Tottenham monitor Premier League goalkeeper after impressive start to the season
Tottenham are among the clubs tracking Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis after the Greece international made an immediate impression following his move to England.
The 23-year-old only joined Hull from Olympiacos in August, but his performances have already attracted attention beyond East Yorkshire.
With Spurs continuing to assess long-term options in goal, Tzolakis is emerging as one of the more interesting names on their radar.
Tottenham among clubs watching Tzolakis
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of several Premier League and European sides monitoring Tzolakis after his strong start for newly promoted Hull.
The goalkeeper arrived from Olympiacos in a club-record deal worth around £20million plus add-ons, signing a five-year contract.
BBC Sport reported that he left Greece after making 131 senior appearances and winning eight trophies, including four league titles and the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League.
His transition to the Premier League has been impressive. Opta Analyst records three clean sheets from his first five league appearances, which was joint-best in the division at that stage. He also started every one of Hull’s opening five matches.
The results have helped build his reputation quickly. Hull beat Manchester United 2-0, won 1-0 at Coventry and held Aston Villa to a goalless draw before collecting a point at Chelsea. His first league defeat did not arrive until the 2-1 loss at Newcastle.
Tottenham interest makes sense but timing matters
From Tottenham’s perspective, this is more about succession planning than an urgent need.
Antonín Kinský remains an important part of the first-team picture, but top clubs rarely stop assessing younger goalkeepers with high ceilings. Tzolakis offers Premier League experience, European pedigree and the kind of shot-stopping presence that translates well to a bigger side.
The complication is obvious: Hull only signed him weeks ago.
They invested a club-record fee and tied him down until 2031, so there is no pressure to sell cheaply. Any approach from Spurs would therefore need to be financially significant.
For now, monitoring him is the sensible move. If Tzolakis continues producing this level of performance across a full Premier League season, his valuation could rise quickly and Tottenham may eventually face much stronger competition than they do today.
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Liverpool tipped for busy January window with four players named who could be replaced
Liverpool could be heading towards an unusually active January transfer window, with Andoni Iraola still shaping the squad he inherited at Anfield.
The Reds have shown encouraging signs under their new head coach, including a 1-0 win at Bournemouth before the international break, but several established players continue to face uncertainty.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League, although performances have not always matched the results.
Bryan King names four Liverpool players who could be replaced
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Bryan King suggested Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong could all become part of Liverpool’s January thinking.
“I look at [Florian] Wirtz and I think whether he’s the player that the manager inherited, whether he could be moved on and a new player brought in,” King told Football Insider.
“I look at [Cody] Gakpo, who has been talked of leaving and leaving and leaving. I look at the defenders [Joe] Gomez, [Jeremie] Frimpong.
“These are players I would imagine the new manager might be looking at to replace with players that he wants to bring in himself. Gomez promised an awful lot, but I don’t think he’s going to be getting a chance, to be honest, not looking at what he brought in there.
“So those two and the ones who could raise decent money would be Gapko or Wirtz. That’s for sure.”
Wirtz is the most eye-catching name. Liverpool paid a package worth up to £116million for him in 2025, and while his start has been underwhelming, separate reporting says Liverpool currently have no intention of selling him, even though European clubs may test their resolve in January.
Gakpo has remained involved too, scoring against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup before suffering an ankle injury on Netherlands duty. Gomez, meanwhile, only made his first appearance of the season against Spurs after returning from injury.
January changes are possible but mass sale is difficult
Liverpool may well strengthen in January, but moving several senior players at once would feel excessive.
Iraola needs greater depth on the right wing, while injuries have exposed how thin certain areas remain. Liverpool’s own injury updates have already highlighted absences for players such as Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa.
Wirtz, in particular, deserves more time. His fee creates huge expectations, but writing off a 23-year-old after little more than a season would be premature.
Gakpo also remains useful across multiple attacking roles, while Gomez’s versatility has value even if he is no longer first choice.
A more realistic scenario is Liverpool making one or two targeted additions while listening to offers for players who are clearly outside Iraola’s preferred core.
January could therefore be busy, but probably through selective changes rather than a wholesale rebuild.
Arsenal eye ambitious €70-80m transfer of Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold
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Pep Guardiola breaks his silence after financial breach verdict on Man City
Pep Guardiola has broken his silence following Manchester City’s financial-rule verdict, offering unequivocal support to the club at one of the most difficult moments of its modern history.
Guardiola stepped down as City manager this summer after a decade in charge but remains connected to the club as a technical adviser and global ambassador.
His response came after an independent commission found City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009/10 and 2017/18, as well as the majority of charges relating to failures to cooperate with the investigation.
Former Man City boss pledges full support
In a statement released after the verdict, Guardiola made clear that his loyalty to City has not changed.
“I want every single Man City fan to know I am here, more than ever.
“I am, always have been and always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together.
“I love you all.”
His message follows a similarly strong response from City’s hierarchy. Chief executive Ferran Soriano has continued to maintain the club’s innocence, while chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak previously said their confidence in proving the club’s case remained as strong as ever.
City have announced their intention to appeal. The Premier League’s commission found that the club used “sham” commercial arrangements to inflate revenue and reduce costs by more than £900million, while City have described the ruling as flawed and maintain that they can overturn it.
Guardiola’s words carry weight beyond the dressing room
Guardiola’s intervention matters because his name is inseparable from City’s most successful era.
He won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his decade in charge, meaning any debate over the legitimacy of that period inevitably touches his legacy as well.
His statement is therefore more than a routine show of support. It sends a message to players, staff and supporters that one of the most influential figures in the club’s history remains firmly aligned with the current leadership.
That does not change the seriousness of the commission’s findings or the sanctions City could eventually face. No punishment has yet been decided, and the appeal process could run for months. Reuters
For City, Guardiola’s backing provides emotional unity. The legal outcome, however, will ultimately be decided away from the pitch.
“It’s cheating” – Roy Keane insists Man City players should throw their medals “in the bin”
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Liverpool told Mitchell move would be a ‘pretty smart signing’ as Ward plans take shape
Liverpool could make left-back a priority area under returning sporting director Julian Ward, and Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell is emerging as a realistic option ahead of 2027.
The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his Palace contract and has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Manchester United.
A January move could become increasingly realistic if Palace fail to make progress on a new deal.
Liverpool backed to make a move for Mitchell
Speaking on Anfield Index, journalist David Lynch explained why Mitchell’s profile would suit Liverpool, particularly because of his Premier League experience and homegrown status.
“Someone like Mitchell as a left-back on a free transfer; he’s homegrown as well. That would be a pretty smart signing,” Lynch told Anfield Index’s YouTube channel.
“I think there’s a good chance he’d be coming and be really good competition at left-back for Liverpool.
“I think he’s quite a good player and, as I say, he ticks the homegrown box as well.”
That argument has become more relevant since Julian Ward was officially reappointed Liverpool sporting director, replacing Richard Hughes.
Ward returns with more than 14 years of experience inside the club’s recruitment structure and is expected to work closely with Andoni Iraola on future squad planning.
Palace, however, are not ready to lose Mitchell easily. Separate reporting says they are accelerating contract talks and retain an option to extend his current agreement by another year.
Mitchell could be the solution to their left-back problems
The appeal is fairly straightforward.
Liverpool already have Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas, but neither situation necessarily rules out another addition. Mitchell would offer established Premier League experience without requiring the adaptation period that often comes with overseas signings.
His homegrown status is another major advantage. Squad-registration rules make players with that profile especially useful, particularly for clubs competing across several competitions.
A free transfer would also allow Liverpool to direct more of their budget towards other positions.
The biggest question is whether Mitchell would be willing to arrive as competition rather than an automatic starter.
If Ward can offer a clear pathway and Palace fail to secure a new contract, Liverpool would be getting a proven 27-year-old at a relatively low financial risk. That makes the deal more practical than glamorous and sometimes those are exactly the signings that strengthen a squad most efficiently.
Liverpool could face summer decision as Galatasaray target senior star
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How Man City feel about their appeal over the finacial charges facing the club
Manchester City remain convinced they can overturn the verdict in their long-running financial case and are reportedly refusing to make contingency plans for relegation.
The club were reported last week to have been found guilty of the vast majority of the Premier League’s financial charges against them.
However, City continue to deny wrongdoing and believe the legal battle is far from finished, meaning uncertainty around possible sanctions could continue well beyond this season.
Man City not preparing for relegation scenario
According to Football Insider, Manchester City remain “confident” that an appeal will ultimately go in their favour.
The report claims City’s hierarchy intend to continue protesting their innocence until every available legal route has been exhausted.
As a result, they are not currently planning for a possible drop into the Championship or considering a major restructuring of the first-team squad.
That stance fits with the club’s public position. City chief executive Ferran Soriano told members of the European Football Clubs board this week that the club intend to clear their name and believe they can eventually win the case.
He also indicated that the process could still take a considerable amount of time.
Potential punishments remain uncertain. Reuters reported that sanctions could range from fines and points deductions to relegation, although the appeals process could significantly delay any final outcome.
City’s confidence creates a high risk waiting game
City’s approach is understandable from a legal perspective. Preparing publicly for relegation could undermine the message that they believe the verdict will eventually be overturned.
However, there is also an obvious football risk.
If the appeal fails and a severe sporting punishment follows, City could suddenly be forced to make huge decisions about contracts, wages and the futures of elite players such as Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi.
The club currently appear unwilling to entertain that scenario, but other sides are already watching closely. Reports have linked Arsenal and Real Madrid with Haaland, while several members of City’s squad would inevitably attract major interest if their Premier League status changed.
City therefore face two separate battles: proving their case legally and keeping the squad focused while the uncertainty continues.
Their confidence may ultimately be justified, but until the appeal is resolved, the lack of a visible contingency plan means the consequences could become complicated very quickly if the ruling stands.
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Man United make shock Luke Shaw U-turn after latest contract update emerges
Manchester United are preparing to discuss a new contract with Luke Shaw, suggesting the club still see the experienced defender as part of their plans despite continuing to search for competition at left-back.
Shaw’s current deal expires in June 2027, so United will soon have to decide how far they are willing to go to keep their longest-serving first-team player.
The 31-year-old has been at Old Trafford since arriving from Southampton in 2014 and has now made more than 250 appearances for the club.
Man United plan Shaw talks in early 2027
According to Football Insider, Man United intend to open discussions with Shaw at the beginning of 2027 rather than allow his contract situation to drift towards the summer.
The club reportedly believe he can still contribute long-term and will take the defender’s own requirements into consideration during negotiations.
United’s interest in retaining Shaw comes despite their desire to strengthen the same position. They explored several left-back options during the summer but ultimately made no signing.
Opta Analyst reported that Alejandro Balde, Jorge Salinas and Lewis Hall were among the players linked before the window closed.
Hall was a particularly serious target, but Newcastle’s valuation reportedly reached around £70m, contributing to United stepping away from negotiations.
Shaw nevertheless demonstrated his value last season by starting all 38 Premier League matches as United finished third and secured Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick.
New deal should not stop United signing competition
Keeping Shaw and signing another left-back do not have to be competing ideas.
His experience is valuable, particularly in a squad containing several younger defenders. But relying on a 31-year-old as the only established specialist in the position would leave United unnecessarily exposed.
Patrick Dorgu remains an option, although his ability to operate further forward means Carrick benefits from having flexibility rather than being forced into using him at left-back.
The key will be the length and structure of Shaw’s next contract. A sensible short-term extension could protect United while allowing them to gradually transition towards a younger first-choice option.
United therefore appear to be taking a balanced approach: keep a trusted senior player, but avoid treating that decision as the solution to the position.
Romano issues update on Man United players and what they feel about Carrick
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Liverpool could face summer decision as Galatasaray target senior star
Galatasaray are reportedly preparing an ambitious move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as they look to address growing concerns in central defence.
The Turkish champions have struggled for defensive consistency early this season, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor earlier in September.
Their hierarchy are therefore expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.
Galatasaray preparing fresh Van Dijk approach
According to Fotomac, Galatasaray have decided to revive their long-standing interest in Van Dijk, who has reportedly been on their transfer agenda for around two years.
The report claims Galatasaray would like to explore a January deal, but Liverpool’s reluctance to lose their captain midway through the campaign could push any serious move towards next summer.
Fotomac states that Van Dijk’s current agreement is due to expire at the end of the season, potentially allowing him to negotiate with overseas clubs from January.
Liverpool confirmed Van Dijk’s most recent contract extension in April 2025, when he committed his future beyond the 2024-25 campaign. He remains captain under Andoni Iraola and has started the new season as one of the club’s senior leaders.
There is also an intriguing Mohamed Salah connection. Salah ended his nine-year Liverpool career this summer and completed a move to Trabzonspor in August, meaning Van Dijk could potentially join his former teammate in Turkish football if Galatasaray succeed with their plans.
Liverpool should be cautious about losing another leader
Galatasaray’s interest is understandable. Even at 35, Van Dijk remains an experienced, commanding defender capable of immediately raising standards in a back line.
For Liverpool, however, this is about more than age.
Salah has already gone, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté also left during the summer, and Van Dijk now carries even greater responsibility within a changing squad.
Liverpool officially confirmed Alisson, Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai as part of the leadership group beneath him.
That makes a January sale particularly difficult to justify unless Van Dijk actively pushes to leave.
The bigger decision comes next summer. If Galatasaray can offer a substantial contract and Van Dijk feels ready for a different challenge, Turkey could become a genuine option.
For now, though, Liverpool still benefit enormously from his leadership while Iraola reshapes the team.
Liverpool urged to move for two Man City players if relegation triggers transfer exodus
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Liverpool urged to move for two Man City players if relegation triggers transfer exodus
Liverpool have been told that Manchester City’s uncertain future could eventually present them with an opportunity to strengthen two important areas of Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Nico O’Reilly and Antoine Semenyo would both suit Liverpool if severe punishment in City’s financial case resulted in players becoming available.
Any such scenario remains hypothetical, with sanctions yet to be confirmed and City expected to challenge the reported verdict. Reuters says possible punishments could range from financial penalties and points deductions to relegation.
Agbonlahor names O’Reilly and Semenyo for Liverpool
Speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor first highlighted Liverpool’s left-back position and suggested England international O’Reilly would be an attractive option.
“Nico O’Reilly — I would say Liverpool. They are dying for a left-back,” Agbonlahor said.
“[Kostas] Tsimikas is their second choice, [Milos] Kerkez hasn’t been at their level. I think that would be a great move.”
He then turned his attention to Semenyo:
“I am going Semenyo to Liverpool,” Agbonlahor added.
“Liverpool, he walks into their side on the left-hand side or right-hand side. He is the perfect player for Liverpool.”
Semenyo is particularly interesting because Liverpool already explored his situation before his move to City.
City eventually signed him from Bournemouth in January after meeting his £65million release clause, handing him a contract until 2031. He had already produced 10 league goals and three assists that season before moving to Manchester.
Semenyo looks the more natural fit for the Reds
Both suggestions make sense, but for different reasons.
O’Reilly would give Iraola another athletic, technically strong option at left-back and could also provide midfield flexibility. At just 21, he fits Liverpool’s preference for players who can develop further.
Semenyo, though, has the clearer connection to Liverpool’s current project. Iraola knows him extremely well from Bournemouth, where he described the winger as “one of the best” players he had coached before his City move.
His ability to play from either flank, carry the ball aggressively and contribute goals would give Liverpool another direct attacking threat.
Nothing can happen unless City’s situation changes significantly, however. Relegation has not been imposed, and there is currently no indication either player is seeking a departure.
For Liverpool, this is therefore a situation to watch rather than an immediate transfer plan.
‘Liverpool are keen on him’ – Expert confirms Iraola is keen on three-goal PL attacker
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Cody Gakpo could face months out as injury expert explains worst-case scenario
Liverpool have suffered a major blow as in-form attacker Cody Gakpo could be out for a lengthy period after suffering an ankle injury during the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League victory against Serbia.
The 27-year-old was forced off early in the first half and has officially withdrawn from the Dutch squad to return to Merseyside for detailed assessments.
Cody Gakpo could be out for weeks
Breakdowns from injury expert (@physioscout) indicate that Gakpo’s setback occurred following a scissor-tackle mechanism during the match, which forced his lower leg and ankle into severe eversion and external rotation.
The nature of the challenge raises primary concern for a syndesmosis or high ankle sprain, with upcoming scans required at the AXA Training Centre to rule out any underlying lower-leg fractures.
If tests reveal a moderate-grade syndesmosis or deltoid ligament damage, Gakpo faces an estimated recovery timeline of 3 to 6 weeks.
However, in a worst-case scenario involving a high-grade syndesmosis tear requiring surgical repair, the forward could face 8 to 10+ weeks on the sidelines.
Given the force of the challenge, the Dutchman will be fortunate to escape a prolonged spell out of action, though final timelines depend strictly on imaging results.
Cody Gakpo had to come off in the first half in Serbia vs. Netherlands with an ankle injury.
Scissor-tackle type mechanism forced Gakpo's ankle into eversion + external rotation.
This mechanism raises concern for a syndesmosis/high ankle sprain. Scans will need to rule out any… pic.twitter.com/1VXiP6Fp9L
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) September 28, 2026
Liverpool face Gakpo and Isak injury dilemma before Man City
The timing could hardly be worse for Liverpool, with a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City awaiting them immediately after the international break.
Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s standout attacking performers this season, making his potential absence a significant blow ahead of the meeting at Anfield.
To make matters worse, Alexander Isak is also an injury concern after withdrawing from the Sweden squad while on international duty.
Liverpool could therefore head into one of their biggest matches of the season with uncertainty surrounding two important attacking players.
The immediate focus will be on the results of Gakpo’s scans, which should provide a clearer picture of the damage and whether he has any realistic chance of facing Manchester City.
Until those assessments are completed, there is no confirmed recovery timeframe, but the injury mechanism has given Liverpool genuine cause for concern.
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“Answer is clear” – Fabrizio Romano gives update on under-pressure Premier League manager
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Michael Carrick as safe as Man U boss, with no other coaches contacted.
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Fabrizio Romano has spent this international break being bombarded with questions about Michael Carrick being under pressure at Manchester United, and he’s got an update for curious fans:
“My answer is clear, guys. As of today, Manchester United have not made any movement to contact other coaches,” the transfer guru said in a video.
“Manchester United are not in direct conversation or in direct conversation with coaches or with representatives, so at the moment, it’s completely quiet, and it will stay quiet for the next weeks and they hope months.
“Then obviously, we are, as I always say, in the results business, in the results industry. And so, results are always needed, but Man Utd maintain their confidence in Michael Carrick as a club. Obviously, they cannot be happy, everyone, people at the club, Carrick himself, everyone with the recent results.
Carrick still has time to turn slow start around
It’s always the same – manager are safe until they’re not. The board back them right up until the moment that they don’t. You’re not going to get any briefs from Romano saying that those upstairs at Old Trafford are “losing faith” or considering other options.
They will do all they can to believe that Carrick can turn things around – and if they decide he’s not the man for the job, you can be sure that Romano will be the first with the news that replacements have been contacted.
Still, while results have been poor to start the season, it does feel very possible that the team return from this long break and win a few games, and all this tension is soon dissipated.
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