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Understandably, Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is the talk of the town at the moment after scoring 15 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.

However, one winger at the Merseyside club that we feel is and has flown under the radar in recent times is Sadio Mane.

Liverpool signed the attacker back in the 2016 summer transfer window from fellow Premier League side Southampton in a deal worth a reported fee of £34m.

Since then, the 29-year-old, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £100k-per-week according to Spotrac, has made a total of 230 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side in which he has managed to rack up an impressive total of 103 goals and 43 assists in the process.

So far this season, Mane has managed to score six times in 12 appearances across all competitions. In addition to this, the winger has managed to rack up an average of 3.4 shots at goal per game, showing just how much of an attacking threat he is in the team alongside Salah.

All of this has seen his market value rise considerably. In August 2016, shortly after joining the Reds, Transfermarkt had Mane’s value listed at £27m, whereas it now stands at a massive £76.5m, highlighting a massive increase and how much he has progressed and thrived at Liverpool under Klopp.

His rather mesmeric performances saw him star against Barcelona last term which led to him being described as “unbelievable” for his exploits in Merseyside by Liverpool coach Peter Krawietz.

Also, this says to us just how much of a great buy he has been from Liverpool’s owners FSG who have certainly delivered an absolute star to the club.

With the Senegal international’s current contract at Anfield set to expire in 2023, we feel that the club should definitely try and get him signed to a new one to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future to see if he can continue scoring goals and providing assists on a regular basis.

If he does put pen to paper on a new deal, even though he’s reaching the age of 30, we feel that Mane’s overall market value could go up even further if he keeps performing well for the team.

Either way, there’s no denying that he’s been a brilliant signing for the Reds.

In other news: Never mind Salah: “Intense” £90k-p/w LFC gem who made 2 key passes was vital yesterday – opinion

After securing a loan deal for Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, it didn’t take Aston Villa long to set their sights on trying to secure another incoming transfer this month with Everton left-back Lucas Digne heavily linked with a move to Villa Park.

With this in mind, it seems as though the Villa fans may not have to wait for too much longer to see the Frenchman join Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Twitter post from French Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, he revealed that Newcastle United have “raised their offer” to sign Digne but that a medical with Villa “could take place in the next two days” and that a move to the Midlands club is “close” to being done.

Gerrard would love him

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Barcelona in a deal worth £18m, the 28-year-old has gone on to make 127 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, cementing himself as an important figure in the team.

Digne also proved himself as a useful attacking outlet for Everton by chipping in with six goals and 20 assists, which explains why Villa have been looking to sign him this month.With Digne having racked up a higher average of key passes per game (1.7) in the Premier League than current Villa left-back Matt Targett (1.2) as well as more crosses per game despite playing four games fewer than the Englishman this season, it provides an indication as to why Gerrard would love to have a player like Digne in his squad.Not only would he provide extra defensive attributes and experience, but he’d add a vital attacking presence in his team down the left-hand flank in the process.Labelled as an “exceptional” player by pundit Jamie Redknapp in the past, Digne’s potential arrival would prove once again just how serious Villa’s owners are about strengthening the squad and pushing the team forward. That would supply Gerrard with the fuel required that this was indeed the right decision to move to the Midlands.However, with Everton manager Rafa Benitez accusing Digne, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £110k-per-week according to Salary Sport, of prioritising his own interests above the interests of the team after a reported falling out between the pair last month, the Liverpudlian boss will have to make sure that this sort of situation doesn’t happen under his watch at Villa if the defender does join the club.In other news: Gerrard can repeat AVFC’s Coutinho masterclass by signing “relentless” 69-goal machine – opinion

According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are in contention to sign Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio. 

The lowdown: Asensio profiled

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career to date and has been part of a Los Blancos side that has lifted no few than 12 major honours including two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League successes.

Despite the trophy-laden time at the Bernabeu, Asensio has struggled to cement a place under Carlo Ancelotti this season and could be on the move this summer as a deal in the Spanish capital fast approaches its final 12 months (Transfermarkt).

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A fresh update regarding the former Mallorca man has emerged from Italy, suggesting that Spurs could well be taking a closer look at the versatile star…

The latest: Tottenham ‘appear’

As per the report from Calciomercato, translated by SW, Conte could provide a ‘new path’ for the 26-cap Spain international.

It’s claimed that Asensio’s switch to ‘super agent’ Jorge Mendes could open up a move the Lilywhites as the N17 club ‘appear’ in the frame for the signing.

The report cites interest from AC Milan and Arsenal but it’s stated that Mendes would like to take the ace once hailed as ‘world class’ by ex-Spain boss Vicente del Bosque to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The verdict: No brainer

Albeit Asensio has only completed 90 minutes on five occasions this season, the classy Spaniard has racked up 230 club appearances in seven years at Real Madrid and clearly possesses plenty of quality, actually trending closely with current Spurs’ favourite Son Heung-min in terms of style of play (Fbref).

Predominantly operating as a left-winger, the £36million valued star can play anywhere across the frontline as well as in more conventional midfield positions and would therefore offer all-important versatility to Conte’s options.

Boasting an impressive 7.06 average Sofascore rating from 28 league outings this term – only bettered by eight members of a star-studded Madrid squad – Fabio Paratici would be wise to remain attentive to the possibility of adding Asensio to the ranks in north London as the long term future of Steven Bergwijn remains unclear.

In other news: ‘That’s for sure’ – Sky Sports reporter now backs big transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Leeds United winger Raphinha is in advanced negotiations regarding a move away from Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Barcelona are now in advanced discussions with Deco – the 25-year-old’s agent – concerning a move to Barcelona at the end of the current campaign.

The journalist went on to state that, while discussions with the Brazilian are progressing quickly, official talks with Leeds regarding the forward’s transfer are yet to begin, with these negotiations expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Speaking about Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha, Romano said: “Barcelona are in well-advanced talks with Deco for Raphinha as [a] summer target since one month, but the official negotiation with Leeds won’t start now – it will take some time.”

Supporters will be devastated

While it would appear likely that, should Raphinha indeed go on to leave Leeds this summer, the Whites would be in line to receive a considerable fee for the 25-year-old – with it being reported that Victor Orta has informed Barca they will have to pay the winger’s €75m (£62.5m) release clause in order to prise him away from Elland Road – the news that the Brazil international looks to all but have agreed personal terms with the LaLiga side will nevertheless leave supporters devastated.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £36m-rated sensation has been in breathtaking form for Leeds, scoring nine goals, registering three assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game – which see him rank first in Jesse Marsch’s squad in both metrics.

These returns have seen the £63k-per-week forward average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Whites’ second-best performing outfielder in the current campaign.

Furthermore, considering just how highly FBref rank the 25-year-old in a number of key metrics in comparison to every attacking midfielder and winger in Europe’s big five leagues – being in the top 14% for xA per 90, as well as the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 19% for dribbles completed, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 29% for non-penalty xG over the last 365 days – it is clear to see just how talented a player Raphinha really is.

As such, while receiving a transfer fee of around £62.5m would undoubtedly represent a fantastic piece of business on a player Orta signed for £17m just a year and a half ago, the loss of the Brazilian would nevertheless come as a gutting blow to both Marsch and the Elland Road faithful – who will now be well accustomed to seeing Raphinha tear Premier League defenders apart for Leeds on a weekly basis.

AND in other news: Leeds United dealt yet another huge injury setback, Jesse Marsch will be devastated

With moves for Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne this month showing that Aston Villa were keen on strengthening their first team, a subsequent move for young defender Kerr Smith showed that the club have aspirations of strengthening their youth sides as well, adding players who can hopefully grow and develop into future first-team stalwarts.

Taking this into account, it seems as though the Villans have their eye on another young player to come in this month as one for the future, which would be a source of great excitement for the fans.

What’s the news?

As per a recent Twitter post from Alan Nixon, Villa are “watching” Sunderland’s 20-year-old midfielder Dan Neil, who the journalist suggested could be the “new Gerrard” for the Midlands club.

Nixon also mentioned that fellow Premier League club Burnley are “already sniffing” around the Black Cats youngster over a potential transfer.

As a product of Sunderland’s youth academy, Neil has made 98 appearances for the Wearsiders across their youth and senior teams, with 41 of them coming in their first team, showing how highly he is rated at the Stadium on light.

In those 98 appearances, Neil has chipped in with five goals and nine assists along the way, showing his attacking capabilities from the midfield.

With only Ross Stewart having made more appearances in League One than Neil this season, this shows just how important the 20-year-old is for Lee Johnson’s side and why they could be reluctant to let him go, especially halfway through the season as they chase promotion to the Championship.

His performances in those gamees could be an indication as to why Villa are apparently looking at him. WhoScored list him as Sunderland’s joint-fifth highest rated player with an overall rating of 6.85/10, which would also put him fifth-highest among Villa’s squad when counting those to have featured in more than one Premier League game. Therefore, the Midlands club’s fan base may be buzzing to see such a capable player being linked with a move to Villa Park.

While the opportunity to join a Premier League club and potentially learn under the management of Steven Gerrard could be tempting for a young player like Neil, it seems a likelier scenario that he would be more open to leaving Sunderland at the end of the current season if they don’t manage to secure promotion from League One.

In other news: Villa could secure another transfer masterclass with £49k-p/w gem who “has everything”

Manchester United this could very well hand the title to city rivals Manchester City this weekend by seeing off bitter enemy Liverpool at Old Trafford.

In a weird twist of fate almost, City find themselves needing United to do them the biggest of favours this game week, where Old Trafford will play host to one of the biggest games on the domestic calendar.

However, despite the obvious implications for the likes of City and Liverpool, there are other issues at large, namely at United, where a win for manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer might well be enough for him to justify being given the job on a permanent basis.

In recent times, Liverpool have looked a cut above United, but things are changing under the Norwegian, and a win against their biggest rivals could well be the icing on the cake.

It’s a tough call though for the United board, who will no doubt have other candidates in mind when it comes to appointing a new manager in the summer. Solskjaer though is doing little to hurt his case, and while he might not have the experience, he clearly knows and loves the club, something which stands out a mile.

Liverpool represent a different threat of course, but having already masterminded the downfall of both Chelsea and Spurs away from home, Solskjaer will be confident he can get one over on Klopp.

We will see how it pans out, but Solksjaer can do little more if he gets the right result this weekend.

West Ham have arguably some of the best players in the league right now, considering their top-six finish last season and current run of form seeing them just four points off topping the table.

Declan Rice has been one of the Hammers’ outstanding achievers in the side, and has become a household name after his impressive performances saw the star midfielder play in the Three Lions’ first international tournament final since 1966, with Teddy Sheringham comparing Rice’s movement to a “Rolls Royce”.

Playing in central midfield, Rice commands the ball with ease and leads his midfield with dominance, qualities that have helped West Ham achieve fantastic form and the opportunity to play European football this season.

West Ham teammates are in awe of the £63m-rated central midfielder’s quality and talent, with West Ham midfielder, Jarrod Bowen, singing the player’s praises recently in an interview;

“Dec’s gone on to another level,” Bowen told The Times, via the Standard. “The sky’s the limit for him. You saw it in the Euros, and you’ve seen it again this season, he’s starting to score more.”

David Moyes has also spoken highly of the 22-year-old, after West Ham valuated Rice at £100m, the Scottish manager claimed that the price tag was a ‘bargain’, after Manchester United took interest in the Summer.

Moyes told Sky Sports: “There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100million. That bargain has now gone.”

With the young midfielder only developing further, showing attacking qualities and adding versatility to his game this season for West Ham with three goals and three assists in fifteen games so far from his central position, West Ham will have to pull something big out of the bag to keep hold of the rising star.

He has been linked with a whole host of clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea so it won’t be easy to make him stay in east London.

There is one way that Moyes and West Ham could keep hold of their talented midfielder, however, and that is by qualifying for Champions League football.

Every player aspires to play at the highest level and if the east London club can guarantee a Champions League spot for the first time in their history, there is more reason for the defensive midfielder to stay and compete on the biggest continental stage with the club he has made a name for himself at.

West Ham will be hoping to continue their amazing push for European football as the Premier League returns this weekend.

In other news: Antonio & Lingard link up could spark top four for West Ham

Leeds United have again been linked with a move for Cagliari and Uruguay midfielder Nahitan Nandez, as the Whites eye up a potential January transfer.

The Lowdown: Nandez a constant target

The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, as Marcelo Bielsa looked at players to bolster his midfield. Reports even went so far as to reveal Victor Orta had flown out to Sardinia to chase a deal.

Nandez ended up remaining at Calgiari, however, where he was again been an influential figure, making 15 starts in Serie A and registering two assists.

With Kalvin Phillips out injured for the foreseeable future, it is paramount that a midfield replacement is signed next month and it looks as though Leeds are pushing hard for the Uruguay international.

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The Latest: Another rumour emerges

According to FCInterNews [via Sport Witness], the Whites have again identified Nandez as a target after the injury to Phillips, ‘returning to the office’ with another attempt to acquire his signature.

It is stated that the midfielder has been ‘promised’ to Inter Milan, however, potentially acting as a big blow to Leeds.

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The Verdict: Perfect January addition

Nandez’s quality is plain to seen, with his expertise from a defensive midfield seeing him shine for both Cagliari and Uruguay, so he would be a superb addition at Leeds.

He is strong in both his on and off-the-ball work, with an average of 1.5 dribbles per game in the league this season nicely complemented by 2.4 aerial duel wins and 2.0 tackles, with his defensive contribution the biggest strength to his game.

The fact that a Champions League outfit in the shape of Inter appear to be in the race is a concern, though, and if Leeds do miss out on their man, it is vital that someone else of a similar calibre comes in and solves Bielsa’s midfield issue.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key update on Raphinha’s Leeds future. Read more here.

Everton signed Dele Alli on a permanent deal on Deadline Day after the player had become out of favour in Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur squad.

Frank Lampard was reportedly instrumental in getting the deal over the line but could it be a risk?

The Toffees have found themselves in a sticky situation in the Premier League so far this season, with a string of poor performances leading the side to a league position of 16th and teetering on the edge of a relegation battle just four points clear of the drop.

This means that there is no room for error or inconsistency, and the new manager must hit the ground running in order to save the season for Everton. He will be relying on not only the squad he inherited to step up, but his new signings to make an instant impact on the team in helping the side secure some winning form that can help them pull away from the bottom of the table.

When you look at Alli’s most recent seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, it is no secret that the player has had his struggles which reflect in his market valuation which has plummeted by 75% since June 2019, going from £90m to his current valuation of £22.5m according to Transfermarkt.

This season he has made 18 appearances for Spurs, with 13 of those in the starting line up, scoring two goals and assisting once, but his inconsistencies in his performances and availability have seen him dropped from the England team, and slowly becoming out of favour with each manager that joins the north Londoners, with the latest struggles coming down to Conte unsure of his best position.

The player who was once hailed a “machine” by Rio Ferdinand and  “too good to not be one of the world’s best” by his former manager Jose Mourinho, will need to make an instant impression on the side to help Everton climb the Premier League table, something that would stand him in good stead to rebuild his reputation under a manager who has not only taken on a risk by signing him but is experienced in playing as an attacking midfielder, which is one of Alli’s most impactful positions.

It could become the perfect master and the apprentice relationship for the Chelsea legend and Spurs outcast, which could be an incredible boost for Everton’s future if the pair can work together to get the very best out of the £22.5m-rated star.

Alli has now been given his second chance to become the player he is capable of being, and with hard work under his new manager he could rectify the problems of the past and even get in with a shout to be in contention with a spot at the World Cup in Qatar with England in December if he can prove he still has what it takes to play consistently at the highest level.

That being said, it is hard to ignore those inconsistencies we’ve spoken about. His market value has fallen off a cliff and it is yet another expensive gamble from Farhad Moshiri.

The majority shareholder loves to fantasise over a star and in the £100k-per-week Dele, he has forked out what could end up being a meteoric sum of money again. After all, this is a transfer that could come back to haunt him if they end up paying the full £40m potentially involved in the transfer.

That is why it is imperative Lampard gets the most from him immediately.

In other news: Lampard must axe Holgate in defensive masterclass

Aston Villa have shown over the years that they are not shy when it comes to dipping into the transfer market to buy new players.

In more recent times, the Villans have also shown that they are capable of spending substantial amounts of money to bring new additions to their squad.

However, looking into the past, there has been one prime example of the club missing out on a very special player they could have signed if they’d been more extravagant with their spending.

According to a report from Birmingham Live, when Villa and Martin O’Neill were in the market for attacking reinforcements back in the 2008 January transfer window, the Midlands club had an offer of €15m (£12.6m) turned down from River Plate for striker Radamel Falcao.

During his time with the Argentine club, the striker scored 45 goals in 107 appearances before joining Porto in 2009.

Since then, the 36-year-old has gone on to play for clubs such as Atletico Madrid, AS Monaco, Manchester United, Chelsea, Galatasaray and Rayo Vallecano.

In 529 senior club appearances throughout his career, the Colombian has scored an impressive figure of 300 goals across all competitions, with 54 assists provided along the way, highlighting how much of a deadly attacking threat he’s been for such an extended period of time.

The veteran, who has been described as being a “charismatic” character by Thierry Henry, as well as a “leader” on the pitch, has also won numerous team titles and individual awards in what has undoubtedly been a glistening career.

Even though the man who has been dubbed a “tiger” failed to have much of an impact during his time in England with United and Chelsea by only scoring five goals in 41 games, there’s every possibility that it could have been a very different prospect for Villa had they secured his signature when they had the chance.

Taking all of this into account and with the benefit of hindsight, it could have been a masterstroke from the Villans to splurge that little bit of extra cash to get Falcao to Villa Park, a decision that may well have sent them soaring up the table and proven game-changing in their modern history.

Sadly, it will now be seen as a big howler from O’Neill and the club’s hierarchy for letting a striker of Falcao’s calibre slip through their grasp.

In other news: AVFC can land Gerrard’s own Grealish in “super-talented” gem who won’t cost a penny