He’s been looking for a transfer, he’s convinced it would happen. It hasn’t happened. People in Rome are not happy with the way he’s going about things. He’s kind of frozen out at the moment. He needs something to happen today.”

A more attacking option

Zaniolo would represent a more attack-minded midfield option than Harrison, ranking in the top 4% of midfielders for shots, and the top 20% for attacking penalty area touches as per FBref.

Harrison ranks significantly lower in both metrics, but also ranks in the top 8% of midfielders for tackles and blocks, making him a more well-rounded option.

With Weston McKennie coming in to play with Tyler Adams, Zaniolo could add goals to the side if Harrison departs and he settles quickly, but Leeds could be well served by not selling a key player to a potential relegation rival.

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements following their horrendous start to their Premier League season that has left them fighting for survival over their second round of fixtures.

Over 20 league outings, the Toffees have collected just 15 points from a possible 60 and scored just 15 goals which is the second-worst tally in the entire top flight which has ultimately led to their rapid fall two points deep into the relegation zone as it stands.

Following Richarlison’s exit in the summer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence for the large majority of the last 18 months through injury, Everton have had their attacking threat drastically weakened with summer signings Dwight McNeil and Neal Maupay failing to make up goal contributions in the team since their arrival at Goodison Park.

As a result, the January transfer window presents a golden opportunity for Everton to add new players who can make an instant impact in front of goal to help the club avoid their first Premier League relegation at the end of the season.

One player who has been recently linked with a move to the blue side of Merseyside is Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom, a player who is currently in fine form in front of goal in the Championship.

Over 21 league appearances, the 27-year-old machine has scored 13 goals, registered one assist and successfully completed 46% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 2.7 shots on goal, 1.2 shots on target and winning 4.8 duels per game.

In fact, Akpom – who is currently the Championship top goal-scorer – could be the second coming of Calvert-Lewin as the 6-foot striker shares many similarities as the Everton goal machine also captured the attention of his current club whilst playing in the second tier with Sheffield United.

In terms of their styles of play the positional peers both use their height to win the ball in dangerous positions and both focus solely on finding the back of the net with most of their activity in and around the box.

With that being said, the signing of Akpom would be a major coup for Everton if he could continue his goal-scoring form at Goodison Park and could be the signing that saves them from relegation at the end of the season.

Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips is likely to remain at the club until the summer after Virgil van Dijk’s injury, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Phillips fifth-choice at Liverpool

The 25-year-old has become something of a cult hero at Anfield, having produced some spirited and influential performances at the back end of the 2020/21 season.

Phillips is very much the fifth-choice centre-back option at Liverpool, however, with Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all ahead of him in the pecking order.

While a move away could happen for the defender in January, it looks as though he is going nowhere.

The Latest: Defender set to stay

Writing on Twitter, Pearce claimed that Phillips would now remain at Liverpool for the remainder of the campaign, due to Van Dijk’s current layoff:

“VVD’s injury means Phillips is highly likely to remain as cover until May.”

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The Verdict: Summer exit a must

This is a shrewd decision by Liverpool, although Phillips has still averaged 3.3 aerial duel wins per game this season and been lauded as ‘absolutely insane’ by Jurgen Klopp in the past.

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The hope is that the Englishman isn’t needed for the rest of the season as fifth-choice, but having him around gives the Reds that extra option without Van Djik.

Given his lack of game time until this point, Phillips should seal a permanent move elsewhere in the summer, perhaps making himself a regular at either a lower-end Premier League team or a promotion-chasing Championship club.

The Premier League hosts some of the world’s biggest footballing clubs, the best talents across the globe, and some of the most enthralling clashes of high-quality football that history has ever seen. Drawing in domestic fans and viewers from every corner of the Earth, it is no wonder it is regarded as one of the best leagues.

With such footballing class, Premier League fans have been treated to some iconic football games over the years; below, we’ve listed just a few memorable ones – listing them all could fill an entire library.

Slippy G – Liverpool vs. Chelsea 2013-14

On a day that Steven Gerrard will have tried hard to forget, Liverpool faced off against Chelsea in a thrilling clash that would see them one step closer to the league title with just three games remaining. Towards the end of the first half, the Liverpool midfielder lost his footing and slipped over, inviting Demba Ba through on goal to score the first of Chelsea’s goals in their 2-0 win.

Mourinho’s side broke the hearts of Reds fans across the globe that day – and there are plenty of them to break. ExpressVPN’s recent analysis identified Liverpool as the most-watched team in the Premier League, but Chelsea stole the glory on this day. They did manage to avenge this loss in 2020 when they won their 19th league title, though.

One to forget for Gunners – Manchester United vs. Arsenal 2011-12

In one of the highest-scoring games of recent years, Alex Ferguson’s side completely dismantled Wenger’s eleven, putting eight past them. Wayne Rooney bagged a dead-ball hat trick while Ashley Young secured a beautiful brace of long-range curlers to nail Arsenal’s coffin shut on the day. After a great season, Manchester United could not carry their form to the ultimate success, losing the title to an unforgettable 93rd-minute winner from Aguero against QPR, which the Manchester City official site has covered in depth, unsurprisingly.

The Ultimate Comeback – Newcastle United vs. Arsenal 2010-11

Falling two goals behind in just the first ten minutes, it needed to be looking better for Newcastle. Things got worse as they entered the second half, 4-0 down. However, in a comeback that can only be described as miraculous, Newcastle managed to bring the game back to 4-4 with a beautifully struck volley from Cheick Tiote in the 87th minute, resulting in one of the largest roars from the crowd that St James’ Park has ever seen.

Record-breaker – Southampton vs. Leicester City 2019-20

After going a man down within just 15 minutes, things would only get worse for poor Southampton. Leicester City tore them apart, scoring nine goals within the 90 and securing the biggest away win the league had ever seen. Southampton would lose 9-0 again against Manchester United in 2021, as covered on the BBC.

Football is called the beautiful game for a reason – the tension and instances of pure magic that is created when two footballing teams collide are incomparable. Let’s hope for many more history-making games in the future.

Image Sources: Unsplash

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita’s spell at Anfield has not gone to plan and the club are ready to move on, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Flop or not?

Whilst Keita has not been a complete dud at Liverpool, he has failed to replicate the form shown with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. 

His record number of appearances in a single Premier League season is 25. That came in his debut campaign, which saw him start just 16 games – his highest number of starts in a Reds shirt.

Each resurgence in form soon gets shattered as the Guinea international continually struggles with various injuries, most recently a hamstring setback which has so far seen him miss 23 games. 

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The Latest: Jones’ update

Amidst Keita’s fitness struggles throughout his time at Liverpool, transfer expert Jones has refused to label the star a flop. However, he does acknowledge that both parties look ready to move on.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “We should remember that Keita was of a very high level when they signed him, and it unfortunately just hasn’t quite gone as well as it could have.

“That signing wasn’t a bad signing; it just hasn’t quite worked out. So, of course, at this point, you’re willing to move on.”

The Verdict: Best for both

With Keita’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool are running out of time to recoup some of their £52million investment.

According to transfermarkt, the former Leipzig star is currently valued at around £20million, so if Jurgen Klopp is willing to let him go then January will be their last chance to receive a healthy sum.

With reports popping up this week claiming the Reds have agreed to sign Benfica and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, perhaps this could be a perfect one in-one out scenario next month.

West Ham United winger Said Benrahma has been questioned over his recent run of form by journalist Paul Brown. 

The Lowdown: Benrahma’s season so far

This season has seen the winger, who has been criticised for his “disappointing” form in the past by Roshane Thomas, appear in 21 games for the Irons across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists. 

Despite starting in West Ham’s last four league games, many supporters were not impressed when David Moyes called for the Algerian to be substituted in the second half of the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this month. 

Following this incident which drew the ire of many inside the London Stadium that day, the subject of Benrahma and his current form for the Hammers was discussed by Brown.

The Latest: Benrahma dubbed an ‘enigma’

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown described the 27-year-old as an “enigma” and questioned the Algerian for drifting “in and out” of matches despite reportedly being one of West Ham’s fittest players.

He said: “Benrahma is an enigma and probably always has been really. He’s capable of scoring spectacular goals, he’s capable of changing the game with a little moment of magic, but he does drift in and out of games.

“I’m told he’s actually one of the fittest people at the club, so it’s not that he’s someone who can’t get about the pitch and press and do his part.”

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The Verdict: Important figure for West Ham

Across 13 league appearances this season, Benrahma has had more shots on target (eight) than any other West Ham player. In addition, only three players at the club have made more key passes than the 27-year-old (16). 

In fact, the £55k-per-week winger has the highest rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes at the east London club (5.51), so his attacking influence is clear. 

His overall performances in the league have earned him a rating of 6.7/10 from WhoScored, leaving only four outfield players with higher ratings in Moyes’ squad.  

Taking all that into account, it’s safe to say that Benrahma has been an important figure for the team this season. However, if he can add more goals and assists on a consistent basis, this should dispel any doubts over his ability and mindset, with the Algerian seemingly yet to convince some onlookers. 

When Sam Johnstone joined Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, he was probably hoping that some strong performances in the Premier League could see him re-establish himself in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The shot-stopper earned three caps for the Three Lions during his time with West Brom and was keen to move back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship with the Baggies, which saw him lose his place.

While there is strong competition in goal for England, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope all good contenders, Johnstone will surely have backed himself to earn a call-up after securing his move to Crystal Palace.

Sadly, the 29-year-old may now be regretting his switch to Selhurst Park, as he has made just two appearances in the Carabao Cup so far this season, with Vicente Guaita very much first-choice in Patrick Vieira’s thinking.

Southgate’s squad was announced on Thursday afternoon and it was no surprise to see Johnstone miss out on what could have potentially been his first and only chance at making a World Cup.

Although it is perhaps expected that Johnstone will take over from the 35-year-old Guaita at Crystal Palace in the not-too-distant future, he will have surely wanted to be a regular this season to give himself the best possible chance of a call-up.

Considering the £4m-rated ‘keeper’s form he showed in his last Premier League season with West Brom, which saw Sam Allardyce sing his praises on talkSPORT, it is a fair assumption that he would be a starter for a lot of clubs in the top flight.

Allardyce said: “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant and of course he’s just as frustrated as me by all these goals going in and he’s trying his best.

“He is a fantastic goalkeeper.”

Despite clean sheets in both of his appearances for the Eagles thus far, it seems likely that Vieira will stick with Guaita as his Premier League goalkeeper, which may only make Johnstone question his transfer further after his World Cup omission.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison would be interested in sealing a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the near future, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Maddison superb for Leicester

The 25-year-old may have been playing in a struggling Foxes side this season but he has been their best player by some distance.

Maddison’s brilliance in the final third has shone through consistently, with six goals coming his way in 11 Premier League appearances, and a move elsewhere could be on the cards.

Spurs have stood out as one of the front-runners to snap him up, having strongly considered a move for him over the summer. as Antonio Conte looks for more guile in his midfield.

The Latest: Tottenham move talked up

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones talked up the possibility of such a transfer happening, believing that Maddison would be quite eager to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The journalist said:

“I think that Maddison is one of the players that we’ll be hearing about in terms of Tottenham’s transfer pursuits.

“They’ve looked at it before, it’s been a tricky one, but Maddison clearly would be interested in a transfer I think in the pretty near future, and it’d be hard to turn down a proposition like Tottenham.”

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The Verdict: Exactly what Spurs need

Maddison’s quality as a footballer is without question, with England manager Gareth Southgate even describing the player’s set-piece ability as ‘world-class’ back in 2019.

It feels as though the midfielder has outgrown Leicester at this point, with the Foxes struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table and Spurs would be the ideal next move for him, allowing him the chance to test himself at a higher level.

A tally of 51 goals and 34 assists in 183 appearances for Leicester speaks for itself, and his ability to break the lines and win matches with his quality could take Conte’s side up another gear.

Celtic have been hit with two new injury blows ahead of their return to Premiership action against Hibernian this afternoon…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports News journalist Alison Conroy has revealed that David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh will both miss out after sustaining knocks this week.

Jota remains out injured and has now been joined by the duo, although Liel Abada – who suffered a blow in midweek against RB Leipzig – is in contention to play.

Conroy tweeted:

“Jota will miss Celtic’s game v Hibs, should be back in training next week. Ababa (Abada) is fit & available. Turnbull & Welsh also out after picking up knocks.”

Big blow

The news that Turnbull is unavailable is a big blow for Ange Postecoglou that should leave him gutted as the Scotland international could have come back into the starting XI for this match.

He was on the bench as Celtic lined up with a 4-2-3-1 in the Champions League during the week but they have alternated between that and a 4-3-3 in the Premiership, with the Scottish international previously thriving as one of the eights in the latter formation.

Postecoglou could have moved back to a 4-3-3 for this clash with Hibernian and slotted Turnbull in as one of the three in the middle of the park, alongside Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate, but he will now have to go with a different option for that position if he makes a change of shape.

The former Motherwell gem, who ex-Scotland international Michael Stewart once dubbed a “Rolls Royce”, enjoyed a terrific 2021/22 campaign in the Scottish top-flight as he consistently delivered quality in the final third whilst playing as a number eight.

Alan Hutton described his performances as “outstanding” and his numbers in the Premiership back that up. The above statistics show that he is capable of delivering sublime performances week-in-week-out, as no Celtic player with five or more appearances in the league averaged a higher rating than him.

This season, the £14k-per-week magician has only started four matches in an injury-disrupted campaign so far. In those games, he has produced one goal and two assists, whilst creating two ‘big chances’ and 1.8 key passes per game – as per SofaScore.

He has the quality to be a standout performer for the club with his ability in possession and that is why the head coach should be gutted by his latest injury blow, as Turnbull will not be available to provide his creativity from midfield in this game.

Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna is a doubt for the Reds’ trip to Leicester City on Monday night.

The lowdown

Forest travel to the home of their Midlands rivals in a clash between the bottom two in the Premier League.

Steve Cooper’s side are 19th in the table prior to kick-off, having picked up just four points from their first seven matches and off the back of four successive losses. The only team below them are the Foxes, who have managed just one draw prior to six straight defeats.

McKenna played the full 90 minutes for Scotland in their Hampden Park double header against Ukraine and Republic of Ireland last month, but missed their second game against the former due to a knock.

The latest

Josh Holland, a Midlands football journalist for Reach PLC, relayed the update on the 25-year-old via Twitter, with Forest suffering a body blow ahead of the trip to The King Power Stadium.

He tweeted: “Scott McKenna is an injury doubt for Monday’s East Midlands clash with Nottingham Forest.”

The verdict

McKenna could be a big loss for Forest in a crucial fixture for both teams.

He has played every top-flight minute so far this season, so Steve Cooper clearly regards him as a very important player. That’s no surprise, as the centre-back ranks in the Reds’ top three for aerial duels won (2.1), clearances (3.7) and blocks (1.1) per game (via WhoScored).

Former Celtic player Peter Grant has called him ‘old school’, while BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher believes that he is a big part of the reason why Forest ‘are in the Premier League’.

With Joe Worrall and Moussa Niakhate already ruled out, the centre-back department at the City Ground has been hit pretty hard, so this news on McKenna is the last thing that Cooper needs in his current predicament.