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When Liverpool gleaned the FA Cup last season, beating Chelsea on penalties for the second time in a matter of months after winning the Carabao Cup final in near identical circumstances, manager Jurgen Klopp eulogised his players as “mentality monsters”, but less than one year on and the club have sunk like a stone.

Just one week ago, the Reds incredibly mauled rivals Manchester United to a historic 7-0 defeat in the Premier League, adding to previous goal-heavy seasonal triumphs against Bournemouth (9-0) and Rangers in the Champions League (7-1).

The Cherries exacted their revenge on Saturday, deservedly defeating meek Liverpool on the south coast, illuminating the issues of fluidity and consistency that plague the Merseyside outfit’s term and threaten to raise the drawbridge on Champions League football next season.

The midfield has been particularly chastised for its loss of intensity and vigour, and with this in mind, summer signings are imperative to cement the longevity of Klopp’s Anfield dynasty.

Jude Bellingham is the salient target, but with reports from 90min that the Reds’ technical director Julian Ward has sent scouts to observe Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, Liverpool might just have the perfect youthful option to bolster the engine and secure a silver-laden future for the prestigious club.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old baller has swiftly emerged onto the Ligue 1 scene with Lille, making 12 appearances in the division already and earning high praise from team-mates, with clinical talisman Jonathan David remarking at how “powerful” the teenager is.

The Cameroonian prospect has indeed made a promising start to life in European football, averaging 0.6 shots and 0.9 tackles per game, also completing 84% of his passes and winning 61% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

His aptitude for assured passing and dribbling skills bodes well for the progressive efficacy of Klopp’s midfield, which has certainly failed to offer the robustness the German manager’s system demands this year.

Hailed by team-mate Remy Cabella as a “monster” and “incredible”, the mounting praise surrounding this blossoming dynamo seems to be telling for the scope of his abilities, with a move to Merseyside perhaps an auspicious route for his career, given the rise of the likes of teenage aces Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic.

With his boss hailing him as “exceptional” for entering a withered midfield and injecting vibrant life at just 18 years old, Spaniard Bajcetic is quickly emerging as one of the Premier League’s premium talents, having now made 19 appearances for the club and scoring one goal, being labelled an “incredible prospect” by journalist Tom Barnes.

With Baleba’s physicality and ‘monstrous’ presence in the centre, Bajcetic could find the perfect partner to grow alongside over the coming years, averaging one tackle and 1.4 dribbles per match, according to WhoScored, evidently combative in a way that belies his teenage years and inexperience.

Dubbed a “future star” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Baleba is on his way to becoming one of the most coveted young midfielders on the globe, already valued at around £30m by his outfit, and with Bajcetic demonstrating that Klopp’s Liverpool is a fantastic club to nurture talents and grow as a force in the centre, Anfield might just be the perfect home to kickstart his exciting career. 

Michael Beale has the opportunity to win his first trophy since taking over as manager of Glasgow Rangers as his side face off against Celtic in the League Cup final this afternoon.

The English head coach is unbeaten in all competitions after replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup, and will be hoping to continue his impressive return to Ibrox by lifting the cup later today.

Beale has faced the Hoops once since arriving at the club and that match ended in a 2-2 draw thanks to an 88th-minute equaliser from Kyogo Furuhashi, after goals from Ryan Kent and James Tavernier had put the Gers ahead.

The Light Blues head into this cup final off the back of a 3-0 win away at Livingston in the Scottish Premiership but that comfortable win may not be enough for the head coach to name an unchanged team.

Should Malik Tillman start for Rangers against Celtic?

One player who must be unleashed from the start, if fit enough to do so, is attacking midfielder Malik Tillman after the 20-year-old missed out in the last game due to a slight knock.

The magician, who the club can sign for £6.2m in the summer, has been named in the provisional squad for the game and this suggests that the Bayern Munich loanee is, at the very least, able to play some part.

Tillman has the quality to be a game-changer for the Light Blues and that is why he should be named in the starting XI if fit. He has proven his quality throughout the campaign so far and could be a difference-maker in this gigantic clash.

Reporter Jonny McFarlane hailed the dynamo earlier this year, saying: “He’s got those telescopic limbs; he’s a big, tall, strong lad. And he’s just got the ability to nick the ball away and act as a kind of brick wall. No one’s running past him, no one’s running around him because he’s as strong as an ox.”

Along with the physical attributes the gem brings to the table, the USA international has also showcased his ability in the final third by producing nine goals and five assists in 36 outings in all competitions for the club.

The maestro has scored seven goals and assisted four, whilst creating ten ‘big chances’, in 18 Premiership starts for the Light Blues this term and these impressive statistics prove that the midfielder can be a game-changer and a match-winner when he is at his best.

Tillman is a triple threat in that he can score goals for himself, create opportunities for others, and carries a physical presence that can impact matches at both ends of the pitch.

Therefore, the youngster must be unleashed from the start against Celtic as he could be the player to win the trophy for Rangers this afternoon with his magic touch.

Celtic would require a ‘big fee’ to consider letting Kyogo Furuhashi leave this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Crystal Palace interest

The Hoops striker’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, but being the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership as it stands, he’s been generating interest ahead of the upcoming window.

Football Insider report that Crystal Palace are scouting the 28-year-old as they weigh up whether to make an approach at the end of the season should Patrick Vieira’s talisman, Wilfried Zaha, depart.

The Bhoys, however, reportedly want to build their side around the Japan international and could be set to offer him an extension to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke heaped praise on Kyogo and suggested that Celtic would only consider a sale should they have a sizeable offer on the table. He said:

“I think it would take a big fee for Celtic to cash-in on Kyogo. He’s proved at Celtic what a top player he is. He has such clever movement and is a real deadly finisher as well.

“He’s got a real good goalscoring record for Celtic, he’s the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership this season as well, so [it’s] no surprise that there are clubs looking at him.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Kyogo is a fan favourite at Celtic and considering the huge impact he has on the team, the club need to do everything they can to keep hold of him for the foreseeable.

The Asics-sponsored star has netted an outstanding 19 goals and registered two assists in just 24 league outings this term, averaging 2.5 shots per game.

The Ikoma native currently has a match rating of 7.12, making him Ange Postecoglou’s top-performing offensive player, further highlighting his importance at Parkhead.

Finally, the versatile forward has been labelled a ‘superb’ player by journalist Josh Bunting so offering him a new deal as a reward for his efforts would be nothing less than he deserves.

Arsenal have had a ‘huge single payment’ accepted for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, claims journalist Jacque Talbot, despite Sky Sports reporting the new offer has not yet gone in.

The Lowdown: Arsenal chasing Caicedo

The Gunners have been hell-bent on signing Caicedo towards the end of the January transfer window, initially having a £60m bid rejected, with his current club adamant that he is not for sale this month.

Arsenal remained undeterred, however, lodging a £70m bid for the Ecuadorian after he took to social media to make it clear that he wanted to leave

And now, despite also moving for Chelsea’s Jorginho, it looks as though Mikel Arteta could finally land Caicedo alongside the Italy international, depending on who you believe…

The Latest: Deal agreed… or not?

Taking to Twitter to provide an update on the situation earlier this morning, Talbot said: “It’s my understanding Arsenal have lodged a third bid for Moisés Caicedo, a club-record. Huge single payment as one lump sum. Deal’s been agreed.”

Sky Sports have confirmed Jorginho is not seen as an alternative to Caicedo, but Sky presenter Jim White does not believe a third bid has gone in, while colleague Dharmesh Sheth says it’s ‘very very very unlikely’ that Brighton will change their stance.

The Verdict: Fantastic news if true

It is fantastic news for Arsenal if they have finally struck a deal with the Seagulls, as the 21-year-old could be a real boost in their push for a first Premier League title since the Arsene Wenger era.

Hailed as a ‘top player’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet is best known for his well-rounded defensive attributes, ranking in the 81st percentile for tackles and 76th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, while he has also displayed his attacking prowess at times this season.

In Brighton’s resounding 4-1 win against Chelsea back in October, the midfielder created one big chance and made three key passes, indicating that his game is not limited to cutting out opposition attacks.

While shelling out a club-record fee is a risk for a player with just 26 appearances to his name in the English top flight, having strength in depth could be the difference maker in Arsenal’s attempt to bring home the title.

Manchester United could beat Arsenal to the signing of West Ham and England star Declan Rice and the player’s price tag is dropping, according to former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Rice a wanted man

The 24-year-old has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the last few years, performing with great consistency for both club and country.

There is a feeling that Rice has outgrown West Ham, however, with David Moyes’ side struggling this season and a summer exit potentially on the cards. Called ‘sensational’ this month by football writer Eduardo Hagn, Rice is down to the final 18 months of his current contract – albeit with a club option to extend for another season.

United are one of many clubs who have been eyeing a move for the midfielder, as Erik ten Hag looks at improving his squad.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts

Reports last week said the Red Devils are ‘in the running’ for Rice and will battle Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature.

Reacting in a chat to Football Insider, McAvennie said that he believes the Red Devils would be a good fit for Rice, questioning if the England star would move to north London:

“I think he would be great. He has got a big head to go to Man United and be part of the revolution. I do not know if he would want to go to Arsenal.

“His money is dropping every year now so he has got to go somewhere. He is not hitting the same form as what he has been hitting. You are talking £20/£30million you are going to be dropping. They were talking about over £100m, now it is only £70m.

“He will move at the end of the season, one million per cent. It is happening now. I would not be surprised if he goes abroad but he will be joining a huge club. He is a boy that does not mind a challenge.”

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The Verdict: Would be perfect

Whoever manages to sign Rice this summer will be getting an outstanding footballer with a huge future, with William Gallas saying the England international ‘can become world-class’ and Jack Wilshere claiming the London Stadium favourite is already the world’s best in his position.

And there has indeed been talk of a plummeting price tag as his contract ticks down, with £70m the fee named by The Telegraph after Moyes claimed last year it would take over £100m.

While Casemiro is currently mastering the No.6 role at United, he turns 31 this year and is not a long-term signing, whereas the West Ham man would be exactly that.

He is a dominant presence in all facets of his game, making 2.2 interceptions per game and averaging a 94.3% pass completion rate at the 2022 World Cup, and he could even be a future United and England captain.

While Manchester United are currently closing in on the loan signing of Wout Weghorst, manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly plotting to secure a more permanent striking solution this summer.

That’s according to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, who revealed earlier this week that a more high-profile and long-term addition could well be in the offing at the end of the season, with Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane one name to have been mentioned.

The 29-year-old – who has been tipped for a £90m switch to Bayern Munich in recent times – is facing an uncertain future in north London, with the England skipper having just 18 months remaining on his existing deal.

That fact has ensured that he could well represent an attainable target for the Red Devils this summer, with talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – suggesting that such a move is one to ‘keep an eye on’.

The transfer insider revealed: “I’d keep an eye on the Harry Kane situation. Again, I think that will depend on the ownership model, although, in fairness, the Man United owners did invest quite heavily last summer.

“But Kane will have a year left on his contract and he’s proven in the Premier League. I think he’d want to go to a club where he’s got a chance of winning silverware.

“Arguably, United are in a better place to do that than Tottenham. I’d definitely keep an eye on that one.”

The ruthless, goalscoring “monster” – as previously described by former Spurs man Graham Roberts – would provide undoubted quality for the Old Trafford outfit, having scored 198 Premier League goals to date, as well as 265 in total for the Lilywhites.

Also currently the joint-highest scorer for the Three Lions at international level, the experienced ace is a simply clinical and reliable asset in front of goal, having netted 15 goals in just 18 league games this term.

The hope for United would be that such a deal could prove just as fruitful as the signing of now-retired playmaker, Michael Carrick, with the Manchester outfit having snapped up the midfielder from Tottenham on an £18.6m deal back in 2006.

While a far more understated signing than Kane’s capture would be, the one-time West Ham United man went on to thrive during his 12-year stay at the Theatre of Dreams, having won a plethora of major honours in that time.

The current Middlesbrough head coach would rack up 464 appearances in all competitions for the club having been a consistent presence at the heart of the midfield, chipping in with a respectable haul of 60 goal involvements in the process.

Lauded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as “one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life”, the 34-cap maestro certainly didn’t disappoint in the red jersey, having ultimately proved something of a bargain as far as the Red Devils are concerned.

As such, United could try to repeat that transfer masterclass by raiding Spurs once again in order to get Kane through the door at the end of the season.

Newcastle United are now showing an interest in the Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda amid this month’s winter transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Toon are now looking to the La Liga defender, who has “inexhaustible energy”, as a potential option to strengthen their backline this month:

“Newcastle are interested in signing Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda,” said Sheth.

Adding a young player like Fresneda could provide Newcastle with a young option to grow and develop under the wing of Trippier who may also be able to help settle the youngster to England having previously spent time in Spain himself.

The youngster has only played a handful of games in La Liga but has already come up against some of the league’s finest and was recently hailed for his display against Real Madrid which saw him keep Vinicius Jr quiet.

Strength in depth

Currently, Eddie Howe has Kieran Trippier as his starting right-back at Newcastle and despite only being at the Tyneside club for one year, the England international has already earned the captain’s armband.

Trippier’s arrival at Newcastle has provided Howe with a highly dependable option in defence and has played a big part in Newcastle’s solid backline this season having started every league game this season.

Newcastle have made a sensational start to the 2022/23 campaign and have established themselves as the Premier League’s sturdiest defence with just 11 goals being conceded by Nick Pope – which is perhaps even more impressive when considering they have now kept 10 clean sheets.

However, Trippier did arrive on Tyneside with injury issues from his time in Spain with Atletico Madrid and prior to that with Tottenham Hotspur.

And he has already suffered a serious injury at Newcastle having fractured a metatarsal last season which saw the 32-year-old miss 13 games just weeks after signing for the Toon.

Fortunately for Howe, Trippier has remained injury-free this season, but he has now played every league game this season which could potentially leave him susceptible to potential issues down the line.

And – when fit – lying in wait on the bench is Emil Krafth, a player who in 20 league appearances last season was only able to return one assist which is one goal and three assists fewer than Trippier has managed this season.

But the Swede is currently out with a long-term knee injury leaving Howe’s options severely limited with Javier Manquillo now the backup right-back on the bench.

Arsenal are considering a loan approach for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the news?

According to The Athletic, Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes is trying to organise a loan move for the forward this month, with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea all having been approached.

Atletico are looking at a financial package of €21m (£18.6m) which will comprise a €15m loan fee plus a €6m salary for the duration of the loan.

Arsenal were first linked with the player in December by Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness), however, a move to bring the 23-year-old looks likely to be on a temporary basis, at least initially.

The rumours come amid claims that the Gunners have also upped their bid for Ukraine sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Gabriel Jesus alternative

Despite Arsenal leading the Premier League table by seven points from Manchester City, an injury to Jesus during the World Cup has ruled him out for three months and has left a major attacking void to be filled.

Eddie Nketiah has scored in his previous two league starts, however, Arsenal can’t just rely on the 23-year-old to perform in every single match without having some support and Felix could help ease the burden.

His versatility means the forward can play as either a centre-forward, left-winger, or even as a number ten deployed just behind a lone striker and this could be a big bonus for Arteta.

During his time at Atletico, Felix has scored nine goals and registered six assists while playing as a centre-forward, proving that he has the required attributes to thrive in the role for the 40-year-old, even for the brief spell that Jesus will be missing.

His former youth coach at Benfica, Renato Paiva, once described Felix as “magic” and he could certainly display his creative abilities by joining Arsenal, with Arteta likely to give him a lot more freedom as opposed to being largely shackled at Atletico under the defensive and bullish Diego Simeone.

The north Londoners have coped so far without Jesus, winning both of their league matches since the season resumed after the World Cup hiatus, however, it’s clear that more strength in depth is required if the club are to keep up their excellent form.

Felix can be a superb alternative to the Brazilian, and if the 40-year-old can work his magic and lure him to the Emirates, it will be a massive statement of intent.

Tottenham Hotspur will do all that they can to keep hold of Son Heung-min for the foreseeable future, according to former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson. 

The Lowdown: Son linked with Spurs exit

Last month, it was reported that the attacker could be looking to make a move away from the north London club in the near future.

In July 2021, the South Korean put pen to paper on a new contract at Spurs, which in theory should see him stay at the club until 2025.

However, with this recent report suggesting that Son may look to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before his current deal expires, it appears that Robinson thinks an early exit will not be on the cards for the 30-year-old.

The Latest: Spurs backed to keep hold of Son

Speaking to Football Insider, the former England goalkeeper dismissed any notion that the Lilywhites would be likely consider any transfer offer which may come their way for Son in the summer.

He said: “No chance. There is no way the club could allow him to leave.

“Whatever offer he gets, Spurs have to match it. Son is invaluable to this squad. Spurs have to move heaven and earth to keep him there for the rest of his career.

“When his career comes to an end maybe he will want one last move. But while he is still at the peak of his powers Spurs have to keep him.”

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The Verdict: A no-brainer for Spurs

Despite only scoring three goals across his 13 Premier League games for Antonio Conte’s side so far this season, the winger has still shown how crucial a figure he is for the team.

Harry Kane (23) is the only Spurs player to rack up more shots on target in the league this season than Son (16), while the 30-year-old has made more key passes (28) than any other player at the club.

With an overall performance rating of 7.1/10 from WhoScored, only three other players at Tottenham have a higher rating than the Asian winger.

Taking all that into account, we feel that it would be a no-brainer for the north London club to turn away any potential offer which may come in for Son, who is clearly a pivotal figure for Conte.

The time has come for players to depart their clubs and head off to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, before returning to domestic football after the tournament finishes.

While agonisingly waiting for the Premier League season to restart already, why don’t you Newcastle United fans have a go at our Ultimate Newcastle World Cup quiz! Only the biggest Magpies supporter will get 100%, so try your luck below and test your friends and family. 10 questions in total…