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Liverpool are believed to be monitoring the situation of a “very impressive” 23-year-old, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Liverpool transfer news

After a quiet summer in the transfer market, Reds supporters will hope to see more new faces arrive in the coming windows, with Marc Guehi still seen as a potential target. The England international ended up staying put at Crystal Palace earlier in the summer, but a move away is still being mooted in January.

Georgiy Sudakov is another player who has been mentioned as a possible target for Liverpool, with the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder seen as a talented young player with a big future in the game.

A long-term replacement for 30-year-old Andy Robertson needs to be found at some point, and it looks as though Alvaro Carreras could be an option at left-back. The Benfica ace has a reported £42m release clause in his current contract, with Real Madrid also eyeing a move for him.

Meanwhile, Andrija Maksimovic has also been linked with joining Liverpool, with the Red Star Belgrade teenager a midfielder with a lot of potential.

Liverpool eyeing "very impressive" ace

According to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are among the clubs eyeing Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup as they potentially look for more depth in the middle of the park.

However, Manchester United, Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also mentioned as potential suitors, with all of them “tracking” his development.

Frendrup could be an astute signing for Liverpool, being seen as an alternative to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who they missed out on in the summer transfer window.

While Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been outstanding in a double pivot this season, a more out-and-out No 6 could be needed, with Wataru Endo not quite at the level required and now an ageing player.

In Frendrup, Liverpool could have a great option in that respect, with the Denmark international averaging 2.8 tackles per game in Serie A this season, the best in his team and at a superior tally to any Reds player in the 2024/25 Premier League to date. Mac Allister leads the way on 2.6, followed by Trent Alexander-Arnold (2.4).

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Dane, too, saying: “Morten Frendrup is a humble young man, but he is very passionate on a football pitch. His main strength is his defensive capabilities. His ability to read the game is very impressive, and he will make a lot of interceptions during a game. He is also quite fast, which allows him to often track down his opponents that are looking to create chances.”

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At 23, there is still so much more to come from Frendrup, who may feel that now is the right time to enjoy a bigger challenge in his career, and he could offer something different for the Reds in terms of his tenacity off the ball.

Julen Lopetegui has seemingly already identified a key problem area at Wolves, with reports suggesting that the Spaniard wants to bring centre-back Javi Sanchez to Molineux in January.

What’s the word?

According to Caught Offside, Wolves have already made contact with Real Valladolid about potentially signing the 25-year-old defender, with a fee of €15m (£13m) likely to be enough to prise him away from the La Liga side.

Loptegui worked with Sanchez during his time at Real Madrid and is said to rate him highly so Wolves are clearly keen to get a deal done, despite the 6 foot 2 defender only signing a new deal with Juan José Rojo Martín’s side in the summer.

Wolves’ lack of centre-back options has already been exposed at times this season, with Nathan Collins’ sending-off against Manchester City forcing the Old Gold to either utilise Ruben Neves in defence or start the inexperienced Toti at the back.

An ideal Coady heir?

Bruno Lage inexplicably allowed club captain Conor Coady to join Everton on loan during the summer transfer window and Wolves have desperately missed him so far this season, shipping 22 goals so far in the top flight, compared to just 43 across the entirety of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Everton, meanwhile, have conceded eight goals fewer than Wolves and have utilised Coady in a back four, which was seemingly the main reason Lage allowed him to join the Toffees in the first place, with the Portuguese manager also strengthening what could be a direct rival in a relegation battle this season.

Therefore, it is clear that Lopetegui needs to bring in a centre-back during the January window and Sanchez could be the ideal man, as he has been a regular at Valladolid since joining initially on loan in 2019, making 67 appearances and contributing three goals and one assist.

This season has seen the 25-year-old average a strong 6.70 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Spain’s top flight, which would rank him as the second-best performer in Wolves’ squad, ahead of all other defenders.

He has also averaged more interceptions and clearances than both Collins and Max Kilman so far this season, which suggests that he could be a superior option in the heart of the defence, perhaps filling the void left by Coady’s departure.

Everton have struck gold by appointing Frank Lampard, a manager who has not only improved the performances of the first team but has an eye for young talent that have become superstars in their own right.

Reece James, Mason Mount, Tariq Lamptey and Marc Guehi are just some of the hottest young English prospects the former Chelsea boss gave Premier League debuts to when he was managing the squad at Stamford Bridge.

James and Mount have gone on to be regular England internationals featuring in the squad that were the first to reach an international final since 1966 last year at the Euros, and both played a crucial part in Chelsea’s Champions League victory just six months after Lampard was sacked.

As a result, the promising prospects in the Everton academy on Merseyside will surely be hoping that they can become the manager’s next big breakthrough and there is one youth player in particular who could be Lampard’s next Mount.

Everton U21 star Charlie Whitaker signed a brand new contract yesterday, agreeing a three-year deal that keeps him at the club until June 2025.

The talented attacking midfielder – who was dubbed an “undoubted talent” by Kevin Thelwell – name-dropped Lampard as one of his inspirations for the way he plays upon signing his extension on Tuesday:

“As a kid, Frank Lampard was someone I looked up to and to learn from him now has been terrific.”

Just like Mount, Whitaker is an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and a creative mindset that allows him to be a versatile threat in his advanced role on the pitch.

The 19-year-old has scored 20 goals and registered nine assists over his 64 appearances across the Everton U18s and U21s with a goal contribution every 154 minutes.

This season over his three appearances in the EFL Trophy, Whitaker has been a standout performer, scoring one goal and delivering one assist, as well as averaging 2.7 tackles, 2.3 key passes and 2.7 shots per game, proving that he is becoming a player Lampard will struggle to ignore as he continues to flourish.

Whitaker is comfortable operating in all three positions across the front three as well as the attacking midfield role and could be the perfect answer to Everton’s much-needed refresh in the forward line and has already had the opportunity to train with the first team on many occasions.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for Whitaker and if he continues to flourish in the Everton U21s and first-team training sessions, there is no doubt that the talented midfielder will catch Lampard’s eye in no time at all.

Everton could have already found their replacement for Frank Lampard, should they call time on his tumultuous reign at Goodison Park…

What’s the latest?

As per Alan Nixon, speaking on his Patreon, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is being lined up for the role after concerns have mounted regarding the Toffees’ recent form.

The hierarchy at the club are thought to already be keen on the Australian due to his “straight-talking” nature and the “fast and attractive football” for which he is renowned.

With the 57-year-old also sharing an agent with Lampard, there is already a small link between the manager and the club. Perhaps they could soon act on it to make a swift managerial swap and welcome in the serial winner.

He’s a Lampard upgrade

Although the Chelsea legend still has credit in the bank with the Merseyside club following his heroics last season, recent results have seen fans somewhat question his credibility and ability to lead them back to where they will feel they belong.

Despite a summer of extensive recruitment, where eight major deals were completed, it seems yet to have the desired effect on their league position.

With a far more well-rounded squad than the one last season, Lampard’s current failures are only exacerbated.

This has culminated in their three-game losing streak in all competitions, of which they twice travelled to Bournemouth only to lose by three-goal margins on both occasions.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou once again has his team comfortably atop the Scottish Premiership table, with just one loss and 14 wins so far this campaign.

This aforementioned attractive football has also resulted in an astounding 50 goals scored in just 15 games.

He also earned praise for his work in wrestling back the league title from Rangers as he completed the league and cup double during the 2021/22 season.

Having earned impressive success in Australia previously, in Scotland he has restored the stranglehold Celtic previously had on the division with sensational football and an intelligent recruitment style.

It led Arvind Hickman to label his work at Celtic Park an “incredible job”, lauding the “brilliant decision” made by the club to appoint him.

Boasting far more experience and a clear exciting style of play to be implemented, perhaps Farhad Moshiri could make that same brilliant decision to snatch him for the Merseyside outfit and gain a seismic upgrade on Lampard in the process.

Leeds United have once again been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha.

The Lowdown: Previous Leeds links

The Whites were heavily linked with a move for Cunha last year when he was with Hertha Berlin. As we know, a move to Elland Road failed to materialise, with the Brazilian joining Atletico in a deal worth €26m (£22.7m).

Since then, the 23-year-old has scored seven times and registered eight assists in 54 games for the La Liga giants, and it seems that he could be on the move again in 2023.

The Latest: Leeds name-checked again

According to reports from Spain, Atletico will listen to offers for a number of players in the New Year, one of whom is Cunha.

The report said that ‘interest has already arrived from England’, with Leeds and Manchester United labelled as ‘the first candidates to bid for Cunha’.

Cunha is thought to be valued at €30m-€35m (£26.3m-£30.6m), adding that ‘the financial situation of the English clubs make the islands the most likely destination’, which seems to indicate that money shouldn’t be an issue for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Leeds chiefs will know all about Cunha, with former Hertha head coach Bruno Labbadia labelling the player as ‘something special’.

He hasn’t had the best of times in Spain, although he showed his quality in the Bundesliga and is still relatively young at the age of 23.

The Whites may well be on the hunt for attacking additions in January, and with Cunha capable of playing anywhere across the front three, he could be of interest once again in 2023.

Talented Aston Villa youngster Rory Wilson is expected to sign his first professional contract at the club, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Wilson impressing at Villa

The 16-year-old is making a name for himself at Villa Park with some eye-catching performances at youth team level, having joined from Rangers back in July.

Wilson has scored four goals in just five appearances for the Under-18s, leading the line in expert fashion despite not yet turning 17 years of age.

Once he hits that birthday milestone, he will be able to sign his first professional deal as a footballer, and it looks as though it is on the cards.

The Latest: First professional deal expected

Taking to Twitter, Preece confirmed that Wilson is set to sign on the dotted line at Villa, committing his future to them:

“Rory Wilson – 9 goals in 11 apps this season for #avfc and Scotland – expected to sign first pro deal.”

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Wilson looks to be a hugely promising young player with a bright future, with his eye for goal already standing out at such a tender age.

The Villa youngster has also scored 12 times in 13 caps for Scotland’s Under-17s, which is a phenomenal return, and he is someone who will hopefully mature into a formidable first-team player eventually.

Planning for the years ahead is always vital for the Villans, as well as ensuring that there is a nucleus of homegrown talent, and Wilson ticks both of those boxes.

Leeds United have been handed another chance to move in for a summer transfer target…

What’s the latest?

As per CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, the Whites might look to move in for Charles De Ketelaere, as they remain keen on bringing him to Elland Road despite having lost out to AC Milan in the summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs claimed:

“There is a feeling at Leeds’ end that they want to be kept abreast of the situation because there is a feeling that perhaps, from Milan’s point of view, he isn’t enjoying things there.

“That might give Leeds an opportunity – potentially only on a loan – to get back inside De Ketelaere’s head and do something in January.

“Paolo Maldini at Milan has said many times that it’s a shame about the situation because he’s suffered since the move. It’s a new environment, it’s different kinds of pressures. He’s there on a five-year contract and he’s only been there a few months.

“So, we have to wait and see whether there’s a window of opportunity for Leeds United to perhaps give De Ketelaere something to think about.”

Ideal scenario

During their summer pursuit, it seemed like a huge blow to miss out on a man who had just scored 18 times and assisted ten for Club Brugge.

However, since his move to the Italian capital, his form has taken a huge nosedive.

Yet to score at his new club, his performances have earned scathing criticism despite his youth. Journalist James Marshment even went as far as to claim that Jesse Marsch had “dodged a bullet”.

Despite this, he is still averaging 1.2 key passes per game and although he has created four big chances, he has only been credited with one assist.

This poor form could have created the perfect scenario for Leeds however, who could still get their man on loan to essentially test out whether he is cut out for the Premier League.

If he succeeds then they can reignite their interest, and if not, then they saved themselves the €35m (£30m) transfer fee and £46k-per-week wages.

Clearly boasting immense talent for a 21-year-old, which spurred Gert Verheyen to describe him as someone who “combines efficiency with beautiful football”, things arguably could not have worked out better for Marsch should they sign him this January.

Liverpool have shortlisted Napoli star Piotr Zielinski as a target alongside Jude Bellingham, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Liverpool eye Bellingham move…

It’s no secret that the Premier League giants hold a very serious interest in the Borussia Dortmund sensation, as multiple reports have suggested over the past few months.

When compared to England’s top two current teams Manchester City and Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp’s side are arguably bereft of midfield depth and need to significantly invest in key areas to get back challenging for major honours again.

Bellingham could be the perfect target given his all-round ability and phenomenal form for Dortmund this season, but if he is deemed out of reach, it appears that Liverpool have shortlisted a few alternatives – including Zielinski.

The Latest: Liverpool also eyeing Zielinski…

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, writing on his website, the Poland international is now a target for the Reds.

The 28-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup in Qatar, joins Liverpool’s shortlist alongside other midfield targets like Bellingham, Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Mikel Merino.

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The Verdict: Good alternative?

Called a ‘beautiful footballer’ by former Poland national team boss Paulo Sousa, Zielinski’s current deal expires in 2024 and contains a £94m release clause.

However, Napoli are arguably quite likely to agree to a much lower fee than that, given that his contract has just over 18 months left to run.

The Serie A leaders could be pressured into agreeing a lower fee, and Zielinski could be worth the effort from Liverpool considering that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti – no stranger to working with elite footballers – thinks he is a ‘complete’ player.

Highly-rated Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous is good enough to join Celtic, according to a claim from coach John Hughes.

The Lowdown: Old Firm battle

The 23-year-old has matured into an impressive young player in the Scottish Premiership, becoming an undisputed key man for Hibs, despite his tender years.

Porteous has been described as ‘excellent’ by goalkeeper Craig Gordon and has already made a total of 151 appearances for his current club.

His current Hibs deal expires at the end of this season though, leading to links with the league’s powerhouses, as both the Bhoys and rivals Rangers are reportedly battling to sign him.

The Latest: Porteous good enough for Celtic

Speaking to The Daily Record, Hughes claimed that Porteous is good enough for either club, although the same article claims that Rangers won’t sign him:

“One hundred per cent Porto has a target on his back and he’s been hard done by. But that goes with the territory of being a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.

“Maybe that’s a reason to get out of Scotland. I don’t know. But at the same time he has been capped by Scotland because he has all those qualities.

“He has become a much better footballer over the last couple of years too. And he is still evolving and will be even better. Nothing intimidates Ryan. Going to Ibrox is not a problem for him. That’s the kind of guy you want in your team.

“A lot of people mention his temperament. If you take that out him then you’re not getting the same player.

“In terms of determination, commitment and putting your body on the line then all your best players have that edge and it’s a case of managing it. Sometimes I needed to start a fight to get wound up and get the best out of myself. Take that hunger and desire out of Porto and you don’t have the same player.

“It’s what makes him one of the favourites at Easter Road. The way he has progressed over the last couple of years he is good enough for the Old Firm. Definitely.

“I have no idea where he will end up but I’d expect it will be down south. He has all the qualities to go on and be a top, top defender.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Hoops

Porteous could be a brilliant signing by Celtic, coming in as a talented homegrown prospect with a high ceiling in the coming years and with the added bonus of beating the Gers to his signature.

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To have already played such a hefty number of games for Hibs at just 23 speaks volumes about his ability and he could provide competition for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vicker and Carl Starfelt at centre-back.

The fact that Porteous has represented Scotland at senior, Under-21 and Under-19 further highlights his quality, and considering he would be available on a free transfer in the summer, it could be a no-brainer for Celtic.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare for January…

As the 2022 World Cup in Qatar slowly draws to a close, clubs throughout the Premier League will be preparing their assaults on the January transfer window.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici are thought to be after an upgrade at right-wing-back alongside various other positions, including going forward.

Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko is said to be on their north London radar, yet according to reporter Galetti, he isn’t the only attacker they’re considering from the Bundesliga side.

The Latest: Tottenham could sign Malen…

The Italian journalist hints, via Twitter, that Tottenham could sign forward Malen and has urged supporters to ‘keep an eye’ on the situation.

He explained:

“Keep an eye on #Tottenham for Donyell #Malen.  The #BVB left-winger is catching the attention of some clubs in , and #THFC is one of them.”

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The Verdict: Great player…

Praised as having ‘extraordinary ability’ by former Dortmund boss Marco Rose, the 23-year-old has also been likened to former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez who once lit up the English top flight.

Comparisons of that nature perhaps exemplify his threat and real potential in the final third, something which is arguably needed at Spurs if they’re to qualify for the Champions League again this season.

A tricky player, only Jude Bellingham has attracted more fouls per 90 than Malen out of Dortmund’s regular players with more than two starts (WhoScored).

He’s also averaged their second-highest rate of key passes per 90 in the league over 2022/2023 – again displaying his real flair.