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Liverpool’s massive decline from their title-winning campaign last season is a huge concern to everyone at the club, but none more so than manager Arne Slot.

The Dutchman led the Reds to Premier League glory in the 2024/25 campaign, but his men now sit fourth and are already a staggering 14 points off after the first 20 outings.

Anfield has so often been a fortress – massively helping them to title glory last year – but Slot’s side have already lost more games on Merseyside than the entirety of last campaign.

Such a drop off will also come as a huge shock, especially after the hierarchy handed the manager over £450m worth of funds to bolster his first-team squad.

However, the January window presents yet another opportunity for the board to back the manager, with numerous players already appearing as potential targets.

Liverpool want move to land top-level centre-back

With the window now in full swing, Liverpool are desperate for key reinforcements in a number of positions to help improve their top-flight standing before the end of the year.

The midfield department is one that could be bolstered, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton just one of the options currently being considered by the hierarchy.

It’s been reported that the Englishman would be open to a big-money transfer away from Selhurst Park, with Manchester United another side interested in his signature.

However, the centre-back department is one that needs addressing, as seen by the Reds’ move to try and land French star Jeremy Jacquet during the current window.

According to TEAMtalk, Slot’s men are just one side interested in a move for the 20-year-old who’s already made 16 appearances in Ligue 1 this campaign.

The report also states that Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal are all firmly in the race to land the youngster before the end of the winter window.

Previous reports have suggested he may well cost in the region of £35m to prise away.

Why Jacquet would be the dream Guehi alternative for Liverpool

In an attempt to land a new centre-back, Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of players in recent times, but none more so than Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

The England international’s potential move to Anfield dates all the way back to the summer transfer window, after the Reds agreed a fee for his signature.

However, a move failed to materialise with the 25-year-old deciding to stay put at Selhurst Park and see out the remainder of his contract, which expires in June.

A move for his signature could take place this winter, especially given the Reds’ disappointing defensive record, which has seen them concede 28 times in the first 20 matches.

If they are to land Guehi, they will now have to fend off some serious competition, with Manchester City now firmly in the race to land the defender after Josko Gvardiol’s injury.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, especially if the club are able to secure a deal for Jacquet before the end of the winter transfer window.

When comparing his stats to those of Guehi from the ongoing campaign, the youngster has dominated in key areas – showcasing why he’d be an excellent addition.

Jacquet, who’s been described as a “monster” defender by scout Antonio Mango, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of which being defined as key passes.

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Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, something which fits perfectly into Slot’s current philosophy, which requires his players to be comfortable in possession.

How Jacquet & Guehi compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Jacquet

Guehi

Games played

16

19

Minutes played

1423

1710

Key passes

0.9

0.4

Pass accuracy

91%

84%

% of tackles won

83%

63%

Blocks made

1.5

0.8

Take-on success

44%

40%

Aerials won

69%

64%

Stats via FBref

The Frenchman has also completed more of take-ons he’s attempted, whilst playing more forward passes per 90 – further showcasing his sensational ability with the ball at his feet.

However, out of possession, the youngster has been just as impressive throughout 2025/26, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won and blocks made per 90.

Jacquet’s aerial dominance has also made him a remarkable talent, as seen by his tally of 69% duels won – a figure that ranks him in the top 20% of all defenders in Europe.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Jacquet would cost this winter, but it’s evident that from the stats produced, he would be a phenomenal addition for Liverpool.

Missing out on Guehi would undoubtedly be a tough one to take given the length of the pursuit for his signature, but a deal for the Frenchman would certainly make more sense for the long-term.

Related Liverpool have agreed to sign new CB who could save them millions on Guehi

Liverpool have signed “one of the most exciting” young defenders in the world.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Manchester United are now reportedly expecting negotiations to advance to hire one of their managerial candidates to replace Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd set managerial timeline

Despite his constant struggles at Old Trafford, it always seemed unlikely that Man United would rush into any decision around Amorim. He very much looked to be their man. But that’s when everything imploded between the 40-year-old and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, who asked Amorim to change his system.

This reportedly left the manager unhappy, who felt like he wasn’t being backed by the Old Trafford hierarchy and from there his exit was inevitable.

Now, the Red Devils find themselves back to square one and have already set a reported timeline for when their next manager could arrive, having appointed Darren Fletcher on an interim basis.

If INEOS do wait until the summer to make their decision, then that’s when the likes of Oliver Glasner and Kieran McKenna could become serious options.

The former is set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end, unless there are any last-ditch changes, and Man United could make their move.

Related Man Utd Next Manager Odds: Top Ruben Amorim replacements (Ranked)

The bookies have had their say…

Posts ByBen Goodwin

Glasner may well go down as the best manager in Crystal Palace history by the time next summer arrives, having won the FA Cup and qualified for the Europa Conference League last season, but a big move could be waiting for him.

However, the Austrian isn’t the only option. According to reports in Spain, Man United are now expecting negotiations to advance with Xavi Hernandez.

Man Utd expecting negotiations to advance with Xavi

The Barcelona legend has been out of a job since leaving the Spanish club in 2024. Although he hasn’t been without offers, the 45-year-old has simply been waiting for the right opportunity to emerge and the Man United job could be exactly that.

Whilst his time at Barcelona ended on a difficult note, it’s worth remembering that Xavi won La Liga during a turbulent time at the Nou Camp and introduced several key academy stars, including Lamine Yamal.

Amorim, by some contrast, often took aim at academy stars and arguably halted the progress of impressive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. If anyone was to benefit from the arrival of Xavi, it would be the Carrington graduate.

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Another issue with Amorim was his system. His 3-4-2-1 system split opinion at Old Trafford, but that’s where Xavi could thrive. The Spaniard would instantly change to a 4-3-3 attacking formation and bring entertainment back to the club.

There’s no denying that it would be a bold step, of course. Alas, it would far from be Xavi’s first rodeo. The former midfielder rode the wave of chaos at Barcelona and could do the same at Man United.

ScorecardPaul Stirling cracked a half-century and Ireland put on a solid display in the field to restrict Namibia’s batsman and secure a 32-run win in their opening match. Alex Cusack, back in the side after injury, took 2 for 22 and there were two run-outs, as Namibia fell short despite an unbeaten 48 from Raymond van Schoor. Ireland had been asked to bat and their total was built on a rapid opening stand of 84 between Stirling and his captain, William Porterfield, who made 33. They were separated after 8.5 overs and the scoring dipped, with Stirling then bowled by the economical Sarel Burger for 52, but useful contributions throughout the top order put them out of Namibia’s reach.
ScorecardUAE crushed Uganda by eight wickets in their opening game of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2013-14. After losing the toss, Uganda’s openers added 18 before the slide began. They lost four wickets for seven runs and then another four for 20 runs. In between those collapses, Phillimon Selowa and the captain Davis Arinaitwe made 22 each and Uganda were eventually restricted to 88 for 8 in 20 overs. UAE’s openers added 70 in 11.2 overs to all but end the contest. Shaiman Anwar blitzed 54 off 38 balls, hitting three sixes, as UAE won with 5.4 overs to spare.
ScorecardHong Kong’s Haseeb Amjad laid down an early marker for figures of the tournament as he bagged 5 for 12 to set up a convincing seven-wicket victory over Italy. Amjad’s first two wickets of Andy Northcote and captain Damian Crowley left Italy 29 for 4. There was then a recovery, although Italy had to bat with caution, between Carl Sandri (41) and Michael Raso (24) before Amjad returned to claimed three further scalps – all bowled – during which he found himself on a hat-trick. With a required rate of less than a run-a-ball, Hong Kong knew they did not required anything outlandish and their chase was led by a measured, unbeaten 51 by Waqas Barkat to ensure there were no alarms.
ScorecardA punishing, 31-ball fifty from Timroy Allen helped USA to thrilling win over Canada with one ball to spare. Reduced to 61 for 5 in pursuit of 138, Allen combined with Srini Santhanam for an unbroken 77-run stand to upset their more established north American opponents. Allen struck two sixes before Santhanam sealed victory by hitting the penultimate delivery for four. Canada had looked on course for victory, with legspinner Junaid Siddiqui taking 2 for 16, including the key wicket of Steven Taylor, despite being restricted with the bat. Jimmy Hansra hit 39 from 34 balls but Elmore Hutchinson and former West Indies Test bowler Adam Sanford each took two wickets apiece to help keep USA in the game.

Andrew Strauss: ‘I still have to take responsibility for my less than satisfactory contributions’ © Getty Images

Andrew Strauss says he is still coming to terms with being omitted from England’s Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka and has yet to decide on his next option. After a poor 12 months he was overlooked in favour of Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara, the first time he has been dropped from the Test side since his debut in 2004.”To say that it hurts is a massive understatement. In truth it is the culmination of a long, tiring and immensely frustrating 12 months in which little has gone my way,” Strauss wrote in . “I have been a victim of some poor umpiring decisions, some unfortunate dismissals and a few incredibly good balls delivered at just the wrong moment. But I still have to take responsibility for my less than satisfactory contributions.”When the squad was announced David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, said Strauss, who has a central contract, will still come into consideration for the New Zealand tour next February. Strauss is set to have a meeting with Graveney next week to discuss his options, which include being part of the development squad in India or following the same path as Steve Harmison and playing for an overseas team.”I am determined to take a little time to let the news and disappointment settle in before deciding how best to plan the fight to get my spot back,” he said. “Some further time away from the game, regaining hunger and desire, may be beneficial. But over the longer term the only way I can rediscover the habit of scoring runs is by playing, so I will have to look into the opportunities available.”

For nearly a quarter-of-a-century since Sri Lanka’s ill-fated tour to South Africa, Bernard Perera had kept a low profile of himself shunning the limelight as he had even during his halcyon days as an outstanding cricketer for St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota and Kandy CC, which earned him recognition as a member of the national squad in the early eighties.Perera was destined for higher things with his batting and fielding talents but after a tour of Pakistan where he failed to find a place in the national side he fell victim to a well-devised plan to tour South Africa in late 1982 and paid the penalty by being banned for 25 years from all forms of cricket. Although the ban was lifted after eight years Perera, by then, was lost to the game.Today the former rebel cricketer holds the rather envious position of coach of Sri Lanka women’s team who leave on Monday for Jaipur, India to take part in the third Asia Cup.Perera (50) has been on the job since taking over from Nihal Kodituwakku in December last year and saw Sri Lanka finish runner-up to India in the second Asia Cup tournament held in Pakistan.”Last year we beat Pakistan and gave a good fight against India in the final. I think we can do better this year,” said Perera. “India is the main obstacle. They have been in this game for about 30 years and have the experience compared to our 10 years.”We are doing batting and fielding drills and physical training with a physio. I am happy with my girls the way they have prepared for the tournament. They have lot of potential. They are very disciplined and talented. I am sure they will do something good.”At the moment we are getting all the facilities from Sri Lanka Cricket [SLC]. Women’s cricket coming under the wing of the SLC has given us more opportunities to widen our scope. In the near future you can see a big improvement in our cricketing standards.”Perera said that to raise the standard of women’s cricket in this country they needed to play a lot of practice games at home and participate in local tournaments. What they lack is match practice.”Some school have started tennis-ball cricket. Only a few schools play leather-ball cricket. If we are to start improving our cricket standards it must come from school level. With SLC coming in, I am sure those grey areas will be identified and addressed.”Before taking over the national women’s team, Perera, an SLC-qualified Level I and II coach was a district coach handling Kandy CC and running a private coaching school in his hometown Kandy.”Gwen Herath [president of the Women’s Cricket Association of Sri Lanka] asked me whether I could come and help the girls and become coach of their national team. I took over in December last year.”Perera follows a long list of ex-Sri Lankan cricketers who have coached the women’s national team since 1997. The former wicket-keeper/batsman Guy de Alwis did the job till 2002. Priyantha Munasinghe had a short stint in 2003 before another former Sri Lanka cricketer, Nihal Kodituwakku, was in charge from 2003 till 2005.Herath has a high opinion of Perera. “The good thing about Bernard is that he handles the girls individually which most of the past coaches didn’t do. He has got the team together and if he continues as coach I am certain we have a very good chance of qualifying for a semi-final place at the next World Cup.”

Scorecard

Steve Tikolo battered his way to a career-best 220 © ICC

Steve Tikolo, Kenya’s captain, powered his side into a dominant position with a stunning 220 on the first day of the Intercontinental Cup semi-final against Bermuda at Windhoek. Kenya declared on 403 for 6 from 79 overs and Bermuda replied with 13 for 1 by the close.Tikolo came in at 32 for 2 after he had won the toss and elected to bat and was soon joined by No. 5 Hitesh Modi with Kenya looking shaky. The two blasted their team towards 400, with Tikolo hitting his highest first-class score as Bermuda saw their chances of a final place evaporate.While Tikolo’s knock came off just 233 balls with 27 fours and a six, Modi played the straight man. Tikolo declared with Modi unbeaten on 98 from 161 balls with only three boundaries. He was just two runs from his maiden first-class hundred.Dwayne Leverock, who came into this match with 16 wickets at 9.93 in Bermuda’s two group matches, eventually accounted for Tikolo but took some real punishment, conceding 105 from 23 overs. Bermuda lost Curtis Jackson as they made a painstaking 13 from 13 overs.

England XI 260 for 6 (Vaughan 89, Strauss 73, Collingwood 31*) beat Namibia 193 for 4 (Keulder 57, Karg 66, Giles 3-37) by 67 runs
Scorecard

Andrew Strauss made 73 in a stand of 150 with Michael Vaughan© Getty Images

Michael Vaughan led from the front as his England XI recorded a comfortable 67-run victory in the first match of their southern African tour, against Namibia at the Wanderers ground in Windhoek. In a match reduced to 42 overs a side after a two-hour mopping-up delay, Vaughan’s 89 lifted England to 260 for 6. Namibia made a spirited reply, but could manage only 193.Much of the pre-match hype had been about the possibility of Sussex’s Matt Prior opening for England, but in the end it was Ian Bell who strode out with Vikram Solanki. And he was soon striding back, bowled by Gerrie Snyman for a duck (3 for 1). Solanki made 28 before he fell to Sarel Burger (6 for 2), then Vaughan and Andrew Strauss put the world to rights with a stand of 150, Vaughan making 89 from 92 balls before his dismissal at 215 triggered a mini-collapse in which three wickets went down for two runs. Strauss followed for a solid 73 from only 65 balls, then Geraint Jones was caught behind off Snyman for a single.Kevin Pietersen’s long-awaited first innings in England colours didn’t last long: he made only 5 before being trapped in front by Louis Burger. That made it 226 for 6, but a sensible partnership between Paul Collingwood and Ashley Giles swelled the total to 260.

Danie Keulder on his way to a well-made 57© Getty Images

Last year at Port Elizabeth Namibia briefly threatened to embarrass England in the World Cup – for a while they were ahead on run rate as rain threatened – but on another changeable day (a helicopter was used to help dry the ground before the start) England’s batsmen had done enough to ensure a winning start to their tour.England’s bowling, though, will worry the management a little more. Only Ashley Giles, who took three of the first four wickets, will be entirely satusfied with his figures, which were 3 for 37 from nine overs. Simon Jones removed Namibia’s former captain, Danie Keulder, for an accomplished 57, but the main strike force of Darren Gough, James Anderson and Alex Wharf went wicketless.Morne Karg, usually a wicketkeeper but playing as a batsman today, top-scored with a breezy 66 before becoming Giles’s third victim. England’s eventual victory was easy enough, but they will be looking for an improved bowling performance in their second warm-up match against Namibia on Tuesday, before the five-match one-day series against Zimbabwe starts on Friday (Nov 26).

South Africa’s provincial administrators have rejected a radical restructuring of domestic cricket, opting for the implementation of a promotion-relegation system rather than a provincial competition, which would have meant at least four smaller unions having to merge.The idea of two divisions has been doing the rounds for five years, but financial worries have forced the issue to the top of the agenda. Several of the provinces are facing serious shortfalls, and Percy Sonn, the president of the United Cricket Board, warned that provinces were “facing financial ruin and in the meantime our standard of play is deteriorating. We cannot go forward if we don’t change.”But the provinces were unable to agree of a definite format for the tournament, and they demanded that the new system not be introduced until 2004-05 at the earliest. That left Gerald Majola, chief executive of the UCB, unimpressed, and he accused the provinces of “wasting time”.Even when these matters are resolved, the issue will not be at an end. Cricket South Africa (CSA), which runs professional cricketin the country, have yet to agree to the changes, and it is quite possible that it will reject the recommendations on the grounds that they don’t do enough to address the dire financial situation. The CSA are due to meet with the UCB in mid-July.

Glamorgan travel to Worcester for Sunday`s Norwich Union League game knowingthat victory in the match would clinch not only a move up to Division One,but also the Division Two title as well.The top three teams in the Division will be promoted, and should teams finish on equal points, the positions are decided by firstly the number of wins, and then run rate.As the table shows, Glamorgan have a far superior run rate and at the moment they also have a greater number of wins. A win at Worcester would give Glamorgan 46 points and 11 victories, and even if Durham win their two remaining games they would have 46 points but only 10 victories.Glamorgan travel to Worcester with the same 12 that did duty on Wednesday night at Cardiff, plus Steve James, and they will be hoping that the weather forecasters, who are predicting a rainy day at the New Road ground are wrong, and that the Welsh county can win both the game, and the Division Two title.

P W Pts Net Run Rate1st Glamorgan 13 10 42 +17.662nd Durham 14 8 38 + 2.293rd Worcs 13 8 34 + 8.044th Hampshire 14 8 34 + 3.38

Tom Westley, an 18-year-old batsman from Cambridge, has signed a two-year contract with Essex after impressing during a two-year stint at the county academy.Westley made his first-team debut in June 2006 against the touring Sri Lankans, and played his first first-class match against Cambridge UCCE in May this year. He featured in four County Championship games in 2007, as well as two Pro40 games, and made a highest score of 72 against Somerset at Chelmsford in September.”Tom is another shining example of how well our Academy system is working,” Essex’s chief executive, David East, told essexcricket.org.uk. “His progress over the last couple of seasons has been excellent, and we are all very hopeful that we have another star in the making.”Westley himself was delighted at the news. “With the Academy pro contracts I’ve had over the last couple of years I was obviously hoping to get a full-time one so, after a pretty decent year, I’m privileged to get a two-year contract,” he told the county website.”It helped massively to go on the pre-season tour of Dubai because it was the first time I’d got to be around the players for a long time and also made me start to think that if things went well I might get to play the odd first-team game. As the season went on I finished in the first-team, which has been an honour.”Westley also featured in one Under-19 Test and five Under-19 ODIs this summer, and showed great promise with his offbreaks, taking match figures of 7 for 131 in the first Test against Pakistan at Scarborough.