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Liverpool are reportedly looking to tie left-winger Sadio Mane down a new contract. 

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Reds are preparing to meet with the player’s camp to discuss fresh terms.

Mane last signed a contract extension back in November 2018, and his deal is up at the end of 2022/23.

Mane’s LFC career recapped

Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 has gone on to make 234 appearances, scoring 106 goals and winning four major trophies.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has showered Mane with praise, calling him ‘unbelievable’ and ‘world-class’.

The Senegalese international is the Reds’ second top-scorer this term with nine goals in 16 outings.

Mohamed Salah leads the way on 16 goals, and intriguingly his contract is also up in 2023.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed Romano’s claim, and here’s how a selection of supporters responded.

Fans flock to Mane contract news

“Mo Salah next inshallah”

Credit: @lfc_football66

“The OG front three must stay”

Credit: @qaz1f

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @SeanMG27

“GO GET THAT BAG KING”

Credit: @RoloRed05

“Give him 200k a week, he won’t be asking for more since he’s a great human being who uses the money for others and not himself”

Credit: @Tierniesta

“Yay!!”

Credit: @nimalamap

In other news, fans were pleased by this team selection hint ahead of Porto.

Everton manager Rafa Benitez will be hoping to relieve some of the pressure that has been building in recent weeks by securing a positive result in tonight’s Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.

The Toffees have failed to claim three points since seeing off newly-promoted Norwich City at the end of September, dropping them down to 14th in the Premier League table.

A 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford last time out extended their current winless run to seven games, piling the pressure on Benitez following a fast start to life at the Goodison Park outfit.

Despite the disappointing result over the weekend, Everton were able to welcome key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure back into the starting XI following an extended absence through injury.

And the 28-year-old should be joined by star forward Richarlison this time around after the Brazil international served a one-match suspension.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast predicts Benitez to line up for this crucial midweek clash, with just two changes from the side that featured from the off against the Bees…

In goal, Jordan Pickford should start between the sticks once again after making a solid start to the season for both club and country, and he’ll be desperate to pick up his fourth clean sheet of the campaign.

Ahead of the English shot-stopper is set to be a rather familiar back four. Yerry Mina’s injury and Mason Holgate’s suspension means Benitez is expected to stick with a defensive unit of Lucas Digne, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman.

But it’s in midfield where the former Valencia, Real Madrid and Inter boss will have some big decisions to make.

Demarai Gray was only fit enough to come off the substitutes bench for the defeat at the Brentford Community Stadium, yet he should take up his usual residency ahead of Anthony Gordon, Allan, Doucoure and Andros Townsend.

Gray’s return will drop the underwhelming Alex Iwobi to the bench once again after providing just two goal contributions in 11 top-flight appearances throughout 2021/22.

And upfront, the £49.5m-rated Richarlison will come in for summer signing Salomon Rondon as Benitez attempts to add some class and genuine firepower to his stuttering forward line.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Everton receive big selection lift ahead of LFC, Benitez will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley centre-backs Ben Mee and James Tarkowski…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, the Magpies are willing to offer the dynamic duo £100k-per-week each, doubling their current wages at Turf Moor.

The report claims that both players are out of contract in the summer and could leave on frees, with Eddie Howe desperate to land both of them to strengthen his defence at St. James’ Park.

Fans would be buzzing

Newcastle fans would be buzzing as the pair have proven themselves to be an excellent partnership at Premier League level for Burnley. Howe could bring in a ready-made defensive unit to come in and improve the back line heading into next season by signing them both.

They have played 12349 minutes alongside each other across 151 matches, with Burnley averaging 1.34 points per game in that time. This averages out at roughly 50 points per 38-game season, whilst 29 points would have been enough to retain a place in the top-flight last season.

Mee is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, whilst Tarkowski is said to be worth £22.5m. This means that they are £27.9m-rated as a pair and the Magpies could be landing a gigantic bargain in terms of the initial fee by signing both on free transfers next summer. However, they would be splashing out £200k-per-week in wage, a startling amount of money.

This season, Tarkowski has averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.11 in the Premier League, with Mee averaging a solid score of 6.81 as both players continue to show that they are reliable performers in the top-flight for Burnley. Therefore, they could be excellent additions to the Toon squad, as they have a proven track record of playing well at this level.

They also, as aforementioned, have a pre-existing relationship on the pitch that could translate over to St. James’ Park instantly. With over 150 matches played alongside each other and an impressive points return, they know how to work well as a pair and could come in and be effective for Newcastle in the Premier League, which is why fans would love this deal.

It is now down to PIF and Howe to do as much as they can to tempt both of them into making the switch, providing the offer of £100k-per-week each is not enough on its own.

AND in other news, “Among leading NUFC targets”: David Ornstein drops transfer update that’ll excite fans…

Joey Veerman ‘remains high’ on Rangers’ list of transfer targets, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Give Me Sport. 

The lowdown

The 23-year-old central midfielder plays for Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract with the club and is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt.

Rangers may need to seek replacements if some of their existing midfielders are lured elsewhere. The Gers are braced for January interest in Glen Kamara, while Joe Aribo also has admirers from the Premier League.

The latest

O’Rourke told Give Me Sport that Rangers attempted to bring in Veerman last summer, when Steven Gerrard was still their manager, and that the club’s interest hasn’t subsided.

He wonders if the defender’s Dutch compatriot Giovanni van Bronckhorst might enjoy more success in pursuit of the player, saying: “Veerman will definitely be high on the list of targets. They tried to sign him in the summer and he still remains high on their list of potential targets.

“With van Bronckhorst in there now, I think it just gives extra weight in maybe following up that interest in the Dutchman.”

The verdict

Veerman would arrive at Ibrox with some pretty glowing endorsements. Dutch coach Robert Molenaar has called him ‘extremely good’ on the ball, adding that he plays like he’s ‘on a square in [the village of] Volendam’. Meanwhile, former Rangers defender Michael Ball has said that ‘his numbers are fantastic’.

Ball is right to do so – Veerman has been directly involved in nine goals (scoring three and setting up six) in 15 league appearances in 2021/22. He also ranks in the Eredivisie’s top six for chances created per 90 minutes with 2.4 (via WhoScored).

Hopefully O’Rourke’s suspicion that Van Bronckhorst’s arrival at Rangers could be a substantial step towards persuading the 23-year-old to make the move to Ibrox, especially if Aribo moves south of the border.

In other news, this Rangers trio struggled against Hearts

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in a deal to bring Donny van de Beek to Molineux in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham World, who claim that, despite Manchester United recently sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and replacing him with Ralf Rangnick, the new manager is also not convinced by the ability of the central midfielder, and is looking to bring a new player into the position this winter.

As a result, it would appear as if the Netherlands international will be available to either loan or buy this January, with Wolves previously believed to be one of the clubs thought to be keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

Forget Sanches

While it is true that, since his £35m move to Manchester United in the summer of 2020, Van de Beek has not hit anywhere near the heights of his time at Ajax, the midfielder nevertheless proved during his time in the Netherlands that he would make a fantastic addition to Bruno Lage’s options in the middle of the park for the second half of the season.

Indeed, over his 23 Eredivisie appearances during his final campaign at Ajax, the £26m-rated man scored eight goals, registered five assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £120k-per-week 24-year-old who smarterscout’s ‘similar player’ search likened to Thomas Muller earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.32, ranking him as the joint 12th-best player in the top-flight of Dutch football back in 2019/20.

As such, while Wolves have also been linked with a move for Renato Sanches this January, when considering the fact that Van de Beek now has a decent amount of experience in English football under his belt, should a move be available for the player who Solskjaer claimed can “unlock close defences,” it would appear highly advisable for Jeff Shi to forget all about the Portuguese midfielder and instead concentrate his efforts on getting a deal for Van de Beek over the line.

In other news: Luke Hatfield drops teasing transfer update that will surely leave Wolves fans furious

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United are ‘planning’ on signing a right-back as well as one or two central defenders, including Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Defensive reinforcements needed

The St. James’ Park faithful have conceded no fewer than 41 goals in the Premier League so far this season, by far the most in the league.

Their 18 goals scored is actually respectable compared to some of the other sides battling relegation, and so it is clear where the problem lies for Eddie Howe.

With the financial backing of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, it would not be a surprise to see the North East club try to recruit some new defenders in the January transfer window, but it is the quality of those players that will be questioned given the relegation fight that they find themselves in.

The Latest: January plans

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Romano, the Tyneside outfit are now ‘planning’ to sign one or two centre-backs next month, with Sven Botman ‘top of the list’.

They are also ‘looking’ for a right-back, which is a ‘work in progress’ as they look to strengthen their backline.

The Verdict: Needed

Practically a whole new backline is needed in order to give the Magpies the best chance of staying up, given heir poor defensive record this term.

Botman would certainly be an improvement, given that the 21-year-old ranks highly against the Toon’s other centre-half options in terms of average tackles (one) and clearances (4.6) per game in their respective domestic leagues this campaign, and also averages the most passes (60.2) at the highest accuracy (85.6%) (WhoScored), suggesting that he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing out from the back.

Changes need to be made in order to save NUFC’s season, with Jamie Carragher recently telling Sky Sports (via NUFC360) they need ‘at least’ three more defenders in January, so Romano’s update is surely music to fans’ ears.

In other news, find out which ‘exceptional’ talent Newcastle have attempted to sign here!

A claim has been made ahead of the January transfer window regarding potential interest in a number of Rangers players.

What’s the talk?

Herald Scotland reporter Chris Jack has admitted that clubs will be in for some of the Gers’ top performers, with Giovanni van Bronkchorst entering his first window in charge of the Ibrox giants.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think the main thing for Rangers is holding on to key players. Aribo, he’s going to attract a bit of interest, Glen Kamara will, Morelos may well do, Ryan Kent probably will as well.”

Van Bronckhorst could be scared

This claim will surely leave the Gers coach running scared as Jack’s comments suggest that it could be a stressful transfer window for the club. He seems adamant that clubs will be coming in for Joe Aribo, in particular, with Glen Kamara, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent also players who could be on their way out if offers arrive.

These are all key players for Van Bronckhorst and he will want to ensure that they remain at Ibrox, as they could be crucial to any success for the club this term. If the Gers want to go as far as possible in the Europa League whilst also winning the Premiership, they will need to keep hold of their top performers.

Morelos and Aribo are ranked third and fourth in terms of outfield players as per average SofaScore ratings this season, whilst Kamara (eighth) and Kent (11) both have scores of 7.03 or higher. This shows how big of a blow it would be to lose them next month, especially Aribo given Jack’s claim on his situation and his form this season.

The ex-Charlton man has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.20 and produced six goals and three assists in the Premiership. This shows that he is consistently delivering top-class performances whilst also making key contributions in front of goal, which is why Van Bronckhorst will be scared by the prospect of him leaving in the coming weeks.

It is now down to Ross Wilson to stand firm and reject any offers for the 25-year-old’s services if, as Jack suspects, they come in. The Gers chief must work hard to ensure that there are no major sales in January, saving any exits for the summer transfer window when they will have more time to source replacements.

AND in other news, Paid £0, now worth £5.85m: Allen pulled off Rangers masterstroke with “unique” wizard…

Pundit Paul Robinson has been reacting to Tottenham’s interest in Wolves winger Adama Traore, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

Traore has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time now, with the club coming close to landing the speedster over the summer.

That was when Nuno Espirito Santo was in charge, but, as we know, a move never materialised, with Wolves cancelling a summer deal.

Since then, Traore has continued to struggle in the final third at Molineux and is still awaiting his first goal contribution of 2021/22. As a result, it appears as if Antonio Conte has fresh plans for the 25-year-old, similar to what he did with Victor Moses at Chelsea.

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The Latest: Robinson reacts to update

According to The Athletic, Conte and Fabio Paratici are still keen on Traore and would look to turn him into a right wing-back in north London, with journalist Sami Mokbel also reporting a £20m move is in the works.

Robinson, who features on Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Traore. This is what he had to say to the update, labelling the Wolves man as ‘devastating’ and a ‘great addition’ for any side, however, he had his reservations regarding the Spaniard as a right wing-back.

“If Wolves are going to cash in on him it’s going to be soon because he is not going to sign another contract. He has been touted about heavily in recent windows.

“I cannot see him playing as a right wing-back in that system for Spurs. Defensively, I don’t think he gives Conte enough.

“Going forward he is devastating. He is a player I admire and that I like but as a winger, not a wing-back.

“He would be a great addition to any side but I don’t think he’s got the defensive capabilities to play on the right-hand side of a back five.

“I see him as part of a front three and Spurs have a lot of options in that area. I don’t think Spurs need him.”

The Verdict: Moses 2.0?

Moses heaped praise on Conte for the influence he had on his career, with the Nigerian playing a key role as the Blues won the Premier League in the Italian’s first season at Stamford Bridge.

And it now seems as if Traore’s career could turn around by moving to Spurs. The right-winger has scored just 10 times in 151 appearances for Wolves, so moving back into a deeper wing-back role could actually benefit him in the long run.

He’s got the athletic attributes and directness already, and was even labelled as ‘unplayable’ back in 2020 by Jurgen Klopp, while Pep Guardiola felt that no one can ‘handle’ his speed.

Conte clearly has a highly-rated target who he feels he can make better, and should he replicate what he did with Moses with Traore, it could be a frightening prospect.

In other news: Spurs now take next steps to sign ‘one of the best’ from PL rivals; Conte personally wants him. 

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Juventus have a ‘huge decision’ on their hands regarding the future of reported Tottenham target Paulo Dybala.

Jones claimed that the decision to sell Dybala ‘would be mad’, given the Argentine is ‘one of the few poster boys’ left at the Turin club.

The Lowdown: Dybala out of contract in the summer

Dybala joined Juventus in the summer of 2015 from Palermo as an exciting playmaker, arriving in a deal worth £33.5 million, inclusive of add-ons. Since then, the Argentina international has secured himself as a fan-favourite, having made an incredible 275 appearances for the club.

During this time, the 28-year-old has accrued a sensational record as a second striker, having scored 110 times with 46 assists.

However, Dybala is in the last six months of his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season. According to reports by TyC, the attacker is not planning on signing an extension.

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As a result, Dybala is allowed to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Italy. Following this, reports have emerged claiming that Tottenham lead the race to sign the Argentine on a free transfer in the summer.

The Latest: Jones stunned by exit links

Jones, an insider with Eurosport, spoke to The Transfer Tavern with his verdict on the possibility of a move: “If Juventus lose Dybala, that’s a huge decision for them and it changes everything.

“So, I still need convincing that they would do that because it just seems such a big move to let [go of] somebody like that, one of the few poster boys left.

“To actually sell him would be mad.”

The Verdict: Spurs could be getting an unbelievable deal

A host of footballing legends, including the likes of including Michael Laudrup and Alessandro Del Piero, have heaped praise on Dybala, claiming that he is a ‘special’ player, and it’s not hard to see why.

With a current market valuation of £45m, Fabio Paratici would be coming out into the summer window with the absolute steal of the century if he can secure a player with 139 career goals at club level.

If Spurs are able to get this deal over the line, Daniel Levy and Paratici will have outdone themselves; making up for a number of previous disappointing transfer windows under the former.

In other news, Tottenham may have been hit with a u-turn in their chase for Adama Traore…

Aston Villa are determined to sign Joe Gomez from Liverpool before the end of the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old finds himself fourth in the Reds’ centre-back pecking order following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate last summer. He has played just 12 minutes of Premier League football so far this season and only started four games in all competitions.

The Londoner’s trophy haul at Anfield includes the 2019/20 Premier League title and the previous year’s UEFA Champions League.

Gomez’s £75,000-per-week contract runs until June 2024 and he is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt. Notably, he is represented by the same agency as Villa captain Tyrone Mings.

The latest

Football Insider claimed that Villa have ‘not given up hope’ of landing Gomez before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Midlands club enquired about the English defender earlier this month, with Gerrard intent upon strengthening his backline, and a Villa source has now told the publication that they plan to make ‘another move’ for the player this week.

Gerrard is described as a ‘huge admirer’ of the 24-year-old and remains optimistic that a deal can be done in the next seven days.

The verdict

A previous report from The Athletic suggested that Gomez ‘would not be leaving Anfield this month’, but significantly Football Insider claimed here that Liverpool are ‘likely to offload one senior centre-back’ in the next week.

The expectation has been that Nat Phillips will leave, but the Reds are struggling to find a suitor who will meet their asking price of him. That only adds to the ‘uncertainty’ around Gomez’s future.

Perhaps there’s a scenario here where Liverpool allow the ex-Charlton defender to join Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, as Jurgen Klopp might recognise the benefits of the defender consistently starting Premier League matches.

It could help him to regain maximum sharpness after he missed most of the 2020/21 season with a serious knee injury, while also giving Villa a much-needed boost to their centre-back options for the remainder of this campaign.

In other news, many Villa fans reacted to links with this Ligue 1 beast