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Some Liverpool supporters have been praising Ozan Kabak, claiming he was one of the few positives in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

It was a bitterly disappointing evening for Jurgen Klopp and his players, with their performance horribly below par in Spain.

In truth, the final score was arguably kind on Liverpool, with their defending leaving a lot to be desired and too many attacking players off the boil.

The Reds now have a mountain to climb in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie next Wednesday, especially with no fans allowed inside Anfield.

One player who again stood out was Kabak, however, with the Turk producing a solid display, barring one error in the first half.

While a number of more experienced players around him threw in shocking performances, he looked an assured presence at the heart of the defence.

It was further proof that Liverpool should consider the idea of signing Kabak permanently in the summer – at 21, he has lots of potential.

Liverpool supporters praise Kabak

These Reds fans took to Twitter to laud the youngster’s showing.

“Don’t wanna see anyone get on to Kabak. He bailed Phillips out numerous times and if it wasn’t for him we would’ve held 5. Our 2nd best player tonight”

Credit: @RB_07Ftbol

“Ozan Kabak appreciation tweet. Our best player tonight. Very unfairly taken off by Klopp. Hope it doesn’t affect his confidence”Credit: @Klopptinho”Ozan Kabak was our best player imo”Credit: @TaintlessRed”I’d like to thank Kabak and Thiago for showing up today”Credit: @lfcels_”No one can defend this performance. No one stepped up, except for Kabak maybe”Credit: @danliv9″I thought he was instrumental in steadying things in the second half, weren’t as open in defence as the first. No idea why he was subbed, pointless tbh”Credit: @LFCKey_In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a move to a fellow Premier League club. Find out who it is here.

Leicester City return to Premier League action on Thursday as they host relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes come into the game on a high having reached the FA Cup final against Southampton last time out at Wembley.

Now, as Brendan Rodgers sets his sights on a UEFA Champions League place once again, how many changes could he make to the team that defeated the Saints?

We are expecting just two alterations from the Northern Irishman for the clash against the Baggies.

Kasper Schmeichel will, of course, continue in goal having not missed a Premier League match since the conclusion of the 2018/19 season.

The defence should also remain unchanged with Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana and Caglar Soyuncu assembling a formidable back three. The latter came through his return at Wembley unscathed so will have no problem in playing once again.

However, there should be one slight chance further forward. Wing-back Ricardo Pereira could only play an hour of the FA Cup semi-final after “taking a blow” to his calf according to Rodgers. With the Portuguese continuing his comeback from a long-term injury, he might not be risked against West Bromwich Albion, giving Marc Albrighton the opportunity to start.

This would see Timothy Castagne moved over to the left-hand side.

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Rodgers’ midfield should have somewhat of a familiar look to it. Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi are going to continue their partnership.

However, Ayoze Perez might well drop out for James Maddison with the latter having made a cameo appearance at Wembley on Sunday. He already has ten goals and 11 assists this season so will be hoping to add to that record against the Baggies.

Elsewhere, the Leicester frontline should stay the same. Kelechi Iheanacho continued his hot form with the winning goal against Southampton and is sure to start.

Jamie Vardy, despite being a prime candidate for a place on the bench, is also likely to be included from the off by Rodgers having hit six goals in nine Premier League career appearances against West Brom.

AND in more news, take a look at which striker Leicester must sign in the summer…

Leeds are heading for a major transfer blunder amid an update on their pursuit of Torino’s Nicolas Nkoulou.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are keen on luring the Cameroon international to Elland Road in the summer once his contract with Torino comes to an end.

Now, Italian publication CalcioMercato have delivered a major update on the situation, revealing that contacts between Leeds and the centre-back have become “increasingly intense”.

The report adds that Nkoulou is now “further and further away” from renewing his deal with Torino, and that his exit seems certain this summer.

Radrizzani won’t be happy

If there’s one area of the pitch where Leeds appear to be well-stocked, then centre-back would surely be one of them. When fully fit, the Whites can call upon the likes of Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk, while Luke Ayling can also fill in there from full-back whenever needed too.

And with academy starlet Charlie Cresswell shining for the U23s and waiting for his chance to impress in the first-team, Leeds would surely be better off turning their attentions elsewhere or promoting the youngster instead of signing Nkoulou.

Not only that, but with Nkoulou set to turn 31 later this month, the defender is hardly someone entering the peak years of his career, and there would be a real question about whether he’d only be coming to the Premier League for one last pay-cheque.

A new centre-back should be the least of Victor Orta’s priorities, and spending big wages on signing an ageing Nkoulou surely won’t have Andrea Radrizzani happy as he looks to run a tight ship financially. It would be an unforgivable mistake from the Leeds hierarchy to be focused on making a move for the 6 foot Cameroon ace this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must block a move for this “extraordinary” star…

With Gjanni Alioski looking more and more likely to leave Leeds United come the end of the season, now is the perfect time for Marcelo Bielsa to unleash Leif Davis in the Premier League.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Alioski has instructed his agent to find him a new club, with talks over a potential contract extension failing to come to fruition.

With the 29-year-old potentially out of the picture, the left-back slot, currently occupied by Stuart Dallas, is very much up for grabs, especially with the latter able to play on the opposite flank or even in central midfield.

Davis on the other hand, could be the kind of left-back that Bielsa is looking for, and help save Victor Orta from spending millions in the transfer market – reports have suggested that the Whites have been looking at a potential summer move for Brest’s Romain Perraud.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed that Davis is highly-rated behind the scenes at Elland Road, and even dubbed him as Bielsa’s “go-to player”.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show back in November, he said: “He’s very well thought of, is Davis, and he has been since he came, and of the Under-23s, he’s really been as involved as most under Bielsa and has quite often been the go-to player when Bielsa’s needed a left-back.

“The bottom line is that at Leeds, they think an awful lot of Davis, and they think that he’s a bit of a steal for what they paid to sign him from Morecambe.”

The 21-year-old has only really been on the fringes of getting first-team action this season, with Bielsa understandably reluctant to throw him into the deep end of Premier League football – he’s played just 31 minutes of top-flight football all campaign, with the majority of his appearances coming for the U23s.

But, with Alioski’s potential departure, there is a space that could open up for Davis to fill, and if Bielsa gives him a few more run-outs off the bench from now until the end of the season, that could stand him in good stead for the following campaign.

It would allow Orta to potentially focus Leeds’ resources elsewhere when the transfer market opens up, instead of having to spend millions on a player who Davis could well be better than even now or in the future.

It’s fair to say that Tammy Abraham in an Aston Villa shirt was an absolute revelation.

The England international fired Dean Smith’s side into the Premier League with his goals – 26 of them to be precise – and has since emerged as a key part of Chelsea’s first-team squad after returning back to Stamford Bridge.

But, reports in recent days have suggested that both Villa and West Ham both like the striker amid his possible departure from London this summer.

While Abraham’s goals alone are good enough to warrant Villa to consider making a move for him, his actual partnership with Jack Grealish is something that should have the Midlands club all over a potential deal.

Speaking earlier this season ahead of a Premier League clash against Chelsea, Smith said: “He’s a top player and a top person. We loved having him here and playing a part in his development and you know he’ll always have a strong affinity for Aston Villa.

“I think he is the real deal, everything about him. He sets standards and maintains them and tries to push them even more. To be a top drawer player, you have to have those standards but you have to be driven.”

Grealish himself has previously spoken about his partnership with Abraham during their campaign together in the Championship. In a Q&A session on his Instagram (via The Chelsea Chronicle), the Villa talisman wrote: “Unbelievable. Couldn’t believe how good he was with the ball for how tall he is. Loved playing with him.”

And, it wasn’t just Grealish who’s spoken highly of Abraham, with the opposite being the same too. The Chelsea man said: “He is a fantastic player and you don’t question why he is a leader. His ability says it all.

“He always believes and tries to encourage everyone – even until the last minute. It is always nice to have that behind you.”

According to Transfermarkt, Abraham and Grealish had five joint goal participations during their time together, which is quite impressive given that those above the Villa man on that list (excluding Kasey Palmer who played with the striker at youth level) are just one ahead on six goals but in considerably more matches.

The duo clearly had an understanding together in their time at Villa Park, and Smith could rekindle that magic partnership by signing the £36m-rated star in the summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must make a ruthless call on this star…

Manchester City are now reportedly leading the race for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish ahead of the summer and should he join Pep Guardiola’s side, it could well be bad news for Raheem Sterling.

According to the Daily Mail, City are now favourites to sign the impressive 25-year-old this summer, despite Manchester United having been very keen on the Villa star last year.

The £54 million-rated Grealish has been the driving force behind Villa’s impressive season in the Premier League this season, with the England international contributing six goals and 10 assists in just 22 top-flight appearances, resulting in a superb 7.73 rating.

Although he signed a new five-year contract with the Villans last summer, his incredible performances this season, which have resulted in his call-up to the England side, make it seem likely that he could depart for a top-four club during the upcoming transfer window, with the Daily Mail suggesting that he is excited by the possibility of becoming part of City’s squad.

Considering the sort of fee that City would have to spend to bring him to the Etihad this summer, you would expect Grealish to be a regular in Guardiola’s side next season, which could have a serious impact on Sterling’s playing time under the Spanish manager.

The former Liverpool man, who reportedly earns £300k per week at City, has been out of favour for recent fixtures and has regularly found himself on the bench, before making a rare start in the 2-0 win against Everton at the weekend.

Although the 26-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season, contributing nine goals and five assists in 25 Premier League appearances, resulting in a 7.29 average rating, he has come under scrutiny for his finishing, most notably after the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, where he missed a host of chances at the Etihad.

There is no doubting that when on form, Sterling is one of the very best in the Premier League but you can also argue that Grealish has significantly outperformed him this season despite playing in a poorer side, and therefore, he could become City’s first-choice winger should he join in the summer, which could cause problems for the “extraordinary” Sterling.

And, in other news… 13 duels won: Fernandinho produced a mighty display against Everton

Whilst the likes of Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins may be the Aston Villa players to take most of the headlines this season, spare a mention for Matt Targett.

The left-back has continued to be a reliable performer for Dean Smith’s in the Premier League, and produced an impressive display against Manchester City in mid-week, keeping England star Raheem Sterling in check.

But after coming up with just over 15 minutes to go at the Etihad, Targett appears to be a serious doubt for Villa’s next top-flight clash.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Newcastle on Saturday night, Smith said: “It was a very good performance up until the 74th minute when he decided to sit down because he was tired out and we knew there was a possibility of that happening to one or two of the players who had suffered (with the virus).”

The £35k-a-week earning ace is a bit of an unsung hero for Villa, something Alan Hutton echoed, when he said: “I think he just quietly goes about his business and you’re right, because of the other players within that squad, he probably doesn’t get the praise that he’s due this season.

“He’s definitely went under the radar but I think the proper football fans and people will see exactly what he does for the team, much like Matty Cash on the opposite side.”

With Neil Taylor the only other real left-back option to Smith, he will be desperately hoping that Targett can pass any late fitness checks and makes it for the Newcastle game.

Taylor has made just four appearances in total this campaign, with only 15 minutes of Premier League football under his belt. Targett has nailed that left-back role down and has been part of a settled back-line for Villa for most of the season.

If he’s missing versus Newcastle, Smith will be worried.

Meanwhile, Villa boss Dean Smith must start this man tonight…

Wolves have had a topsy-turvy few weeks heading into the festive period and now just require a sense of stability.

However, with yet another transfer window on the horizon, that could be anything but the case.

What’s the word?

Nuno Santo’s men are switching formations at the moment and experiencing mixed results.

They drew with Southampton and beat Arsenal with a four-man backline, but then lost to Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Though, after moving back to a three-man defence, they beat Chelsea 2-1. What they could do with now is potentially a few more bodies to enable that four-man defence to thrive.

One player they were linked with towards the back end of November was Jorge Mendes client Renato Sanches.

The 23-year-old who currently plays for Lille was catching the eye of Wolves and now they’ve been handed a boost in their pursuit of the Portuguese.

That’s because according to Get French Football News, his club are in dire straits financially with debts racking up close to €200m (£179.7).

Thus, the report suggests that the idea of Sanches leaving Lille has not been excluded. An English club supposedly bid €70m (£62.9m) for his services last summer.

According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder is rated at just £18m at the moment.

A phenomenal player

Sanches had a terrible stint on loan at Swansea in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season. He started nine times and failed to contribute to a single goal.

However, his football has come on leaps and bounds since, especially in the last two years.

After signing for Lille, he has been supremely effective in a box-to-box midfield role, contributing to four goals in 19 appearances last term. This season he has scored only once, but his overall game has been excellent.

Described as someone with “the strength of a WWE heavyweight” by the Bundesliga website, he possesses qualities to his game that few in Wolves’ midfield have.

For instance, he’d bring a greater ball carrying ability to the middle of the park. He has amassed 2.1 dribbles per game in Ligue 1, a tally that usurps Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker.

The first two players have only achieved dribble rates of 0.2 and 0.1 respectively this season – he would clearly be a superb signing if they can secure him for a reasonable price.

Sanches is the real deal.

In other news, Move over Moutinho: Wolves artist with 94 touches will have left Nuno jumping for joy…

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Everton will be without several first-team regulars for their FA Cup third round clash with Championship strugglers Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Toffees host Paul Warne’s Millers looking to avoid a repeat of last season’s failings, having been eliminated at the first time of asking when beaten 1-0 by Liverpool.

Lucas Digne and James Rodriguez will both be back in contention to feature after missing the festive period through injury, though Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have joined the growing list of players who are unavailable.

Ancelotti will no doubt be keen to hand those who featured frequently over Christmas a rare break, too. So, with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up the Italian could favour…

Jordan Pickford failed to build on his third clean sheet of the season as Everton lost 1-0 at home to West Ham United last time out, and will be unable to chase another shut out on Saturday with Ancelotti confirming the 26-year-old will not be involved against Rotherham.

Robin Olsen will be expected to replace the England international and join Digne in starting at Goodison Park this Saturday lunchtime, where they will likely be joined by Seamus Coleman as the right-back continues to build fitness following his hamstring injuries.

Mason Holgate has only featured in his natural centre-back slot on three occasions across all competitions thus far this season, so may be favoured in bringing first-team experience beside youngster Jarrad Branthwaite as the 6 ft 5 colossus makes his first senior start since September.

Andre Gomes has fallen out of favour in recent weeks and will hope to be given a chance to prove himself against Rotherham, having failed to build on an opening role in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United with a first league start since the start of November.

Tom Davies has instead established himself in the holding role in the absence of Allan, whose hamstring injury will ensure he joins Fabian Delph, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Jonjoe Kenny in watching the action from the sidelines.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gylfi Sigurdsson are likely to be rested alongside Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Pickford with Alex Iwobi and Rodriguez both returning to fitness, with the Nigerian overcoming a knock and the Colombian playing the final 26 minutes against West Ham following a calf injury.

Anthony Gordon will hope he is also given a chance to prove himself against Rotherham after failing to find a grove when fielded in the absence of Everton’s £90,000-per-week star Richarlison against Sheffield United last month, in what his first start since September’s Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood Town.

Cenk Tosun is another in need of an impressive showing with his Blues future up in the air amid claims of a potential move to West Bromwich Albion, and will be expected to stand in for Calvert-Lewin despite failing to score in any of his six outings this season.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands must sign “quick” Everton target who “makes football look easy”…

Cameron Carter-Vickers has gone from being a promising youngster at Spurs to something of a forgotten man in recent seasons, and with his latest loan spell not going to plan, Daniel Levy must ensure that he leaves the North London club this summer.

The centre-back is a product of Spurs’ youth academy and has gone on to make just four appearances for the senior side at Spurs, with his last appearance for the club coming in the 2016/17 season.

Since then, he has spent a lot of time on loan in the Championship, with a number of clubs including Sheffield United, Swansea and Luton Town.

After impressing with the Hatters last season, and helping them stave off relegation to League One, there was said to be a lot of interest in the former USA international during the summer.

However, instead of completing a permanent deal away from Spurs, he joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan, where has made just three appearances in the Championship so far this season.

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It was a perplexing decision to send the young defender out on loan when his contract with Spurs ends at the end of this season and was perhaps even more perplexing when they failed to recall him in January, despite his lack of game time with the Cherries.

In two of his Championship appearances, Bournemouth would suffer a 1-0 loss against struggling opposition in Luton Town and Derby County, whilst his most recent performance was in their 3-2 win against Birmingham City, so he has failed to keep a single clean sheet this season.

Therefore, it seems clear that Carter-Vickers is never going to be good enough to play regularly for Spurs, so whilst it might be disappointing for Daniel Levy to not receive a fee, the Spurs chairman should ensure that the 23-year-old outcast isn’t offered any new terms and leaves the club on the expiry of his contract at the end of this season.

And, in other news, £80k-p/w Spurs man showed he still has a key role to play under Jose with WBA performance…