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Liverpool are ‘leading the race’ to sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham in the summer, according to reliable CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Endless Bellingham rumours

The 19-year-old’s stock couldn’t be any higher currently, having caught the eye for England at the 2022 World Cup as well as having his best ever domestic season, with seven goals in 20 games across the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Constant reports have claimed that Bellingham will leave Dortmund at the end of the season, and Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid have arguably stood out as the favourites to snap him up.

It looks set to be a huge battle to sign the midfielder and the Reds will surely be desperate to get a deal over the line.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Liverpool remain the front-runners to snap up Bellingham this summer, contrary to recent reports claiming Madrid have moved in front:

“I do think that Liverpool are leading the race for Bellingham.

“They’re going to have competition, but I think that there’s a cautious optimism on the Liverpool front that, because they started earlier than most and because they have put in a lot of legwork and they’ve been very hands-on, they believe that they’ve done all they can at this point in the race to make progress and land Jude Bellingham.

“Then we’ll wait and see how other suitors move and how that affects the situation.”

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The Verdict: Feels increasingly likely

It does genuinely feels as though Liverpool are the most likely club to sign Bellingham, although a top-four finish could be crucial in order for it to happen.

The teenager, dubbed “incredible” by Erling Haaland, feels like the absolute perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s side, possessing the team ethic that the German wants in his players, not to mention great technical ability and intelligence.

Midfield is Liverpool’s weak point at the moment – a new addition is badly needed in January – but Bellingham is somebody who can transform that area, having been compared to the dominant greats like Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard by none other than Gary Neville.

Frank McAvennie feels Celtic may be resigned to the fact that right-back Josip Juranovic will leave the club in January, given their capture of Canada defender Alistair Johnston.

The Lowdown: Juranovic shining at World Cup

Ange Postecoglou didn’t have too many of his players representing the club in Qatar, but in Juranovic, they have someone who is enjoying an excellent tournament.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure for Croatia, starting all five games and registering one assist, and he is now preparing for Tuesday’s semi-final clash with Argentina.

Juranovic’s stock has risen massively in recent weeks, such have been the level of his performances, and he has been linked with a move away from Parkhead, with Johnston arriving as a possible replacement.

The Latest: Celtic exit inevitable?

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested there’s ‘obviously something in the wind’ given the quick deal to secure a new right-back:

“Anywhere he (Juranovic) goes he will be a first team player, he is that good. There is obviously something in the wind because they have just bought Johnston.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time

In an ideal world, Celtic would keep hold of Juranovic for many years to come, but the brutal truth is that he may now be eyeing up a greater challenge.

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He has shown that he can excel on the biggest footballing stage in the world, producing a superb performance against Brazil last Friday and receiving praise from pundits after the game.

Juranovic’s head will surely be turned if a European challenger now comes in for his signature – Celtic just need to make sure they receive a healthy amount for his services and use the profits wisely.

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Martin Terrier in January and the Frenchman could be Julen Lopetegui’s own version of Sadio Mane at Molineux.

According to 90min, Wolves are one of a number of Premier League clubs taking an interest in the Stade Rennais star, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Leeds United, Leicester City and Aston Villa having all reportedly scouted him this season.

The Old Gold sit bottom of the Premier League ahead of the World Cup break and are the lowest scorers in the division, so Lopetegui is in desperate need of attacking additions if he wants to keep his new side in the Premier League.

Terrier could be the ideal candidate, as he has 11 goals and four assists in all competitions this season and has averaged an incredible 7.76 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is significantly better than any player in Wolves’ squad.

According to FBRef, the fifth-most similar winger to Terrier in terms of style of play is Bayern Munich’s world-class forward Sadio Mane.

Considering the Senegal international hit over 100 goals in the Premier League during his time with Liverpool and Southampton, this is certainly not a bad comparison for the Rennes’ ace to have, and it suggests that he could be a big hit in Lopetegui’s side should he join in January.

The two players have registered extremely similar numbers this campaign with regard to goals scored per 90 minutes (both 0.60), shots on target per 90 minutes (1.73 vs 1.69) and progressive passes received (104 vs 105).

This emphasises how dangerous both players are in the final third, with the two attackers putting themselves in areas of the pitch where the more creative talents can find them.

Therefore, given Wolves’ attacking woes so far this term, Lopetegui would surely love to have a player like Terrier in his side in the new year.

The 25-year-old, who was dubbed “phenomenal” by European football writer Tim Williams, will no doubt have plenty of suitors in January but if can arrive at Molineux and have a similar impact to Mane in the Premier League, he could just be the man to keep Wolves in the Premier League.

Manchester City have been urged to do all that they can to get Pep Guardiola to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium. 

The Lowdown: Guardiola’s current contract

The 51-year-old’s current deal at the Premier League champions is set to expire at the end of June, which would take him to seven years in charge of City.

Prior to the 2-1 defeat against Brentford on Saturday, the Spaniard revealed that the situation regarding his future is “under control” and will be discussed with the club’s hierarchy at the right time.

With no definitive answer over whether Guardiola will put pen to paper on a new deal at City, one former top-flight player has urged the club to make sure it happens.

The Latest: City urged to seal new deal for Guardiola

Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton implored City to retain the 51-year-old’s services beyond the end of this season.

The ex-Tottenham defender said: “Just give him what he wants. You can see what he has done. The Champions League is the holy grail, that is what they are searching for and that is what they want.

“I do not think he will be happy until he wins that. He has done an incredible job. He is one of the best managers in the world, if not the best. Why would you not want to keep him at the club?

“He just keeps churning it out. He keeps changing the squad in little bits and all of a sudden it all just clicks. They are unbelievable.

“They will be absolutely desperate to keep hold of him. He is the main man at the club and there is no doubt they will want to tie him down long term.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for City

In 374 games in charge of the Citizens across all competitions, Guardiola has seen his side win a mammoth 276.

Taking into account how successful the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager has been during his time at the Etihad in terms of the number of trophies won and the records his team have broken, it should undoubtedly be the club’s number one priority to keep hold of him for as long as possible.

Also, if the club can get the Spaniard to sign a new deal during the current World Cup break, this should put to bed any concerns that some City supporters may have regarding Guardiola’s future.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is unlikely to sanction a deal to let go of midfielder Thomas Partey this summer if they would be 'selling at a loss', according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Thomas Partey?

As per The Mirror, two unnamed Serie A clubs are believed to be monitoring developments surrounding Partey as the Gunners head into the forthcoming transfer window.

The report also states that his teammate Granit Xhaka could be set to leave Arsenal alongside him, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in taking the Switzerland international to the Bundesliga.

Arsenal boss Arteta is keen to shore up his midfield this summer and has earmarked Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo as a possible addition. Football Insider claim that the Gunners are in 'pole position' to sign the Ecuadorian and could land his services if they shell out a fee between £70-£80 million.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice is also a target for Arsenal, though could cost £120 million to prize away from the London Stadium, according to Sky Sports. The outlet also signifies that Manchester City playmaker Ilkay Gundogan is on the radar at the Emirates Stadium alongside Mason Mount.

Former Gunners defender William Gallas has warned Partey over the impact Rice joining the club could have on his first-team chances, telling Genting Casino via METRO: "I think the signing of Rice would have a big impact on Thomas Partey and his future with the club.

Rice can play in a number of different roles in the midfield. He can play as the sitting midfielder; he can play further up or on either side of a midfield three. He is a very good player that I think will reach another level if he joins a top club and that is why I think he will leave West Ham this summer. Arsenal will need to sell a midfielder because they can’t have that many at the club and also sign Rice. I know that there will be a lot of additional games with the Champions League, but they will need to sell one of them."

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown doesn't think that Arsenal would let Partey go if they were making a loss on the £45 million they paid for him in 2020.

Brown told FFC: "It is possible that Arsenal's midfield looks entirely different next year. I would be very surprised if they let Thomas Partey go though, they invested a lot of money in him. I think to sell him this summer, I would expect them to be selling at a loss which I don't think they would accept."

What are Thomas Partey's stats like this season?

Partey has been a mainstay in the Arsenal midfield this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions and registering three goals in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

His performances in the anchorman role have been impressive, leading him to become the Gunners' fifth-most consistent performer this term with an average match rating of 7.05, behind Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also show that the £200k-a-week ace has been able to showcase his battling qualities effectively, making 96 successful tackles and interceptions combined in 2022/23.

Nevertheless, Partey will turn 30 next month and it will be interesting to see if Arteta decides to refresh his midfield with some new impetus in the summer window.

Manchester United survived an almighty scare to claim three crucial points against Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia on Thursday evening, with the Red Devils picking up their second successive win in the Europa League, albeit in far from convincing fashion.

Just a matter of days after their humbling defeat to rivals Manchester City, Erik ten Hag’s side looked to have hit a new low after they went in 1-0 down at the break, having been stung on the counter by their unfancied hosts after missing a handful of early chances to go ahead themselves.

Fearing making the headlines once again for all the wrong reasons, the former Ajax boss introduced Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford after the interval, with that move paying dividends as the latter man made his mark, netting twice and laying on an assist for fellow substitute Anthony Martial to continue his fine early season form.

The Premier League’s Player of the Month for September had looked to have taken the game away from Neil Lennon’s spirited home side with those telling contributions, only for Omonia to ensure a nervy finish after netting late on through Nikolas Panagiotou.

As it proved there was to be no late rally as United just about edged their way to victory, with that man Rashford seemingly set to earn the plaudits for his stunning impact off the bench, having previously been something of a bystander at the Etihad after recording just 12 touches.

For all the Englishman’s brilliance on the night, teammate Lisandro Martinez was another who truly shone for the away side, producing an eye-catching display in possession to showcase his ball-playing quality.

The Argentine repeatedly got his side on the front foot with a succession of incisive forward passes from his 118 touches, notably making 24 passes into the final third in his 90-minute outing – the most of any player for either side.

One such action helped to steer United ahead as the 24-year-old fed the aforementioned Rashford who in turn teed up Martial with a clever flick, with the centre-back having repeatedly helped to spark attacks from deep against an opposition largely camped inside their own half.

Such quality was lauded by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst in his post-match player ratings, awarding the £45m-rated ace an 8/10, while stating: “The defender ended the first-half as United’s best attacker. Martinez’s line-breaking passing was useful time and again for United.”

Not just an asset in an attacking sense, the 5 foot 9 machine also proved effective in his defensive duties as he notably recorded five clearances and completed six recoveries, while also winning 100% of his aerial duels.

Although tougher tests will lie ahead – with Everton to come at a typically lively Goodison Park on Sunday – Martinez once again illustrated just what a crucial figure he can be for the Old Trafford outfit this season, both for his ability on the ball and off it.

Southampton have suffered in the early stages of this Premier League campaign, and despite having impressed throughout his tenure at times, their loss to Everton might be the final nail in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s coffin. Following the defeat, a reliable source has offered an update on his future.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail, the Austrian is in serious danger of losing his job following three straight defeats.

Martin Semmens and the hierarchy at the club seem to already have plans in place, with Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper under consideration to replace him.

With the Tricky Trees boss also on thin ice, it could represent something of a managerial switch-up should they both lose their jobs after their next games.

He’s a dream Hasenhuttl heir

Although many might question the decision to bin off Hasenhuttl, having won just twice this season, his Saints side sit within a point of the relegation zone.

It has hardly been a sensational campaign, and despite what seemed like a fine summer transfer window, their lack of experience on the pitch is starting to show in their performances.

To replace him with Cooper could mark a fresh start for both club and manager, with the 42-year-old having earned plaudits for finally leading Forest back to the Premier League last season after their 23-year wait. It was a feat that Jurgen Klopp described as “crazy”.

He would bring in a pragmatic style that might suit this Saints side more, solidifying them whilst allowing their more technical players to thrive on the break.

One thing that will certainly impress those selecting the new boss is Cooper’s well-known ability to work with youth.

Having started his career as a part of Wrexham’s coaching staff, he was soon promoted to manager of Liverpool’s academy before moving on to the England U16s and then the U17s, where he triumphed at the World Cup.

With Southampton having the second youngest average age squad in the league, at just 24.1, this does seem like a match made in heaven.

It is hard to see Hasenhuttl surviving much longer given their poor form, and with Cooper seemingly set to become an option for his replacement, it might force their hand even sooner.

Glasgow Rangers’ recent victory over Dutch opposition qualified them for the lucrative group stage of the Champions League for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

With the Ibrox side expected to receive up to £30m in prize money for qualifying, it would have been expected that Giovanni van Bronckhorst could have used some of this to further strengthen his squad before the transfer window slammed shut.

It didn’t quite work out like that, and with the 4-0 hammering from Premiership arch-rivals Celtic at the weekend, the decision is looking rather foolish.

Times have changed in Scotland – no longer can the Old Firm routinely spend £8m-£10m on players anymore. Since Tore Andre Flo made his landmark move to Rangers in November 2000 for a fee of £12m, the only time that the Light Blues have ventured over the £7m mark is when Ryan Kent joined from Liverpool in 2019 for a total fee of £7.5m.

The landscape could well have been changed once and for all in 2000 when then-Rangers manager Dick Advocaat tried to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV Eindhoven, the team who Van Bronckhorst’s current crop defeated in the Champions League play-offs a fortnight ago.

It’s a story which defies belief now, but at the turn of the century, the Gers were spending outside their means, and it wouldn’t be until 2012 that this frivolity caught up with them.

Advocaat tabled a £15m bid for the striker, who was in high demand following his spell at PSV, scoring a remarkable 77 goals in just 90 appearances.

A move to Rangers would have made waves across the continent and surely would have improved the Light Blues’ dismal European record at the time, failing to qualify from the group stages of the Champions League in both 1999/2000 and 2000/01 despite the sheer quality of the squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in and eventually sign the prolific Van Nistelrooy for Manchester United, completing a then-British record transfer of £19m, and he had a tremendous spell at Old Trafford.

Fergie dubbed him “fantastic” when the Dutchman broke Denis Law’s European goal record for the club in September 2004, and its fair to say that the move was a success, netting 150 times in 219 Red Devils appearances.

It was a massive what-could-have-been for Rangers. If they had managed to convince the superstar to swap Eindhoven for Glasgow 22 years ago, one can only imagine how many goals he would have scored against the likes of Aberdeen and Celtic, rocking the crowd at Ibrox time and again.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a potential move for Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s interest

Antonio Conte has already signed Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona, but with uncertainty surrounding the future of Japhet Tanganga, the boss appears keen to bolster his ranks further.

The Lilywhites have been linked with a deal for the South Korean for the majority of the window, and whilst he still has a solid three years remaining on his contract with Luciano Spalletti’s side, could be on his way to the Premier League after details of a buyout clause have emerged.

The Latest: Spurs plotting Min-Jae move

Football.London report that Conte ‘would like to add depth’ in that central defence position, and therefore ‘could go for’ Min-Jae.

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The source states that the 25-year-old ‘has a £40m release clause’ in his deal at Napoli, and is a ‘firm favourite’ of the Spurs boss.

It’s claimed that the north London outfit ‘could still dip’ into the transfer market as the manager ‘searches for a new centre-back’ before September 1.

The Verdict: International advantage

Son Heung-Min is an international teammate of Min-Jae having played together for South Korea, so this existing relationship could help Spurs fend off any competitors and get a deal over the line.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, labelled ‘impressive’ by his colleague Alessandro Chanoly, averaged an outstanding 4.1 clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig last season, via WhoScored, highlighting how much of a rock he can be at the heart of a backline.

Min-jae has also been called ‘amazing’ by members of the media who particularly highlighted his partnership with Attila Szalai at Fenerbache over 2021/2022.

Tottenham are expected to announce the signing of Destiny Udogie imminently, and there’s a chance that Min-Jae could follow in his footsteps and be the next to walk through the doors at Hotspur Way in the weeks ahead.

Liverpool have been named among the clubs ‘interested’ in signing Villarreal winger Yeremi Pino, according to reports from Spain. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Previously a product of the youth system at hometown club Las Palmas, Pino was signed by Villarreal in 2019 and was part of the La Liga outfit’s development side before making a first-team debut against Cadiz in October 2020.

Since then, the 19-year-old fully fledged Spain international has gone from strength to strength at the Estadio de la Ceramica, amassing 77 senior outings, directly contributing to 19 goals in the process.

The latest: Reds ‘Interested’

As per a Spanish source, Liverpool and Manchester City are two of the clubs ‘more interested’ in signing the four-cap starlet.

It’s claimed that ‘top-level European teams that have already taken note’ of Pino and ‘several Premier League teams’ are preparing their offers.

The report also states that Arsenal and Chelsea are among those ‘closely following the evolution’ of the teen who was once described as a ‘special’ player performing at the ‘top level’ by reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The verdict: Sensational capture

Albeit Jurgen Klopp is blessed with an abundance of attacking options at present, signing a player of Pino’s potential would be a superb piece of business from Julian Ward and indeed the Anfield hierarchy, particularly in light of the apparent competition.

Furthermore, the club has shown a willingness to snap up the brightest young talent in recent times, adding the likes of Kaide Gordon, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho to the ranks on Merseyside whilst also being extensively linked to Jude Bellingham.

Predominantly operating as a right winger – a position Liverpool could use an understudy for Mohamed Salah in – last season, the Spaniard scored seven times and provided four assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, highlighting an ability to influence matches in the final third and impressive durability despite his tender years.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness to Klopp-approved attackers such as Gabriel Martinelli and Jarrod Bowen (Fbref), it’s abundantly clear to see why the Reds and others would be attentive to the possibility of signing Pino.

Valued at £36million and under contract in Spain until 2027 (Transfermarkt), this would be an expensive venture for Liverpool, but one that would have significant long-term prospects to work out as a masterstroke.