LiverpoolWorld

Liverpool still need to strengthen in one key area of the pitch in particular

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There is still much to be resolved both on and off the pitch for Liverpool this season as we pass the half-way stage of the campaign, with Arne Slot’s side sat by no means comfortably in the top four of the Premier League.

The Reds have drawn an astounding four league matches in a row, six of their last nine, amidst an unbeaten run which is on one level impressive, but on another level beginning to look like a missed opportunity to nail down a Champions League spot.

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are closing in after victories over the weekend and both clubs have new managers in the dugout, both of whom have made a winning start. Liverpool’s sluggish 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday meant that the defending champions have drawn at home against all three newly-promoted sides this term – the first time that has ever happened in the Premier League era.

Off the pitch, several first-team stars are seeing their contracts running down and Slot may feel that reinforcements are needed.

Liverpool target massive £78m move for Van de Ven

Liverpool have been linked with a stunning move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven over recent months and speculation has resurfaced as per reports by Fichajes in Spain which were relayed by LiverpoolWorld on Sunday.

A massive £78million offer has been speculated for the Netherlands international, who has shone in a poor Spurs side and may seek a new challenge if Thomas Frank’s side fail to qualify for Europe. That looks to be the likelihood at present with the north London outfit down in 14th place and out of the domestic cup competitions, amidst increasing pressure on the Danish head coach.

Van de Ven was touted as “perfect” for Liverpool by Jason Cundy on talkSPORT and could be the ideal heir to 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk which Anfield has been crying out for, with Slot believed to be a massive fan. But with a massive transfer fee quoted and Spurs set to be reluctant to sell their prize asset for any figure, the Lilywhites’ interest in a Liverpool ace could result in a shock swap deal between the two Premier League giants.

Tottenham interest in Reds star could lead to stunning swap deal

Spurs have held a historic interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, and their admiration of the Reds academy graduate was brought to the surface over the weekend, as The Times’ Paul Joyce noted that the 24-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his deal at Anfield and may soon face somewhat of a career crossroads.

Jones has earnt a strong run in the side in recent weeks with ten starts in the last eleven matches in all competitions, though doubts persist over his long-term future as a starter when everyone is fit and available. Though the boyhood Reds fan has previously expressed his desire to stay at Anfield for the entirety of his career to emulate hero Steven Gerrard, the reality remains that the six-cap England international could depart to become the main man elsewhere.

Tottenham’s previous interest in Jones could create a unique scenario for Liverpool. The inclusion of the midfielder in a deal for Van de Ven could bring the transfer fee down for one of the Reds’ dream transfer targets, while offering Spurs an incentive to sell to Liverpool over rival suitors such as Real Madrid. A sensational swap deal involving Jones and Van de Ven would certainly steal the headlines around Merseyside, London and beyond if it were to go ahead in 2026.

Liverpool transfer news as Curtis Jones is reportedly eyed by a Premier League rival.

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Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, reports suggest.

According to The Times, the Reds homegrown midfielder has been on the radar of the London outfit previously.

Jones has made a total of 206 appearances for Liverpool, recording 19 goals and 20 assists. Since his first-team breakthrough, he’s helped his boyhood club claim six major trophies, including two Premier League titles.

Last term, Jones played 33 times as Arne Slot guided the Reds to the top-flight crown in his maiden campaign. He was often used as a substitute, though, with Slot preferring the trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

This campaign, Jones has featured more prominently, starting seven of Liverpool’s past eight league games. But he is still not a cast-iron player who is guaranteed to feature week in, week out.

The six-cap England international is out of contract at Anfield in 2027. And it is reported by The Times that Premier League rivals Tottenham have been keen on Jones in the past and could feel it’s time to become ‘more of a guaranteed starter’ elsewhere.

Jones’ ambitions

The 24-year-old has been with Liverpool since he was a child and previously revealed that he wants to emulate Kop legend Steven Gerrard by becoming a future Anfield captain.

“I think that the biggest thing is that I still have to have the humble way about myself and I don’t want to say, ‘Yeah, na, I’m gonna be captain’ or anything like that,” said Jones to Sky Sports. “But I want to be captain of the team. I want to stay here for all my life like the man who I look up to, as everybody knows is Gerrard.

“If I could follow him, I mean that would be great. I would never complain. I would always have a smile on my face, especially because of who he is in the city and stuff but then how he’s obviously seen in the footballing world.

“If you go and speak with like legends who obviously played the game and [ask] who they wish that they played with or anything like that, they always seem to say him. And then players who have obviously played with him and how he was on the training pitch and all things like that, I want to be seen the same way.”

Slot on Jones

Speaking on Jones’ recent form, Slot said last month: “One of the main qualities he has is that he always wants to have the ball no matter the situation, 99 times out of 100 that is very positive.

“Sometimes it is smarter to stay away or not go to a difficult situation but if he had one in the corner he is able to bring himself out of the situation and play the ball. The most positive thing for him is that he is able to stay fit for four or five games in a row now, 90 minutes every time.”

Liverpool need to make signings to strengthen the centre of their defence with three of their four senior options all out of contract by 2027

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Liverpool need to address their pending issues in central defence as three of their four senior options all have 18 months or less remaining on their respective deals.

Ibrahima Konate is out of contract this summer and there has been no progress on a new deal and, as things stand, he is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both out of contract at Anfield in 2027, with Giovanni Leoni the only senior option who has a long-term deal. He is currently out with an ACL injury and not expected to play until August or September.

The Reds have missed out on signing Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace agreeing £20m with Manchester City, who have made a move amid defensive injuries in their ranks. Liverpool do not believe signing Guehi this month for a transfer fee represents good value as they preferred to wait until the summer.

They had a £35m deal agreed with Palace back in the last transfer window but the move collapsed on deadline day as Eagles boss Oliver Glasner was heavily resistant to losing the defender.

It means the Reds will need alternatives as they look to future-proof their options in central defence.

According to reports in Spain from Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has been identified as the long-term replacement for Van Dijk. The Reds said to be prepared to pay £78m to sign the Dutchman.

Spurs do not want to lose him but if Liverpool follow through on their intentions, the London club are “aware that this is a difficult figure to refuse, even for a key player.”

Van de Ven has been with Spurs since 2023 and has over three years remaining on his deal. talkSPORT have also reported that the Reds are tracking the defender.

“I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club. He won’t stay at Spurs,” former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor said.

“Don’t sign a new deal there, Van de Ven. You deserve better than Spurs.”

Former Chelsea man Jason Cundy believes Liverpool should be making a move for the Spurs man. He said after Liverpool drew 1-1 with Burnley on Saturday: “Here’s the thing, if I’m Liverpool I’m going after Van de Ven.

“That’s what I would do, I would absolutely go all out. They lost out on Guehi, Van de Ven is the next big thing at centre-half. He’s perfect for Liverpool if they want to play a high line. I’m going straight after him.”

Former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga has joined Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur

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Former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is back in the game after joining Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur as an assistant coach to Thomas Frank.

The former Everton defender spent 12 months as an assistant at Anfield and was part of the coaching team that guided the Reds to a Premier League title last season.

He departed Anfield in the summer to take over at European giants Ajax. However, he was sacked by the Dutch club in early November after winning just four of his 11 Eredivisie matches in charge.

Ajax had also lost all four of their Champions League matches under the ex-Liverpool assistant.

Technical director Alex Kroes told the club's website at the time: "It's a painful decision. We know it can take time for a new coach to work with a squad that has undergone changes.

"We have given John that time, but we believe it's best for the club to appoint someone else to lead the team."

However, he has now returned to the Premier League and agreed a deal to become part of Frank’s set-up in North London.

Frank said: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.

“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”

Liverpool have faced Spurs once this season, as they recorded a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both scoring for the Reds in that game.

They take on the North London club for a second time on March 14 at Anfield. Although the date of that fixture is subject to change with broadcast selections yet to be made.

Heitinga also has coaching experience in the Premier League, having worked with David Moyes at West Ham United.

He said previously of his time in the English top flight: “I got to work with two coaches of which one has been around for a long time, and the other one got to continue Jurgen Klopp‘s legacy.

“I think, together, we built something wonderful there last season.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a Liverpool star

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been keeping tabs on the Liverpool first team this transfer window as they work on bolstering their squad.

Spurs, who are currently 14th in the Premier League table, have already made big calls this month. The North London side made the decision to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and are now closing in on a deal for Conor Gallagher.

The former Chelsea star is nearing a move back to the Premier League after leaving Stamford Bridge in 2024. Gallagher joined Atletico Madrid and he has been a key part of the team since his arrival but clubs have been eager to see him return to England.

Tottenham shortlisted Liverpool midfielder as January transfer target

It has been reported that Spurs and Atletico have agreed a £34 million deal for Gallagher, with an official announcement expected this week following his medical. However, despite nearing a deal for the midfielder, he wasn’t the only figure on their shortlist this window.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has reported that Liverpool star Curtis Jones was also being considered by Tottenham. After reporting on Spurs agreeing a five-and-a-half-year deal for Gallagher O’Keefe responded to follow-up questions from fans on social media.

When asked if Spurs would be looking to sign a ‘progressive midfielder’ this transfer window, he responded: “Not really progressive but they had Curtis Jones on their list. Presumably they scrub that now – one year left on his deal.”

O’Keefe also followed up by clarifying Jones was on a ‘list of targets’ for Tottenham before they opted to sign Gallagher.

Curtis Jones contract situation at Liverpool

Jones has made nine Premier League starts this season but sat out the entirety of the Arsenal game on the bench. The Liverpool Academy graduate has been pushing to become a regular at his boyhood club for years but has never quite managed to establish himself as an unrivalled starter.

Jones’ current contract is due to expire in 2027 and a report from September 2025 claimed the Reds were working on tying him down to new terms.

TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey said: “When it comes to Liverpool contracts, I think Curtis Jones will be sorted pretty soon. Ryan Gravenberch will be the next cab off the rank after that. In terms of contracts, Jones and Gravenberch will be the next big deals Liverpool really commit to.”

Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with Yan Diomande.

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Yan Diomande will likely depart Red Bull Leipzig in the summer transfer window, it has been suggested.

The winger is one of the hottest prospects in Europe, having made a sensational impact since joining Leipzig last summer. In his maiden campaign at the Bundesliga outfit, he has plundered seven goals and four assists in 16 appearances.

Diomande’s performances have resulted in him being linked with a swathe of clubs. Liverpool are among those said to be tracking the 19-year-old, while Manchester United, Bayern Munich, PSG and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keen. There have been suggestions that Spurs will make an offer during the January transfer window.

However, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Leipzig will not entertain a sale this month - but is is likely that Diomande does depart the Red Bull Arena at the end of the season. Speaking on YouTube, Romano said: “Diomande, this fantastic, electric winger. The message from Leipzig is that Diomande will not leave in the January window. They want to keep the player. The summer will be a different story because Manchester United, PSG, Bayern are sending their people to follow him, Tottenham have already tried in this January window but it is not possible.

“There is going to be plenty of interest for Yan Diomande, one of the most interesting wingers on the market but Leipzig want to continue with the player. They want to believe in Yan Dimoande and they think the next six months can drive the price higher for the summer transfer window.

“If you think Yan Diomande will move in the summer? Yes. if you ask me if Diomande will move in Janaury? I think this is going to be complicated because Leipzig already made big money in the summer. They don't need money now.”

Last weekend, it emerged that Diomande dreams of playing for Liverpool. Speaking on a TikTok Live video, he said: “I'm a big Liverpool fan… my dad's dream is to see me play at Anfield. And it's a dream for me too.”

Will Liverpool sign Yan Diomande?

Liverpool may be in the market for a new winger in the summer transfer window. The Reds require a long-term replacement for Mo Salah, who will be 35 when his current contract expires in 2027. There is uncertainty over Salah’s future at Anfield after he claimed he’d been ‘thrown under a bus’ and his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down following a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last month.

There is criticism from sections of fans that Luis Diaz was not adequately replaced after his sale to Bayern Munich last summer, while Cody Gakpo has struggled for form this campaign.

In addition, Federico Chiesa has constantly been overlooked for a starting spot since he arrived from Juventus in August 2024. Chiesa has featured from the outset in the Premier League just twice. The Italian has been linked with a departure this month.

One Tottenham Hotspur player wants to leave North London and reportedly has his eyes on a move to Liverpool

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Liverpool are in need of defensive reinforcements in the coming weeks and months amid injury problems and uncertain contract situations at Anfield.

The Reds are without summer signing Giovanni Leoni for the remainder of the season after he suffered an ACL injury on his debut back in September. Joe Gomez has recently returned from injury with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate Arne Slot’s first-choice pairing.

Konate is out of contract at the end of the season and as things stand no agreement over a fresh deal is in sight. Marc Guehi has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, with the Reds hoping to sign the Crystal Palace star on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

However, Manchester City are looking at a deal for Guehi this month as they struggle with injury problems. It could force Liverpool’s hand as they try to get a deal done.

If the Reds miss out on Guehi, there are plenty of other options to bolster their ranks at centre-back.

One player who reportedly wants to make the move to Anfield is Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven. Reports claim he is weighing up a move away from Spurs this summer, which could see him leave North London three years on from his £43m move to the club.

He was linked with the Reds back in 2023 but now he is said to want a move to Liverpool if he exits Spurs and would only leave the Premier League for Real Madrid. The defender is quick across the ground and could help add some recovery pace to Liverpool’s back-line.

Van de Ven was on the wrong side of Liverpool supporters recently as a reckless tackle on Alexander Isak resulted in a broken leg for the Reds striker.

Isak had been played in on goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Florian Wirtz and he produced an emphatic finish to put Liverpool ahead in the clash in mid-December. Van de Ven came across to try and block the shot but instead caught Isak, with the striker now out for around three months as a result.

Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd said the challenge should have been a red card, as he said on Sky Sports: "Van de Ven has not intentionally tried to hurt Isak. Obviously he is desperate to stop a goal and he's coming across to block the shot, not hit the player.

"He's lunging, he's going into him. Every explanation that you want to give for a red card challenge is there, but because he's scored, they've let it go.

"He's lunged into his leg. He's out of control. He's trying to make a block but he's never going to get there. The shot has gone before Van de Ven has even arrived with the challenge. If that's in the middle of the park, that's a red card.

"He's lunged out of control. He's broken his leg. Surely that tells you there's force there. It's a dangerous challenge and because of it, a player has broken his leg."

The Spurs striker of course did not intentionally cause a serious injury to Isak and has since apologised to the Swedish striker.

He said: "I sent him a text because I didn’t want to injure him, or to do something to hurt him of course. I just wanted to try to block the shot. I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs. So I sent him a text afterwards and I wanted to wish him all the best of course. I hope to see him on the pitch again very soon. He appreciated the message and texted back."

Liverpool are said to be showing an interest in a current AFCON star as Arne Slot looks to bolster his midfield

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Liverpool are looking at adding more depth to their defensive midfield position and a Ligue 1 player has reportedly landed on their radar.

The Reds managed to keep a third clean sheet in five games with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United on Thursday night but the performance left much to be desired as they failed to produce any real attacking threat.

While they could look to sign a short-term attacking option to cover for Alexander Isak’s broken leg, midfield and defensive reinforcements are also being eyed this month. Liverpool have not lost since the end of November when they were beaten 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

In their unbeaten streak, they have not produced any stunning performances but have become a harder side to score against - despite looking shaky at times they have just conceded twice in five matches.

Ryan Gravenberch is Slot’s first choice defensive midfielder but according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara is on Liverpool’s list of targets. The 21-year-old is currently at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal and has been capped 23 times by his country, scoring six goals.

He is described in the report as a “tireless” box-to-box midfielder with the Reds said to view him as somebody who could add strength in depth to their midfield options.

Camara, 21, only joined Monaco around 18 months ago for about £11m from Metz but he is now valued at £44m by the French club. Liverpool are not the only Premier League side linked, as both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are “closely monitoring his progress”.

He has scored 3 goals and provided 14 assists in 69 appearances and also has experience in the Champions League with 12 appearances in the competition.

Liverpool could be without Alexander Isak for the rest of the season with the perpetrator going unpunished but should that change?

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Football is a game of clichés. Arne Slot would have been “over the moon” to pick up three points against Tottenham even if one incident would have left him seeing red.

The whole season has been one step forward, one step back for Liverpool with the win over Spurs giving fans a glimpse of what might be as Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak linked up to open the scoring. The £300m strike force finally showing what it is capable of. That Isak didn’t get back up shouldn’t have been a surprise to the Reds boss given the luck that both the player and he has had to endure so far in what has been a campaign fraught with problems.

Premier League should make late tackle law change

On this occasion, it was Micky van de Ven’s challenge that saw the Sweden international hobble off the park with the help of the medical staff in a tackle that should have seen Spurs punished with more than the concession of the first goal. Anywhere else on the pitch, if a player makes a scissor tackle it would be at least a yellow card. If a player is that late with a tackle, they would also be punished with a similar outcome. That Van de Ven was late and scissor tackled Isak leaving him with a suspected broken leg should have been enough to see him sent off in the type of incident that defenders get away with on a regular basis.

Just because an attacking player gets a shot away, it doesn’t mean that the defender shouldn’t get punished if they then collide with them. Attempting to block a shot should be no different to attempting to block a cross. Van de Ven’s tackle is the very definition of serious foul play as laid out by Law 12 via The FA’s laws of the game guidance: “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play. “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.” The Spurs defender ticked at least four boxes.

Isak injury could have been avoided

With VAR, there is no excuse for referees not to be sent to the monitor to have a second look at tackles such as the one that now sees Isak with a suspected broken leg and almost certainly ruled out for the season. Whether it is the referees and Howard Webb that need to address it, the FA or even FIFA, a directive needs to be issued to officials to be stricter when it comes to punishing defenders who make late tackles attempting to pressure forwards getting shots away before more injuries like the one Isak just suffered happen again.

Liverpool have their eyes on this Tottenham star ahead of the January transfer window

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After Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur, there are more reports linking the two rivals beyond Alexander Isak’s significant injury blow.

The striker is expected to see a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Micky van de Ven’s challenge forced him off the pitch following just his second Premier League goal in red. The latest reports say Isak could be out for months with a suspected leg break, which will be a huge setback for Arne Slot’s attack.

Liverpool may utilise the January window to bolster their attack, with the likes of Antoine Semenyo heavily linked to Anfield. They also find themselves linked with Lucas Bergvall, who Tottenham could be tempted to sell despite his importance to the team.

Liverpool ‘offering’ £52 million to sign Lucas Bergvall

According to Fichajes, Liverpool are ‘offering’ Tottenham €60 million (£52m) in exchange for Bergvall’s signature. While Spurs have shown no interest in letting the midfielder leave the club previously, the Reds’ offer could ‘completely change the situation’.

The midfielder joined the North London club last summer from Swedish club Djurgarden for just £8.5 million. Spurs were competing with Barcelona at the time for his signature and could now be in a tempting position to cash in.

The Fichajes report claims that selling Bergvall could ‘shape their sporting project’ for the future as they look to improve their results and form. Tottenham have just one win from their last five Premier League games and currently sit 13th in the table heading into the festive period.

At Tottenham, the idea of selling Bergvall is being ‘analysed’. The figure being proposed by Liverpool will allow the club to ‘strengthen several positions’ and gain ‘financial flexibility’ as the transfer market grows more demanding.

Liverpool make Tottenham star a ‘priority target’

Bergvall has rapidly risen in value at just 19 years of age. He is a midfielder by trade but has also played out wide on both the left and right for Spurs this season. The Sweden international will provide much-needed cover for Arne Slot in multiple areas, should the club go ahead with their reported interest.

The Premier League champions have made Bergvall a ‘priority target’ and believe investing such a figure in the young star with clear Premier League experience is a ‘logical move’.

Liverpool believe signing Bergvall ‘fit into their plan for a gradual squad overhaul’. The Reds are said to be looking to recruit young, talented players who will establish themselves as key figures in the future but also be able to perform immediately upon arrival.

Following Isak’s injury setback, Liverpool’s fitness issues are growing at an alarming rate. They are currently without the likes of Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez, highlighting the Reds’ need to strengthen in multiple areas.

Semenyo has been the main name linked with Liverpool in recent weeks but they are also eager to bolster their backline, especially with Ibrahima Konate approaching the end of his contract.