Liverpool
Liverpool move quickly as Manchester United left unhappy with public transfer saga
Liverpool are weighing up their second transfer of the summer while bitter-rivals Man United are left frustrated in their own search
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Manchester United must really feel like they pushed the old adage beyond its limits.
The Times reported on Saturday that the Red Devils have decided to switch attentions away from Mason Mount, after a third bid was rejected by Chelsea on Friday. Having already seen offers worth an overall £40m and £50m dismissed, their latest effort of £55m was also snubbed with it believed that the Londoners are holding out for an overall fee of £65m for the wantaway England international.
Reports prior to United’s latest bid being rejected insisted that it was a final offer, with the Red Devils willing to end negotiations. However, with Chelsea’s counter-offer broken down as at least £58m upfront with £7m in add-ons, they have offered to hold face-to-face talks to find a resolution that will suit all parties. It remains to seen if Saturday’s latest twist really is the end of Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of his first-choice midfield target.
Make no mistake, a resolution to Mount’s future has turned into a drawn-out saga, and one very much taking place in the public eye. For the record, this has displeased United bosses.
The MEN reports that United football director John Murtough has taken a ‘dim view’ of Chelsea’s strategy of communicating United’s bids through the club’s dedicated correspondents in London. Meanwhile, sources also suggest that the Red Devils’ ‘hands are tied’ due to the club’s finances.
But considering Mount is out of contract in 12 months, wants to leave, and has just suffered an injury-plagued campaign, there is a feeling that Chelsea are very much over-valuing the midfielder. And now United bosses have seemingly run out of patience.
Such a stance is not unique to Old Trafford, with Liverpool feeling exactly the same regarding an exorbitant asking price before they cooled their own interest in the 24-year-old. Instead, they moved for Alexis Mac Allister, snapping the World Cup winner from Brighton for a fee believed to be in the region of £35m less than two weeks after their 2022/23 season concluded.
If the Reds’ recruitment team were already patting themselves on the back after signing the Argentina international for a bargain fee, courtesy of a release clause of sorts, they can be even more pleased with themselves now considering some of the asking-prices being thrown around elsewhere.
In truth, Liverpool interest in Mac Allister was well-documented prior to his arrival, with his release clause ensuring such a transfer would never grow protracted. But the Reds have never been one for drawn-out sagas in recent years, preferring to get their business done quietly and efficiently behind the scenes where possible.
Cody Gakpo is the most recent example, with sporting director Julian Ward stepping up negotiations with PSV Eindhoven to thrash out a deal during an intense three-day period between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. While Liverpool had been linked with the Dutchman publicly, it had never gone beyond loose speculation, with the Reds’ sudden imminent deal catching many by surprise.
This of course has happened a number of times previously, with Liverpool signing the likes of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino, and Fabinho, many of whom had been of interest to United in the first place, virtually out of nowhere. A much ‘cleaner’ transfer as a result, it is obvious why this method is a preferred way to conclude business – in total contrast to the ongoing Mount saga.
In recent years United have been left talking out in the open, while the Reds’ quickly and quietly get things done behind the scenes. But their hands haven’t always been so clean. Liverpool were forced to end their interest in Virgil van Dijk and publicly apologise to Southampton in June 2017, having been convinced they were signing the Dutchman just 24 hours earlier.
The u-turn appeared to be a direct result of Southampton’s move in reporting Liverpool to the Premier League for what they regarded as an illegal approach for the centre-back, with the Saints apparently also briefing journalists about a possible meeting between Jurgen Klopp and Van Dijk in Blackpool, in breach of Premier League guidelines.
Southampton bosses were reportedly infuriated with suggestions that the Netherlands international had agreed to join the Reds, with the centre-back’s own future the subject of a public saga at the time with the likes of Man City, Manchester United, and Chelsea all credited with interest.
While Liverpool had indeed persuaded the Dutchman to join the Reds despite the ugly saga, they would have to wait a further six months to officially sign him. Brought in for a club-record £75m in January 2018, that fee is money well-spent and then some in hindsight, Van Dijk would have cost less if not for such murky waters in which summer discussions took place. Ultimately, the club learned their lesson.
Of course, there are no such controversies when it comes to the negotiations for Mount. Just a very public back-and-forth. It is not the best look for either club in this game of transfer poker.
Having long since cooled interest in the Chelsea man, it remains unclear who Liverpool will move for next as they plot the second signing of their midfield revamp. But that doesn’t mean they have no plan, far from it.
That uncertainty is only in public, with a considered and controlled strategy ultimately in place behind the scenes. Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Ryan Gravenberch, and Gabri Veiga, are all on their shortlist, yet little is known about the Reds’ preference beyond that, with the quartet’s participation in Under-21s European Championships ensuring that patience is needed.
Regardless, rest assured that whomever Klopp does set his sights on next, it will not take four public rounds of negotiation to strike a deal and get them through the door.
And while Liverpool had to change transfer tack back in April, withdrawing from the race to sign Jude Bellingham in favour of multiple quality new arrivals instead of one marquee signing, they have remained in control of their recruitment throughout. Amicable negotiations ensure business is concluded swiftly and with mutual respect, with such a stance seemingly lacking at Stamford Bridge.
If United walk away from Mount, which the Sunday Times reported they are set to do on Saturday night, the MEN reports they have at least four other midfield targets to turn to.
But United’s frustrations have demonstrated exactly why the Reds moved on from Mount in the first place. With both North West clubs initially in for both players, one signed in half the time for virtually half the fee is obviously preferable.
The fact that Mac Allister reportedly snubbed Old Trafford in favour of Anfield, prompting them to push hard for Mount, makes it all the sweeter. With the Red Devils ultimately coming to the same conclusion regarding the Chelsea man weeks after Reds bosses, they have been left playing catch-up, slow on the uptake before being left stuck in an impasse with Chelsea, after watching Liverpool move first after turning their own attentions elsewhere.
And as the Reds now weigh up their next move while United continue to stumble, with Klopp wanting his summer business concluded as quickly as possible, they are already one step ahead of their bitter rivals ahead of reporting for pre-season on July 8. Whether that remains the case come the start of the new season, as they look to ensure last year was just a disappointing one-off, only time will tell.
Liverpool
‘I’m going to be quite ruthless…’: Neville on Curtis Jones’s chance of being a Liverpool right back
One of the surprise choices for Liverpool against Everton was that Curtis Jones was given the chance to start the game at right back, with Gary Neville sharing his thoughts.
Speaking on ‘Gary Neville Podcast’, the former full back said: “I’m going to be quite ruthless here, answering this question [on whether Curtis Jones has a future at right back].
“Look, there’s no doubt there are games where Curtis Jones could play right back.
“I think [Arne Slot] may even play Quansah on Sunday at Fulham, just purely because [it’s] away from home and the idea of doing a lot more defending, you’re going to get a lot more pressure.
“But I think the idea that Curtis Jones can play full back, I think remains to be seen.”
It was a competent performance from the Scouser who was playing out of position against a side that never really tested him fully.
A clean sheet and a victory in the Merseyside derby is the perfect way to demonstrate that you did play well and our academy graduate can certainly argue this case.
Curtis Jones may see a future at Liverpool as a right back.
With Conor Bradley injured, the decision was whether to play Jarell Quansah or our No.17 at full back, with Arne Slot clearly siding with the more offensive option.
As some supporters let their feelings about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s apparent decision to leave the club known, the other local lad could see a pathway into the side via his current teammate’s position.
We saw how the pair interacted with each other after the full-time whistle and it’s clear that there’s certainly a bond in place between them, despite all the paper talk.
The Sky Sports pundit didn’t see enough from the 24-year-old to say this could happen but we will only know if this is seen as a viable option, if he keeps getting played there.
Liverpool
David Moyes makes very honest Anfield claim and names two things Liverpool were much better at
Everton suffered a 1-0 loss against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
David Moyes rued Liverpool’s goal being allowed to stand as Everton’s unbeaten run came to an end.
The Reds earned a 1-0 triumph in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. Diogo Jota netted the only goal of the game in the 57th minute but it was controversial. Everton were adamant Luis Diaz should have been flagged offside for standing in an offside position when visiting captain James Tarkowski tried to clear Ryan Gravenberch’s pass. The ball fell to Diaz, who assisted Jota’s intervention.
Still, Moyes felt that the Toffees were second-best throughout the encounter. The visitors did have chances, though, with Beto having goal disallowed for offside in the opening period and spurned a gilt-edged chance.
But Everton could not go 10 Premier League games unbeaten and prevent fierce foes Liverpool from restoring a 12-point lead at the summit of the table. But given the Blues earned a 2-2 draw against the champions-elect at Goodison Park in Febuary, Moyes believes the gulf between the two outfits may not be as wide as he first thought.
The Everton manager said via the club’s website:“There are lots of things I’m happy with. The two games we’ve had against a team who at the moment are leading the Premier League [have been close]. And right up to the end, we were still in with a shout of getting something out of the game.
“Their goal is offside, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a mistake by the linesman or VAR or the referee, whoever you want to say. It’s quite easy to read as well, it’s not even a difficult one, if you ask me. But not surprised that decision at Anfield you don’t get.
“We had one or two good opportunities. Probably the bit where we were getting ready to make the opportunity to make the chance to score, we didn’t complete the final pass and we didn’t really make it as well as we should have done.
“But, look, I have to say, I think the players have done an awful lot of good stuff tonight. They’ve tried to stick up against a side who are a top side at the moment. Liverpool played much better tonight, much more aggressive, tougher than the first game. Maybe we’re just beginning to get a bit closer to them generally, and I think that over the two games the results have shown we’re not as far away maybe as we think we are.”
Moyes did, however, admitted Everton skipper Tarkowski could have been given a red card early in the game. The defender was issued a booking for challenging Alexis Mac Allister with excessive force. VAR checked the incident and did not recommend on-field referee Sam Barrott to review the decision.
On the incident, Moyes told reporters at his post-match press conference: “I thought at the time it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game, I mean you people are all asking for it and when you get it you want him sending off. You’ve got to be careful what you wish for, you know?
“I thought it was a brilliant tackle. But since I’ve seen it and I’ve come back in, I think that we could have been lucky that he didn’t get a red. It looked high. But it depends on the era you watch your football in. “To me, I thought at the time it looked a brilliant, brilliant tackle, and I think it probably was. It was the follow-through which looked worse.”
Liverpool
“Premier League Responds to James Tarkowski Controversy as Ex-Referee Slams VAR on Live TV”
The Premier League responds to the controversy surrounding James Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby, releasing a statement to clarify why the Everton defender was not sent off.
The decision, which saw Tarkowski escape with just a yellow card, has sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.
Early in the first half at Anfield, Tarkowski lunged in to win the ball but followed through with a high challenge, catching Mac Allister on the leg. The Liverpool midfielder was able to continue, but concerns were immediately raised over the severity of the tackle.
A VAR check followed, but the officials upheld the on-field decision, allowing Tarkowski to stay on the pitch with only a caution. The subsequent free-kick, taken by Dominik Szoboszlai, narrowly missed the target, keeping the score at 0-0.
https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1907513057711902934
Ex-Referee Slams VAR Decision
On commentary for Sky Sports, Gary Neville described Tarkowski as “very lucky” to avoid a red card, labeling the challenge a “potential leg breaker.” Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking in the Sky Sports Soccer Special studio, echoed Neville’s concerns.
Commentator Peter Drury later confirmed: “We hear that Mike Dean, who is on the panel with Sky Sports News tonight, has concurred with you, Gary. He’s said that, in his view, it should have been reviewed and it should have been a red card.”
Premier League Issues Official Statement
The Premier League responded to the growing criticism with an official statement via its Match Centre Twitter account. The statement read:
“The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow-through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”
Despite the Premier League’s explanation, the decision continues to divide opinion. Everton nearly took the lead in the first half through Beto, who struck the post, while another effort was ruled out for offside after a close call involving Virgil van Dijk.
With VAR once again at the center of controversy, the Premier League faces renewed scrutiny over the consistency of officiating decisions in high-stakes matches.
Liverpool star commits future to his current club, signing a new five-year contract that puts an end to speculation over a summer move.
The Reds had been monitoring Gomes closely, but with this deal now in place, they will need to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
It’s shaping up to be an incredibly busy summer for Liverpool, with both arrivals and departures set to define the transfer window.
The club faces crucial decisions regarding three of their biggest stars—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—who are all entering the final months of their contracts. By July 1st, they will be free agents unless new agreements are reached.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club, but questions remain over others in the squad. Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz have all attracted interest from other clubs.
Whether due to contract uncertainties or concerns over playing time, their futures remain up in the air.
On the incoming front, Liverpool are keen on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but any deal will require lengthy negotiations.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is another target, though his club won’t let him leave cheaply. With so many moving pieces, the Reds risk a drawn-out summer window.
A Contract is Signed
One transfer saga, however, is officially over. Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, shutting down any potential move to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool had been actively tracking the Brazilian, believing he could fill a key role in their midfield.
Recent reports suggested that the Reds were engaged in discussions to explore a deal. However, with Gomes committing to Wolves, Liverpool will have to reassess their options. While this may be a setback for now, the club is likely to continue monitoring his progress.
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club—but in this case, it’s a player they had hoped to sign, not one of their own. For now, Gomes remains out of reach, and Liverpool will have to shift focus to other targets as they shape their squad for the future.
Liverpool
What Sky Sports cameras picked up Trent Alexander-Arnold doing near the end of Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Liverpool moved a big step closer to winning the Premier League title on Wednesday with a narrow win in the Merseyside Derby.
The Reds knew a big night lay ahead having had a chastening week prior to the March international break.
In retrospect, a Merseyside Derby was the perfect way for Liverpool to bounce back and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
It was not a pretty win by any means but the Reds got the job done, Diogo Jota’s second-half goal winning the game.
Jota has been in the spotlight of late having had a torrid time in-front of goal recently. But the Liverpool striker has had nothing compared to the attention heading Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way during the past two weeks.
With Alexander-Arnold looking likely to join Real Madrid, the right-back has become a divisive figure at Anfield. And with injury ruling him out of Wednesday’s game, he was spotted watching on from the stands during what could be his last ever derby as a Liverpool player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoys Merseyside Derby
Given all the noise around him recently, you could not blame Alexander-Arnold for wishing to keep his head down and stay as in the shadows as possible.
However, the 26-year-old was watching on at Anfield on Wednesday, spotted sitting alongside Joe Gomez as the Reds recorded a big win.
With Liverpool winning 1-0 and the clock ticking deep into the six minutes of injury time, Sky Sports cameras panned to Trent watching on.
The right-back looked completely at ease, and smiled a slightly mischievous smile as the cameras hit him.
Without Trent or Conor Bradley, Arne Slot chose to field Curtis Jones in an unorthodox right-back position.
While the Liverpool academy graduate did well, Alexander-Arnold’s spot in the team should be secured if and when he makes it back from injury.
How did Curtis Jones do at right-back?
It remains to be seen exactly when Alexander-Arnold will be back in action for Liverpool. In the meantime it was at least nice to see him at Anfield for this one.
The way Trent embraces Curtis
#LFC pic.twitter.com/VS9E2ulqYI
— Asim (@asim_lfc) April 2, 2025
On the pitch, right-back has become a slight problem position for Slot as the end of the season comes into view.
Bradley is Alexander-Arnold’s natural successor, but with Northern Irishman injured and Jarell Quansah not a right-back, Slot turned to Jones.
On the whole, the Scouser did a good job. As you’d expect, he looked assured in possession and was rarely troubled defensively either.
One crucial intervention late on stopped a dangerous ball into the box and on the whole Jones can be pleased with his night’s work.
Liverpool
James Tarkowski sends message to Alexis Mac Allister over horror tackle in Merseyside derby
Everton captain James Tarkowski approached Alexis Mac Allister to apologise for his horror challenge on the Liverpool star during the Merseyside derby.
Wednesday’s clash at Anfield was settled by Diogo Jota’s second-half strike, sending Liverpool 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League and within touching distance of the trophy.
But there was controversy in the first-half when Tarkowski avoided what appeared to be an obvious red card after wiping out Mac Allister on the edge of his own box.
While he made contact with the ball, the England international crashed through the Liverpool midfielder with his studs up high, smashing into Mac Allister’s calf and leaving him in need of treatment.
Tarkowski was booked by on-pitch referee Samuel Barrott with the incident then reviewed by VAR Paul Tierney.
VAR however agreed with Barrott’s on-field decision and advised no further action was needed.
Tarkowski’s challenge was widely condemned with former Premier League referee Mike Dean ‘astounded’ the defender remained on the pitch.
At the full time whistle, Tarkowski immediately approached Mac Allister with the two smiling and sharing some friendly words before parting on good terms.
‘I spoke to him, I apologised because it was not a great tackle,’ Tarkowski told Premier League Productions.
‘When the ball fell between us I actually thought he was going to come in and I was expecting a big, old-school 50-50 tackle.
‘He just pulled out of the tackle, as I lunged in my follow-through caught him really high.
‘I’ve apologised to him and he’s accepted it but not a great one from me.’
Everton boss David Moyes was initially convinced it was a ‘brilliant’ tackle from his skipper.
‘My first thought was it’s a brilliant tackle for a derby game,’ the Toffees boss said.
‘A tackle that maybe we would have seen a few years ago. But I understand that nowadays there’s things that are slightly different with follow throughs, so we might have got a bit lucky.’
Moyes was also frustrated that Liverpool’s winner was allowed to stand, convinced Luis Diaz was stood in an offside position when he teed up Jota.
‘The player behind Tarkowski interferes with him clearing it,’ Moyes said.
‘It’s a clear offside, I think it’s a very easy decision to give. I can’t understand any reason why that wouldn’t have been given offside. None at all.’
Liverpool
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson agrees with Jamie Carragher over James Tarkowksi tackle vs Liverpool
Liverpool reclaimed their 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a professional yet unremarkable 1-0 win against Everton.
The Reds were back to winning ways after last month’s losses to PSG and Newcastle United, with Liverpool one step closer to lifting the English championship after enacting revenge against Everton following their dramatic draw earlier this year.
The big talking point of the match, though, was James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, with Mark Clattenburg saying the Everton defender should have seen red after his reckless challenge on the Liverpool no. 10.
And Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has now given his verdict on Tarkowski’s rash tackle on Mac Allister.
Duncan Ferguson slams ‘terrible decision’ not to send off James Tarkowski
Speaking on Sky Sports coverage of the match, the former Goodison Park striker was critical of the referee’s decision not to send off Tarkowski, with Ferguson in disbelief that the Everton defender was not shown a red card.
Although Liverpool ended up winning the match and claiming bragging rights in Merseyside for another season, Tarkowski’s challenge on Mac Allister was brutal and could have caused the Argentine some real damage if the foul played out differently.
And even for a former Premier League hard man in Ferguson, the Everton legend believed Tarkowski should have been sent off, with the England international lucky to not have been sent for an early shower at Anfield.
Ferguson said: “No arguments, straight red, absolutely. He knows what he’s doing. he’s come right through him, that’s a straight red all day long. It’s the referee’s first derby, maybe he’s a bit nervous to make the decision, but he should have been sent to the monitor. It’s a straight red. Terrible decision.”
Jamie Carragher agrees that James Tarkowsk should have seen red
It wasn’t just Ferguson on the Sky Sports panel who thought Tarkowski was lucky to have remained on the pitch, with Jamie Carragher also sharing his disbelief that the Everton defender escaped a red card against Liverpool.
Carragher said when asked about Tarkowski’s tackle on Mac Allister: “In terms of the referee, he is in a brilliant position. He has to see that. It is a shocking tackle and there should be no debate.
“It is an awful tackle. He knows what he is doing. Tarkowski has got previous as well, against Everton for Burnley. The referee not giving it is bad but for Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR is shocking.”
Mike Dean explains why James Tarkowski should have been sent off in furious VAR rant
James Tarkowski was fortunate to avoid a red card for a nasty challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in Everton’s Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The match was charged with intensity from the start, and Everton skipper Tarkowski made a contentious move in the 11th minute with a risky tackle on Liverpool’s midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Although Tarkowski hit the ball first, his follow-through was high on Mac Allister’s left leg, leaving the Argentine writhing in pain on the field and Arne Slot shaking his head on the touchline.
Initially, Tarkowski was only shown a yellow card for his action. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident, and Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville was among those who felt it warranted a sending off, commenting: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that”. Paul Merson was also disgusted by the decision.
However, VAR decided to uphold referee Sam Barrott’s original decision. A statement from PGMOL confirmed: “The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”.
Yet, ex-Premier League referee Dean, typically a staunch defender of VAR and officiating decisions, expressed outrage at the outcome, failing to comprehend why Tarkowski wasn’t dismissed.
During his appearance on Sky Sports, Dean said: “Tarkowski’s played the ball… but when you see the still (image), the follow through is awful. I mean – he hasn’t got his foot planted luckily enough, but it’s a red card. There’s speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball, but the follow through – it’s a terrible challenge.
“For me, he (Barrott) should’ve gone to the screen, should’ve sent Tarkowski off – 100 percent. It is a horrible challenge. It is a red card all day.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock didn’t hold back as he expressed his agreement with Dean’s opinion, strongly criticising Tarkowski’s tackle during his commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live: “This challenge is nasty from James Tarkowski. He wins the ball, but follows-through on Alexis Mac Allister.”
The ex-Red continued by saying, “Tarkowski knows exactly what he’s doing in that situation. I think it is so dangerous. It is out of control from Tarkowski.”
Warnock also took issue with referee Sam Barrott’s performance, particularly for missing a foul against Liverpool’s Luis Diaz in the first half.
Warnock concluded with critical remarks about the official’s handling of the game: “He is finding this difficult, Sam Barrott. That is a foul on Luis Diaz Diaz shows the ball to Jake O’Brien and O’Brien takes him out.”
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