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Chelsea should consider bringing in France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane as their new manager, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Potter under pressure

The Blues are having a season to forget currently, initially struggling under Thomas Tuchel and now also doing badly with Graham Potter in charge.

While the Englishman appears to just about have the support of Chelsea’s board currently, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club were also looking at potential replacements, with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Zidane linked in recent days.

The Blues take on rivals Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend, and one has to wonder what the state of play will look like if they cannot pick up a positive result.

The Latest: Jones reacts

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said Chelsea should indeed think about appointing the 50-year-old Real Madrid legend as Potter’s replacement:

“With Zinedine Zidane, I think you absolutely have to consider whether he could bring something different.

“All of these people need to be talked about on a case-by-case basis internally at Chelsea, to get a clear grasp on what they would bring to the table right now, whether they would be likely to change the situation, why they would be able to change it, and how that compares to what they’ve currently got in place with Graham Porter and what he’s trying to do.”

The Verdict: Proven winner

In many ways, Zidane is actually a hugely underrated manager during this era, at a time where the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp receive far more accolades.

What the Frenchman did during his stint as Real Madrid boss was extraordinary, winning the Champions League three times in a row between 2016 and 2018, as well as taking home two La Liga titles.

Zidane is someone who possesses an aura and who could attract the best players – he is Kylian Mbappe’s hero, for example – and there is every chance that his experience working with big money superstars could allow him to do a better job than Potter.

While it is refreshing to see the current Chelsea manager being given time, results do now have to improve drastically to avoid a change being made, starting at Tottenham on Sunday.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plan to improve their goalkeeping department at Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Angus Gunn to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are ‘well placed’ to secure a deal to sign shot-stopper Angus Gunn from Norwich City at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that the son of former Scotland international Bryan Gunn has admirers within the Gers camp because of his performances in the Championship this season.

Ross Wilson, who signed him for Premier League side Southampton from Manchester City earlier in his career, is now eyeing a swoop for the colossus to bolster Michael Beale’s squad.

What is Jon McLaughlin’s future at Ibrox?

Bringing Gunn in from the Canaries could open the door for Beale to ditch experienced goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin from the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

His current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024 but the upcoming transfer window could be the right time for the Light Blues to revamp their goalkeeping options after a difficult season, so far, for the current first choices in that position.

Journalist Mark McDougall recently claimed that the veteran, alongside Allan McGregor, is “struggling badly” and the Scotsman has been unable to claim the no.1 jersey on a regular basis.

McLaughlin has started ten of the club’s 25 Premiership matches this term and saved 58% of the shots against him, while also making two errors directly leading to a goal and failing to complete a single successful run-out – as per Sofascore.

Gunn, meanwhile, has saved 73% of the efforts on his goal in his 15 Championship outings for Norwich. He has made one error leading to a goal and has completed 11 successful run-outs.

These statistics indicate that the Englishman, 27, would be a major upgrade on the former Sunderland man in various areas, including likeliness to make a mistake, shot-stopping, and his sweeping ability.

The £5m titan, who was hailed as being “full of potential” and even claiming that he has “legs like Kate Moss” by his ex-boss Daniel Farke, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 in the English second tier, whereas McGregor (6.77) and McLaughlin (6.69) have struggled for form in the Scottish top-flight.

Therefore, Gunn could come in as an improvement on both of Beale’s current senior goalkeeping options and his arrival could allow the manager to finally ditch McLaughlin, 35, by selling him on, whilst his 41-year-old teammate is out of contract and due to leave at the end of the campaign already.

Leeds United could be set to move on from Jesse Marsch with a familiar face…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed the American.

With their disappointing loss yesterday, the current Whites manager seemed to remain confident that things would turn around. He was quoted as claiming: “I understand the frustration and doubts, internally we have belief here, we do. The players are all in, they give everything.”

However, the hierarchy decided enough was enough, and called time on his reign on Monday.

Now the Spaniard, who has been at the club previously under the regime of Marcelo Bielsa, could be set to return after two impressive spells in the Championship.

Could get Leeds rocking

Things have been tough at Elland Road of late, and admittedly ever since the departure of Bielsa things have seldom looked up.

January marked the second consecutive window of significant backing from Andrea Radrizzani, and yet they remain without a Premier League win since early November. Marsch’s position became untenable, and he had to go.

Meanwhile, the Baggies are in simply unstoppable form.

Corberan took over the Midlands outfit in disarray, with the club licking its wounds from a torrid Steve Bruce tenure. The 39-year-old went in and instantly got results, with his team now sitting in a playoff spot having been in the relegation zone when he arrived.

He seems to have blended the offensive fluidity of his mentor’s system with a defensive solidity of his own invention. That was arguably the downfall during Bielsa’s time at the club.

As such, his West Brom outfit have lost just two games in the league, scoring 19 times whilst conceding just seven in 13 matches.

He was clearly destined to achieve great things, and even before his first foray into management with Huddersfield Town, he earned praise from the legendary Argentine. He claimed: “Carlos is a good colleague, I have found that. He is very talented. I listen more to his opinion than I give mine to him.”

It was his spell at the Terriers which drew initial praise, as he led them to an unlikely playoff final where they fell at the last hurdle.

He since suffered a succinct failed spell at Olympiakos but has his budding career firmly back on track now at the Hawthorns.

To join Leeds would see him employ many of the skills he has already flexed this season in revitalising his current club, and would represent a romantic return as the student of Bielsa becomes the master at Thorp Arch.

Having a Bielse-esque figure standing in the dugout could well be the much-needed catalyst to restoring that feel-good factor that has not been felt since their initial promotion and first season back in the top flight. Indeed, Elland Road would surely be bouncing again in no time at all.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has tipped Arsenal to go out and add Ferran Torres to their attacking options this January as he could be “available” in the market.

What’s the word?

It’s no secret the Gunners are in the market for a new forward this winter and they looked as though they would be signing Shakhtar Donetsk ace Mykhailo Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in and picked him up in a deal worth £88.5m.

Consequently, Mikel Arteta and co will now have to weigh up a number of alternative options over the coming weeks. One possible player who could be of interest is Barcelona’s Torres.

Indeed, while talking on his own YouTube channel, Taylor suggested the Spaniard could be a ‘very good fit’ for the Premier League side while adding that he might be on the market too.

The journalist explained: “One name that I would put forward – I don’t know if there is interest, but one name that I would say could potentially fall under interest is Ferran Torres.

“He really does fit that kind of profile that Arsenal are looking for in terms of a versatile forward that can play multiple positions across the frontline.

“I think stylistically, in terms of his technical qualities, I think he’s a very good fit for Arsenal. He could potentially be available as well this month, I think. Barcelona squad’s very inflated, there’s a lot of options in there, particularly in attack.”

Mudryk alternative?

Torres, who has been labelled as “clinical”, certainly could come in and help add some depth to a number of different positions as he can operate anywhere across the front three. Indeed, while he has predominantly operated on the right wing, the 22-year-old can play down the middle or on the other flank.

What’s more, as he used to play for Manchester City – where Arteta used to work as an assistant manager – the Arsenal boss should be able to find out exactly what to expect from the attacker, even though they weren’t at the club at the same time.

After the blow of missing out on Mudryk, the Gunners need to act fast in the market to bolster their squad as they look to hold their lead at the top of the league table. With his versatility and past experience of English football, Torres could be a decent option to come in and make an immediate impact if Barcelona are indeed willing to let him go.

Tottenham Hotspur still really like Everton winger Anthony Gordon, according to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports News.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s Gordon interest

It was reported back in November that Tottenham were weighing up a move for Gordon in the January transfer window, making early enquires about a transfer, after missing out on the player in the summer.

The report states that Everton wanted a fee of around £60m for the 21-year-old, with Spurs at the front of the queue, given that Chelsea are not thought to be keen to revive their interest after they had a £40m bid rejected.

The Latest: Thomas’ update

Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Thomas claimed that the Englishman is a player that Spurs still really like, going as far to say that Fabio Paratici loves him, and he is one of his favourite Premier League players that he doesn’t have. (via Last Word on Spurs)

However, the problem for Tottenham is that the youngster’s valuation hasn’t dropped, so it is seemingly doubtful that they will go back in for him until Everton are willing to lower their asking price.

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The Verdict: Worth it?

Lauded as an ‘absolute beast’ by journalist Jeff Wallner, it is hard to judge the starlet too harshly, given that he is currently playing in a team that is struggling, with the Toffees sitting 16th in the Premier League table, having picked up just one point in their last five games.

However, the winger has not really managed to display the form of a player worth £60m, scoring a lower average match rating than the likes of Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray so far this term, ranked only 14th in the Everton squad.

Gordon has scored three goals and registered zero assists in 16 games in all competitions this season, and while there is a very good chance that he could improve this record in a better team, his current valuation is still way over the odds, as he would not immediately improve Antonio Conte’s squad significantly.

Liverpool return to Premier League action today with a 17:30 kick-off away at Villa Park against Aston Villa, with victory imperative in the fight to return to the forefront of the division.

After winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, and agonisingly falling at the last hurdle in the pursuit of the Champions League – losing to Real Madrid in the final – and losing to Manchester City in the Premier League title fight in an enthralling season finale, standards have tumbled way below expectations this term.

Seventh-placed in the division, with just six victories from 14 matches, Liverpool are in dire need of an impressive run of form to climb back into Champions League contention and prepare for the continental knockout phase and the retention of the FA Cup.

In the first league encounter since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will be mulling over the side best suited to steer the club toward victory against a side displaying signs of a resurgence since the arrival of Unai Emery at the helm, replacing the dismissed Steven Gerrard in October. 

Liverpool did return to competitive action against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round last week, losing 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium in a thrilling encounter, and while the club’s defence in the competition is over, Klopp will be thankful for the minutes in the legs of his side. 

Considering this, here is the starting XI that Football FanCast predicts Liverpool’s German boss will field for the forthcoming enticing clash (4-3-3):

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson; Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Caoimhin Kelleher deputised between the sticks for the Reds against City, putting in a worthy display and bolstering his pedigree as the side’s dependable No. 2 between the sticks, but Alisson is expected to make his return for the Premier League clash.

Joel Matip and the “complete”, as once hailed by Carlos Puyol, Virgil Van Dijk should continue their partnership as the central defenders, with the latter absent from the City clash following his international exploits with the Netherlands. The £75m titan will replace Joe Gomez, who has been “awful” – as branded by reporter Scott Saunders – at various times this season.

Liverpool’s midfield should be made up with Fabinho at the anchor, Thiago retaining his deep-lying position as the maestro and Jordan Henderson replacing Harvey Elliott as the pivot, instilling authority and composure. 

Mohamed Salah will continue to dominate the offensive right flank at the club, hoping to build on his goal against City and his impressive tally of 15 in 22 outings this term, while Darwin Nunez will again occupy the role of central talisman – Diogo Jota and Bobby Firmino are both currently injured.

The left side of the attack presents more of a conundrum; Luis Diaz will remain sidelined until March after aggravating an injury suffered against Arsenal, while Fabio Carvalho, who scored Liverpool’s opener last week, was withdrawn at half-time.

Therefore, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may earn a rare shot at the starting line-up after impressing during his cameo appearance in the Carabao Cup.

Scottish champions Celtic could well be looking to strengthen defensive ranks even further in the January window, having already secured the signings of Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Radio Marca Valladolid, the Old Firm giants are believed to be one of several European clubs who are interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, in 2023.

The report suggests that the Parkhead outfit – as well as the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus, among others – are interested in making an offer for the 18-year-old, despite the defender’s inexperience at first-team level.

Any move could well prove costly for those interested parties, however, with the piece also adding that the right-back has a release clause of around €30m (£26m) in his existing deal, with that figure having the potential to rise even further.

Juranovic heir

While the Glasgow side are highly unlikely to meet that clause – with the club’s current record transfer that of Odsonne Edouard for a fee of around £9m – the aim would no doubt be to agree to a reduced fee or strike a loan deal for the promising talent.

Although the teenage Spaniard has made just nine appearances for the La Liga outfit to date at senior level, the Madrid-born starlet has clearly already made an impression in that time, having been praised for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, in the words of journalist Juan Arroita.

The 6-foot ace has showcased his undoubted talent in the early weeks of the current campaign having made seven appearances in all competitions thus far, notably ranking in the top 16% in Europe among those in his position for progressive passes received to illustrate his strength in possession.

Not only a threat in an attacking sense, the Spain U19 international has also illustrated his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% for tackles made and the top 3% for interceptions.

The exciting asset could well prove to be a suitable heir to highly-coveted star, Josip Juranovic at Paradise, with the Croatia international potentially set for a departure next month following a stall in contract negotiations.

Having been “immense” for his country in Qatar – according to writer Zach Lowy – the 27-year-old is now believed to even be attracting the attention of the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Manchester United.

The former Legia Warsaw man has spent the past 18 months in Scotland since his £2.5m arrival last summer, notably illustrating his attacking threat after scoring six times and registering three assists in 50 games for the Bhoys to date.

With it looking likely that an exit will be on the cards in the New Year, Postecoglou could well turn to young Fresneda as a more long-term fit, with the one-time Real Madrid youth asset able to provide stern competition to both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston.

Leeds United’s final game before the World Cup break ended in bitter disappointment, as the Yorkshire side squandered a promising position late on to fall to a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in what was a barnstorming contest on Saturday afternoon.

That meeting in north London had seen the visitors surge ahead through the man of the moment, Crysencio Summerville – who netted for the fourth Premier League game running – before England skipper Harry Kane lashed home an equaliser following a highly contentious VAR call regarding a potential foul on Illan Meslier.

A Rodrigo double, either side of a scrappy Ben Davies strike, did see the Whites take on a 3-2 lead heading into the closing stages and ensure the Spaniard now has five goals in his last four top-flight games, only for a quickfire Rodrigo Bentancur brace to spoil the party.

The visitors’ woes were then compounded as Tyler Adams was forced to take an early bath after receiving his marching orders for two bookable offences, with the USA international heading off to Qatar on something of a sour note.

The summer signing was certainly not the main culprit in the eventual defeat, however, with captain Liam Cooper having arguably endured a far more miserable time of it in the capital, having played his part in a handful of Spurs’ goals on the day.

The Scotland international notably produced a misguided headed clearance to tee up the aforementioned Bentancur for the Uruguayan’s first goal, while then being dragged out of position by opposition forward Kane in the build-up to the hosts’ decisive fourth goal.

As journalist Beren Cross noted, the backline is an area that “needs work” before Premier League action resumes at the end of December, with Cooper no doubt one of those in dire need of improvement, having also been part of the side that shipped three against Bournemouth a week ago.

The 31-year-old – who won just three of his five ground duels – also proved something of a liability on the ball after losing possession seven times from his 55 touches, with his match rating of 6.3, as per SofaScore, the third-worst of any of his teammates.

Such was the dismal nature of his performance, one source suggested that manager Jesse Marsch “should be sacked” for his insistence on picking Cooper on a weekly basis, with the defence having routinely been an issue for the club despite their brilliance in attack, having shipped 26 goals already this season.

Amid rumours earlier today that Marsch could well still be facing the axe despite a recent upturn in fortunes, the American could well have done without such an awful showing from his skipper.

Liverpool could be looking to bring in at least two new midfielders during the January transfer window or next summer, according to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Lowdown: Midfield woes for Liverpool

The Reds are having a disastrous season in the Premier League, with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United a new low point in the campaign.

While numerous areas of the pitch are a concern, the midfield has been the Reds’ biggest weakness, with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looking past their best, and simply nowhere near enough energy and intensity on show in general.

Not signing a midfielder in the summer (barring injured loanee Arthur) was seen as a grave error, and it is an issue which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Double midfield swoop eyed

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Chorianopoulos – editor in chief of Greek outlet Sportime – claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a couple of midfield additions in January and next summer.

He tweeted:

“Liverpool are considering to sign at least two midfielders in January/summer 2023. One DMF and one CMF (Bellingham priority) at the minimum.”

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The Verdict: Exactly what’s needed

It has reached the stage where if Liverpool don’t sign at least one midfielder in the next transfer window, their season really could capitulate even further.

That’s how big an issue the middle of the park is right now, with too many players ageing, or the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones still raw footballers learning their trade.

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A couple of signings would add some much-needed freshness in midfield, which has been blighted by injuries this season, and take the burden off struggling individuals.

A shake-up in this department could help to transform Liverpool’s season in the process.

Over what has been a tumultuous season thus far for West Bromwich Albion, few have actually improved their standing in the game with the recent form of the club.

Before Tuesday night’s win, the Baggies had won one of their last 12 Championship games, and despite gaining three points most recently, still sit three points adrift in 23rd.

Relegation form such as this for a club that was in the Premier League just over a season ago was unthinkable, and for Steve Bruce his position became untenable.

Carlos Corberan will now enter looking to see what players he can rely on to get them safe, first and foremost, before dreams of a return to the top flight can become possible.

Few names spring to mind, but one that has held his own during the tough times is 23-year-old Dara O’Shea.

At a time when experience is often favoured over youth, he has proved that he boasts a maturity far beyond his years.

It even led Bruce to label him a “future captain” with a “bright future” at the club.

The qualities that have helped him to stand out this season have been outlined in his average SofaScore rating of 7.06, bettered only by John Swift, who has upheld the majority of the creative burden for the side.

The Republic of Ireland international has played every minute of their league campaign this season, which makes the fact that he is averaging 3.2 clearances, 2.1 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game even more impressive.

O’Shea has been a defensive stalwart at a time when the club was in desperate need of any shining light.

His exploits at such a dark time have likely led to his sharp increase in value, which has gone from just £810k in October 2020 to £3.6m in October 2022: a mammoth 344% increase in just two years.

West Brom certainly struck gold with this academy graduate who has quickly become a mainstay at the club.

With the new manager now in place, any success he gains in the future will likely be built off the solid foundations that the youngster brings.