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A number of Liverpool fans have been raging over a transfer rumour claiming that Mohamed Salah could join Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The Reds have had a season to forget after their 2020 Premier League title success, with the defence of their crown fizzling out after Christmas. Jurgen Klopp’s side still have a chance to save their campaign, however, knowing that two wins will likely secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

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Too many Liverpool players have either been injured or fallen way below their best in 2020/21, but Salah has been an exceptional performer. The Egyptian King has scored 31 goals, in all competitions, single-handedly carrying the attack at times, with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino struggling around him.

According to L’Equipe [via The Anfield Buzz], PSG are in official talks with Salah over a summer move – something which would be a huge blow for Liverpool if it materialises.

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Liverpool fans fume at Salah update

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to vent their fury at the possibility of Salah being sold, with one calling the news a ‘joke’.

“Liverpool don’t you dare”

Credit: @RougeMEF

“FSG has to give Salah whatever he wants. He deserves it. I won’t forgive them if they let Salah go. I’ve said it a million times”

Credit: @dionasauruss

“Salah goes, we riot”

Credit: @ChrisLiverpool1

“What kind of joke is this”

Credit: @izy_dara1

“Would be the worst decision FSG have ever made and no turning back if they sold Salah”

Credit: @Kainthyy

“Wouldn’t sell him for any price”

Credit: @dylan_the_kid_

In other news, James Pearce has provided an important update on one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

After finishing their first season back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence in ninth place, Leeds United were active in the previous summer transfer window by signing the likes of Dan James, Junior Firpo and Kristoffer Klaesson to help boost their squad.

One other business deal the Yorkshire club managed to secure was the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison from Manchester City after originally joining Leeds on a loan deal back in 2018.

With a total of 143 appearances, 20 goals and 22 assists under his belt for Leeds across all competitions, Harrison has not shown this season why Leeds were right to sign him on a permanent basis with no goals and just one assist provided in 13 league appearances.

Given how Harrison managed to end last season with eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League, these are the numbers that he will undoubtedly be aiming to reach or even improve on this time around.

Harrison has also only managed to successfully complete 43% of his dribbles in the league this season as well as winning just 33% of his duels, showing how ineffective he has been on and off the ball.

As well as this and his lack of goal contributions in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old’s overall performances have also been underwhelming with Harrison racking up a season rating of 6.48/10 from SofaScore, lower than Leeds’ other summer signings James (6.73/10) and Firpo (6.61/10).

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that Leeds journalist Phil Hay said he’s “wildly out of form” when speaking last month.

Taking this into account, it seems as though that Victor Orta and the Yorkshire club may have dropped a clanger in signing Harrison, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Salary Sport, based on his performances so far this season.

However, the Englishman still has enough time in the campaign to turn his form around and prove to everyone connected to the club that they made the right decision to offer him a permanent deal in the summer.

With Leeds’ next game in the league putting them up against Harrison’s former side on Tuesday evening, this could be a perfect opportunity for the winger to really kickstart his season with Leeds, especially if he can grab his first league goal of the season and potentially secure a much-needed positive result for Bielsa’s side.

In other news: “Screams class”: £16.5k-p/w Leeds beast who won 100% duels proved Bielsa wrong v Chelsea

Crystal Palace have been enjoying a great run of form, picking up points in 13 of their last 20 games, putting them in 11th, just outside of the top half of the table.

With Patrick Vieira steering the club in the right direction he now goes into his second transfer window, and there is already an incoming and an outgoing transfer rumoured.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Robin Bairner, has confirmed that Jean-Philippe Mateta will be leaving Crystal Palace this January in a recall to Mainz and then a loan move to Saint Etienne.

Bairner Tweeted:

“Jean-Philippe Mateta is set have his Crystal Palace loan terminated and will instead join Saint-Etienne.”

“Le Progres reports that Mainz (who own him), Palace and Sainté have come to an agreement over the striker.”

According to the report from Le Progres, the £30k-per-week flop is set to commit to a loan deal with the Ligue 1 side imminently, after falling out of favour at Palace.

Replacement ready to sign for Palace

Mateta has only featured in two starting line-ups in the Premier League this season, and has clearly fallen out of favour at the club, so Vieira would likely be relieved to get the centre forward off the books to make way for a much more reliable goal-scorer in Eddie Nketiah.

The £9m-rated Arsenal star who was hailed “electric” by former Leeds United player Tony Dorigo, has been heavily linked with a move to Palace in January, and he seems like he would be the perfect fit for the club when you compare him to the signings Vieira has already made.

The French manager signed two young attacking players in midfielder Conor Gallagher, and forward Odsonne Edouard in the summer, with both enjoying success in the side, and it would make sense for Nketiah to join the pair at Selhurst Park as he fits the same profile, as a promising offensive player.

Despite not being given too many chances to shine in the top-flight, with just three appearances so far this season, the striker has showcased his talents representing Arsenal in the three EFL Cup games he has played in, where he has scored five goals already, helping the Gunners to secure a spot in the semi-final.

The Eagles will be hoping to continue to pick up points in the second half of the season, and adding a prolific goal-scorer could help the side gain more wins to gain a top half finish at the end of the campaign, which would be an incredible achievement for Vieira in his first term.

In other news: Vieira could make first mistake with Aaron Ramsey signing

Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

According to a report by Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, ‘admit’ they’re signing Carlos Vinicius on a permanent deal at the end of the season – but they are ‘far’ from paying his €45 million (£41 million) loan-to-buy clause.

Tottenham ‘admit’ Vinicius desire

Vinicius, who Spurs reportedly see as the ‘ideal’ partner to Harry Kane going forward according to this report, is now at the centre of a desire from Levy and co to make his move permanent, but only for a cut price.

Backed by manager Jose Mourinho, who reportedly said the club are ‘doing well’ by going for a ‘realistic’ purchase amount, Tottenham wish to sign Vinicius as a permanent Lilywhites player but only if parent club Benfica accept a lower fee – with Levy reportedly eyeing a cut price move.

Despite originally agreeing to a £41m loan-to-buy clause last summer, Tottenham ‘admit’ their desire for Vinicius but a deal will not happen at that valuation.

Transfer Tavern take

Tottenham chiefs ‘responsible’ for this stance apparently now see the 26-year-old as Kane’s ‘ideal partner’ – backing up a recent opinion by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor who called Vinicius the ‘perfect player that Spurs need’ for that role (Football Insider).

Time will tell whether Benfica are willing to negotiate a much lower asking price for Vinicius, but Spurs reportedly wish for that to happen as this transfer admission emerges.

In other news: Tottenham could lose this ace, find out more here.

When Diogo Jota left Wolves, there was an assumption from the hierarchy that they’d get on fine this season.

Indeed, it was clear to see why that thought process was put in place. Jota scored just once in his final ten league games of 2019/20, regularly being dragged off just after the hour mark or being introduced as a substitute.

He was becoming merely a bit-part of the Wolves side so when Liverpool offered £41m to prise him away from the Midlands, Jeff Shi gladly accepted.

Little did he know, however, that Raul Jimenez would suffer a horrendous fractured skull just a matter of months into the new season.

In hindsight, Wolves’ decision to sell the Portuguese sensation looks like extremely poor business. Fabio Silva was signed as his replacement but he has scored just twice since moving from Porto for a club-record £35.6m.

Combine the fact that Adama Traore hasn’t scored all season in the league with Willian Jose’s goalless rut and the decision to sell Jota looks even worse.

On his day, the attacker is one of the best in the Premier League. Despite an injury-hit first campaign at Anfield, he has netted ten goals in only 21 outings; that includes a Champions League hat-trick.

Keep in mind Wolves currently occupy a place in the bottom half of the Premier League and it becomes evident that they need more firepower. Fortunately, the top brass at Molineux have already identified some targets.

Goncalo Guedes is one to have been linked with the Midlands but so too has Lucas Ocampos. The Sevilla winger has a pricey release clause of £62m but Wolves are hoping to tie up a deal below that valuation.

If he does move to the Premier League, he could be the ideal replacement for Jota. The Argentine is capable of playing on either wing and also through the middle; though it’s his ability to beat his man and find the net that bears the greatest similarities to the former Wolves star.

Ocampos has scored seven times this term, providing a further four assists for his troubles. However, when it comes to dribbling, there are few better in La Liga. So far this term, the £27k-per-week earner has completed 2.2 dribbles per game.

For context, there are only five players with better averages in the Spanish top tier; one of which is Lionel Messi.

If we compare this to Jota, there is a clear likeness. The Liverpool forward completed 1.9 dribbles per game last season and has managed 1.4 in this term’s Champions League.

With Wolves stuttering this season, they’d more than benefit from an extra bit of quality in the final third.

Dubbed “electric” by Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan, he looks like the ideal player to take on the mantle from Jota. This would be an inspirational addition from Shi.

AND in other news, Valued at £6.3m in 2019, now worth £31.5m: Wolves gem fast becoming a “world star”…

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is likely to remain at Anfield, partly because other clubs can’t afford him, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still unknown

The Egyptian’s future is a major talking point at the moment, with the Reds desperately hoping that their most prized asset extends his stay at the club.

It appears as though Salah and Liverpool can’t quite agree on certain aspects of a new deal and there is a stubbornness from both sides regarding the situation.

The 29-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, hence the concern surrounding a new contract being signed.

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The Latest: Jones drops positive Salah claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones backed Salah to stay at Liverpool moving forward, due in part to some of Europe’s other huge clubs not being in a good moment currently. The journalist said:

“I think the circumstances have really suited Liverpool up to this point.  Salah has definitely been wavering over this deal but, ultimately, Real Madrid and Barcelona can’t get him right now. That plays into Liverpool’s hands.

“There has been talk of Juventus and stuff, but that is not really what he had in mind.”

The Verdict: Surely he stays now?

Jones makes a fair point, with Salah surely more likely to leave if the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid were the unrivalled forces that they were a decade or so ago.

That isn’t the case, however, and Liverpool are arguably the most exciting proposition in Europe and the Premier League currently, which acts as a huge positive in their quest to extend the Egyptian’s time at Anfield.

It still feels more likely that Salah will eventually sign a new deal – if that happens, it would feel absolutely massive, given his astonishing record of 155 goals in 246 appearances for the Reds, and the fact that he should still have several years left at the very top given that he is yet to reach his 30th birthday.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool update. Read more here.

Marcel Brands should agree to a discount deal to send Everton midfielder Bernard to United Arab Emirates side Al Nasr on loan with an obligation to buy.

What’s the word?

According to Fussball Transfers, Bernard will leave Goodison Park during the final days of the January transfer window and sign a short-term deal to join Al Nasr until the end of the season.

The agreement will include a €5m (£4.5m) obligation to turn the move permanent in the summer, after he has struggled to establish a pivotal role under Carlo Ancelotti this term.

Everton chiefs had made Bernard available for a winter move as they sought to slash the club’s bloated wage bill and rid themselves of those struggling to get a look in, amid interest from Al Nasr and AS Roma in the Brazilian midfielder.

The Toffees were not expected to accept any discounts to facilitate Bernard’s departure, with a £9m price tag slapped on the £120,000-per-week playmaker who had spoken with Roma boss Paulo Fonseca over a move to the Serie A side.

Everton’s stance led the Giallorossi to end their pursuit, having found the Blues difficult to negotiate with during talks over a potential swap deal involving goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

Bernard thus looked likely to stay at Goodison Park, where he has started just two of his six Premier League appearances this season, but may now be set for a move to Saudi Arabia.

Should Everton accept Al Nasr’s offer?

Bernard is clearly far from Ancelotti’s immediate thinking when deciding how best to secure Everton a European qualifying berth, and may be as far from the fore as ever before after Lucas Digne was selected at left-midfield over the Brazilian against Leicester City on Wednesday.

It was the second time in successive Premier League games that Ancelotti favoured fielding Digne in a wide midfield role over Bernard, and once again opted to leave the former Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker on the bench throughout the 90 minutes

Former England international Carlton Palmer recently spoke exclusively with Football FanCast and voiced confidence in Everton agreeing a deal to sell Bernard ahead of Monday’s (February 1) deadline, as there is no reason for the Brazilian to stay at Goodison Park if he is not playing.

The 28-year-old has now been left as an unused substitute in 12 top-flight fixtures this term, while being given only the final 23 minutes of the Blues’ FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday, as Bernard continues to bleed majority owner Farhad Moshiri dry on his vastly lucrative contract.

The £13.5m-rated maestro may have been signed as a free agent in 2018, but has now cost Everton £15.5m in wages over his 129 weeks as a Toffees player and with little to show for it. Bernard has scored just seven goals and provided seven assists in 77 games.

If Al Nasr have slapped a formal bid down on the table for Bernard, Brands should see little reason in not accepting the offer and ridding Everton of the midfielder who Darren Bent claims often “flatters to deceive” when given a chance to show his true talents.

AND in other news, Everton are in talks over the future of a £6.5m-rated flop courted by several sides…

Southampton have been linked with Giorgos Giakoumakis recently and the Greek striker could add a completely new dimension to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attack next season, should he make the move to St Mary’s this summer.

The Saints were linked with the VVV Venlo star recently, with TEAMtalk suggesting that the South Coast club, along with Norwich City and Brighton, were keen on bringing him to the Premier League this summer.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Eredivisie, contributing 26 goals in just 30 appearances in the Dutch top-flight, which has helped him average a superb 7.30 rating from WhoScored.

It is not just his goals that would make him an excellent fit at Southampton however.

While Giakoumakis may only be six foot tall, he has averaged four aerials won per game in the Eredivisie this season, which is more than any Southampton player has managed in the Premier League, with six foot six Jannik Vestergaard’s 3.4 aerials won per game the best of any player in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

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Danny Ings and Che Adams, Southampton’s main strike force this season, have managed 0.8 and 1.5 aerials won per game respectively, which suggests that going long isn’t really a viable option for Hasenhuttl at the moment. Meanwhile, Southampton have attempted the third-fewest crosses of any team in the Premier League this season, suggesting that they need a striker who can capitalise from crosses into the box.

Giakoumakis would certainly add that, as he is obviously a threat in the air as well as on the ground, and would surely capitalise from the quality of crosses that James Ward-Prowse can deliver from set-piece situations at Southampton.

Therefore, with recent reports suggesting that the “very special” striker could be prised away from VVV Venlo for less than £10m this summer, Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to bring him to St Mary’s, as he could offer something completely different in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

And, in other news… Southampton could sign their ideal Ings heir with swoop for “magnificent” 19-goal beast

Serge Aurier has been at Tottenham Hotspur since Mauricio Pochettino signed him in 2017 from PSG but Paul Stewart, who scored in Spurs’s 1991 FA Cup final victory, spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about how now is the time for the full-back to leave.

In a somewhat surprising move, Pochettino has been linked with a move for Aurier in what would be a surprising reunion with the full-back, considering how his last 12 months were like in Paris.

Spurs have struggled with the right-back position this season as neither Aurier, Matt Doherty or Japhet Tanganga have managed to cement a regular starting spot under either Jose Mourinho or Ryan Mason.

Aurier, who just two months ago was handed a 3/10 rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold following his display against Dinamo Zagreb, has worked under three different managers at Tottenham having made 110 appearances but his time could be up this summer, Stewart spoke exclusively to FFC:

“He’s been poor but I did hear that he’s been linked with PSG so I think it would be good business to let him go. Would PSG want him with Pochettino there? I can’t see it, but he does need to leave Tottenham.

“That is why I keep talking about the defence and how that’s where we’ve got to improve before we even think about moving forward.”

Spurs have been linked with Janik Vestergaard at Southampton as they look to improve an outstanding weakness that has been in their team for several seasons.

For years, Tottenham had a solid centre back pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld but since the former departed for Benfica last summer they appear to have struggled all the way across the backline.