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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Jurgen Klopp has said that he is not worried by his front three’s failure to fire on all cylinders so far this campaign.

What did he say?

Liverpool’s boss was talking prior to his side’s clash with Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday, and he was asked whether he was concerned by the form of his front three.

He replied: “I’m not concerned, not at all. You guys (journalists) always confront me with these kind of things and I’m like ‘wow, really?’

“I don’t count goals, I don’t look at these numbers. Jamie Vardy is an exceptional striker, but he has Tuesdays and Wednesdays off and is sitting on the couch watching international football so you cannot compare this.”

Could be a worry

It is surprising that questions are even being asked of the front three in particular. They already have 19 goals between them this campaign in the Premier League, and 26 in all competitions.

However, Klopp does raise an interesting point in regards to the rest Vardy is able to have this term. So far this campaign, he has played in 16 matches. Mane, Salah and Firmino have all played at least three more times for their clubs and, considering the 32-year-old has retired from England duty, he is able to put his feet up during those pesky international breaks as well. Liverpool’s triumvirate have participated in nine matches for their countries between them this term already.

In fact, across the squad, the Foxes are likely to be fresher as the season goes on. This term, Jonny Evans and Youri Tielemans have played the most matches for Brendan Rodgers’ side with 18 appearances each. There are already eight Liverpool players who have featured on more occasions, and that number is only going to increase.

The Reds already have a two-legged League Cup semi-final to worry about, and will also appear in the Club World Cup later on this month. Not only that, they are likely to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, as well. Leicester, meanwhile, have just the FA Cup as part of their schedule outside the Premier League.

As we approach the business end of the season, this could be the difference in the title race. Klopp will be happy that his team currently have an eight-point lead at the top of the table, but he will need to hope that his side do not run out of steam as the season progresses. Leicester’s freshness could give them an advantage.

In other news, a former Premier League striker says Liverpool are the favourites to sign this sought-after star.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been a huge part of Arsenal’s jigsaw ever since he joined the club. His overall tally of 53 goals and 12 assists in just 82 games can surely attest to that but if the recent whispers in the media are anything to go by, the Gunners could lose their star in the not so distant future.

Indeed, The Times recently reported that Aubameyang had scrapped contract talks and with his deal due to expire in summer 2021, Arsenal will have to sell at some point over the next three transfer windows should a deal fail to be agreed – otherwise they’ll lose arguably their most talented player for nothing.

In case that ends up happening, the Gunners would have a difficult time finding a suitable replacement for their captain. But there are options on the market and we’ve decided to outline three of them…

Wilfried Zaha – Crystal Palace

Zaha may be more of a wide-man than a central forward but he could still be the man to fill Aubameyang’s void in terms of quality.

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He grabbed ten goals and ten assists in 2018/19, for a Palace side that largely set up to hit teams on the break rather than play intricate football, and although his output has dipped this season, the theory goes that it could jump up a level with a side that create more chances.

Throw in the fact Zaha is a boyhood Arsenal fan and it could be a match made in heaven.

Timo Werner – RB Leipzig

If Aubameyang were to leave, Arsenal would need to find another prolific goalscorer.

RB Leipzig’s Werner, however, seems like one that could replicate the 30-year-old’s contribution and then some. So far in the 2019/20 campaign, the 23-year-old German forward has banged in a total of 17 goals and assisted further nine across all competitions in the process as well.

Can you name all of these obscure Arsenal signings? Give it a go now!

His availability, however, could be a possible obstacle, considering that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are already prowling around. But if they offer him a role of the star of the team, which he would surely be at the Emirates, maybe he could be tempted to join.

Worth a shot, anyway.

Moussa Dembele – Olympique Lyon

The final suggestion on this list will be Olympique Lyon’s young forward, Dembele.

The 23-year-old is already shaping up to become a prolific striker in the near future and as far as high-potential youngsters go, he is definitely up there with the best of them.

Having already netted ten goals in 20 games across all competitions for the French team, Dembele is looking like someone who could fill Aubameyang’s void quite nicely.

And seeing how he’s not yet being discussed as one of Europe’s best front men, Arsenal could stand a chance of snapping him up for a reasonable fee.

Meanwhile, many Spurs fans reacted to seeing Mauricio Pochettino back in Argentina and it prompted all sorts of comments from them…

Ramón Núñez was a bit of a maverick player during his short spell at Elland Road and though he didn’t make many appearances he has still created a lasting legacy at the club.

Leeds fans have been praising the Honduran for the impression he made in his stint in Yorkshire, such as one fan’s call for the 34-year-old to be given a statue – albeit with a hint of tongue-in-cheek.

The attacking midfielder clearly had a touch of class about him, as highlighted by his goal against Doncaster, but unfortunately for him and Simon Grayson, the then Leeds manager, he could never quite settle in the team – making a mere 25 appearances in total.

Injury also hampered his time in Yorkshire and prevented him making the impact he would have wished for, as his 19 appearances in the Championship in 2011/12 could only help the Whites to a 14th-place finish.

Nevertheless, he has managed to establish a cult figure status for a few fans, who have maybe praised him a little too highly.

He endured a disappointing end to his time in Leeds due to suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, after amassing four goals and three assists for the club in 25 games.

It is, therefore, a little puzzling to see him lavished with comments such as those below, as he ended up spending more time on the bench and in the reserves than thrilling for the first team.

Virtually impossible: Can you name the year all of these Leeds flops arrived at Elland Road?

Neil Warnock shared a similar sentiment when he arrived at the club, transfer listing Nunez before terminating his contract in January 2013 while he was still recovering from injury.

That meant he was never given the chance to play for Leeds again, which may have left some fans disappointed based on these responses to the sheer utterance of his name…

In more current news, Leeds should look to act on a current favourite by trying to tie him down to the club long-term.

One of the brightest young prospects in European football, Benfica starlet Florentino Luis could be set for a move to Manchester United this summer.

The 20-year-old was a part of the Portugal side that won both the European U17 Championship in 2016 and European U19 Championship in 2018, and has become more involved with the first-team at club level, featuring 15 times this season.

Can you name every one of United’s top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

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A meniscal injury has hampered his progress this year, but it appears United have not been put off by it. According to ESPN, Luis’s agent, Bruno Carvalho Santos, “met with United officials in January”, and that whilst the midfielder’s contract runs until 2024, Benfica “could be willing to let him go on loan, with an option to make the move permanent”.

After hearing about their interest in the Portuguese starlet, United fans flooded to Twitter to share their reactions to the news.

A couple of supporters talked about how Luis could fit into their starting line-up, with one fan suggesting he could make a midfield trio with Fred and Scott McTominay, and another claiming he could overtake the latter.

Another couple of United fans however didn’t seem too thrilled with the prospect of Luis joining, instead questioning why they aren’t making a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, who some reports claim has agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

A holding midfielder, and at only 20-years-old too, Luis could quite conceivably be the long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic in the United engine room.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay to perform in that role, but Luis would arrive with a burgeoning reputation in the game, with his agent declaring him “one of the highest rated young defensive midfielders in Europe”.

And if the report is accurate in terms of being able to sign him on an initial loan first, then that could work out perfectly for United both on a financial, and footballing sense too.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a promising start to life after lockdown since the Premier League returned behind closed doors earlier this month. 

Spurs followed up a hard-fought draw with Manchester United by beating West Ham to pick up their first win in eight games (BBC).

After conceding the penalty against the Red Devils, Eric Dier was part of the side that kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over the Hammers.

Jose Mourinho praised the Englishman for his hard work in an interview with the club’s official website, saying: “Eric is playing really well and adapting very well to a position that he thinks, and personally I also think, is a great position for him.”

However, the Lilywhites still haven’t offered Dier a new deal, although this should not be a cause for concern. According to The Athletic, the 26-year-old wants to stay at Spurs and he is building a strong relationship with Mourinho.

Moreover, the club are confident that he will sign an extension in the summer, as per Football Insider. A source told the outlet that early indications suggest both sides will be able to reach an agreement in a matter of weeks.

Dier, who was a favourite of Mauricio Pochettino, has played 16 games in the Premier League this season, supplying two assists, making 1.2 tackles and averaging 3.1 clearances per game (via WhoScored).

The England international has had quite a roller-coaster of a career during his time in north London so far, as he has been plagued by multiple injuries, illness and mixed form over the years.

Nevertheless, he believes he can flourish in the defence under the Portuguese and intends to establish himself as a regular in the starting lineup. Dier can play in a variety of positions and it is his versatility which arguably makes him most useful, as it earned him four consecutive starts in a row and praise from Mourinho.

While Spurs are still waiting to find out if he will be banned for allegedly bringing the game into disrepute (The Sun), he will be looking to consolidate his position in the busy schedule ahead.

Tottenham fans, do you hope that Dier will sign a new contract with the club? Let us know down below!

Gustavo Hamer’s arrival at Coventry City from PEC Zwole has seen Dutch giants Feyenoord receive a sum of €300,000 (£270k).

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder became Mark Robins’ first signing ahead of their return to the Championship after gaining promotion from League One to the Championship via the automatic route.

Hamer, born in Brazil, has plenty of experience having featured for Feyenoord, where he developed through the various youth sides and made his official debut against Ajax in 2017.

Having featured for Feyenoord at youth level, the move to Coventry has now seen the Dutch Eredivisie side pick up a sell-on clause.

Hamer joined Coventry for a reported €1.5m (£1.35m), putting pen to paper on a three-year-deal, seeing him commit to the club until July 2023.

Former club Zwolle signed Hamer from Feyenoord back in 2018 for just £270,000 and that will now be paid back to Feyenoord as part of his initial deal.

Hamer is not the only new face to join the Sky Blues after Julien Costa moved to the Midlands earlier this week.

A nice little pay out for Feyenoord which is only right nowadays for clubs who develop players. Overall, Hamer looks set to be a good signing for Coventry and his arrival is exciting for Mark Robins and the club’s fans.

Coventry are going to approach the Championship in the best condition they can under Robins, who should be given a lot more credit for the job he has done with the Sky Blues.

Do you think Hamer will be a good signing for Coventry? Let us know in the comments section below…

Glasgow Rangers’ Europa League hopes could have been given a huge boost as news of Kai Havertz’s future emerges.

The Gers will face Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their round of 16 tie in August. They are currently trailing after losing 3-1 at Ibrox in the first leg, and they will need to put in a fantastic performance to progress further in the competition.

However, their chances may have been given a helping hand following the latest report on Havertz’s potential new move. He has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea, with it being reported that the Blues and the 21-year-old have agreed personal terms. Now, it is being said that the Germany international will speak with Leverkusen on Thursday to ask to leave the club (Bild via The Daily Mail).

Havertz is undoubtedly Leverkusen’s best player – he has been their top goalscorer in each of the last two seasons and is currently valued at £72.9m by Transfermarkt. Although he could well still be available for the rest of his side’s European run, his desire to leave the club and tell those in charge could have an effect on team morale and Die Werkself’s preparations – and it could also affect his own performance.

Of course, the Gers will need more than this to stage an unlikely comeback. However, it does at least give them a glimmer of hope.

Let us know what you think below!

Liverpool aren’t going to be looking for an elite attacker this summer, but that doesn’t mean that their frontline won’t have a little bit of a shakeup.

The Reds’ front three has proven almost impenetrable with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all playing at least 34 league games this term.

However, having a capable backup is vital at any club, and while Liverpool have had that in Divock Origi, that could change next season.

What’s the story then?

Alan Nixon claimed on Saturday that Rhian Brewster won’t be going out on loan anytime soon.

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The journalist went on to say that the youngster could be close to making the team if Origi departs the club this summer, and with Aston Villa reportedly interested in the Belgian, this is a real possibility.

However, you can’t help but feel Jurgen Klopp would be making a mistake by replacing Origi with Brewster.

Not a patch on Origi

Now, we aren’t saying that Brewster isn’t a brilliant player, the 20-year-old has a lot of potential and his 11 goals in 22 Championship games shows exactly what he can bring to a team.

However, it’s hard to imagine that anyone will fit Origi’s role as well as he does, he’s content not being a starter, but whenever he is called upon he gets the job done, scoring a litany of late goals that have changed the course of vital matches over the past 18 months or so.

His brace against Barcelona sent the Reds to the Champions League final last year, while he also sealed the win against Spurs in that final, netting late on to make it 2-0 and wrap up the tie.

Meanwhile, his goals against Everton in Merseyside derbies over the past two years have given Liverpool valuable bragging rights in their own city.

Brewster has never played in such big games, whereas Origi is a proven performer when it matters most.

This would be a big mistake on Klopp’s part to let the 25-year-old go and hang his hopes on Brewster.

Many Everton fans are fuming as the Liverpool Echo have reported that the Merseyside club are ready to end their pursuit of Lille ace Gabriel Magalhaes.

As per the outlet, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are apparently refusing to pay the valuation for the Brazilian defender and therefore match the offers lodged by both Arsenal and Napoli.

Both sides are allegedly willing to pay more than €25m, which is the equivalent of around £22.6m, for Gabriel, as the Toffees do not want to be drawn into a possible bidding war and therefore pay more than they believe that he is worth in the current transfer market.

Mikel Arteta’s side are seen as favourites, as Napoli would need to sell Kalidou Koulibaly before going ahead with the deal. Gabriel has been a target for the Toffees throughout the transfer window, with recent reports more optimistic than the latest one on their chances of signing the 22-year old.

However, it looks as if Everton have given up their hopes of signing the central defender, which has left these supporters fuming on Twitter over potentially missing out on him:

Evertonians, have you lost hope in signing Gabriel? Comment below with your views!

Burnley have been given a clear message by Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi over their reported interest in Joe Worrall.

As per Alan Nixon, the Clarets have been linked with a move for the defender, who according to the journalist is valued at £10m by the Championship club – a fee which Burnley are not willing to even meet halfway.

Lamouchi has now made his stance on the 23-year-old clear as, when asked about the possibility of him leaving, the Forest manager told Nottinghamshire Live: “With Joe Worrall, I have been extremely clear – it is a no; no way for me.”

Nottingham Forest’s need to sell Worrall has diminished considerably in recent days after they bankrolled an initial £14m, with a potential £2m in add-ons still to come, from the sale of Matty Cash to Aston Villa.

As mentioned above, Burnley are still well short of the Championship club’s asking price for their centre-back, with Nixon tweeting this week that the Clarets are unwilling to go beyond £4m in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

Sean Dyche had been running the risk of going into the new season with a shortage of centre-back experience, being forced to play youngsters Jimmy Dunne and Bobby Thomas during the midweek friendly against Preston.

However, with last season’s first-choice partnership Ben Mee and James Tarkowski both hopeful of being fit in time for their Premier League opener against Leicester in two weeks’ time, the Clarets should be adequately stocked in this area. Kevin Long is also due to come back into the frame at some stage.

With a passing success rate of 80.9%, compared to 71.4% for Mee and 70.8% for Tarkowski, Worrall could bring something different to Burnley’s back-line if he were to move to Turf Moor.

However, with neither the Clarets nor Forest seemingly willing to budge on their respective valuations of the player, and with Lamouchi emphatically indicating that he has no plans to sell him, it is perhaps time for Burnley to move on from a transfer trail which appears to be taking them nowhere fast.

Burnley fans, do the Clarets need Worrall and is he worth £10m? Have your say by commenting below!