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Liverpool have identified Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kabak as Virgil van Dijk’s potential replacement in January, according to reports.

Kabak on the Anfield radar

The Dutchman is set to miss a significant amount of the 2020/21 campaign after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament during last weekend’s 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.

As the incident occurred just after the transfer window closed, the Reds will now have to wait until January if they want to bring in defensive reinforcements.

According to Sport Media Set (via talkSPORT), Kabak, a 20-year-old Turkish centre-back, is believed to be the answer for the future as they adjust to life without the Dutchman. However, Kabak was involved in a controversial incident which saw him severely punished by the German Football Federation (DFB).

The 1.86m (6 foot 1) defender appeared to spit at Werder Bremen’s Ludwig Augustinsson and was sent off later in the game following his side’s defeat, subsequently being found guilty of unsporting behaviour and suspended for four matches. On top of this, Kabak was fined €15,000 (£13,640) and later apologised for his actions, stressting that they were unintentional (via AA).

The next El-Hadji Diouf?

Liverpool are known for having a squad with a strong bond and players who possess powerfully positive mindsets. Having a player like Kabak around the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner on a daily basis could disrupt the group.

The Reds have had troublesome figures play for the club over the years, most notably El Hadji-Diouf, who was caught spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup game at Celtic Park in the early 2000s.

It is something that the Merseysiders will want to eradicate from their history. Any risk of such incidents reoccurring should be enough for Liverpool to steer clear of Kabak, never mind to replace their best defender.

Jurgen Klopp would be better going for someone like RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, a promising centre-half who is playing in the Champions League regularly and has the potential to fill Van Dijk’s shoes.

In other news, 6 ft 2 ace could become Michael Edwards’ first flop after startling Klopp revelation.

The domestic transfer window is coming towards an end, and it seems as though there’s still business to be done at Elland Road.

Leeds United are seemingly still in the market for a new midfielder with both Louie Sibley and Todd Cantwell linked in recent times.

However, despite all the intrigue about potential incomings at Leeds, there is one potential exit that is making headlines.

Indeed, Barry Douglas could be set to leave the club on loan, with Watford apparently showing interest in the former Wolves man.

Douglas looks set to leave Leeds on loan for the remainder of the season, but we can’t quite get our heads around why Victor Orta would sanction such a deal.

The Scot is in the final year of his contract, meaning that a loan exit would likely see him leave on a free transfer next summer as he’s seemingly surplus to requirements at Elland Road. So why aren’t Leeds selling him for a fee?

Of course, selling a player is easier said than done, and there may be no interested suitors. However, if he’s going to go on a free next summer you should be looking for some sort of fee, even if it’s negligible.

Douglas isn’t a bad player by any means – he got 14 assists in the Championship during his last season with Wolves, and while he hasn’t quite reproduced that form at Leeds, it shouldn’t be that hard to find a club that are willing to pay a fee for him.

Getting Douglas off the wage bill seems to be a priority, and with just a few days left in the window, the loan move to Watford may be the best option at the moment, but United have had all summer to find him a permanent destination and to perhaps pocket a bit of extra cash from a sale, but for one reason or another, they’ve failed to do so.

Loaning Douglas out is almost consigning him to a free transfer next summer, and when you consider that Leeds spent £3m to sign him from Wolves, getting no return on that investment is nothing short of a disaster.

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked to a loan move for Ousmane Dembele as the transfer window ticks down.

It appears as though the Reds have capped off their summer spending after welcoming Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota over the threshold. However, there could be room for just one more deal – especially a short-term one.

Spanish outlet Sport (via The Mirror), claim the Reds had made contact over a season-long move for the Barcelona man. Manchester United are also in hot pursuit of his services though, also looking to strike a loan deal with the La Liga giants, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Liverpool could snub Man United for Dembele

Although the Merseysiders look unlikely to make any more additions to their squad, temporarily bringing in Dembele could be a smart move. Transfermarkt value the forward at £50.4million, so any option to buy could see Barca demand a fee in that region. With Liverpool already splashing £45million on their shock move for Jota, funds could now be low in the bank of the champions.

Similarly, if they are keen on bolstering their attack and bringing in Dembele, they may have to pay a large chunk towards his mammoth £209,000 weekly wage (via wageindicator.co.uk).

But both Jota and Thiago came as surprise packages which could indicate Fenway Sports Group do indeed have the cash to spare. If finances aren’t an issue, Dembele could favour a move to Anfield over Old Trafford.

Why would Ousmane Dembele sign for Liverpool?

Despite being primarily a winger, the France international can also be deployed further up the pitch as a right midfielder, or in the No.9 position. This would provide excellent cover for Liverpool’s current front three, who look exposed in terms of back-up.

Jota was a very smart signing from the Reds, but should more than one injury occur across the attacking trio, Liverpool need more than just one reliable option.

Xherdan Shaqiri missed a total of 11 matches through injury last season and Divock Origi managed just six goals in 42 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Jurgen Klopp’s side also boast good chances of winning back-to-back titles, which Dembele would definitely love to be a part of. If Liverpool make an offer for his services, it will be hard for him to turn them down.

In others new, Neil Mellor discusses Rhian Brewster’s Liverpool future

Tottenham Hotspur failed to round off an outstanding transfer window with the addition of a new centre-back but that could be something Daniel Levy puts right during January.

And he may well want to reconsider a move for Chelsea colossus Antonio Rudiger after an impressive display for Germany on Saturday evening.

The 27-year-old was imperious among a back three all whilst he slips down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge – the arrival of Thiago Silva has meant he’s now Frank Lampard’s last resort as the fifth choice.

It’s quite bizarre given how well he has performed for club and country in recent times and that much was on display in the UEFA Nations League.

Per SofaScore, Rudiger recorded three clearances, one tackle and one key pass (resulting in the assist for the opener). He also made 95% of his 76 passes and won 100% of his aerial duels against Ukraine.

His fit in the back three gives Jose Mourinho plenty to ponder, especially if he’s to reignite that interest during the winter window.

Such a formation could bring the best out of attacking wing-back duo Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon, who were both signed this summer, and having another body alongside the error-prone Davinson Sanchez and the emerging first-choice Eric Dier could prove to be a masterstroke.

During his three Nations League appearances this year, the 6 foot 3 German beast has averaged 2.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and two aerial duels won per game, via WhoScored.

The Evening Standard claimed Rudiger “excelled” during the 2-1 victory whilst some Blues fans were left lauding him as better than Virgil van Dijk on social media.

Now valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, the Chelsea outcast could be the final piece of the puzzle for Mourinho’s quickfire revolution, and if that display on Saturday wasn’t enough, then Rudiger’s history against Spurs should hold encouragement too.

He haunted Harry Kane last season, forcing the Spurs talisman into losing possession 11 times whilst he won three duels as per SofaScore.

“A tough tackler, Rudiger is quick on his feet and a commanding presence in the air,” claims the Chelsea website and that’s exactly what Spurs need to fill the void left behind by Jan Vertonghen.

AND in other news, Teenage sensation with “HUGE potential” can become Mourinho’s new Scott Parker at Spurs…

Darren Bent insists appointing Ledley King as a first-team coach at Tottenham Hotspur is a “masterstroke” by Jose Mourinho.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs striker admits he is surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.

Recent reports revealed that King had held talks about joining the backroom staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Mourinho announced his assistant Ricardo Formosinho would be leaving north London to pursue his own career as a head coach.

Mourinho has now confirmed that the club’s former captain will be linking up with his coaching staff next season.

Spurs qualified for the Europa League with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, and Mourinho dropped the news immediately after the game.

The pundit, who played with King at White Hart Lane, believes the move will win Mourinho favour with the fans.

Bent told assistant editor Russell Edge “that guy can do the lot, he can do everything – play, defend, everything, and he did it with one leg.”

“Do you know what’s mad though? I’ve always thought to myself surely when he retired one of the managers would get him on board on the coaching staff defensively. Honestly, outstanding.”

“I don’t know if it was him that didn’t or what but it didn’t happen but I always felt managers were missing a trick with him because this guy, the fans love him – that’s a way to get the fans on board because they idolise him – he’s obviously that good as well.”

“It’s a masterstroke from Mourinho if he pulls that off.”

It is hard to argue with Bent here, as King is a hugely popular figure amongst the fan base.

King, 39, made 323 appearances for Spurs, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, famously winning the League Cup in 2008.

After breaking through the ranks, the academy graduate led the club for seven years, until a recurring knee injury forced him to retire at the age of just 31.

The arrival of Martin Jol coincided with King’s revival, as together the duo laid the foundations that turned Tottenham into a team capable of challenging for a place in the Champions League.

The firm favourite enjoys the honour of hearing his name ring out on the 26th minute of every game to mark his shirt number and he has worked as a club ambassador up until now.

Despite the fact his playing career was sadly cut short, King knows the club inside and out, and his local knowledge could prove useful.

The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun throughout the season and fans will be hoping the veteran can fix their defensive frailties on the training pitch.

Whether or not he will be able to make an immediate impact remains to be seen.

Tottenham fans, are you excited to see Ledley King link up with Mourinho? Let us know down below!

MatériaMais Notícias

A CBF anunciou o trio de arbitragem responsável por trabalhar na “final antecipada” do Campeonato Brasileiro. O jogo entre Atlético-MG e Corinthians, marcado para 17h deste domingo, no Independência, será apitado por Héber Roberto Lopes (SC). Os auxiliares serão Kleber Lucio Gil (SC) e Fabricio Vilarinh oda Silva (GO).

A escolha da CBF gera polêmica na medida em que Héber foi acusado em duas ocasiões recentes de favorecer o Atlético-MG. Em ambas os casos, quem reclamou da arbitragem foi o Cruzeiro.

Em 2014, num clássico vencido pelo Atlético-MG por 2 a 1, os cruzeirense questionaram a não marcação de um suposto pênalti cometido pelo então atleticano Otamendi. Na semifinal da última edição do Campeonato Mineiro, jogadores do Cruzeiro reclamaram da não marcação de uma falta do zagueiro Edcarlos no atacante Leandro Damião (o lance prosseguiu e o Galo anotou o gol da classificação à final do Estadual).

Vale lembrar que o Corinthians também teve problemas recentes com Héber. No Brasileirão do ano passado, durante derrota do Timão para o Grêmio por 2 a 1, o árbitro expulsou Guerrero por ter entendido que o atacante então corintiano teria acertado uma cabeçada no gremista Alan Ruíz, quando na verdade o peruano foi empurrado pelo meia Zé Roberto. Os alvinegros reclamaram bastante do lance na ocasião.

Na atual edição do Brasileirão, o árbitro paranaense (que recentemente trocou a Federação Parananense pela Catarinense) apitou 18 partidas. Destas, estão inclusas duas do Corinthians (empates sem gols contra Fluminense e Goiás) e uma do Atlético-MG (derrota por 4 a 0 para o Santos).

Liverpool failed to return to winning ways against Arsenal after throwing away an early 1-0 lead at the Emirates.

The Gunners were able to capitalise on two defensive errors to come from behind and win the match 2-1. The victory sees them stay in their fight for Europa League football but ends Liverpool’s dreams of a 100-point season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just two of their matches since they were crowned champions. Their loss in London means they will not achieve centurion status and following their draw against Burnley at Anfield, they will not finish the season with a perfect home record.

Fans are frustrated with their most recent result and are particularly criticising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance against his former side. According to Sofascore, the midfielder lost possession 14 times and failed to complete any of his attempted crosses. He was substituted off after 61 minutes and earned a disappointing rating of 6.5.

A lot of fans on Twitter aren’t happy – with one telling Chamberlain to ‘leave my club ASAP’. Others have branded him a ‘fraud’ and claimed ‘he’s done’.

Read more replies here:

Do you agree with the comments on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Reds? Join the conversation in the comments below…

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo venceu o Atlético-MG por 3 a 1, neste sábado (30), no Monumental de Núñez, em Buenos Aires, e se sagrou campeão da Copa Libertadores da América pela primeira vez na história. A conquista do Glorioso fez o Brasil chegar a 24 troféus na competição, um a menos do que a Argentina, que tem 25 taças.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo ou Lyon? Luiz Henrique revela planejamento para 2025Botafogo01/12/2024BotafogoGregore explica expulsão na final da Libertadores: ‘Fiquei desesperado’Botafogo30/11/2024Fora de CampoEx-árbitra crava erro em lance polêmico de Atlético-MG x Botafogo; vejaFora de Campo30/11/2024

➡️ Alex Telles provoca rivais após título do Botafogo na Libertadores: ‘Aguentem ou surtem’

Este foi o sexto título consecutivo para um clube do país: em 2019 e 2022, o Flamengo levou a Libertadores; em 2020 e 2021, o Palmeiras garantiu seu tricampeonato; em 2023 o Fluminense foi o campeão pela primeira vez, assim como o Botafogo este ano.

O país que fecha o pódio de maiores campeões da Libertadores é o Uruguai. Porém, ele vem bem abaixo de brasileiros e argentinos, com oito taças. Seus troféus foram erguidos por Peñarol (cinco vezes) e Nacional (três).

continua após a publicidadeCom Botafogo campeão, confira os títulos da Libertadores por país

Argentina – 25 títulos
Brasil – 24 títulos
Uruguai – 8 títulos
Colômbia – 3 títulos
Paraguai – 3 títulos
Chile – 1 título
Equador – 1 título

➡️Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Lista dos campeões da Libertadores da América

1° – Independiente (ARG) – 7 títulos
2° – Boca Juniors (ARG) – 6 títulos
3° – Peñarol (URU) – 5 títulos
4° – River Plate (ARG) – 4 títulos
5° – Estudiantes (ARG) – 4 títulos
6° – Olimpia (PAR) – 3 títulos
7° – Nacional (URU) – 3 títulos
8° – Palmeiras (BRA) – 3 títulos
9° – São Paulo (BRA) – 3 títulos
10° – Grêmio (BRA) – 3 títulos
11° – Santos (BRA) – 3 títulos
12° – Flamengo (BRA) – 3 títulos
13° – Cruzeiro (BRA) – 2 títulos
14° – Atlético Nacional (COL) – 2 títulos
15° – Internacional (BRA) – 2 títulos
16° – Atlético Mineiro (BRA) – 1 título
17° – Colo-Colo (CHI) – 1 título
18° – Fluminense (BRA) – 1 título
19° – Argentino Juniors (ARG) – 1 título
20° – Corinthians (BRA) – 1 título
21° – LDU (EQU) – 1 título
22° – Once Caldas (COL) – 1 título
23° – Racing (ARG) – 1 título
24° – San Lorenzo (ARG) – 1 título
25° – Vasco da Gama (BRA) – 1 título
26° – Vélez Sarsfield (ARG) – 1 título
27° – Botafogo (BRA) – 1 título

Tudo sobre

BotafogoFutebol NacionalLibertadores

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Kalvin Phillips has been in the headlines a fair bit over these past few weeks.

Indeed, despite the fact that Leeds haven’t played a game in almost a fortnight, it seems as if people can’t stop talking about the 23-year-old.

Whether it’s talkSPORT presenters naming him as the best player in the Championship or former footballers touting him for an England call-up, there have been plenty of eyes on the midfielder during this international break.

Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Many are probably excited to see him return to action this weekend against Luton. However, he may be asked to undertake a different role than usual against the Hatters due to an injury to Stuart Dallas.

Dallas’ injury

With Luton likely to play a two-striker formation this weekend it’s probable that Marcelo Bielsa will opt for a three at the back tactic, something he’s had to do previously in 2019/20 to accommodate injuries.

With Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper being out, Leeds will be short one defender as Luke Ayling will have to play on the right while Gaetano Berardi and Ben White are the only fit senior defenders in the squad.

Phillips drops back

With a three centre-back formation being preferable on Saturday, the most likely outcome is that Kalvin Phillips is asked to drop back and play as the third centre-half alongside White and Berardi.

He’s played as a defender before, but he hasn’t done so since August, and injuries to Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton may mean that Leeds are also lacking in the holding midfield role that Phillips usually undertakes.

How Leeds will lineup this weekend remains to be seen, but there’s a good chance that we’ll see Phillips move from midfield into a role he’s previously thrived in.

Per WhoScored, he’s made 1.5 tackles per game from 14 appearances in that role. The 23-year-old has also registered 1.4 interceptions and won a colossal 5.5 aerial duels.

Leeds face what should be a rather straight-forward task this weekend.

Indeed, the Whites play host to one of their former players as Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough side head to Elland Road.

Boro have been absolutely terrible this season as they currently sit 20th in the Championship after winning just one of their last 11 games after beating fellow strugglers Barnsley 1-0 on Wednesday.

Leeds were also winners in midweek as they beat Reading 1-0, but it was a largely unimpressive performance as United relied on a late goal to seal the points.

Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

So how will Leeds lineup against Middlesbrough after their disappointing showing against the Royals? Here’s our predicted XI for this weekend’s clash.

There are seven players who have started every single league game for Leeds so far this season, and unsurprisingly we have them all down to start here again.

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The Whites are likely to stick with their three at the back formation as Boro have been lining up with two strikers in the shape of Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga.

Kiko Casilla, Ben White and Liam Cooper all keep their spots, but after a shoddy performance that was largely panned by supporters, Gaetano Berardi replaces Luke Ayling.

The base of the midfield remains the same as Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas and Kalvin Phillips all start as Adam Forshaw remains sidelined due to injury.

Going forward there are a few changes. Pablo Hernandez stays in the team, but he’s taking up a different position as he moves into the number 10 spot vacated by the injured Tyler Roberts. Replacing Roberts is Helder Costa who assisted Jack Harrison on Tuesday.

Speaking of Harrison, he retains his place on the left.

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Eddie Nketiah is back from injury, but he’ll likely be eased back into the squad so Patrick Bamford starts this one.

In other news, stats have shown that Bielsa’s only change against Reading paid off on Tuesday.