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Liverpool could land a significant upgrade on Xherdan Shaqiri over the coming months after being linked with a move for Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Reds have made contact with the Serie A giants over a possible move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Chiesa spent last season on loan at Juve from Fiorentina, but the Old Lady are set to make the move permanent in a €60m (£51.44m) deal after being impressed by the youngster.

The report states that Jurgen Klopp’s charges lead a group of Premier League clubs interested in acquiring the Italy international’s services, with an asking price possibly exceeding €80m (£68.6m) mooted for the winger, who is valued at £63m by Transfermarkt.

Huge upgrade on Shaqiri

Despite the extensive speculation surrounding Chiesa’s future, it’s also believed that Juventus have no plans to either back out of signing the highly-rated talent or let him leave once the deal has been completed.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards is a notoriously astute negotiator, so a potential deal could still be on the cards.

After arriving at the Allianz Stadium 12 months ago, Chiesa has showcased his world-class potential on a regular basis, bagging 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 appearances for Juve throughout 2020/21.

His addition to Klopp’s ranks would be a much-welcomed one after the 19-time English champions suffered in front of goal last term.

The usually dependable duo of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino suffered a significant drop-off in form, while their backups Divock Origi and Shaqiri failed to adequately replace them.

In fact, since the beginning of the 2019/20 campaign, Shaqiri has only contributed one goal and two assists in 20 top-flight appearances, highlighting the upgrade Liverpool would be getting should Chiesa make the switch to Merseyside.

After finishing a whopping 17 points behind champions Manchester City in the 2020/21 campaign, the Anfield outfit are expected to be in the market for several signings, and bringing in Chiesa would be a serious statement of intent.

Targetting a player described as “extraordinary” by Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann should certainly excite the club’s supporters, but it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can afford the Euro 2020-winning forward.

In other news… Liverpool plot big-money bid for “complete” £60m machine, Jurgen Klopp will be elated 

Celtic could still look to sign another winger and defender in the January transfer window, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns. 

The Lowdown: Three in the door

The Hoops officially announced the signings of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi on Friday morning.

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The trio have been linked with moves to Scotland for some time, with Celtic confirming the news just hours before the January window opens.

Maeda will sign on loan with a compulsory purchase clause included for the summer, whereas Hatate and Ideguchi will pen four-and-a-half-year contracts, subject to the usual conditions and international clearance.

However, it seems as if the Hoops may not stop there, with two more possible arrivals over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Burns’ late-night news

Burns shared a story in the Daily Record late on Thursday evening regarding Celtic’s moves for Hatate, Maeda and Ideguchi.

Within his report, he revealed that ‘a move for another wide player and another possible defender haven’t been ruled out’, with the Hoops possibly receiving funds by moving on some fringe players.

The Verdict: Who could go?

It appears as if any further signings in January could be subject to offloading players, with the club reportedly looking to part ways with Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli.

Barkas cost £4.5m and Bolingoli £3m, so if the Hoops can receive fees anywhere close to what they paid for the two of them, it could be seen as excellent business, especially when you consider that Barkas and Bolingoli have made just four appearances combined under Ange Postecoglou.

It’s good to see that Celtic have acted quickly when it comes to securing the Japanese trio, and attention could now turn to departures before looking at further arrivals. Exciting times lie ahead…

In other news: Dressing room source shares big update on Ange’s plan for Celtic ace with ‘tremendous composure’

Everton are in interested in signing versatile Hoffenheim ace Florian Grillitsch according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.

The lowdown: Plenty of suitors

The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when a contract in Germany expires and there would appear to be a host of clubs keen on acquiring the Austrian’s services.

Formerly of Werder Bremen, Grillitsch has plied his trade in the Bundesliga since 2015, racking up 178 German top-flight appearances to date.

Following an initial report from The Telegraph citing major interest from Leeds United and Arsenal, it would now appear that the Toffees are also in the mix…

The latest: Everton interest emerges

As per the report, Jones writes that there is interest from Everton in signing the 33-cap Austria international.

It’s claimed that there is also admiration from West Ham United and Newcastle United, whilst both Leeds are Arsenal are once again mentioned.

The report states that the man once dubbed as ‘extraordinary’ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, ‘appeals’ to Everton as Frank Lampard prepares to oversee a squad overhaul at Goodison Park.

The verdict: No-brainer

As a potential free agent capture, this truly is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club, particularly with the future of Allan uncertain beyond the upcoming summer window.

Still holding a market value of £14.4m despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), adding Grillitsch – who can play as a central defender or in a variety of midfield positions – to the Blues’ ranks would be a shrewd move.

As a defensive midfielder, the Austrian’s numbers suggest that he is in the same mould as Liverpool star Fabinho and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, according to FBRef, making the potential capture ahead of other Premier League suitors all the more impressive.

In other news, financial expert makes exciting Bramley Moore claim!

There has been a considerable amount of fuss surrounding the northeast of England in the last few weeks after Newcastle were taken over by the Saudi Prince Investment Fund.

The finances driven into St James’ Park now make them the most lucrative team on earth and thus, their spending power in 2022 could be quite considerable.

What’s the word?

That being said, their ability to spend that money wisely won’t be entirely feasible until they find the right director of football.

PIF are moving cautiously and sensible in their bid to improve the football club and after hiring Eddie Howe, next on their agenda is appointing someone capable of aiding him in the transfer market.

Michael Edwards was linked before that was quickly quashed upon the announcement of his departure from Liverpool.

Michael Emenalo appears to be the favourite at the moment, and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, talks will begin in the coming days over the vacant role.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Here We Go podcast, the Italian reporter said: “I will keep an eye also on Michael Emenalo, former Chelsea director. It could be an interesting one for Newcastle. But let’s see if they will do something surprising as they did with the manager.”

“Newcastle are working on a sporting director and this week they will start to have some conversations. Let’s see when they will decide.”

Exciting times

Although the news that Newcastle are looking for a director is hardly fresh, the idea that they’re set to ramp up the process over the next week will surely excite the Toon Army.

Following the sacking of Steve Bruce, the departure of Mike Ashley and the subsequent arrival of PIF and Howe, there is only one piece of the jigsaw that needs to be filled; a director of football.

It’s evident that the Magpies could do with an expert in player recruitment behind the scenes which is why fans will no doubt be excited to hear that they are now set to do things properly.

They have been left to witness some pretty diabolical recruitment over the last few years with Joelinton’s club-record move at £40m summing up their inadequacies.

The Brazilian has scored just ten goals since arriving in English football and on that evidence, it’s clear that Newcastle needs to start spending their money more wisely.

Under PIF, that will become particularly important, especially when it comes to financial fair play.

The club’s Saudi-led backers won’t be able to spend a bucketload of cash without playing fairly and picking up players like Joelinton at extortionate prices won’t help their cause.

Yet, if they are able to secure someone like Emenalo, a man famed for the influx of Belgian talent at Chelsea in Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne, it could be game-changing for the football club.

It must be a relief for everyone associated with Newcastle that their football club is beginning to be run in the correct manner. These are truly exciting times at St James’.

AND in other news, Howe could find his new Ake if Newcastle swoop for “very intelligent” £26.8m beast…

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has offered an update on the fitness of defender Andreas Christensen, following Wednesday’s shambolic 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tuchel revealed that the Denmark international had been withdrawn at half-time against the Gunners due to injury, despite suggestion that the change had been a tactical substitution.

The 26-year-old centre-back set the wheels in motion for what was to be a bruising night for the Blues, with his tame backpass allowing Eddie Nketiah to net his first Premier League goal of the season.

Having not resurfaced for the second half, it was believed that the £31.5m-rated man had been dragged off by his manager for that error, although the former Paris Saint-Germain moved to quash that speculation, while also blaming the pitch for the player’s early error: “He said he cannot continue, so I think he had some problems. I don’t take a player out because he makes one mistake.

“To say the pitch is difficult to play here it maybe sounds like an excuse, but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here. It’s not in our favour.

“The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball. But still, we had the same mistake against Real Madrid that cost us the next round of the Champions League, and this one cost us the next match. I can’t remember when we got two goals like this.”

A Blessing in Disguise

While his manager may be attempting to dig him out of a hole by targeting the home turf, there is no denying that it was a costly error from the 55-cap international, with that early blunder setting the tone for what would be a dismal defensive display all-around.

Although Christensen has since come out and taken responsibility for his high profile mistake, it will do little to appease his doubters, namely talkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders, who suggested that the £80k-per-week man is “not good enough” in the wake of the defeat.

That view was echoed by club legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who admitted that both the Dane and a handful of his teammates, simply weren’t up to scratch: “Lukaku, Christensen, Sarr and Alonso were just not good enough for a Chelsea team who should be challenging for the Champions League or Premier League.”

That may appear a rather brutal assessment, although in truth, should his injury complaint cause him to miss this weekend’s game against West Ham United, it could well prove to be something of a blessing in disguise, with the more experienced Thiago Silva likely to be a welcome addition to the side in his absence.

While not the worst performer among Tuchel’s squad this season – he currently ranks 15th for average match rating – the 6 foot 2 giant has not set the world alight either, with the player ranking in just the top 70% for tackles made among central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as well as ranking in just the top 44% for clearances made, as per FBref.

There are also those of a Chelsea persuasion who are simply keen to see the back of the one-time Borussia Monchengladbach loanee, amid reports that he has agreed a deal to join Barcelona this summer on a free transfer.

While the fact that the west London outfit are currently unable to offer new deals may have been a factor in that decision, supporters will no doubt be angered by the player seemingly jumping ship, particularly after he suggested last year that he was in it for the “long-run” at the club.

As they prepare for the visit of the Hammers on Sunday, his name not being mentioned on the teamsheet may prove something of a boost rather than a notable blow.

In other news, Forget Christensen: Chelsea “shambles” who lost ball 22x was real villain vs Arsenal – opinion…

Everton have suffered a huge injury blow after it was revealed star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has suffered a serious issue to his foot.

What’s the word?

The in-form 28-year-old has been the Toffees’ standout performer in the opening weeks of the current campaign, but he’s set for an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a potential stress fracture.

It was initially believed that Doucoure had suffered a broken foot, with Paul Joyce, the Northern Football Correspondent for The Times, relaying the initial news.

He tweeted: “Everton concerned Abdoulaye Doucoure is facing lengthy time out with broken foot.”

However, the Merseyside outfit have since provided an update on the Frenchman’s situation, releasing an official statement on the club’s website.

“Everton can confirm that Abdoulaye Doucoure has suffered a stress response in a bone in his foot sustained during Sunday’s match against West Ham United,” the statement reads.

“The French midfielder is being assessed by the Club’s medical team at USM Finch Farm and is undergoing further investigation to determine the full extent of the injury. Contrary to reports, Doucoure will not require an operation.”

Rafa Benitez will be gutted

News that Doucoure is set to be on the treatment table for several weeks will leave Everton manager Rafa Benitez feeling gutted.

The box-to-box dynamo has been in fabulous form this season, bagging two goals and providing four assists in his eight Premier League appearances – a superior contribution to the entirety of the previous campaign in 21 games fewer.

His defensive attributes will also be a huge loss to the Toffees with the French brute winning 2.5 tackles per game this term, a tally only bettered by Allan.

And injuries to fellow midfielders Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph will leave the Blues extremely short of options in the engine room when Watford visit Goodison Park over the weekend.

It means the likes of Tom Davies and Jean-Philippe Gbamin will have to step up in Doucoure’s absence, gifting the youngsters a rare chance to impress from the off.

And, in other news…Brands must sanction EFC swoop for “incredible” £19.8m-rated gem, Benitez needs him 

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after it was confirmed that Anthony Taylor will referee the Reds’ Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face an enormous game on Saturday evening, in what is arguably the biggest match of the season so far.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have won their opening two matches, with neither team conceding a goal and both comfortably winning their respective fixtures.

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It promises to be a nervy occasion at Anfield and a win for the Reds would be further proof that they are strong title contenders.

Taylor has been confirmed as the referee for Saturday’s game [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], with Chris Kavanagh on VAR duties.

His Manchester roots never make him a popular appointment for Liverpool matches and he also took charge of the Reds’ 3-1 defeat at Leicester City last season.

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Liverpool fans react to referee appointment

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to vent their anger.

“Ohhhhhh NO”

Credit: @drewski1980

“It really can’t get any worse, can it?”

Credit: @LFC_Lewis66

“Liverpool loss”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Ohh god. Not this awful Manc”

Credit: @AhijahB

“I don’t like this guy”

Credit: @iburniton96

“Mbappe dream over and now this”

Credit: @TQdeanoo

In other news, some Liverpool fans are livid at a transfer update that has emerged. Read more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some news on Juan Alegria.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, Alegria scored two goals at Rangers Training Centre as Rangers B won 3-0 against Partick Thistle in the 2021/22 City of Glasgow Cup.

Ross McCausland scored the opening goal, but it was Alegria in particular who caught the eye after his brace.

The 19-year-old had already scored a hat-trick earlier on in the season, and given that the Teddy Bears already have a Colombian striker in Alfredo Morelos, who has become a hero at the club for all of the goals and iconic moments, it is exciting to see another youngster seemingly with huge potential coming through the ranks.

Rangers fans on Alegria

These Light Blues were left buzzing as the news of Alegria’s second goal was shared on Twitter, with one Gers supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘baller’:

“This boy is a baller btw”

Credit: @SIMA1872

“Surely needs a crack with the first team”

Credit: @LetsGio55

“This lad is looking class”

Credit: @Drazek89

“Get him promoted, Roofe is out and now’s the time!”

Credit: @MacKaMac

“Better prospect than Morelos and quicker, which is not hard to be, being honest. You might even get a newspaper below Alegria’s feet as well”

Credit: @Berti_Robertson

“Send that beast to the first team. Need someone to replace Mr Setback.”

Credit: @SteveGSmith_

In other news, find out whose display against St. Johnstone was slammed here!

As per Football Insider, former England number one Paul Robinson believes that Nathaniel Phillips is more likely to be allowed to leave Liverpool than Joe Gomez, amid strong interest from West Ham.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s centre-back crisis

West Ham are now running short in the defensive department due to injuries sustained by centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.

Ogbonna is expected to be out for the rest of the season after suffering from a cruciate ligament rupture on the 7th of November, whilst Zouma sustained a hamstring tendon injury during the Hammers’ 3-2 victory against Chelsea.

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The 27-year-old Frenchman is especially important to West Ham’s defensive success, as he leads the team’s statistics with 5.2 clearances and 0.5 offsides won per game. The Italian defender also deploys the high-line to perfection, sitting second with 0.4 offsides won per game.

As a result of this huge blow to David Moyes’ plans, Liverpool player Phillips has been shortlisted as a January transfer target, and it is believed that a fee around £12m would be enough to secure his services.

The Latest: Robinson reacts to Phillips links

As reported by Football Insider, Robinson, a regular pundit on Sky Sports, believes that there is more chance of Phillips leaving Liverpool in the January window than Gomez. The former Spurs keeper said: “Phillips has got more chance of leaving than Gomez has, that’s for sure.

“I still think a deal will be difficult to do though given the injury crisis Liverpool had last season.

“Phillips was brilliant at the end of last season but whether he is of the same level as Zouma and Ogbonna, I would question that.

“It’s an area that Moyes probably need to address though.”

The Verdict: Phillips a possibility

The Sunday Mirror have reported (as shared by Football Insider) that the Reds will block any attempt at luring Gomez away from Anfield.

However, it is understood that Jürgen Klopp will listen to offers for the 6 foot 3 Phillips, who is deemed to be lower in the pecking order at Liverpool. This could open up the possibility of the 24-year-old making the switch in January.

The Englishman may not be as technically gifted as Zouma and Ogbonna, exemplified by not having made a key pass when playing in the League cup this season, but Klopp has hailed his heading ability, saying that “in the air, he’s a monster!”

Therefore, Phillips may just be the perfect addition to help reduce West Ham’s defensive crisis and simply add a bit more depth and solidity where Moyes needs it most.

This summer has been an interesting first couple of months for Bruno Lage at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nuno Santo surprisingly left Molineux behind which meant his fellow Portuguese manager had to pick up the rubble after a disappointing campaign.

On the chalkboard

This has been a quiet transfer window for Lage who has prioritised keeping what he already has at his disposal.

Ruben Neves and Adama Traore were consistently linked with the exit door but it looks as though the duo are set to stay in the Midlands.

Neves had attracted the interest of Arsenal while Leeds were appealed by the idea of landing Traore.

Wolves were going to have to sell these players in order to build funds for further recruits but they are now taking a different approach.

The Athletic’s Tim Spiers reported last week that Romain Saiss, Patrick Cutrone and Rafa Mir would all be allowed to leave.

Saiss played a huge part during Nuno’s tenure but has made several mistakes in the last year or so that have lowered his status with supporters.

Indeed, after he gave away a reckless penalty against Celta Vigo last weekend, he angered fans further. One supporter described him as a “walking red card” while another dubbed him an “absolute liability.”

With the Moroccan already halfway through the exit door, Lage must step up the club’s attempts to move him on.

After all, he let the club down on countless occasions last season and is showing no signs of improving his discipline.

One of his most questionable performances came against Aston Villa. Although Saiss helped to keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw, he gave away possession easily, completing just 70% of his passes. He also missed a simple chance to win the game from just a matter of yards out.

Spiers claimed the miss “defied the laws of physics” while The Express & Star were even more damning in their assessment of the defender, saying; “His passing was inconsistent throughout. But it’s the miss of the season that will cause the Moroccan international some sleepless nights.”

He was abject against Burnley later in the campaign too. Once again the defender was guilty of gifting possession away and on this occasion, it led to a goal for Chris Wood after he was robbed of the ball.

Taking to social media at full-time, Spiers commented: “Saiss, Coady and Boly all play at centre half for their countries but it feels like Darren Peacock and Simon Coleman are back in defence today. A catalogue of basic errors.”

Conor Coady and Willy Boly have since proved their worth to the club but the £22k-per-week Saiss is expendable.

Lage has to sanction his exit at the nearest available opportunity.

AND in other news, Lage must seal Wolves swoop for £17m “phenomenon” who plays like Marcel Desailly…