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Liverpool’s most recent outings in the Premier League offered a slant of sunshine at what appeared to be the end of the storm, but the tempestuous winds have engulfed Anfield once again following a dreadful defensive disintegration against Real Madrid that has reminded the club just how deep the wounds run.

At the epicentre of the misfortune once again was defender Joe Gomez, who was declared to have had an ‘absolute mare of a game’ by one source on Twitter, which adds to an unhealthy line of torrid displays during the mounting pressure on Liverpool’s performances.

And with no respite in sight for the England international, manager Jurgen Klopp must now consider a brazen move to offer academy prospect Billy Koumetio a regular spot in the senior set-up as he continues to tinker away at the most auspicious formula for success this season.

At his zenith, Gomez was an integral component to Liverpool’s formerly imperious system, playing 28 Premier League matches during the Reds’ Premier League-winning campaign in 2019/20, but too often has he been driven into the dirt this season, failing to exude confidence and composure in definitive moments.

His horror show against Los Blancos left him with a woeful match rating of 5.8, as per Sofascore, with the 5-2 home defeat shockingly the eighth time Liverpool have conceded at least three goals in a single match this term.

With Koumetio continuing to ply his trade for the U21 outfit, it might now be time to offer him the stage to demonstrate why he deserves a spot in Klopp’s squad.

Who is Billy Koumetio?

Koumetio has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s academy set-up over the past several years, making 41 appearances for the U21 side and 21 displays for the U18 team.

Lauded for one resounding and “ridiculous” goal by Irish newspaper Balls.ie, the Kirkby colossus played 45 minutes against Leicester City in a Carabao Cup tie last season, also playing against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League the preceding year, where he forged three interceptions and seven clearances.

The 20-year-old is left-footed and as such would not occupy the predominantly right-sided role that Gomez holds, with the former Charlton Athletic star also capable of playing as a full-back when called upon, but given Liverpool’s requirement for central defensive reinforcements, Koumetio could indeed fit the bill.

The former France U20 international has also been described as “unbelievable” in the past by Pep Lijnders, and having averaged 1.5 interceptions and four clearances per match, also winning 2.5 aerials per outing, during his early Liverpool career, he could be offered a shot to impress where his senior peers have failed.

Ditching the established Gomez for Koumetio would be a bold move indeed, but given the Reds’ current situation, it is unequivocal that changes need to be made, and while Klopp and co will undoubtedly bolster the ranks this summer, changing things up with the inclusion of a promising prospect might just bear fruit.

Everton are up for sale despite some of the recent comments to come from Farhad Moshiri suggesting this may not be the case.

What’s the latest?

According to the reliable journalist David Ornstein, the Toffees are up for sale with Moshiri likely to sell the club if the right offer was to land on Merseyside.

Ornstein has been speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel following the conclusion of the January transfer window which proved to be nothing short of a disaster for Everton:

(33:20) “There is this feeling within the industry that they like many clubs have always been for sale. What’s not for sale in life? Not much everything has a price.

“But until that price is met, those in control of clubs like Everton in this case, are going to say that it is not for sale. There have also been suggestions that he’s looking more for stadium financing partners.

“So, if something that was too good to refuse came in, I’m sure that Farhad Moshiri would heavily consider it. But at this moment in time, we don’t have any evidence to suggest it is and so his ownership continues and he has to give off the right noises because he’s the man in charge of running the club.

“But Everton fans will be dearly hoping that changes and I think in situations like this, it will be foolish of us to rule it out that an Everton takeover could happen and Farhad Moshiri could sell.”

These comments from Ornstein come after Moshiri has played down the suggestion the Toffees are up for sale with reports claiming it would take an offer of over £500m for the club to be sold:

“The club is not for sale but I have been talking to top investors, really quality, to bridge a gap on the stadium. I can do it myself and the reason I want to do it is to bring top sport investors to Everton. We are close to having a deal done,” Moshiri said.

On the market

It is intriguing to hear Ornstein’s perspective of the situation on Merseyside in what is a difficult spell for all at Everton with things on and off the pitch not going the way the fans would have hoped.

The prospect of relegation is becoming increasingly intense with the Toffees only being held off the bottom of the table by their better goal difference than Southampton.

However, they are coming out of the January transfer window having seen their squad weakened by the board following the ale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.

And as if that wasn’t a big enough blow, they were unable to provide their new manager, Sean Dyche, with any new players for the remaining 18 games of the season.

And as Ornstein suggested, the club are set to make a big leap next year into their new state-of-the-art stadium which is being built on the docks.

However, potentially funding that stadium on the revenue brought in by Championship football is not something Moshiri would have envisioned when the plans were put in place.

So although he speaks about looking for external investment to help with the stadium, we do wonder whether he could look for an exit over the coming months as the fans’ frustration builds.

West Ham have entered talks with the agent of Lorient striker Terem Moffi, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Hammers make bid…

The Hammers, in this last week, are reliably believed to have made an offer to sign the 23-year-old with Sky Sports claiming a bid of £25 million has been lodged.

Moffi has been a target for West Ham as manager David Moyes attempts to bolster his options and potentially save his job.

The east Londoners are currently level on points with fellow Premier League strugglers Everton and Southampton in the bottom three whilst being among the division’s lowest goalscorers.

A possible injury lay-off for striker Gianluca Scamacca has heightened the need for attacking additions as they eye a deal for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings, but reports suggest they are also trying to sign Moffi alongside the Englishman.

The Latest: West Ham enter agent talks for Moffi…

According to journalist Nixon, writing on his Patreon, West Ham are ‘in contract talks’ for the forward as they attempt to beat Nice to his signature.

The Irons are ‘confident’ their £25m offer will be accepted by Lorient and are now ‘thrashing out wages’ with the English representative of Moffi.

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While Nice are still in the hunt, it is believed West Ham should be able to offer much better money for the 23-year-old.

The Verdict: Ideal man…

Moffi has been in scintillating form for Lorient over the 2022/2023 season. bagging a very impressive 12 goals in 17 league starts for the French top flight side.

The African would come to West Ham with real longevity given his age alongside immediate quality to potentially help Moyes to avoid the drop.

His versatility is another real bonus with Moffi able to play as both an attacking midfielder and further forward according to WhoScored.

Called a ‘big talent’ and ‘explosive’ by members of the media in recent seasons, there is little doubt he could inject a serious attacking threat under Moyes.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is still very much on the radar of Bayern Munich ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the latest?

The England captain is now playing into the final 18 months of his contract in north London following months of speculation in 2021 about a potential move away to Manchester City.

Some reports, including from reliable journalist David Ornstein, have suggested the Lilywhites will pick up transfer talks following the conclusion of the January window.

However, Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe has claimed on Twitter the striker is not engaging in talks over a potential new deal and Daniel levy would not stand in his way if he was to request a move this summer.

And now, speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has declared Bayern’s interest in the possibility of landing Kane in the summer:

“We’re reporting that Bayern Munich still hold interest. They haven’t found that Lewandowski replacement yet. You know, it’s less than 12 months until he can sign a pre-contract with Bayern Munich on a possible Bosman [free transfer] if he wished.

“It’s really interesting this situation but we can confirm Bayern still think in an ideal world they would sign Harry Kane this summer.”

Huge months ahead for Spurs

Tottenham’s form this season has been turbulent, to say the least, with the last few months not going in their favour and seeing them drop out of the top four.

However, the form of Kane has not dipped in the slightest with the 29-year-old remaining the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer this season with an impressive return of 15 goals from 19 games.

And it does feel as if the coming months for Spurs could be huge for their future given their manager, Antonio Conte’s, time in north London is also not set in stone for the years to come.

Kane is now nearing the age of 30-years-old and it does feel as if this upcoming deal could potentially be the final big one of his career.

And despite nearly being 30, the England captain still finds himself chasing that allusive piece of silverware.

Considering Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the last 10 campaigns and are already sitting top of the table this season with a four-point cushion, it would be a fair presumption that a move to Munich would likely satisfy his trophy needs.

However, we do wonder if Spurs winning a trophy this season could possibly put that need to win his first trophy to bed and see him sign a new deal at Spurs.

Currently, Tottenham only remain in the Champions League and FA Cup – with the Premier League title seemingly out of reach – so we do wonder if winning either of those could play a big part in his future.

But it would certainly be interesting to see if – at the age of 30 – Kane would be willing to try a new country and potentially leave behind Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goal record if Bayern were to come knocking.

Scottish champions Celtic could well be eyeing a fourth January arrival, following a recent update regarding the Parkhead outfit’s interest in Jeonbuk striker, Cho Gue-sung.

What’s the word?

According to the player’s agent – as per Korean outlet, Naver Sports – the Hoops have been “discussing” a move for the 24-year-old in recent times, with the Old Firm giants believed to have lodged an offer for the striker.

The report itself notes, however, that the Glasgow side’s bid ‘did not meet’ the expectations of the K-League outfit, with the forward’s current club said to be demanding roughly £2.2m if they are to sanction a sale.

The piece also notes that the 6 foot 2 ace is showing a ‘strong desire’ to move abroad in the near future, be it this month or during the summer window.

As noted above, Ange Postecoglou’s side have already acted swiftly to secure the signings of three new faces this winter, with the latest of those having been the acquisition of Japanese utility man Tomoki Iwata from Yokohama F.Marinos.

Imagine him and Kyogo

The Bhoys appear to be keen on strengthing their attacking ranks before the window is out, with Greek marksman Giorgos Giakoumakis still facing an uncertain future with the Scottish Premiership outfit.

While the 28-year-old could be set for pastures new, teammate Kyogo Furuhashi is currently thriving through the middle, with the diminutive ace leading the goalscoring charts in the division with 15 goals in just 18 appearances this season.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a particularly impressive hot streak since the return to action following the World Cup break, having scored five goals in his last four top-flight outings, including a late equaliser in the recent derby draw with Rangers.

That latest showing illustrated that the former Vissel Kobe ace – who can also feature on the flanks – could well work in tandem with another more physical forward, having partnered Giakoumakis in the closing stages with the visitors chasing a goal at Ibrox.

As such, there could well be the chance to deploy Kyogo alongside the aforementioned Cho in attack together were the latter man to be signed in the near future, with the South Korea international offering a real focal point when leading the line.

That was evidenced by the 20-cap gem’s recent headed brace for his country in the eventual defeat to Ghana in Qatar back in November, with that double having seen him praised by journalist Pete O’Rourke, who stated:

“He’s a physical player as well, he can score goals from aerial areas, and I think he’s definitely proven to be a real handful for defenders.“

The towering ace is also an “incredible” goalscoring asset in his own right – as lauded by journalist Jason Lee – having scored 16 goals in just 45 games for his current side, as well as 21 goals in just 51 games while on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu.

Having such a prolific and imposing presence in attack alongside Kyogo could well prove to be a match made in heaven as far as Postecoglou is concerned, with it easy to imagine the devastating impact that the duo could have in Scottish football.

West Ham United could be set to call time on Vladimir Coufal’s career at the club…

What’s the latest?

As per journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Czech Republic international seems to be moving towards an exit following rumours that Bayer Leverkusen are interested.

He told Football FanCast:

“It does seem things are pointing to a potential exit for Coufal, who has been a good player for West Ham.

“When they first signed him he was a solid right back for them, but he’s struggling for game time this season with Thilo Kehrer playing at right back, even though he’s predominantly a centre back as well.

“So that probably shows where he has found himself slipping down the pecking order at the London Stadium this season.”

His time is surely up at West Ham

Although he enjoyed a fine start to life in east London, his form has admittedly withered with each passing season.

Boasting a seven-assist debut campaign, he and Tomas Soucek were revelations as David Moyes reaped the rewards of Slavia Prague’s recruitment.

However, that number would drop to just four assists the season following, and as O’Rourke mentioned, the likes of Kehrer and even Ben Johnson have been preferred to the 30-year-old.

This drop off has also been noted in his average ratings, which have fallen from a respectable 7.01 in his first season to 6.78 of late, with his crossing accuracy having plummeted alongside, from 26% to just 12%, via Sofascore.

The £35k-per-week dynamo has been a fine option for the Hammers since his £5m move, and could now recoup a similar fee after nearly three solid years of service.

Given their apparent desperation to sell, rumours have since swirled linking them to potential replacements, with Celtic’s Josip Juranovic the latest to be mentioned.

With his side sitting just one point from the relegation zone following his vast summer overhaul, it is clear that Moyes is keen on bolstering his squad once again in January.

To do this he must make some sacrifices, and with his stock having fallen of late, it seems like Coufal is the unfortunate but probably viable candidate for the chopping block.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their interest in signing Marcus Thuram during the upcoming January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the printed edition of L’Equipe, via Sport Witness, Unai Emery is ‘determined’ to secure a deal to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach striker at the start of 2023.

The Spanish manager is keen on a swoop for the forward after being interested in taking him to Villarreal during his time in Spain prior to arriving at Villa Park.

It is stated that they will face stiff competition for his signature from Inter, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund, along with an unnamed Premier League side.

German outlet Bild reported earlier this month that the French international is set to be available for a fee in the region of €10m (£8.6m) due to his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Imagine him & Emi Buendia

Emery could form an exciting partnership at the top end of the pitch by signing Thuram and playing him alongside Buendia in the second half of the campaign.

The Argentine international combined with striker Teemu Pukki for 21 goals in 107 appearances for Norwich during his time in Norfolk and this shows that he can form a connection with the number nine in front of him.

Buendia ranks in the 94th percentile among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for progressive passes per 90 with 4.90. Thuram, meanwhile, ranks in the 82nd percentile for progressive passes received per 90 with 7.62, whilst he is also in the 91st percentile for attacking touches in the penalty area per 90.

These statistics suggest that the French international, who is currently at the World Cup with his country, thrives off receiving the ball in the penalty box and is adept at finding space to get on the end of passes, whilst the Villa star excels at providing the service that the forward needs.

The Monchengladbach gem, who has been dubbed “clinical” by journalist Raj Chohan, was previously described as a “monster” by Herve Renard during his youth days and the 6-foot-4 striker certainly cuts an imposing figure at the top end of the pitch.

He is a machine up front and his impressive goalscoring statistics in the Bundesliga this season – scoring 10 goals in 15 starts – indicate that he also has the quality to make a big impact in the Premier League if he can adapt to English football.

Buendia, who has racked up 49 assists in English football since the summer of 2018, has proven that he has the ability in possession to find Thuram in good positions and this could result in the pair forming a frightening partnership for Villa as they could link up to devastate teams in the final third.

Arsenal have reportedly made an official offer to try and sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interested in Mudryk

The Gunners’ interest in the 21-year-old is certainly firm, with reports that they are willing to pay up to £56m to sign him in January.

It has also been claimed that the Ukraine international ‘couldn’t say no’ to a potential move to the Emirates Stadium should he be given the chance, so if the price is right, a deal could certainly be done.

The Latest: Offer made

Taking to Twitter, Tutto Juve journalist Mirko Di Natale has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side have made an ‘official offer’ worth €60m (£52m) to sign Mudryk and are ‘serious’ about landing his signature.

The reporter tweeted: “#Arsenal is serious for #Mudryk: official offer from €60mln. Confirmed the indiscretion of a few days ago. Now the ball passes to #Shakhtar.”

The Verdict: Exciting

Being top of the Premier League, these are certainly exciting times for Arsenal; and if they can sign Mudryk in January, then it could really help them in their charge for the title.

Football presenter and pundit Jack Collins has hailed him as ‘absolutely unreal’ and ‘undefendable’ in explosive bursts, and the 21-year-old has averaged one goal contribution per game this season.

He has eight goals and seven assists in 15 appearances across all competitions, including five goal contributions in the Champions League (Transfermarkt).

That is where Arsenal want to be for next season, and signing the 21-year-old would likely help them to cement their place at Europe’s top table for 2023/24.

Leicester City have been handed a fitness boost after Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Marc Albrighton is set to return for the Premier League game vs Wolves this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Concerns over absence

The Foxes secured a 2-0 victory over Leeds in midweek so should be travelling to Molineux with a bit more confidence having picked up a much-needed three points.

The midfielder was noticeably absent from the matchday squad against the Whites, though it’s now been revealed that it wasn’t due to an injury, eliminating any concerns that supporters may have had.

The Latest: Albrighton fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Rodgers confirmed that Albrighton was missing due to illness, and should be back in contention to face the Old Gold later today.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said:

“He was off ill. He’s been ill for a few days. I saw him [on Thursday] morning and he was feeling much better so hopefully he’ll be back in [on Friday] and available for the weekend.”

The Verdict: Boost for Rodgers

Albrighton being available for selection again will come as a huge boost to Rodgers who will know how much of a valuable member of the squad he is.

The ‘superb’ 32-year-old, as hailed by sports journalist Josh Bunting, has racked up 46 assists and 18 goals during his time at the King Power, highlighting the impact he can have in the final third (Transfermarkt).

The Tamworth-born talent has made zero starts this season, but with Leicester still in the relegation zone, it’s worth thinking about making some changes, and Albrighton is someone who more than has the ability to change a game on his day.

Glasgow Rangers haven’t exactly had the greatest of weeks on the pitch.

A 7-1 Champions League defeat at Ibrox against Liverpool on Wednesday was bad enough, and a serious injury sustained to the ever-reliable Connor Goldson that night means that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is facing something of an injury crisis in defence.

The Engilishman joins Filip Helander and John Souttar on the treatment table, with all three looking like long-term absentees.

It also looked like Ben Davies might be joining them, as the defender was assessed following the Liverpool match with a suspected injury complaint.

However, The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell delivered a big boost to Rangers ahead of the Premiership clash against Motherwell tomorrow, tweeting: “Hearing positive news re Davies ahead of Sunday after further tests. He’s been positive in the last four starts. Been really composed and Rangers need him at the moment.”

This is great news for the Gers and will surely be a sigh of relief for Van Bronckhorst, especially as he would otherwise have had only Leon King and James Sands available to play at the heart of defence.

Davies arrived at Ibrox in the summer for £4m and has started for Rangers in their last four matches. In his three Premiership appearances for the club, the 27-year-old has averaged 54.7 touches and completed 92% of his attempted passes, proving that he is comfortable on the ball and can display an excellent passing ability.

The defender has also won 53% of his duels and lost possession just 4.3 times per match, showing that he is strong in one-on-one scenarios and doesn’t often make mistakes on the ball.

Van Bronckhorst will be praying that Davies is 100% fit for tomorrow’s clash against Motherwell, and the Dutchman will be looking at his team to grasp the opportunity to redeem themselves following the woeful midweek result in the Champions League.

Having the former Liverpool defender available will come as a huge boost to the Gers, especially in the wake of the Goldson body blow, and it looks like there is finally one piece of good news on the injury front for Van Bronckhorst.