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Liverpool have not been shy when it comes to scoring goals in recent years, with the Merseyside club managing to net more than 80 times in three of their four previous Premier League seasons.

Admittedly, things took a bit of a dip last season with Jurgen Klopp’s side managing to score just 68 goals.

Things look to be getting back on track for the Reds when it comes to scoring though with the team already managing to net on 17 occasions in just seven league games, more than any other club at this point in the season.

However, it has been reported that the Merseyside club are looking to strengthen their attacking force at some point in the near future.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been reported by Spanish media outlet ABC that Liverpool, as well as Italian clubs Juventus and AC Milan, are interested in signing Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, who is apparently not happy with the number of minutes he’s played for the Spanish club so far this season.

Asensio joined the Spanish giants back in the 2015 summer transfer window from fellow La Liga side RCD Mallorca for a fee of £3.51m.

Overall, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £31.5m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 200 appearances for Madrid across all competitions in which he has managed to score 40 goals and provide 22 assists along the way.

During his time with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Asensio has managed to win a number of domestic and European trophies, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why these clubs, including Liverpool, would apparently be interested in signing him.

Also, given how the Spaniard, who was once described as “magical” by Casemiro, has only started two of their opening eight La Liga games of the season so far, it’s easy to see why he may not be too happy at the moment and could be looking for a move elsewhere.

In our view, given how unhappy Asensio apparently is with his playing time at the Spanish club at the moment, we feel that a move to Liverpool probably wouldn’t immediately give him the regular game time he is after. The Reds’ current right-winger Mohamed Salah has nine goals and three assists in nine appearances this season after all.

That said, it would be a masterstroke from Michael Edwards to sign him. One thing Liverpool lack is depth in attack but a player of Asensio’s mesmeric qualities would undoubtedly benefit them as they aim to go deep in Europe.

His assertiveness in the pass will also do wonders for Liverpool, suggesting any potential price tag will certainly be worth it. The Spaniard’s pass success rate of 89.6% this season is better than Virgil van Dijk’s for instance and is only beaten by Curtis Jones.

If Liverpool do sign Asensio, he could prove to be a big player for the Reds in the future given his relatively young age and immense potential in the game.

In other news: Signed for £0, now worth £67.5m: Liverpool struck gold over “stunning” £180k-p/w beast – opinion

West Ham star Michail Antonio has been announced as the Premier League’s Player of the Month for August.

And, as to be expected, a number of Hammers fans were quick to flock to the update on social media.

Antonio beat teammate Said Benrahma, Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier, Everton winger Demarai Gray and Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood to win the award.

The £70,000-a-week forward has been in fine form in the opening three games of the campaign, scoring four times and registering three assists.

The 31-year-old managed to both score and provide an assist in all three games against Newcastle, Leicester and Crystal Palace respectively, and his impressive displays have earned him a second Premier League Player of the Month award in as many seasons.

Antonio also became West Ham’s all-time Premier League goalscorer last month and reached 50 top-flight goals for the Hammers with his goal against Palace.

Hammers fans react

West Ham shared the news regarding Antonio on their official Twitter page on Friday morning. This is what these Hammers fans had to say in reply, with many delighted.

“LETS GOOOOO”

Credit: @Vlasic_Szn

“We are massive”

Credit: @jasperhowlett03

“FULLY deserved, so happy. my number 9”

Credit: @BenChillingwor2

“Get in!”

Credit: @nickonion

“MY GOAT”

Credit: @lengwesthamfan

“Absolute standout choice. Fully deserved. His influence on the team goes way beyond the things measured by the core stats – 4 goals & 3 assists – it’s the work rate, the chasing balls, closing defenders, running channels. He makes us tick ”

Credit: @damienlucas

In other news: Many West Ham fans love what Rice did to Spurs and Chelsea fans. 

Tim Sherwood has named the Premier League club that could benefit from poaching Ralph Hasenhuttl from Southampton.

What’s the talk?

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has suggested that Spurs should try to poach Hasenhuttl from Southampton to replace Nuno Santo.

The ex-Blackburn man has said that the Saints boss has proven that he can thrive under pressure and deploy a front-foot style of play.

Sherwood said on Sky Sports News (1:33pm, September 25, 2021):

“I think there’s Potter at Brighton, and the guy you mentioned earlier, Hasenhuttl.

“I think he deals with the pressure, he has been beaten 9-0 twice, he comes back from that, he still has the identity of how his team wants to play, on the front foot, give the fans what they want to see.”

There’d be fury

Southampton chief Martin Semmens must avoid a Southampton nightmare following these comments from Sherwood on Hasenhuttl. Supporters would be furious if the club allowed the manager to be poached midway, or even a quarter of the way, through the campaign as it would leave them in a precarious situation looking for a replacement whilst still playing important Premier League games.

Hasenhuttl now has a proven track record of keeping Southampton in the top-flight, after managing it in the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Therefore, supporters would be devastated to see him depart to join Tottenham at any point during the current campaign. It would leave Semmens in a nightmare scenario and could cause fans to panic about where the club is headed, depending on where they are in the Premier League table at the time.

However, this is pure speculation for now as Nuno Santo is still the manager at Tottenham and these comments from Sherwood are merely a suggestion. It is not time to hit the panic button yet, but it could be a situation that arises in the coming months and Semmens will need to avoid making a major blunder if it does.

AND in other news, Ralph masterstroke: Southampton flop has seen value plummet 64% since St. Mary’s exit…

Newcastle United have suffered a major setback before their Premier League clash against West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the hugely exciting news of Joe Willock’s signing on a permanent deal from Arsenal, the England under-21 international will not be able to make his ‘proper’ debut for the Magpies at the London Stadium.

Writing for The Chronicle on Friday afternoon, Lee Ryder said: “Willock arrived on Tyneside last night but the formalities of the incoming deal meant he was not registered in time for the 12pm deadline with the Premier League. Steve Bruce was hoping to sign Willock in time to be on the bench for the clash with West Ham.”

The midfielder was an absolute revelation for the Magpies during his loan spell at St James’ Park earlier this year, netting eight goals in 14 games for the club, as well as becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive top-flight matches.

Speaking after confirmation of Willock’s signing, Bruce said: “I’m absolutely delighted to secure our number one target. We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back. I want to thank Lee Charnley in particular for the work he has put in to make the deal happen.

“The club have gone above and beyond to make it possible. Joe is a wonderful young player with all the attributes you want in a midfielder, and he certainly proved that during his time with us last season.

“This is a move I know our supporters really wanted us to make, and I know they will join me in giving Joe a very warm welcome back to St. James’ Park.”

The Magpies faced West Ham in the opening game of the Premier League last season and came away 2-0 winners from the London Stadium.

This time around the game will be played on their own turf at St James’ Park, and Bruce will be hoping for a similar performance and result, but they will have to do it without their one and only summer signing in Willock.

Newcastle fans must be gutted to see their new signing miss out on their first game of the Premier League season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must avoid another Andy Carroll nightmare with this star…

Valerien Ismael has dropped an update on the future of Sam Johnstone at West Bromwich Albion.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, the Frenchman revealed that progress is being made in talks between the club and the goalkeeper regarding a new contract at The Hawthorns.

The 45-year-old went onto claim that, while he does not expect a resolution quickly, he has a good feeling about the England international remaining an Albion player beyond the end of his current deal – which is set to expire at the end of the season.

Speaking about the contract situation of Johnstone, Ismael said: “Progress is a big word but we keep talking. I don’t think we can get a result quickly, but at least all the parties are talking. We have a good feeling, but we need to be patient on that.”

Huge boost

Considering just how important a part of the West Brom side Johnstone has been in recent seasons, the fact that the goalkeeper appears to be edging closer to putting pen to paper on a new deal with the club is undoubtedly a massive boost for Albion.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances last term, the £7.2m-rated man kept six clean sheets, made an average of 4.5 saves per game and stopped a total of 166 shots over the course of the season.

These returns saw the man Sam Allardyce dubbed a “magnificent” player earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as the club’s second-best player in the top flight.

And, aside from a disappointing performance against Blackburn Rovers, the £28k-per-week shot-stopper has continued his fine form in the Championship so far this season, earning a 6.9 match rating against Luton Town and a 7.4 match rating against Sheffield United.

As such, should the 28-year-old indeed go on to extend his stay at The Hawthorns, it will not only be a boost to the club’s promotion hopes this season, but also to their chances of potentially remaining in the top flight next term.

In other news: Valerien Ismael drops fresh West Brom transfer claim that is sure to get fans excited

Former Newcastle United star Steve Howey believes Joe Willock enjoyed a brilliant spell at the club last season as they close in on the permanent signing of the midfielder.

Newcastle took Willock on loan in January and he went from strength to strength under the management of Steve Bruce.

The 21-year-old made 14 appearances for the Magpies and scored eight goals in total, as he netted in all of his final seven outings for the club, including strikes against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

And now it appears that Newcastle are closing in on a permanent deal to bring Willock into the club on a permanent basis.

90min reports that the two clubs have agreed a deal worth £25m for his signature, but that the move now hinges on the midfielder’s go-ahead.

Arsenal are reported to have told Willock that he does not have a future at the Emirates and is free to leave the club in this transfer window.

And Howey believes he has earned the right to return to Bruce’s side.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “You cannot say that he didn’t do brilliantly because he did, he did absolutely exceptionally well.

“Of course, you can understand the fee that’s been touted about for him. It’s just whether Newcastle are prepared to pay top whack or can they negotiate with Arsenal?”

Curtis Jones will miss Liverpool’s Premier League opener away to Norwich on Saturday due to a concussion sustained in their friendly vs CA Osasuna on Monday [Liverpool FC Official].

Playing a key part from central midfield for the Reds in 2020/21, the Englishman registered nine goal contributions in 34 appearances in all competitions; four goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Expected to be a key player for the Merseyside in the future, he now faces a brief spell on the side-lines following recent developments.

Despite recovering well after being substituted off due to a collision in his sides 3-1 friendly victory over Osasuna, Jones will not be able to return to Liverpool training until Sunday owing to concussion protocols [Liverpool FC Official].

He will miss the Norwich City clash as a result.

In light of this news, lots of Liverpool fans took to social media to voice their anger at their perceived lack of depth in the squad.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to the Liverpool FC official Twitter account, here is how some fans responded to the Jones injury:

“Sign a Midfielder man this is a sign”

Credit: @AbhideepJain6″This is already feeling like last season and it hasn’t even started.”Credit: @DSeigs17″New season, same old same old”Credit: @iam_PGA”it has begun”Credit: @LFCVik2″It means… Even B4 the season starts… We have 3 midfielders out! Henderson – unfit Thiago – Unfit Curtis – Concussion We already know the status of Naby n Ox.. If we don’t make wise decisions we wouldn’t get any midfielder to play 3 weeks into the season!”Credit: @attrakta”Sign a midfielder then.”Credit: @__DavidLFCIn other news, Liverpool fans fume at a transfer update.

Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury is seeking a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer as he searches for regular game time next season.

What’s the story?

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United remain hopeful of concluding a deal for the tough-tackling 23-year-old, and claim sources have told them that Choudhury has instructed his representatives to find him a new club.

The report states that the Newcastle hierarchy are aware of the former England Under-21 international’s wishes, although the club aren’t in a position to sign him on a permanent basis.

He’s not good enough

Choudhury was first linked with a move to St. James’ Park back in January, and Steve Bruce could finally secure his man this summer.

The £6.3 million-rated youngster was tipped for big things following his first-team debut in 2017 and has gone on to make 72 appearances for his boyhood club over the last four years.

However, Choudhury’s progress has been significantly stunted of late, with the likes of Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans keeping him on the bench for large spells.

He started just four Premier League games throughout 2020/21, and the arrival of Boubakary Soumare from Lille is expected to force him further down the Leicester pecking order.

With Brendan Rodgers’ charges achieving consecutive fifth-place finishes and a maiden FA Cup crown under the Northern Irish tactician’s tutelage, it’s hard to make a case for Choudhury being deserving of more minutes at the Midlands outfit.

And a hugely disappointing 6.19 WhoScored rating from his 10 top-flight outings last term is evidence that he’s not currently good enough to force his way into Leicester’s starting XI.

His departure on loan could be the most beneficial solution for all parties involved. The Foxes would free up funds on their wage bill without permanently losing a promising prospect, Choudhury would get some much-needed minutes under his belt and Newcastle would strengthen their squad whilst working on a very limited budget.

It remains to be seen whether the Englishman has a long-term future with Leicester, but a loan move away from his hometown appears to be the best option at this moment in time.

And, in other news…Leicester register their interest in £12m magician, he has “huge potential” 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Rangers defender Michael Ball believes Andros Townsend may have held talks with his old side over a move to Scotland this summer.

Townsend is currently a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired last month, with the 29-year-old currently doing some work for talkSPORT.

On the radio station (via the Daily Record), Townsend recently revealed he would be open to joining Rangers or their city rivals as he considers his options.

And Ball has since suggested that something could already be in the works. In an exclusive interview with FFC, the ex-Rangers star said:

“He’s 29, so he’s in his prime. He’s a free agent and could be a gamble worth paying for Steven Gerrard and Rangers Football Club.

“He’s got the experience to pass down to the players around him, but he’s also still got the ability to push Rangers to the next level as well. 

“I’m sure a conversation’s probably taken place and if it can happen, it’d be great for both parties.”

With his Premier League experience, Townsend would surely be a coup for Rangers. Across spells with Palace, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers, the winger has amassed 243 appearances (per Transfermarkt).

And, as already mentioned, he is still in his prime at 29. Ultimately, if Townsend is willing to join the club, this looks like a no-brainer for the Scottish Premiership champions.

Rumoured Celtic target Siriki Dembele is favouring a move to Scotland, according to The Peterborough Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Dembele links

The Hoops were first linked with a move for Dembele last November along with a number of English sides.

Reports in March claimed Celtic were still keen on the forward, who now has 12 months remaining on his Posh deal.

Dembele, on £2,600-a-week with the Championship side, scored 11 goals and registered 12 assists in 42 League One last season, helping Peterborough earn promotion to the second tier.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-9/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Scotland switch

According to The Peterborough Telegraph, Dembele is still thought to favour a move to Scotland. They credit Celtic, Rangers, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Brom with an interest in the versatile forward.

The 24-year-old, who has started pre-season in ‘sparkling’ form, is set to feature against Chelsea on the weekend.

Dembele’s younger brother, Karamoko, has turned out under new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and scored in the 2-1 win over Charlton last weekend.

The Verdict: A shrewd move?

Dembele is valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt and is now into the final 12 months of his Peterborough deal, so a move to Parkhead could be a shrewd one by the Hoops.

He can play as a left-winger, centre-forward and an attacking midfielder so would provide Postecoglou with plenty of versatility, as well as some impressive end product based on his numbers this season.

A move could also help younger brother Karamoko commit his future in Glasgow, as he is also into the final 12 months of his Hoops contract.

To us, this seems like a win-win all round for Celtic if they can get a deal over the line, adding depth and goals to their forward ranks while potentially changing the younger Dembele’s path too.

In other news: Hoops willing to pay £5m for another winger following Abada deal.