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Liverpool will head to north London this weekend for their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and Jurgen Klopp has been handed a huge boost ahead of the clash as a new injury update emerges.

What’s the latest?

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed (via Sky Sports) that Son Heung-min will be unavailable for selection against Liverpool this weekend due to a head injury sustained in the side’s Champions League victory over Marseille earlier this week.

Son has sustained a fracture around his left eye and will now need to undergo surgery to stabilise the injury, which leaves his chances of going to the World Cup next month hanging in the balance.

It’s a huge boost for Klopp

There is no denying that losing Son will be a blow for Spurs, but the £43m-rated forward’s absence has eliminated a huge attacking threat that could have caused major problems to Liverpool’s inconsistent defensive set up, something that represents a huge boost for Klopp.

The South Korean goal machine, who has been dubbed “electrifying” by reporter Dan Kilpatrick, has scored five goals and delivered two assists so far this season and has tallied up four Premier League goals against Liverpool over his 13 meetings with the side since he arrived in London.

On top of that, Son ended last term as the Premier League’s golden boot winner, an award he shared with none other than Mohamed Salah.

The Reds conceded the first goal for the 12th time in their last 16 league games when they lost 2-1 to Leeds United last weekend, so there is no doubt there are some concerns surrounding their defender’s confidence and form right now.

Indeed, Liverpool did manage to steal a victory from Napoli in the Champions League earlier this week but Klopp hasn’t managed to find the recipe for translating the European form his team have shown into their domestic fixtures, which has led to the side falling into ninth in the Premier League table.

The Merseysiders will have some injury boosts when they return to action in the top flight this weekend as Ibrahima Konate proved he was back to his best in the centre-back partnership with Van Dijk against Napoli, whilst Naby Keita could finally make his return to the matchday squad as he is back in first-team training.

With all considered, it will be a relief to the Liverpool manager that Son won’t be causing chaos for his defenders when the two sides meet on Sunday and he will be hoping a weakened Spurs team can inspire their first three-pointer in three games.

Aston Villa have reportedly targeted an exciting young European coach as their next manager…

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, sporting director Johan Lange has already begun talks with Ruben Amorim to bring him from Sporting CP to Villa Park.

The report claimed that despite a big offer having been tabled, Mauricio Pochettino remains unlikely to join due to his aspirations being set at a much higher level.

The Portuguese boss is said to be willing to listen to the club’s offers, but he does have a big buy-out clause in his current contract.

It would be a smart appointment

Instantly, it is worth noting that with the vast wealth of the Villans owners, there will be few financial hurdles they cannot overcome to get who they want.

The fact that Amorim seems initially receptive to their interest should instantly outline him as an outstanding candidate, as he clearly would like to join the club despite what he has built at Sporting.

Having earned his managerial start at Braga, it only took 13 matches for one of the giants within the league to snap him up.

He only lost two of those games, both of which were to Rangers on their route to the Europa League final. The 37-year-old boasted 2.38 points per match.

Once he had moved to Lisbon, he began setting about a new identity that the club had been sorely lacking. Despite a fourth-placed finish in his debut year, the foundations were in place for the success that was to come.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the club’s faith paid off, as Amorimreturned their first league title in 19 years.

He was crazy about his 3-4-3 system which had the ability to revert to a diamond in midfield. This would benefit a Villa side that Steven Gerrard often switched between a narrow 4-3-1-2 formation and 4-3-3, which caused confusion. Finally, it could bear fruit.

Having featured in Europe and won numerous pieces of silverware, the exciting young manager shows a clear identity and a track record for developing a struggling squad into something really special.

It is a move that The Athletic journalist Jack Collins thinks would be a “smart appointment”.

With a Villa side inundated with talent that has lost its way, perhaps Amorim could be the man to turn it around and get them where they will feel they belong.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is able to welcome back several of his key players from injury as his side finally returns to action in the Premier League.

The west Yorkshire side welcome Aston Villa to Elland Road this afternoon and whilst just one point separates the two sides in the standings, it has been a disappointing campaign so far for Steven Gerrard and co.

Meanwhile, after an electric start to the season which included a 3-0 win over Chelsea, the Whites now find themselves winless in three outings and without a competitive fixture in a month.

It was four weeks ago that Marsch witnessed his side crumble to Brentford, losing 5-2, so it’ll be interesting to see how things have developed on the training pitch since then – and he’s able to welcome back everyone bar long-term absentee Stuart Dallas.

With that in mind, we should see first-choice glovesman Illan Meslier remain between the sticks, whilst for the first time this term, he has one of his strongest back fours in front of him in Pascal Struijk – starting at left-back over Junior Firpo – Robin Koch, skipper Liam Cooper and the returning Luke Ayling on the right.

The captain would be an instant swap for inconsistent £18m centre-back Diego Llorente – whose form in the past 18 months has led to fan site ‘Right in the Gary Kellys’ describe him as a “massive liability”, whilst youngster Cody Drameh makes way for the long-serving right-back.

Two bright sparks of this side have been Marc Roca and Tyler Adams at the base of midfield, so they should both keep their places, with Brenden Aaronson – another exciting talent – continuing as the no.10 slightly ahead of them.

The biggest calls are likely to come in the final third, where Leeds have looked a little toothless and with Patrick Bamford back fit, he should lead the line and be supported by both Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra, meaning Joe Gelhardt is the man to make way.

That would make three changes from the defeat to Brentford with Cooper, Ayling and Bamford all starting against the Villans later today.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Struijk, Koch, Cooper, Ayling; Roca, Adams; Harrison, Aaronson, Sinisterra, Bamford

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops early team news hint ahead of Villa…

Leeds United could offer Rangers forward Ryan Kent a ‘bumper salary’ following rumours of a late move, according to Football Scotland.

The Lowdown: Leeds eye late move

The Whites could be active in the final hours of the summer window, looking for a new attacking addition after yet another injury scare on Tuesday evening.

Rumours emerged once again on Kent in the last 48 hours, with The Daily Mail suggesting that Victor Orta and Leeds are considering a last minute move for the Rangers man.

The 25-year-old, labelled as ‘top class’ by Steven Gerrard, is into the final 12 months of his Ibrox deal and is yet to pen fresh terms despite talks last month.

The Latest: Salary offer?

Football Scotland relayed the links regarding Kent and Leeds in a story on Tuesday.

They claimed that Leeds may offer the forward a ‘bumper salary’ at Elland Road, with the Scottish giants at risk of losing the player, currently on £18,000-a-week, for nothing next summer.

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The Verdict: Avoid?

Kent is primarily a winger who can also turn out as a second striker, so a late move for the long-term target may be best left untouched.

The Whites need an out and out number nine who can lead the line, especially after Rodrigo appeared to dislocate his shoulder against Everton on Tuesday.

That will leave Jesse Marsch with just Patrick Bamford, who last played 90 minutes in the Premier League last September, and youngster Joe Gelhardt as central options.

Therefore, it could be crucial for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises to land a recognised striker before Thursday’s deadline, but time is running out.

Arsenal could be in line to reward William Saliba for his impressive start to the new season by handing him a bumper new deal.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed that sporting director Edu Gaspar could be in line to hand the 21-year-old a new contract to tie the Frenchman to the club for the foreseeable future, such has been his early impact at the Emirates so far this season.

He stated: “To put him at centre-back and move Ben White to right back was quite a big vote of confidence so I think we can assume that Arsenal do see a big future for Saliba and they would like him to sign a long-term contract.”

The former Saint-Etienne man – who signed for the Gunners on a £27m deal back in 2019 – currently has just two years remaining on his existing deal, ensuring that an extension will be high on the priority list for the north London outfit.

Huge potential

The new Premier League season may still be in its infancy, yet the early signs are that young Saliba could have a major role to play under manager Mikel Arteta, having been finally handed the first-team chance after three years out in the wilderness.

The towering centre-back had spent the past three seasons out on loan in Ligue 1, notably winning the division’s Young Player of the Year award last term while at Marseille, with Gunners supporters having been left somewhat perplexed over his lack of action back in England.

The £27m-rated man is certainly making up for lost time, however, having looked imperious in his opening two competitive outings for the club thus far, notably being dubbed “one hell of a centre-back” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville following his man of the match display against Crystal Palace last week.

Having previously been labelled a player of “huge potential” by Arteta during pre-season, the 6 foot 4 titan is already beginning to showcase that talent to both fans and media alike across the division.

While he suffered a rare blip against Leicester City at the weekend after heading into his own net, the five-cap brute still impressed regardless, recording five clearances and two interceptions during that 4-2 thriller, while also enjoying an impressive 87% pass accuracy rate.

As Brown alluded to, it is also telling that the Arsenal boss has opted to shunt £50m man Ben White out to right-back in order to find Saliba a place in the team, with the “outrageous” starlet – as dubbed by Connor Humm – clearly having made a stellar impression since returning to the fold in recent months.

Although it is still early days, it is a hugely exciting thought as to just what he can go on to achieve both this season and beyond, with it no doubt imperative to ensure that his long-term future does lie at the Emirates.

Reliable journalist Phil Hay wants Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt to be given lots of minutes by Jesse Marsch this season, given his potential.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt coming of age

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at Elland Road in 2021/22, making some key contributions as the Whites sealed Premier League safety.

Gelhardt registered two goals and two assists in the league and he was often a vibrant presence during a campaign when others struggled and injuries hampered the squad.

The youngster is now doing his best to impress during pre-season as he eyes up more first-team minutes in 2022/23.

The Latest: Hay wants regular action next season

Hay is certainly hoping that the 20-year-old is let off the leash even more regularly next term, taking to Twitter to call for Gelhardt to earn more playing time next season.

The journalist has urged Jesse Marsch to trust in the ex-Wigan starlet during 2022/23, saying:

“Would definitely be letting Gelhardt loose this season. It’s all there.”

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The Verdict: Biggest prospect at Elland Road?

This does feel like it could be Gelhardt’s time to go up another level, with arguably no other youngster at Elland Road possessing as much long-term potential.

He has been described as ‘unreal’ by Alan Hutton in the recent past, following his stunning assist for Pascal Struijk’s goal against Brighton last season, a moment which summed up his quality.

Patrick Bamford will again look to be first-choice striker after injury, while other attackers could still come in, but there is no reason why Gelhardt can’t make the jump from young hopeful to key player under Marsch sooner rather than later.

Everton are believed to be interested in a deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, following the youngster’s impressive spell on loan at Crystal Palace last season.

What’s the word?

According to the i, Toffees boss Frank Lampard is ‘keen’ on prising the 22-year-old from Stamford Bridge this summer, albeit with the Merseysiders likely to have to wait until nearer the end of the window to strike a deal.

The report suggests that the future of the England international will not be resolved until nearer the start of the new season, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel keen to take a closer look at the highly-rated starlet during pre-season.

Lampard’s former international colleague Steven Gerrard is also believed to be keen on bringing the all-action gem to Aston Villa, while a return to Selhurst Park has been mooted, although any suitor could have to fork out as much as £50m for his signature.

Lampard needs him badly

If it is true that the Goodison outfit may only pay out a ‘big fee’ for one major new addition this summer, as has been reported, then it would be no major error were that marquee addition to be that of Gallagher, with the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee likely to had a much-needed spark to the club’s engine room.

The 2021/22 campaign proved a particularly standout season for the £22.5m-rated gem, as he chipped in with eight goals and three assists in 34 league appearances for Patrick Vieira’s side, having joined the Eagles on a temporary deal last summer.

The £17k-per-week workhorse has emerged as a real exciting, box-to-box, old-fashioned midfield presence, ranking highly in a number of attacking and defensive metrics, including in the top 7% for pressures made, as well as the top 8% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That “outrageous” form, as described by one source, has unsurprisingly alerted the attention of clubs across the division, with the Epsom-born gem possessing that rare gift of being able to impact the game both defensively and offensively.

Also labelled a “monster” by Tom Dutton, the 6-foot menace has even drawn comparisons to current teammate N’Golo Kante for his relentless midfield approach, with all the signs pointing to a player destined to thrive at the elite level.

Despite the pull of his parent club, there may be nowhere better for a young English midfielder to blossom than under the tutelage of one of the greats of the game in that position in Lampard, with the 44-year-old an ideal figure to nurture the exciting talent.

As for the former Derby coach, he would no doubt love to have such an energetic figure in his side moving forward, with Gallagher’s electric quality in stark contrast to that of current regular Allan, whom Harry Redknapp once suggested simply “can’t run”.

If Lampard is to spark an improvement on last term, then having the young talent in tow could make life a whole lot easier.

AND, in other news: Everton want to sign “dangerous” £57.8m ace this summer, supporters will be buzzing.

John Wenham has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Sonny Perkins.

What’s been said?

In a recent interview with Football Insider, the Tottenham Hotspur insider revealed that, despite the Whites being able to offer the 18-year-old a much clearer route to first-team football, Antonio Conte’s side hold a huge advantage over Leeds in the race for the forward’s signature this summer – in that Perkins is a lifelong Spurs supporter.

Wenham went on to state that the former West Ham United prospect’s parents were pushing him to join Tottenham prior to his move to the London Stadium, before claiming that the teenager would likely receive a great deal of game time in Spurs’ youth sides next season with Troy Parrott, Kion Etete and Dane Scarlett looking likely to be loaned out.

Regarding both Leeds and Tottenham’s reported interest in the striker, the insider said: “I wasn’t totally sure Tottenham are going to sign him, I know Leeds want him. Leeds can offer a better pathway, just look at how much Joe Gelhardt has played.

“But – I don’t know how widely known this is – Sonny is a season ticket holder at Tottenham, as is his Dad. They are lifelong Spurs supporters. I appreciate he was the jewel in West Ham’s crown but before he signed for them his parents were pushing him to sign for Tottenham.

“Personally, I would make that move all day long. Hopefully next season we will loan out Troy Parrott, Kion Etete and Dane Scarlett. Our youth teams have a lot of football to play next season, we are playing in the youth Champions League and we will need a youth striker if all of those players leave.

“I would be more than happy for Tottenham to make a move for Sonny, he’s a really good prospect.”

“£30m” blow

Considering the sheer amount of potential Perkins undoubtedly possesses, Wenham’s suggestion that the 18-year-old’s support of Tottenham could well see Conte’s side land the forward ahead of Leeds this summer is sure to come as a huge blow to Victor Orta and his transfer team at Elland Road.

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It is clear from his business in the transfer market that the director of football is keen to add exciting young players to Jesse Marsch’s squad as regularly as possible, having already brought the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier, Lewis Bate, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Darko Gyabi – to name but a few – to Elland Road in recent years.

And, when looking at Perkins’ form during his time in the West Ham youth setup, it is clear to see that the £1.08m-rated talent would be yet another fantastic capture for the Spaniard – especially considering his availability on a free.

Indeed, over his started off as a central or attacking midfielder – scored nine goals and registered four assists for Kevin Keen’s side, while, over his 21 Premier League 2 fixtures last season, the 18-year-old bagged 12 goals and provided one assist for the U23s.

As such, it is not difficult to understand why Orta appears so keen to land the player who James Marshment backed to become a “£30m player” in the coming years, nor it is hard to see why missing out on Perkins to Tottenham would be a gutting outcome for all involved with the Whites.

AND in other news: Orta closing in on “top target” as Leeds 7th summer signing, he’s a “new wave” talent

Luke Edwards has now revealed some exciting transfer news from Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Busy transfer window

It looks set to be another busy transfer window at St James’ Park after their splurge in January, having already signed Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa.

The Magpies have recently been linked with the likes of Alphonse Areola, Matheus Nunes and Jules Kounde, which suggesting that they are looking to strengthen in all areas of the pitch.

The Latest: Edwards transfer update

Taking to Twitter, Edwards has revealed that Newcastle now ‘want’ to sign as many as five new players this summer, and also listed the positions that they have identified as ‘priorities’.

The Daily Telegraph journalist stated: “#nufc want 4 or 5 new players this summer. A wide forward, a CB and a striker are priorities. Will then look at other positions.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting that the Tynesiders could bring in as many as five new players this summer, having already secured a permanent deal for Targett.

They have already been linked with some big names, and coupled with the January arrivals, they look set to form a very strong squad for Eddie Howe once the 2022/23 season begins.

Nonetheless, they just need to go about their business assuredly and not be bullied into paying premium prices by other clubs who know that they have the money to spend.

Talks are ongoing over Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike, two players who fit the aforementioned priority positions, so they could well be the next ones to come through the doors at St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which deal NUFC have now attempted to ‘hijack’

According to 62-year-old former Celtic goalscorer Frank McAvennie, Albian Ajeti ‘isn’t bothered’ about leaving the club this summer and the Hoops will struggle to get rid of him.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The Swiss ace first arrived in the Scottish Premiership back in 2020 when he joined the Glasgow giants from Premier League outfit West Ham, but after only making 48 appearances during his two-year spell and failing to make an impression under Ange Postecoglou, the striker has been linked with a move away from Parkhead.

The 25-year-old has never really been a regular starter in the Australian’s match-day XI and still struggled to break into the team after the long-term injuries to Kyogo Furuhashi and Georgios Giakoumakis, leaving his future with the Bhoys hanging in the balance.

The Latest: McAvennie drops Ajeti exit claim

McAvennie admitted that Ajeti is making no effort to leave and that he can’t see him departing Celtic in the coming weeks. He told Football Insider:

“They aren’t going to get rid of Ajeti because he is earning that much.

“From what I hear, he is on that much that he isn’t bothered about leaving.

“I would be kicking and screaming if I wasn’t playing. The way the boys are playing at the moment, Maeda, Kyogo, Giakoumakis, I would be asking for a move.

“I would want to play. Ajeti just seems to not be bothering. It’s one of them, someone needs to come in.”

The Verdict: Time to go

Ajeti still has two years remaining on his contract at Celtic Park, but the Hoops will most likely want to get rid of the forward as quickly as they can – he is currently earning £18k-per-week.

The Basel-born attacker only made three starts for the Hoops this season, with just 300 minutes of league football under his belt, via WhoScored, and it’s clear that he is pretty low down in Postecoglou’s pecking order.

With the boss now beginning to revamp his squad ahead of the new campaign, exits will need to be sanctioned to clear squad space and add to the transfer kitty, and fans will surely be praying something changes in the Ajeti situation as soon as possible.

In other news… a BBC pundit has sent a warning to Celtic after a transfer update on the future of Cameron Carter-Vickers.