Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all monitoring England defender Jarell Quansah as the 23-year-old continues to impress for Bayer Leverkusen. (Caught Offside), external
'Gigantic concern' if Jacquet is injuredpublished at 12:07 BST 7 October
12:07 BST 7 October
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Liverpool fan Peter Kenny Jones believes it would be a "gigantic concern" if Jeremy Jacquet is injured for the game against Manchester City on Sunday after the France international withdrew from international duty with a fitness issue.
The 21-year-old centre back has impressed since joining up with the club this summer after he completed his move from Rennes in January and Jones thinks he is set to be Virgil van Dijk's successor when the Reds captain calls time on his legendary career at Anfield.
"I'd say it's a gigantic concern," Jones told BBC Radio Merseyside. "We were talking about him being the successor to Van Dijk and I'm definitely not the only one saying that and his performances have been as impressive as Van Dijk has been this season. Maybe we'd compare him to [Ibrahima] Konate and he's better even though Konate wasn't a bad defender, Jacquet is that good.
"He, as much as us, would be looking forward to seeing how he copes against [Erling] Haaland. It's a massive worry but it's just because [Giovanni] Leoni hasn't played at all so it's not going to be him and you're going to have to put [Ronald] Araujo in there and he has been good but then you'll have to put [Jeremie] Frimpong at right-back.
"Jacquet is as good as Van Dijk looks on the ball. His passes into midfield are so exciting and so different that Van Dijk is obviously going to benefit from having a good footballer alongside."
Jones also touched on Bradley Barcola's slow start on Merseyside after his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain, saying: "It's nine games for club and country without a goal or assist which isn't ideal for a player you've spent £120m on.
"We've seen flashes of what he can do, like against Atletico Madrid when he had that huge chance. There's definitely something there in that £120m, it's just how we get the most of it.
"He's 24-years-old, he's just come to a new country, he's really, really quick, everything else I'm still waiting to see but not in the sense that he's running out of time.
"He's not even had the minutes really to say he should've done more but there will come a time if we get to a month down the line or Christmas and it becomes a worry. But go and score a hat-trick against City and we'll all forgive him, so it's fine."
Man City game 'like a Champions League final at Anfield'published at 08:05 BST 7 October
08:05 BST 7 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Sunday's match between Liverpool and Manchester City and what you expect from atmosphere to performance.
Here are some of your comments:
John: The atmosphere will be white-hot. The Liverpool fans will make sure City's players, board, staff and fans know what they think of the guilty verdict. It'll be interesting to see how everyone related to Manchester City (particularly their board and players) reacts to the atmosphere.
Ken: I hope it's a feral atmosphere from start to finish, albeit with no shenanigans between the two sets of supporters.
Ryfi: It will be hostile for the City players and fans. I expect it to be like a Champions League final at Anfield. The fans will be very loud and intimidating.
Paul: I think the songs will be very interesting and, also, the whistles will be deafening.
Marilyn: If ever our Reds need to turn up it's this match! A really convincing win would give our boys such a boost and prove a really big point to City. I can see lots of potential - we just need to gel and this is the match to do it.
Gossip: Reds interested in Cherki published at 07:17 BST 7 October
07:17 BST 7 October
Liverpool and Paris St-Germain are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Manchester City should the 23-year-old France midfielder become available. (Teamtalk), external
Rival clubs want range of punishments for Man Citypublished at 07:09 BST 7 October
07:09 BST 7 October
Image source, Getty Images
A number of Premier League clubs want Manchester City to be hit with both "retrospective punishments" and sanctions for the future for their mass financial rule-breaking, sources have told BBC Sport.
An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City have appealed against the verdict, while the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is poised to look at the findings to see if there may be any suggestions of potential misconduct.
However, there is said to be a consensus among a group of top-flight club executives that if City's appeal is unsuccessful, the sanctions should make reparations for the period when they broke the rules, while also limiting their powers in future.
There is also a feeling from at least four Premier League boardrooms that a "one-hit" points deduction resulting in relegation to the Championship would be an insufficient punishment given the severity of City's wrongdoing.
Reds could be without Jacquetpublished at 15:14 BST 6 October
15:14 BST 6 October
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of Jeremy Jacquet's injury after the defender missed France's Nations League win over Belgium.
Jacquet, who has featured in all seven matches for the Reds this season, played twice for Zinedine Zidane's squad before Monday's omission.
In a statement from the French Football Federation, they said the 21-year-old had sustained a "strain to his left hamstring", while in Zidane's post-match press conference he said Jacquet was "slightly injured".
The possibility of Jacquet missing Sunday's clash against Manchester City is a significant blow for head coach Andoni Iraola following Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo's respective injury concerns.
Isak was sent home after just one match for Sweden due to a minor thigh problem, while Gakpo is more of a concern after suffering an ankle injury.
'All eyes on the City bus' - what does Anfield hold in prospect for Sunday?published at 12:58 BST 6 October
12:58 BST 6 October
Image source, Getty Images
On Sunday, all eyes will be on Anfield when Manchester City play their first game since they were handed guilty verdicts for all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations.
The narrative is made all the more compelling by City facing the club who perhaps feel the most aggrieved by the news. The Reds finished second to City in the Premier League in 2013-14 - during the period covered by the charges - and also 2018-19 and 2021-22.
Manchester City reporter Simon Bajkowski from the Manchester Evening News believes the drama on Sunday will start from when the visitors' team coach arrives at Anfield.
"It's going to be interesting," he told BBC Radio Manchester. "It's one of those games where the whole world will be watching to see what happens.
"Liverpool at Anfield this season have been a bit sticky and not gelled yet under Andoni Iraola. It's traditionally a very tough place for City to go. It was made tougher in the Pep era as he wound up the fans and got into those games.
"Whether Maresca does the same or tries to keep the noise out of it will be interwting to see. Before a ball is kicked all eyes will be on the Manchester City bus, whether that makes it safely in and what reception that gets.
"Then it is how much noise and anger there is in the stadium towards the City players because Liverpool are obviously one of the teams who have lost out the most from City's cheating."
What are you expecting on Sunday? Something special in terms of hostility and atmosphere at Anfield? And how do you feel going into the game?
'Remarkable' Van Dijk warrants new dealpublished at 12:12 BST 6 October
12:12 BST 6 October
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Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe says conversations about extending "remarkable" Virgil van Dijk's contract should happen "early".
The 35-year-old Liverpool captain's current deal runs until the summer of 2027, but his sustained impressive performances have led to fan anxiety over extending his stay.
He won his 100th international cap for the Netherlands on Sunday and extended his own record of captaining his country to 84 times.
"To continue being at the level he is at his age is remarkable, especially post-ACL," Clubbe told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"It's quite significant and defies traditional wisdom. Logic would suggest that is very difficult to do and very few have managed it.
"He has been nothing short of exceptional. There were some question marks around his performances last season but he looks back to his best. The longevity and the class is there for all to see. He has become more and more of a leader. I had reservations about his captaincy because he is more of a reserved character than Jordan Henderson and leads by example, but he's proven me wrong.
"He is an absolutely remarkable footballer and one of the best I've seen play for Liverpool."
Liverpool have suffered before with players running down their contracts, losing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free to Real Madrid in 2025, and Clubbe believes Van Dijk should be prioritised over other players, such as Alisson and Joe Gomez, who are also on deals ending next summer.
"You probably start with a one-year extension, but if that doesn't entertain him then you probably have to go back with a two-year," Clubbe added.
"You probaby want it be to clause-led for the second year because you want him to be fit and available.
"I'd start with Van Dijk. As captain, he warrants that level of conversation at least and I would have it early. You need to get it ticked off one way or another early doors. His performance level is one thing but the captaincy is definitely another.
"It is a really young group of centre backs so to have someone of Van Dijk's stature and experience can really help, even if he is not always on the pitch."
'You need all your best players out there'published at 08:42 BST 6 October
08:42 BST 6 October
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy and Mike Hughes discuss Liverpool's fixture against Manchester City on Sunday and who is available to play.
Kennedy told The Red Kop podcast: "In a game like this, you need all your best players out there, and those two - Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak - give Liverpool that edge.
"I know everyone has scrutinised Isak's form since he got to the club, but this season he is at least scoring goals.
"It will be interesting to see what [Erling] Haaland's fitness levels are like as well, because I think he did pick up something from Norway, but it would be good if Liverpool have got a full strength side out."
Hughes added: "With Bradley Barcola, listen, he's a big game player. We've seen him do it on so many occasions for PSG, we've seen him do it at the World Cup, even though he didn't play every minute, he hasn't fired on all four cylinders as yet [at Liverpool].
"He will do. He's too good a player not to do, and you get the feeling that having been on the international break, everybody will be talking about Manchester City playing Liverpool and what's it going to be like, and he'll be asking the players that have played in those fixtures at Liverpool. He'll be chomping at the bit to get involved.
"He is so rapid that if Liverpool can get him on the ball early on in the match and have him running at Manchester City, and put the frighteners on them very early on in the game, it's not only what that will do for Liverpool in an attacking sense, it's what it will do for Manchester City in a defensive sense, to know what they're up against, so City might change their defensive plans.
"It's going to be really interesting to see what he can do, but there are so many battles on that pitch. Cody Gakpo, fingers crossed he will be fit, he's been fabulous so far this season and most Liverpool fans thought he would have been out of the door during the summer and look at the way he's responded.
"I think that relationship between Gakpo and Isak, their starting places are in some doubt because of injuries, but that's something I think that could blossom as this season progresses."
Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in Barcelona and Spain left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, who is also wanted by Juventus. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external
🎧'Anfield will be electric - it will be one for the ages'published at 15:50 BST 5 October
15:50 BST 5 October
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On the latest The Red Kop podcast, BBC Radio Merseyside's Carl Woodward, Ian Kennedy and Mike Hughes discuss the build-up to the hotly anticipated tie at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester City, Bradley Barcola.
Take in a clip above, listen to the podcast below or on BBC Sounds here
Neville expects 'brutal day' for Citypublished at 09:07 BST 5 October
09:07 BST 5 October
Image source, Getty Images
The countdown for the return of the Premier League is on.
In the midst of the international break, Manchester City's charges have dominated the headlines, but Liverpool fans will be eagerly anticipating their match against Enzo Maresca's side on 11 October at Anfield.
Journalist and author, Brian Reade told Radio Merseyside that the match will "become one of the great afternoons" in the Reds' history as a hostile atmosphere is expected.
"I started going to Anfield in the mid-sixties at the Anfield Road End and even then I was in awe of The Kop," said Reade, who has released a new book called 'The Kop, A Fan's History of Football's Most Famous Stand'.
"To me, it is the heart and soul of Liverpool. It is what made Liverpool a global force really. Obviously, the football has helped, but the magic comes from The Kop.
"It is a connection. Virgil van Dijk said that. He said it is a unique connection.
"You sense the history there, and it comes through in those big moments and really gives you a lift."
Sunday will be the first time Manchester City will be in action since their guilty verdict - which they have appealed.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville suspects it will be a "brutal day".
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Neville said: "If they want an understanding of how angry the game is going to be, then Anfield will tell them. Like you would never believe.
"I suspect there may be banners, there will certainly be chanting. There will be a reception for them like you have never seen. It will be a brutal day."
Liverpool and Chelsea have joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest'sBrazilian defender Murillo but the 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave the City Ground in January. (Football Insider), external
From positivity to limbopublished at 16:08 BST 2 October
16:08 BST 2 October
Image source, Getty Images
Speaking about Liverpool's start to the 2026-27 campaign, content creator and Liverpool fan Nahyan Chowdhury said: "Now Andoni Iraola has come in, we have to look towards the future. We have seen him develop Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott at Bournemouth and I do think Andoni will thrive at Liverpool in the fact that we have great young talent in abundance.
"Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Will Wright - I do think Andoni will have a field day in developing these players to become star talent.
"Talking about star talent, we have lost a lot. Although we have brought in replacements, I do think we are slightly lacking in the right-wing position.
"Going into the season, I thought we were not going to challenge for the league title.
"I do think coming into the season the expectations should have been reduced a little bit [from supporters].
"Ipswich Town came, and we looked fantastic away at Portman Road. My concern was whether we could go away to Portman Road and then play Champions League football?
"The fact Iraola got the job done winning against Atletico Madrid meant the signs of positivity were there.
"Then we draw at home to Fulham... Liverpool expect to beat these teams at home.
"There is a bit of limbo over where Liverpool's season could go."
🎧 A-Z: Nicol, Nunez and 'immaculate' Nealpublished at 16:07 BST 2 October
16:07 BST 2 October
Image source, Getty Images
A panel of Paul Salt, Ian Kennedy, Mike Hughes and Carl Woodward have been discussing three former Liverpool players - Steve Nicol, Phil Neal and Darwin Nunez - as part of BBC Radio Merseyside's A-Z series.
Full-back Neal played 649 times for the Reds between 1974 and 1985 and is one of the most decorated players in English football history, winning eight First Division titles, four League Cups, four European Cups and one Uefa Cup.
"I'd put him right near the top with the very greats," Hughes said. "It might sound like damning him with faint praise but he was a very efficient footballer.
"There were absolutely no frills but there was a guarantee he would perform at the high level required if you played for Liverpool week in, week out.
"He would do it, and from the word go. He never really put foot wrong. His standards were immaculate. He was a great reader of the game; he not only had the reading with the right central defender, his relationships down that right-hand side allowed Liverpool to flourish at the top end of the pitch."
'I don't know what he has to do to make everyone happy' - Klopp backs Wirtzpublished at 09:57 BST 2 October
09:57 BST 2 October
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"Everyone in Liverpool should be happy today," said former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp after Florian Wirtz's "exceptional" performance inspired Germany's 2-0 win over Serbia in the Nations League.
The 23-year-old, who has struggled for consistency at Anfield since his £116m move in June 2025, set up Tom Bischof's first-half opener after striking the woodwork, before netting a second-half goal himself at Allianz Arena on Thursday.
It is a stark contrast to the attacking midfielder's club form, with Wirtz having recorded no goals and just one assist across six appearances so far this season.
"He was bursting with joy and worked incredibly hard," said new Germany head coach Klopp. "That was exceptional; he played a fantastic game. Our style of play suits him.
"I don't know what he has to do to make everyone happy, but everyone in Liverpool should be happy today."
Gossip: Reds monitor teenage star Morapublished at 07:24 BST 2 October
07:24 BST 2 October
Mexico starlet Gilberto Mora, 17, is a target for Liverpool, though Borussia Dortmund and Benfica are also keen on the Club Tijuana midfielder. (Teamtalk), external
Armstrong and Nyoni called-up to England Under-21spublished at 15:20 BST 1 October
15:20 BST 1 October
Image source, Getty Images
Everton and Liverpool youngsters Harrison Armstrong and Trey Nyoni have been called-up to the England under-21s squad to replace Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham and Newcastle United's Lewis Miley.
Armstrong will join Toffees team-mates Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George for his first call-up to the under-21s squad.
Nyoni, 19, has been capped by England up to under-20 level but has not played for the under-21s.
He started in the U20 Euro Elite League 2-1 victory against France on Tuesday, as Armstrong, 19, replaced the Reds' midfielder in the second half.
Lee Carsley's sideplay their final two games of European Championship qualifying campaign against Slovakia on Friday (19:45 BST) before facing the Republic of Ireland 6 October (18:00 BST).
Titles back? Expulsion? Erase the Gerrard 'slip'?published at 13:10 BST 1 October
13:10 BST 1 October
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool fan and podcaster, Abigail Rudkin, has been speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about the Premier League's charges brought against Manchester City.
The Reds are set to host Enzo Maresca's side next on Sunday 11 October.
Rudkin said: "I think I was overthinking it as a Liverpool fan, that's gone up against them for titles. I'm obviously thinking 'give us our titles back' and then I'm thinking, 'oh, do you really want them'?
"You don't want to be celebrating things that you didn't really win and, you know, all these things start going through your mind, but I wasn't surprised that they've done these things.
"To use the word 'sham' as much as they did throughout these statements. It's very damning, isn't it?
"I think in my mind, if there's any way to sort of undo that Steven Gerrard slip, you know, just a way for that to not be a thing that's used against us, you know, there's always that.
"I think I'd rather see them be expelled from the league and be told, 'right, you've cheated, you've been found guilty of cheating against all of us in the Premier League'. I don't see why they should be allowed to then continue to play against us."
