Liverpool must bring in numerous players to get fans excited for next season following a so far disappointing campaign, according to Matt Addison.

The Lowdown: Another setback

The Reds’ miserable campaign suffered another blow after they were pulled apart by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3-0 defeat at Molineux.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are floundering in tenth place in the Premier League and 11 points behind the top four and Champions League qualification, with defeat at relegation threatened Wolves another unacceptable result and performance.

Liverpool had the chance to potentially turn the tide on their season in the January transfer window but the sole arrival of forward Cody Gakpo for £37m has so far failed to solve their issues, with yet him to score or assist in six games in Merseyside.

The Latest: Addison’s comments

Speaking on the Blood Red live stream following the Wolves defeat, Addison claimed that the Reds must go big in the summer not just to add quality but to get the fans excited for a fresh campaign come the summer, saying:

(10:07) “They’re going to have to spend big whatever happens in the summer, even if they don’t have Champions League football, even if Jude Bellingham decides he wants to go somewhere else.

“There’s no choice really they’ve got to go out, they’ve got to make 3, 4, 5 signings, they’ve got to have a clear out, players are coming to the end of their contracts, there are going to be changes within this Liverpool squad.”

The Verdict: Overhaul needed?

Liverpool are on the verge of a crisis given their miserable form, ownership concerns with Fenway Sports Group looking for new investors to the club (via Liverpool Echo) and currently facing the prospect of losing six first-team players when their contracts set to expire at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).

Problems regarding FSG’s potential sale of the club mean that they’ll be reluctant to spend given their intention to limit their financial impact in the club, which then leaves the departure of first-teamers for free difficult to contend with amid limited funds available to replace them alongside other incomings likely wanted by Klopp.

The Anfield outfit have been heavily linked with a swoop for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham with the Liverpool Echo reporting that Enzo Fernandez’s British record move to Chelsea worth £107m will almost certainly see Dortmund want more for the teenager, throwing up another question of quality or quantity in the window considering potentially more limited spending.

Leeds United had reportedly made a move to sign a new player earlier in the window and could reaffirm that now to secure one last transfer this deadline day…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, who spoke to GIVEMESPORT late last night on the Whites’ pursuit of Ayoze Perez.

The Leicester City forward has been well out of favour at the King Power and could be handed a new lease of life with a move to Yorkshire.

Jacobs claimed:

“Leeds actually made an inquiry early in the window but didn’t follow up on it. And it’s again a classic example of a club that perhaps just leave something on the back-burner and then maybe is persuaded to move late in the window.”

That notion at the end of his claim is what suggests there is still life in this potential deal for director of football Victor Orta, having already taken one look at him this month.

Imagine him and Rutter

Having already secured the signing of Georginio Rutter earlier in this window, it is highly unlikely that the arrival of Perez would see him take precedence in the starting lineup.

The Spaniard has struggled of late for the Foxes and has seen his chances diminish with each passing season. This is particularly surprising given how the £45k-per-week dynamo started life after his £30m move from Newcastle United, with a respectable eight goals and four assists in the league.

However, it was on Tyneside where he truly excelled, especially in a strike partnership with Salomon Rondon.

The two quickly formed a deadly dynamic and terrorised plenty of Premier League defences with their physicality, work rate and clinical finishing.

As such, across 195 games for the Magpies, he scored 48 goals and assisted 17.

He could strike up a similar relationship with Rutter, who looked incredibly lively as he was welcomed to English football in the FA Cup. Against Accrington Stanley, he was successful in two of his three attempted dribbles, completed one key pass and, although he missed them, did well to fashion openings for two big chances (via Sofascore).

To add a tireless finisher like Perez beside the creativity of Rutter could be just as effective as the 29-year-old’s old partner in crime.

Always capable of producing something “special” – as lauded by Alan Pardew – his link-up with Rutter could be legendary in Jesse Marsch’s bid to ensure top-flight safety.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has already showcased his willingness to look towards the youth ranks during his time at St James’ Park, with promising playmaker Elliot Anderson seemingly the most notable success story of recent times.

For all the importance of continuing to push for silverware and a Champions League berth, it may also seemingly be in the club’s long-term plan to keep promoting exciting youngsters from the academy, with that approach likely to help the Tynesiders save millions on possible new recruits.

One such asset who is seemingly destined to make the step-up in the near future is 20-year-old starlet Matthew Bondswell, with the “highly rated” left-back (as per journalist Sarah Clapson) having been involved in Howe’s pre-season plans.

Although that has yet to lead to a competitive Magpies debut at first-team level, the former RB Leipzig gem – who was previously on the books at Nottingham Forest – has no doubt caught the eye of late, having previously been described as “outstanding” by Kieran Trippier.

The Nottingham native – who failed to feature while on loan at Shrewsbury Town last season – has sparkled in Newcastle’s youth setup so far this term with one assist from his 12 outings across all fronts, having initially signed for the Tyneside club in 2021.

The Magpies could seemingly have a real gem on their hands if they are to put faith in Bondswell any time soon, with the former England U18 international having previously been likened to Real Madrid star David Alaba, due to his ‘God-given athleticism, cultured left foot and … malleability’, as per the official Bundesliga website.

The pair are also alike due to their ability to feature in a variety of roles, including centre-back or central midfield. That bodes well for the impact that Bondswell could make in Howe’s side at St James’ Park.

To be compared to the Austria international is high praise indeed, with Alaba having enjoyed a lengthy and glittering career at the elite level, previously racking up 431 appearances during his spell at Bayern Munich, where he won 27 trophies.

Now at the Bernabeu, the versatile 30-year-old – who also has 98 caps for his country – has already scored five goals and provided seven assists in 70 games in all competitions for the La Liga giants, having previously been lauded as “one of the best in the world” by former Bayern team-mate Joshua Kimmich.

To potentially have their own version of the experienced rock is no doubt a mouthwatering thought as far as Newcastle are concerned, with Bondswell perhaps able to stake his claim for a more prominent role in Howe’s squad in the years to come.

Newcastle United could yet seal a last-minute deal to bring Conor Gallagher to St James’ Park on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Luke Edwards, who revealed in a live update on The Telegraph on Monday morning that, despite Chelsea being unwilling to loan the midfielder to a direct rival for a top-four spot in the Premier League, the Magpies will nevertheless launch a further enquiry for the 22-year-old in the coming hours.

The journalist went on to state that, while the Blues are demanding a fee in excess of £50m for the England international – which might put the youngster out of the Magpies’ price range – Eddie Howe’s side could still complete a deal at this figure prior to tonight’s deadline by bringing forward some of their summer transfer budget.

“Extraordinary”

While it is true that Gallagher has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Chelsea XI this season – starting just nine of his 18 top-flight outings – considering the remarkable performances the midfielder turned in during a season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace last time out, the argument that Howe must launch a late bid for the 22-year-old is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 34 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £38.5m-rated talent was in fantastic attacking form, bagging eight goals, providing three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £50k-per-week midfielder also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 2.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 47% – per match, as well as enjoying an average of 51.6 touches, finding his man with 1.4 long balls and completing 25.1 total passes – at a success rate of 81% – per fixture.

These returns saw the four-cap international who Mark Duffy dubbed “unreal” average an incredibly impressive Sofascore statistical rating of 7.08, ranking him as the Eagles’ best performer in the league last season.

Rather unsurprisingly, the 22-year-old’s performances in south London saw him come in for a considerable amount of praise, with ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stating of the midfielder last year: “His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and he has made a huge step in his development.

“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”

As such, with Jonjo Shelvey now looking set to seal a late switch to Nottingham Forest, it would appear even more essential for Howe to add another midfielder to his current options at St James’ Park, with Gallagher undoubtedly representing an extraordinary last-minute signing for Newcastle to get over the line on deadline day.

Former Premier League player Jose Enrique claims that Arsenal central defender Gabriel Magalhaes is the most underrated player in the top flight.

The Lowdown: Solid partnership

Gabriel and William Saliba have formed a solid partnership at centre-back for Arsenal so far this season, conceding just 17 goals in 20 Premier League games between them, the second-best record in the division.

Saliba especially has rightfully received plenty of praise for his performances this term, with the media taken back by how impressive he is after a loan spell out in France with Marseille last campaign.

However, Enrique does not think that Gabriel is getting enough plaudits for his performances as well.

The Latest: Most underrated player?

Responding to a tweet asking who the Premier League’s most underrated player is, Enrique has claimed that it is Gabriel:

“Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal. Everyone talking about Saliba because he is younger etc but Gabriel has been the best centre-back in the league and he is still 25. But is true that is many options out there like Mitoma, James Ward-Prowse, Martinelli and many more.”

The Verdict: Needs more plaudits

Gabriel certainly needs more plaudits in comparison to his centre-back partner Saliba.

The Brazilian is actually averaging more tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per game in the Premier League than the 21-year-old, and has not missed a minute of action under Mikel Arteta, showing how much his manager rates him.

Nonetheless, the Gunners are lucky to have both centre-halves playing so well together at this moment in time, and there is no doubt that they need to keep both of them fit if they are to keep up their title charge for the latter stages of the season.

Everton are running out of time to bolster their attacking threat at Goodison Park with only a few hours left in the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged on a late swoop for a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are in advanced talks to sign forward Andre Ayew.

As per the report, the player – who is currently a free agent after breaking his contract with Al-Sadd – could make his return to Premier League football via the blue side of Merseyside with Everton keen to secure the services of a forward.

Due to the fact that he is not tied to a contract, the club will be able to negotiate a deal beyond tonight’s deadline should they need to.

Dyche’s next Chris Wood

Sean Dyche is only just settling into his new role in the North West as his appointment was only confirmed yesterday by the club, however, the former Burnley boss will surely be stuck into making sure he can save Everton from relegation this season.

The Toffees are currently 19th in the Premier League after 20 outings with the second-worst goal tally in the entire top flight, so the attacking roles in the team are something the newly-appointed manager will need to address as soon as possible to get the side picking up crucial points over their remaining fixtures.

Over 527 career appearances, Ayew has scored 157 goals and registered 58 assists with a goal contribution every 186 minutes so far and has tallied up 113 caps for his native Ghana, proving that he is a player who has a lot of experience and most importantly Premier League experience.

The 33-year-old titan has played four seasons in the English top flight with spells at both West Ham United and Swansea City accumulating 89 appearances and 21 goals.

Dyche could even land his next Chris Wood with the signing of Ayew as just like the Nottingham Forest striker, the veteran forward has been a journeyman over his career playing for seven different clubs but has never struggled to find the back of the net wherever he has been.

That fact ensures he could well hit the ground running in Merseyside quickly, with the Ghanaian possessing the ability to be Dyche’s next Wood-esque attacker who rescues his side from a wretched relegation battle.

Wood was often the saviour during his spell at the wrong end of the table with the Clarets, bagging 53 times in 165 games under the new Everton manager’s tutelage.

Although Ayew has earned most of his experience on the left wing, he has also often been found in the striker role and in the opposite wide-forward position too, so can offer Dyche cover across many positions in the forward line with ease.

With that being said, it would be a good piece of business for the powerbrokers in Goodison Park, however, the player is in the latter stages of his career and will not likely be the long-term solution that is so desperately needed to replace Anthony Gordon and Richarlison’s contributions.

BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck has given his injury verdict on Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.

The Lowdown: Isak takes head knock

Isak suffered a potential knock to his head for Eddie Howe’s side in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against fellow Premier League opposition Southampton.

James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick struck the Swede in the face and he immediately hit the deck. The substitute was then substituted and Jamaal Lascelles would then take his place on the pitch.

The Magpies would end up winning 2-1 at St James’ Park thanks to a Sean Longstaff brace early on in the first half.

The Latest: Raisbeck makes injury claim

Raisbeck claimed that Isak could miss their clash this weekend against West Ham United due to the suspected head injury when speaking on the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast.

He stated: “We’re not sure of the situation at this point.

“It is possible that Isak will have to sit out the West Ham game on Saturday, but we can’t say for certain right now whether that will be the case and he said that they made the substitution because Isak wasn’t feeling great.

“So that would be a blow for them another player that they would miss but they have to follow the rules.”

The Verdict: Rules are rules

When it comes to head injuries and suspected concussions, it’s always better safe than sorry as it could have severe damage if those safety precautions aren’t taken.

In our view losing Isak will definitely be a blow as he’s contributed a lot in the few games he’s featured for Newcastle and it’s not the first team he’s been out with an injury.

We believe that it’s better for a player to miss a game and rest them than it is to rush them back and run the risk of them missing multiple games or sustaining a long-term knock.

Howe and his team will make the assessment on Isak’s situation and will definitely prioritise his safety and well-being.

Should the 23-year-old not be available, we see this as a great opportunity for Callum Wilson to boost his confidence in a black and white shirt.

Wilson’s last goal for the Magpies came against Aston Villa back in November, but with West Ham being in a poor run of form it’s a great chance for him to end his goal drought in our view.

Leeds United are yet to make an approach for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, according to Phil Hay for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou linked with Leeds

The Whites were quickly linked with a move for the Hoops boss after parting ways with Jesse Marsch last Monday. The Australian was believed to be on the radar at Elland Road, with recent reports suggesting that a move was still possible.

Postecoglou has admitted that he will not be distracted by the “noise” of rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League, and it seems as if Leeds are yet to make an official move for the 57-year-old.

The Latest: No approach for Postecoglou – so far

Reliable Leeds reporter Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Saturday regarding Leeds’ search for a new manager.

When it came to Postecoglou, the reporter claimed that no approach has been made so far, although ‘Leeds are not oblivious to the Australian’s impact at Parkhead’.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed that he stays

Postecoglou has transformed Celtic after taking over in the summer of 2021, taking them back into the Champions League group stage after a five-year absence, and it does feel inevitable that he will take on a Premier League job at some point.

However, Celtic will be hoping that now isn’t the right time for him to exit, with the Hoops on course for back-to-back Premiership titles under the 57-year-old.

Postecoglou’s contract at Parkhead does expire in the summer, so it could be a wise move by club chiefs to try and extend that deal and potentially insert a release clause, should both parties wish to do so.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Toney

It was reported earlier this season that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici was eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window, but Spurs instead chose to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Right-back Pedro Porro was brought in on a £5m loan deal with a £39m obligation to buy, while winger Arnaut Danjuma arrived on loan, with Antonio Conte choosing to wait until the summer before signing an out-and-out striker.

The Latest: Spurs keeping close tabs on Toney

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Toney, who is currently holding talks with Brentford about a new contract.

The implication is that if these discussions do not go to plan, Spurs could swoop in for the 26-year-old, considering Richarlison and Heung-min Son are said to be struggling for form, with the duo managing only 10 goals in 48 appearances combined this season.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Tottenham have Harry Kane at their disposal, who recently broke Jimmy Greaves’ record as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, it may be difficult to attract Toney, as he knows that he will almost certainly be playing second fiddle to the England captain in N17.

That said, if they are able to tempt the ‘sensational’ 26-year-old (as dubbed by presenter Ste Howson) into a move to north London, he would be a fantastic signing. That much is indicated by his superb scoring record in the Premier League this season, netting 13 times in 19 outings and also weighing in with three assists.

His prolific goal return for Brentford – 61 goals in 110 appearances – begs the question as to just how prolific he could be in a team of Tottenham’s calibre, and Paratici should continue to monitor the progress of contract talks at the Gtech Community Stadium over the coming weeks.

Leicester City have picked out Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a major summer transfer target, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Leicester’s goalkeeper options

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel completed a move to Ligue 1 side Nice in the last summer transfer window after 11 years with the club, leaving Brendan Rodgers with Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen to choose from between the sticks.

Ward has been the first choice for the Foxes, making 21 appearances in the Premier League, but Rodgers is now looking for a younger replacement for Schmeichel, with Patterson seemingly fitting the bill.

The Latest: Patterson targeted

According to a report from The Sun, Leicester have made the Sunderland shot-stopper a major target, although they will face competition for his signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers said to be interested.

It is also claimed that the Black Cats could look to cash-in on their keeper for a fee of around £10m if they fail to get promoted from the Championship this season.

The Verdict: Get it done

In the top flight this term, Ward has shipped 37 goals, the second-highest total of any goalkeeper in the league, and while the Leicester backline is also culpable for the poor defensive record, there are indications that the Welshman is not up to the required standard.

Journalist Rob Tanner has suggested that the defence do not trust their goalkeeper, with this comment following the claim that he has had a ‘tough start’ replacing Schmeichel, and so the Foxes should look to bring in a younger option in the summer.

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Nicky Crosby, Patterson has been in exceptional form for the Black Cats this season, recently making three saves from inside the box and receiving the highest match rating of any player in a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough.

The Sunderland youth product is averaging less goals against and a better save percentage per 90 than Ward over the past year, and given that he is just 22, he has plenty of time to develop into a top goalkeeper, capable of making the starting spot his for years to come.