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Liverpool have been dealt a blow as January midfield target Ryan Gravenberch is set to stay at Bayern Munich, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What’s the word?

Liverpool were linked with a loan move for the Dutchman, who has hardly featured for the club since his summer move from Ajax, but it now appears a deal is impossible.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are thought to be in the market for a central midfielder, and a deal for Gravenberch could have strengthened their squad as they look to recover from their current slump during the second half of the season.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Bayern want to keep the midfielder until the summer at the very least.

He said: “To clarify on Ryan Gravenberch. Some rumours on a potential loan deal to Liverpool or maybe to some other English club from Bayern – the message is pretty clear: Bayern want to keep the player.

“They want to keep Gravenberch, and at least until the end of the season. They trust him, they consider him an important player for their project. Of course, it’s not an easy moment for him, an easy first part of the season, but Bayern are convinced that he’s going to be a really important player in the future.

“So at the moment, they are not accepting any loan for Gravenberch and Liverpool are not negotiating for him.”

Time running out

It is clear that Liverpool need a central midfielder in the January window, but having spent £35m on Cody Gakpo, their options – and room in their transfer budget – remain limited, hence the reported interest in a loan deal.

With less than a week left in the window, the club need to find a solution that can keep them ticking over until the summer, when they could move for high-profile targets such as Jude Bellingham.

They could lose out on Bellingham if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, so any strengthening now could prove crucial.

Glasgow Rangers are finalising a move to bring midfielder Todd Cantwell to Ibrox, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Summer profit

Rangers spent just shy of €15m (£13.1m) over the summer, with centre-back Ben Davies their most expensive signing from Liverpool.

The Ibrox club actually made a healthy profit after moving on Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo to Ajax and Southampton respectively, exits that brought in over €30m (£26.2m).

Michael Beale is yet to add to the squad in what is his first transfer window in charge of the club, but it looks as if a first transfer is now on the verge of being completed.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday evening to share an update on Cantwell and Rangers. He said that ‘Rangers and Norwich are now signing contracts’ ahead of a transfer, with an ‘agreement in place on all the details’.

The transfer expert added that the player will undergo medical tests and sign a Rangers contract within the next 48 hours, ‘if all goes to plan’.

The Verdict: A gamble?

Cantwell is primarily a left-midfielder but can also play centrally or on the right-hand side if needed, so will provide Beale with plenty of flexibility in midfield.

Still just 24 years of age, Cantwell has made 129 senior appearances for the Canaries – 19 of which have come during the current campaign. He last contributed to a goal during the 2020/21 season, though, so you could say a transfer is a calculated gamble by Rangers officials, with Cantwell currently Norwich’s 17th-best player this season in the Championship, as per WhoScored.

The player impressed in the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign, contributing to eight goals, so if he can get back to that sort of form, a transfer could prove to be a wise move – only time will tell.

Leeds United’s rumoured move for RB Salzburg defender Max Wober looks increasingly likely, with his club now already looking at replacements.

The Lowdown: Wober heading to Leeds

Recent reports have suggested that the 24-year-old is closing in on a transfer to Elland Road, as Jesse Marsch makes significant inroads in the market.

Wober has stood out as an impressive performer for Salzburg so far this season, making three appearances in the Champions League and averaging three tackles per game in that competition, with Phil Hay reporting on Monday morning that a deal is indeed gathering pace.

A new update on the saga is another positive one from a Leeds perspective, suggesting that the move is edging closer all the time.

The Latest: Salzburg looking for replacements

According to Salzburger Nachrichten [via Sport Witness], Salzburg now think the move will definitely happen as they are already eyeing up replacements for him.

They see this as arguably the biggest indication yet that he will be a Whites player sooner rather than later.

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The Verdict: Strong signing by Whites

This feels like a matter of time until it happens and Wober could prove to be an inspired signing by Leeds, with so many positives standing out regarding the move.

Left-back is an area of weakness currently, with Junior Firpo rarely convincing in a Whites shirt, and two goals and six assists this season highlight Wober’s attacking quality.

Wober is also more than capable of thriving as a centre-back, however, meaning he can cover two positions and add even more depth to Marsch’s squad.

The fact that the Leeds boss has already worked with the 13-time capped Austria international at Salzburg is a added bonus, too, suggesting they know each other inside out.

Sunderland’s signing of Danny Batth on a free transfer has proven to be a masterstroke by Kristjaan Speakman, as the centre-back has been instrumental to the Black Cats’ impressive start to the season.

The experienced defender had spent much of his career in the Championship with the likes of Wolves, Middlesbrough and Stoke City, so he was always going to be a valuable addition at the Stadium of Light when he joined the Wearsiders last January.

Batth came to the north east on a free transfer from Stoke, having turned out just 11 times in the Championship for the Potters last season, and he featured 12 times for the Black Cats as they earned promotion back to the second tier via the League One play-offs.

So far this term, only seven players have earned a higher average rating from WhoScored than Batth, with his strong 6.74 rating a testament to his impressive start to life back in the Championship.

The 32-year-old also ranks first for clearances and second for aerial duels won in Sunderland’s squad, which emphasises how important he is to Tony Mowbray and why he has earned a reputation as a “colossal” defender, as Josh Bunting called him.

The Sunderland-supporting journalist was full of praise for the former Wolves man at the weekend when an injury forced him off in the 1-1 draw with Hull City.

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Bunting tweeted: “Hopefully that injury for Danny Batth isn’t serious, hope it’s just a minor one or a precaution and he’s back for Boxing Day. Has been our best player this season, obviously great to have Daniel Ballard back in the team and an option from the bench. Batth is the leader at the back.”

Only Anthony Patterson has also started every single game for Sunderland in the Championship this season, which shows how highly Batth is valued by Mowbray at the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, Speakman deserves a huge amount of praise for prising the defender away from Stoke on a free transfer earlier this year, as it seems likely that he will be hugely important in any push for the play-offs again this season.

A number of Tottenham Hotspur players have been starring at the World Cup in Qatar this week and Thursday was a pretty good day for the Lilywhites’ faithful as Richarlison hit the headlines with a match-winning brace for Brazil.

However, earlier in the afternoon, both midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and forward Heung-min Son went head-to-head as Uruguay faced South Korea in Group H.

The tricky tie ended in a stalemate but it was the former who arguably stole the show as he put in a commanding midfield masterclass in the heart of the pitch.

Bentancur, once lauded as a “Rolls-Royce” of a player, has been one of Antonio Conte’s best performers this campaign, having scored four goals and laid on two assists, despite being a more defensively-minded presence.

Only Harry Kane has registered a better average WhoScored rating in the Premier League and he leads the squad for tackles (2.6) per game, too.

That form has evidently carried onto the world’s biggest stage as the former Juventus flop dominated Korea’s engine room.

The 25-year-old was at the centre of everything for La Celeste after he recorded a match-high 102 touches, some 22 more than his partner Federico Valverde (80).

With his dominating presence on the ball, Bentancur was able to play four progressive passes – the second-most of his side – and registered a passing accuracy of around 88%, which was the best of any Uruguay starter, as per FBref. He even led the team for expected assisted goals (0.1 xAG).

It also shows that he was still willing to commit balls forward, just like he does in a Spurs shirt and he did so without losing sight of his renowned defensive work.

Indeed, the Lilywhites machine also registered a joint-most three interceptions, two blocks and one tackle to help thwart Son and co from attacking.

His performance earned plenty of praise from the media. Football analyst Statman Dave tweeted that it was “another brilliant performance” from the Spurs man, whilst Apple senior producer Tom Thorogood described him as a “genius.”

“Sublime” and “elite” were two other phrases attributed to Bentancur’s phenomenal outing for Uruguay this week.

As such, Tottenham’s £16m man put in an under-the-radar masterclass in La Celeste’s Group H opener and he arguably was the north Londoners’ pick of the bunch in week one.

AND in other news, Paratici-scouted 18 y/o World Cup “wonder” could be Spurs’ answer to Erling Haaland…

Chelsea have produced several wonderful footballing talents over the years with some making it into the first team whilst others move on. Now a new update has emerged about the potential of bringing back one of their most promising graduates.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Chelsea are “keeping tabs” on right-back Valentino Livramento.

O’Rourke revealed: “It’s the position that Chelsea wants to strengthen, they do want right back cover and competition for Reece James.

“So I’m sure Livramento – Chelsea know all about him – and I’m sure Chelsea have been keeping tabs on him following his departure from Stamford Bridge to Southampton.”

“So with Chelsea in the transfer market, you can never second guess what they might do.”

He is a “real talent”

There is no doubt that Livramento – who was dubbed “class” by writer Raj Chohan – is one of the hottest young prospects in the Premier League so it would come as no surprise if he hadn’t caught the eye of his former club over his time at St Mary’s.

The talented 20-year-old suffered a huge setback in his career after sustaining a crucial ligament rupture back in April 2022 but is on the road to recovery at present and his form before the injury is something not to be ignored.

Over 28 appearances last season, Livramento – who was hailed a “great talent” by former Spurs man Ledley King  – scored one goal, delivered one assist, created four big chances and completed 1.1 successful dribbles per game in an offensive capacity.

He also caught the eye defensively, averaging 1.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.1 duels per game, proving that he has been a reliable performer in his position.

Not only that the right-back ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for interceptions, while further ranking in the top 17% in dribbles completed and touches.

Potter will be desperate to add depth to his team after several injury concerns plaguing the team over the campaign so far including a huge blow to Reece James that has seen the England player miss out on the World Cup in Qatar.

With that being said, the signing of Livramento could be a great prospect for Chelsea in the near future but will need to part with a reported £50m buyback fee, so Todd Boehly and Potter will need to be sure that the player is seen as a key player for the future before setting up a reunion at Stamford Bridge

Sky Sports’ David Prutton has backed Millwall manager Gary Rowett to take over at West Brom.

The Lowdown: Rowett links

The Baggies have been on the hunt for a new manager for over a week now after parting ways with Steve Bruce.

Rowett was one of the first managers to be linked with the vacancy, with The Mirror reporting that he was on a three-man shortlist alongside Carlos Corberan and Chris Wilder.

They stated that Baggies officials like how Rowett is ‘used to operating on a modest budget in London’, however, the 48-year-old appeared to cool rumours shortly after.

The Latest: Prutton’s comments

Prutton talking to Sky Sports, relayed by Football League World, admitted he knows that Rowett is happy with Millwall but believes the ‘ambitious’ manager could be lured to the Midlands.

“There will be a pull there because obviously we’ve seen the recent history of West Brom compared to Millwall.

“That’s not in any way, shape or form to disrespect Millwall given where they’ve been, specifically with their cracking home form over the last few seasons, getting near the play-offs but not quite getting into the play-offs, and you would think possibly with West Brom, the players that he’s got or maybe the squad that he’s got and the ability possibly in January to go again could be a bit of a lure.

“He’s a very loyal manager and character though is Gary, but also very ambitious – I know that he likes where he’s at at this moment in time and who he’s got in his team and at the club, and there’s that very unique atmosphere down at Millwall, and whether that’s replicated at a place like West Brom I think remains to be seen.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Chief executive Ron Gourlay is the man tasked with bringing in Bruce’s long-term successor, so his admiration for Rowett’s work on a tight budget is certainly something to keep an eye on.

He has plenty of experience with a number of Championship sides and has been doing a solid job in London at The Den as he approached his three-year anniversary in charge.

The Bromsgrove-born boss may well be tempted by a new challenge and a move closer to his hometown as well, so it will be interesting to see if West Brom look to speak to Rowett in the coming days or weeks.

Aston Villa could be set to land a sensational appointment for their vacant manager position…

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, Villarreal boss Unai Emery is set to enter preliminary discussions for the job following Steven Gerrard’s dismissal yesterday.

The Spaniard is reportedly the more likely candidate than the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, whom the report claims has reservations about coming to Villa Park.

To lure either of these elite managers would mark a sensational piece of business, and a fine upgrade from the previous manager.

It would be a masterstroke

Although Pochettino was the dream option, it now seems clear that plans to tempt him were nothing more than a pipe dream.

Emery however stands as a far more realistic option, as he reportedly showed great interest in a return to the Premier League with Newcastle United back in November.

The only reason he did not was due to his mid-season commitments with his current team, who were on a Champions League run at the time that eventually reached the semi-finals.

This season, they only have the UEFA Europa Conference League to deal with, which would be much easier to walk away from guilt-free.

His run in Europe’s elite competition stands as one of his greatest achievements to date, however he is also a four-time Europa League winner with both Sevilla and the Yellow Submarine.

The 50-year-old has a pedigree that extends far beyond most managers already in the league, and despite his supposed failure at Arsenal, he also reached another Europa League final and missed out on the Champions League spots by one point with them.

If given a chance to build his own squad, free of any mandatory purchases and unnecessary pressures, he could genuinely create something special at the Midlands club.

Michael Cox even once lauded Emery’s ability to compete with Pep Guardiola on a tactical level, with particular emphasis on the “clever gameplan” he would often spring.

A clear tactical master, to get him to make the move to the Midlands would have supporters quickly forgetting that Pochettino was ever an option.

It could be the start of something really special following such a dismal 11 months under Gerrard.

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has hit out at Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra following his sending off on the weekend, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Red card

The Whites managed to take a point from Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa after playing the majority of the second half a man down.

Sinisterra received a yellow card for a tackle on John McGinn in the first half and was then shown a second just after half-time for illegally blocking an Aston Villa free-kick from close range.

Graham Smyth thinks that referee Stuart Attwell may have forgotten the 23-year-old was already on a yellow, with the official coming in for plenty of criticism for his overall display.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments

Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Sinisterra’s sending-off, believing that Jesse Marsch should be fining the winger following his actions.

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“You are on a yellow card, why would you stick your foot out when you’re so close?

“That’s time-wasting. Jesse Marsch should look at that incident before he starts waffling about Villa time-wasting.

“If you’re going to do that you’ve got to face the consequences. It happened to [Raul] Jimenez last season for Wolves against Man City. He got two quick yellows. Referees have got to make a statement.

“If you’re the manager, you’re fining that player. He made it difficult for the rest of the team.”

The Verdict: Afternoon to forget

It was certainly a frustrating afternoon against Villa in regards to Sinisterra’s actions and the way Attwell officiated, but Marsch needs to take the positives.

Leeds managed to keep Villa out for just a second clean sheet of the season, with the Whites remaining unbeaten at home in the Premier League.

Agbonlahor may well get his wish with an in-house fine for Sinisterra following his red card, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Marsch were to have a stern word with the Colombian, who will miss this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace.

West Ham United have produced some excellent players over the previous 25 years. Think back to Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick, and Joe Cole all emerging through the youth system and becoming Premier League and England greats throughout their careers.

David Moyes hasn’t quite had the same group of youngsters to work with during his time at the club, although there is some talent amongst the under-21 and under-18 teams.

Last season in a Europa League group stage clash against Dinamo Zagreb, the likes of Sonny Perkins, Jamal Baptiste and Manny Longelo all started for the Hammers, and they could have a great future in the game if they can get the right opportunities.

There is one talent at the club who could go further than most, though…

West Ham signed Thierry Nevers from Reading in May 2021 after impressing at Premier League 2 level, in which he netted nine goals in two seasons for the Royals.

The move to West Ham didn’t disrupt his momentum, with the 20-year-old finding the net seven times in just 17 appearances, adding in three assists for good measure.

Impressing at under-21 level is all well and good, but to see real development, players need to be thrown into men’s football. To that end, Nevers secured a loan move to Newport County this summer, with Moyes eagerly keeping an eye on his progress.

The Scot should be impressed so far, with the youngster averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.17 in his first three matches at the club, scoring once and registering one assist as he has helped Newport to win two of those games.

Nevers has been dubbed “outrageous” while he was in Readings academy, and The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas has described the 20-year-old as “promising”.

He certainly seems to have the talent, proving it on many occasions in Premier League 2 and youth level, and it looks like he is beginning to grow into a player that Moyes will shortly be able to call upon for the Irons’ senior side.

At this rate, it seems certain that the Hammers boss will be working on a plan to bring him into the first-team squad from next season.

In doing so, he could earn the club a fortune firstly by negating the need to buy in a left winger, and perhaps also by selling him further down the line for a sizeable fee.