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One normal weekend of Barclays, that’s all Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team were left asking for on Saturday evening.

This season has seen an unparalleled amount of attention on the PGMOL and Howard Webb’s merry band of referees.

The standard of officiating in this country has seemingly plummeted to an all time low. Apologies have made, statements have been shared left, right and centre, and yet still decisions are being made incorrectly.

Arteta may well need to look closer to home for why they lost 1-0 to Newcastle at a raucous St James’ Park this weekend, but the officiating for both sides left a lot to be desired.

A ridiculous and untimely challenge from Kai Havertz in the first half could have warranted a red card on another day while Bruno Guimaraes could have been sent for an early bath too after deliberately using his forearm to hit Jorginho in the back of the head.

The biggest moment of controversy, however, came when Newcastle took the lead.

How Arsenal lost to Newcastle

Truth be told, the Gunners didn’t play too badly in the north east on Saturday night.

A rigid and organised defence that had kept a clean sheet against Manchester City was on display again while Declan Rice’s powerhouse nature ensured Arteta’s men won the midfield battle.

However, it was in attack where they were lacking. A 0-0 draw would have been a fair result until a moment of chaos ensued just after the hour mark.

A stray shot from Jacob Murphy almost went out for a goal kick down by the corner flag but Joe WIllock, once of Arsenal himself, didn’t give it up. On the angle we were given during the TV coverage, it looked as though the ball was out. Alas, that was one of three VAR decisions that was seen as fine after Anthony Gordon had scored from close range.

A flighted ball in was missed by David Raya and couldn’t be dealt with by Gabriel who was seemingly shoved to the ground by Joelinton. No foul was adjudged to have been made. The next decision was assessing whether Gordon was onside.

The VAR claimed he was, although Arteta wasn’t happy, launching an aggressive series of vocal attacks towards the officials in his post-match press conference.

Indeed, he could blame the officiating all he likes, but the fact of the matter is that a number of players in red and white let him down.

Arsenal’s worst player vs Newcastle

After a £65m move from Chelsea in the summer much has been expected of Havertz but it was his ludicrous tackle in the first half that nearly put Arsenal down a man.

It was a big evening for the German who was given more of a creative role with Martin Odegaard missing through injury. Create he did not. In fact, he only served to frustrate more as the Gunners failed to score.

A large part of their failings in offensive areas was also down to the average performance of Eddie Nketiah.

A week ago the club’s number 14 was in inspired from against Sheffield United, netting his first Premier League hat-trick.

It was a display that saw him become the club’s joint top goal scorer this season alongside Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. That fact doesn’t tell the full story though.

At home, Nketiah offers the ability to hold the ball up and run the channels. He doesn’t set the world alight but his performance levels are generally sufficient.

Away from home, however, the English striker has been the definition of mediocre. In 52 league outings on the road, he’s only found the net five times. For a team chasing a Premier League title that simply isn’t good enough.

It was feels harsh to criticise someone who’s scored three only a week ago but barring that, Arsenal need to see a lot more from Nketiah while Gabriel Jesus is out injured.

On Saturday, he struggled for any real service and was starved of the ball. That said, he very rarely made himself available.

As per FotMob, Nketiah only registered 33 touches of the ball, just one more than Raya and completed 16 passes, the worst of any starter for Arsenal, including the enigmatic Havertz. Even substitute Oleksandr Zinchenko made more with 30. Only two of those passes, meanwhile, were in the final third. Worrying for your focal point in attack.

Shots

1

Pass Accuracy

14/16

Expected Goals (xG)

0.15

Touches

33

Touches in opposition box

5

Successful Dribbles

0/2

Duels Won

5

Duels Lost

9

Fouls Committed

2

Stats via FotMob.

To make matters worse, the forward managed one shot, which was off target, and failed to complete either of his two attempted dribbles.

On top of that, the 24-year-old won 33% of his ground duels and 40% of his aerial duels as the Newcastle defenders well and truly bullied him. It was hardly a surprise to see his display get labelled as "anonymous" by some, including Arseblog's Andrew Allen.

This was not a night to savour for Nketiah who offered very little in attack. With the academy graduate largely underwhelming and Jesus’ fitness record inconsistent, the purchase of a new striker could well be looming in January. Such an eventuality may well determine whether Arteta’s men have what it takes to win the title.

Crystal Palace have reportedly made some pre-January moves for one club's "valuable" forward as manager Roy Hodgson targets new attacking options.

Palace slump to defeat at Luton

The Eagles have now lost four of their last five Premier League games and look like real contenders to fall into the relegation battle as things stand, especially with the injury crisis worsening.

Despite Michael Olise's curling screamer from outside the area, which comes as an arguable goal of the season contender, Palace suffered a 2-1 defeat away to newly-promoted Luton Town and really put into question their credentials of remaining a top flight side past this season.

“I congratulate them [Luton]. I thought they worked very hard for their victory," said Hodgson after Palace's loss to Luton (via cpfc.co.uk). “I think we can feel ourselves a little bit unlucky. We could have had some good moments in the game and certainly we asked some very tough questions of their goalkeeper [Thomas Kaminski], who had an outstanding game on the day.

“In that last 10 or 15 minutes, when we were pushing for an equaliser, I thought we were going to get that equaliser on at least three occasions, but it didn’t come, and I congratulate Luton for their valiant effort. They really did put an awful lot of work and effort into getting that victory, so we have to accept that we weren’t good enough to get the points we thought we could get from this game.”

Hodgson's men are also among the division's lowest scoring sides, which will come as an alarming statistic and one which highlights their need for reinforcements in the January transfer window. Palace are reportedly targeting striker Karim Konate of Red Bull Salzburg as one option, while reports suggest Hodgson could land Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko.

Palace make approach for Murphy

Now, another option to have found his way on to Palace's transfer radar is Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy. The 28-year-old has been praised by Eddie Howe as the "ultimate professional", who publicly endorsed his quality when speaking to the press earlier this year.

"He's someone who is the ultimate professional. He's reliable, plays multiple positions and has never let me down," said Howe.

"For me, it's all about consistency. What you're looking for from the players' perspective is that they turn up every day and give their best. It's great to see someone who puts that work in rewarded with an opportunity, and then it's all about taking that opportunity."

According to Football Insider, Palace have made an approach for Murphy in the form of an enquiry and are lining up a potential January move for him. The report describes him as a "valuable squad player" for Howe and Newcastle, which has apparently done enough to attract serious interest from Hodgson and Nottingham Forest.

Likes to cross

Plays the ball off the ground often

Over his nine appearances this season, Murphy has actually scored once and racked up four assists – indicating that the Englishman can weigh in with crucial contributions on his day.

Porto coach Sergio Conceicao has filed a legal complaint against a mayor in Spain over a reported fight at a children's competition, a report says.

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Conceicao files legal complaintAccused mayor of pushing his sonPolice involved at children's competitionWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese manager has been accused by the mayor of Spanish town Cartaya of hitting a referee, police officers and the mayor himself, reports. The 49-year-old has filed a complaint of his own against the mayor, Manuel Barroso, saying he pushed one of Conceicao's sons.

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Porto have confirmed that the former winger will take legal action for defamation since hearing the mayor's retelling of his version of events on Spanish radio. The club maintains that Conceicao went onto to ask the referee about an incident and Barroso subsequently pushed his son, resulting in the coach stepping in to break up that altercation.

WHAT CONCEICAO'S LAWYER SAID

A statement from Conceicao's lawyer said: "A criminal complaint was filed yesterday, immediately after the events, against mayor Manuel Barroso for attempted assault on Sergio Conceicao's son.

"We deny the accusations made by the same mayor, which have no basis in truth. In view of the news published in the meantime, we will also move forward with a complaint for defamatory allegations against mayor Manuel Barroso."

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The incident will likely be investigated after Conceicao's legal complaint. In the meantime, his team will take on Estoril in the Liga Portugal on Saturday before facing Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Taca de Portugal.

Tottenham Hotspur have a notable reputation for nurturing their academy prospects, turning their starlets into notable first-teamers who go on to have celebrated careers in the game.

The obvious example is of course Harry Kane, once just a youth player with humble beginnings before going on to surpass all expectations, becoming Tottenham's top scorer in their history with an astounding 278 goals in total which saw him go above the great Jimmy Greaves.

Glenn Hoddle, Ledley King and many more have all stepped up to the mark too when a first-team opportunity came calling after developing as a youth player with Spurs, King actually staying put at Spurs for the entirety of his playing career.

Tottenham will hope they can have their next superstar in the making with 16-year-old Mikey Moore, likened to Paul Gascoigne by ex-Spurs striker Jermain Defoe recently for his ability to "glide past people" with ease.

A closer look at Tottenham's academy sensation, Mikey Moore

Born in 2007 – the same year Harry Kane was still just a youngster at Spurs – Moore is being touted as the next best thing in Tottenham quarters.

The young forward even appeared on the Guardian's Next Gen List released at the start of the month, a list that picks the best of the best involving emerging youngsters in football.

Switching between playing at left wing position and an out-and-out centre forward, Moore has been a revelation at U18 level for Spurs the past couple of seasons.

His goalscoring prowess has come to the forefront particularly in the last few weeks, netting a remarkable seven goals from six starts including a further four assists – Moore singlehandedly able to win games for his side up top.

Last time out versus Norwich City, he scored a hat-trick and supplied two assists as the rampant U18 Spurs side won 7-2 with Moore virtually impossible for the opposition defenders to contain and thwart.

It's no surprise to see outlandish suggestions that Moore could well be the next Gazza for Spurs therefore, Defoe stating as such whilst appearing on the No Tippy Tappy Podcast when Moore was only 15.

He said: "It’s a big statement, but he reminds me of Gazza a little bit, the way he glides past people, it’s easy and he’s doing it at 15. Hopefully we see him in the Premier League soon."

Such praise has resulted in Spurs tieing down Moore to a new bumper contract, the five-time England U17 international signing on the dotted line to extend his time with Tottenham until 2026 to deter any potential suitors from attempting to buy the teenage starlet.

A bright future lies ahead for Tottenham's Mikey Moore…

It's too early to say whether or not the 16-year-old will go on to have an esteemed career with longetivity, Moore is still a teenager learning and developing in the youth ranks.

Ange Postecoglou also won't want to fast-track him into the senior fold in case it hampers his progression, with Moore perfectly comfortable playing regularly for the U18's at this moment in time.

Moore will just want to continue his dazzling current form, the youngster twisting and turning defenders for fun regularly whilst also remaining clinical in front of goal

Only time will tell if Moore can reach the heights of Gazza, with the former England hero – who won the FA Cup and scored 33 goals in 112 games for the club – having been an 'icon of his generation', as per Spurs' official website.

Trying to emulate the enigmatic and balletic playmaker is no small feat, but if Moore is this highly thought of at just 16 years of age, the heights he could possibly get to are frightening.

تمكن منتخب ألمانيا من تسجيل هدف التعادل أمام منافسه الإسباني، خلال المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا.

ويتواجه منتخبا ألمانيا وإسبانيا على أرضية استاد “شتوتجارت آرينا”، في دور ربع النهائي من يورو 2024. وجاء هدف تعادل ألمانيا في الدقيقة 89 بعد كرة عرضية مهدها نيكلاس فولكورج برأسية وقابلها فلوريان فيرتز بتسديدة قوية ارتطمت بالقائم ثم سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | إصابة قوية لـ بيدري في مباراة إسبانيا وألمانيا.. واستبداله

وكان داني أولمو قد تقدم بالهدف الأول لـ إسبانيا في الدقيقة 52، بعد تمريرة من لامين يامال استقبلها أولمو المتقدم من الخلف وسددها ببراعة.

وتمكن منتخب ألمانيا من حسم التأهل للدور ربع النهائي، بعد تحقيق الفوز على الدنمارك بهدفين دون مقابل، بينما إسبانيا قلبت الطاولة على جورجيا، وحققت الفوز بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف. هدف تعادل ألمانيا أمام إسبانيا في يورو 2024

Liverpool should be emboldened that while Saturday evening's shattering defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League has resulted in an injury to the in-form Cody Gakpo and suspensions to Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, the rekindled verve and vitality is there for all to see.

What's also pleasing is that the Anfield side boasts a wealth of academy talent that eclipses anything the club has been seen in recent years, with such exciting options offering a different approach for manager Jurgen Klopp, should he need it.

And use it he has; last season, with Liverpool suffering an incredible depletion of form and fluidity, a young Stefan Bajcetic was brought into the senior fold to aid the beleaguered Reds in their efforts, and he shone as the brightest spark in a midfield that was languishing heavily below expectations.

Hailed for his "exceptional" rise to prominence by Klopp last season, the 18-year-old Spaniard is but one example of the rich crop of precocity just waiting for a chance to impress on the major stage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the obvious example, having been promoted to Liverpool's vice-captain in the summer and praised as "world-class" by former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves.

The aforementioned Jones has also enjoyed an impressive rise over the past year, while Ben Doak, aged 17, has currently made eight senior showings in age-belying fashion, and has been proclaimed to be a 'Scottish Wayne Rooney' by his agent Jackie McNamara due to his small yet strong stature and innate physicality.

Some remarkable talent, and all names starting to make themselves known on the major stage, but perhaps one of Liverpool's most prodigious youngsters is yet to become known to the masses.

Oakley Cannonier, goalscoring sensation, has recently returned from injury and is looking to continue his ascent to prominence after demonstrating such a sharp cutting edge in the earliest phase of his youth career.

Who is Oakley Cannonier?

Cannonier's progress beneath the surface at Liverpool has seen him be hindered by a long-term injury that has ruled him out of contention for much of the past year.

The aptly-named Cannonier has been firing the strikes home with vicious regularity at youth level, scoring 44 goals and supplying five assists from only 60 appearances for the Reds' respective development sides, heralded as a "goal machine" by prominent Liverpool reporter Neil Jones for his efforts.

The 19-year-old forward exhibited his prolific abilities last term with a flourish, scoring ten times from only 12 outings during a term that was hampered by injury – including seven goals from only four matches in the UEFA Youth League.

Last month, the striker returned to action with a resounding hat-trick in a friendly against Hull City after indeed spending ten months on the sidelines, and will now surely be viewed as one to keep an eye on as he continues to build back the form that left the likes of The Athletic's James Pearce describing him as "outstanding."

An out-and-out centre-forward, Cannonier will indeed be hoping that he could find his name on the senior team sheet this season for the first time, perhaps linking up with academy peer Kaide Gordon, who is looking to pick up where he left off under Klopp's wing after battling his own long-term absence.

How good is Kaide Gordon?

It's perhaps a testament to Gordon's prodigious skill set that he is still only 18-years-old (for a few more days) and has already forged four senior showings under Klopp's stewardship and netted his maiden goal – and that's despite spending the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign on the sidelines with a long-term injury.

Once described as "exceptional" by his manager, Gordon thrived for Liverpool's development squad after signing from Derby County for a reported fee of £3m as a 16-year-old, posting 12 goals and five assists across all competitions.

The one-cap England U21 international is capable of thriving across both offensive flanks and boasts skill, speed and guile in abundance.

Already demonstrating his ability to provide both incisive and creative danger, the Merseyside outfit's second-youngest-ever goalscorer would work seamlessly in tandem with Cannonier, providing the all-encompassing attacking threat as the focal frontman.

Player

Age

Result & Competition

Ben Woodburn

17 years, 1 month, 14 days

2-0 vs Leeds, League Cup

Kaide Gordon

17 years, 3 months, 4 days

4-1 vs Shrewsbury, FA Cup

Michael Owen

17 years, 4 months, 22 days

2-1 vs Wimbledon, Premier League

Jordan Rossiter

17 years, 5 months, 30 days

2-2 vs Middlesbrough, League Cup

Ki-Jana Hoever

17 years, 8 months, 7 days

2-0 vs MK Dons, League Cup

With both Gordon and Cannonier sharing an unfortunate spell on the sidelines with long-term injuries despite remaining pleasingly ensconced in the maiden stage of their professional career, with ample time to grow into their skin, they can both prove to be the first-rate phenoms Klopp and Liverpool crave for in the future.

As mentioned earlier, Liverpool's rise since that fateful day when Klopp graced the Merseyside club as manager for the first time has done more than just improve the first-team squad.

Liverpool, as a footballing institution, has been comprehensively rejuvenated, the stains of a miserable period in the club's history wiped away, and sustained success is now stitched into the fabric of the outfit once again.

As such, youth players are now held in a higher regard. The investment is felt. Gordon and Cannonier are but two of the teenage sensations pushing for a place on the Premier League pitch soon, and given the immense quality brimming from each, there is every possibility that both earn a shot to cement their berth soon enough.

Liverpool were interested in making a fifth midfield addition over the summer, but a reliable journalist has revealed that a deal wasn’t as advanced as has recently been reported.

What's the latest transfer news at Liverpool?

According to reports, FSG and Jurgen Klopp maintain a strong interest in Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes despite him being about to sign a new long-term contract in the northeast, whilst club correspondent Neil Jones has confirmed that West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen is a player that chiefs have admired for quite some time.

The Merseyside outfit have additionally set their sights on Juventus’ Federico Chiesa should Mohamed Salah leave for Saudi Arabia next year, and they have also learned that it will take a huge offer to secure the services of Brentford’s Aaron Hickey should they want to prise him away from the Community Stadium.

At Anfield, another player of interest was Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat who, before the transfer deadline, ended up joining Premier League rivals Manchester United on a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of it, but an interesting claim emerged that he could have instead been on his way to L4.

The Daily Mail’s Confidential previously reported that the Moroccan defensive midfielder was just hours away from joining the Reds, but the deal supposedly ended up collapsing following talks being put on hold in a period that saw the board have a change of heart.

Did Liverpool almost sign Sofyan Amrabat?

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, however, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool did initiate contact to ask about a swoop for Amrabat, but shut down rumours that it was ever close to completion. He said:

“Speaking of Amrabat, I’ve been asked about some reports of Liverpool coming very close to signing the Moroccan midfielder this summer. From what I know, there was just a call from Liverpool in the summer right after the Moises Caicedo story to ask for conditions of Amrabat deal and then nothing else.

“It was not even a negotiation, just a request and then they moved on [to] different targets. I think there’s no need to compare as in that position they preferred Wataru Endo, so their choice was clear.”

Is Sofyan Amrabat good?

During Man United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday, Amrabat made his full debut and was the star of the show, recording an outstanding 96.3% pass success rate, highlighting his excellent calmness and composure on the ball.

Sponsored by Nike, the 27-year-old also managed two tackles during the game so he loves to throw himself into challenges and win back possession for his team, with these qualities having previously seen him dubbed a “monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese.

Furthermore, Ten Hag’s £65k-per-week earner, who has secured four senior trophies throughout his career, is a versatile operator having been deployed in eight different positions since bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the midfield and the defensive backline, so it's hard to deny he could have been a great addition for the Reds.

يعمل النجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، على إقناع أحد لاعبي فريق مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي، وآخر من ريال مدريد، بالانضمام إلى فريقه النصر السعودي.

رونالدو انتقل إلى النصر السعودي في ديسمبر 2022 بعدما فسخ عقده مع مانشستر يونايتد.

وذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية نقلاً عن “ماركا” الإسبانية أن رونالدو يحاول جاهدًا تشجيع فريقه النصر على التعاقد مع لاعبين.

وبحسب التقرير الوارد، أول هؤلاء هو البرازيلي كاسيميرو، والذي زامل رونالدو في صفوف ريال مدريد ومانشستر يونايتد.

وسبق وأشارت تقارير إلى أن كاسيميرو يقترب من الرحيل عن مانشستر يونايتد خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفي.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | عن طريق ميسي.. نيمار يسخر من كريستيانو رونالدو بعد هزيمة النصر أمام الهلال

ووفقًا للتقرير يبدو أن وجهة كاسيميرو ستكون المملكة العربية السعودية وتحديدًا إلى صفوف النصر رفقة رونالدو.

وتوضح الصحيفة أن رونالدو يأمل أن يتنافس فريقه النصر مع نظيره الهلال الذي توج بالدوري وكأس خادم الحرمين.

ويرى رونالدو أن كاسيميرو سيكون عنصرًا مميزًا في صفوف النصر لمساعدة الفريق على المنافسة في الموسم القادم.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن رونالدو تواصل أيضًا مع ناتشو فيرنانديز قائد ريال مدريد خلال الأسبوع الماضي في محاولة لجعله يفكر في الانتقال إلى النصر.

ورفع ناتشو كأس دوري أبطال أوروبا ليلة السبت رفقة ريال مدريد بعد الانتصار على بوروسيا دورتموند الألماني.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have experienced a difficult summer in the transfer market, with the club unable to spend due to ongoing issues regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP).

The economic crisis at Molineux has widely affected proceedings on the pitch, with departed manager Julen Lopetegui leaving his post just five days prior to the Old Gold’s opening fixture of the 2023/24 calendar.

Things have taken a positive turn through the hiring of former AFC Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil, but the resounding problem of low squad numbers and little room to manoeuvre in the transfer window still remains.

Despite being unable to spend freely, the Midlands side have been linked to a host of talent this summer, with one name being a player that could significantly bolster the squad should the club be able to sanction a dip into the market.

Who could Wolves sign this summer?

While incomings have been slow, there have been a significant number of players depart Molineux this window, with 14 players bidding farewell to the club through the form of loan moves, expiration of contracts and sales.

Sales have generated much-needed income for the Old Gold, however little attempt has been able to be made to replace those that have left, leaving the squad low on numbers and missing some of the past star quality.

A worrying report in France from Foot Mercato has claimed that another star player is being eyed by others in the market, with Mario Lemina said to be the target for three ‘big Premier League teams’, including Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has become an integral piece of the furniture in Wolverhampton, and a player that could be extremely difficult to replace should the rumours be believed, however a previous target could be the perfect figure to seek should the Gabon international part ways.

At the end of last month, the Old Gold were linked with LaLiga midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with journalist Cesar Luis Merlo claiming that Wolves had made contact with Real Betis in the bid to sign the Argentine.

There has since been no update on the potential transfer of the Betis ace, however should Lemina depart, a swoop for his talent would be the ideal move.

How good is Guido Rodriguez?

Having once been described as being “brutal defensively” by analyst Marcus Bring, Rodriguez was one of Betis’ best performers last season, as suggested by his average match rating of 7.07 in LaLiga, via Sofascore.

The Argentine, like Lemina, is deployed in defensive midfield, making him a strong acquisition for O’Neil to target in place of the trusted former Juventus star.

Based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, the players are extremely similar in their approach to play, both being assured presences for their clubs in terms of passing and protecting the back line from threat.

As per FBref, Lemina averaged 2.63 tackles and 1.80 blocks per 90 for Wolves last season, while maintaining a pass completion rate of 86.9%, numbers that were almost mirrored by Rodriguez in Spain.

For Betis, the 29-year-old maintained a pass completion rate of 86.7%, averaging a monstrous 3.60 tackles and 1.82 blocks per 90 in LaLiga, highlighting the similarities between the present and potentially future Wolves players.

O’Neil should consider chasing the talents of the £33k-per-week Argentine should a club come knocking for Lemina, who has attracted sufficient and deserved interest from elsewhere this summer.

Liverpool have set their sights on signing Torino's Perr Schuurs, with a new report revealing exactly what's going on in their pursuit of the Netherlands international.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Jurgen Klopp's priority is signing at least one new midfielder, with just over a week left to get deals over the line, and ESPN report an offer has recently been made for Fluminense defensive midfielder Andre, but the bid was knocked back immediately.

The likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram have been named as potential options by journalist Rudy Galetti, but there are plenty of others, with talks also being held over Cheick Doucoure and Kalvin Phillips.

While signing a new midfielder is of the utmost importance to the Reds, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has previously made it clear that a new centre-back will also be targeted, with Football Insider now offering a new update on their pursuit of Schuurs.

According to their sources, Liverpool have now set their sights on signing the Torino defender, following a recent scouting mission, and he is seen as a realistically-priced option to sign before this summer's deadline, with the Italian club set to hold out for around £30m.

That would work perfectly for Klopp's side, as they already have a budget set aside for the centre-back, but it is lower than what they are willing to fork out for a central midfielder.

Klopp is eager to bring in cover and competition for Virgil van Dijk, while he also wants to refresh his centre-back options for the first time since Ibrahima Konate arrived at Anfield.

There may be no better player to provide competition for Van Dijk, as the Reds captain is "well aware" of his compatriot's talents and is said to be a "big fan".

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE

How good is Perr Schuurs?

Not only has the 23-year-old impressed his potential future teammate, but he has also received praise from journalist Dean Jones, with the reporter telling FootballFancast:

"Schuurs is a big talent. He's got a great ability to read the game, so no surprise at all that he's been on the radar of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool – he has a profile that fits those sides well."

As well as being able to read the game very well, the Dutchman is a solid tackler, ranking in the 80th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and he has been a key player for Torino since arriving from Ajax.

The 6 foot 3 defender has adapted to life in the Serie A very well, making 30 league appearances last season, indicating he could now be ready to make another step-up by moving to the Premier League, with Liverpool waiting in the wings.

Klopp is well-stocked at centre-back, with five players who play in that position already at the club, so Schuurs should not be a priority target for Liverpool, but he could be worth pursuing once they get a deal for at least one new midfielder over the line.