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It may not have ended in the result they would have wanted, but Sheffield United can take a lot of encouragement from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Champions League holders Liverpool.

Chris Wilder’s side were more than a match for the Reds, and looked on course for a famous point before Dean Henderson’s moment to forget cost them dearly.

Coming up against the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Blades’ back-line had to be at the top of their game. One man who stood out in particular however, was Enda Stevens.

The 29-year-old was immense at the back, winning four duels and making three clearances and interceptions – a performance that led to him getting a 7.2 match rating on Sofascore (the joint-second highest of any Sheffield United player).

After seeing the defender’s display, many Blades fans took to Twitter to hail the Republic of Ireland international.

A whole host of supporters praised Stevens’ work, and one in particular labelled him as an “absolute baller”.

Another fan even revealed he thinks the 29-year-old is the best left-back he has seen in all his time of supporting the club.

Check out some of the reaction of Sheffield United fans below:

Celtic-linked centre-forward Daizen Maeda would provide Ange Postecoglou with yet another exciting string to his attacking bow at Parkhead.

What’s been said?

That’s according to a claim made by Stuart Hodge, with the journalist stating his belief in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that the 24-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow in the January transfer window, is a player who thrives when playing on the break, something that will prove extremely useful for the Bhoys when they face more challenging opponents.

Speaking about the ability of the Yokohama F Marinos striker, Hodge said: “He looks like a player that excels on the fast break. He seems to be really good on the counter-attack and in transition situations. I saw that he scored a hat-trick in a game not too long ago, so he’s obviously full of goals.”

Big coup

With Kyogo Furuhashi having done the heavy lifting in terms of goalscoring for Celtic so far this season – bagging 13 times over his 19 appearances for the Bhoys, six more than any other Hoops player – the addition of an out and out centre-forward to match the Japan international’s returns in front of goal this January would appear to be a very wise move for Michael Nicholson.

And, considering just how impressive Maeda has been in Japan this season, in addition to the fact that the centre-forward is already well known to Postecoglou – having played under the 56-year-old during his time at Yokohama F Marinos – the 24-year-old would very much look to be the perfect signing for Celtic.

Indeed, over his 34 J League appearances this term, the £990k-rated man has scored 21 goals, registered three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Kevin Muscat dubbed a “dream” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as his club’s seventh-best performer in the top flight of Japanese football.

As such, should the Japan international go on to continue this form following a potential switch to Parkhead in January, not only would he be a big coup for the club, his arrival would undoubtedly provide Postecoglou’s chances of securing the Scottish Premiership crown with a rather substantial boost – an outcome that would delight everyone involved with Celtic.

In other news: “Celtic will..”: Journo drops exciting Hoops transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing

Lots of Manchester City fans have been left gushing over some news that has emerged involving former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the Etihad Stadium faithful, the story of Eriksson’s one season at MCFC will now be told in a brand new feature production on CITY+.

The Swede was in charge of City the season before their takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group, in which he guided them to a respectable ninth spot in the Premier League.

He also managed to get to the quarter-final stage of the EFL Cup, and did the double over arch-rivals Manchester United in the league.

Nonetheless, the production will give a lot of City supporters the chance to reminisce what it was like just before the takeover went through, in what was a good season for them by their standards at the time.

Man City fans on Eriksson news

These Sky Blues gushed as the news was shared on Twitter, with a couple even going as far as to claim that they were ‘buzzing’, while another branded it as ‘fantastic’:

“One of the best years supporting the club I loved it”

Credit: @JoeCityFan

“One hell of a season that one. Remember it so well.”

Credit: @grandhustle0

“Absolutely buzzing to see this. Gutted that it was before my time, my dad still says it’s one of his favourite ever seasons supporting City”

Credit: @ttomconnolly

“This should be fantastic”

Credit: @DanTheCityMan_

“Honestly one of my favourite seasons”

Credit: @_PeterBennett

“Buzzing is an understatement”

Credit: @RNewall2

In other news, find out what new merchandise has left City fans wowed here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing over some footage that has emerged of the site where their new stadium is going to be built.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, the footage shows an aerial view of Bramley-Moore Dock, and where the proposed East Stand, North Stand, South Stand and West Stand will be for the new ground.

It also shows the hydraulic towers and pump sets used for the construction of the stadium, which is now underway.

Just watching the footage made it all so very real for the Merseyside club supporters, as they look forward to going into a brand new home when the construction is finished.

Everton fans on Bramley-Moore Dock footage

These Toffees supporters were left gushing as the footage of Bramley-Moore Dock was shared by the club on Twitter, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘fascinating’:

“Brilliant, keep these updates coming. This stadium’s really going to put us on the map”

Credit: @EfcSparky

“Fascinating. Love our view from the South Stand!”

Credit: @terrypeers

“Love this”

Credit: @matt1878

“Exciting times for our club”

Credit: @MattAko89

“Some fantastic city scape views. And the rendered stadium images are wonderous. Still an awful lot of work to realise this brilliant concept.”

Credit: @EFC_Wolfstein

“Phwoooooar”

Credit: @pete316

In other news, find out what club update has delighted Evertonians here!

West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is likely to stay put at the Hawthorns for the whole of this season, according to Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked with move

Johnstone ended up staying put at West Brom this summer, despite constant reports claiming he would move to a Premier League club.

Tottenham have now been tipped to sign the England international in the January transfer window, seeing him a possible replacement for Hugo Lloris.

The Latest: Johnstone tipped to stay

Speaking to Football Insider, however, former Leeds United striker Whelan claimed Johnstone would likely see out the campaign with the Baggies, highlighting his importance and explaining why allowing him to leave wouldn’t make sense:

“You’ve got to look at West Brom’s predicament. They’re sitting at the top, they’re looking to get promoted back to the Premier League. He’s a big part of that.

“Can you afford to lose a player like that or sell a player like that in January when you’re so close to maybe getting back to the Premier League? I’m not so sure.

“They might be better off keeping him until the end of the season. Making sure you’ve got a quality international goalkeeper in between your sticks.

“It could be that the fine line of you’re getting promoted or not. It’s a double-edged sword, risk and reward. You’ve got to take that chance to keep as many international players in that team as possible.”

The Verdict: Vital player in promotion push

Johnstone is a massive player for West Brom – he has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by former Baggies manager Sam Allardyce in the past – so losing him in January would be a huge blow.

The goalkeeper is integral to Valerien Ismael’s side’s promotion push, as they look for a swift return to the Premier League.

It could be that Johnstone wants to move on at the end of the season – whether or not West Brom have gone up could be key to that decision – but they need him to stay for the time being.

In other news, some West Brom fans are keen for one player to sign a new deal. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have reached a “total agreement” with Espanyol starlet Mateo Joseph, but a fee remains a stumbling block for the moment.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Daily Mail, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of a number of teams interested in signing the 17-year-old forward whose contract runs out next summer.

Now, writing on Twitter, journalist Diego Balbontin, said: “Total agreement between club and player. The @RCDEspanyol considers insufficient the (formal) offer of the English (500k/clause of 1.5m). Free in 2022. It could be free if both clubs cannot reach an agreement.”

Another Victor Orta masterclass

One of the hallmarks and successes of Leeds United’s return to the Premier League, has been the incredible work that Victor Orta has done in the transfer market in signing players for relatively cheap, and seeing them develop into top-flight stars.

The likes of Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk in particular came in for absolute pittance at Elland Road and have more than made their investment value for money.

In the 17-year-old, Joseph it would be yet another display of smart recruitment from Orta.

The Daily Mail claimed that along with Leeds, the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool are all interested in Joseph and have been keeping tabs on him ahead of a potential move.

For the Whites to jump ahead of the pack and swoop in for the teenager before those big clubs could put their claws in, is another sign of the quick-thinking and organisation that Orta and his transfer team work with.

It’s the nature of the modern game and how the scouting world has improved, that very rarely do young players slip under the radar – gone are the days of someone like former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger being the first to a prodigious young talent simply because the French market had been left untapped.

Clubs, big and small, have massive recruitment teams stationed all over the world, so it requires much more work and speed of action for teams to be the first to sign the next big thing.

If the Whites can beat European heavyweights like Barcelona and Liverpool to Joseph’s signing, it would be another masterclass from Orta.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on Leeds United’s Elland Road plans…

It’s safe to say Liverpool have been an attacking force to be reckoned with so far this season with 17 league goals scored in seven games as well as having more shots at goal (147) than any other Premier League side.

Additionally, Jurgen Klopp’s side have had seven different goalscorers getting their names up in lights in the top flight.

Nevertheless, it seems as though the club have their eyes on signing a new attacking talent at some point in the future.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Daily Mail that the Merseyside club have already started negotiations to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer during the next summer window.

Prior to joining Barcelona, the 24-year-old racked up a total of 10 goals and 22 assists in 50 appearances for German club Borussia Dortmund before securing his move to the La Liga giants for a massive fee of £135.5m in the summer of 2017.

During his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman – who is currently valued at £45m according to Transfermarkt – has scored 30 goals and provided 21 assists in 118 appearances across all competitions.

Potential Salah heir?

Regarding a potential move to Liverpool, we think that the club should definitely persist with their reported negotiations over trying to secure a free transfer for Dembele, who has been described as a “phenomenon” by former Barcelona star Lionel Messi, in the summer.

Given how there has been some speculation over whether or not current Reds winger Mohamed Salah will sign a new deal at the Merseyside club when his contract expires in 2023, we feel that Dembele could potentially be a solid replacement for Salah if the Egyptian leaves when his current deal ends, especially if Liverpool can sign the Frenchman on a free transfer.

Furthermore, with Dembele making more dribbles per game (2.1) in La Liga last season than Salah (one) managed to in the Premier League, perhaps this could be an area where the 24-year-old would improve Klopp’s side if the Egyptian were to depart.

However, he would need to work on his goals and assists output if he were to follow in Salah’s footsteps at Anfield, with the latter consistently netting more than 20 times a season for the Reds. However, one thing which should be taken into consideration over a potential move for Dembele is the hefty number of injuries he has suffered during his time in Spain.

Overall, though, if Liverpool can sign him on a free transfer, this could be a great bit of business from the Reds given how much experience he has of playing at the top level under his belt in the Bundesliga, La Liga and Champions League.

In other news: Liverpool could be set for big blow as transfer claim emerges, fans would be fuming

Football Insider pundit Alex McLeish has been reacting to details of Celtic’s move for striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis details

The Greece international was one of three Celtic arrivals on deadline day, with Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers penning Parkhead terms.

Speaking on the Celtic Exchange podcast (7th September), Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph admitted that the Hoops actually landed themselves a cut-price deal when it came to Giakoumakis.

The 26-year-old cost Celtic £2.5m, but if VVV-Venlo weren’t relegated from the Eredivisie last season, they would’ve asked for £8.58m (€10m) for the striker’s services.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments

McLeish was asked for his thoughts by Football Insider on Giakoumakis’ £6m price drop. This is what he had to say in reply, believing the Hoops may have got themselves a bargain:

“Well, it remains to be seen. We’ll assess the guy’s level.

“I tend to think that when you’re coming from Holland and you’ve excelled against some of the top teams, then it does seem to be a good signing.

“The fact that Venlo were relegated and for it to go from €10million to £2.5million is some bit of business.

“That’s if he can live up to the reputation that he has shown in the Dutch Eredivisie.”

The Verdict: Magic from McKay?

The Hoops parted ways with Odsonne Edouard after bringing in Giakoumakis, selling the Frenchman to Crystal Palace. That transfer could be worth £20m in total, so Dominic McKay could end up with a £17.5m profit when it comes to late deals on centre-forwards.

Of course, Giakoumakis needs to impress to make it a shrewd piece of business, but if he can replicate his 2020/21 form (26 goals in 30 league games) in Scotland, a transfer will surely be viewed as a bargain, as McLeish has suggested.

In other news: Celtic source: Hoops chiefs are scouting record-breaking ace; could be available for cut-price fee

A number of Liverpool supporters have been hailing Andy Robertson’s superb goal he scored during a pre-Brentford training session.

The Reds are back in Premier League action on Saturday evening, making the trip to west London to face the newly-promoted Bees.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have still only dropped two points and conceded one goal in 2021/22 to date, suggesting they are very much in the title race.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

One player who could come back into the team at Brentford is Robertson, with the Scot only used as a late substitute in the Carabao Cup third round win at Norwich on Tuesday.

Footage has emerged from Liverpool’s official Twitter account of the left-back scoring a stunning curled effort in training, outlining his quality as a footballer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold also finding the net.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Robertson brilliance

These Reds fans took to Twitter to heap praise on Robertson, as he continues to be an influential figure.

“Robbo is never giving that LB spot man. My man is there to be @andrewrobertso5”

Credit: @JN081784

“You can see Robbo is hungrier than ever. Tsimikas has him sweating”

Credit: @uzair208

“Andrew and Trent are priceless players Liverpool cannot afford to lose”

Credit: @R0naldinh0Messi

“Best full-backs in Europe”

Credit: @Zino5pf

“He’s so good”

Credit: @lfcmarshy03

“That hit from Robbo”

Credit: @Durga_LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a key development at the club. Read more here.

After enduring a difficult spell at St Mary’s, Southampton’s decision to sell Manolo Gabbiadini for £10.8m has turned into a great piece of business.

Southampton signed the Italian striker from Napoli in a deal worth £14m in 2017 and he would go on to make 60 appearances for the Saints, in which he contributed just 12 goals and no assists.

Other than his performance in the League Cup final, where he scored twice in a 3-2 defeat against Manchester United, the former Italy international endured an entirely forgettable spell at St Mary’s and he hasn’t exactly set the world alight since leaving either.

After just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances in the 2018/19 season, Southampton decided to cash in on Gabbiadini, with Sampdoria paying £10.8m to take him back to Serie A, where he has remained for the past two and a half years.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Despite an improved record which has seen him manage 39 goals and 12 assists in 122 appearances for I Blucerchiati, his market value has seriously decreased from his time at St Mary’s, with Transfermarkt valuing him at just £4.5m.

This emphasises just how well Southampton did to sell him for £10.8m, even if they did make a small loss on the £14m they paid for him, as if he had stayed at St Mary’s and continued to struggle, then we could well have seen a similar situation to someone like Guido Carrillo, who was eventually released by the Saints after several loan spells, despite them paying £19m to sign him from AS Monaco.

Therefore, sporting director at the time, Ross Wilsonm deserves credit for negotiating such a good deal for Gabbiadini after he struggled to perform in the Premier League, although considering his goal record has never been fantastic, you wonder why Southampton wanted to sign him in the first place.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl may have his next JWP in never-before-seen academy gem