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Chelsea have reportedly made contact over a move to sign a new forward, however, Todd Boehly and co may need to act fast to seal a bargain transfer.

Chelsea target new striker

The Blues and manager Mauricio Pochettino are on the hunt for a new forward in 2024, despite bringing in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal over the summer.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024

The Senegal international is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations but has scored eight goals in 23 appearances in all competitions at Stamford Bridge.

There hasn’t been a shortage of attacking names linked with a move to London, with recent rumours claiming the club have held “positive” talks with the entourage of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea rumoured striker targets for January

Latest update

Claudio Echeverri

19th December

Santiago Gimenez

18th December

Dusan Vlahovic

10th January

Victor Osimhen

9th January

Viktor Gyokeres

12th December

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic is another who has been internally discussed at Stamford Bridge, whereas AS Roma’s Paulo Dybala is another rumoured target. Recent reports claimed that Chelsea were looking at tabling a formal offer for the World Cup winner over the coming days, and it seems as if a first move has now been made.

Paulo Dybala transfer update

Sport Witness relayed an update from Italy regarding the future of Dybala on Wednesday, claiming three Premier League clubs have now made contact with the forward’s agent.

Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle are the three sides in question, with clubs in Saudi Arabia also keen on the Argentine. The report adds ‘that times are tense at AS Roma, because his €13m (£11.1m) release clause for foreign clubs will expire on January 15th’.

It looks as if Chelsea have until Monday to activate the release clause, and you could argue that just over £11m would be a steal for someone of Dybala’s quality.

Now 30 years of age, he can play as a second striker, centre-forward, winger or attacking midfielder, so would provide plenty of versatility for Pochettino in the final third. He’s also starred at the highest level, winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 while also winning the Serie A title on five occasions.

Juventus

293

115

48

Palermo

93

21

16

Roma

56

24

14

Instituto

19

9

0

Argentina

38

3

7

Dybala has also come in for praise throughout his career, including from Italian icon Francesco Totti, who said of him after joining Roma:

"I am happy that he joined Roma because he deserves it and because the city must have a player of his value. You can understand when players are special, he’s proving so with great performances. We are happy to have it at Roma, we are enjoying his performance."

A transfer could therefore be one to keep an eye on over the coming days following this latest update, with a move to England seemingly a real possibility with multiple clubs circling.

While at one stage automatic promotion looked a long shot for Leeds United, the Yorkshire giants have impressively closed the gap on second-place Ipswich Town to just two points, following Wednesday night's win over Norwich City.

That narrow 1-0 victory – which saw Patrick Bamford continue his recent hot streak in front of goal – has ensured that the Whites are now on a five-game winning run in all competitions, having conceded just once since the turn of the year.

Maintaining that rampant momentum might require additional reinforcements before the close of the window, however, with recent reports indicating that the Elland Road outfit have set their sights on snapping up a Premier League defender this month.

Leeds want to sign Premier League titan

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are one of the Championship clubs who are showing an interest in Liverpool centre-back, Nat Phillips, with the Englishman said to be up for grabs having returned from a loan spell at Celtic in the first half of the season.

The piece indicates that both Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers are keen on the 26-year-old, although Farke and Co are also 'keeping an eye' on the one-time Stuttgart loanee, having previously been linked with a £10m permanent swoop for the player during the summer.

The in-demand titan didn't exactly enjoy the best of spells in Glasgow after making just eight appearances in all competitions under Brendan Rodgers, although his prior heroics would make him a welcome addition at Elland Road.

How Nat Phillips would fit in at Leeds

With Pascal Struijk currently sidelined and Liam Cooper – who could be in his final season at the club – also only just returning from injury, Farke has been forced to deploy midfield maestro Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the defence, alongside Joe Rodon.

8/10 Leeds star outshone Patrick Bamford vs Norwich

This Leeds United star even outshone goalscorer Patrick Bamford in the 1-0 win over Norwich City.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 25, 2024

While that switch has paid off of late, such has been the club's imperious form, moving Ampadu away from his usual midfield berth is unlikely to be a long-term solution and with young Charlie Cresswell also out of the picture, a regular partner for Rodon needs to be found.

That is where Phillips comes in, with the 6 foot 3 "monster" – as previously lauded by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp – able to provide a dominant defensive presence alongside the on-loan Welshman, with the latter man catching the eye to such an extent that a permanent deal is believed to be on the cards.

Although Phillips has seen his game time limited in recent years – making just 29 first-team appearances in total for his parent club – he did particularly impress during his prior stint in the second tier, having helped propel AFC Bournemouth to promotion during the 2021/22 campaign.

Hailed as a "throwback" of a defender by pundit Jamie Redknapp, the £65k-per-week brute was a standout figure during his six-month stint on the south coast, helping to keep eight clean sheets in just 17 Championship appearances, while impressively winning 65% of his total duels and 69% of his aerial duels.

17 games (17 starts)

8 clean sheets

82% pass accuracy rate

1 'big chance' created

0.3 key passes per game

2.3 tackles & interceptions per game

69% aerial duels won

65% total duels won

7.04 avg. match rating

Stats via Sofascore

To put that into context, Rodon, for instance, has helped Leeds to nine clean sheets from 26 league games in 2023/24, while winning 68% of his total duels and 68% of his aerial duels – a remarkably similar record to the Bolton native's time at the Vitality Stadium.

That then bodes well for the impact that Phillips can make alongside the former Swansea City man under Farke, with the Whites needing to overlook the centre-back's underwhelming recent spell in Glasgow.

Veterans claim nine scalps between them in Derbyshire’s second innings as Lancashire win by 10 wickets

David Hopps at Derby19-Jun-2019With the start of the Ashes six weeks away, the health of Jimmy Anderson is one of England’s prime concerns. MI5 probably have surveillance officers monitoring his every movement, poised to warn of anything disturbing like a bit of a limp or, even worse, the merest sign of a smile.Intelligence reports from Derby will be filed away with satisfaction. Another four wickets on the third morning for Anderson, and nine in the match at a cost of only 47 runs. Fitness and rhythm exceeding expectations at this stage. Grumpiness at a promising level when the ball kept passing the outside edge. Too many of those to count.Recommendation: With Lancashire top of Division Two, and 10 days’ inactivity until their next game, against Durham at Sedbergh School, surveillance can be called back. MI5 resources perhaps better employed taking a closer look at Stuart Broad.The only concern surrounds the fact that the opening day of the Ashes is on Yorkshire Day. As a Lancastrian, Anderson’s mood cannot be reliably predicted.Twenty-eight Championship wickets at 8.64 runs apiece have massaged Anderson’s mood and, if they have come disturbingly easily, his method looks as ingrained as ever. At 36, his fitness and suppleness remains exemplary. He bowls when he wants and comes off when he chooses.Anderson and Onions “unplayable” – Livingstone

Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone was even moved to fantasise about Jimmy Anderson and Graham Onions as England’s opening pair in the Ashes after they combined for match figures of 17-104 against Derbyshire at Derby.
“They were unplayable at times on that pitch and if they went into the first Test Match as an opening bowling pair I’m sure Australia would struggle,” he said.
“They are bowling as well as I’ve seen and the way they bowled in this game was outstanding. Certainly fielding at second slip you feel you are in the game every ball.”

Derbyshire resumed at 19 for 4, 64 runs away from making Lancashire bat again. It was a modest aim, but as helpful bowling conditions persisted into the third day it was an entirely realistic one. They managed to set Lancashire two runs to win, Keaton Jennings avoided a pair by thick edging the first ball for four and everything was wrapped up five minutes before lunch. As Derbyshire’s director of cricket, Dave Houghton remarked: “It was our first drubbing of the season and we’ve been given a good hiding.”Derbyshire’s fifth-wicket pair survived for 50 minutes more by luck than judgment against Anderson and Graham Onions. Frustration was welling up; the surveillance team by the sightscreen began to fret about possible overload.Anderson, in solemn mood, applauded Alex Hughes with good humour for managing to leave a wide one after endless playing and missing. Four byes when a bouncer sailed over Harvey Hosein’s head did not disturb him, nor did a hook shot from the same batsmen which fell close to Onions at long leg. At least it was Onions who suffered a bad drop at first slip by Jennings when Hughes managed to make contact.Then three wickets in seven balls restored equilibrium and the pessimism of Derbyshire supporters was proved to be based on decades of evidence. Anderson claimed the first two. Hughes got bat on an outswinger and then Matt Critchley, seeking out the leg-side as is his habit, was lbw and left gesturing that he touched it.The third fell to Onions, a simple catch at first slip to remove Luis Reece who had been demoted to No. 8 because of injury and didn’t really look up for it. Logan van Beek drove Anderson to gully and Onions mopped up the last two, including Hosein, who resisted diligently until he was caught behind for 29.Five to Anderson, four to Onions and the promise of a dry afternoon to return to Manchester. When it comes to fast bowlers, especially vintage ones, the fear is that something could go wrong at any moment. Nothing did. Quite the opposite.

Sepp van den Berg accused Liverpool of sabotaging his future as he looks to exit Anfield permanently this summer.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

Van den Berg hits out at LiverpoolSpent last season on loan at MainzMade only four senior appearances for the RedsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Dutch defender joined the Reds in 2019 from PEC Zwolle but in the last five years he made just foursenior appearances for the club and had three different loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and most recently Mainz.

AdvertisementGetty THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Reds are now looking to sell the player permanently in the upcoming summer transfer and have set a price at £20 million ($25.6m) amid interest from Premier League clubs Brentford and Southampton. Mainz too attempted to make his signing permanent for under £5m ($6m) but the Merseyside club are not ready to let him leave for such a small sum of money.

WHAT VAN DEN BERG SAID

In an explosive interview with , the 22-year-old claimed that the Premier League giants are trying to spoil his future as he said, "I knew that I couldn't get from PEC Zwolle [straight] to Liverpool's first team. I could have been at Liverpool for one or two more years, but I wanted to play with all my might. I demanded to be [loaned] out. Every time, because I felt that I was getting better and better. I also made great strides physically.

"Just the whole [first] season. On the one hand, that was great. Yes, how does that work, you're 17, 18 years old, you're central to the defence in training against the starting XI, you have to build up and then Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah come running towards you. It was tough, but I enjoyed it. But in all honesty, I wasn't looked after anymore. I also felt 'ready' [in 2021]. I had a good conversation with the management. He said he had received good reports. I understood that I wasn't going to play Van Dijk, Matip or Konate out [the team]. But I thought I could be right behind it. When I didn't get a chance again, I said: 'Figure it out, I want to leave."

He added, "You (Liverpool) didn't exude confidence in me all this time, but you do want to hinder my future. I want to keep playing every week and develop myself further. In Germany, I enjoy Dortmund away with 70,000 people, Bayern Munich away against Harry Kane, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Leverkusen, against clubs like that I am challenged every week."

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

The young defender who appeared in 36 games across all competitions this season for the German side, will aim to find an amicable solution with the Premier League giants to seal a move away from the club.

GOAL rates the best shirts that teams will wear at 2024 Copa America

The Copa America is almost here, and some of the world's top players will be making their marks on fields across the United States.

But soccer, of course, runs deeper than the action on the pitch or the tactical nous of coaches trying to outdo each other over 90 minutes. So much of the sport is about culture and style – the statements teams make before they even step foot on the pitch. Jersey design – colors, patterns, homages to past classics – has never been more important to fans across the globe, including in the U.S.

This year's Copa America has produced some real stunners: adidas, Nike, and others are bringing their best to piece together some truly memorable kits. GOAL ranks the top 10 shirts that will be on display this summer…

Getty10United States Home

It's not too far removed from a Nike t-shirt, but the USMNT have pieced together a decent home kit. The trim is clean, while the number positioning – under the famous "swoosh" – is cool. Not exactly a classic, but a decent effort from the hosts.

USA home kit at NikeShop nowAdvertisementGetty Images9Peru Away

It wouldn't be on many bingo cards for a top-quality Copa America kit, but Peru's away strip is one of the best alternates in the tournament. The black-and-gold color can't be beaten, while the sleeve patterns give it a bit of flare, too.

Peru Away kit at Pro:Direct Soccer

Shop now
adidas8Argentina Away

In truth, Argentina's World Cup-winning away kit wasn't the best thing. The albiceleste looked a bit messy in the faded color patterns – an adidas experiment that didn't quite work. Lesson learned, then. The royal blue base pops, while the brand's teamgeist-esque side panels offer a nod to past shirts. Simple and retro. A fine effort.

Argentina Away kit at Pro:Direct Soccer

Shop now
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adidas7Peru Home

The sash remains! Peru have donned kits with the signature diagonal red stripe since the 1930s, despite going through a number of different manufacturers during that period. In their second stab at designing the south American side's kit, adidas have kept the iconic design around – and absolutely nailed it this time.

Peru Home kit at Pro:Direct Soccer

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There had been melee between the fans outside the stadium before the match began, and it also carried on outside after the eviction

Sidharth Monga at Headingley29-Jun-2019One of the ugliest cricket matches at an ICC event ended with words of grace from each side, something that could not be said of the fans who threw punches at each other while in the stands, chucked rubbish, bottles and even a rubbish bin and finally invaded the pitch as soon as the match finished. Those outside used steel barriers on the streets as weapons. Fighting among fans – to this degree – is unheard of at modern ICC events.It would appear, though, that the authorities either were unaware of or underestimated the animosity between the two countries and their fans. The action from on-site security and stewards was not swift or decisive enough to prevent clashes from breaking out in the stands or to stop people from entering the field of play at the end of the match. Security lapses were visible even at the start of the match as quite a few fans were seen jumping the boundary walls of the stadium to gain illegal entrance.ALSO READ – Monga: An opportunity to keep the Afghanistan-Pakistan rivalry dignifiedThe pitch invasion finally raised the biggest alarm for the players. Mohammad Nabi was almost tackled accidentally by a security officer as he went after a pitch invader. This raises serious question marks over the security of the players and the fans in the ongoing World Cup.”We are aware of some scuffles among a minority of fans and are currently working with the venue security team and the local police force, West Yorkshire Police, to ensure there are no further incidents,” an ICC spokesperson said after the first incident, which took place an hour into the match. “We do not condone this type of behaviour, and will take appropriate action against any anti-social behaviour that spoils the enjoyment for the majority of fans.”At least two fans were evicted early in the match, but whatever action was taken was evidently not enough as rioting resumed in the dying moments.

Few of them were ejected from stadium by security, many invaded the stadium jumping the wall, occupying seats without tickets. Ugly scenes! Anti sportsmanship by Afghan fans. Disappointing. https://t.co/XKftrpLqDh

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) June 29, 2019

Geopolitical tensions have been high between Kabul and Islamabad. The two countries are divided by a porous border, the Durand Line, which was drawn up in 1893 between Afghanistan and British India. Refugees, drugs and terror and American influence moved through this border freely for about 40 years before it was closed temporarily in 2017. Cross-border movements are much more difficult now.These tensions manifest themselves in cricket all the more because Afghanistan learnt their cricket in Pakistan but are now beholden to India for the BCCI’s help in giving their national team an adopted home ground and helping them with infrastructure.A pitch invader is tackled by a security official•Getty ImagesOn the field, though, the match was played in good spirit, and both teams were full of praise for each other. Representatives from both sides who spoke to the press after the game said they were not aware of what went on in the stands. Both parties asked for calm and better behaviour when informed. Pakistan’s Imad Wasim urged the fans to stop fighting because they are all Muslims, and thus brothers. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib reminded his countrymen they represent their country wherever they go.However, it is unfair to expect them to react accurately when they didn’t know what exactly had happened. What they were fully aware of was the contest they were in. Pakistan came within one mistake of getting beaten and practically bowing out of the tournament, and they knew a lot of it was down to the quality of bowling they faced.”Look, their spinners, they’re world class,” Imad said. “If they score consistently over 250 or 260 on any track, they can cause trouble to any team. So credit goes to Afghanistan. I think last five years they rose up. And look at that, they’re giving a tough time to every team. They gave India a tough time. They gave us a tough time. And there are a lot of teams, you know. So Afghanistan, I think, is a force to reckon with in a couple of years’ time.”Wahab Riaz, who broke the game open with a six in the 49th over, knew they had been stretched to their limits. He said if Afghanistan’s batting can improve they can threaten any team. Naib gave all the credit to Imad’s innings of 49 for closing out the game when intense pressure was on. A few Pakistan fans waited near the Afghanistan team bus to console them and tell them that they played well and were unlucky to lose. Rashid Khan obliged them with selfies.

West Ham United supporters might feel a bit gloomy following Manchester United's comprehensive victory at Old Trafford, but the Hammers' defeat was actually the first in seven Premier League matches.

Nonetheless, David Moyes' side have yet to taste victory in 2024 and crashed out of the FA Cup at the hand of Bristol City in January, with Lucas Paqueta's injury compounding the woes, the Brazilian not expected back for several weeks still.

Moyes attempted to sign a new forward in January but failed in that endeavour, and while his side did pull off the loan signing of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, the 28-year-old might not have been the perfect player to have pursued.

West Ham missed out on Morten Frendrup

West Ham wrapped up the short-term signing of Phillips last month in what has added some mettle and experience to the centre of the park.

The east London outfit are seventh in the Premier League and awaiting the last 16 of the Europa League; there is much on the line for last term's Europa Conference League champions.

However, West Ham seem to have prioritised the England international over Genoa star Morten Frendrup, said to be among a host of English outfits interested in a deal for the Dane, with a figure of €10m (roughly £9m) mooted.

Earlier in January, there were reports that City had slapped a £6m loan fee on Phillips' signature, and given that West Ham are also covering the entirety of his £140k-per-week wages, it's certainly one of the more expensive loan deals in recent memory.

How Frendrup compares to Phillips

While Phillips eclipses Frendrup in terms of experience, product, and silverware, he has not started life in London well and has been at fault for two goals across his two Hammers appearances thus far.

Frendrup, in comparison, is 22 years old and has been sensational in Serie A this season, averaging four tackles and six ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, while winning 66% of his contested duels and succeeding with 65% of his dribbles.

As per FBref, Frendrup ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for tackles and the top 22% for blocks and interceptions per 90, dubbed a "midfielder destroyer" by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his work. It's evident that, unlike Phillips, this master of his craft has all the tools to go on and still become an elite talent.

Fulham's tough-tackling machine Joao Palhinha averages 4.7 tackles per fixture in the Premier League this year, so it's clear that Frendrup could be shaped into a star of similar stature.

With age on his side and an affordable price tag, it's possibly a mistake that West Ham did not forge ahead with a deal before he likely rises to the fore and attracts more lucrative attention down the line.

Phillips could yet cement himself as a starring member of Moyes' side but his maladroit rustiness over the past two matches has hardly evoked confidence from the Irons faithful.

The midfielder has a rarely-seen-before versatility and a win-at-all-costs mentality which previous generations have also lacked

Jude Bellingham famously wore the No.22 shirt early in his career as he and his youth coach at Birmingham City wanted him to be the complete midfielder, combining aspects of a No.4 (holding), No.8 (box-to-box) and No.10 (playmaker).

But after his thunderous headed goal against Serbia gave England a winning start in Euro 2024, perhaps the number should be upgraded to 31. Because his goal was the hallmark of a classic No.9, drawing comparisons with Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even taking away the fact he scored the only goal of the game, Bellingham was England's standout performer in Gelsenkirchen, at times playing in every role aside from goalkeeper. And if, for whatever reason, he ever had to put on the gloves and guard the net, one imagines he could give Jordan Pickford a run for his money.

England's overall performance against Serbia made for familiar viewing, a strong start giving way to a lack of control. But for another reason it felt entirely unique. Now the Three Lions have a player they have never had before. He might hail from Birmingham, but Bellingham is built differently to the rest of his compatriots.

Getty ImagesAll on the line

Bellingham has shown fearlessness throughout his career, from making his first-team debut for Birmingham one month after his 16th birthday, to rejecting Manchester United and Chelsea to move abroad to Borussia Dortmund instead.

He wasn't cowed when he signed for Real Madrid and became their second-most expensive signing of all time, scoring more goals in his first 15 appearances than club legends Ronaldo, Raul or Alfredo di Stefano.

On Sunday, he showed fearlessness in a more traditional sense, bravery in the face of the real threat of getting his face smashed. When he leapt to meet Bukayo Saka's deflected cross, he very nearly crashed into the head of Milos Veljkovic. But he dived to meet the ball with such relish, as if getting on the end of the cross was the most important thing in the world. He showed no regard for his safety or his front teeth; all that mattered was scoring.

Shearer, who was commentating on the game for the , had scored plenty of headers like it for club and country, although his strikes for Newcastle against Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City were most reminiscent of it. Ronaldo's header for Manchester United at Roma in 2008 also came to mind.

AdvertisementGetty Graceful gladiator

Bellingham's personality could also be seen when he barged into Serbia's Filip Kostic, or when he held his arms up to the fans, urging them to make more noise. England, in fairness, have had plenty of charismatic players with gladiatorial spirit before. John Terry, Stuart Pearce, Paul Ince and Terry Butcher instantly come to mind, but none of them had the grace of Bellingham.

The 20-year-old looked like a ballet dancer at times, waltzing past opponents while under pressure to either dribble his way out of trouble or win a foul, buying England crucial time as they struggled to hold on to their lead in the second half.

His passing was also exceptional. Bellingham had more touches than any England player, making the most passes and still ending the game with a 96 percent pass completion rate. Bellingham's passing from deep brought back memories of Steven Gerrard. But whilst Gerrard often made rash decisions with the ball and was too hasty, Bellingham played with a sense of calm.

He was not afraid to do the dirty work, though. He won more tackles than any of his team-mates, taking the ball on three of his four attempts. He also won nine duels.

Getty ImagesHuge personality

In Gelsenkirchen, Bellingham showed the continent what he has been showing for Real Madrid all season and what he had done before at Dortmund: that he is the complete footballer. But anyone who has watched his career with interest could have seen it coming.

"There’s talent that whispers, and talent that yells right in your face, and that was Jude," said Kevin Betsy, Bellingham's coach at England between the age of 13 and 16, speaking to .

"His personality on the pitch was huge. Jude’s a generational talent. Many players have shown the level Jude has shown, but his character and mentality, his bravery and personality to demand the ball, or to push the game in a direction it needs to go in for him to affect the game, was always evident from a really young age."

That personality could be seen throughout Bellingham's performance and in his post-match interview with , when he declared: "I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament."

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GettySomeone to rely on

That personality will serve England well, because if there is one thing the national team has lacked through the years despite huge talent and huge expectations, it is belief to get over the line.

That lack of confidence was evident after taking the lead against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and in the Euro 2020 final, and it seeped into the team in the second half against Serbia. But Bellingham stayed focused and helped pull England through.

"He's taken the game by the scruff of the neck and this is what you need," said pundit Micah Richards. "His composure is remarkable. He's the leader in this team at such a young age and he knows it. He's got a great attitude, he's got everything. He manages the game really well. If he can keep that form throughout the tournament then he is the man we can rely on."

Rio Ferdinand added: "He's come out today with the attitude knowing it's his game. He's said 'guys, this is my game and I am him'."

Liverpool are believed to be "confident" about sealing a huge triple piece of business in the coming months, according to an exciting new update.

Liverpool contract news

The Reds have been hit hard by the news that Jurgen Klopp is leaving as manager at the end of the season, with the German one of the most influential figures in the club's history.

Jurgen Klopp's record in major cup finals with Liverpool and Dortmund

Klopp and Liverpool added another trophy to their collection at the weekend.

ByDavid Comerford Feb 27, 2024

His decision will no doubt have come as a shock to the players, too, who only found out at a similar time to the fans, and it may have some individuals thinking about their own futures at Anfield now.

In terms of the current contract situation at Liverpool, Joel Matip and Thiago are two high-profile figures whose current deals expire this summer, and it feels increasingly likely that both will leave at the end of the season. They are both 32 years of age and injury-prone, so offering them an extension on big wages feels like a big risk.

In the summer of 2025, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will all be out of contract, too, so there is understandable concern that none of them have penned extensions yet, considering they are three of the most important players at the club.

Liverpool receive huge triple boost

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah could all sign new deals at Liverpool, with the club "confident" about all three extending their stay.

"Liverpool are hopeful of tying Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold down on new deals, sources have told Football Insider. The superstar trio’s contracts are all set to expire in 2025, but there is no panic among the Liverpool hierarchy regarding them penning new terms.

"A well-placed source told Football Insider that the club is 'confident' they will keep hold of the stars – all of whom have been pivotal to their success in recent seasons. It is believed that if the club show the right ambition in their post-Jurgen Klopp plans, the players will be convinced to extend their stays at Anfield."

The importance of these three individuals signing new deals at Liverpool cannot be overstated, with the Reds needing to keep hold of key men once Klopp has gone. An exodus would be a potentially huge issue, bringing an end to a glorious period at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold has to be treated as the main priority to tie down, due to him still only being 25 years of age, and he surely only sees his future lying at his boyhood club. Meanwhile, Van Dijk is only new to the captaincy and must feel he has some years still left in him at the top.

Liverpool willing to pay £51m for "great player" this summer

He has been compared to Xabi Alonso as a footballer.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 9, 2024

Salah arguably feels like the most likely of the three to leave this summer, especially if an eye-watering offer comes along from the Saudi Pro League, but he might still want to break many more records with Liverpool, not wanting to drop down a level in standard while still at his peak.

Twenty players will take part in the camp ahead of a season in which most of Pakistan’s international commitments will be in the five-day format

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2019Misbah-ul-Haq is set to lead a 17-day training camp for 20 Pakistan cricketers starting next week. The pre-season camp, according to a PCB media release, has been organised with a view to an upcoming year in which most of Pakistan’s international commitments will be in the five-day format, with one eye on the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which begins on September 12. Fourteen of the 20 Pakistan cricketers called up are centrally contracted players. Two days of fitness testing will be followed by by the conditioning camp, which runs from August 22 to September 7.Misbah, whom the PCB release has termed the “camp commandant”, will “craft the training programme and overlook of the camp until the recruitment process has concluded. During the pre-season camp, the players will undergo fielding drills and net sessions, along with fitness and other cricketing activities.”The camp has been set up to prepare the players for a competitive and challenging domestic and international cricket season, which is expected to begin with the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from 12 September.”It is not clear whether much can be read into the PCB giving Misbah the responsibility in the absence of a coaching set-up. When the PCB decided not to renew the contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur and his entire coaching staff, there was some media speculation that Misbah could be given the top job, though it is worth noting he has yet to complete the coaching badges or acquire the necessary experience the PCB is looking for in the next head coach.It is more likely, perhaps, that Misbah’s reputation for high levels of fitness well into his 40s as a Test cricketer have resulted in the PCB hand-picking him as an ideal candidate for the job. In 2016, when Misbah was the Pakistan captain, the side underwent a rigorous training regime with the Pakistan military at an academy in Abbottabad before a tour of England. When Misbah scored a century in the first Test following that course, he famously dropped to his hands and knees and reeled off ten push-ups on the Lord’s turf, in tribute to the people who had put Pakistan through such a gruelling schedule, and as proof of his physical prowess.Azhar Ali will join the camp after concluding his stint with Somerset, while Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman have been exempted to allow them to complete their time with their respective counties in England.Zakir Khan, Director of International Cricket at the PCB, said: “This conditioning camp is of great significance. The players will undergo strenuous training sessions to prepare for a demanding season, which will see Pakistan spend 30 of their 42 cricket-playing days in Test cricket.”Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been Pakistan’s most successful captain, understands the arduous demands of the format in this day and age. With the advent of the World Test Championship, the PCB wants Pakistan to turn up with their best red-ball game when they face Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series at home.”Players called upCentrally contracted: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah.Non-centrally contracted: Asif Ali, Bilal Asif, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Rahat Ali and Zafar Gohar.