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Liverpool could find themselves without Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for their Premier League clash with Chelsea on 2 January.

That’s if Egyptian club Al Ahly get their wish for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be moved.

The Mirror’s David Lynch reported that Liverpool are ‘confident’ that the trio will be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge, but the African club’s intervention threatens to throw a ‘spanner in the works’.

Al Ahly are lobbying CAF to move the tournament’s start date from 9 January to 3 January. That would ensure they had their key players available for the start of the Club World Cup on 3 February.

However, from a Liverpool perspective, it would rule out Salah, Mane and Keita for the meeting with title rivals Chelsea, currently just one point behind The Reds in the table.

Just how big a blow would this be for Liverpool?

Salah is Liverpool’s runaway top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions, more than twice the tally of his nearest challenger. Mane is joint-second with nine goals, while Keita is a valuable rotation option, having played seven league games so far this season and netted three goals in all competitions.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed Lynch’s report on Al Ahly’s wishes, and here’s what some Reds supporters made of it.

Liverpool fans flock to AFCON update

“If AFCON allow this to happen, then this tournament is meaningless, less significant than Club World Cup. Even FA didn’t want to move their FA Cup preliminary rounds for us when we went to Club World Cup.”

Credit: @lfc_eddie

“Against Chelsea without Salah and Mane? We will be in trouble, that’s for sure. Hopefully before that there will be new players signed. Either Raphinha, Bowen or Antony to replace Salah’s position. For Mane’s position maybe Jota can play there.”

Credit: @Anggara16126514

“Jog on la”

Credit: @_DS_LFC

“Just cancel the AFCON altogether and move it to some other time”

Credit: @reeceoliver17

“Void the AFCON, lives are at stake for God’s sake, remember that saying well when LFC were 25 pts clear in 19-20 PL, just void the AFCON as it’s not even started……..”

Credit: @lfcmli4eva

“Wowwww”

Credit: @vadavandijk

In other news, plenty of LFC fans react to the club’s price tag for this player

Everton are talking to several managerial candidates, but former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is still favourite for the vacant position [Liverpool Echo].

As the Toffees get their ducks in a row ahead of 2021/22, plenty may have thought that the appointment of the Portuguese coach would have been nothing more than a formality, following reports of advanced talks last week [90MIN].

As anxiety grows over the direction of the Merseyside giants heading into the new campaign, alternative coaches Christophe Galtier, Roberto Martinez and ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez have all been linked with the role [Football Fancast].

The Blues are not due back to Finch Farm for pre-season training until early July. Potentially, this could signify that they are biding their time to identify the most suitable candidate to replace the departed Carlo Ancelotti, who took up the reigns at Real Madrid earlier this month [Liverpool Echo].

As you can imagine, loads of Everton diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustrations over the state of limbo the club are currently in.

Everton fans react:

Replying to various Everton fan outlets, here are how some fans summarized their feelings after hearing the latest news, with one supporter lambasting it as ‘terrible’:

“He’s a terrible choice. How can we go from ancelotti to him.”

Credit: @Kyle1978MMA”We’re waiting for Martinez after the Euros aren’t we absolute joke”Credit: @Everton1878___”Nuno is the best of a bad bunch its getting to be a joke now just get it sorted Everton”Credit: @Wazefc83″I would rather give Dunc a go than Nuno”Credit: @BornABlue1878″So bored of this now me”Credit: @Ryanc10efc”Definitely something going on behind the scenes here.”Credit: @chriswatson187In other news, Everton fans react to a performance of a reported target.

Barry Fry has told Football FanCast that Liverpool must back Jurgen Klopp this summer or risk losing him.

The Reds have endured a terrible season and are in a fight to finish in the top four, instead of trying to defend the Premier League title that they won last term.

Indeed, they drew three games last season and lost three, though, after their clash with Newcastle United they had drawn nine and lost nine this season.

Liverpool have struggled with various injury woes, particularly defensively, as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have both missed vast swathes of the season.

With the summer transfer window coming up, Fry has told FFC that the ownership of the club must give Klopp the funds needed to bring his squad up to scratch.

He believes that it is a test of the ownership’s ambition, and if their desires do not align with Klopp’s, Fry believes the German could well walk away.

He said: “He likes winning things, he likes his players to play the style that they play, which is exciting, attack-minded, which suits the fans, but you’ve got to have the players to do that.

“It’ll be interesting to see where he goes, who he wants this year, out of his recruitment. It’ll much depend on what his budget is, obviously, that will really tell us whether Liverpool, as a football club, are as ambitious as their manager is.

“And if they’re not, he might not be there.”

Leeds United are among the Premier League teams interested in signing Alex Scott this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that the Yorkshire giants are now facing competition from Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur for the 18-year-old’s signature following his impressive breakthrough at Championship outfit Bristol City.

Earlier this month, the Mirror reported that both the Whites and Spurs had scouts in attendance of the Robin’s Good Friday clash with Stoke City, where the promising teenager played the full game at right wing-back.

He is thought to be valued at around £10m.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The next Jack Grealish?

The versatile talent is capable of playing in a variety of roles, including out wide as a wing-back or winger, though his best position is thought to be as a creative midfielder or no.10.

Born and signed from Guernsey, Scott has emerged as a key player for former Leicester City and Watford boss Nigel Pearson, having made 36 appearances in the second tier.

He has provided four goals and two assists from those matches, with the bulk coming from an attacking midfield position.

Given his sparkling form and capability to play wide and centrally, it’s no wonder the Bristol City gem has already earned plenty of comparisons to Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish, to who he is thought to be very similar to.

‘The Guernsey Grealish’ could be an intriguing option for Whites boss Jesse Marsch and the squad heading into next season and for just £10m, it could be quite the steal indeed.

Scott has more than held his own at Ashton Gate this term, ranking as Pearson’s seventh-best player in the Championship – an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game suggests he can do some defensive work, just as much as he likes to get forward, having also averaged 0.8 key passes and dribbles per outing too.

“Not only is he a very creative midfielder but he is incredibly hard-working, especially out of possession, and that’s one of his stand-out qualities,” claimed City’s player pathway manager Brian Tinnion to the BBC.

He also added in another interview: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.”

Whether Leeds will make their move for Scott this summer remains to be seen but the prospect of sealing the next Grealish-like talent for such a small figure should be too good to ignore.

AND in other news, Journo reveals where Leeds will look strengthen this summer…

A number of Liverpool fans have been discussing the potential of signing Ozan Kabak permanently this summer following a strong run of form.

The Reds returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Monday evening, getting the better of Wolves and clinching a 1-0 victory at Molineux. It wasn’t necessarily a game which will live long in the memory, but Diogo Jota’s goal against his old team got the job done in professional fashion.

There were a number of impressive performers for Liverpool on the night, from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Nathaniel Phillips, but Kabak was arguably the standout individual.

[freshpress-poll id=“346743″]

The 20-year-old was immaculate at the back for the Reds, helping keep a second consecutive clean sheet and showing signs of real promise. On two occasions he made vital recovery tackles to deny a dangerous Wolves side, along with posting six clearances and winning seven duels.

Kabak hasn’t consistently convinced since joining Liverpool on loan from Schalke in January, but he now looks like a player who has settled into his surroundings, as illustrated by his steadily rising WhoScored match ratings since his debut last month.

The Turkey international can be signed permanently by the Reds for £18m this summer should they choose to do so, with Jurgen Klopp set to make that decision in the coming months.

Liverpool fans provide their thoughts on keeping Kabak

These Liverpool fans have been giving their thoughts on the “assured” Kabak remaining at Anfield beyond this summer, responding to a tweet by journalist Henry Winter.

“He’s 20 and got loads of developing to do. I’ve been really impressed but do Liverpool think they can get better in the summer? For me I’d take him, I’d also keep Phillips as well because I think he’s been brilliant too”

Credit: @ryallzey82

“He’s grown into the role over the last few games. Self confidence looks high, very assured on the ball. Looks a real talent for 20 years old”

Credit: @Worems

“This season has been tough for all at LFC but the £18m would be well worth the outlay, as in Phillips and Kabak we will finally have solid battle hardened back up to Gomez and VVD”

Credit: @mexicola25

“Was always going to take a young CB in a new league, new team, new system time to adjust. Most Klopp players bedded in to the team slowly over the months. He’s had to jump in the deep and and player with multiple partners already. Think once fully settle his quality will shine”

Credit: @KarlThyer

“He looks solid, isn’t ruffled easily and doesn’t panic in crucial situations, also last night showed confidence on the ball bringing it out the back. Could be a good investment at his age, let’s see where the run in takes us first”

Credit: @JamesGerrard

“If he was Kabak from Aigburth people would be raving. The lad is 20. Plenty of room for mistakes but there’s a high ceiling there. 18m is a good deal”Credit: @easystrider71In other news, some Liverpool fans are worried about one key Reds player’s international call-up. Read about who it is here.

Everton have been on the case of a new manager for three weeks now as they desperately try to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Unfortunately for supporters, it looks as though they’re heading towards a name they don’t want.

What’s the word?

Everton have now been close to appointing two coaches with Nuno Santo initially in advanced discussions with the Toffees.

However, after proceedings began to stall with the Portuguese, they’ve focused their efforts on Rafa Benitez.

A number of managers have been linked with the vacancy at Goodison Park but one man who looks as though they’re now out of the running is Christophe Galtier.

There’s been a fresh twist in the Everton manager hunt as, according to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), the 54-year-old is set to reject Everton’s advances and head to Nice instead.

The Merseyside outfit had made him one of their priorities but the report states that Galtier perhaps expected better.

Fans should be gutted

It’s got to a stage at the moment where Everton supporters would seemingly accept any manager besides Benitez.

The Goodison Park faithful have been on the backs of the hierarchy over the last few days in a desperate protest against the Spaniard.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-transfer-nuno-conte-wood-marcelo” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

The 61-year-old famously dubbed Everton a ‘small club,’ something he has since apologised for but it doesn’t look as though fans have forgiven him for that jibe.

As a consequence, they should be gutted that Galtier is set to reject them this summer.

After all, he would have been a fabulous appointment for a number of reasons. Not only did he steer Lille out of the shadows to beat PSG to the Ligue 1 title last term, but his style of football would have been perfect.

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, former Lille director Luis Campos said: “Christophe has all the qualities to coach in England, technically he is very astute and is extremely detailed in his planning when preparing a team.”

Campos added: “He likes a 4-4-2 system, which would fit with the Premier League and he is a fantastic motivator in the dressing room.

“He likes to build a side with quality and youth, he is someone that can develop a team ethic, and he is also a fantastic human being.”

The job he did with Les Dogues was incredible. When he first took over, they finished 17th in the French top-flight but they have now finished in the top four three years in a row.

That has long been the ambition at Everton but they’ve missed out on that elusive Champions League spot for decades now.

Galtier, had he accepted the Toffees’ advances, may have been able to finally guide them to that position in the league table.

Instead, supporters will be left to vent even frustration in the direction of Benitez. This is not a good situation for Everton fans.

AND in other news, Bye-bye DCL: Everton must swoop for “spectacular” £24m gem with “blistering pace”…

After starring for Leeds United in their first season back in the Premier League with a 7.01 WhoScored rating, Kalvin Phillips has carried that form into the Euros with England which has led to increased speculation over his future.

But former midfielder David Norris admits that bringing in Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed to replace him would not be a good piece of business.

Phillips was the man of the match against Croatia and that saw reports linking him with not just a move away from Leeds, but also from England as Juventus are reportedly interested in bringing him to Turin.

Leeds are reportedly plotting a move for Reed who did impress during Fulham’s relegation season and he is certainly a busy and energetic player as he racked up the second-most pressures for the Cottagers last season, so his energy would certainly be welcomed by Marcelo Bielsa.

Phillips is such an influential player for Leeds and they rely heavily on his ability to disrupt play and spring attacks quickly so to replace him with a player such as Reed would be underwhelming, that’s according to Norris, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s a good player and I like him a lot so it’ll be interesting to see how he develops over this next 12 months because he could potentially be a good signing.

“I think if Leeds lose Kalvin Phillips at this stage though, then I think it would be underwhelming as a signing.”

Leeds were a much worse side when Phillips was out of the side when he picked up a few niggling injuries winning just two of the nine games he missed so Bielsa will want to bring in a suitable backup who can slot in whenever called upon.

If Bielsa’s side are to be challenging at the right end of the pitch then they must have at least two quality players in each position to ensure that there is the option to rotate and make fresh changes when required during the season.

Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about Everton’s European prospects despite dropped points against Crystal Palace.

The Blues were five minutes or so away from a precious victory against Palace on Monday night when Michy Batshuayi struck.

West Ham then won 3-2 at Wolves to leave Everton five points adrift of the Champions League places, albeit with a game in hand.

“I think the position in Europe is still there [for us],” Ancelotti said after the draw.

“We have a game in hand but we have to be more focused to avoid this kind of situation.”

Where will Everton end up?

Everton have previously lost to Fulham, Newcastle and Burnley on home soil this season.

Sixth could be enough for Everton to qualify for the Europa League if a team in the top five wins the FA Cup, and league leaders Manchester City, third-placed Leicester City and fifth-placed Chelsea are all into the semi-finals.

Seventh, meanwhile, could secure passage to the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Journalist Richard Buxton relayed Ancelotti’s verdict to supporters, and many of them were less optimistic.

They fear Everton’s season may become a story of missed opportunities.

These Everton fans challenge Ancelotti claim

“Missed the boat to Europe today, relying on teams above to drop points now.”

Credit: @DaveThePapLpool

“Heard it all season. The fact is we aren’t good enough. We have no style, play turgid boring anti football & most of the squad are negative and can’t handle pressure. I’d rather we didn’t get europe. We dont have anywhere near the squad to handle it yet!”

Credit: @chrisjhocking22

“We’ve had games in hand every week and we always blow it”

Credit: @nickwillo4efc

“Same tripe all the time, we ain’t getting Europe we will be lucky to get 8th”

Credit: @malblu1

“No it’s not – he’s kidding himself, let’s be honest”

Credit: @Chrisgill95

“Chance went with tonight”

Credit: @gary2monty

“No Carlo. You have to stop being so defensive”

Credit: @chilemjh

In other news, Everton fans bemoaned this injury update.

According to The Telegraph, Daniel Levy remains interested in hiring Hansi Flick as the new Tottenham manager.

The Lowdown: Flick to leave Bayern

Despite having an 81% win percentage at Bayern (Transfermarkt), Flick will leave the club at the end of the season (dw.com) due to his tense relationship with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic (france24.com).

He has been heavily linked with the vacant Germany job (si.com) but, as of yet, there has been no confirmation as to whether or not he will take over the role from Joachim Low.

The Latest: Levy eyes Flick

As such, Levy is said to be interested in convincing Flick to make the switch to north London, according to The Telegraph.

Reports have previously suggested that the 56-year-old would be interested in the position.

The Verdict: Few better

Flick has only been manager of the Bavarians for around 18 months, but he has achieved fantastic success during that period. Bayern have won seven trophies under his tutelage, including two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy, while they have been on the losing side on just eight occasions in his 85 matches in charge.

He currently earns €312,300 (£269,000) per week at Bayern, which is a hefty sum. However, given his track record, he would surely be welcome at Tottenham even on a wage close to that. It now remains to be seen whether Levy is able to get his man.

In other news, this man’s Tottenham departure is reportedly “almost done”.

Many Everton fans have been reacting to reports that the club are looking to sign Salomon Rondon before the end of the transfer window.

The Toffees have so far brought in four fresh faces to Goodison Park this summer in Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan (Transfermarkt), and the former two in particular have played a role in Everton’s impressive start to the season. The Merseyside outfit have won two and drawn one of their opening three Premier League games (Sky Sports), with Gray scoring two goals and Townsend providing one assist (WhoScored).

In terms of centre-forwards, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the only real viable option for Rafael Benitez, but it seems that the Toffees are looking to bring in a new striker to provide competition for the 24-year-old. According to journalist Alan Myers on Twitter, Everton are in talks to sign 83-cap Venezuela international Rondon from Dalian Professional.

The news has been doing the rounds on social media and it attracted plenty of attention from Everton supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Rondon links

“We could do with a good back up for DCL”

Credit: @thetomgibbons

“Inevitable really, but also makes a lot of sense.”

Credit: @sunscreemer

“Great like for like back up for Dom, and endeared himself to me after McCarthy’s leg break too be fair, was inconsolable”

Credit: @Sean84628518

“We were signing Isco a few months ago, the life of an Evertonian”

Credit: @jeffwintersok

“Sound. We don’t have any backup for Dom and we can’t afford to spend tens of millions getting one. He’s not exactly top drawer, but as a cheap short term fix, he’ll do.”

Credit: @Geof17773624

“I really don’t get this rant. Rather than focus on how well we’ve been playing, the focus is turned on to how bad we’re going to be. I’m sorry, but that makes no sense to me. What happened to just enjoy the moment?”

Credit: @NTylerVI

In other news, Everton want to sign this Premier League ace.