David Ornstein has spoken on Sky Sports about how Liverpool’s owners are staying at the club for the foreseeable future.

The Lowdown: Damning takeover blow

It had been reported that the Reds were up for sale, but it appears that Fenway Sports Group has drawn back on that idea and are now just looking for external investment.

John Henry has come out recently and categorically denied that Liverpool are up for sale, though they are looking for someone else to come on board and inject some money into the six-time European champions.

That will have likely been horrendous news for Liverpool fans to hear, especially those who have protested about the owners in recent times, and while some may have hoped that was just a smokescreen from Henry, Ornstein has issued a reality check.

The Latest: FSG are here to stay at Liverpool

Ornstein has insisted that FSG are indeed set to stay at Liverpool for the long haul amid the recent climbdown surrounding a potential takeover at Anfield.

He said: “Depending on which side of the fence you sit on, if you want FSG for longer, that looks like that’s going to happen; if you don’t, you will be a bit disappointed.

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“FSG did put Liverpool up for sale, we never knew how it was going to end and we stated that in reporting at the time, and it seems that there haven’t been the offers that they might have been hoping.

“I’m sure that’s been influenced by Manchester United going on the market, and also results like tonight [against Real Madrid] don’t help their cause.”

The Verdict: Liverpool need external money and voices

The Reds have long had to be performing at their very maximum to compete with the financial powerhouse of Manchester City, but this season looks to have taken its toll and is perhaps a sign of how investment is desperately needed.

However, the fact that FSG put Liverpool up for sale not too long ago may raise questions over their commitment to the club, and if they don’t attract external investment, there may well be another frustrating transfer window to come this summer.

If Liverpool want to keep up with big spenders such as Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle United, they need FSG to showcase why this is the club they need to be investing in to any potentially interested parties, but this season could easily have put some people off.

Liverpool fans have been told that Benfica star Antonio Silva is ‘one to watch’ ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Jurgen Klopp eyes defensive reinforcements at Liverpool

It is no secret that Liverpool’s all-conquering side of a few years ago is in danger of turning stale, if it has not already.

With the Reds only recently injecting new life into their lacklustre Premier League campaign, their midweek Champions League first-leg tie represents their only chance of silverware this season.

Injury and poor form has meant Jurgen Klopp has had to rotate at centre-back, with Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Nathaniel Phillips all earning multiple runouts this term alongside Virgil van Dijk, who has suffered from fitness issues throughout the year.

And looking ahead to the next transfer window, it appears that Benfica centre-back Silva could be an answer to solve any lingering issues come the summer.

The Latest: Journalist highlights Antonio Silva interest

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Football Transfers reporter Jacque Talbot insisted that not only will Liverpool be interested, but the two-cap Portugal international could well be on the move at the end of the season.

Discussing the Reds’ potential transfer targets, he said: “There’s Antonio Silva, who I think will go in the summer. [19] years old, breakout season for Benfica. Extraordinary player, [Jorge] Mendes player.

“One to watch will be Antonio Silva.”

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The Verdict: Antonio Silva could be perfect for Liverpool

It is clear the defence needs improving at Anfield. The Reds have already conceded 28 goals this term – an average of 1.27 per game – which is already a higher total than last season and their failed title tilt in 2018/19. Meanwhile, it is just five goals fewer than the year they won the Premier League.

With no major signings at centre-back since Konate came in at the start of last season, it is perhaps time for someone else to shake up the backline. While Van Dijk is arguably still at the top of his game, both he and the more error-prone Matip are into their thirties, and it does not seem as though Gomez is the long-term answer there, either.

As for Silva, his numbers – albeit in the Portuguese top flight – are extremely impressive for someone of his age. Ahead of their clash against Boavista on Monday night, Benfica had conceded just 12 goals in the league this season, with the 19-year-old starting every game since the start of September.

He has helped keep 11 clean sheets in 17 appearances, including four on the bounce prior to this weekend. Silva has also displayed his goal threat, with the centre-back scoring his first senior goal in the Champions League before following it up with a brace in the league a fortnight later.

That he is still a teenager suggests he could yet make the step up to the Premier League, though whether Benfica will be so keen to sell having only recently received a nine-figure sum for Enzo Fernandez remains to be seen.

Aston Villa full-back Ashley Young has been ‘passed fit’ for this afternoon’s trip to Manchester City, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

The veteran has played his part under Unai Emery this season, making 20 appearances in all competitions. The 37-year-old has lined out at right-back and left-back and was enjoying a run in the team in the former position in recent weeks (Transfermarkt).

However, he was forced off against Leicester City last weekend with an apparent injury, but it looks as if the experienced Villa man is in line to make a swift recovery.

The Latest: Young ‘passed fit’ for City clash

Reliable reporter Preece took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to share an update from Emery’s pre-Manchester City press conference.

He said that Young has been ‘passed fit’ to feature today, adding that Bertrand Traore could also be included in the matchday squad following his recent return to training.

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The Verdict: Good news for Villa

Young has been Villa’s best-performing defender this season according to WhoScored metrics, so knowing that he is available is positive news for Emery ahead of this afternoon’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.

He notably impressed in the meeting against Pep Guardiola’s side at Villa Park in September, with Gregg Evans describing his performance as ‘excellent’ after replacing Matty Cash. Having won four tackles and four duels and made six clearances (Sofascore), that praise was very much justified.

It’ll be interesting to see who Emery selects at right-back at the Etihad today, and having strength in depth can only be good news for the Villa manager.

Manchester United are currently preparing for what could be a potentially defining week in their season, with Erik ten Hag’s side facing off against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, before taking on West Ham United in the FA Cup fifth round just a few days later.

Prior to that, however, the Red Devils face the small task of trying to edge past La Liga leaders Barcelona in their second leg, Europa League play-off meeting at Old Trafford, with the tie finely poised following what was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Catalonia.

The Premier League side have no doubt been handed something of an advantage for that upcoming meeting with La Blaugrana set to be without the youthful, midfield pairing of Pedri and Gavi due to injury and suspension, respectively, albeit with Ten Hag still likely to be concerned with stopping the influence of compatriot – and summer target – Frenkie de Jong once again.

Although the latter man was unusually ineffective at Camp Nou in the first leg – having failed to make a single key pass on the night – the 25-year-old could well dictate the game for his side if given the chance, having been described as “incredible” and “unique” by his former Ajax boss last week.

While there may be a desire to deploy a similar system to the one which thrived away from home a week ago in order to once again limit De Jong’s influence, with Casemiro, Wout Weghorst and Fred having formed something of a makeshift midfield trio, the return of both Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay may have given the United boss something to think about.

Will Scott McTominay play against Barcelona?

It could well be that it is the latter man who comes into the action following his recent injury absence, with the aforementioned Fred having been typically erratic against Leicester City at the weekend, having lost possession on 14 occasions.

If the Brazilian is to drop out, McTominay – who returned off the bench against the Foxes – could seemingly take his place in the side, with the Scotland international able to offer a powerful and imposing presence in the centre of the park.

The £60k-per-week maestro is something of a “physical monster” – as lauded by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – with De Jong et al unlikely to relish the prospect of coming up against the 6 foot 4 brute, as he notably ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for aerial duels won.

Although the 26-year-old has his shortcomings – having been described as “not good enough” earlier this season by club legend Roy Keane – he did produce a reminder of his quality on Sunday, having won three of his five ground duels, while also recording a 100% pass accuracy rate.

Evidently a player for the big occasion – as per Sir Alex Ferguson – tomorrow’s mouthwatering meeting could prove an opportune time for McTominay to showcase that he still has a role to play at the club moving forward, with the aim to make life difficult for De Jong and his midfield colleagues.

Chelsea are continuing to express an interest in signing Paris Saint-German and Brazil superstar Neymar, with Todd Boehly keen on getting a deal over the line.

The Lowdown: Chelsea linked with Neymar signing

The Blues haven’t been shy to spend big since Boehly brought the club, with the likes of Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez all coming in in January.

Another player who has been linked with a sensational move to Chelsea in recent days is Neymar, who has been one of world football’s biggest stars over the past decade.

It looks as though their interest in the 31-year-old is genuine, following another update on the situation.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Boehly has met with PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi to talk about the potential signing of Neymar, as they ‘discuss all the possibilities’ of it.

The Chelsea owner is also believed to have ‘met directly’ with the Brazilian’s representatives and PSG are open to the idea of him leaving after some recent behavioural issues.

The Verdict: Could be a huge coup

The idea of Neymar in a Chelsea shirt is clearly mouth-watering, considering he is Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer with a tally of 77 goals in 124 caps for his country.

Not only that but he has been hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by Ronaldinho in the past and has scored 117 times in 172 matches for his PSG, winning four Ligue 1 titles along the way.

At 31, Neymar may not quite be the outrageous force he was a few years ago but he could still be a stunning signing by Chelsea, just in terms of improving those around him and giving Graham Potter’s side a real x-factor.

The fact that Boehly is so keen on the player only adds fuel to the fire, and if the Brazil legend is looking for a way out of PSG, Stamford Bridge could be an ideal next destination, allowing him to finally test himself in the Premier League.

Podcaster Dan Cook has been left excited as Crystal Palace transfer target Calum Adamson may turn down a contract at his current club.

What’s the latest on Calum Adamson to Palace?

According to the Daily Record, a collection of Premier League teams are keen on signing the teenage midfielder and the Eagles have been “watching” him over the past few months.

In what may well come as a big boost to the club’s hopes of recruiting Adamson, the report also notes that he has yet to commit his future to Rangers despite being offered new terms.

Amid this latest development, while speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook suggested that this could “bode well” for Palace amid their transfer interest.

He explained: “He is someone who has been offered a professional deal at Ibrox but is the subject of a fair few clubs showing an interest in him from south of the border in the Premier League, and Crystal Palace can be named amongst that number.

“He is a promising midfielder. It’s fair to say he is currently impressing with the Scotland Under-16s. They are out in Cyprus as I record this.

“And despite the fact that Rangers have offered him professional terms, he’s to all intents and purposes hedging his bets at the moment.

“Maybe that does bode well for us in terms of getting him to put pen to paper on a contract at Crystal Palace.”

Could Palace land Calum Adamson amid his Rangers contract doubt?

It seems as though the club and sporting director Dougie Freedman are adopting an interesting approach to youth recruitment at Palace as the likes of Dylan Reid from St Mirren and Franco Umeh from Cork City have recently been signed.

Clearly, they are seeking out talent a little closer to home as opposed to sending all their scouts across the globe and it seems as though Rangers’ teenage talent Adamson is next up on their list.

Of course, it sounds as though there is still a fair way to go before this deal is complete. After all, he may opt to remain in Scotland or he could also head elsewhere with a number of English teams beyond Palace also said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Still, it’s certainly promising that he is considering his options and so perhaps the midfielder will end up in south London after all.

Liverpool’s plummet in form this season has been shocking and unforeseen; despite the glaring need for reinforcements, this crop of players has won it all under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp and contested for a historic quadruple right up to the closing weeks of the season last year.

The unrelenting intensity has dispersed like a shadow in the sunlight, but Liverpool’s fortunes are anything but bright as the season approaches the business end.

Mired in mediocrity and languishing in seventh place after 23 matches, nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth – albeit with two games in hand – Klopp’s last realistic hope of silverware this term was all but eradicated after Real Madrid waltzed into Anfield and emerged 5-2 victors after trailing by two in the early stages, illuminating the sheer gravity of the club’s defensive mishaps and the burning importance for reinforcements this summer.

The midfield department is the most prominent area of concern this season, but after conceding at least three goals on eight occasions already since the campaign’s inception, something needs to change.

And with the unthinkable prospect of missing out on top-four growing ever more likely, Klopp might be inclined to switch things up and turn his attention to the academy ranks to open up a new dimension to his withered crop and steer toward success once more, and 21-year-old Oludare Olufunwa could find an unlikely spot among the seniors.

Should Klopp really ditch Matip for Olufunwa?

Granted, the circumstances were different, but when Liverpool fell apart due to injuries in the 2020/21 term, a series of unlikely central defensive partnerships threaded together to ensure a late surge for Champions League qualification was successful.

Notably, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams played pivotal roles in ensuring a place in Europe’s premier competition did not slip away, with Klopp revealing the duo were among the first he messaged to thank after the Reds advanced to the Champions League final the following year.

And given the likes of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have both been under fire for several lacklustre showings this term, history may yet repeat itself with confidence entrusted in someone of Olufunwa’s ilk.

Having been released from Southampton’s development squad last summer and snapped up on a free by the Merseyside outfit, the U21 ace has made four appearances since his arrival, and while he has not earned regular minutes thus far at Kirkby, placing him inside the senior fold and pushing him toward a starting appearance at some stage could be a move that bears fruit for Klopp and co.

Hailed as “athletic” and boasting “good leadership abilities”, according to Saints B head coach Dave Horseman, Liverpool could certainly benefit from his robust and dynamic skill set.

And with Matip branded as “awful” by CBS reporter Nico Cantor for one of his increasingly poor performances in the last few weeks, the £100k-per-week earner, distinguished as he is within the fold at Anfield, might have to make way for the younger alternative.

Liverpool face a battle to secure what at the start of the year was deemed the bare minimum, now an onerous task indeed.

And while the current fortunes do not favour Liverpool’s chances, injecting some youth and vibrancy could be the key to salvaging a scrap of positivity, and Olufunwa must now be unleashed.

Arsenal are reportedly battling Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to sign Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: Talks scheduled

It was reported earlier this month that Asensio’s agents were flying to London to feel out interest in the Premier League, with Madrid not wanting to talk about a new deal until March or April.

His contract expires in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

The Latest: Competition…

As per Football Insider, Tottenham and United are also battling with Arsenal to sign Asensio, providing that he does not sign a contract extension.

They have now been ‘in contact’ over a potential deal which would see him join for free come the summer.

The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign a player of Asensio’s quality and experience for free is a no-brainer for the Gunners.

Hailed as ‘spectacular’ by his former agent Horacio Gaggioli, Asensio has had a great career at the age of 27, winning no fewer than three UEFA Champions League titles with Madrid, along with a host of other major accolades.

The winger has also been capped 35 times by Spain, and at 27, is a player only just about to enter his prime.

Nonetheless, Asensio would still have a sizeable sell-on value as well, if for some reason it did not work out at the Emirates Stadium.

Crucial details of the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises’ proposed takeover of Leeds United still need to be decided, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: £400m+ option

The 49ers Enterprises have had a deal in place to take over from Andrea Radrizzani since December 2021. The American investors and Radrizzani struck a deal that would see the former of the two take 100 per cent control for a total price in excess of £400 million.

However, they only have until January to exercise that agreement, and it looks as if finer technicalities still need tuning.

The Latest: Takeover news

FI reporter Adam Williams shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Leeds and the 49ers. He stressed that the 49ers are still committed to a deal even if the Whites suffer relegation to the Championship, but he was told by a well-placed mergers and acquisitions source that it is “simply not the case that all there is left to do is execute the deal”.

Williams added that the “precise makeup of the deal – the exact source of the funds and post-takeover board structure among other intricacies – has not yet been decided”.

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The Verdict: Needed

The club have been in a mess this month, with Jesse Marsch sacked almost two weeks ago. His replacement still hasn’t been brought in, with Michael Skubala taking caretaker charge.

Leeds supporters made their feelings known against Everton on Saturday, with chants of sack the board and specific frustrations towards Victor Orta being heard at Goodison Park.

Therefore, you could say that a complete reset at Elland Road under the 49ers would be welcomed, and after they were influential in the club-record transfer of Georginio Rutter, they may well have big plans both on and off the pitch, where Leeds will hopefully remain a Premier League side.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici has played the transfer market well in an attempt to improve Antonio Conte’s squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

The Italian sporting director has been able to offload the likes of Steven Bergwijn, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tanguy Ndombele (on loan) and Matt Doherty throughout the season, whilst bringing in the likes of Richarlison, Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Arnaut Danjuma, among others.

Being able to sell players is just as important as bringing them in, as the funds generated by sales can be used to make important additions to the squad. That is an area where Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has done well in the past.

One player with whom he and Tottenham hit the jackpot was centre-back Kevin Wimmer, who was brought in for a relatively small fee before yielding a substantial profit after just two years.

The then-22-year-old was signed from German outfit Koln for a reported fee of £4.3m in the summer of 2015 and was dubbed a young, hungry player with room to progress.

How did Kevin Wimmer perform at Tottenham?

In his first season at the club, Wimmer was a steady performer when given the opportunity to play. The left-footed defender averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across his ten appearances in the Premier League, making 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game and keeping four clean sheets.

The Austrian, who Kyle Walker dubbed “top-class”, also caught the eye in the Europa League with an average Sofascore rating of 7.03 across six games in the competition, in which he made a whopping 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game and won 64% of his duels.

However, he followed that up with a disappointing 2016/17 campaign as he averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.60, which shows that his performance levels took a huge dip from his debut season at Spurs, with just 1.4 tackles and interceptions per match across five top-flight outings.

Despite his struggles, then-Premier League outfit Stoke City swooped in to sign the Austrian for a whopping £18m as Levy extracted as much money as possible from the Potters.

This means that Spurs made a profit of roughly 319% in two years on Wimmer, despite him only playing in 15 league matches. The defender went on to struggle at the bet365 Stadium as he was dubbed a “flop” by journalist John Percy, leaving on a free transfer in 2021 after making just 19 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Therefore, Levy struck gold on the 30-year-old, as the Tottenham chief picked him up for an insignificant fee and made a sizeable profit on him within the space of just two seasons, whilst the Austrian’s failure at Stoke also shows that it was not a mistake for Spurs to sanction the sale.