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Liverpool's next generation is one of the most sparkling in the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp often left enamoured with the rapidity and consistency with which they produce such incredible talent.

Just last year the legendary German wrote in programme notes: "I am never short of a positive word to say about the work our Academy guys do. They help to nurture players who are exceptional young men as well as very talented athletes. Their hunger to learn is what stands out.

"The opportunity at this club is always there. I’ve referenced the outstanding football education they get in the Academy but within my first-team staff they also have amazing champions."

His record with affording them play time is equally impressive too, so all-in-all their relationship is only solidified. It felt like Klopp was crafted specifically for the Reds, and although things have been tough this season, he remains an esteemed figure around Anfield.

Currently enduring a transitional period, with plenty of his stars nearing the twilight of their careers, he has already begun transforming the squad with the additions of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. But, if the club's history is anything to go by, they will not be allowed to spend big to resolve every position.

Perhaps the 55-year-old could look to dip into that rich academy as part of this rebuild, to save some money on key positions. Notably with James Norris to soon fill the left-back spot.

Who is James Norris?

Born within the city, the 19-year-old scouser has been a mainstay for the U21 side for some time now.

With the ability to play in midfield and at left back, there are shades of Trent Alexander-Arnold in his ability on the ball and his attacking impetus.

However, it is Andrew Robertson who would be under threat, should he start to progress further into the first team. He does boast two appearances for the senior squad already and was involved in their run to win the FA Cup.

Writer Carl Clemente even outlined his outstanding moment, as he wrote on Twitter: "James Norris makes history & becomes the youngest ever Scouser to play for #LFC's first team at the age of 16 years, 8 months & 13 days old."

The Scotsman has been a revelation since he first moved to the club, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's best offensive fullbacks with immediacy. Such is his pedigree, this season saw him surpass Leighton Baines' record as the defender with the most assists.

Across his 256 appearances for the Reds, the 29-year-old boasts eight goals and 61 assists, but Norris threatens to emulate such numbers with his form in the youth squads.

In 15 Premier League 2 games this season the teenage sensation already has five goals and one assist, as he seems poised to demolish his six goal contributions from the year prior.

His boss Barry Lewtas reserved specific praise for the 5 foot 7 maestro, for his role in their victory in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final. He noted: "But when the ball dropped and Chuck hit it, it was a fantastic goal – a great finish. It deserved to win any cup final."

With a quality far ahead that of the youth level, he will likely have to bide his time until Robertson steps away from the post. But, when he does, Norris is the perfect man to replace the impressive Scotsman.

Everton’s business in the transfer market in recent years has arguably been one of the biggest reasons behind their fall from European hopefuls to relegation candidates.

Splashing the cash on big-money signings such as Yerry Mina (£27.2m), Theo Walcott (£20m) and Andre Gomes (£22m) has all been for nothing, with the trio just three amongst a handful of other inflated moves that just haven’t worked out for the club.

With Mina likely to leave this summer upon the expiration of his contract and Walcott having departed a few years ago following a measly record of just 11 goals in 85 appearances, it is Gomes who could still rinse the club for the next year, and his singing has been one of disappointment.

How much has Andre Gomes cost Everton?

Much was made of the Portuguese midfielder upon his arrival at Goodison Park in 2018, initially on loan before sealing a permanent deal. Here was a player who had just spent two seasons at Barcelona, winning two Spanish Cups along with a La Liga title, while he also won Euro 2016 with Portugal, proving that he could bring a winning mentality to the Toffees.

Despite his successful season on loan, scoring once in 27 Premier League matches, completing 73% of his attempted dribbles and making 1.4 tackles per game, the following campaigns have largely been underwhelming.

The 29-year-old only started seven league matches last season, averaging a Sofascore rating of just 6.35/10, managing just one assist and losing possession 7.7 times on average per match.

He was even described as a “walking red card” by The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe following a match last season and over the course of his Everton career, he has rinsed them for millions.

Indeed, since arriving permanently for £22m in 2019, Gomes has also cost the club a further £19.7m in wages during his time at the Toffees, adding up to a quite ridiculous total of £41.7m.

Former Toffees manager Frank Lampard sent him out on loan to Ligue 1 side Lille in the summer for the whole season and his form seems to have picked up slightly. In 18 league matches, he has netted once while grabbing a further two assists and also making 0.7 key passes per game.

This return to some sort of form could work well for current boss Sean Dyche, who may be able to recoup some of the £22m the club spent on him four years ago.

Whatever happens regarding his future, he has rinsed the club for way too much during his stint on Merseyside and future transfers like this will need to be avoided.

Chelsea fans online have slammed Jude Bellingham after he complained about the penalty awarded and then retaken in the Champions League last night.

What’s the latest on Jude Bellingham and Chelsea?

Borussia Dortmund arrived at Stamford Bridge with a one-goal lead after winning the first leg 1-0. However, Raheem Sterling managed to pull the Blues level by halftime.

Then just seconds into the second half, Chelsea were awarded a penalty for a somewhat dubious handball. Kai Havertz missed the spot kick but was allowed to retake it as a number of players, from both teams, were encroaching in the box.

The German slotted his second attempt and that was enough to settle the game. But it seems as though not everyone was happy with the officiating on the night.

After the final whistle, Bellingham saw shown the handball incident while speaking to BT Sport. First, he said: “It’s a yard or two away… I’m not too sure.”

Before then adding: “I don’t want to get in trouble. I’ve paid enough to them lot.”

The Englishman is referring to the fact that he had to pay a €40,000 (£35,605) fine in 2021 to German football officials for his comments about referee Felix Zwayer after Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat by Bayern Munich.

After another questionable penalty call, he’d said: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?”

And while it seems as though he’s now learnt his lesson, the Chelsea fans were not too happy with his complaints.

Here are some of the reactions…

Sky Sports have shared a Southampton managerial update after talks with proposed Premier League candidate Jesse Marsch collapsed.

The Lowdown: Marsch falls through…

The former Leeds United boss was a firm favourite to take over at St. Mary’s after Nathan Jones was shown his marching orders earlier this week.

Battling relegation, the Saints turned to Marsch as a top contender and talks were positive, with reports suggesting that the American’s appointment was only a matter of time.

However, after an alleged dispute over contract length, talks broke down and now Southampton are back to square one in their search for a new head coach.

The Latest: Sky share Saints manager update…

Sky journalist Mark McAdam, speaking to the broadcast giant, has shared an update on Southampton’s plans after Marsch – explaining:

“It’s our understanding that Ruben Selles will be taking the team for the trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

“He’s a coach that is very highly thought of by the Southampton board, he’s coached in Russia, Denmark, Greece as well as England.

“He’ll be guiding the team for the moment, however Southampton’s board now have to decide whether they think he’s the man that can keep them in the Premier League, or whether they go back to the drawing board.”

The Verdict: Good candidate?

Selles is more than capable of taking charge against Chelsea but we believe Southampton should go back to the drawing board and elect to appoint a more experienced manager.

While there are a lack of major candidates available, one man who could entice the Saints board is former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo.

The Argentine has been linked with a move to Southampton after leaving River Plate, a club where he won numerous domestic honours and garnered a stellar reputation.

The 4-3-3 attack-minded boss has been called ‘similar’ to Mauricio Pochettino and is currently a free agent, making him a really astute option.

One caveat, of course, is whether Gallardo can be convinced to join a relegation dog fight.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is wanted by Galatasaray and a loan deal may be possible with talks “active”.

What’s the latest?

While club manager Jurgen Klopp seems to have ruled out the likelihood of any new players joining his squad before January comes to an end, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any departures.
Indeed, the manager did say “nothing will happen” with regard to any more winter incomings, but Phillips’ future still remains up in the air as a possible exit looms.
While talking about it all on the Born and Red podcast, Jacobs has revealed the latest information he has, with Galatasaray in talks over a possible loan for the centre-back.

He said (34:07): “With Nat Phillips, I think that Galatasaray are very genuine contenders.
“They are certainly keen to secure his services and talks can be described at this point as active.
“So then it becomes about what parties will be prepared to entertain. The last time I checked in on this, the loan until the end of the season was certainly a possibility.
“I think from a Galatasaray point of view, they were quite keen on a loan with an opinion to buy.”

Man on the move

Seeing as the 25-year-old has hardly had a kick so far this season – seeing just 55 minutes of action in the Premier League – it’s easy to see why he’s on the market.
However, with a contract that runs until the summer of 2025, Liverpool are not necessarily in a position where they will feel as though they have to sell him.
With that in mind, it could suit all parties to agree upon a loan until the end of the season. That way, the centre-back can potentially help build up his reputation and transfer value ahead of a permanent switch later down the line.
Phillips has been linked with West Ham United too. So, as talks continue with Galatasaray, don’t be surprised if this deal is completed over the coming days one way or the other.

Newcastle supporters should ‘keep an eye’ on Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech as we approach the final days of this January transfer window, says Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Howe chasing winger?

Amid exit links surrounding fan favourite Allan Saint-Maximin, reports have suggested that the Magpies could sign a winger before deadline day next week.

Talks have apparently been held over Everton youngster Anthony Gordon as the 21-year-old repeatedly misses training all week.

Another option could be Morocco star Ziyech with some sources claiming that the 2022 World Cup player is another target on manager Eddie Howe’s radar.

The Latest: CBS reporter makes Ziyech claim…

When asked about the state of play in regards to a possible transfer for the African this window, Jacobs of CBS Sports has mentioned Newcastle alongside Serie A giants Roma.

He explained (via Twitter):

“Wages remain an issue. Roma and Newcastle still two clubs to keep an eye on.”

The Verdict: Exciting target?

The 29-year-old wouldn’t exactly come to St. James’ Park with real longevity, and on a reported £100,000-per-week, we understand why his salary comes as a concern.

That being said, as Newcastle and Howe chase a top four Premier League finish, Ziyech arguably has the proven quality to give their push a real boost.

He played a starring role for Morocco as the Qatar underdogs made history, becoming the first ever African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Former Spain manager Luis Enrique hailed Ziyech as one of the international outfit’s ‘extraordinary players’ alongside Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat.

According to WhoScored, the Chelsea outcast started every game of Morocco’s tournament run, averaging more attempts at goal and key passes per 90 than anyone in their side.

The competition for places is rife at Stamford Bridge and we believe Graham Potter has a gem wasting away on the bench, having started just four league games this season.

Ziyech is proven on the biggest stage and Newcastle could secure a brilliant Gordon alternative by making a move.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping the final couple of weeks of the transfer window are kind to Arsenal as he aims to end their 19-year Premier League drought this season.

The North London side are closing in on main target Mykhailo Mudryk as Arteta looks set to bolster his attacking options, however, another centre-forward to take the burden from Eddie Nketiah and a midfielder will also be on his list.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) Arteta is keen on a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic although a potential fee for the player could be as high as €120m (£106m) and the Serie A side are in prime position considering his contract doesn’t expire until 2024.

It would be a major statement of intent if Arsenal could secure his services and he could be an upgrade on current centre midfielder Thomas Partey.

Milinkovic-Savic could be a Partey upgrade

The Ghanaian has actually enjoyed a fruitful season playing alongside Granit Xhaka in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, scoring twice, making 0.9 key passes per match, and averaging 78.7 touches per game.

Even defensively he has been integral to the side’s excellent form this campaign, making 2.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 1.6 clearances per match while winning 57% of his duels.

It’s a testament to how good Milinkovic-Savic has been this season that he could arrive at Arsenal and be an upgrade on a player who has displayed the figures Partey has, but the Serbian could be a truly wonderful signing.

Indeed, this term, the 27-year-old has outperformed Partey in a variety of metrics, registering more goal contributions (ten to two), shots per match (1.73 to 1.19), goal-creating actions (ten to three), blocks (19 to nine) and won more aerial duels (35 to 19), via FBref.

Arteta is currently lacking in midfield depth and signing the Lazio star would help solve this issue while adding one of Europe’s finest to his squad.

Milinkovic-Savic ranks in the top six% across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, total shots, non-penalty goals, touches in the opposition box, progressive passes recovery, and aerials won compared to positional peers according to FBref.

Reporter Siavoush Fallahi previously dubbed the player as “insane” and his current form suggests that he could add that extra bit of steel to the Arsenal side which could help power them over the line and claim an incredible league title triumph.

Glasgow Rangers continued their 100% record under Michael Beale in the Premiership with a 3-0 win over Motherwell on Wednesday night at Ibrox.

The Light Blues took the lead after 13 minutes as Alfredo Morelos celebrated a return to the starting XI with a fine header at the back post to score his fifth league goal of the campaign.

A cross and a header proved to be successful again for the Gers in the first half as Connor Goldson nodded in from a corner to double the lead before the interval.

Malik Tillman then made it three on the hour as he latched onto Morelos’ pass and brilliantly turned to fire past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

Beale’s side were then able to see out the game in a professional manner after making a host of changes to provide opportunities for those on the bench to get minutes on the pitch.

Whilst Morelos produced a goal and an assist as he led the line on his return to the team, the real match-winner for Rangers was left-back Borna Barisic.

He came back into the side in spite of Adam Devine’s impressive performances – recording two Sofascore ratings of 7.0 or higher as a stand-in over the three previous matches – and justified his selection with an exceptional performance at the back.

The £18k-per-week gem was a constant threat in possession of the ball and did not shirk away from his defensive responsibilities as he remained solid in defence.

As per Sofascore, the Croatian international won four of his six individual duels, including his only battle in the air, and made two tackles and one block. The dynamo also only gave away one foul in the 90 minutes and these statistics show that he barely stepped a foot wrong from a defensive perspective.

In possession, the left-back was sublime as he set up the opening goal for Morelos with an inch-perfect cross to the back post and then provided the assist for the second goal with a fantastic corner to meet Goldson’s head.

Those goals made up two of the three chances he created throughout the game and he managed that with 87 touches of the ball, completing 81% of his 52 attempted passes in the process.

His cross for the first goal set Rangers on their way after a nervy start to the match and that moment of quality allowed the team to then kick on and cruise to a comfortable victory, with the defender’s ability on show throughout the rest of the game.

Therefore, he was the real match-winner for the Light Blues and fans should praise Beale for his decision to drop the in-form Devine in favour of the experienced campaigner.

Liverpool have been considered the front-runner to sign Jude Bellingham over the coming months ahead and now there has been a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to the head of football at SPORT BILD Christian Falk, Liverpool are now in “advanced” talks for the Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Falk tweeted:

“TRUE. Liverpool are favorites to sign Jude Bellingham (19) from BVB next Summer. Talks are more advanced than with Real Madrid. The family of Bellingham prefers the transfer to LFC.”

It’d be a big coup

There is no doubt that the signing of Bellingham would be a major coup for Liverpool and the news that the club are in advanced talks with the player’s family preferring a move to Merseyside will surely excite the Anfield faithful.

Indeed, there has been a lot of upheaval and uncertainty at the club over the last few months with FSG reportedly ready to sell the club and Julian Ward resigning from his position as the sporting director just six months into his role.

However, this opportunity to sign Bellingham could be monumental for the club in their pursuit of improving performances on the pitch and rebuilding their ageing personnel in the centre of the park.

James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are all well into their 30s and in the latter stages of their career, so adding some youthful and energetic players could be a huge boost for the Reds.

Bellingham has had an incredible start to his career after leaving Birmingham City to join Dortmund, tallying up 112 appearances, scoring 19 goals and registering 21 assists so far.

Not only that, the £129m-valued ace – who was dubbed “powerful” and a “superstar” by Roy Keane – has been a standout performer at the World Cup in Qatar for England.

Over four appearances, Bellingham has been one of the tournaments very best players, dominating his opponents on a regular basis.

He has scored one goal, a lovely header in England’s thrashing over Iran, delivered one assist and tallied up a 93% pass completion rate.

He has averaged 1.3 key passes, one interception, 2.8 tackles, 1.5 successful dribbles and 6.5 duels won per game, proving to be a remarkable all-round asset for Gareth Southgate.

With that being said, the signing of the talented midfielder could be the turning point for Liverpool’s midfield and would provide the Reds with a huge talent for many years ahead. Indeed, it would be a seismic coup if the club were to land one of the best young players on the continent.

Scottish champions Celtic are believed to be open to a Parkhead departure for defender Josip Juranovic, following a halt to contract talks with the Croatian.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Scotland’s Mark Hendry, with the journalist revealing on Twitter: “It is my understanding Josip Juranovic Celtic talks have been put on hold as club seriously considering selling player after World Cup to maximise profit. Contract could still potentially be signed but it will be assessed by the club after tournament.”

This follows a recent report from the Daily Mail that claimed the Old Firm are bracing themselves for offers for the 27-year-old in the New Year, with negotiations over an improved deal for the full-back said to have proven ‘unsuccessful’.

While the former Legia Warsaw man still has just under four years to run on his existing deal, as Hendry alluded to the Glasgow giants could look to cash in should the right-back impress for his country in Qatar, having previously attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Right time to ‘cash in’

On the face of it, losing the 21-cap machine appears something of a setback for Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou, with Juranovic having been a key figure for the club since his arrival last summer, notably being lauded for his “outstanding” form during last season’s title success by pundit, John Hartson.

That being said, however, having brought in the in-demand star for just £2.5m over a year ago, it could well be an ideal chance for the Scottish Premiership side to recoup a tidy profit in January, with reports in the recent window suggesting that the player could command a fee of around £15m.

Equally, as pundit Tam McManus suggested, the Zagreb-born ace has somewhat “disappointed” so far this season – recording just two goal involvements in 15 games across all fronts – with the club potentially “right to cash in” if he impresses in the coming weeks on international duty.

Even for all his plaudits last term, Juranovic also only provided five goals and nine assists in what was a real breakout campaign.

The 24-year-old has also bettered his colleague’s tally of contributions this term with three assists in just nine outings, while also potentially offering more defensively as the academy graduate averages 1.5 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game in the league, while his teammate averages 1.1 and 1.0 for the same two metrics, respectively.

As such, with Ralston already thriving in the right-back berth, it would seemingly not be too great of a blow were Postecoglou and co to allow Juranovic to move on in the winter window, with the Celtic Park hierarchy able to reinvest the potential funds elsewhere.