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Manchester United are seemingly after a centre-back this summer and Juventus' Gleison Bremer is one of their biggest targets. It emerged last week that United are "willing" to make a bid that the Bianconeri won't be able to refuse.

Erik ten Hag and co. have identified Bremer as a priority for the upcoming window, and encouragingly, Juventus are already beginning to look at potential replacements. One possible solution may be to place faith in 18-year-old Dean Huijsen, who's currently on loan at Roma, but it turns out United could throw a spanner in the works there too.

United battle Spurs for Huijsen

According to Italian outlet ASRomaLive, via Sport Witness, Manchester United have made an approach to sign Huijsen. They're not the only club to get in touch with Juve over the teenager – Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Bundesliga club Borussia Dotmund also get a mention.

Man Utd are being bled by Ten Hag signing who earns 5x more than Garnacho

He is one of the highest earners at Man United.

By
Tom Lever

Feb 26, 2024

Huijsen's displays this season have left a number of big European clubs "bewitched", with Atletico Madrid and PSG both waiting in the wings too. Juventus won't loan him out again but they're ready to consider a sale for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m).

Roma have given Huijsen the platform he needs

In the first half of the season, this was a player that few outside Italy, or even outside Juventus, would have been aware of. Huijsen only made one appearance for the senior side before Christmas, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over AC Milan, and he tended to make the matchday squad without getting a run-out. Most of his action was actually coming in Serie C with the Turin side's youth team.

However, Roma have taken a leap of faith, starting him three times and introducing him from the bench on four occasions since his mid-season arrival. He even made the XI for a clash with table-toppers Inter at the Stadio Olimpico.

Both United and Spurs will have taken note of a glowing appraisal from their former manager Jose Mourinho, who brought Huijsen to the capital before losing his job. He said: "He is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level. He will be a great footballer in the future."

The Dutch-born defender, who's now poised to represent the Spanish national team instead, announced himself with an extraordinary goal against Cagliari, picking the ball up on the halfway line, driving to the edge of the box (having beaten two players along the way) and bending the ball into the far corner. It was a glimpse into the unique skill-set that has dazzled some of the continental elite ahead of an intense battle for his signature this summer.

Hopes remain of a maiden Championship title despite only 27.5 overs being possible

Paul Edwards at Taunton23-Sep-2019

James Hildreth gets inside the line of a ball from Simon Harmer and sweeps it to the boundary just to the right of Gimblett’s Hill. The locals at the County Ground applaud the stroke and are momentarily buoyed by fresh hope. But it is a rare reverse for Harmer, who will shortly trap Hildreth and Tom Banton leg before wicket in the space of three balls. The offspinner has now taken 80 wickets in the Championship and is a bowler of rare skill and subtlety. He dismissed Hildreth for 32 when bowling round the wicket to cramp the batsman for room and then accounted for Banton in more conventional style from over the wicket. Both balls turned appreciably but this pitch has not yet behaved sufficiently erratically to send the pitch inspectors into a ferment.Despite a dismal weather forecast there is a large crowd at Taunton, which is only fitting on the first morning of the match which will decide the destiny of the County Championship. Sky are covering the game and there is a bevy of radio commentaries, both local and national. Everyone is focused closely on the immediate moment and the destiny of the greatest prize in English domestic cricket. In order to accommodate other media, the written press are housed in Portakabins, just as they were when Tom Abell made his maiden first-class century four sweet summers ago. That rehousing was necessitated by the construction of the Somerset pavilion, which is only the latest of Taunton’s new buildings and, in a glorious piece of eccentricity, the fourth of its pavilions.And yet, even on a ground so obviously clothed in modernity, the past exerts a powerful hold, an effect achieved not simply by the large pictures and brief biographies of Somerset cricketers which are placed every few yards on the perimeter wall and inside the Ondaatje Pavilion. Somerset’s history is fondly remembered partly because the county has been freakishly lucky in the quality of its cricket writers, many of whom worked in the old press box with its high desks and its scant acknowledgement of technological change.This was a good day for Essex. Sam Cook removed Murali Vijay and Steve Davies inside the first 20 minutes of the morning and when the predicted rain arrived at 12.10pm Somerset were 75 for 4. Their chances of posting the sort of total that might help them to embarrass their opponents in the remainder of the game have been significantly damaged. Yet this has still been a fine season for Somerset cricket and one wonders what men like David Foot and Alan Gibson might have made of it.Foot worked mainly for newspapers in the West Country and also for the . His books of essays, and , are as good as that form has produced. Rich in knowledge and insight, they capture a cricketer’s character in a phrase. Take this, for example, from “Twelve O’Clock Low”, Foot’s brilliant essay on Bill Andrews:Andrews’ bowling action was known as “Twelve O’Clock High”. The title of the essay refers to the depression with which this fine cricketer was cursed. Foot knew Andrews so well that he was able to see how an apparently extrovert character also suffered the sideswipes of fate.The old wooden stand from which Foot watched countless days of county cricket is gone; the famous Stragglers Bar is gone; and the old press box with those desks and its hot water urn chuntering in the background is gone, too. Yet time was when at least one journalist used to sit in that box comforted by the fact that it was where Foot and Gibson had worked.Alan Gibson’s reports in the were favoured both by those who played the game professionally and those who simply watched it. Sometimes he did not write about the play so much as the experience of attending a match. Railway stations featured as frequently as pavilions, a fact beautifully reflected in a glorious and very honest book, written and edited by Gibson’s son, Anthony, and lovingly produced by Stephen Chalke’s Fairfield imprint.There were occasions when all the inspiration Gibson needed was a chance meeting. Take this from 1971:Gibson concocted fine soubriquets for his favourite cricketers. Robin Jackman was the “Shoreditch Sparrow”; Colin Dredge was the “Demon of Frome”. As one watched Somerset battle away in this game they must win to take their first title, one wondered what Gibson would make of today’s cricketers. Would the Overton twins be “The Instow Monoliths”? Would Jack Leach be “Sainsbury’s Archivist”?But that’s the point about writers so rich in human sympathy and so bounteously endowed with talent as David Foot and Alan Gibson. Their writings live on, even through their palest imitators and even on damp days when the title may be slipping away from Somerset. “The past becomes the present inside your head,” says Margrethe, Niels Bohr’s wife, in Michael Frayn’s play .

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a pair of massive boosts on the team news front ahead of their clash with Brentford this Saturday, with the feel-good factor continuing to echo around Molineux this season.

O'Neil defying expectations

Heading into the campaign, expectations were low for the Midlands outfit if truth be told. Former boss Julen Lopetegui departed the club just three days before the new Premier League season after a protracted dispute over transfers, and the club appointed former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil on short notice.

With the club sailing close to the wind with financial fair play and desperate to avoid the fate that has since befallen Everton, money was tight at Molineux even with the departure of club captain Ruben Neves, especially given that they had already committed to the permanent signing of Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid.

As a result, plenty expected them to be stuck in a relegation dog-fight, and four defeats in their opening five games did little to change that. However, they have since turned their fortunes around and a comprehensive win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their most recent Premier League outing saw them leapfrog the Blues and head into the top half of the table, 13 points clear of the drop zone and almost certain to be playing Premier League football once more next season.

Indeed, a win in their next game could see them move yet further up the Premier League and onto the cusp of European football should results go their way, with seventh placed West Ham just four points ahead of O'Neil's side.

Now, they host a Brentford side far less certain of its place in next season's top flight, with the Bees struggling for form even with the return of talisman Ivan Toney from a gambling ban. Thomas Frank's side have picked up just 22 points from 22 games and sit three points above the drop zone, albeit with Nottingham Forest and Luton Town between them and 18th placed Everton.

Wolves team news brings double boost

To that end, Wolves have confirmed a major boost as a pair of stars are set to return from international duty in time for the clash, with O'Neil said to be very pleased. Both Boubacar Traore and Hwang Hee-Chan have missed the last three games for their club side after representing Mali and South Korea in the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively.

However, their runs in those competitions have since come to an end, with Hwang's side knocked out at the semi-final stage by Jordan in a shock result. Traore, meanwhile, suffered quarter-final heartbreak against the Ivory Coast, as the Elephants scored in the 90th minute to force extra time, before netting in stoppage time at the end of the added time to send Mali home.

It is good news for Wolves though, with Hwang the club's joint top goalscorer as things stand and now ready to be unleashed on Brentford, while the return of Traore means that O'Neil has more depth in the centre of the park.

Wolves top scorers

Goals

Hwang Hee Chan

11

Matheus Cunha

11

Mario Lemina

4

Pedro Neto

3

Matt Doherty

3

It remains to be seen whether O'Neil restores either to the starting lineup after impressive performances from both Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha in the last game, but the pair could well be game-changers from the substitutes bench against the tired legs of the Bees.

Leeds United have reportedly made an official approach to sign a new defender late in the January transfer window.

Leeds transfer rumours

The Whites are yet to make any additions to Daniel Farke’s side this month but have been in fine form on the pitch, remaining unbeaten in 2024. A 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Saturday wasn’t exactly ideal for Leeds, though, who already have trips to Home Park, Bristol City and Swansea City to deal with this month.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

New signings in defence appear to be the main priority in the final week of the transfer market, especially at full-back after Djed Spence and Luke Ayling left the club earlier in the window.

Archie Gray also suffered an injury in the week against Norwich City, with Liverpool’s Calvin Ramsay, Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies, West Ham’s Ben Johnson and Burnley’s Connor Roberts all linked with moves to Elland Road in recent weeks.

However, Ben Godfrey of Everton has also been mentioned as a target, with rumours circling over a loan-to-buy deal, and it appears as if the 49ers Enterprises have now made a formal move.

Leeds make Ben Godfrey approach

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, Leeds have now made an “official” approach to sign Godfrey, who seems surplus to requirements at Everton with Sean Dyche happy for him to leave.

“Leeds United have made an official approach to Everton over a late-window loan deal for defender Ben Godfrey, sources have told Football Insider.

“Leeds turned their attention to landing Godfrey after his move to Serie A side Atalanta collapsed earlier this month due to Italy’s tax break abolishment.”

Farke would know just what he is getting if Leeds managed to secure Godfrey’s service before the deadline. The German managed the player at Norwich both in the Championship and Premier League, with Godfrey a part of two second-tier title wins under the current Leeds boss.

The 26-year-old has played everywhere across the backline and even as a holding midfielder during his career, so he could prove to be the ideal option for Leeds in the run-in, offering cover at full-back and challenging the likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper at centre-back. Farke previously hailed Godfrey as well, saying:

“You can speak about the best centre-backs in the world now but at 19 and 20 they will have made mistakes. The best ones learn. Ben is playing without mistakes and that is outstanding.

“He is a pretty emotional player and I like that a lot because it means you are capable of finding another gear. When he played in the holding [midfield] role he was able to drag his team through, but playing at centre-back if we are losing or having a difficult period and he starts to get the red mist we have to calm him down. Now he is able to calm himself down, to focus and control his emotions.”

Aston Villa are enjoying a fantastic campaign and could be able to improve their prospects of a lofty finish in the Premier League table after it emerged that they are now keen on a teen sensation, according to a report.

Aston Villa looking for January reinforcements

Positivity is the main overriding feeling at Aston Villa as they continue to sustain their consistent form in the Premier League under Unai Emery, which the Spaniard will hope to continue by bringing in further reinforcements in January.

According to Football Transfers, the Villans are in the market for options on the flanks this month and they are now said to have made approaches for Galatasaray man Wilfried Zaha and Lazio's Brazilian star Felipe Anderson.

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By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

The outlet claim that Emery is a huge admirer of Zaha and tried to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in 2018 when he was in charge of Arsenal; nevertheless, the Ivory Coast international is happy in Turkey and isn't expected to move on this month.

Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala is the talk of European football right now due to his low release clause of about €13 million (£11.2m) that is set to expire on January 15th, and reports in Italy, via Birmingham Live, indicate that the Villans have spoken to his entourage over a potential move to Villa Park.

Nevertheless, one man who won't be coming to join Aston Villa this window is Dybala's teammate Leonardo Spinazzolla, as confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Now, there is cause for excitement in the West Midlands after latest reports, which suggest that Aston Villa are keen on one of Europe's finest rising stars this month.

Aston Villa keen on Roony Bardghji

According to HITC, Aston Villa are among a clutch of sides keen on Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji and contact is believed to have taken place over the availability of the Sweden international. His current employers would demand at least £20 million before considering a sale, though they would prefer to keep him for the rest of the season.

The outlet claim that Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli are also showing interest in the 18-year-old, who has burst onto the scene this term and spent time in England over Christmas, where his future was discussed with intermediares.

Labelled "superb" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Kuwait City-born winger has shown a clinical edge in front of goal this term, registering 11 strikes in 30 appearances across all competitions (Bardghji statistics – Transfermarkt).

Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been linked with a swoop for the youngster, indicating that there will be a tense battle for his services over the course of the next few weeks. Aston Villa are clearly in the hunt for a winger though and could make a major statement by fending off competition to bring Bardghji to Villa Park.

Kent battled hard for an unlikely draw but Ben Coad’s nine wickets in the match completed a 172-run win

ECB Reporters Network17-May-2019Prolonged Kent resistance eventually counted for little as Yorkshire’s persistent attack mopped up the seven wickets required to secure a 172-run Specsavers County Championship win in Canterbury. Facing an improbable victory target of 384, the hosts did superbly well to take the match into its final session before White Rose seamer Ben Coad mopped up the tail with a season’s best 6 for 52.The fourth day started with a stoical fourth-wicket stand between Daniel Bell-Drummond and Fred Klaassen which frustrated the Tykes’ attack throughout the opening session in adding 54 runs inside 34 overs either side of lunch. Yorkshire finally broke through soon after the resumption when Klassen, the 26-year-old nightwatchman making his Championship debut for Kent, steered one from Duanne Olivier to second slip to end his two-and-a-half hour, 110-ball stay for 13.Hampered by the loss of Tim Bresnan to a calf injury – the former England seamer slipped over when delivering his first ball of day and limped off after completing only two overs – Yorkshire’s attack continued to chip away to pick up three more wickets in the mid-session.Interim Kent captain Heino Kuhn, who has one first-class fifty to date this season, went for a seven-ball duck when nicking to second slip after an ugly, low-handed defensive prod. Bell-Drummond, who offered two chances that were both dropped in the cordon by Lyth, moved past 5000 first-class career runs during his 170-minute stay and was nine short of a battling fifty when he played across one from Steven Patterson to go lbw.Then, after being checked out for concussion following a fearsome blow on the helmet from an Olivier bouncer, Kent’s first innings century-maker Ollie Robinson drove a slower ball away-swinger from Coad to Gary Ballance at cover to make it 142 for 7.Alex Blake and Harry Podmore resisted for 22 overs either side of tea until the introduction of offspinner Jack Leaning accounted for Blake, leg before when prodding outside the line of an arm-ball. With 24 overs remaining Yorkshire took the second new ball through Coad and Olivier, but Podmore and Matt Milnes continued Kent’s defiance into the final hour of the match.Moments later, Coad ran one up the slope to pluck out Podmore’s middle stump for 29, scored in a shade under two hours then, in his next over same bowler had last man Mitch Claydon caught at short leg to secure victory with 15.1 overs to spare.Coad led the bowling plaudits with six wickets, to go with his two previous five-wicket hauls this summer, and Olivier 2 for 92 in clinching unbeaten Yorkshire’s second win of the campaign that takes them to second spot in the table. After their second defeat on returning to Division One Kent slip to fifth.

Nottingham Forest are close to securing a January signing after it emerged that Nuno Espirito Santo's side are in advanced talks with the man in question, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest prepare for the transfer window…

Change has engulfed Nottingham Forest in recent times as Nuno has replaced Steve Cooper in the dugout; nonetheless, the East Midlands-based outfit defeated Newcastle United on Boxing Day to breathe new life into their faltering Premier League campaign.

Nonetheless, focus will soon turn to their endeavours in the January transfer window once the Tricky Trees conclude their next fixture against Manchester United on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest accept bid for "creative" player

It hasn’t worked out at The City Ground.

ByCharlie Smith Dec 22, 2023

Following the clash against Erik ten Hag's outfit, Forest will have nine days before taking on Blackpool in the FA Cup, paving the way for some potential business to be done in that period. According to reports earlier this month, Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah has emerged as a midfield target at the City Ground.

In more recent times, Genoa defender Radu Dragusin has also been mentioned in connection with Nottingham Forest as a prospective arrival by reports in Italy. The outlet claim that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Romania international, who will not be allowed to leave for less than €25 million. Contact has been made regarding the 21-year-old; however, it is unclear whether either side would be willing to stretch to that fee.

Rumours may continue to do the rounds in the coming weeks concerning transfer dealings in the East Midlands as Nuno settles into life at the club. Now, he looks close to making a breakthrough on his first signing at the club in the form of an attacking player, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest closing in on Gelson Martins…

According to reports in Portugal, Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of AS Monaco winger Gelson Martins, who has just six months left to run on his contract at The Stade Louis-II.

Gelson Martins' time at AS Monaco (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

129

Goals

16

Assists

14

Honours won – 0

Despite receiving advances from the United States and teams in Russia, it is believed that the former Portugal international is now in advanced talks to move to the City Ground on a permanent transfer.

Labelled "incisive" by former boss Diego Simeone, the 28-year-old hasn't featured for Monaco this term and joining compatriot Nuno on a new venture at Nottingham Forest could be the ideal tonic to get his career back on track. Despite his lack of involvement at the principality side, the Cape Verde-born wideman did show an eye for goal last campaign, recording around 1.1 shots on goal per game in Ligue 1 (Martins statistics – Sofascore).

The Tricky Trees could do with more options in the final third and it now appears that they have acted to strengthen a position where they have been fairly light on numbers heading into the second half of the season, so a move for Martins will be one to watch in the New Year.

The 19-year-old striker made a bright start to life in Catalunya, but has barely seen the pitch in recent months

There was a tiger in the Olympic Stadium. In one of the stranger signing-announcement videos in recent memory, Barcelona confirmed the arrival of teenage striker Vitor Roque – known as 'Tigrinho' – by superimposing a CGI tiger plodding its way through Montujic, the noises of the crowd rather clashing with the comical fake growls of an imagined beast. Still, it proved something of a social-media hit, and riled up a fanbase who were desperate for a January signing.

Roque, when he finally arrived following months of speculation, looked to be the galvanising presence Xavi's struggling side needed. Here was a young, exciting, Brazilian forward, a player who had turned down Real Madrid and was ready to lead Barca into the post-Robert Lewandowski era – starting immediately.

Four months later, though, and Barca fans are still waiting to get much of a glimpse of the 19-year-old. Roque has been a peripheral figure at best in Catalunya, more often a grumpy face on the Blaugrana bench than the elite striker who was compared to Ronaldo Nazario in his homeland. He was supposed to be the superstar in-waiting; instead, Roque has barely had a kick.

And now, there is talk that he could be on his way out of Barcelona – either on loan or permanently – this summer. So what's gone so wrong in such a short space of time?

FC Barcelona Web oficialCoup of a signing

Roque's transfer was completed in interesting circumstances. Barca had been among the interested parties since the start of 2023, with Roque riding the wave of excitement brought about by another top-tier Brazilian talent in Endrick. He was billed, in some corners, as the Catalan response to Real Madrid's lavish spending on 'the next Pele'. And so while Los Blancos may have gotten the raw talent with a higher ceiling, Barca – it was felt – had someone who could help them win now.

Roque had established himself as a consistent goal-scorer for top-flight side Athletico Paranaense, finding the net 17 times in the Brasilerao, and a on a further six occasions in the Copa Libertadores before his 19th birthday. Given the disparate levels of South America and Europe's top competitions, just how good Roque was remained unclear, but Barca knew they were getting a talent.

Getting his transfer over the line, however, wasn't that straightforward, as Barca's infamous financial issues got in the way. Despite verbally agreeing a deal on an initial €30 million (£25.6m/$32.2m) payment in July – with the expectation of a January 2024 arrival – it appeared that the Blaugrana couldn't make the transfer happen due to their flirtation with La Liga's strict salary limit.

Gavi's ACL tear, though, changed things, as a league loophole allowed Barca to write their injured midfielder's contract off for the season, and Roque's arrival was announced – CGI tiger and all.

AdvertisementGettyGood early signs

Roque made his Barca debut off the bench against Las Palmas on January 4, and after a handful of interesting cameos, he started to find some rhythm. He provided his first signature moment on January 31, as he netted a well-taken winning goal to save Barca from embarrassment against Osasuna. "Goal-scorers depend a lot on goals and he needed it. I think he has freed himself," Xavi said post-match.

The youngster provided again four days later – albeit under strange circumstances, as Roque turned in an action-packed, 13-minute cameo against Alaves. He came off the bench in the 59th minute, scored Barca's third goal of the game in the 63rd, before picking up an ill-advised booking in the 67th, which in turn led to him being sent off in the 72nd for a harsh second booking.

GettyBack on the bench

Since then, Roque has been a peripheral presence for the Blaugrana. The Brazilian has fed off scraps and brief substitute appearances, as he has been barely used while Xavi's side stagger to the end of their season. He has made just six appearances since returning from suspension on February 17, and although two of those games saw him named in the starting line up, he was deployed rather out of position in both – stuck awkwardly out wide in a system that doesn't suit him.

Roque certainly hasn't been helped by late-season surges from both Lewandowski and Raphinha – who have suddenly started finding the net when all hope of silverware has gone. Still, the teenager can't get a kick, which at a time when Xavi should be looking ahead to next season and giving young players experience is concerning.

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GettyWar of words

Roque – or, more accurately, his entourage – haven't helped his case. His agent, Andre Cury, has played chief antagonist in recent weeks, spreading claims of a breakdown in the relationship between Xavi and his client.

"No one understands why Xavi doesn’t play him and doesn’t even speak to Vitor, it’s not right," he said on Spanish radio. "We will discuss his future with Barca soon. We chose Barca because Vitor loves the club, imagine that we really had other proposals that gave us twice as much."

Others have weighed in, including Barca legend Rivaldo, who vouched for the young forward. "I think Barcelona didn't know how to give him more opportunities and he's a good player, he has a future. From the outside I don't know exactly what happened and I don't know what his day-to-day in training is like to see if he deserved a chance. But we know what he did at Athletico Paranaense, and the Brazilian Championship season he had," he told .

Meanwhile, Roque's girlfriend has sent off a stream of cryptic tweets, mocking Xavi's decision to bench the striker – and even appearing to celebrate Barca's loss to Girona when Roque didn't play.

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has addressed questions about his future with the Bavarians with his contract set to expire in 2025.

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Kimmich linked with summer Barcelona moveGerman wants to talk with Bayern MunichCurrent contract set to expire in 2025Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Kimmich has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over the last two summers and the same is the case going into this summer. The German star has responded to the links ahead of the Bavarians' Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.

AdvertisementWHAT KIMMICH SAID

Speaking to AS, the German answered questions about his future: "I want to talk to Bayern. And when I do that, I won't go out and talk to the press about it. I'm only focused on the two games against Real Madrid."

On links with Barcelona: "At the moment I'm not thinking about this. As I already said, I will speak to Bayern first. But of course, Barcelona and Real Madrid are amazing clubs with an amazing history."

On his contract depending on who will succeed Thomas Tuchel: "This is a really interesting question for me, but it's not the most important thing right now. I know that when you sign a contract you don't sign it with the coach. You sign it with the club. For me, the most important thing is the club, not just the coach. But of course, it's also important to know what the coach thinks about you and the team. Other people in the club worry about choosing the coach."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Kimmich's contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, he has been linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena and there have been no talks about a contract extension as of yet. If the German does not extend with the Bundesliga side, there are chances that the club may look to move the 29-year-old this summer so that they won't lose him next summer for free.

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WHAT NEXT FOR KIMMICH?

Kimmich will now be in action when Bayern take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, April 30.

After faltering last season, Liverpool have come roaring back this time around to put themselves firmly in title contention alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, with Jurgen Klopp’s men currently just a point off the top with just one defeat in 12 Premier League outings thus far.

Such form is a far cry from the limp showings that saw the Merseysiders slip out of the top four last term, with a repeat scenario now looking increasingly unlikely, even with a competitive chasing pack that includes the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United.

With his side currently in a strong position in those coveted Champions League berths, Klopp certainly won’t be getting complacent, however, with fresh reinforcements perhaps needed in January to help maintain this impressive momentum.

With that in mind – and with transfer rumours already beginning to swirl with the winter window looming – here’s a look at how the Anfield outfit could line up come February, if a handful of key signings are to be made…

1 GK – Alisson

It would take something frankly remarkable for Alisson not to still be the undisputed first-choice under Klopp in 2024, with the Brazilian colossus having deservedly cemented his place as the go-to man in the sticks ever since his arrival from Roma back in 2018.

Lauded as the “best in the world” by teammate Andy Robertson, the 31-year-old has conceded just ten goals in the league so far this season, helping his side to record the joint-best defensive record in the division – alongside the Gunners.

2 RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is another who has been a regular fixture in the side during a golden period under Klopp for Liverpool, having now chalked up 16 goals and a staggering 75 assists in 287 appearances for the club at senior level.

The academy graduate has yet again been an attacking outlet form his full-back berth this season with three assists in 14 games in all competitions, having also relished the opportunity to take on an inverted role at times in the middle of the park.

While an able deputy could well be needed – with usual centre-back Joe Gomez the only other senior option at right-back – any January addition is incredibly unlikely to dislodge the Englishman from his starting berth.

3 CB – Goncalo Inacio

The first new face in this hypothetical XI is Sporting CP and Portugal’s Goncalo Inacio, with both the Reds – and rivals Manchester United – said to be scouting the promising centre-back ahead of a possible future swoop.

With Ibrahima Konate regularly hampered by injury and with Joel Matip currently in the final year of his contract, a new addition in that department could be essential, even despite the club’s impressive defensive record of late.

In the 22-year-old Inacio, Klopp could find a long-term solution at the heart of the backline, with the in-demand ace particularly adept at playing out from the back, as he ranks in at least the top 2% for attempted passes, progressive passes and progressives carries per 90 among those in his position in leagues comparable to the Primeira Liga.

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

The newly-appointed captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson over the summer, Virgil van Dijk remains a truly influential and imperious presence at centre-back.

Described by Ben Foster as the “best defender that has ever lived” when in his pomp, the towering Dutchman may have lost a “yard off pace” since his ACL injury back in 2020 – as per Foster – yet he is still integral in helping to marshal a watertight defence.

5 LB – Andy Robertson

While currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, the expectation is that Robertson will be able to make an eagerly-awaited return in the new year, with Klopp currently having to rely on Kostas Tsimikas or Gomez to fill the void at left-back.

Like his colleague on the opposite side – Alexander-Arnold – the Scotland skipper is also a regular attacking outlet down the flanks, having notably averaged 2.6 key passes per game this season in the Premier League, more than any of his teammates.

6 CDM – Joao Palhinha

Having seen Fabinho depart for the riches of Saudi Arabia over the summer, the Reds are still seeking a quality solution at the base of the midfield, with 30-year-old summer signing, Wataru Endo, yet to truly convince after starting just two league games this term.

As such, with recent reports linking the club with a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha – who is valued at £70m – Klopp could well find that missing piece of the puzzle, with the Portuguese menace an undoubted “monster” in the centre of the park – as hailed by broadcaster Adrian Clarke.

Rumours are rife regarding Fluminense’s Andre, but Palhinha has already shown his class in English football, notably ranking at the top of the charts for the most tackles made in the division in 2023/24.

That addition could well spell bad news for Alexis Mac Allister, with the World Cup winner – who has lined up in that deeper role this season – seemingly not a natural fit as a midfield destroyer, with his average of 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game in the league this term simply dwarfed by Palhinha (6.9).

7 CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

As the Hungarian has himself admitted, there is already talk that the former RB Leipzig man is the “new Steven Gerrard” following a blistering start to life at Anfield, the 23-year-old having scored twice and recorded two assists so far this season.

With the likes of Henderson, James Milner and Naby Keita having moved on to pastures new in the most recent window, the £60m man has provided a delightful, youthful exuberance in the centre of the park and looks like a figure to build the side around for years to come.

8 CM – Ryan Gravenberch

With so many options in central midfield – including the likes of Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott – it is a tricky ask trying to settle on a figure to round off this trio, yet Ryan Gravenberch could well get the nod.

The one-time Ajax man has had to bide his time for a regular role in the side, yet has begun to flourish in a Liverpool jersey, having even been likened to a certain Patrick Vieira by club legend, Jamie Carragher.

With the sturdy presence of Palhinha behind him, the Dutchman would be able to bomb forward at will – with such attacking quality having been seen by his two goals in three Europa League games this season.

9 RW – Mohamed Salah

While the question remains as to whether Saudi interest will be renewed in Mohamed Salah in January, it would be a real shock if the Egyptian was allowed to depart midway through the campaign, particularly amid Liverpool’s strong league position.

In the event that the former Roma man does stay put, Klopp will be able to continue to rely on his main source of goals and creativity, with the 31-year-old already posting ten goals and four assists in 12 league outings to date.

10 ST – Darwin Nunez

There is no question that Liverpool still need more from Darwin Nunez – as he has already missed ten big chances in the top-flight this term – yet the Uruguayan does appear to be making impressive strides in his second season at Anfield, with seven goals and six assists in all competitions.

The former Benfica man does have competition from the likes of Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, although he is the more natural centre-forward of the trio, with Klopp likely to continue to place faith in his club-record capture.