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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could well end up playing a part for Liverpool in the latter stages of the 2018/19 campaign, which looked in severe doubt at one point.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been on the sidelines since rupturing knee ligaments in the Champions League semi-final against Roma last April.

The 32-cap international was forced to miss the resulting Champions League final, in addition to the 2018 World Cup where England reached the semi-finals.

The 25-year-old has recently started ball work, however, and could return to first-team training in the middle of next month – according to The Liverpool Echo.

Liverpool will, obviously, be very careful when it comes to re-introducing Oxlade-Chamberlain due to the seriousness of his problem.

However, it now appears possible that the Englishman will play a part for Liverpool in the final weeks of the campaign.

His return will be like a new signing for Liverpool, who are battling to stay top of the Premier League table amid huge pressure from Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp recently praised the manner in which Oxlade-Chamberlain has dealt with the setback, and Liverpool supporters were quick to respond on Twitter. Here’s a look at some of the best reactions…

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

As per Juve Live, as also relayed and translated by Sport Witness, Fabio Paratici’s stance on signing Dejan Kulusevski for Tottenham Hotspur has become even more clear.

The Lowdown: Juve gearing for sale…

Italian reporter Niccolo Ceccarini has already shared news that the Old Lady are ‘ready’ to offload the Sweden international ‘as early as January’ to fund a swoop for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic (Twitter).

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This comes amid reports that he is a serious transfer target for Tottenham, with Tuttosport (via SW) recently claiming that Antonio Conte’s side are in pole position.

Another journalist in Daniele Longo, meanwhile, recently revealed that contact has been made for Kulusevski and Spurs may be boosted further by another development courtesy of Juve Live.

The Latest: Paratici would ‘gladly’ sign Kulusevski…

As per the website, relayed by SW, their managing director Paratici would ‘gladly’ sign the 21-year-old for Conte at Tottenham.

Italian sides cannot afford his minimum €30 million (£25.4m) price tag, opening the door for interested Premier League and La Liga sides to swoop.

However, north London rivals Arsenal are also genuine contenders from England’s top flight, meaning Spurs, Paratici and Conte may face stern competition.

The Verdict: Good option…

Lauded as ‘explosive’ by former Sweden striker Marcus Allback, the winger can also operate as an ‘advanced playmaker’ according to Football Talent Scout – potentially earmarking him as a possible candidate to replicate Christian Eriksen’s past influence.

It is no secret that Tottenham have missed the Dane since his 2020 departure to Inter Milan and Kulusevski could come as a fairly shrewd heir given his affordable £25.4m fee.

Over the 2019/2020 campaign, his best season in Serie A to date, the ex-Parma man averaged an impressive 2.2 key passes and 2.1 completed dribbles per 90 – emulating Eriksen’s numbers somewhat during his time at Spurs (WhoScored).

The case is there for Paratici to make a move, but only time will tell whether Spurs can win the race.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’…Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with ‘biggest offer’ on the table, find out more here.

Despite sufferng his first defeat as Aston Villa manager in midweek with their 2-1 loss against Manchester City, Steven Gerrard has made a positive impact on the Midlands club by winning his first two games in charge after a poor run of five defeats prior to his arrival.

One player who could well become an important figure for Villa and Gerrard in the future is young striker Cameron Archer.

Despite being left out of the squad for Gerrard’s first three games in charge, the 19-year-old was beginning to get some senior Premier League minutes under his belt prior to the new manager’s arrival, with 24 minutes from three substitute appearances under his belt.

As a product of Villa’s youth academy, Archer has made 17 appearances for their under-18 side, scoring two goals and supplying one assist, as well as making 34 appearances for the under-23 team, for whom he has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists.

Labelled a “confident” player in the past by Kevin Phillips, the teenager has scored four goals in his six appearances so far for Villa’s first team, highlighting his attacking talents at such a young age.

Taking this into account and the fact that Danny Ings, who will turn 30 next July, is currently out injured and has a worrying history in that regard, Archer could not only be a good short-term attacking option for Gerrard to call upon if needed – he could also save Villa millions in potential future transfer fees as a long-term figure in the squad and a possible replacement for Ings.

Even though there have been some recent reports suggesting that fellow Villa youth starlet Carney Chukwuemeka may not sign a new deal at the club, it should be their main priority to secure Archer’s long-term future at Villa Park given that his current contract is set to expire in the summer.

If Gerrard doesn’t plan on giving Archer any senior minutes this season, perhaps it could be the best option for all parties if they loan him out to a club where he would be playing regularly, as long as they get him to sign a long-term deal at Villa first.

In other news: Villa handed double potential injury boost ahead of Leicester clash which will leave fans thrilled

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has dropped an exciting transfer claim about Newcastle United’s plans for the January window.

What’s the story?

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk at 12.10pm, he said: “As I’ve been reporting for the last few days, Trippier, as the new owners would hope, is the first of maybe at least four or five new signings arriving this January.

“Newcastle are very interested in bringing Lucas Digne to the club, they need a new left-back. Digne is one of a few they are looking at, and there has been some initial discussions between both clubs.

“What makes this one a little interesting is that Everton are keen on Sean Longstaff, and it’s my understanding that an offer came in from Everton just after Christmas. Time will tell whether the two clubs could come to an agreement on some sort of swap deal plus cash.”

PIF making moves

Downie’s claim that Trippier is the first of a number of signings to potentially walk through the door at St James’ Park is sure to have the likes of Eddie Howe and the club’s fans very excited.

The Magpies are in a precarious predicament at the moment, firmly entrenched in a relegation battle and needing a truly miraculous escape to beat the drop from the Premier League.

But, rather than just giving up and even planning towards life in the Championship, the club’s new owners are going full steam ahead with trying to keep the Tyneside club afloat.

Trippier’s arrival is a statement of intent in itself given he was playing for a Champions League playing side like Atletico Madrid, and if any new additions are on a similar level of quality and experience, then Newcastle’s hopes of surviving will take an absolutely massive boost.

PIF are making some big moves.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered a major Newcastle update…

Lots of Everton fans have been flocking to some manager news involving Duncan Ferguson.

As per The Times, sources close to the Goodison Park club have now indicated that Rafael Benitez could be relieved of his duties before they play Aston Villa at home in the Premier League next Saturday.

Ferguson is ‘ready’ to take temporary charge of Everton once more if the Spaniard is given the chop before then.

After yesterday’s embarrassing 2-1 loss at relegation-threatened Norwich City, the Toffees have still only managed to pick up one win in the top flight since September, and the extremely poor run of form looks set to cost Benitez his job.

Nonetheless, Ferguson looks set to take the reins once more, having done so back in 2019, when he actually did pretty well over four games. He won his opening match 3-1 at home to Chelsea while also picking up credible draws against both Manchester United and Arsenal (Transfermarkt).

He surely cannot do any worse than Benitez in terms of results, so it seems that a lot of Toffees supporters would be happy with the the 50-year-old being appointed.

Everton fans on Ferguson manager news

These Everton flocked to the manager news as it was shared on Twitter:

“Right decision. Get him in for Villa and Goodison bouncing again”

Credit: @bluesofgoodison

“Let’s hope so..”

Credit: @neilthompson67

“Yes Yes Yes”

Credit: @Stephen12724226

“Big Dunc”

Credit: @AndyVale27

“Perfect choice. The fanbase and team needs uniting again and he’s the perfect man to do it. Imagine the atmosphere vs Villa alone.”

Credit: @SachinT1878

“Let him be in charge for the rest of the season, see how he gets on”

Credit: @AdamEFC9

In other news, this Everton player was slammed by many fans over his performance against Norwich

Rangers defender Connor Goldson is a potential transfer target for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, Pete O’Rourke has told GIVEMESPORT. 

The lowdown

Gerrard has been linked with a host of his former Ibrox players since he opted to move south of the border, including Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Borna Barisic, but Goldson’s case is unique because his contract is due to expire at the end of this season.

It’s possible that January will be Rangers’ last chance to cash in on the 29-year-old, who will otherwise be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer transfer window.

Football Insider have previously reported that, as per Ibrox sources, the former Brighton centre-back Goldson wants another crack at the English top flight.

The latest

O’Rourke thinks that Gerrard may deem Goldson to be Premier League standard and could look to engineer a reunion with the player in the Midlands, adding that the defender’s contract situation could lend itself to a ‘relatively cheap’ move in January.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “One of the names in the frame would be Connor Goldson, who is yet to sign a new deal at Rangers. I think his contract is up in the summer, so Villa might be able to get him for relatively cheap in January.”

The verdict

There’s no escaping the reality that Goldson would be a big loss for Rangers as they look to retain their Premiership crown.

He has started 18 of their 19 league matches so far this season, and his average SofaScore rating of 7.19 ranks him fifth in the Rangers squad, indicating that he’s a hugely dependable performer.

Goldson helps the Gers to build attacks with his ‘next level’ passing, and Gerrard was also keen to point out his intangible attributes, such as the ‘incredible leadership’ he provides. Therefore, it’s little wonder that the 41-year-old wants to team up with the defender once more, so Rangers best be ready for an approach to come their way.

In other news, some Gers fans were buzzing over this news ahead of the upcoming Old Firm derby

Celtic have been handed a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Scottish League Cup semi-final.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by BT Sport, who claim that St. Johnstone look set to be without key attacking duo Glenn Middleton and Stevie May for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic.

The report goes on to state that May will be sidelined for around six weeks due to a knee injury, while on-loan Rangers winger Middleton suffered a hamstring injury in Scotland U21’s 2-0 loss to Belgium in midweek.

Speaking about the injuries, St. Johnstone manager Callum Davidson said: “Stevie suffered a knee injury in training so he’s going to be out for a while, probably up until Christmas.

“That’s a blow for us because we want good competition for places and he’s someone who either plays with energy or comes off the bench with energy. He’s going to be sorely missed. I’m gutted to lose him because he was just coming into a bit of form.

“Glenn is struggling. I was cursing at the television when I saw him limp off. It’s a slight hamstring injury. He’s been in getting assessed today and hopefully it’s not as bad as first feared, but I think Saturday will come too soon for him, which, again, is a blow.”

Postecoglou will be delighted

Considering just how important both May and Middleton have been to St. Johnstone so far this season, the news that neither player looks set to feature in the League Cup semi-final is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou delighted.

Indeed, over May’s 13 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the centre-forward has scored two goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

With Celtic’s defence looking rather depleted with Carl Starfelt a doubt, and Stephen Welsh nursing his own issues, this should come as a huge relief to the Bhoys manager.

Meanwhile, over Middleton’s own 13 league fixtures this season, the on-loan winger has taken an average of 1.2 shots and made 0.6 key passes per game. His absence will certainly make it an easier afternoon for the likes of Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic.

As such, the fact that St. Johnstone will be without the duo for Saturday’s fixture will undoubtedly come as a substantial boost for Celtic, who will very much fancy their chances of making the final following their opponents’ injury blow.

In other news: Ange may be heading for Celtic nightmare over 20 y/o sensation who’s a “real presence”

Giovanni van Bronckhorst hasn’t felt the need to do a great deal of transfer business during his first window in charge of Rangers at Ibrox.

The Gers have been happy to sit back and admire from afar with James Sands the only player to arrive over the winter so far.

However, with Nathan Patterson packing his bags and heading north of the border, becoming the latest in a long line of Scottish-based players to do so, it has left a hole to fill on the right-hand side of defence.

Speaking of football across the border, there is another player now earning his money in England that Rangers could do with finding a replacement for.

That happens to be Norwich City loanee and Chelsea owned midfielder, Billy Gilmour.

Now, the Scotland international never made an appearance for the Gers first-team before being snapped up the Londoners but there is very much a sense that he could have been a mainstay at Ibrox for a considerable period of time.

Just 20 years of age, it wasn’t a great advertisement for the club’s academy that he was able to be swallowed up so easily by a Premier League side.

Yet, it has ultimately benefitted Scottish football with the youngster now a key part of the national team set-up and a regular in the top division in world football.

Capable of playing as a holding player or slightly further forward in a midfield two, he is one of the most exciting young central players around.

It was certainly a mistake to watch him slip through their grasp so easily but the Gers could correct that by signing a certain Xavi Simons in 2022.

The Dutch gem, who clearly has ties to van Bronckhorst given his nationality, has been linked with a loan move this January and with the PSG teenager out of contract at the end of the season, there is a very real possibility that he could sign permanent terms with Rangers after a potentially successful loan spell come the summer.

That seems far-fetched at the moment but the exciting 18-year-old possesses a similar level of potential to Gilmour.

Simons is also capable of playing deeper in midfield but what sets him apart from the former Rangers academy star is his ability to feature in the number 10 role, on the wing and even as the central striker.

Blessed with plenty of guile and finesse, the former Barcelona youngster has been superb this season.

He’s made a first-team breakthrough at PSG and has been described as “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his display in the UEFA Youth League where he has bagged three goals and claimed six assists in just nine outings.

He has, meanwhile, been compared to the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi in his short career so far and has widely been tipped for the top.

His personal trainer in France, Jonathan Mengeli once stated that the teenager “has everything to evolve at the highest level.”

With that in mind, he’d certainly be an eye-catching signing for Rangers and considering his remarkable talent, he could be the best young player Gers supporters have seen in Glasgow since Gilmour.

AND in other news, Forget Goldson: Rangers must strike instant deal for colossus with “so much potential”…

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, some major Man City transfer news has emerged involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Guardiola blown away…

After Pep Guardiola’s side hammered Sporting 5-0 away in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League Round tie, one opposition player who seemingly blew away City’s boss was in fact Nunes.

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Speaking to media afterwards, the Sky Blues head coach lavished praise on Sporting’s in-demand midfielder, even going on to claim he is ‘one of the best players in the world today’.

Guardiola’s rave review of the 23-year-old has prompted links to signing him in the summer window with A Bola (via SW) now sharing a promising transfer development out of Eastlands.

The Latest: Man City hold discussions…

According to their sources, City chiefs have apparently held ‘informal’ discussions with Sporting over a transfer for Nunes.

In perhaps the most exciting part of this story, the player himself is very keen on moving to Manchester, with there even being suggestions he ‘dreams’ of signing for Guardiola.

It’s also pointed that both Sporting and City’s ‘privileged relationship’ could boost them further in an attempt to land Nunes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

The Premier League champions already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in midfield, but given they could sign him for just €40 million (£33m), it appears there is little financial risk for City.

Called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, the player’s WhoScored stats point to someone who could actually be of use in Guardiola’s unique false-nine system.

A superb ball-carrier, Nunes completes more dribbles per 90 on average domestically than any City star has in the Premier League – backing why they’re allegedly interested.

Given his quality and fairly cheap potential sum, the Sky Blues should at the very least consider a transfer this summer.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep now eyes ‘absolute beast’ alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

Leeds United have been dealt a major setback in their bid to bring Oscar Mingueza to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite Barcelona being keen to include a player in their negotiations to sign Raphinha at the end of the current campaign, Oscar Mingueza – who Victor Orta has been reported to be keen on and has been proposed to the Whites – is not interested in a move to the Premier League side.

Orta will be fuming

Considering Leeds’ rather desperate need for improvement upon their current options in the heart of defence this summer, in addition to Mingueza’s impressive form for Barca over the past two years, the news that the 22-year-old is not willing to consider a move to England is sure to have left Orta fuming.

Indeed, over his 27 LaLiga appearances last season, the £25m-rated centre-back highly impressed, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, scoring two goals and registering two assists, as well as making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.6 clearances and 54.9 passes and winning 3.3 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £19k-per-week defender average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Barcelona’s 11th-best player in the Spanish top flight last term.

And, when considering the fact that Jesse Marsch’s side have shipped a league-high 68 goals over their 31 Premier League fixtures this season, it is clear for all to see that the American’s backline is an area of his squad which is in dire need of reinforcements this summer.

As such, the news that Mingueza is not tempted by the prospect of a switch to Elland Road is sure to have come as a gutting blow to Orta, who will now be forced to turn his attention in the transfer market elsewhere.

AND in other news: Fewer touches than Illan: “Headless” 8-pass LUFC dud once again failed Marsch v Saints