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Liverpool have had their fair share of injury problems over the season so far, and now a new update has emerged on a key player that will be another blow for Jurgen Klopp during the World Cup break.

What’s the latest?

Assistant boss Pep Lijnders has given an update on both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, with the latter now set for an extended period on the treatment table.

Lijnders responded to a question about the pair’s chances of taking part in the scheduled friendlies in Dubai during the international break:

“Luis definitely, if everything goes to plan. We can’t wait to see him back, he is this player who smiles when he has the ball at his feet.

“Diogo will join us to continue his rehab. The conditions to train and recover in Dubai are just very, very good. A change of scenery is always a welcome factor when recovering from a long-term injury.”

It’s bad news for Klopp

There is no doubt that it will be bad news for Klopp that Jota doesn’t look like he’s any closer to being in contention to return to action after Christmas when the team will need him the most with many players coming back from the World Cup in a fatigued state.

Darwin Nunez will undoubtedly play a key role in Uruguay’s campaign over the tournament and the Liverpool manager will be desperately hoping that his striker doesn’t pick up any problems over in Qatar in the coming weeks ahead, especially now Jota will not be available.

The Portuguese sensation, who Conor Coady dubbed “phenomenal” has missed out on the majority of the season after suffering an aggravated hamstring injury, making just eight appearances in the Premier League and Champions League so far.

Despite his period on the sidelines, the £78.5m-rated ace has scored five goals, proving just how much of a miss he is for Liverpool.

Jota has scored 34 times and registered 14 assists in 93 appearances since joining the Reds in 2020, with a goal contribution every 118 minutes so there is no doubt that Klopp will want him back in the team when possible as he is a consistent and reliable performer in front of goal.

With that being said, the Liverpool manager will be delighted to have Diaz back in contention to start when Liverpool return to action after Christmas but the absence of Jota continues to serve as bad news.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s plans for the January transfer window as they close in on their first signing of 2023…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Guido Bortolomasi has claimed, via Brazilian youth football expert Andre Noruega, that the Magpies are closing in on the signing of Angelo Gabriel for a fee in the region of £22m.

The teenage forward is poised to arrive at St James’ Park as their first signing of the January window from Santos, with the deal able to go through as he can sign a professional contract from December onwards.

Noruega tweeted: “According to @gbortolomasi, Santos will sell Ângelo Gabriel to Newcastle for €25m, transfer to happen in January as the player turn 18 in December. Ângelo is one of the most promising talents in Brazil and has already played 92 professional games for Santos aged just 17..”

Eddie Howe’s own Neymar?

The Magpies head coach could be set to land his own version of Neymar if the Tyneside club are able to get a deal over the line for the attacker, who talent scout Jacek Kulig believes has “crazy potential”.

His former coach Betinho previously lauded the young gem and compared him to the Paris Saint-Germain star, saying: “He is like Neymar in terms of his dribbling at speed and his change of direction.”

This is backed up by his statistics in the Brazilian Serie A, as he has completed 3.3 dribbles per match at a success rate of 68%, which shows that he excels at taking the ball past opposition defenders.

Meanwhile, Neymar has completed 4.3 dribbles per game across his career, and Gabriel is showing that he has a similar drive in possession of the ball.

Argentine coach Holan also heaped praise on the Santos youngster, saying: “I see a lot of potential in Angelo. he is a boy who likes to go for the goal. I really like Brazilian football, and Angelo plays Brazilian football. This essence of dribbling, of taking on the opponent, is very important.

“He has a huge future. By working hard, he will be able to play not only at Santos, but I believe that, in the future, he will be able to play in major leagues around the world.”

Gabriel has already played 92 matches for his club by the age of 17 and has chipped in with three goals and seven assists. His goal contributions do not stand out as being particularly impressive on surface level, but to rack up 92 senior games before turning 18 is an astonishing achievement, which highlights his vast potential.

Therefore, Newcastle could land their own version of PSG and former Barcelona forward Neymar – who has scored 287 club career goals – by signing the 17-year-old. It is a gamble at such a young age, but the statistics and quotes around the gem suggest that it could be a phenomenal signing for the future of the Tyneside club.

Mauricio Pochettino is an ‘attractive proposition’ for Aston Villa if Steven Gerrard is sacked as the club’s manager, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Gerrard under pressure

It has been an underwhelming start to the season for Villa, who are in the bottom six in the Premier League and struggling to pick up positive results.

There are reportedly doubts regarding Gerrard’s position in the Midlands, and defeat away to Leeds United on Sunday afternoon could put him under the spotlight even more.

Pochettino has been linked with replacing the 42-year-old if the former Liverpool captain is dismissed, and a new update has emerged in that regard.

The Latest: Preece talks up Pochettino

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Preece admitted that chief executive Christian Purslow and those high up at Villa Park like the idea of the Argentine as the club’s manager. The journalist said:

“This type of calibre of manager would be an attractive proposition for the owners and for Christian Purslow, himself, as well.

“Villa like a big name and they’ve got one at the moment, with Steven Gerrard at the helm.”

The Verdict: Exciting potential Villa boss

Pochettino’s stock may have fallen a little in recent times, following a forgettable spell in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, but there is no denying that he is an exciting manager.

He took Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019, the club’s first and only appearance at that stage of the competition, and was renowned for playing an exciting brand of football, so he could be the ideal man to potentially replace Gerrard at Villa.

The hope is that the current boss turns things around, having certainly done good things in his time at Villa Park, but the pressure is set to be cranked up by the week until results start arriving more consistently.

Newcastle United made a Deadline-Day approach for Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Moura, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

Newcastle spent £122.4million on four new signings during the summer transfer window – Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope.

That outlay ranked them eighth in the Premier League overall, above two of last season’s top five in Arsenal and Liverpool, but it seems Eddie Howe was still keen to strengthen further on Deadline Day.

Moura is currently out of action because of tendon inflammation, but even prior to the injury problem, his involvement for Spurs was limited.

He played just 12 minutes across their first two Premier League fixtures in brief substitute run-outs.

Significantly, the 30-year-old, who’s primarily a right winger but can play across the frontline, is into the final 12 months of his deal.

The latest

Romano took to Twitter on Friday to reveal that both Newcastle and Aston Villa lodged enquiries over Moura on the final day of the window.

The move never reached an ‘advanced’ stage, because Spurs did not intend to let him go.

However, given Moura’s contract situation, his ‘future remains open’.

“Newcastle wanted Lucas Moura as they approached Tottenham during Deadline Day, same for Aston Villa,” he wrote.

“Spurs decided to keep the player, never been advanced.

“Lucas future remains open as he’s out of contract in June 2023 and there are chances for a free move.”

The verdict

Moura to Newcastle on a free transfer is certainly one to watch.

With Spurs adding Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison to their squad this year, he appears to have fallen down the pecking order and may not be inclined to sign a new contract, even if offered.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star would bring real pedigree to St James’ Park, having made the Champions League Team of the Season in 2018/19 following his hat-trick in the semifinal second leg against Ajax.

Similar in profile to Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Moura has won some rave reviews from pundits and coaches.

Jose Mourinho says his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team is ‘really amazing’, Pep Guardiola admits he makes Manchester City ‘suffer’ whenever they play and Ledley King has raved about his ‘unbelievable’ leap.

Beren Cross has dropped a behind-the-scenes update on the remaining transfer business of Leeds United.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A for Leeds Live, the journalist revealed that, despite Victor Orta still being linked with a number of moves in the summer transfer window – particularly for a left-back and centre-forward – he has heard that, unless one of Jesse Marsch’s current first-teamers sustains a serious injury in the coming weeks, the Spaniard does not look likely to sanction any further moves.

In response to a question concerning the Whites’ remaining business, Cross replied: “Based on the noises we are hearing behind-the-scenes and in Marsch’s press conferences, my gut instinct is they won’t add anyone else now unless they suffer a serious injury to a senior player.

“As you point out yourself, one of their key arguments is avoiding a block in the path of [Joe] Gelhardt’s development. Rodrigo’s goals have also pushed him into the debate at the right time for the club to believe he’s another reason they don’t need another striker.

“We can disagree with that approach, and I believe they do need another forward, but this seems to be the route they are going down. I understand there are still forwards out there who do fit the profile they want, but Leeds will only move if they are made available before the window closes.”

Big mistake

Considering just how short Leeds are both at left-back and up top, the argument that it would be a big mistake for Orta not to bring a new player in both positions to the club over the remainder of the summer transfer window is an easy one to make.

Indeed, with Leeds having sold Leif Davis to Ipswich Town last month, coupled with both Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas currently being ruled out due to injury – with the former having already struggled for fitness last season and the latter sidelined until at least 2023 – Marsch has been left with no other choice than to field centre-back Pascal Struijk on the left of his back four in the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign.

And, while the 23-year-old did impress in the position against Southampton last time out – earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.1 for his display in the 2-2 draw – the former Netherlands U17 international’s display in the 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers – in which Struijk earned a disappointing match rating of just 6.7 – should have been enough to convince Orta that greater depth at left-back is required prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Furthermore, with the Whites’ primary goal-threat Patrick Bamford – who managed just seven Premier League starts last season due to a series of injuries – having already picked up a fresh knock in the current campaign, it is evident that, should the club wish to avoid a repeat of their 42 league goals scored last season – the joint fifth-worst record in the division – back up to the 28-year-old England international is an absolute must this summer.

As such, Cross’ latest update concerning Leeds’ remaining transfer business is sure to be a great cause for concern amongst the Elland Road faithful, as, should Orta not act in the coming weeks, the Whites’ director of football would only be increasing the club’s chances of being involved in another fight for survival come the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Everton secured the signing of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil on Thursday, but their raid of Turf Moor doesn’t seem to be over yet, with a new update emerging on a potential transfer target from the Clarets.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, the Toffees remain interested in signing Maxwel Cornet, despite securing a deal for another of Burnley’s forwards over the last couple of days.

Fletcher tweeted: “Everton still trying to get Maxwel Cornet. They are up against it with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and one unamed club for Cornet but McNeil is not ‘instead of’ Cornet.”

It would be a big coup

Frank Lampard is in desperate need of fresh perspectives and talented players in his Everton squad following a difficult relegation battle last season, and signing Cornet would be a big coup in their efforts to strengthen their forward line.

Despite the Merseyside club’s struggles last term, Richarlison was a shining light to keep the Toffees from tumbling into the Championship, scoring six goals over the final 10 games of the campaign which led to their survival in the penultimate game of the season. Ironically, it was Cornet’s Burnley who suffered as a result, as it was they who finished 18th and dropped out of the top flight.

The Brazilian winger has now left the club in a £60m move to Tottenham Hotspur, so the need for forwards who can replace his work ethic and goal contributions is desperately needed at Goodison Park ahead of the new season.

Over 26 league appearances in 2021/22, Cornet scored nine goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances, taking 1.8 shots and winning 2.8 duels per game as he proved that he could be a valuable asset in Lampard’s efforts to bolster his front line for the upcoming season.

Although Burnley struggled last time around, it didn’t stop the 25-year-old Ivorian from receiving high praise, with former England international Owen Hargreaves claiming of the forward: “He is a fabulous goalscorer and probably one of the signings of the season so far.

“At £12m, it feels like a snip. He gives them something different, he can be direct, can play on the shoulder and is a fabulous finisher, probably better than anyone anticipated and he has been terrific for Sean Dyche.”

If Farhad Moshiri can reach an agreement to pay the £17.5m release clause in Cornet’s contract, it would appear to be a great piece of business for Everton in their pursuit to compete comfortably in the Premier League in 2022/23.

AND in other news – “Talks are…”: Fabrizio Romano reveals latest Everton target, it would be a massive coup

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Benoit Badiashile for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Howe backed

Eddie Howe has seen plenty of backing from the new owners since replacing Steve Bruce at St. James’ Park, with the North East club being the highest spenders in the Premier League in the January transfer window.

They have followed that up with the permanent signing of Matt Targett from Aston Villa, as well as the captures of Nick Pope and Sven Botman, and it does not look like they are going to stop there in terms of summer expenditure.

The Latest: Badiashile eyed

As per French outlet Media Foot, the Tynesiders are now eyeing up a move for Badiashile, although they may face competition from Bayer Leverkusen for his signature.

AS Monaco currently value the six-foot-four central defender at €50m (£42m), which would be a new club-record deal for the Magpies.

The Verdict: Unlikely

The Toon have already brought in centre-back Botman from Lille this window, and considering that they also signed Dan Burn from Brighton and Hove Albion in January, it seems unlikely that they would go for another centre-half at this stage, especially for a club-record fee.

There is no doubt that Badiashile would be a great addition, having been dubbed ‘very fast’ and ‘very good technically’ by Monaco Vice President Oleg Petrov, while Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has also sung his praises.

However, the Frenchman is still just 21 years of age, and so there is no rush for NUFC to get him in now, as there will likely be an opportunity to sign him later into the project.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Gianni Vio to Antonio Conte’s coaching staff.

What’s the latest?

In a recent statement posted on their official website, Tottenham revealed that the 69-year-old is the latest addition to the Italian’s backroom staff at Hotspur Way, with the set-piece coach joining Spurs from the Italian national team with immediate effect.

In their statement, the club wrote: “We are delighted to welcome Gianni Vio to the club as a member of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff. Gianni, 69, takes the role of Set Pieces Coach and joins us with immediate effect from the Italy national team, where he has worked since September 2020.”

Conte will be buzzing

While the appointment of a new coach may not ordinarily be one of the most notable signings a club makes in a summer transfer window, considering just how impressive Vio’s record is with set-plays, not to mention the Italian being held in extremely high regard by many in the know, the news that Spurs have landed the 69-year-old is sure to have left Conte buzzing.

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Indeed, The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent, James Horncastle, dubbed the coach as Roberto Manchini’s “secret weapon” at Euro 2020, with the journalist going on to suggest that Vio has mastered 4,830 set-piece routines that include the use of “false walls, identical twins and pulling down shorts” – before also claiming the expertise of the Italian is like having an extra “20-goal striker” for a manager.

Furthermore, following the news of Vio’s appointment, European football expert Kevin Hatchard stated his belief that the veteran is a “brilliant signing” for the north London side – while also adding that his addition is further evidence of “Conte doing Conte things” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And, it is clear to see that set-plays are very much an area in which Tottenham require improvement next season, with Conte’s side ranking fourth-worst in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign for both shots from set-plays (108) and goals from set-pieces (eight), as well as joint second-worst – alongside Norwich City – for shots against from set-plays (163) last time out.

As such, while Fabio Paratici very much appears to be working wonders in the transfer market concerning Spurs’ playing staff, should Vio be able to drastically improve the aforementioned statistics next term, the addition of the 69-year-old could quite easily prove to be one of Conte’s most important signings of the summer.

AND in other news: Paratici to axe “horrendous” £32m flop as Spurs make move for “underrated” £13m target

Aston Villa have now made Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a transfer priority, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Villa haven’t wasted any time in preparing for Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge of the club.

Four new signings are already through the door at a cost of just under £50m, while Matt Targett has sealed a permanent move to Newcastle. [Transfermarkt]

Gerrard is on the hunt for more additions, though, and it looks as if Oxlade-Chamberlain is a real target over the coming months.

The Latest: Villa interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain

Football Insider shared a story on Saturday afternoon regarding Villa and Oxlade-Chamberlain. They claimed that Gerrard is a ‘huge’ admirer of the midfielder and has made him a top priority.

Liverpool are willing to cash in on the 28-year-old as he enters the final 12 months of his Anfield contract, with the Villa manager keen to use Oxlade-Chamberlain in an advanced midfield role.

The Verdict: Interesting…

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been dubbed ‘unreal’ by journalist Joel Rabinowitz in the past during a reasonably prolific 2019/20 season, has lined out in a number of midfield and attacking roles throughout his career, so he would bring plenty of versatility to Villa Park.

He has been compared stylistically to Philippe Coutinho, although the Englishman has featured as an attacking midfielder on just 17 occasions throughout his career. Most of his displays have either come as a central midfielder or on the right, so it will be interesting to see how Oxlade-Chamberlain copes at Villa Park, should a move go through.

A transfer may not be too expensive due to the player’s contract situation at Anfield, and with Gerrard a ‘huge’ admirer of the 28-year-old, this appears to be one to watch closely.

In other news: Gerrard set to axe £18m-rated Villa pair next after Targett; ‘very important’ Smith star may go

West Bromwich Albion were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempt at securing promotion back to the Premier League this season after finishing 10th in the Championship.

The Baggies ended their underwhelming campaign with 67 points on the board from 18 wins, 13 draws and 15 defeats.

One player in West Brom’s squad who didn’t end up having much of an impact throughout the season is Matt Phillips.

Having appeared in 28 league games, the 31-year-old only scored three goals and provided two assists, all of which came between August and September.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say that, despite his versatility in playing across numerous attacking positions, the Scotsman was not a reliable attacking figure for the Baggies.

Now that this dismal season has come to an end, West Brom’s focus can shift to the upcoming summer transfer window and their preparations for the 2022/23 campaign.

In terms of potential incoming transfers, one figure who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns and could be a big upgrade on Phillips is Scott Twine.

Twine can be huge Phillips upgrade

After joining MK Dons last summer, the 22-year-old went on to have a storming debut season with the League One side. In 46 league appearances, he found the net on 20 occasions and delivered 13 assists in the process.

This shows just how consistent he can be when it comes to not only scoring goals but setting them up for his team-mates as well, which is something that West Brom needed from Phillips this season.

With Twine averaging 3.3 shots per game this season in the third tier, this is more than double the average that Phillips (1.4) managed for his side.

As a result of his impressive efforts on the pitch, the MK Dons gem ended the season as the joint-second highest-rated player in the entire league according to WhoScored, with an overall performance rating of 7.41/10.

Labelled a “terrific character” by his manager Liam Manning, Twine is reportedly valued at £3m.

Given his fairly young age and his clear attacking talent, the former Swindon Town ace certainly has what it takes to not only be a prospective solid summer signing for West Brom but also a big upgrade on the misfiring Phillips.

In other news: Bruce can unearth WBA’s next Pereira by unleashing “splendid” rarely-seen teenage prodigy