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Liverpool fans endured a frustrating Tuesday evening when the team squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Sevilla in the Champions League.

The club were on a high heading into the game given that they had won their last four games in all competitions.

It started off perfectly in Spain when Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane put the Reds 3-0 up inside the first 30 minutes.

After the half-time break, though, the team capitulated and threw away an opportunity to qualify for the last 16 stage of the Champions League.

The club remain in contention for the knockout rounds, but they have made the job harder for themselves ahead of their final group match against Spartak Moscow.

Many of Liverpool’s first-team stars came under fire from the fans for their second-half performances, including captain Jordan Henderson.

The England international has spoken of the criticism that he and his teammates have faced, admitting that it has been hurtful.

Some fans, though, are not prepared to go easy on him.

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The consequences of not finding a suitable long-term managerial replacement for Ronald Koeman are many and varied for Everton at the moment. From impacting player motivation to making long-term planning much more difficult, it’s clear that one needs to be found soon. Even if that means announcing David Unsworth is in the job at least until the end of the season.

Since Koeman was sacked, Everton have slipped further into relegation trouble – although they have plenty of time to get out of it and a squad which is far too good to be so far down the table – and they have been eliminated from the Europa League with two games of the group stages left to spare.

If there’s to be a blessing for the Toffees at the moment, though, then it’s surely that one fact: having no European commitments for the rest of the season is clearly helpful at this point. Right now, damage limitation and a good second half of the season surely has to be the aim. Whatever dreams they might have had at the start of the season about competing on many fronts are surely over. Maybe the FA Cup is the only pillar of redemption left for what could turn out to be a long old season ahead.

And yet, there are still two meaningless Europa League games left to play, against Atalanta and Apollon Limassol. Two sides who probably know their fate is already sealed: only a win for the unfancied Cypriot side against Lyon will keep the group alive. Barring that, everyone knows what’s coming next.

That unappetising scenario is perhaps useful for Everton. It might be a stretch to hope that victories in these games will kick-start the season, but the lure of blooding youngsters will be very hard to resist for Evertonians – especially when the man currently in charge of the team is the former coach of the U23 team. No fewer than five of the England team who won the U20 World Cup in the summer were Everton players, and one competed in the successful U17 World Cup team this autumn, too.

That makes the Goodison Park outfit one of the foremost footballing academies in the country, and if the main problem for most of those English champions is first team minutes, then the fact that there are two pressureless games coming up for a team who are already out of European competition might be the perfect opportunity for a coach who knows those players well to rectify that particular problem.

Now, no one could argue that two games constitutes regular first team football. Less still could you describe what may well be considered friendlies against Atalanta and Apollon as important games in which to give young players a real taste of what’s to come for them later in their careers, but it’s certainly better than nothing. Indeed, it’s a chance for someone to burst through with a couple of good performances and opportunity to impress a manager who might be more open than a permanent boss to actually playing him in the Premier League.

The issue around youth development in England is a complex one, but at its root, young players don’t get the chance for a very simple reason: there’s too much pressure on managers to get results, and they can’t rely on inexperienced starters to deliver them. If Unsworth were given the job permanently, he too might feel like he can’t take a chance, but given he’s not, there’s a real opportunity to take the pressure off and allow Everton the chance to see some of their younger players in action over the next two European games, and perhaps even beyond.

With an already-unbalanced squad that is currently underperforming, you sense that there’s a real chance for a fresh face to come in – especially up front, where Oumar Niasse, who’s been starting, isn’t registered for European competition – and make a name for himself.

Finding a bright spot at Goodison Park this season is hard, but there could be a chance to try to plan for the future. And that could well be the biggest success for Everton in this season that could very soon turn into a write-off.

The pull of Celtic Football Club is a strong one and there are plenty of players who would give everything to play at Celtic Park and never get the opportunity.

One such player is James McClean, who this week has been speaking at length about his love for the club and his desire to one day play for the Hoops.

As quoted by the official Celtic website, the West Bromwich Albion man said:

It’s always been a dream of mine. If I retire from football and never get to pull on the green-and-white jersey and run out at Celtic Park, it will be a massive regret for me. It’s a dream I have never shied away from expressing. If that dream did come true, which I hope it does, it would mean a lot to me and fingers crossed it can happen.

Strong words indeed and his passion for the club isn’t a surprise, he’s long been known to be a supporter of the Scottish champions.

However, the prospect of him signing up at Celtic isn’t one that is universally loved by fans of the club.

Some are certainly keen, believing his work rate and desire can really improve Brendan Rodgers’ side, while others believe he simply isn’t good enough or is no better than the players already in the first team.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…

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Brazilian reports claim West Ham have agreed a deal to sign Corinthians defender Fabian Balbuena, and he could be the dominant leader at the back the Hammers have been crying out of.

What’s the story?

According to Cesar Merlo of Tcy Sports, West Ham have agreed a deal with Corinthians to sign the towering centre back, who has six caps for Paraguay.

The fee is expected to be in the region of €4m (£3.5m), and the report goes so far as to say they have already agreed a four-year contract for the player

The official Corinthians club website has even released a statement thanking the 26 year-old for his services, and the player is now expected to undergo a medical for the Hammers.

David Sullivan has an infamous reputation for signing unknown South American players, but one would have to assume this is Pellegrini’s pick.

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What’s he like?

Balbuena earned his big move to Corinthians, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, in 2016, and has been an absolute brick wall for them ever since.

The 6 ft 2 centre back is one of the toughest defenders you’ll ever come cross, and is well liked by Corinthians fans because of his tenacity and fight. He is never afraid to throw his body on the line for the cause, something that the fans in East London will love.

The Brazilian season is still in its infancy, but across the opening eight games the 26 year-old is winning three aerial duels per game and making over five clearances per game. He is an absolute beast in the air and is extremely vocal and commanding, which should help the Hammers fix their vulnerability from crosses.

As much as he is known for his rough and tumble defending, the big man can play as well, boasting an impressive 86 per cent pass success rate so far this season and completing over four long balls per game.

The step up to the Premier League will be steep, but Balbuena jumped to one of the biggest clubs in Paraguay as a youngster and transitioned to Corinthians seamlessly just a few years later. He is technically sound, tough, wears his heart on his sleeve, and may just be a future captain if he settles quickly in the Premier League. His leadership could also be all that’s required to get the best out of young Issa Diop.

So, West Ham fans, would you like to see a move for Balbuena? Or should you be targeting players from better leagues? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Leeds United have endured a tough transfer window this summer with the number of deals that have not gone their way, however, they may just be in for a little bit of positive news.

Marcelo Bielsa has been looking to strengthen his side since he arrived at Elland Road and has seen a number of planned moves for his main targets fall through for one reason or another.

The Argentine, who is keen to let some of his players depart as well, will be determined to keep hold of his stars and could be in for a boost of some sorts, with the news that one club is not interested in one of his defenders.

According to a report in the Express and Star, West Bromwich Albion are not considering a move for Pontus Jansson despite earlier claims that the Sweden international was on their radar.

The expected arrival of Kyle Bartley from Swansea City, a player that Leeds have missed out on this summer, seems to have cooled the Baggies interest in the World Cup defender and will leave Leeds feeling that they can breathe a little easier.

The Verdict:

Leeds will be pleased that the interest in Jansson has cooled as they know he has been one of their best players since arriving at Elland Road.

Things will now be looking a little better than they previously have been for the Whites as if they did lose the Swede, things surely would have been disastrous for Leeds this summer.

Leeds fans – thoughts?

Newcastle fans are furious at the latest transfer reports, after an update from The Chronicle basically said no deals are anywhere close.

Newcastle finally got a major deal over the line last week, as the Magpies secured the services of Kenedy on a season-long loan. The Brazilian winger joins Martin Dubravka on Tyneside, after the pair both played vital roles in keeping the side up last season.

While Kenedy was a much-needed addition, fans are already growing impatient over the lack of more signings, with no sign of a new striker coming through the door just yet.

Rafael Benitez is absolutely desperate for a new number nine this summer, with Aleksandar Mitrovic expected to leave the club and Dwight Gayle and Joselu simply not up to the task.

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The Magpies have been heavily linked with West Brom’s Salomon Rondon and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, both of which would add goals and energy up front.

It seems neither deal is close however, as Lee Ryder from the The Chronicle has quashed reports of advanced negotiations. You can find the full video here, but the report is a bit bizarre in truth, because it basically says nothing has happened and no deals are close.

It’s starting to feel all too familiar for the Toon Army, and they’re raging at this latest update. You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Steven Gerrard has made plenty of signings in the transfer window so far this summer in order to bolster his options ahead of his debut season in senior management, but he will be disappointed to have missed out on Harry Wilson. 

Gerrard has already raided his old club for two players in the transfer window, but it wasn’t to be third time lucky in his pursuit of Harry Wilson. The promising 21-year-old has joined Derby County on a season-long loan where he will play under Frank Lampard and bid to impress in the Championship once again next season.

Despite Wilson’s decision to join the Rams, Gerrard’s hunt for a winger full of flair and pace must continue, and a recent report from the London Evening Standard suggests a perfect alternative is available to sign this summer.

According to the report, Tottenham are willing to allow Marcus Edwards to leave the club this summer after failing to perform during a disastrous loan spell with Norwich City last season.

The erratic 19-year-old has been a subject of keen interest for Tottenham supporters ever since Mauricio Pochettino compared him with the multi-Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in 2016.

Edwards was handed an opportunity to prove himself in the Championship last season following a January loan move, but he cut his time in East Anglia short after failing to break into the first-team.

Issues relating to his punctuality and respect for authoritative figures were widely cited as the main reasons for his unproductive move, which should be a notable cause for concern for any potential suitor.

However, the prospect of playing under a manager of Gerrard’s reputation may well appeal to Edwards at this stage in his career and help him to focus on his development.

The reason for Pochettino’s comparison to arguably the greatest player in the history of football relates to his style of play and physique rather than his potential: like Messi, Edwards is left-footed, possesses a low centre of gravity and thrives off dribbling at his opposite number.

His quality in this regard could add a devastating level of spark to Rangers’ play in the final-third next season if Gerrard is able to get the best out him and, considering Spurs are willing to let him leave the club this summer, Rangers would be foolish not to take a punt on the underachieving teenager.

Rangers fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund have given permission for Andre Schurrle to arrange a move away from the club.

The report suggests that the Bundesliga giants are hoping to offload the 27-year-old in an effort to raise funds for the capture of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace. Allegedly, this could result in a player plus cash deal between Dortmund and the Selhurst Park outfit.

Other clubs should still see this as an opportunity to sign the Germany international for themselves though.

Wolves boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, in particular, should be interested in bringing the Premier League winner to Molineux this summer.

The Breakdown

Shurrle, a World Cup winner in 2014, would be an ambitious target for Wolves. The club have gotten this far in recent times though precisely by signing hugely ambitious targets. The likes of Ruben Neves, Diego Jota, and Rui Patricio were all high profile signings, but Wolves were still able to get those deals over the line.

The arrival of Shurrle could mark the completion of Nuno’s attacking force heading into this Premier League campaign. If this deal were done, nobody would be looking forward to facing the top flight newcomers this term.

Schurrle, who is valued at £13.5 million by Transfermarkt, would bring versatility and depth to Wolves’ attacking contingent. Able to play through the middle or on either wing, the German would be guaranteed the regular football at Molineux that he has found hard to come by with Dortmund.

In return, Wolves would be guaranteed goals. If Nuno’s men truly are to take the Premier League by storm this season, then they’ll need all the goals they can get.

Tottenham fans have been discussing a move for Roma wonderkid Cengiz Under, and a whopping 79 per cent of fans want to bring him in.

Maybe it’s just the pain of waiting for some signings, but Spurs fans are absolutely convinced Under could add some extra firepower in North London, voting overwhelmingly to sign the 21 year-old.

The young Turk was actually heavily linked with a move to Tottenham last summer but joined Roma instead, where he has blossomed into one of Europe’s brightest young wingers.

Now, According to one major Turkish outlet, Mauricio Pochettino will go back in for the winger, rivalling Manchester United for his signature.

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Under already has four goals in ten Turkey caps, and his versatility, directness and excellent delivery will certainly appeal to Pochettino.

The report claims Roma will ask for €35m (around £31m) for their Turkish wonderkid, which would be worth every penny if he has a similar impact in North London as he has in Rome.

Fans clearly agree with that statement, as over three quarters voted to sign the youngster.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Crystal Palace seem to be leaving their transfer business late, so fans of the Eagles will have an eagle eye on developments at Selhurst Park. 

The South London outfit have completed the signing of Cheikhou Kouyate from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. This is the only signing, other than bringing in stopper Vicente Guaita on a free from Getafe, early in the window.

Crystal Palace fans will want more than just Kouyate, as a good a player as he is, to come into the club. The signing of Kouyate will go a long way to helping a threadbare Palace midfield, lacking in depth particularly since the exit of Yohan Cabaye. Following a torrent of injuries last season, Palace were at one point forced to deploy Jeffrey Schlupp as a defensive midfielder.

Up front there are also problems for the Eagles. Big Belgian forward Christian Benteke seriously struggled, netting just three Premier League goals. Goal scoring was a real issue for the SE25 club, and they were over-reliant on their talisman Wilfried Zaha.

With that in mind, surely Steve Parish cannot afford to not sign these two perfect Roy Hodgson players before deadline day….

Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio might find life a lot harder at West Ham United under Manuel Pellegrini. Indeed, with the Hammers backing their new coach to the hilt in terms of signings, the former Nottingham Forest man may struggle for much in the way of first-team football.

It wasn’t all too long ago that Antonio managed to work his way into the England squad, so the idea of him getting back to that sort of level at a team like Palace, who’d suit him down to the ground, isn’t unthinkable.

Antonio’s direct style would compliment the excellent Wilf Zaha on the other side, giving Hodgson a team with so many points of attack.

Divock Origi

Crystal Palace’s struggles with Christian Benteke have been well-documented. The Belgian hasn’t looked the same player for years now and the lack of firepower up front really does affect the Eagles, especially when Zaha doesn’t play.

With that in mind, a move for Liverpool’s Divock Origi would be a good idea. Surely out of the picture at Anfield, the former Lille man would be a more dynamic option up front than his compatriot and has proven to be a relatively good goalscorer when handed an extended chance.