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Liverpool are a club that boasts one of the richest histories in the English game, however, had only briefly returned to the pinnacle before they were dragged back down.

Fans had to wait 30 painstaking years before a Premier League title came to Anfield, with FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League victories having supplemented Jurgen Klopp’s success.

The hope is that, following a year of rebuilding and steady progression, this summer could mark the catalyst to once again pit them against the imperious treble-winning Manchester City.

If anyone can topple them, it is surely the Reds, who remain in a prime spot despite their tough recent campaign. After all, they are the only side other than Pep Guardiola's to boast a league title since 2017, having pushed them further than any other team.

Having already secured the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister, the German tactician will be well aware that this is not enough to return them to the top alone.

Fortunately for fans, further reports have emerged this month continuing to link them with a swoop for Gabri Veiga.

Despite his €40m (£34m) price tag, he could actually pose another coup, especially given how his early-career form mirrors that of a true Anfield legend.

Could Gabri Veiga emulate any Liverpool legends?

Whilst one journalist, simply titled Rimedi, referred to the Spaniard as a “baby Kaka”, it is instead Steven Gerrard that it could be argued the 21-year-old truly imitates.

After all, in his prime, the Scouse general was actually an attacking midfielder, full of energy, passion, aggression and, above all, immense quality.

Viega seems like he is in possession of all of these attributes, having enjoyed a standout year for Celta Vigo in his homeland.

As a childhood fan of the club he stars for, the youngster’s tally of 11 goals and four assists in La Liga from midfield is a startling figure. When compared to other midfielders across Europe, he also ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

For comparison, although it was under the pragmatic stylings of Gérard Houllier, the former Aston Villa manager could only muster 15 goal contributions of his own across all competitions at the same age, 21. However, in his true prime he was a real offensive threat, even notching 38 goal contributions across just one year in the 2005/06 campaign.

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Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to outline the other qualities that have helped make Veiga shine, noting his strengths as: “pace, passing, technique, shooting, off-the-ball movement, bravery, work rate”.

These are all attributes that saw Gerrard earn such success early in his glistening career, in which Jamie O’Hara has told talkSPORT (via Anfield Watch) that he was “the best midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.”

Although Veiga is unlikely to reach those levels that very few ever have, his emergence as a similar type of bustling goal-scoring midfielder could help rebuild Klopp’s dynasty, to once again make them challengers for the elite competitions.

Mikel Arteta has been dealt an injury blow as he confirmed that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is still ‘a few weeks away’ from returning.

The Lowdown: Niggling issue

Arsenal reporter for GOAL Charles Watts confirmed on his YouTube channel (via FootballFanCast) that Nketiah had ‘limped off’ in their 4-0 win at home to Everton in the Premier League earlier this month, and that she has been struggling with an injury issue for ‘a while’:

“Eddie Nketiah limped off at the end of the game.

“He went down as soon as the full-time whistle went, he fell onto the ground and then he got up and he limped off.“He went down the tunnel straightaway with one of the fitness coaches at Arsenal. He has been suffering with an issue for a while now, Eddie, which is kind of why he was rested at the weekend against Leicester.”The Englishman has since missed Arsenal’s last three games in total over all competitions, ahead of their second leg at home to Sporting in their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. The Latest: ‘A few weeks away’

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the clash at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has confirmed that Nketiah is still ‘a few weeks away’ from returning to first-team action, in what he describes as a ‘nasty injury’:

“He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot so still a few weeks away. We need to be patient – it was a nasty injury. It’s a challenge that Eddie’s got ahead of him, but thank God he could have been worse so he’s not in a bad place.”

The Verdict: Big blow

For Nketiah to be ruled out for another few weeks at least is a big blow for Arteta and his team.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard have only just come back from injuries themselves, and so the Spaniard will want as many options in the forward line available as possible, especially if they get through in the Europa League and continue to fight on two fronts.

Nketiah has not been the most prolific so far this season, but has chipped in while Jesus has been out injured, scoring nine goals and making a further two assists in 32 appearances in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

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The 23-year-old offers so much more to the side though, with Arteta previously hailing his ‘incredible work-rate’.

Nonetheless, it is a blow for Arteta to be without Nketiah, as they look to beat Sporting before a potentially tricky London derby against Crystal Palace in the top flight on Sunday afternoon.

Wolves picked up another valuable point in their fight against relegation on Wednesday night as they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

Daniel Podence handed Julen Lopetegui’s side the lead with a brilliantly taken strike, with the Old Gold excellent value for a half-time advantage, but they failed to hang on to what would have been a superb three points against a resurgent Villa side.

Danny Ings was the man to break Wolves’ hearts late on, as he collected Tyrone Mings’ ball over the top and easily beat Jose Sa for the leveller.

It could have been much worse for Lopetegui too, had Leon Bailey taken his golden late opportunity but the Jamaica international would inexplicably shoot wide after rounding Sa.

While Podence scored a brilliant goal, Lopetegui arguably has Max Kilman to thank for his side holding on to a point at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.

As per Sofascore, the centre-back would earn an impressive 7.5/10 rating for his performance, with only Podence and Mings (both 7.7) rated higher.

With Wolves leading, the former Futsal star produced a superb piece of defending to keep the scores level, as he turned Ludwig Augustinsson’s goal-bound volley wide on the line.

This certainly impressed Express and Star journalist Liam Keen, as he tweeted:

“Absolutely unbelievable from Kilman. Augustinsson shot beats Sa and is going in, but the defender makes an incredible header off the line.”

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Kilman would also contribute a mammoth 11 clearances, three tackles and two blocks, which is even more impressive when you consider he has averaged just 4.3 clearances, one tackle and 0.9 blocks per game in the Premier League so far this campaign.

The 25-year-old was also assured in his passing, completing 46/55 passes at Villa Park with an accuracy of 84%, which once more, is slightly better than his season average of 82.8%.

If Wolves are to remain in the Premier League this season they will need defenders to put their bodies on the line on a regular basis, as Kilman did against Emery’s side on Wednesday, so the English defender should be recognised as Lopetegui’s true star performer.

Watch any clip of former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla in action and you are likely to be left salivating at the mouth.

During his days under Arsene Wenger’s tutelage, the diminutive playmaker was one of the classiest operators in the Premier League.

A touch like gold dust, a right foot blessed with sheer elegance and a left peg bettered by very few, he was one of the most complete players in his position.

During his time in north London, Cazorla found the back of the net 29 times – with his most vital goal being a stunning free-kick in their FA Cup triumph against Hull City.

The Spain international also assisted a remarkable 45 goals in the famous red and white, with his ability to supply teammates one of the most consistent elements of his game.

He could evade the press in sublime fashion, tip-toeing and dancing his way out of the tightest of crevices on the pitch while occupying dangerous pockets of space in the final third.

It made him a force to be reckoned with but unfortunately, his days in Islington were taken away from him too early.

He cracked a bone in his ankle and his career at the top level from that moment onwards was done and dusted. The injury would become infected with his skin splitting open repeatedly.

As a result, Cazorla became a self-proclaimed “jigsaw puzzle” with doctors having to take a part of his skin from his arm and attach it to his leg.

The Spaniard has now successfully returned to football after a whopping 668 days out and is enjoying his time in Qatar where he has been nothing short of a sensation, supplying his club – Al Sadd – with 62 goal involvements in 74 outings.

It has taken Arsenal a great deal of time to try and replace the now 37-year-old with many who possess similar tools struggling to replicate his immense numbers.

In Martin Odegaard, they have found a like-minded technician with the club captain dominating similar areas of the pitch. However, it’s in Fabio Vieira where the Gunners have unearthed a true heir to Cazorla’s coveted throne.

Possessing the ability to play as a number 8, behind the striker and on the flanks, his positional familiarity is very much like Arsenal’s former number 19.

In the words of journalist Freddie Paxton, Vieira’s touch is “top-class” with that yet another symbol of how alike the two players are. That was seen most recently against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

The Portuguese dynamo plucked the ball out of the sky in mesmerising fashion, before delivering a peach of a cross for Rob Holding to head home. That moment was like watching Cazorla, who for so long would supply goals in a similar fashion.

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The 22-year-old was brought to the club for an eye-watering sum of £34m in the summer but has taken to English football like a duck to water.

He was signed as an unknown quantity despite seven goals and 16 assists for Porto last term, but is quickly showing that similar numbers could well be forthcoming at Arsenal. To date, the youngster has found the net on two occasions and provided an assist throughout his limited game time at the Emirates Stadium.

His first goal for the club was a sumptuous strike, with Vieira unleashing an effort with Cazorla-esque bend and whip that came off the post and found the back of Brentford’s net.

Mikel Arteta has already described the Portugal international as a “special talent” and on the evidence above, it’s easy to see why.

Vieira has the world at his feet and has fitted seamlessly into Arsenal’s young and exciting squad. He has been the perfect addition, and one that is quickly filling that Cazorla-shaped hole that still lingered around Colney.

Everton have reportedly ‘approached’ Memphis Depay over a potential move to Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Financial problems

It is no secret that Barcelona have massive financial problems, as they face a race against time to be able to register all of their new signings before the start of the new La Liga season.

They have signed the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, but may have to sell other players before they can even add the new arrivals to the squad.

The Latest: Depay approach from Everton

As per Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have ‘approached’ Depay over a possible move, as his exit is one of the ‘priorities’ for Barcelona.

However, both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have done the same, while Juventus have made an offer for the Netherlands international.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Sign him

Everton supporters will likely remember Depay’s failed spell at Manchester United, where he managed just seven goals in a two-year stint at Old Trafford.

However, as United journalist Samuel Luckhurst has put it, he is a ‘different beast’ now to the one who played for the Red Devils from 2015 to 2017.

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Indeed, since leaving Manchester, the 28-year-old has managed 73 goals for Lyon, 13 for Barcelona and 21 for the Netherlands (WhoScored).

Hailed as a ‘defender’s nightmare’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Depay’s playing style is similar to that of former Goodison Park favourite Gerard Deulofeu, and so this is a deal that should excite Evertonians.

Leeds United have been dealt a big transfer blow to mooted target Ben Brereton Diaz this week…

What’s the word?

Last month, TEAMtalk reported of the Whites’ interest in the Chile international heading into the summer. West Ham and newly-promoted Fulham have also been linked with a move, though they have all been dealt a setback in their pursuit.

Blackburn Rovers have triggered the one-year extension on his current contract, even despite manager Tony Mowbray leaving at the end of the season after failing to reach the Championship playoffs, as his deal was set to expire in the summer.

And the departing boss believes the 23-year-old marksman should be worth in excess of £30m.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Gutting summer setback

Diaz had been in electric form this campaign after he became the first Rovers player in 57 years to bag over 20 goals by the end of the calendar year. He ended the season on 22 goals and three assists, with ligament damage disrupting the early parts of 2022.

He has provided the Lancashire outfit with more than just goals, though, he’s a huge threat in the final third both aerially and with the ball at his feet.

“Brereton with the ball at his feet is an extraordinary talent,” Mowbray once told reporters (via LancsLive). “He’s a wonderful footballer who can dribble with both feet, take people out of the game.”

Indeed, the Chile sensation won an average of 4.1 duels and 2.8 shots per game, via SofaScore, throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Given Patrick Bamford’s own injury woes for the Yorkshire giants and a lack of a viable alternative, potentially missing out on a player of Diaz’s calibre is certainly going to prove frustrating for director of football Victor Orta, who has seemingly been eyeing the striker for a very long time.

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Along with ex-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, he was said to hugely admire the Rovers star, so the Championship outfit extending his deal certainly makes any summer move all that more difficult.

The Spaniard is surely gutted by this update.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops big Jack Harrison injury update…

Keith Downie has now been left stunned over the transfer news that Aaron Ramsey could sign for Glasgow Rangers before the deadline.

The Lowdown: Done deal

Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Ramsey to Ibrox is now a ‘done deal’, and so he should be confirmed as a Teddy Bears player by the end of the day.

He was not getting much game time at all at Juventus, and so needed a loan move away, with that move now set to be in the Scottish Premiership with the Teddy Bears.

Romano says there is a ‘agreement on loan with buy option’ and that the deal will be all wrapped up ‘in the coming hours’.

The Latest: Downie stunned

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Downie has been left stunned by what he has heard with regards to Ramsey’s move to the Light Blues:

“If Rangers sign Aaron Ramsey it’s the most extraordinary signing of #DeadlineDay.”

The Verdict: ‘Extraordinary’ indeed

Downie sums up the deal perfectly by calling it ‘extraordinary’, and it looks certain to be one of if not the most eye-catching transfer of the day.

Ramsey is a player that has played at the highest level with huge global clubs in Arsenal and Juventus, and is also a well-established player for the Welsh national team.

He has won many big titles over the course of his career, including the Serie A with Juve and no fewer than three FA Cups with the Gunners (Transfermarkt), and so bringing him to Scottish football is nothing short of remarkable.

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Nonetheless, what a coup this is from the Gers, and it could well be one that pushes them closer to the SPFL title.

In other news, find out who else RFC have been linked with on Deadline Day here!

Manchester City fans are far from happy with the news that Brendan Rodgers is eyeing the Citizens managerial position when Pep Guardiola departs the club.

Since making the move to the Citizens in 2016, Guardiola has had huge success. He has already won ten trophies during that period, including three Premier League titles, one of which came after the Citizens racked up 100 points (Goal.com).

He has yet to get his hands on a European trophy, with last year the closest City have come to the Champions League as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

However, the five years he has spent at City is his longest spell at one club, and so perhaps the club do need to start considering long-term plans. And, according to Caught Offside, Rodgers is reluctant to enter negotiations with Manchester United as he would like to succeed Guardiola instead.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Rodgers news below

“Let’s all have a laugh at this? Nah thank you Rogers.”

Credit: @MarionEsther9

“Just no I don’t want Rodgers. I want Enrique or Ten Haag. Nagelsmann and Flick would be great but I can’t see them leaving Bayern and Germany NT in next 5 years.”

Credit: @Jerarudo1

“Yea no thanks, Nagelsmann or Ten Hag for me.”

Credit: @JMC_Official

“Will be biggest downgrade in history. I’ll even consider stop supporting city”

Credit: @gotcakemate

“Please no”

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Credit: @7Mcfcmax

“Rodgers is a big no for me. He could not perform at Liverpool despite having a good squad and you expect him to perform at Man City. Nope.”

Credit: @IrepApril6

In other news, City fans were gutted with this United news.

Rangers kicked off their Scottish Premiership title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon, although Fashion Sakala struggled to impress on his first competitive appearance for Steven Gerrard’s side.

After scoring the equaliser in Rangers’ pre-season win against Real Madrid last weekend, with Alfredo Morelos out of action after returning from Colombia after the Copa America, Gerrard opted to start his new signing up front against David Martindale’s side.

The Zambia international, who joined from Belgian Pro League side KV Oostende earlier in the summer, impressed Gerrard with his attitude and performances in pre-season but failed to really make any inroads in the Premiership opener.

As per SofaScore, the 24-year-old earned a less than impressive 6.5/10 rating for his display, with only Glen Kamara (6.4) rated lower of the Rangers players to feature in the game.

During his 71 minutes on the pitch, the £3.6m-rated forward had just 15 touches of the ball, completing only five passes in total. In comparison, Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin had 31 touches and completed 29 passes, which emphasises just how little Sakala contributed.

Much to the Ibrox faithful’s frustration, the new signing was caught offside on four occasions, whilst he also lost the ball six times in the game, which suggests that he struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premiership.

Although this was his first appearance for Rangers and there is undoubtedly more to come from the forward, Kemar Roofe’s goal from the bench suggests that he will be given the nod to start ahead of the Zambian against Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday night.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

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Hopefully Sakala will be able to put this disappointing first performance behind him and grab his first Rangers goal in the near future, as Gerrard will surely be hoping that the 24-year-old can provide stiff competition for Morelos and Roofe throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news… Too slow, Wilson: Rangers miss out on “outstanding” beast loved by Gerrard

After suffering playoff heartbreak with Sunderland, Steven Gerrard should axe Rangers flop Jordan Jones from his squad at Ibrox this summer.

The former Kilmarnock man was sent on loan to the League One side in January and has been a regular in Lee Johnson’s side throughout the second half of the campaign.

The winger was one of several players to attend a house party in November, breaking the restrictions at the time, so it was no surprise to see him shipped out.

Since signing from Kilmarnock in 2019, he has gone on to make just 19 appearances for the Gers, contributing one goal and two assists, which suggests that his move has not worked out.

Unfortunately for Rangers, 26-year-old’s contract at Ibrox is set to expire in 2023, which suggests that they may well look to cash in on him in the next two years, rather than losing him for nothing at the end of his current deal.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

After his latest setback with Sunderland, which saw them fall to a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Lincoln City in the League One playoffs, Gerrard’s best course of action this summer would be to get rid of Jones for good.

The winger produced a disappointing defeat in the 2-0 defeat against Lincoln in the first leg, earning a 6.61/10 rating for his performance from WhoScored, whilst he was left on the bench for the 2-1 win in the second leg despite the North East side needing a goal, which certainly doesn’t bode well for his future.

Although he managed three goals and four assists in 20 appearances for the League One side, averaging a fairly solid 6.88 rating from WhoScored for his performances, it seems unlikely that he will ever be able to establish himself as a regular in Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

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[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

The “exciting talent” has unfortunately failed to impress during his time at Ibrox and given that Gerrard will be looking to add Champions League quality to his squad ahead of next season, it seems likely that Jones’ time with the Scottish Premiership champions might well be up and letting him go would be the correct call.

And, in other news… Wilson should return for “outstanding” beast after director’s huge claim