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Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal could be fit for his side’s Champions League clash with Liverpool next month.

The Reds have a mouthwatering two-legged clash on the horizon as they come up against the La Liga giants in the quarter-finals. Jurgen Klopp’s men will be out for revenge following their heartbreak in the 2018 final, but they will have their work cut out to get past Zinedine Zidane’s star-studded side.

It promises to be a fascinating match-up between two of the most successful clubs in European football history.

Carvajal could be fit for Liverpool clash

Real Madrid have been without long-time regular Carvajal of late, with the Spaniard not featuring since the 2-0 win over Valencia on February 14.

According to Marca, however, the 29-year-old defender is now back in training and could face Liverpool in the first leg meeting on April 6.

Transfer Tavern take

This news will come as a big boost to Real Madrid, with Carvajal such a solid performer for years now, possessing great experience and consistency at right-back. He is nine games shy of the 300 mark for Los Blancos and has almost always started when available during an injury-hit 2020/21 season.

As per WhoScored, he is among the six best performers statistically in the current campaign for Zinedine Zidane’s side, illustrating his importance to the Spanish giants.

If he plays, his likely tussle with Sadio Mane could be a fascinating one as Liverpool look to make it into the semi-finals and hopefully go on to seal an unlikely Champions League triumph this year.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a shock Premier League signing – find out who it is here.

Liverpool’s owners could potentially be making a huge mistake when it comes to the talks, or lack thereof, between themselves and manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German has implied that he is not under any pressure to deliver UEFA Champions League football to Anfield this season amidst the Reds’ faltering title defence.

The Reds are no longer in the race for the Premier League crown, whilst they have also been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Should they also get eliminated from the Champions League this season, that leaves qualifying for next season’s competition as the only real target for the Merseysiders throughout the rest of 2020/21.

The last time that the club finished outside of the top four positions having previously enjoyed consecutive seasons in the Champions League was in 2010/11 and it took them a considerable amount of time to return to the competition.

It took the Reds another five seasons to get another taste of UEFA Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers, which harmed the club considerably.

Not only did their revenue take a considerable hit with the reduced amount of TV money earned by the club, which meant that they simply did not have enough funds to spend in the transfer market, their reputation also took quite a hit.

As Klopp has alluded to, this may convince potential new signings not to sign for the club without the offer of UEFA Champions League football.

It could be suggested then that failure to qualify for the competition could harm the club more than Klopp or the club’s owners realise.

Maybe FSG need to demand more of the German this season, despite him having delivered plenty of glory during his tenure?

To say that Klopp won’t be pushing to get a top-four place would be unkind to the manager’s professionalism, but a bit of extra pressure from above could provide that extra 1% of motivation that could be the difference between Champions League and Europa League football next season.

And in more news, take a look at our predicted Liverpool XI to take on Chelsea at Anfield…

Swansea manager Steve Cooper has been handed a huge potential boost ahead of the South Wales Derby at the weekend, with Marc Guehi back in training and in contention to play after his recent injury problems.

The on-loan Chelsea man has been integral to Swansea’s success in the Championship this season, having made 31 appearances in the second tier, in which he has averaged an impressive 6.94 WhoScored average match rating for his performances.

This ranks him as Swansea’s sixth best-performing player of those who have made 10 or more appearances this season, so it is clear that he is a hugely important part of Cooper’s side.

Therefore, after missing recent games through injury, including the disappointing 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in midweek, it is a huge bonus that the England under-21 international is back in contention.

Cooper confirmed earlier this week that Guehi is back in light training and that Swansea ‘give him every chance for Saturday’, so there definitely seems to be a lot of hope that he could make his return in the derby.

Swansea’s defence is one of the big reasons why they are challenging for automatic promotion this season and, whilst their clean sheet record has been tarnished in recent results, they have arguably looked their best with a back three of Guehi, Ben Cabango and Ryan Bennett this season.

Swansea have never done the double over Cardiff City in their history and, after a 2-0 win in the away fixture, the Swans will be hoping that they can rewrite that particular piece of history on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium, so having one of their best defenders potentially back available is undoubtedly a big boost for Cooper.

Last season, the 41-year-old manager was full of praise for Guehi, praising his “outstanding” performance in a 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday, so he clearly holds the £5.4m-rated 20-year-old in high regard.

Hopefully, Guehi will be available for selection and can produce a similarly impressive display for the Swans if selected, as they will need to be at their best to beat Mick McCarthy’s in-form side on Saturday.

After a difficult run of form saw them go win-less in their last four games in all competitions, Aston Villa got back on track with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Dean Smith’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore, but amid John McGinn’s suspension against the Magpies, Marvelous Nakamba stepped up to the plate big-time.

With reports linking the Zimbabwe international with a move away in the January transfer window, the game against Newcastle seemed to have echoes of the midfielder entering last chance saloon at Villa Park.

And boy did he take his opportunity.

Partnering Douglas Luiz in the middle of the park, Nakamba was a snarling presence in front of the back four, always making sure that Newcastle couldn’t get in between the lines – he made two tackles and two interceptions a piece, both of which were triple his season average (0.6).

The Zimbabwean also kept things ticking over, winning back the ball and then just playing it simple to the likes of Luiz and Jack Grealish further forward. It was no surprise that he boasted a quite incredible 99% pass accuracy and completed the most amount of passes of any player on the pitch, dictating the tempo for Smith’s side.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece gave him a 7.5, saying: “Back in for his first start and first taste of match action since Burnley in mid-December, some five games ago. Kept possession really well in the heart of Villa’s midfield. Always offered short from goal kicks and looked unflustered against Newcastle’s midfield.

“A much welcome 90 minutes for Nakamba who proved his worth to Villa’s squad with a good performance as he broke up play whenever he could. Did well on his return.”

Nakamba sent a huge message to his boss that he can still be a key member of this squad, and it now remains to be seen whether he’s done enough to convince Smith that it would be far better for the club for him to stay put in this January transfer window.

Morgan Sanson may be arriving, but Nakamba isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this Scandinavian starlet…

Reports by Le 10 Sport earlier this week claimed Stade de Reims are almost guaranteed to sell Boulaye Dia in the summer, but the striker’s efforts in Ligue 1 are starting to prove that West Ham were right to snub a January transfer.

Reims are unlikely to retain Dia beyond the current campaign as they are loath to lose the 24-year-old for free next year, when his £3k-per-week contract is due to expire.

With Dia also attracting interest from clubs around Europe, the Stade Auguste-Delaune natives feel they could recover at least €15m (£13m) for the Senegal international, despite the Irons refusing to match that valuation during the recently closed winter market.

Weekly magazine France Football claimed in January that David Moyes’ Irons felt the fee needed to acquire Dia in the middle of the campaign was too high for a player of his status, with the three-cap forward only in his third season of top-flight football.

Dia is also enjoying his best campaign in front of the net with 12 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances, though is yet to add to his tally since striking a brace at home to AS Saint-Etienne in early January.

Nonetheless, it was already proposed by France Football that the Plastics Vallee product was also on the radars of SSC Napoli, AC Milan and Torino, while Le 10 Sport now add Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt to his list of suitors.

The German outfit seem particularly keen to elbow their way to the front of the queue, as well, with Adi Hutter’s Deutsche Bank Park natives planning to submit an offer at the end of the term.

Milan and Napoli have previously spoken with the attacker’s representatives over a move to Italy, while Telefoot Chaine, via GFFN, suggested the Irons were willing to pay €10m (£8.5m) in January.

But no matter the interest emerging around Europe, Dia’s efforts in Ligue 1 right now are proving Moyes and West Ham were right to ere on the side of caution and not swoop for the French-born striker.

Dia is six Ligue 1 appearances without a goal since scoring against Saint-Etienne, and it has not been through a lack of attempts with the 24-year-old taking 10 shots over those outings, per WhoScored.

He was also dispossessed five times – more than in any other league game this term – and took six unsuccessful touches – the second-highest amount in single-game – against RC Lens last time out, only against FC Nantes in December has he taken more (8).

Additionally, Dia registered a lowly 5.93 match rating against Angers SCO at the start of the month, to contribute to an average 6.2 over his last three appearances, far below his seasonal score of 6.92 or the personal best 9.62 achieved against Montpellier HSC in October.

The 5 ft 10 striker may have hit a brace in defeat to second-tier Valenciennes FC in the Coupe de France to take his tally to 14 in all competitions this season, and he would have offered another body in West Ham’s attack after Sebastien Haller joined AFC Ajax.

But Dia’s Ligue 1 efforts are only proving Moyes made the right call in refusing to match Reim’s asking price, and it will surely take a sizable turnaround for the Irons to swoop this summer.

It appears that the east Londoners dodged a sizeable bullet this January, even in their need for a proper striker replacement.

AND in other news, West Ham weigh up free-agent deal for 28-y/o who flopped after a £16m Premier League move…

Many Crystal Palace fans have flocked to a tweet from Matt Woosnam regarding Luka Milivojevic’s breach of government regulations.

The Crystal Palace captain recently breached rules at a New Year’s Eve party as the midfielder and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic were filmed, along with several other people, at a get-together, when government rules state that people living in Tier 4 areas such as London should not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or bubble.

Roy Hodgson has already had his say on the matter, making it clear that he had nothing positive to say and he urged the midfielder to take responsibility of the fact.

Woosnam’s article that he wrote for The Athletic discussed Milivojevic’s act with the writer saying that the Palace captain showed disregard for the struggles that many people are experiencing and that it was an ‘astonishing lack of judgment’. He urged the midfielder to make a public apology.

The article states that what Milivojevic di is an ‘insult’ to key workers, the vulnerable population and to those people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. Woosnam also said that the Serbian’s act was an abuse of privilege that footballers have and he went on to criticise Hodgson’s comments.

Woosnam relayed this article on Twitter and it caught the attention of many Crystal Palace fans, who were fuming at Milivojevic’s act.

What did Crystal Palace fans make of this tweet about Milivojevic?”

“Cavani fined and banned for using a word. Leeds fined for watching a training session. Yet the PL dies absolutely nothing when players breach national rules aimed at preventing the spread of a potentially deadly virus. Should be 10 match ban, fine of one month’s pay. Minimum”

Credit: @JohnnyWhiteEag1

“Look at my previous tweets about this. Gobsmacked at Roy’s and Palace’s response to this. Embarrassed this is my football club, I thought we were better than this.”

Credit: @Troomp”I am a season ticket holder at the Palace and I cannot believe the club allowed him to play. Just not acceptable in these times.”Credit: @JohnJohnrich544″The whole matter has a very sour taste to it! Milivojevic’s actions and the club’s decision to play him are very disrespectful to the fans.”Credit: @longhur67″I can’t believe Palace played him on Saturday, let alone kept him as captain?!”Credit: @ianace0″Not only is this a bad example set for everyone who has sacrificed so much , he’s awful anyway and shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting 11″Credit: @deano_streets

In other news, many Palace fans have reacted to the club’s links with a Bundesliga man – read more about it here.

Speaking in a press conference before his side’s trip to Sheffield United tomorrow, Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed the latest injury news for his team whilst revealing Giovani Lo Celso is the only player still sidelined – with the Portuguese having a full squad to choose from bar the Argentine.

Tottenham travel to Yorkshire tomorrow in a bid to reignite their previous form before they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Anfield, with Mourinho’s side having picked up just one Premier League win since that Merseyside defeat.

Mourinho confirms injury latest

In that time, they’ve dropped points to the likes of Fulham, Leicester City and Wolves – with Spurs now looking to put a fairly damp streak behind them and get back to winning ways.

Confirming the latest on injury news, Mourinho has revealed that Lo Celso is the only one missing – with the Lilywhites having a near full squad to choose from.

Transfer Tavern take

Steven Bergwijn has returned from illness and the Portuguese boss confirmed that he wasn’t out due to a muscular injury and could possibly return for Sheffield United tomorrow (football.london).

In light of this injury news, Spurs will still be without Lo Celso but Mourinho may be relieved that his other options have returned.

Tanguy Ndombele is likely to be slotted in the number 10 role again as the Argentine’s stand-in, and Lilywhites will be hoping he can continue to shine in his stead.

In other news: Tottenham could swoop for this ‘ridiculous’ signing, find out more here.

GSB can land West Ham United a winter bargain by signing AFC Bournemouth forward Joshua King, who David Moyes has reportedly marked as his top January transfer target.

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, while speaking on The West Ham Way Podcast, Moyes has stressed the importance of the Irons signing forward reinforcements in the mid-season window.

The Hammers currently sit just four points behind the Champions League places but have not enjoyed a free-scoring offence, with Jarrod Bowen (3), Michail Antonio (3), Pablo Fornals (2) and Sebastien Haller (2) the only men to have struck home more than once.

Moyes believes King can help solve his side’s lack of firepower, having failed to see a deal for the Norway international cross the line this summer when Bournemouth rejected offers worth £13million as they held firm in demanding in excess of £17m.

West Ham are confident the Cherries will now accept a lower sum come January with King’s £45,000-per-week contract due to expire in the summer, yet are also weighing up Blackburn Rovers hitman Adam Armstrong following the 23-year-old’s 12 goals in 12 Championship appearances this term.

King, who former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe lauded as “the complete package”, is yet to get off the mark for goals or assists under new boss Jason Tindall, having seen his campaign blighted by a thigh problem.

Should West Ham sign King?

King would no doubt be determined to prove why West Ham were wrong to overlook his services in the summer should the east London outfit revive Moyes’ interest, having seen the Hammers favour Said Benrahma’s capture against the initial wishes of their manager.

And while the forward’s failure to net a single goal or pen an assist for Bournemouth this term would cause some concern, King’s top-flight record can calm any tension having netted 48 times in the Premier League – including against Chelsea and Manchester United last season before the Cherries’ relegation.

Tindall continues to back King to find his shooting boots, as well, telling the Daily Echo earlier this month: “Goals breed confidence for strikers and the longer they don’t come, the more anxious maybe they become. But I think when you are a quality player like Josh, it does tend to be a matter of time.”

Moyes remaining keen to work with King would also suggest the Scottish coach already has plans in place for how he best intends to utilise the 51-cap Norway international, potentially allowing for the 28-year-old to make an instant impact in claret and blue and suggesting the former Manchester United head coach adores the qualities that he would bring.

The deciding factor in whether or not West Ham opt to pursue King in January will be in the fee Bournemouth will demand, knowing the forward – who wishes to play as a No. 9 – will be a free agent in the summer.

AND in other news, West Ham must bite the bullet and get rid of a £40k-p/w “good character” facing an uncertain future.

Carlo Ancelotti is set for a huge Everton blunder amid reports the Italian does not see Gylfi Sigurdsson as part of his long-term vision at Goodison Park ahead of the January window.

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport, Everton are to prioritise strengthening Ancelotti’s midfield in the winter market after deeming the position to be an area of concern despite the form of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez following their summer arrivals.

The Toffees are monitoring the situations of Tottenham Hotspur duo Harry Winks and Dele Alli in case Jose Mourinho grants either a move away from north London in January, while Sami Khedira has been in contact with Ancelotti as he looks to secure a move away from Juventus.

Everton are tracking several central midfielders after Sigurdsson and Tom Davies were deemed to no longer have long-term futures at Goodison Park, with future exits now on the cards.

Sigurdsson has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Merseyside since Ancelotti’s arrival, with the Iceland international said to have headed a vast clear-out as the Italian sought to stamp his mark on Marco Silva’s squad.

But the £16.2m-rated playmaker remained at Goodison Park in both the January and summer windows, and has been given frequent game time this season after moving ahead of Andre Gomes in Ancelotti’s pecking order.

Ancelotti’s set for a blunder

Ancelotti looking to sell Sigurdsson in January or next summer would see the former Chelsea head coach set himself up for a blunder, having begun to witness the Toffees’ £45million former record purchase begin to rediscover his form this term.

The 31-year-old had lost his way under Silva, going from the Blues’ “shining light” in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign with six assists and a joint-team-high 13 goals to a shadow of himself the following season with just one goal and an assist in 15 outings before the Portuguese’s sacking.

“He doesn’t look pretty, but he can finish and smell a goal. He’s the shining light for them all season. He’s been the only one that has kept his form together,” former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders told talkSPORT (21/04/2019, 18:40).

Sigurdsson managed to rediscover some of his form upon Ancelotti’s arrival with a goal and two assists, but has come on leaps and bounds this term by delivering two of his best performances for a long while in wins over Chelsea and Leicester City.

And while Ancelotti believes there’s still more to come from the former Swansea City maestro, he, too, was impressed by how Sigurdsson offered six of Everton’s seven key chances while captaining the side in the 1-0 win over Frank Lampard’s Stamford Bridge natives.

“I agree, he did really well, supported the team offensively and defensively. He hasn’t started a lot of games, but he has played a lot of parts of games. I am satisfied,” Ancelotti said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “He can improve his level. But, in this moment, he is ok.”

AND in other news, an £18m-rated Everton ace once an automatic pick for Carlo Ancelotti faces a huge hurdle to regain his place at Goodison Park.

Wolves are set to face Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace tonight, and Mark Lawrenson fancies their chances of victory at Molineux.

Mark Lawrenson tips Wolves to continue strong run

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are currently unbeaten in their last three Premier League games after victories over both Fulham and Leeds United, which was followed by a draw against Newcastle United (Fotmob).

After two defeats to Manchester City and West Ham United last month, the West Midlands outfit have the chance to move themselves up the standings following their slow start.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Lawrenson believes that Wolves have a great chance of carrying on their good run and described the club in such a way that will please the Molineux faithful.

While giving some credit to the Eagles, the ex-Liverpool defender said: “I still fancy Nuno Espirito Santo’s side here, though. Palace are a good hard-working team, but Wolves are not just a good side, they are a classy one.” Lawrenson went on to predict that the home side will run out 2-0 winners.

Wolves went into the season on the back of two successive seventh-placed finishes in England’s top flight and will be looking to improve on that by potentially breaking into the top six.

Huge opportunity

Every game is a big chance for the team to progress, but getting a result in games like this will inject confidence through the dressing room. Wolves are only three points behind league leaders Everton and could go level on points with the Merseysiders with a win tonight.

With Palace also unbeaten in two games and with Wilfried Zaha having already scored five goals this season (Fotmob), though, the Eagles should certainly pose a threat. That being said, the psychological factor of moving level on points at the top of the league, along with their own good form, may be enough of an incentive for Wolves to get the job done.

In other news, Wolves midfielder admits Molineux move was ‘difficult’ and was ‘hurt for a long time’.