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Stuck in fifth and out of the FA Cup, Liverpool have been unable to make a solid enough impact across the board this season.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has assembled a relatively decent squad with exceptional young players like Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling within their ranks, but they are lacking in a key area.

Liverpool have missed the goals of a prolific striker since the departure of Luis Suarez to Spanish giants Barcelona last summer. The Reds did try to reduce the damage by signing Italian Mario Balotelli, but with only four goals to his name since arriving from AC Milan, has never really gotten started.

Likewise with Daniel Sturridge, who alongside his strike partner Suarez, almost fired Liverpool to the title last season but has spent much of this campaign on the bench due to stubborn injuries.

The Reds will need to sign a top striker in the summer transfer window and one of the names being associated with the club is that of Radamel Falcao.

This is a strange one as Falcao is perhaps one of the most underwhelming players to join the Premier League, on par with Liverpool’s own Balotelli.

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To say that the Colombian has had a poor season is an understatement. Four goals and numerous missed chances has turned the once highly-rated forward into a laughing stock and Manchester United are unlikely to fork out for a permanent deal once his contract has expired.

But maybe he won’t be returning to Monaco for long, and instead will get another shot at the Premier League with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Where some have written Falcao off, believing that his previous injuries have ruined his career, there are others who think that he just needs time to find form and adapt to our highly physical league.

If that proves true then Liverpool could do a lot worse than sign him. At his best Falcao was scoring 30+ goals in a season and was admired around the world.

But then a knee injury ruled him out for six months, which unfortunately included the World Cup in Brazil last summer. That didn’t stop United signing him on an expensive season-long loan deal, which has proven to be an error of judgement given the striker’s failings in front of goal.

Liverpool made a mistake bringing in Balotelli and fans may not forgive Rodgers if he does it again with Falcao. The risk may be just too risky for a club that needs to show serious improvement next season after failing to secure a Champions League spot this term.

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Another loan deal may not suit the forward but should be the only agreement the Reds make until they see he is worth investing in.

At 29-years-old, Falcao is certainly not young and if Liverpool have the chance to sign a different player who has spent this last year producing good quality goals and is still relatively young then they should go with that option, as there is every possibility that Falcao is now just damaged goods.

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Perhaps the least said about Roberto Soldado’s ill-fated time at White Hart Lane, the better. For one reason or another, the man Tottenham Hotspur managed to shell out £26million for back in the summer of 2013, has ultimately turned out to be a complete waste of time for Spurs and their loyal fan-base.

In scoring over 30 goals last season in all competitions for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, 21-year-old Harry Kane has certainly put his fellow striker’s shortcomings into perspective – and that is something that really doesn’t bode well for the former Valencia and Real Madrid man ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

Along with the equally expensive Eric Lamela and Paulinho down at White Hart Lane, the now 30-year-old Spaniard just hasn’t performed adequately enough considering his incredibly hefty price tag. With the Spurs hierarchy also reportedly targeting VfB Stuttgart’s young striker, Timo Werner, as back up for their forward line next season, it seems Soldado’s time in Tottenham colours is finally approaching its end.

So then, does the out of sorts Spaniard still have a future in North London with the 2015/16 campaign already fast approaching, or is Roberto Soldado inevitably never going to match his performances with his £26 million price tag out on the pitch for Spurs?

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The answer seems pretty obvious enough in the cold light of day. Whilst it may not make for easy reading for the likes of Daniel Levy and co. behind the scenes at Tottenham Hotspur, the ex-Mestalla Stadium favourite was simply never actually worth the staggering amount Spurs eventually paid out for his services.

It was a gamble of the highest order – and as Roberto Soldado has barely managed to have much of an influence since first joining up at White Hart Lane two summers ago – his signing has certainly proved a risk that hasn’t paid off. Obviously such a statement is easily made with the use of hindsight, but a club the size of Tottenham should ultimately be certain of what their paying for when deciding to front that kind of money in the transfer market.

It just goes to show that the Premier League may be a tougher nut to crack than its equivalents across the rest of Europe. Sure La Liga certainly plays hosts to some of the best talent the world has ever seen these days, but because Soldado has nonetheless failed to do the business in England, the level of overall quality throughout the Spanish league can be viably called into question.

The 30-year-old front-man once scored over 50 goals for Valencia before he made his ill-fated switch to North London. The struggling no. 9 certainly seemed like he knew where the goal was back then – and in representing his national side during the height of Spain’s dominance in world football at the time – Tottenham fans can certainly be forgiven for expecting a great deal more from Roberto Soldado than what they have so far witnessed.

However, as many of the other new recruits brought to White Hart Lane on the back of the Gareth Bale money have also failed to live up to their potential at Spurs, maybe the former Valencia hot-shot ultimately doesn’t deserve all the blame for his recent poor form.

The aforementioned likes of Eric Lamela and Paulinho certainly haven’t done themselves many favours since first pulling on the Tottenham shirt – and as Vlad Chiriches and Etienne Capoue have also subsequently struggled since moving to North London – maybe the club themselves need to address the way they do business in the transfer market. With a clear lack of Premier League experience under the belts of such signings, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now regrettably reaping what they initially sowed.

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In meeting inflated price tags that were obviously well over the odds for Roberto Soldado and co, Spurs lifted their statuses to a level that could never be obtained – and as the Spanish forward was never likely to produce the form of a £26 million player for Tottenham even if things went truly according to plan – players like Soldado ultimately fell by the wayside as a result over being over-hyped and grossly over-valued.

Lessons must therefore be learnt by the Tottenham board this summer as the club approaches the 2015/16 campaign. As time seemingly no longer resides on the side of Roberto Soldado however, it seems the once promising striker doesn’t have much of a future left at White Hart Lane looking ahead to the future.

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Whilst it looks unlikely that Liverpool will land Barcelona’s Pedro, with Chelsea and Arsenal ready to trigger his £22million release clause and everyone looking priced out of moves for Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain.

Having missed the boat for cheap bargains in the shape of Antoine Griezmann and Marek Hamsik, here are five better ways to spend the £49 million windfall from the sale of Raheem Sterling than committing £32.5 million to Villa’s Christian Benteke.

With Brendan Rodgers recently reaffirming his belief in Liverpool’s ability to draw top talent, any one of these would also reinforce his confidence…

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Marco Reus

Here is a player readily linked with a move to the Premier League.

Having watched on as world class players departed Dortmund in the shape of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, he is arguably the star talent still plying his trade at the Westfalenstadion.

With the club having failed to secure Champions League football for next season and the departure of charismatic coach Jurgen Klopp leaving for a sabbatical, it may be just the time for Marco to jump ship.

Whether his preferred destination would be Liverpool is another matter, but he would be seen as a direct replacement for Raheem Sterling – an upgrade in my opinion.

With his contract running until June 2019 he would not come cheap, with reports suggesting a £46 million bid would be required to pry this talented German away from ‘Der BVB’.

Notching up seven goals and five assists in an injury hit season last time out is still impressive and he would suit Liverpool’s playing style.

Robert Lewandowski

Former team mate of Marco Reus, Lewandowski is another option available with his agent recently claiming he would cost upwards of £35million, surely a bargain for his talents.

The closest thing, outside of Alexis Sanchez and Carlos Tevez, to Luis Suarez in terms of providing that high energy pressing level, which was severely missed last season.

Adept at playing a fast paced style of football, his finishing and all round technique would make him an excellent addition to Premier League football.

Whether he or Bayern Munich would want to part ways so soon is yet to be seen. Having an impressive season last term, scoring 25 goals in 49 games, it would be unlikely he would drop out of the Champions League to play at Anfield.

Alexandre Lacazette

Having an incredible time with Lyon last season, scoring 27 and assisting a further eight in 33 games in Ligue 1, he has been linked with a big money move to the Premier League all summer long.

Although the strongest link has been to Arsenal, Liverpool would very much be in the running if they turned their attentions to the French hotshot.

In many quarters, a move to Liverpool would be considered a step up but Lacazette is definitely up to the challenge with this option seeming the most plausible move outside of the supposed deal for Benteke.

Certainly more suited to the ‘Liverpool way’ than the big Belgian, let’s hope Brendan Rodgers takes a good look at this option.

Thomas Muller

As attacking players stack up at the German champions, it has become apparent that Muller’s frustrations have been mounting in regards to his position within the front line.

Possessing majestic finishing, his abilities certainly merit a number 9 berth within most of European’s top clubs. As of yet, his spot on the right wing looks to remain.

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Someone close to Muller has clearly been putting out feelers for a possible move away from Munich. With Thomas having spoken so glowingly of former boss Louis van Gaal, it appears Manchester United hold the cards with respect to that move.

It doesn’t stop Liverpool enquiring though with a fee in the region of £45million supposedly being the ticket to capturing Germany’s top scorer in the 2014 World Cup.

Karim Benzema

Now why would you want to leave the Spanish capital after having secured the long awaited ‘La Decima’ 10th Champions League title? Bask in that glory for a bit, surely?

Long been linked with a move to Premier League due to his power, now may finally be the time it comes to pass. Just the other day, Arsene Wenger denied any attempts to lure his compatriot to the Emirates. Whilst this may be a double bluff from Le Professeur, it does leave the door open to a shrewd bid from Liverpool.

Playing 2nd and sometimes 3rd fiddle to Ronaldo and Bale last season, Karim was still able to score 22 goals in 46 games in all competitions.

Seeming to have been around forever, the French frontman is still only 27 having consistently performed both domestically and internationally throughout his career. He would be a massive signing for anywhere between £24-40million if what you read in the the national rags is to be believed.

Arsenal face Crystal Palace tonight in the English Premier League with victory a must if they’re to maintain their challenge to finish in the top four.

With the rest of the league having played their fixtures this mid-week, Arsenal find themselves four points adrift of fourth placed Liverpool and three behind Tottenham Hotspur, who sit in fifth.

Arsene Wenger has named his starting eleven, returning to a formation that has a back three and two attacking wing-backs.

It’s an interesting selection from the Arsenal boss, having not played Sead Kolasinac for the previous three fixtures, also bringing Calum Chambers back into the defensive line.

Supporters are delighted to see Kolasinac return. While his form dipped before being dropped, he has shown glimpses of real quality already so far this season and fans are hoping that the time spent on the bench will see him recapture those kind of performances.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his inclusion this evening…

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Newcastle United face a gargantuan task tonight in the English Premier League, hosting Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently undefeated in domestic competition this season, dropping just two points in the top-flight, way back in August.

It’s been an extraordinary streak that’s seen them score an eye-watering 60 league goals along the way in just 19 matches.

Are they unstoppable?

The Magpies will be hoping not, needing as many points as possible to keep them clear of being drawn into a prolonged relegation battle.

Rafa Benitez’s side have less than a third of City’s points total and have less than a third of total goals scored, highlighting the difference this season between the two sides.

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Nonetheless, fans are hopeful they can be the team to finally beat the league leaders, believing an upset is on the cards this evening.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

According to BBC Football, out of favour Everton star Davy Klaassen, who is rated at £16.2m according to Transfermarkt, could be one of the high-profile departures from the club this month.

BBC Football says that along with teammates Niasse and Sandro Ramirez, the 24-year-old could be on his way out of Goodison Park before the January transfer window slams shut on January 31 having failed to make an impact following his £23.6m summer move from Ajax.

The Netherlands international struggled under former manager Ronald Koeman with his situation not improving under new boss Sam Allardyce, and he was left out of the squad altogether for the 2-1 defeat against arch-rivals Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield last Friday.

The report adds that while the Merseyside outfit are willing to offload the Dutchman, they will likely want to recoup most of the fee they paid to sign him in June.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur still have plenty to play for this season as they look to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, progress in the FA Cup and beat Juventus in the knockout stages of the Champions League, and Mauricio Pochettino may well be looking to add some quality and depth to his squad this month.

The Argentine boss may want more competition in attacking areas following the departure of Georges-Kevin Nkoudou on loan to Burnley, and bringing Klaassen to Wembley could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Tottenham must sign the out of favour Everton star…

Pochettino can get the best out of him

While Klaassen has failed to make an impact at Everton, Tottenham boss Pochettino would certainly be confident that he could get the best out of the 24-year-old given his record for Ajax previously and the fact that he was their captain.

The Netherlands international has found it hard to adapt to Premier League football, but given that he has rarely played in his favoured No 10 role after Everton also bought Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney during the summer, as well as the fact that his opportunities in the team largely came when they were struggling at the beginning of the campaign, perhaps it is no surprise.

Klaassen certainly has talent, and he could provide some much-needed competition for the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli in the starting XI.

Goals and assists

While Eriksen, Alli and Son Heung-Min have all been in excellent form for Spurs this season, the north London outfit don’t really have many players that are ready to dislodge them from their position if they suffer a lack of form or confidence.

Even though Klaassen has struggled with Everton, the fact that he scored 20 goals and provided a further 12 assists in 50 appearances for Ajax last season shows the quality he has in his locker and potential that he has, and he could step up to the plate when some of Tottenham’s attacking players are flattering to deceive or failing to break down the opposition.

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Success with Ajax players

Tottenham have directly bought Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen and Davinson Sanchez from Ajax in recent years, and they have all gone on to be a success and become important players for Spurs.

Of course, even though they didn’t sign him from the Dutch giants themselves, Toby Alderweireld also started his career there, and having improved and developed that quartet the north London club and Mauricio Pochettino would be confident that they could also make Klaassen a key man too – if they are willing to splash the cash on the 24-year-old this month.

Do you agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below.

As reported by The Daily Mirror, Liverpool are on alert in the final few days of the January window after Monaco opened the door on a potential transfer for winger Keita Balde.

What’s the story?

Liverpool are lacking creativity in the final third after the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and addressing before the transfer window closes would go down well with supporters.

One player that could make a move to Anfield is Keita Balde.

That’s according to The Daily Mirror, who reckon that both Liverpool and Arsenal have been alerted by the winger’s availability after Monaco consider letting him leave this month.

Signed by the Ligue 1 side for £30m last summer, the two English clubs will have to compete for his signature with Napoli, say the paper.

Assists and goals galore

Balde has proven himself to be an elite attacking player over the last couple of seasons, performing to a high standard for both Monaco and Lazio.

For the Serie A side last season he scored an impressive 16 goals and provided six assists from the left wing, an area of the pitch that Liverpool could do with strengthening.

This season so far at Monaco he’s already created nine assists and has also scored five Ligue 1 goals, making it clear he has the quality to produce on a consistent basis.

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If he re-produced that kind of form at Anfield, it would likely allow Liverpool fans to quickly forget about Coutinho.

As reported by The Scotsman, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the club are eyeing moves for two players on transfer deadline day.

What’s the story?

After a pretty slow January at the Hoops in terms of incoming transfers, things ramped up this week with the arrival of Charly Musonda on loan from Chelsea and goalkeeper Craig Gordon suffering a long-term injury.

Gordon will be out of action for around three months after colliding with former teammate Efe Ambrose in the match against Hibernian on Saturday, leaving Celtic scrambling for a replacement shot-stopper in the final days of the window.

However, that’s not the only new face we could see arrive at Celtic Park today after Brendan Rodgers confirmed he’s hoping to bring in one other player beyond the goalkeeping position.

The treble-winning manager also confirmed Scott Bain was one of the goalkeepers the club are looking at.

Speaking after last night’s match against Hearts and quoted by The Scotsman, Rodgers said:

I’ll need to speak to Peter [Lawwell] but there was nothing changed before the game. Ideally we’ll have a goalkeeper and one other. I could sit here all day and go through the names but he [Bain] is one of many mentioned. We want a goalkeeper that fits our idea of how we play. That’s important.

All supporters’ eyes will be on the Celtic Park car park then, perhaps also refreshing Twitter at a furious pace.

What positions can they still strengthen?

The arrival of Charly Musonda has undoubtedly added attacking freshness to Celtic’s final third and the Hoops are as strong as ever in central midfield with a number of options that Rodgers can choose from.

That leaves the defensive line as the key priority for the Hoops today, with back-up needed for Kieran Tierney and perhaps even a first-team-ready centre back to compete for places with the already established defenders.

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Whether that’s what Brendan Rodgers has in mind we’ll have to wait and see, but if the Hoops can add a goalkeeper and another defender in the final hours of the window then supporters will likely be content.

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One shot on target in 90 minutes of football.If there is one team that you do not expect to hear that statistic associated with its Manchester United, especially in the Champions League.However, that is all that Jose Mourinho’s team could muster against a Sevilla side who have been struggling domestically and concede goals at a rate of knots.[ad_pod ]In an immeasurably turgid affair that ended goalless, United looked uncharacteristically lethargic. Had it not been from a wonder save from the perennially impressive David De Gea, the team could well have returned to Old Trafford needing to overturn a first leg defeat.Mourinho is a master of the defensive side of the game. However, a tie as favourable as this should have given Manchester United the freedom to head to Seville with attacking impetus.However, this failed to transpire and United fans were quick to take to Twitter to vent their frustrations at a wholly disappointing performance…

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule Aaron Ramsey out of this Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

The midfielder has been a doubt for the contest due to a groin injury that has been hampering him since the turn of the year.

In fact, the Wales international has only featured four times for the Gunners since 2018 rolled around.

In recent weeks, Ramsey was forced to sit out of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, and he also played no part in the team’s 3-0 victory over Ostersunds in the first leg of the club’s Europa League last-32 clash on Thursday.

During his pre-match press conference, Wenger revealed team news ahead of the return fixture at the Emirates.

Ramsey will not feature on the night, and neither will Mesut Ozil, who committed his future to the Gunners after the January transfer window closed.

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Given that Arsenal have one foot in the last-16 stage, the majority of fans will be more concerned with Ramsey’s fitness for Sunday’s showpiece.

According to the Metro, when asked about the midfielder’s availability for the clash against Manchester City, Wenger told reporters:

“We’ll see how his evolution goes from now until Sunday I don’t rule him out yet but it depends how well he can improve the intensity of his training. Ideally you want to have the choice but our job is about adapting. Rarely you have luxury to choose from the whole squad. ‘I would like him to be available but we’ll see.”