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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could consider eventually taking the Newcastle United job one day, according to a claim from transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Klopp working wonders at Liverpool

The German has become a legendary figure at Anfield since taking charge in October 2015, inspiring them to both Champions League and Premier League glory, among numerous other trophies.

Klopp has twice been named the world’s best coach, and while Liverpool have dipped below their usual standards so far this season, his standing remains powerful.

An intriguing claim has emerged regarding the 55-year-old’s future, which is where Newcastle come into play amid recent reports that the German is “obsessed” about the Magpies.

The Latest: Jones drops Newcastle claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Klopp could potentially eye up the St James’ Park job one day, even though it is still unlikely.

He said:

“Yeah, possibly. I mean, it might be a good moment in Klopp’s career for that change to come around. I’m not totally convinced that Klopp is obsessed by Newcastle in this moment.

“But of course, as a manager of a top flight team, you’re going to be intrigued by what’s going on because they’re threatening your own side’s position in the league and you probably feel a little bit vulnerable.

“But we should also consider Jurgen Klopp is probably going to fancy the Germany job at some point. I know it kind of gets played down sometimes but I’m sure that will be the next job that is also posted in his direction.”

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The Verdict: Feels unlikely

The job that Eddie Howe is doing at Newcastle means that there certainly shouldn’t be any talk of a new manager at the moment, with the Englishman working wonders at St James’ Park.

That being said, even a mention of Klopp becoming their manager one day is undoubtedly exciting, considering his brilliance at Liverpool and the aura that he possesses.

Nonetheless, it feels likely that he will remain at Anfield for some time yet and then possibly take a break – as Jones says, the Germany job shouldn’t be ruled out – so it would be a surprise if he headed to Newcastle any time soon.

West Ham United could return to sign a European talent who has starred in Qatar…

What’s the latest?

As per Italian outlet Firenzeviola.it, the Hammers are expected to revive their interest in Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic after a failed summer move.

The 25-year-old has excelled in Italy, but with a £91k-per-week contract tying him down until 2027, the fee demanded will likely be high.

This transfer turnaround comes following Kurt Zouma’s knee surgery, which will likely see him side-lined for the foreseeable future.

He has starred at the World Cup

Despite having crashed out in the group stages of the competition, Milenkovic still remained a solid option at the back for Serbia.

Maintaining an admirable 6.87 average rating across his three games, his performances were not too dissimilar to the imperious displays that likely first earned him the Irons’ interest.

Across the Serie A this season his rating has increased to 7.07.

During the World Cup, he averaged 2.0 interceptions, 3.3 tackles and 3.0 clearances per game, as well as maintaining an 88% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

Should this form continue, he can more than make up for the absence of Zouma, who conversely ranks lower in all of the aforementioned statistics except for his mammoth 4.8 clearances.

What will likely further entice David Moyes to this purchase is the defender’s aerial prowess, of which he ranks in the top 10% compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues. This has led to him scoring twice and assisting once this season, despite having played just 11 league games.

Upon bursting onto the scene, the defender unsurprisingly drew comparisons with his legendary compatriot Nemanja Vidic.

His former coach Ivan Tomic first said of him: “Milenkovic has [the] physical characteristics of a beast. He reads the game well, plays the ball, and should have a great career ahead of him”.

He would then have this statement verified by Dejan Stankovic, whose praise reached new levels as he spoke to ESPN FC: “Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet. He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common — both are fearless.”

Such sensational words combined with his fine World Cup performances will likely have Moyes reeling at the prospect of luring him, and given the timing of the injury they could end up with an upgrade on their hulking French defender.

Nottingham Forest were linked with a move for Yunus Musah in the summer and now a new update from a reliable source has been revealed that could give the club a boost in their pursuit ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Valencia are still open to offers for the midfielder and are hoping that his performances at the World Cup with the USMNT will stimulate further interest.

As per the report, several Premier League clubs remain interested in signing Musah and the La Liga club are willing to listen to offers of around €20m (£17.1m) in January.

Imagine him & Mangala

There is no doubt that Steve Cooper and the powers at the City Ground will be putting together several transfer targets worth keeping an eye on ahead of the transfer market reopening next month, as strengthening their team could save the season for Forest.

The Tricky Trees have spent the large majority of their campaign in the relegation zone, however, after a short burst of consistent form have managed to climb the table into 18th – just one point shy of safety.

As a result, acquiring players that can give them that final push in performances that can secure crucial points over the second half of the season would be a huge asset for Cooper as he tries to retain Forest’s Premier League status.

Musah has captured the attention of the football world with his performances in Qatar at the World Cup, with the New York-born midfielder playing an integral part in USMNT’s progress to the round of 16.

Unfortunately, Musah and his team could not hold off the attacking prowess of the Netherlands and found themselves knocked out of the prestigious international competition after a 3-1 defeat.

Over four appearances, the 20-year-old – who was dubbed “crazy” by Gregg Berhalter – tallied up a 95% pass completion rate in his own half and successfully completed 40% of his dribbles, as well as averaging two tackles, 37.3 accurate passes and winning 4.5 duels per game, proving that he has a great work ethic in the centre of the pitch.

Despite making 22 signings in the summer, Forest did not invest in many youthful prospects in their midfield with Cheikhou Kouyate and Remo Freuler both adding experience but not longevity to the team as they are both in their 30s.

They did, however, sign Orel Mangala and the 24-year-old midfielder could be the perfect partner for Musah as the pair both thrive in either the central or defensive midfield roles, giving Forest increased protection when coming up against attacking threats trying to break the lines.

With that being said, the signing of Musah would be a great piece of business for Forest in January, not only for the second half of the season but for the future of the midfield on Trentside.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Weston McKennie, with a respected journalist having offered a new update…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Ben Jacobs, who underwent a Q&A on his Twitter account where he offered to answer transfer-related questions.

Asked by a fan if Spurs were in advanced talks with any big names, he namedropped the American by claiming: “McKennie is one to watch.”

Juventus have reportedly slapped a €30m (£26m) price tag upon his head, which could tempt Antonio Conte into action.

Replace Bissouma

Although having only signed in the summer, Yves Bissouma has somewhat struggled following his initial £25m move.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder had established himself as one of the great players outside of the traditional ‘top six’, recording a 7.07 rating in his final season on the south coast.

Billed as a top tackler, he averaged 1.9 interceptions and 2.9 tackles per game, yet his 89% pass accuracy suggested he had the quality to thrive in the transitions, via Sofascore.

However, under the intense pressure of a Conte system, he is yet to make his mark and was even branded “silly” and “naïve” by football writer Andrew Gaffney after the Mali international earned himself an unnecessary yellow card.

Across his 14 games this season he has been handed a miserable 6.64 rating, where his interceptions and tackles have both dropped to just 0.6 per game.

Therefore, the ruthless Italian coach could ditch him in favour of McKennie, who has established himself as a fine performer on the world stage this winter.

This season, the 24-year-old has recorded a 6.84 average rating for a struggling Juventus side.

Less of a ball-winner and more of a playmaker, this switch around would perhaps facilitate Conte moving to a more aggressive and offensive system.

The midfielder in question currently ranks in the top 10% for non-penalty goals, and ranking in the top 8% for progressive passes received could act as a bridge between the midfield and attack.

Having impressed at the World Cup, it seemed he was always destined for big things, with his former sporting director Christian Heidel claiming:

“Weston is a very good footballer, but he also has a lot of traits that are very, very important to Schalke. The fans love the way he plays, and the work he puts in. His body language is extraordinary.”

He could finally capture this potential touted back when he was a youngster by moving to Spurs, and replacing a summer signing that seems to have fallen flat.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag must unleash Jadon Sancho tomorrow when they travel to the Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial Premier League fixture, with the race for top-four very much on.

The Red Devils sit in fifth place in the division having won three of their past four fixtures in the division, and a further triumph this weekend would put them two points above Tottenham Hotspur in fourth – who have currently played an extra match. 

With Dutch manager assuming the role of head coach at the club this summer, following a dreadful preceding campaign where the prestigious outfit finished sixth, on just 58 points, fortunes have certainly hinted at positive, impactful change.

Signing for United for £73m from German side Borussia Dortmund last summer, Sancho has failed to live up to the price tag thus far, scoring only eight goals and assisting a further four across 52 fixtures since his debut.

This is a notable drop from the captivating prolific performances that earned him such supreme plaudits in Germany, plundering 50 goals and 64 assists from 137 outings for the Yellow Wall.

The 21-year-old is not the first promising talent to fail to hit the ground running following a move to the relentless, high-octane pressure of Premier League football, but his natural ability and blitzing pace holds the key to unlocking a bright future in the division, with Owen Hargreaves saying in 2020 that he is “off the charts”.

As per Sofascore, in the 20/21 campaign – Sancho’s last in the German Bundesliga – the dynamo recorded a spectacular average match rating of 7.55, snatching eight goals and 11 assists from just 24 starts, dazzling with 2.0 shots and creating 2.7 chances per outing.

It is this level of output that will wedge him into Ten Hag’s plans, and with Wolves languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, he will have a wonderful opportunity to ramp up the gas and prove his worth, should he earn a starting position.

Football writer Drake Hills also lauded the player for his “dangerous” impact out wide, maintaining the threat levels that his pace gives him either with or without the ball. 

It hasn’t quite worked out so far, but against Wolves, who are going to attempt to erect strong defensive walls to rebuff the United attack, someone with Sancho’s unique skill and flair could find the marginal crack in the wall to burst through and provide his team with a victory to continue the resurgence. 

Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Boxing Day when they return to action in the Premier League after a month-long break due to the World Cup in Qatar.

Frank Lampard will be hoping that the pause in Premier League football will have had a positive effect on his squad, as the Toffees have struggled to find consistency in their performances over their first 15 league outings.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the league and just one point clear of the bottom three as it stands which has been heavily contributed bply the team’s lack of goal contributions so far, with just 11 goals scored.

As a result, Lampard will need to find solutions to get his team scoring as soon as possible and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin recovering from a knee injury, there is now an opportunity to promote one of Everton’s most promising youth prospects.

Tom Cannon has been having the season of his life so far with the U23s and has reportedly been attracting the attention of Sheffield Wednesday due to his relentless ferocity in front of goal for the young Toffees.

The 19-year-old goal machine – who was dubbed “ruthless” by journalist Joe Thomas – has scored 11 goals and delivered three assists over 17 appearances so far with a goal contribution every 96 minutes – an output that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the first team manager.

Lampard invited Cannon to Everton’s Australian tour last month and now the former Chelsea boss has hinted at the talented teenager’s inclusion in the matchday squad against Wolves on Monday during his pre-match press conference.

When asked by the media about the young striker’s potential of being given some first team football following Salomon Rondon’s departure, Lampard revealed:

“Yes, and he is doing very well at the minute to sort of throw himself into the picture.”

“The way he is training with us and playing and scoring goals when he is playing for the Under-21s…so it is really good to see the development of him.”

“You know, to step into the first-team and make an impact as I say is on another level so at the minute he is showing everything he can.”

With that being said, unleashing Cannon could be an opportunity for Lampard to finally get his team scoring in the Premier League without Calvert-Lewin and could inevitably save Everton millions in the January transfer window as the signing of a striker has been reported as the clubs top priority.

Journalist Rob Guest has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will be ‘praying’ Dejan Kulusevski is fit to play in the club’s next game but may have to start Bryan Gil instead.

What’s the word?

It’s been a slow start to life back in the Premier League for Spurs following the break for the World Cup as they have picked up just one point from their last two fixtures.

At least, Conte’s men could finally get back to winning ways as they travel away to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Though that won’t necessarily be an easy fixture with the Eagles impressively defeating Bournemouth 2-0 in their last outing.

To make things more complicated, it sounds as though senior regulars Rodrigo Bentancur and Kulusevski are big doubts for the game, as well as Yves Bissouma being suspended, so Spurs may have to field a weakened team.

In an article for football.london, Guest explained: “Antonio Conte will be praying that Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski are fit enough to take their place in the team at Crystal Palace after missing out against Aston Villa through injury. If both still remain on the sidelines, the boss is going to have a couple of big decisions to make in terms of his starting XI.”

He then added: “If Bentancur is not fit enough to play, Oliver Skipp should take the suspended Yves Bissouma’s place in midfield ahead of Pape Matar Sarr. Although the Senegal international was a rare bright spot in the Villa defeat, Skipp’s experience will probably see him get the nod and he can help give Spurs some presence in the middle of the park.

“Bryan Gil should be handed a second successive Premier League start only if Kulusevski remains on the sidelines.”

Chance to shine?

Interestingly, Sarr was the second best rated player from Spurs’ clash with Aston Villa last time out, as he came off the bench and was given a 6/10 by Alasdair Gold.

Dejan Kulusevski has missed out on Tottenham’s last game against Aston Villa due to a muscle injury. This did allow Gil to come in and get his first league start of the season, but he was unable to help much as his side slumped to defeat – picking up a lowly 6.4 match rating on SofaScore.

The Sweden star remains a doubt with Conte recently saying: “Kulusevski is not a serious injury but you know we need to monitor it day by day and tomorrow and then we take the best decision. I don’t know [if he can face Palace].”

Bentancur also missed that same game with an injury and looks set to miss the next game. His manager said: “He’s still not ready and also for the FA Cup game but we hope to have him back for the next Premier League game.”

Against Villa, his replacement Bissouma picked up a fifth booking of the season and so he’ll be out too. At least this could hand Oliver Skipp a rare chance to impress. The midfielder has started just twice in the league this term, partly due to fitness issues, and will no doubt be desperate to make a positive impact.

Conte has made it clear that he wants to improve his squad this January with some new signings. However, if these squad players like Gil and Skipp can deliver against Palace, perhaps the Italian will have second thoughts about who exactly he wants to bring in this winter.

Arsenal have reportedly joined a sprawling list of suitors vying for a European starlet…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Evening Standard, who claim that the Gunners are now in the race to sign PAOK wonderkid Giannis Konstantelias.

Other Premier League clubs are also credited with an interest, alongside PSV Eindhoven and Valencia, but a fee of £10m is being touted.

With an ability to play across the front line and in midfield, Konstantelias’ versatility could prove integral for Mikel Arteta, who enjoys free-flowing forwards who can interchange in their roles.

Arteta’s dream

Although the current crop at the Emirates Stadium is currently excelling, the future is equally as bright given how the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Emile Smith-Rowe are all under the age of 23 and thriving.

This move could further enhance that outstanding young crop, with the Greek teenager one of the PAOK academy graduates who led Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig to commend the “amazing job” that the club was doing.

In fact, what could make this particular youngster Arteta’s dream signing, is his likeness to Eden Hazard, according to Kulig.

The Belgian winger is regarded as one of the most talented players to grace the Premier League, having scored 110 times and set up 92 goals in 352 appearances in his time at Chelsea. He was good value for his 2018/19 PFA Fans’ Players of the Year award, with 31 goal contributions in that campaign, and four years previously, he was named PFA Player of the Year.

In a separate tweet, the scout lists the strengths of the 19-year-old as “pace, acceleration, dribbling, technique, ball control, creativity, agility, flair”.

These are attributes which could apply to many of the young attackers in north London, as well as the former Chelsea man, which could make Konstantelias a perfect fit for Arsenal.

In 13 games this season, the Greek gem has assisted four goals but is yet to score. In his breakthrough campaign at senior level, he has recorded 1.3 key passes per game despite averaging just 58 minutes per appearance.

That makes his 6.75 Sofascore rating all the more impressive, as he poses a consistent threat down the left flank for his team.

Should the 19-year-old make this big move to the Emirates, his career could truly skyrocket. If he is half as impressive as Hazard, he is sure to be a success in England should Arteta decide to sign him.

Everton seem to already have their Frank Lampard replacement lined up…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to BBC journalist Phil McNulty, who spoke live on BBC Merseyside about the manager situation at Goodison Park.

He said: “There are people available… For some reason known only to myself, and I have expressed this to my colleagues in the media over the last few months, I’ve always had a feeling that David Moyes would reappear at Everton at some point.

“It would have to be this season I would think and he’s struggling a little bit at West Ham at the moment so I think he would be under consideration.”

Save their season

Farhad Moshiri has been notoriously trigger-happy with his managerial appointments, handing the coveted hot seat to those who do not fit the bill only to dismiss them shortly into their tenure.

As such, the Toffees have had six different permanent managers since 2017, with the last manager to last longer than three years being Moyes.

There was a reason for his sensational longevity at Goodison Park, where he boasted an impressive 11-year career before moving to Manchester United.

On a shoestring budget, the 59-year-old would consistently attain safety for his club, even pushing them into the Champions League spots in the 2004/05 season.

Whilst this campaign has been tough for his Hammers side, he has already proven once again that he remains a capable manager for the division.

Moyes did this with clever signings once more, as he masterminded a sixth and seventh-place finish, reaching the Europa League semi-final last season too.

Unsurprisingly, former England international Jonathan Woodgate would go on to label him a “top manager” capable of “top drawer” signings.

The additions of Tomas Soucek and Vladamir Coufal were particularly poignant and could even have drawn comparisons with the signings made of Marouane Fellaini and Seamus Coleman during his spell on Merseyside.

In fact, former footballer Daniel Gabbidon praised the team spirit that had been garnered at the London Stadium, noting it as his “most impressive act to date.”

With a knowledge of the league arguably unmatched, and a track history of dealing with the club in financial crisis, Moyes would be a sure-fire way of securing their place in the division.

However, it would be a searing indictment of how the club has been run, as they come full circle following the initial cash injection of the Iranian’s billions.

The January transfer window is well underway and Newcastle United are yet to make their first splash in the market after being busy at this point last year.

Eddie Howe and PIF enjoyed a successful first window at the helm in 2022 as they brought in Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, and Chris Wood to bolster the squad.

It has been a quieter month this time around as they have not made a single signing to improve the team, although that may change in the final two weeks of the window.

Central midfielder Guimaraes is set for a spell out on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the recent win over Fulham in the Premier League and the Magpies could look to make an addition in that area of the pitch.

One player, who can operate in the middle of the park, who has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park is Leicester dynamo James Maddison.

Journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GIVEMESPORT that it may take a “monster offer” for the Magpies to sign the attacking midfielder, who is a “target” for the club.

Dan Ashworth must now swoop to make a mega move for the England international as the former Norwich gem has the potential to be a phenomenal signing for the Toon.

Maddison’s form in the Premier League this season suggests that he could improve Newcastle’s attack. In 13 appearances, the 26-year-old has plundered seven goals and provided four assists, whilst creating 2.4 chances per game and averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.52.

Meanwhile, no Magpies midfielder has created more than 1.1 opportunities per outing in the top-flight this term and no central midfielder has scored more than three times.

These statistics indicate that Maddison would be an upgrade on Howe’s current options in that area of the pitch by offering a greater threat in front of goal and providing an increased level of creativity in possession.

The £110k-per-week gem, who was once dubbed “magical” and a “magician” by Statman Dave, is also heading into his prime years at the age of 26 and could hit the ground running for Newcastle, given his Premier League experience, whilst having plenty of years left ahead of him before he enters his 30s.

Therefore, Ashworth must do whatever it takes to sign the English playmaker before the end of the month as his statistics suggest that Howe would love to have the gem in his squad heading into the second half of the campaign.