Liverpool are not the same team that they were last season. Quite literally. Many changes were rung before the 2025/26 campaign, and perhaps Arne Slot and co have bitten off more than they can chew as the Merseyside outfit struggle for fluency and form enough to secure

Forget the Premier League title. Liverpool are not stable enough, and they have too many holes across the backline. Defensively, it’s been a bit of a mess this year.

Liverpool did sign a centre-half last summer. In August, sporting director Richard Hughes wrapped up a £27m deal for Parma prospect Giovanni Leoni. The Italian is billed as one of the most talented young defenders in the world, but he ruptured his ACL on his Reds debut.

Loeni, 19, will be a key asset when he returns, but Liverpool cannot wait for reinforcements at the rear, with plans drawn ahead of the January transfer window, which is now upon us.

The latest on Liverpool's plans to sign a centre-back

Liverpool need a centre-back, with defensive mistakes and a lack of security and composure at the back forming the crux of the Anfield side’s problems.

It was a fantastic summer transfer window, but the failure to land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace does appear to have come back to bite an imbalanced and discordant side.

Should Liverpool fail to secure Guehi’s signature at the end of the season (or in January), FSG have drawn plans to land Club Brugge rising star Joel Ordonez, with the Equadorian, 21, touted with a move to Merseyside last month.

Reports even stressed that the Reds are among the frontrunners, with Ordonez even described as “something remarkable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

After all, he scrubs up pretty cleanly against Virgil van Dijk; even if they play at different levels, it tells us something of the South American’s potential.

However, Liverpool remain intent on tying the struggling Ibrahima Konate down to a new deal, and with Leoni supposedly good enough to nail down a spot, the Reds may want to hold fire on their transfer plans, especially when one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents has quietly been secured.

Liverpool already have a future defensive superstar

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool have agreed a deal with Austria Wien for the transfer of 17-year-old defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe at the end of the season.

The Austria youth international is a towering centre-back with a prodigious command of his technical faculties, already described as “one of the most exciting young talents” in his country by scout Jacek Kulig.

While he will be expected to link up with Rob Page’s U21 side, Ndukwe has made the bench on a number of occasions, and Slot has shown that he is willing to give young stars their debuts.

Youngest Liverpool Debutants under Arne Slot

Player

Competition

Age

Rio Ngumoha

FA Cup

16 yrs, 04 mths

Trey Nyoni

Carabao Cup

17 yrs, 04 mths

Trent Kone-Doherty

FA Cup

18 yrs, 07 mths

Giovanni Leoni

Carabao Cup

18 yrs, 09 mths

Amara Nallo

Champions League

18 yrs, 02 mths

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed by journalist Bence Bocsak for his “really impressive” start to life on the major stage, the 6 foot 6 prospect is endowed with steely, snappy agility and natural prowess in the air.

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While Liverpool won’t want to overburden this young talent, he turns 18 in March and won’t arrive on Merseyside until the summer. And he’s got the right frame of character, having name-checked Van Dijk as his idol during an interview with Austrian television in October, also saying, “in five years I’ll be playing professionally in the Premier League.”

It looks like he’s on the fast-track with that one.

It is hardly out of the question that he could leapfrog a few and emulate Leoni by establishing himself in the senior side next season, perhaps allowin FSG to forget about an equally unpolished talent in Ordonez and maybe even Guehi too.

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An insight into the future of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been offered by Sam Lee of The Athletic.

Since joining Palace in 2021, Guehi has risen to the rank of club captain and guided the club to the 2025 FA Cup, their first-ever major honour, before helping them win that year’s Community Shield. Under Oliver Glasner’s management, Guehi has been a crucial cog for Palace’s recent brilliance.

Despite this, much talk about Guehi this season has been about a potential departure. The centre-back is in the final year of his contract and following a failed bid late in the summer, Liverpool have long been touted as the defender’s most likely destination. Palace, meanwhile, seem resigned to the fact that their skipper will depart.

Guehi’s importance has only increased in the light of Palace’s recent injury woes. Daniel Munoz and Nathaniel Clyne are both sidelined, hampering Glasner’s right-hand side almost entirely. Elsewhere, Chris Richards only recently returned to action, whilst fellow centre-back Chadi Riad has been hampered by injuries since joining the club in 2024.

Understandably, Palace are keen on reinforcing their defence, though it appears that will be done in the absence of Guehi, who has seemingly revealed which club he would prefer to join if and when he moves on Selhurst Park.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Guehi prefers to wait until summer and join Liverpool

The Let Me Talk podcast, hosted by The Athletic’s Sam Lee and David Mooney, were discussing interest in Guehi from Manchester City. Recent injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have only strengthened the club’s need for defensive depth.

It would appear that, despite City’s interest, Guehi remains committed in his desire to join Liverpool. The Reds have endured a shaky title defence and after 21 matches in the new season, sit 14 points adrift of Arsenal atop the table. The Gunners are, reportedly, also keen on Guehi, though it seems that the England international is more inclined to moving to Merseyside than to North London.

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Jarell Quansah’s summer departure and Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury on debut meant that, aside from starting duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have just Joe Gomez to rely on. Gomez is a great player, but has struggled with injuries throughout his career, meaning there is no reliable cover in that position for Arne Slot.

It has shown throughout the season, too. Neither Virgil nor Konate have been at their brilliant best and a contributing factor to this, no doubt, is Liverpool’s lack of feasible rotation options for either of them. In Guehi, Liverpool would be signing one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-halves and can only be bolstered by his evident desire for a move to Anfield.

Aston Villa remain in the Premier League title conversation, but their challenge suffered a significant blow following recent dropped points.

Unai Emery’s side currently sit third in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal after their goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night raised serious questions about their ability to sustain a title push.

Villa enjoyed a remarkable 11-game winning streak in all competitions during December, including memorable comeback victories over Leeds United, Brighton and Chelsea that saw them earn 18 points from losing positions this season.

However, their failure to find the net against an out-of-form Palace side who were winless in six league matches represented a significant missed opportunity.

The stalemate ended a 10-game scoring run for Villa in the Premier League.

Striker Ollie Watkins had scored four goals in his previous three games but was denied by Dean Henderson’s save, Maxence Lacroix’s goal-line block and the woodwork late on.

Palace have become Villa’s bogey team in recent seasons, with this marking the seventh match in all competitions that Emery’s side have failed to beat them.

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Villa’s earlier 4-1 defeat at the Emirates against Arsenal brought their 11-game winning run to a shuddering halt. The humbling loss demonstrated the gap between themselves and the league leaders, with Arsenal’s second-half display underlining just how devastating Mikel Arteta’s side can be when firing on all cylinders.

Emery recognizes that improved depth represents crucial to maintaining any realistic title challenge.

The Spaniard has moved decisively in the January window, with Villa having already agreed a deal to sign Brazilian teenager Alysson from Gremio for £8.7m excluding add-ons.

Villa are also in the mix to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, with reports stating Emery’s side are looking to sign the 25-year-old England international on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

The Villans face competition from Newcastle and Tottenham for Gallagher’s signature, but Atlético are rumoured to be open to a loan exit with an obligation to buy, with the midfielder seeking regular game time to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Alongside the former Chelsea star, a report from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath now reveals this afternoon that Villa are considering a reunion with Tammy Abraham.

Aston Villa eyeing January move for Tammy Abraham

As per the reporter, via X, Villa are eyeing a January move to re-sign Abraham amid his productive loan stint at Besiktas.

The 28-year-old striker is currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma and has rediscovered his goalscoring touch in Turkey, netting 12 goals and providing three assists across 24 appearances in all competitions this season.

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Abraham has fired on all cylinders since joining the Süper Lig giants in July, averaging 0.55 goals per game and playing 1,726 minutes for his new club.

The England international has particularly impressed in European competition, scoring a hat-trick in Besiktas’s 4-1 victory over Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic during the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Abraham enjoyed a legendary loan spell at Villa Park during the 2018-19 season, firing 26 goals in 40 Championship appearances to spearhead their promotion via the play-offs under Dean Smith.

However, the striker’s move to Besiktas is set to become permanent for around £11 million depending on specific conditions. His weekly wages of around £115,000 could complicate any potential January transfer too, with Roma holding his registration until June 2026.

It remains to be seen how Villa will navigate this, but the interest is apparently there.

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On what was a hugely disappointing day for Celtic, Hyun-jun Yang was one of the few players who came away with credit after Saturday’s loss at Parkhead, which resulted in Wilfried Nancy’s dismissal.

The South Korea international scored his second goal of the season in the Scottish Premiership with a brilliant run and thumping finish to put his side 1-0 up.

Unfortunately, the rest of the team were unable to get the game over the line, as they coughed up three cheap goals in the second half to lose 3-1 to their rivals.

Despite that stunning goal, there should still be a question mark over his place in the starting line-up because he has only produced two goals and no assists in the league this season, per Sofascore.

Celtic in talks to sign new winger

Yang’s spot in the side could come under increased pressure amid claims that the club are in the market to sign a player in his position this month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to Herald Scotland journalist Josh McCafferty, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Red Bull Bragantino winger Ignacio Laquintana in the January transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Hoops have “held talks” with the Brazilian side over a potential deal for the right winger, as they look to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

McCafferty adds that they could agree an initial loan until the end of the 2025/26 campaign for the attacker, with an option to make it permanent in the summer transfer window.

He also reveals that Laquintana is “keen to join Celtic” before the end of the current window, which suggests that personal terms will not be much of an issue for the club.

Why Celtic should sign Laquintana in January

The Hoops should push to get this deal over the line in the days to come because he has the potential to arrive at Parkhead as an even better option than Yang, despite the South Korean star’s stunning goal on Saturday.

As aforementioned, the current Celtic winger has not offered enough in the final third on a consistent basis to say that he deserves to start week-in-week-out in the wing-back role, with only two goal contributions to his name heading into the second half of the league season.

Laquintana, however, has shown real promise in his time with Red Bull Bragantino and could be an exciting addition to the squad, as a winger who has the potential to offer more quality than Yang has so far this season.

Sebastian Tounekti, James Forrest, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Yang have all failed to deliver more than two goals or two assists in the Premiership this term, per WhoScored, whilst Laquintana managed more than two goals and more than two assists on his own in the Brasileiro in 2025.

The Uruguay international, who has scored one goal in two caps for his nation, produced four goals and three assists in 23 appearances in the league for Bragantino last year, per Sofascore.

Stats

Laquintana (2025 Brasileiro)

Yang (25/26 SPL)

Appearances

23

14

Goals

4

2

Big chances missed

1

6

Big chances created

4

1

Assists

3

0

Cross accuracy

16%

12%

Possession lost per game

6.7x

9.9x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Laquintana’s form last year suggests that he has the quality to provide a greater threat than Yang at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops, if he can carry his form over to Scottish football.

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The 26-year-old forward is a more efficient finisher, given his superior goals to ‘big chances’ missed rate, and has more creativity to offer, with three times as many ‘big chances’ created in less than twice as many appearances.

Therefore, he could be an even better option than Yang on the right flank for the next boss, possibly with Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo to support him down the right side at right-back.

Signing him on a loan-to-buy deal would also provide Celtic with an opportunity to properly assess him over the next few months before making a decision on whether or not to activate their buy option in the summer.

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This means that if he is unable to hit the ground running in Scotland and his form tails off, they can look elsewhere or continue with Yang as the first-choice in that role ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Fulham substitute Harrison Reed’s outrageous last-gasp goal to steal victory away from Liverpool summed up Arne Slot’s side’s season.

Though Cody Gakpo had scored what he thought was the winner moments earlier, bundling home following a crisp cross from substitute Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool were unstuck by a wonder goal, marking successive draws in the Premier League.

Truthfully, the champions have been well below the expected standard this season, and though their unbeaten run stretched to nine in all competitions, there is so much work to do for a laboured and uninspiring side.

Liverpool had the lion’s share of the ball, and as Slot asserted, Fulham rarely tested Alisson’s goal. But this is a team shorn of confidence and initiative and creativity, and it showed at Craven Cottage.

What went wrong for Liverpool at Fulham

Slot spoke post-match of the gains made in recent weeks, but there’s no question that Liverpool fans are fed up, with their side lacking so much of their previous sparkle and coherence as an elite attacking force.

Liverpool are not only duller than before but blunter too. And that having spent something close to £450m in the summer transfer window, breaking the British transfer record not once but twice through deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

The boarding that props up this project is creaking, and soon it will splinter. In fairness, Liverpool did improve. The second half gave rise to more purpose and drive, but the Merseysiders still only created an xG total of 1.45 across the contest, with their makeshift frontline unable to produce and sustain fluent offensive football.

Reed’s stunning strike will have left the visitors feeling rather aggrieved, but this is the latest example of inefficient attacking play, and a creative unit that is unable to focus and direct itself.

Slot has sought to establish more control at Liverpool, but this has come at the expense of creative expression. However, there are a few who have been singled out as struggling to achieve the kind of balance and modulation in the starting line-up, with one even branded Liverpool’s new version of Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool have found their new Darwin Nunez

Jamie Carragher can be a contentious online presence at the best of times, and the Sky Sports pundit proved this once again by claiming before Liverpool’s contest in west London that Milos Kerkez is “like having Darwin Nunez at left-back”.

This was a harsh twist on previous effusions laid on Trent Alexander-Arnold, but there’s something to be said of the Hungarian’s erraticness and lack of poise down the left channel, yet to bring it all together after completing a £45m transfer from Bournemouth.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp also branded the 22-year-old a “nervous wreck” earlier in the campaign, after Manchester United scored a shock victory over Slot’s side at Anfield.

While he’s improved along with his team from a defensive standpoint in recent weeks, Kerkez remains a mixed bag, lacking purpose through his playmaking. This was clear after his performance at Fulham.

Liverpool World gave him a 6/10 match rating and acknowledged his capable defending, but Kerkez flattered to deceive from a more attacking slant, failing with each of his three attempted crosses and unable to create a single chance for a side crying out for more inspiration, as per Sofascore. Moreover, the 64-touch talent didn’t even attempt a dribble or have a shot. He did, at least, win all of his duels, including a solitary tackle.

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Looking at how he compares this season against his PFA Team of the Year-awarded 2024/25 campaign with Bournemouth, it’s clear to see that he’s struggling to produce the same level.

Milos Kerkez in the Premier League

Stats (* per game)

24/25

25/26

Matches (starts)

38 (38)

19 (16)

Goals

2

1

Assists

5

0

Touches*

59.6

53.7

Accurate passes*

28.6 (80%)

30.5 (87%)

Chances created*

1.0

0.7

Succ. dribbles*

0.6

0.3

Recoveries*

4.7

2.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

2.0

Clearances*

2.6

2.6

Duels won*

4.0 (54%)

3.7 (61%)

Errors made

4x

2x

Data via Sofascore

Kerkez has to do more, but it’s undeniable that he has been hamstrung somewhat by Slot’s coaching, more conservative to be less porous in recent weeks. He’s aggressive, but that aggression must be controlled and moulded into something that can help Liverpool penetrate through tough defences.

It’s worked, but Kerkez remains a somewhat unconvincing prospect, and he needs to develop the completeness that evaded Nunez throughout the Uruguayan’s three terms on Merseyside.

All told, this is a young player who has stepped into a system that has failed to click together this season. Improvements are needed, but with time, there is hope that Kerkez will make the necessary gains and start drawing more positive comments.

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Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tenure was characterised by precision in the transfer market. That among other things.

Truly, though, the German manager was a terrific tactician, and he got the best out of so many players, snapped up so many prospects for sharp sums and fashioned them into superstars. Take Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane. Andy Robertson. Gini Wijnaldum.

The list goes on. The German was brutal, though, and he cut out the deadwood quickly. The likes of Mario Balotelli and Christian Benteke.

Now, Arne Slot’s Anfield side are in a different stratosphere to that sorry squad that predated Klopp’s reign. But Slot’s Premier League champions are in a rut, and are looking to make a signing or two in the January transfer market.

But might they be about to repeat a botched Balotelli-esque bid from before?

Liverpool lining up January forward signing

With Alexander Isak out injured with a broken leg and Salah currently away at the African Cup of Nations, it’s so surprise that Liverpool are interested in adding to their attack, even after pulling back in the race for Manchester City-bound Antoine Semenyo.

Liverpool’s frontline is chock-full of talent, with sweeping and expensive changes made this summer. It’s for this reason that FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes may be on the lookout for an astute piece of business.

And according to Brazilian outlet Bolavip, Liverpool are considering a bargain buy for Corinthians striker Memphis Depay, with the Netherlands star available for just €10m (about £8m).

The 31-year-old is vastly experienced and would add depth and dynamism across the frontline for the business end of the season, with the Merseysiders said to be ‘very keen’ to strike a winter deal.

But, would this be the right move for the Reds?

Why Liverpool want Memphis Depay

Depay has led a storied career, and having joined Corinthians in Brazil in September 2024 after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired, he has scored 19 goals and supplied 14 assists across 65 matches.

But Liverpool are not in a position to offer an ageing forward playing away from Europe a shot in their struggling squad. Any activity this month must hit the jackpot.

Would Liverpool be making a front-footed move here? Is Depay, whose £31m transfer from PSV Eindhoven to Manchester United in 2015 turned out to be a disaster, the answer to Slot’s attacking troubles?

It doesn’t feel like the Dutchman would represent fantastic value for money, especially when considering he’s earning £173k per week in the Brasileiro Serie A.

Once hailed by pundit Rio Ferdinand as a “maverick” of a forward who moved to the Theatre of Dreams too young, Depay has since rebuilt himself and now sits at the autumn end of his career as an accomplished forward, one of the Netherlands’ finest.

Netherlands – All-time Top Scorers

Player

Apps

Goals

Memphis Depay

102

52

Robin van Persie

102

50

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

76

42

Patrick Kluivert

79

40

Denis Bergkamp

79

37

Arjen Robben

96

37

Data via Transfermarkt

For Liverpool to move for this player now would reek of desperation, and it would even be comparable to a long-ago move for Balotelli, who was the ostensible replacement for Luis Suarez when the Uruguayan legend was sold to Barcelona in 2014.

Balotelli, now 35, had previously won the Premier League with Manchester City and enjoyed prolific campaigns in his Italian homeland, but he arrived at Anfield at the wrong time, with the Brendan Rodgers era falling apart.

Balotelli was something of a nomad himself, and when he joined Liverpool from AC Milan for £16m, playing only one season at the club and scoring only one Premier League goal all year.

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The notorious forward left with few fond memories, describing his time at the club as “the worst mistake” of his life.

As for Depay, he’s a skilful player who has accomplished much, using that flopped spell at Man United to kick on and establish himself as a key player across various grounds before settling with Corinthians at this later-career stage.

As with Balotelli way back when, however, Liverpool would be panic-buying here, patching over deep attacking issues with a stop-gap.

Ex-Man Utd man Paul Parker might have described Depay as being a versatile forward who was at a higher level than Cristiano Ronaldo when he was 21 years old, but development isn’t linear, and it’s fair to say that Portuguese man has outstripped him since.

It would not be the answer to Slot’s problems, especially given the pace and intensity of the Premier League, and how Depay fell by the wayside last time, all those years ago.

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According to Sport English, Andre Gomes is ‘on the verge’ of a permanent move to Everton after club officials flew out to Barcelona as they looked to smooth out the finer details of the deal.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Toffees had the pleasure of having the Portuguese international in their side throughout the entirety of last season on a loan spell, and Gomes certainly impressed.

The classy midfielder won over the supporters with his consistently excellent performances, where he and the more combative Idrissa Gueye proved to be the perfect foil for each other in the Everton midfield.

Wearing the No.8 shirt at Goodison Park, Gomes made 27 Premier League appearances and took to the English game like a duck to water.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The 25-year-old will reportedly cost a fee in the region of €30m (£26.7m), which can be considered a snip in the modern transfer market.

Marco Silva gets 50% of his wish, but it’s not all good news

Back in May, Everton boss Silva said on Gomes and another loan star in Kurt Zouma: “We believe in them, we give them something and we really help them. They help us, also. They have been fantastic professionals since they joined our club so let’s see what we can do. I hope and our fans also hope we can sign with them.”

Zouma was on loan from Chelsea and impressed massively in his 32 league appearances, although despite the good news on Gomes’ imminent arrival, Silva doesn’t look likely to get 100% of his transfer wish from last month after a fresh report.

The Daily Star believes that the Blues will block any potential exit for the French international as a result of their transfer ban. Chelsea bosses are said to be keen to limit the number of players leaving Stamford Bridge, as they would be unable to replace them.

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The supporters and Silva will be overjoyed to see Gomes close in on a permanent move, but it isn’t all good news on Merseyside in regards to the former Watford boss’ transfer hopes from May.

Everton have been plagued with injuries throughout the season, and with an FA Cup clash coming up this evening and a huge challenge ahead in the Premier League,  losing players at this vulnerable time would be a nightmare for Frank Lampard.

However, a huge boost has now been revealed for the side.

What’s the word?

The Toffees boss took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash against Boreham Wood at Goodison Park this evening to give an update on Donny van de Beek, after he went off injured against Manchester City last weekend.

When asked about the Dutch midfielder, Lampard simply told the press:

“Donny’s fine. He’s been training this week.”

The Dutch national had caused concern when he felt something in his leg in the second half of the Premier League game at the weekend and had to go off, replaced by his fellow January signing, Dele Alli.

Fans will be thrilled

Van de Beek has been a consistent performer in his short time at the club and will be an important player to have available in the upcoming game away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, so fans will surely be thrilled that he is back to full fitness and training in the side ahead of the challenge.

Everton have reached a point where they cannot afford to drop any more points, especially now they are sitting just one point off the relegation zone and it would be a huge loss to have any more first-team players out with injuries in the remaining months of the season.

The 24-year-old midfielder will not be available to play in the FA Cup clash against Boreham Wood, due to being cup-tied by his parent club Manchester United, but this could be a silver lining for Lampard as it means he will be given even more rest ahead of the Spurs game this weekend.

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The ex-Chelsea boss will surely be hoping that a good performance in the cup competition tonight can inject some confidence into his side ahead of the crucial Premier League game at the weekend. After all, if the side can’t pick up points against Antonio Conte’s side they could find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.

In other news: Lampard must ruthlessly axe Michael Keane

Paddy Kenny has made a contract claim regarding Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Australia tour

The Hoops have already made plans for Postecoglou’s second season in charge, with domestic football set to take a five-week break due to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.

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Celtic confirmed earlier this month that they will take part in a four-team tournament down under at that time, describing the trip as ‘Ange’s Australian homecoming’.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments on Postecoglou

Kenny was talking to Football Insider and addressed the news coming from Celtic Park.

The pundit claimed that the Hoops manager may now look to renegotiate a ‘better deal’ and labelled Postecoglou, who signed a 12-month rolling contract last summer, as a ‘hero’ in Glasgow.

The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper said of the 56-year-old:

“He’s done better than anyone thought he would.

“You wouldn’t talk about a homecoming tour if you weren’t certain he will be there in November.

“It’s a 12-month deal, I wonder if he could renegotiate and get himself a better deal because he has done so well.

“Celtic could win the league, that would be crazy considering how far off they were last season.

“Even if Celtic don’t win the league they will keep him on, he looks so loved by the fans, he’s a hero.

“A new deal would be well deserved but I don’t know what he’s like, he might be happy doing what he’s doing.”

The Verdict: Good point

It’s easy to forget that, last summer, Postecoglou appeared to be second choice at Parkhead after a move for Eddie Howe fell through.

Following an impressive first season in Glasgow, where he has already guided the club to a Scottish League Cup triumph and currently leads the way at the top of the Premiership, the Hoops hierarchy and the 56-year-old may well be open to penning a long-term deal.

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You’d expect that everyone involved at Parkhead wants to see Postecoglou leading the club once again next season and beyond, so it would make sense to discuss a new contract for longer than a 12-month period.

In other news: ‘Great to see’ – Journalist buzzing as injured Celtic gem now spotted back after ‘long spell out’

Manchester United have had their fair share of controversy and negative headlines this season, especially surrounding the culture at the club and the ongoing reported issues in the dressing room, and they could now be about to take a huge hit ahead of next season as new information emerges on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.

What’s the word?

Reliable journalist Jacque Talbot took to Twitter to make a bold claim about the current situation for the 37-year-old and what his next moves are likely to be after he was notably missing from the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.

Talbot tweeted: “Understand if Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently in Portugal, moves in the summer it will most likely be to PSG. A lot depends on Manchester United if reach a Champions League spot this season. A new manager won’t change matters if they fail to get the top four.”

Supporters will be fuming

The ever-growing storm cloud which covers Old Trafford may well burst this summer, and whilst supporters of the club may have been expecting this to happen for months, it will surely hurt the fanbase to lose such an iconic and influential player who gives them not only hope for success in the future, but reminds them of what the club was about when he joined back in August 2003.

Fans must be furious with the current state of the club for many reasons, but losing Ronaldo due to a lack of Champions League football would sting even further. The veteran’s prospective departure from the club could have a severe knock-on effect for the Red Devils when it comes to appointing a top manager in the summer and attempting to attract world-class players to join a club without Champions League football and without Ronaldo.

With that being said, it is essential for the Glazers and Ralf Rangnick to implement some damage control and prepare for the 37-year-old’s potential departure ahead of the summer. Although United still have genuine hope to finish in the top four this season, they should not be hiding from the potential repercussions if they fail in that mission.

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With Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and now Cristiano Ronaldo all heavily linked with moves away from the club this summer, the Red Devils could find themselves in a much weaker position than they are in now if they don’t meticulously plan for the immediate future.

In other news: Gary Neville reveals his theory on Man Utd’s managerial search