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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mason Mount over the last few weeks and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Chelsea midfielder “ticks a lot of boxes” for Jurgen Klopp.

O’Rourke revealed:

“He’s a top midfield player who can play in several positions, has a great work ethic on and off the ball, he can score goals – great goals as well!

“He’s a key man in Gareth Southgate’s England squad as well, so that shows how highly rated Mason Mount is, so I think he ticks a lot of boxes for the type of players Jurgen Klopp likes in his team.”

Liverpool can solve big issue with Mount

It is no secret that Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements in the centre of the pitch with contracts expiring and many players reaching the latter stages of their career, so the signing of Mount certainly would not look out of place at Anfield.

The talented England midfielder has not only youth on his side at just 23 year’s old but also offers a wealth of experience in the Premier League and Champions League earned at Stamford Bridge, as well as winning the European competition back in 2021.

Although Mount’s rated transfer value currently around £86m, according to CIES Football Observatory, Liverpool are in no position to scrimp and hope for the best when it comes to rebuilding their midfield, which will be weakened further in June 2023.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all be – as it stands – out of contract at the end of the season, so Klopp will have the perfect opportunity to build the next generation of household names to wear the famous red shirt for the Merseyside giants.

Over 14 league appearances, the midfielder – who was hailed a “generational talent” by author Mark Worrall – has scored two goals, registered two assists and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.7 tackles and 1.6 shots on goal per game, proving that he is a real attacking threat from his position.

Not only that, Mount is representing England at the World Cup and gave the powers at Anfield another glimpse of his talent in the Three Lions 6-2 win over Iran.

During his 71-minute performance, the talented ace had 50 touches of the ball, completed 89% of his passes, made one key pass and won one tackle, as well as winning seven of his nine duels and completing 100% of his dribbles.

With that being said, there is no doubt that the signing of Mount would be a major coup for Liverpool, however, it will be interesting to see if FSG sanction a move of this magnitude whilst they are planning to part ways with the club and whether Chelsea would be open to selling to a direct rival.

While West Bromwich Albion are currently benefitting from the tactical tweaks of new manager Carlos Corberan, the Midlands outfit have struggled somewhat this season up front, with Steve Bruce arguably losing his job because of this lack of proficiency.

Both Karlan Grant and Brandon Thomas-Asante have only mustered three Championship goals each this season, and his January signing Daryl Dike has only managed to feature four times over the last year due to his various injuries.

That could perhaps have left fans of the Midlands outfit dreaming of their best strikers of old, who could have helped fire them to a place in the table higher than their current 21st position.

Of the last decade, it can only be Romelu Lukaku who first springs to mind, given how electric he was during his stint.

Signed by Steve Clarke on loan, the Belgian marksman would notch 17 Premier League goals and assist a further seven as he helped the Baggies earn a top-half finish.

To finish 17th the season following would only serve to exacerbate his importance at the Hawthorns.

He would go on to join Everton and later Manchester United, where he scored a further 129, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best strikers in recent history and an “animal” in the eyes of former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Whilst his exploits have arguably been missed ever since he left the Midlands, his recent performance in the World Cup will have fans feeling slightly less jealous of his absence.

Having entered the tournament clearly unfit, he was brought on for his side in their crunch group game against Croatia.

With the score level at 0-0, he was handed the second half to hopefully fire an uninspired Red Devils into the round of 16.

However, what occurred was frankly unprecedented.

Lukaku would miss an astounding four big chances, earning an expected goals of 1.73 without scoring once, via Sofascore.

Not only this, but he was also wasteful in the creation of opportunities, recording just a 63% pass accuracy among his miserable 15 touches.

His misses saw the scoreline remain unchanged, resulting in Belgium’s embarrassing exit from the World Cup.

Alan Shearer was quick to jump to his defence whilst live on the BBC, but did admit: “He was nowhere near ready”. He continued: “He’s only played 31 minutes since August, Gary, so he’s clearly no way near fit and that showed. It can’t all be put down to him, that elimination.”

Despite this, West Brom fans would have been watching and thinking with that kind of finishing, even they wouldn’t take him back.

West Ham United have been urged to be patient with Gianluca Scamacca amid a subdued start at the London Stadium by former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Scamacca’s form

Given that the Italian set the Irons back £35.5m in the summer, David Moyes may have expected a little more from the striker, who has netted just twice in 13 Premier League outings so far.

Journalist Ciro Venerato recently reported (via AreaNapoli) that Napoli were monitoring the forward’s situation at the London Stadium over a potential January move.

That has prompted one pundit to have his say on Scamacca following his first few months in east London…

The Latest: Whelan pleads patience

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged Moyes to give the 23-year-old more time to prove himself in a West Ham shirt.

The 47-year-old said of Scamacca: “He just needs games. When you come into a new country, a new environment, a new system – you need to persist and stick with players like him.

“It’s the same for most players. Nunez had to find out a little about himself and the Premier League before he really got started.

“I do believe he needs time. I can’t believe they would be considering letting him go already. If they did sell him on, it would make a mockery of their transfer policy. They’ve got to try and make it work.

“That comes from good man management from David Moyes, and putting the faith in him to lead the line.”

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The Verdict: He’ll come good

When moving to the Premier League, there is often an initial settling-in period, the duration of which can vary between players, and Whelan is right to call for Scamacca to be given more time to prove his worth.

The £71k-per-week earner has been hailed for his ‘ball-striking ability’ by journalist Joshua Mbu, which was frequently on display in Serie A last season as he weighed in with 16 goals, making him the sixth-highest scorer in the Italian top flight.

With the Hammers not even at the halfway stage of the league season, it would make no sense to ship Scamacca out already, and Moyes should give him at least until the end of the campaign to find his goalscoring form.

Aston Villa may have missed a trick over one of the brightest talents at the World Cup back in the summer of 2021.

Villa were linked with a move for Argentine sensation Julian Alvarez and even offered River Plate €10m (£8.5m), but this was deemed far too low an offer and no move to Villa Park ever materialised.

Last January, Manchester City announced that they had signed Alvarez for a fee of £14m and sent him back on loan to River Plate until the summer, when he then came to the Premier League.

The move has proved to be a masterstroke, especially with his heroics at the World Cup, helping Argentina to reach the final.

In Qatar, Alvarez has scored four times in six matches while also managing 1.2 shots on target per game. His goal tally might have been even higher had he not missed a further two big chances and Man City signed him at the right time, as his valuation will surely skyrocket following this tournament.

His performance against Croatia in midweek was particularly pleasing as he received a Sofascore rating of 8.5/10, which was the highest of both teams.

He scored twice, won a penalty and generally caused mayhem in the opposition penalty area in the semi-final, and his partnership with Lionel Messi was a sheer joy to watch.

He is in with an excellent chance of winning the Golden Boot award and could become the first Argentine to win the prize since Mario Kempes in 1978, when Argentina won the World Cup for the first time.

Journalist Mimi Fawaz described the duo of Alvarez and Messi as “magnificent” following the win over Croatia, and if the two are in a similar sort of mood against France on Sunday, it could be a long 90 minutes for the holders’ defence.

The 22-year-old’s performances at the global tournament have helped to elevate his status, even though he was in good form heading into the World Cup, having scored three league goals at Man City.

With Villa’s strikers scoring just nine goals between them all season, missing out on Alvarez is looking like a major mistake, especially with a lack of depth in their attacking department.

Manchester United are believed to be plotting a move to sign Atletico Madrid sensation, Joao Felix, in the January transfer window, as the search for a new attacking recruit continues.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are seemingly interested in signing the Portugal international next month, albeit with the 23-year-old’s reported €100m (£86m) asking price potentially set to prove ‘problematic’.

That being said, however, the report goes on to add that the Old Trafford outfit are considering making an offer of an initial loan deal with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

This follows a previous report from Football Transfers’ Jacque Talbot who suggested that the former Benfica man’s “preference” is to join Erik ten Hag’s side, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also suggesting that the 28-cap gem is “available” in 2023, amid his current struggles in the Spanish capital.

Imagine him and Rashford

The fleet-footed “sensation” – as previously described by journalist Sacha Pisani – has endured a frustrating start to the campaign under Diego Simeone, having been restricted to just five La Liga starts thus far.

Even so, the £240k-per-week genius has still managed to rack up six goal involvements in the top flight so far this term, having provided 51 goals and assists in 129 games in total since his £113m switch from Lisbon.

While the 5 foot 11 gem has perhaps been unable to quite live up to that price tag – after previously scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 games at his former club – his quality has only recently been illustrated on the World Cup stage, having sparkled for Fernando Santos’ side in Qatar.

Despite the eventual disappointment of crashing out to surprise package Morocco at the quarter-final stage, Felix had been a key figure for his country prior to that, notably producing a dazzling display in the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland after laying on two assists from his left-wing berth.

Such a quality asset would no doubt help to bolster Ten Hag’s forward options, with the Viseu-born superstar potentially able to form a truly mouthwatering partnership with Marcus Rashford in the side, with the pair able to interchange off the left and through the middle.

The England ace – who netted three times for the Three Lions in Qatar – has looked a man reborn this season under the former Ajax boss, with the 25-year-old currently the club’s top scorer with eight goals in all competitions to date.

While still not prolific, the academy graduate has notably popped up with vital goals against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool having posed a truly menacing threat in behind with his sheer pace and finishing prowess.

That knack only recently saw him lauded by his manager, with the Dutchman stating: “From the first moment, I recognised huge potential. And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus’s positioning is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world.

“There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him. But when he (Rashford)’s getting in that position, he’s great and you see he’s really improved also out of possession.”

To have both Rashford and Felix – who scored against United when the two sides met in the Champions League last season – wreaking havoc in attack in that left channel would surely strengthen the club’s bid to secure a top-four berth, with the hope being that Ten Hag and co can wrap up what would be a real coup in the New Year.

Celtic have enjoyed a truly remarkable 2022 under Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old having revived the club’s fortunes following the doom and gloom which had engulfed the end of Neil Lennon’s tenure.

Having finished 25 points behind their Glasgow arch-rivals in the title race during the 2020/21 campaign, it was a completely different story last season as the Parkhead giants romped their way to glory in style after a truly relentless run of form.

Despite notable Champions League disappointment in the early months of the current campaign – having finished bottom of the group – the Hoops are continuing to march on domestically, having won 17 of their opening 18 league games.

Celtic now look well placed to retain their title in the New Year, with supporters no doubt eagerly awaiting the potential further improvements which can be made in 2023.

Before looking ahead, though, it is time to reflect on what has been a memorable 2022 for the Bhoys…

With that in mind, why not have a crack at Football FanCast’s Celtic quiz of the year – reckon you can get 100%? Good luck!

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their plans ahead of the upcoming January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici is a fan of Leicester City wide attacker Harvey Barnes as Spurs eye potential targets to bolster their squad.

The report claims that the Foxes would be reluctant to part ways with the Englishman, however, and it remains to be seen how much they would demand for his services.

There is also no mention of how serious Tottenham’s interest in his signature is or whether or not they are willing to make an official offer for the winger next month.

Lucas Moura heir

Despite this, the Italian chief could land manager Antonio Conte his dream heir to Brazilian attacker Lucas Moura by securing a swoop to sign Barnes as the Leicester man is a versatile forward who could offer more at the top end of the pitch.

The current Spurs man has struggled with consistency in his end product in recent years and his struggles in the Premier League could see him jettisoned from the squad with the arrival of a new winger.

Moura has failed to produce a single goal or assist in including two goals and six assists in 34 league matches.

The 30-year-old’s form has left a lot to be desired, particularly in the current campaign, and January could be the right time to replace him with another player.

Barnes could be the perfect heir to his place in the team as he is five years younger, at 25, and has the versatility to play in a multitude of roles across the frontline. The gem can play out wide on both flanks, through the middle as a striker, and in multiple midfield positions.

His form in the Premier League in recent years also shows that he has the quality to make a big impact in the final third. Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, the Englishman has plundered 12 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances.

He also produced nine goals and four assists in 25 outings in 2020/21 and this shows that he has been consistently delivering end product for Leicester in the top-flight, whilst Moura has consistently struggled.

The current Tottenham attacker has two goals and six assists in his last 42 Premier League games since the start of last season, which is considerably less impressive than Barnes’ 12 strikes and 10 assists in that time.

Therefore, the 25-year-old, whose attitude was once dubbed “wonderful” by his manager Brendan Rodgers, could be the perfect heir to the ex-Paris Saint Germain winger and Paratici must now explore a deal to sign the talented wizard.

Wolves are keen on bringing midfielder Mario Lemina to the club in the January window, according to Alex Crook.

What’s the word?

Julen Lopetegui is keen to strengthen his squad in the January window as he aims to escape the relegation zone, with his side currently 19th in the Premier League.

Matheus Cunha has already joined from Atletico Madrid, but Lemina is thought to be next on his radar as he seeks to strengthen his options in central midfield.

Speaking on the TalkSPORT GameDay Podcast, Crook revealed that Wolves had a bid rejected by Nice for Lemina, but they were keen and are set to try again.

“They’re really keen to bring Mario Lemina, former Southampton midfielder and former Fulham loanee, back to the Premier League,” he stated.

“They’ve already had one bid rejected by Nice. My understanding is they’re still working away on that deal.”

More defensive steel

Although Wolves do have some quality options in the centre of the park in Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho, Lemina would provide a more defence-minded option and bring some tough tackling to the side.

He ranks in the top 10% of European midfielders for tackles, blocks and clearances as per FBref, and also ranks highly for passes and dribbles completed.

The 29-year-old will bring Premier League experience and could be the ideal signing to give the team a boost in a crunch few months for the club as they aim to survive.

The January transfer window is well underway and Glasgow giants Celtic may look to utilise the market to strengthen their chances of winning the Premiership this season.

Ange Postecoglou has already added Alistair Johnston, Yuki Kobayashi, and Tomoki Iwata to the side this month but still has around three weeks left to make further additions.

One gem who could be on his way to Scotland is FC Luzern star Ardon Jashari, who is reported to be of interest to the Hoops this month.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently told GIVEMESPORT that the Hoops are “monitoring” the midfielder and described him as a player with “big potential”.

He is reportedly valued at £5m by his current club and is attracting interest from a number of teams, which means that the Scottish giants could face stiff competition for his signature.

Postecoglou must now push for the club to complete a deal for Jashari in the coming weeks as the 20-year-old could be the heir to Callum McGregor’s throne at Celtic Park.

The Scotland international will be 30 at the end of the season and the Hoops boss may be starting to think about a long-term succession plan for that position in the starting XI.

At the age of 20, Jashari could come in as a player with the potential to develop into a key player in the future, rather than coming in with the expectation that he will hit the ground running and immediately break into the side.

McGregor, who has played 395 matches in all competitions for Celtic, has started 14 matches in the Premiership this season and averaged 2.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.9 key passes per match, which shows that he is a box-to-box talent who can make an impact in and out of possession.

He is the glue in Postecoglou’s midfield as he strings attacks together and wins the ball back for the side on a regular basis. Jashari could arrive in Glasgow and grow into this role based on his form for Luzern this season.

The left-footed gem, who was once described as an “orchestrator” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged 1.9 tackles and interceptions and 1.0 key passes per match in the Swiss top-flight.

These are promising returns for a player who is only in his second full season at that level and suggests that he could reach McGregor’s levels, in terms of his defensive contribution and his creativity in possession, if he can develop and take his game to the next level with more experience under his belt.

Therefore, he could be the heir to the Celtic captain if he arrives in Scotland this month and that is why he could be an excellent long-term addition to the squad.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Piero Hincapie to the Premier League.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dharmesh Sheth, with the journalist revealing in a recent report for Sky Sports that Antonio Conte is targeting the signing of a new left-sided centre-back, with the Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender believed to be one of the Italian’s primary targets in the position.

However, Sheth went on to suggest that Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit of the Ecuador international, with Serie A side Napoli also believed to be keen on the 21-year-old – who Leverkusen are thought to value at a figure in the region of €30m (£26m).

Absolute steal

Considering just how exciting a prospect Hincapie very much appears to be, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the youngster to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2023.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £53m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 13% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, as well as the top 11% for tackles and the top 33% for interceptions – demonstrating just how solid the 21-year-old is at the back.

Hincapie also returns impressive metrics in possession of the ball, with FBref ranking the £20k-per-week wonderkid in the top 4% of his positional peers for dribbles completed per 90, in addition to the top 21% for passes attempted and the top 35% for progressive passes – showcasing his ability to both bring and play the ball out of defence.

Furthermore, the 24-cap international also surprisingly impresses in a creative capacity, with FBref ranking the defender in the top 7% of European centre-backs for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot – per 90, as well as the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 29% for assists.

As such, with the left-footer who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “tenacious” evidently being a player who is extremely solid in defence, capable of progressing the ball from the back and poses a real threat in the final third, it is indeed easy to see why Conte would be keen on a move for the 21-year-old.

And, with the Ecuadorian sensation reported to be available for an incredibly reasonable £26m – a figure that is a whopping £27m under his aftermentioned current market valuation – should Fabio Paratici manage to seal the centre-back’s signing at such a price, it would undoubtedly represent an absolute steal for the Premier League side.