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Journalist Jacque Talbot has reported that Jurgen Klopp isn't a fan of Paul Mitchell who has recently been linked as the next sporting director for Liverpool.

What's the latest on Paul Mitchell and Liverpool?

In November 2022, it was revealed that Julian Ward would be leaving his role as the Reds' sporting director at the end of the current season.

The news was said to have come as a bit of a surprise to the Anfield hierarchy who were disappointed by this key development with Ward only in the job for a year after replacing Michael Edwards.

As a result, Liverpool are on the lookout for a new figure to come in and take charge of the position and 41-year-old Mitchell has been tipped as an option after he recently announced he would be leaving his role as Monaco sporting director.

While speaking about all this on his YouTube channel, however, Talbot revealed that current Reds boss Klopp might not be so keen to see the executive arrive.

The journalist explained (14:28): “My guy was like, could you just find that out for us? Like is there any truth to Klopp not wanting Paul Mitchell, because we just heard it down there.

"I kind of thought, well I'll find out. And I just went to my guy and I was like: so Paul Mitchell… is it true at Liverpool, Klopp isn't a fan?

"And he goes, I've heard similar. I don't think he's a big fan of Paul Mitchell.”

Who is possible Liverpool sporting director Paul Mitchell?

If Jurgen Klopp really isn't a fan of Mitchell, it's hard to imagine the 41-year-old getting the job. After all, the German still has a contract that runs until 2026 and after winning so much, it's likely he'll have a big say in some of the important decisions behind the scenes.

However, Mitchell has a great reputation within the game and has drawn interest from the likes of Chelsea and while Manchester United in the past, so he must be doing something right.

What's more, he has good experience across Europe and in the Premier League too having worked with RB Leipzig as well as Tottenham Hotspur – where he is credited with helping bring in both Dele Alli and Heung-min Son.

All in all, it seems as though Mitchell could be a great sporting director for somebody, but if Klopp doesn't like him, then perhaps he'll end up elsewhere.

Journalist Dean Jones has predicted that Sean Dyche could end up "loving" Everton striker Ellis Simms as he has the potential to keep the club from relegation.

What's the latest on Ellis Simms and Everton?

Back in January, the Toffees looked to be in a really dire situation as they sacked Frank Lampard having not won a Premier League game since October.

However, in recent weeks form has changed somewhat and Dyche will see his team enter the International break 15th on the table, two points above the bottom three.

In their last outing, Simms managed to grab a superb solo goal to rescue a point for Everton against Chelsea way from home with just one minute of the 90 to play.

With that in mind, while speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones explained how the 22-year-old could be a good fit for new manager Dyche.

He said: "He's better than Maupay, isn't he? So he's already shown that. At least he's got some front about him and can charge through. He looks very driven, doesn't he?

"And he's a big lad. I mean, that's the sort of player you can just imagine Dyche absolutely loving. And you want that hunger in someone to prove a point and he looks like he's got that, too.

"So could be a hero at Everton by the end of the season."

Is Simms a better option for Everton than Maupay?

In all competitions, Simms has actually scored a very tidy eight goals from 23 outings, with two assists to his name as well. However, seven of these efforts were on loan with Sunderland in the Championship.

That means his strike against Chelsea was his first in six outings since being recalled from the Black Cats in January. Even so, across that time, he's only been on the pitch for 110 minutes.

Neal Maupay, on the other hand, has been regularly involved for Everton but still only has just one goal in 22 outings, for a total of 1,096 mins of game time across all competitions.

With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Jones has suggested that the 22-year-old has more to offer than the Frenchman. And seeing as Maupay didn't get off the bench against Chelsea while Simms did, it seems quite likely that Dyche agrees.

It will certainly be interesting to see if the young forward can continue to help his team in the midst of their relegation battle or if this was just a one-off – much like Maupay's only goal of the season.

Everton striker Neal Maupay is Brighton & Hove Albion's all-time Premier League top goalscorer, level with Glenn Murray on 26, but has failed to offer even a shadow of his former cutting edge since transferring to Goodison Park last summer.

The Toffees appointed the stoic and gritty Sean Dyche to replace the dismissed Frank Lampard in the managerial position in January, but the recent purple patch should not negate the shambolic failures on the transfer front and consequently the pitch over the past several years, running the Merseyside into the ground like a fallen plane.

Indeed, Everton staved off relegation from the top-flight by the skin of their teeth last term, with a late surge of form preserving coveted status among the crème de la crème of English football once again, but the ensuing summer transfer left little to be admired, certainly from an attacking perspective.

Dwight McNeil and the Frenchman were signed, and while the former Burnley winger has been a steady presence, scoring the winner against Brentford last time out, his talismanic peer has offered little impactful contribution over his time in Everton colours.

How much has Maupay cost Everton?

When Maupay was signed for £15m in August, it was viewed as a shrewd deal, with Maupay a steady goalscorer for the Seagulls over his time at the club, scoring at least eight goals in each Premier League season.

But since his seasonal switch up north, the £50k-per-week ace has clinched just the solitary strike after 22 appearances across all competitions, hardly the reliable force desired to navigate away from danger at the pit of the division once again.

Given that the 26-year-old scored 27 goals and provided seven assists for Albion, the fact that he has fallen so drastically in front of goal is alarming, with FBref ranking the dud among the bottom 2% of forwards for rate of goals across Europe's top five leagues.

Branded as a forward "who can't finish" by former Aston Villa talisman Gabby Agbonlahor and "not good enough" by journalist Dean Jones already this season, Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri has effectively paid out £8m per goal for the former Seagulls man, given that Maupay's wages have totalled £1.5m thus far.

With the club one point and three places above 18th-placed Bournemouth, also holding the joint-lowest striking tally in the division, the lack of offensive impetus could indeed sour the fight for survival.

While £16.5m is not the most exorbitant of fees in the grand scheme of modern football, it is a figure that will continue to expand as Maupay's sorry Blues career drags on, and should relegation become an actuality come the end of the campaign, the choice to sign the uncapped Frenchman could prove to be a detrimental mistake.

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada on a potential free transfer this summer, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Kamada set to leave

The 26-year-old contract with Frankfurt is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave on a free transfer, and several Premier League clubs have already made their interest clear.

According to a report from early in the January transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur offered to double the midfielder’s salary in a bid to secure his services next summer, while Everton and Leeds United have previously been linked with moves for the Japan international.

The Latest: Kamada transfer battle

As per Bailey for 90min, a number of top clubs from across Europe are now in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham all said to be keeping tabs on Kamada.

Huge European outfits such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also named as potential suitors, so the Sky Blues are set to face stiff competition for the Frankfurt ace.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Man City have been presented with a fantastic opportunity to sign a quality player without having to shell out a transfer fee, and they will be hoping that the recent charges brought forward by the Premier League do not hinder their chances of winning this transfer race.

The 26-cap Japan international is in very good form, with football scout Jacek Kulig claiming last month that Kamada was ‘on fire’, and he has also been lauded as an ‘incredible talent’ by journalist Josh Bunting.

Given the 26-year-old’s attacking output this season, it is hard to disagree with that description, recording 13 goals and five assists in 27 games in all competitions and displaying that he would be a real asset to Pep Guardiola if Man City can tempt him into a summer move to the Etihad Stadium.

Nottingham Forest are believed to have made an approach to sign Atalanta defender, Merih Demiral, according to reports in Italy.

What’s the word?

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, Steve Cooper’s side are said to have made an initial loan offer for the Turkey international, with the proposal said to include an obligation to buy for a fee of around €28m (£25m).

The report goes on to add, however, that while the Serie A outfit are seemingly open to negotiations regarding the 24-year-old, the player himself is unconvinced at present at the prospect of making the move to the City Ground.

Cook upgrade

This comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of current Forest man, Steve Cook, with the experienced centre-back believed to be attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, after falling down the pecking order under Cooper of late.

The former Bournemouth skipper – who joined the Garibaldi a year ago – has failed to start any of the last six Premier League games, having notably been part of the much-changed side that was ‘torn apart’ in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat to second tier strugglers Blackpool, as per Nottinghamshire Live’s Sarah Clapson.

As such, Cooper and co could well find a notable upgrade by turning to the aforementioned Demiral before the deadline, with the former Juventus ace able to help strengthen a backline that has already shipped 34 top-flight goals this season.

The 6 foot 4 “monster” – as lauded by journalist Josh Wright – has showcased his defensive prowess for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side of late, having averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions from his 17 league appearances this season, with Cook averaging just 0.7 and 1.0 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 12 top-flight outings.

Equally, Demiral has also illustrated his commanding brilliance as he ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe for aerial duels won, as well as in the top 10% for interceptions, while Cook ranks in just the top 22% and the bottom 65% for those two metrics.

That should indicate that Forest would be making an instant improvement to their backline if they can convince the Turkish titan to make the move to England in the coming hours, with such a deal no doubt set to heighten the club’s chances of survival.

Although the January transfer window is still in full swing, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will no doubt be looking ahead to how he can strengthen his charges during the summer.

Recent reports have suggested the 52-year-old will once again by looking to the Dutch market in order to bolster his squad, having already signed the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Lisandro Martinez from the Eredivisie last year.

The suggestion is that the former Ajax boss could be looking to secure another reunion by bringing promising centre-back, Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils having reportedly been in talks regarding a move for the Netherlands international in the previous window.

The highly-rated 21-year-old – who was valued at around £43m at the time – ultimately opted to stay put and sign a contract extension in Amsterdam, although transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that a move could again be on the cards at the end of the season.

The journalist stated: “It’s definitely got to be a possibility. You look at the [Victor] Lindelöf and [Harry] Maguire situations. It’s pretty likely one of those two leaves, at least.”

The up-and-coming defender has caught the eye as a result of his standout form in the Netherlands of late, having particularly impressed with his quality in possession.

The 14-cap rock notably ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 3% for both dribbles completed and pass completion among those in his position in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’, as per FBref, illustrating just how comfortable he is when playing out from the back.

The 5 foot 10 brute is no slouch defensively, however, as he averages 1.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 17 league outings this season, having also earned praise from compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who stated last year:

“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now (at the same age). I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional.”

As for as United are concerned, the hope will be that Timber can emulate another Dutchman to have starred at the heart of the club’s backline in the form of Jaap Stam, with the commanding asset arriving in England in the summer of 1998.

Like Timber, the now-retired titan had been plying his trade in his homeland prior to joining the Red Devils, having spent two years on the books at another Dutch giant, PSV Eindhoven.

The tough-tackling powerhouse made a smooth transition to life at the Theatre of Dreams, going on to play a vital role in the treble success in the 1998/99 campaign, while winning the league title in each of three full seasons at the club.

Having subsequently – and surprisingly – been moved on to Lazio in the summer of 2001, Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted that he had made a “bad decision” in letting the 6 foot 3 ace depart, with Stam continuing to thrive in Italy after his exit.

Such was his impact in England, the one-time AC Milan man made a notable impression on his teammates and earned particular praise for his remarkable recovery speed, as Teddy Sheringham described him as being “as quick as a Ferrari”, while Nicky Butt lauded him as “an awesome defender with great recovery pace, strength and physique.”

Although young Timber may not be able to match the imposing presence of his compatriot, he too has also been praised for his breathtaking pace in the backline, with talent scout Jacek Kulig stating:

“Not the tallest defender but his understanding of the game, anticipation, pace and ball skills are exceptional.”

If the Utrecht-born menace can go on to emulate Stam, then Ten Hag and co should be in for a real treat.

Fabrizio Romano has named Leeds United as a club who are interested in signing Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.

The Lowdown: Ounahi transfer speculation

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old in recent days, with reports even suggesting that the Premier League club have made a formal offer for the Morocco international.

Journalist Ryan Taylor believes that the bid was in the region of £17.5m, although he stated that an unnamed club are in advanced talks over a transfer earlier in the week.

The Latest: Leeds seemingly keen on Ounahi

Romano replied to a Leeds supporter on Twitter in the early hours of Wednesday morning regarding a possible move to Elland Road for Ounahi.

He named the Whites and Napoli as clubs who are seemingly keen on the midfielder, saying that the duo are ‘still open’ to moving for the Moroccan, but he ruled out Paris Saint-Germain, who apparently aren’t in the running for the player.

The Verdict: One to watch…

It looks as if the majority of Leeds’ focus is on signing Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, and should that move go through, they may then turn their attention to Ounahi.

The 22-year-old can play in a variety of midfield roles, has been labelled ‘sensational’ by Zach Lowy and appears to be at the peak of his powers, with his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing following his World Cup displays.

Therefore, he could prove to be a shrewd prospective addition at Elland Road, both in the short- and long-term, especially after Mateusz Klich departed the club earlier this month.

Jamie O’Hara has suggested that Antonio Conte’s time at Tottenham Hotspur could be up if he does not change his ways.

What’s the word?

The Spurs manager has come under fire with his side struggling for form and putting in underwhelming performances, and the Italian’s stubbornness over tactics and selections has been criticised.

Speaking on TalkSport, O’Hara slammed Conte’s attitude, with his constant negative comments in the media helping to create a toxic environment, and said that he should leave the club if he did not show more adaptability to change.

He said: “I don’t think he’s giving out the right message to the media in the way he talks about the players and he talks about the team.

“What’s he like at the training ground with his meetings and the way he’s talking? If the players have lost confidence that he believes in them, because he obviously doesn’t, because he’s coming out and saying that he hasn’t even got 14 players to pick from.

“If he’s coming out and saying that, what’s his messages across in training, in team meetings? And I think the message is that the players have lost belief in him and he’s lost belief in them. And if that doesn’t change quickly, then he’s going to have to go.

“I thought his interview yesterday was a bit of a disgrace. He’s talking about we’ve got to do this, and we’ve got to spend money – I get that, everyone’s got to invest. But I also look at it and go, well, you’re just putting the blame on the board.”

Patience running out?

Conte’s contract runs out in the summer, and there has been much speculation over whether he will stay at the club or depart at the end of the campaign.

It is clear that the club will need to spend big to bring the players he wants to convince him to stay, but given his comments as well as the current performances, patience may run out at Spurs in terms of how much more uncertainty they can deal with.

If performances do not improve and Conte refuses to commit his future to the club, the Spurs board may even consider making a change sooner rather than later to help prepare them for the long-term beyond Conte’s tenure instead of signing players requested by the Italian.

Journalist Lewis Cox has hailed the impact of West Brom pair Tom Rogic and Daryl Dike in the 2-1 win away to Sunderland, calling them both ‘excellent’.

The Lowdown: Big win for Baggies

The Baggies played their first competitive game for a month on Monday night, making the trip to the Stadium of Light for a testing Championship encounter in freezing conditions.

Having trailed at half-time, West Brom produced an impressive and spirited comeback in the second half, with Rogic equalising brilliantly and fellow substitute Dike then scoring the winner.

It was a massive three points that saw Carlos Corberan’s side jump to 17th in the table, as they continue to improve after the sacking of Steve Bruce.

The Latest: ‘Excellent’ duo hailed

Taking to Twitter, Cox hailed the impact of Rogic and Dike from the bench, picking them out as vital figures moving forward:

“Rogic and Dike were excellent goals-aside, too. Corberan’s changes were inspired, as was half-time response. If those two maintain fitness and tonight’s form it clicks wba through gears. This side look a different proposition to Bruce days now.”

The Verdict: Two key players moving forward

Rogic and Dike were both superb on Monday evening, playing such a key role in West Brom’s victory, not just because they found the net.

The former was a classy presence during his cameo, enjoying a 92% pass completion rate and winning seven ground duels, while the latter registered an assist.

As Cox alludes to, the duo do feel like influential figures between now and the end of the season, and Corberan needs to find a regular place for them in his starting lineup.

Newcastle United are believed to be keeping tabs on Rennes forward Martin Terrier ahead of the January transfer window, with the Frenchman attracting hefty interest from the Premier League.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have revealed that the Magpies – as well as a number of top-flight clubs – are currently scouting the 25-year-old with a move in the winter in mind, with the highly-coveted marksman set to cost in the region of £30m.

This follows previous speculation during the summer that claimed that Dan Ashworth was hoping to sign the former Lyon man, with Football Insider stating that an offer of around £25m had been submitted by the northeast side.

Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided his thoughts regarding a possible swoop for the 6-foot sensation, stating:

“I can understand why Newcastle would be taking a look at him. It’s my feeling that after this World Cup, he’ll probably start to play a bit of a role for the French national team as well.

“And obviously, after a fairly slow start to the season, he’s really started to get motoring in Ligue 1 as well. So, there is the possibility that they qualify for the Champions League between now and the end of the season, and obviously that would add a substantial amount to his price tag as well.

“But I think in terms of a fit, he would be able to play and perform at the highest level in the Premier League, but I do think probably needs a bit of consistent exposure to continental football.

“And that’s not something that Newcastle will be able to offer immediately. The assumption is that they will finish in the European places based on how they’re performing in the Premier League so far.”

Newcastle’s next Ginola

Terrier has seemingly warranted such interest as a result of his goalscoring heroics in recent years, with the former France U21 international having scored 41 goals and provided 19 assists in just 104 games for his current side to date.

That haul includes a tally of 11 goals in just 20 games in all competitions so far this term – eight of which have come in just 14 league games – while the £21.4k-per-week machine also scored 21 times in 37 top-flight appearances last term.

That record is particularly impressive considering the one-time Lille man – who still has just under four years left to run on his existing deal – is not an out-and-out centre-forward, having typically lined up on the left flank in his career thus far.

Such clinical displays from the flanks have even seen the wide man likened to legendary compatriot Thierry Henry in the past, with European football writer Tim Williams previously stating:

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

As far as those at St James’ Park are concerned, the hope will be that Terrier can replicate the impact of another Frenchman to have lit up the Premier League from the flanks in the form of David Ginola, with the silky playmaker having enjoyed an impressive two-year stint with the Magpies.

The now-retired icon was snapped up by Kevin Keegan from Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in 1995 for a reported fee of around £2.5m, going on to quickly become something of a cult figure among the club’s support, as well as in England as a whole.

While Ginola’s time with Newcastle was brief – having eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 – the Gassin-born maestro delighted both fans and pundits alike with his speed and skill from his wide berth, notably scoring seven times and providing 16 assists in 76 games for the club in total.

Part of a team that twice finished second in the league – and was memorably lauded as the league’s “Entertainers” – the flamboyant gem truly did leave his mark on Tyneside after arriving from his homeland.

Should Terrier be able to replicate such an impact were he to sign in the New Year, then Eddie Howe and co would surely be in for a real treat.