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A new loan ruling that is set to be implemented next season could have a big impact on Wolves, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: New loan ruling

According to The Athletic, clubs will be limited on the number of international players they can have out on loan in the future.

From next season, teams will only be allowed to have eight players on temporary moves elsewhere and that number will drop to six by 2024.

Wolves currently have ten players out on loan, highlighting how clubs will be affected by the new venture moving forward.

The Latest: Spiers reacts to claim

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Spiers gave his thoughts on the news, discussing how it will impact on Wanderers’ business:

“New loan rules coming in next season which will impact Wolves, who had 10 players on loan overseas in the first half of the season (max of 8 next year then max 6 from 2024) and four at Grasshoppers (max 3 at one club).”

The Verdict: Good decision

In truth, it is healthy to see this ruling introduced, with the report correctly stating that it is a good way of preventing clubs from ‘stockpiling talent’.

It is good to see that players aged 21 and under won’t be affected, however, as loan moves can be healthy for their development, such as Wolves forward Theo Corbeanu, who is currently at MK Dons.

It will make teams think more about recruitment in general and potentially ensure they get the most out the players already in their ranks, rather than stockpiling players for purely financial reasons.

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to an exit rumour regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Despite currently having a healthy number of midfield players in their squad at the moment, some of them such as Thiago Alcantara (30), Jordan Henderson (31) and James Milner (35) make up a good portion of Liverpool’s oldest players.

With this in mind, it’s not surprising to hear that the Merseyside club have been linked with a young midfielder that could freshen up Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Liverpool, as well as fellow Premier League club Manchester City, are in the frame to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Since joining the German club back in the 2017 summer transfer window from BSC Young Boys, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £24.3m according to Transfermarkt, has made 138 appearances for Monchengladbach across all competitions in which he has managed to chip in with 11 goals and eight assists in the process.

Despite predominantly playing as a defensive-midfielder, Zakaria has played as a centre-back on occasion throughout his career, which could make him the next version of current Reds midfielder Fabinho given how he featured in the centre-back position for a significant period last season.

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In addition to that, the midfielder has shown that does not shirk away from the physical aspects of the game with an average of 1.8 tackles per game in the Bundesliga under his belt so far this season, which happens to more than Fabinho’s average of one tackle per game in the Premier League throughout 2021/22.

With former Monchengladbach manager Marco Rose previously describing Zakaria as a “complete” player, the 24-year-old certainly lived up to this title in his latest international appearance for Switzerland against Bulgaria on Monday night.

During that encounter he managed to make one key pass, complete 100% of dribbles he attempted, win seven of the ten duels he was involved in and make two tackles, showing how useful he can be in an attacking and defensive sense. Those statistics also proved why he’d be the ideal Fabinho successor if he arrives at Anfield.

With that in mind, signing Zakaria is definitely something that FSG should be looking to do in the future. They will, however, face stiff competition from City, who are also interested in signing the Swiss player as a potential long-term replacement for their 36-year-old midfielder Fernandinho. That serves as an added reason for Klopp and co to be first to the punch on the Gladbach dynamo.

In other news: Big positive: Liverpool handed injury boost which will surely leave fans buzzing – opinion

A massive update has emerged on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, ahead of the club’s clash with Arsenal this weekend.

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has confirmed that the ex-Bournemouth boss is set to lead his team out against the Gunners on Saturday.

Hope has revealed that Howe has tested negative for Covid-19, after he missed last weekend’s draw with Brentford due to a positive result, and will now be in the dugout to face off against Mikel Arteta.

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news as it means that they will be given their first chance to see him managing the club in the flesh. He was forced to watch on from isolation at home against the Bees as his side were held to a 3-3 draw, but now he can have an influence on the sidelines in his dugout debut for the Magpies.

It also means that he will be available to be at St. James’ Park for the home clash with Norwich City next Tuesday night. As it stands, Newcastle are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and the Canaries are two points ahead of them, which could make next week’s game a huge match in the battle against relegation.

Of course, the table could change after this weekend’s matches, provided both teams do not lose, but it will still be a big opportunity for Howe to get some points on the board in what is set to be his first home game in charge. The supporters will surely want to create a vibrant, electric, atmosphere for his debut at St. James’ and that could provide a boost to the players in what could be a vital game.

Whilst the atmosphere created by Howe’s presence may not be as prominent in an away match against Arsenal, his voice on the touchline and in the dressing room before kick-off and at half-time could give the players a big lift. It could bring an added touch of motivation to the minds of the players knowing that he is there in person watching their performance and making key decisions on tactics and what he wants from the players from the sidelines during the game.

If he sees someone he doesn’t like from a player then he will be able to have a quick word with them during the game or mention it at half-time. Whereas, this was not as easy for him to do in isolation and not in attendance last Saturday, which is why it will be a massive boost to have him in the dugout.

AND in other news, PIF can land Howe’s dream NUFC deal with “world class” £126m gem, he’s the next Suarez…

To say things have been turbulent for Leeds United in recent weeks would be an understatement, with three defeats in a row from their previous three league fixtures and a total of 14 goals conceded in those games.

In addition to this dismal run of form, Leeds have a very hefty injury list at the moment with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Pascal Struijk out on the sidelines.

As well as these injured players, it seems as though the Yorkshire club have another player out of action for the time being, which will not please many fans at Elland Road.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his post-match press conference (via Leeds Live) after their 4-1 defeat against Arsenal, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa revealed that defender Charlie Cresswell was supposed to be in the matchday squad for the clash against the Gunners but had to pull out with a shoulder injury.

Bielsa then said that Cresswell now has a “long period of recovery” ahead of him, which suggests that his injury is a serious one and he could be out for a while.

Given the injuries to the likes of Cooper and Struijk and the fact that Leeds have conceded as many as 14 goals in their three recent league games, it’s safe to say that they could do with as many defensive players available as possible, which makes this injury to Cresswell such a big blow.

Even though the 19-year-old has only made four league appearances for Leeds this season, completing the full 90 minutes in just one of them, Bielsa would have undoubtedly preferred to have the teenager available in his squad for the Arsenal game and their next fixtures moving forward to call upon if needed judging by prior injury concerns.

Looking ahead to the future, Bielsa and everyone else at the Yorkshire club will be hoping that their injury situation can improve sooner rather than later so they can have the likes of Phillips, Cresswell, Cooper and Struijk back available again. Once they have all of them back, their chances of avoiding relegation will improve significantly.

In other news: Forget Raphinha: Leeds’ £3.6m gem with 3 key passes was Bielsa’s shining light v AFC – opinion

According to post match reports by ESPN, via City Xtra, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero was heard addressing the lack of passes to him on the pitch during the Sky Blues’ 2-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Last 16 – prompting supporters to react on social media.

As relayed by City Xtra on Twitter, Aguero is understood to have taken an issue with his teammates’ decisions in the forward positions after he was brought on as a substitute – simply stating ‘they don’t pass me the ball’ as he left the pitch upon full time.

The Argentine has been steadily re-introduced by manager Pep Guardiola following a number of injury issues, including a serious meniscus tear last season which kept him out of action for a while.

As he nears the end of his current contract at the Etihad, the prospect of losing Aguero or potential unrest on his part raises concern among supporters – who rightfully hold a special sentiment for the club’s all time top goal scorer.

One Sky Blue, as a result, labelled this news as ‘terrible’ – find all of their reactions on social media down below.

Man City fans react to Aguero news

“Wow, this hits differently.”

Credit: @StatCity

“Oh no”

Credit: @DomnotDominic

“it’s terrible”

Credit: @BrahimBamba9

“It’s heartbreaking cos of how much of a club legend he is and pep doesn’t play him much”

Credit: @nicky63800840

“I fear he’s going to leave…”

Credit: @TheGNRL29

“Feel so bad for him”

Credit: @BlakeBeaulieu73

“True..

It’s sad honestly”

Credit: @indrain_san

“Embarrassing by the team to neglect such an icon and the player who helped create city. He deserves much better. I don’t want him to ever leave but nobody deserves that, let alone someone who has done so much for the club.”

Credit: @SergioKun0331

In other news: Man City fans flocked to this transfer link, find out more here.

According to a report from German outlet Kicker (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer. 

The lowdown: RB pathway

The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Red Bull Salzburg before taking the well-established route to German Bundesliga side Leipzig in 2017.

Since then the decorated ace, who was named Salzburg’s Player of the Season in 2016/17, has gone from strength to strength whilst racking up 154 appearances.

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Now, the highly-rated Austria international could be about to take another familiar career path and follow in the footsteps of Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate.

The latest: Reds’ linked

As per Kicker, as translated by SW, Liverpool are said to be ‘looking’ at Laimer ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arch-rivals Manchester United are also cited as potential suitors with German giants Bayern Munich also in the mix to land the 20-cap Austria ace.

Out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), Laimer – who was tipped to have a ‘huge future’ by compatriot Marko Arnautovic – currently ‘wants to focus’ on the end of the campaign and potential Europa League glory before deciding on his next move.

The verdict: Bellingham alternative…

So far this season Laimer has scored five times and provided six assists in 36 appearances and actually stacks up as the closest likeness in terms of playing style and output to widely reported Liverpool target, Jude Bellingham, when using FBref’s comparison tool.

Valued at £23.4million and in the final 15 months of a contract, any quest to sign the Austrian for new Anfield transfer chief Julian Ward would be a wholly more affordable option than the mooted £101million fee required to land Bellingham.

Believed to have idolised Kop legend Steven Gerrard as a child, Laimer has clearly paid close attention to the ex-Liverpool captain and possesses impressive tackling, passing and long-range shooting ability (WhoScored), making the Austrian the perfect addition to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks.

In other news, the finance expert details potential Liverpool windfall. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a move for Southampton striker Danny Ings recently, and if the striker were to join the Lilywhites in the summer it could be bad news for Carlos Vinicius.

According to The Guardian, Ings is delaying contract talks with Southampton as he eyes a move to a club playing European football, with Spurs monitoring his situation at the South Coast club.

The former Liverpool man has been superb since joining Southampton, having seemingly overcome the injury issues that marred his time with the Merseyside club, and he finished as the joint-second top scorer in the Premier League last season with 22 goals.

He has also started this season in impressive form for the high-flying Saints, having contributed seven goals and three assists in 13 top-flight appearances, averaging a strong 7.17 rating.

If he were to join the North London club ahead of next season, it could spell trouble for Vinicius’ hopes of joining Spurs on a permanent basis.

The Brazilian was signed on loan from Benfica for the season, with Spurs holding the option to sign him for €45 million (£40 million).

The 25-year-old has impressed with his performances in the Europa League, with three goals and three assists in five appearances, resulting in a 7.41 average rating. He also bagged a hat-trick in the FA Cup third round against Marine but has been limited to just four substitute appearances in the Premier League.

With Ings currently valued at £18 million by Transfermarkt, and his contract set to run out at the end of next season, the Englishman would surely prove to be a lot cheaper to bring in that Vinicius, with the added bonus that he has a lot of Premier League experience, having contributed 50 goals and 12 assists in 124 top-flight appearances.

Having made three appearances for England in his career thus far, Ings could also prove to be an effective strike partner for Harry Kane in Jose Mourinho’s side, as they will have worked together at international level. The Southampton man’s energy and pressing in attack could allow Kane to drop slightly deeper and be more of a playmaker, as we have seen with Heung-Min Son this season.

Former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for Ings last season, saying:

“The most impressive thing about Danny is, of course, he’s an outstanding player.

“Technically he’s very good, plays with real intelligence and the way he’s come back from his disappointments, the injury setbacks he’s had, the way he’s fought back and kept his mental strength has been hugely impressive.”

Therefore, if he were to join, it would be difficult to see Daniel Levy shelling out another £40 million just to sign Vinicius, as the Benfica man would surely struggle for much game time if he was behind both Kane and Ings in the pecking order in Mourinho’s side, so it would not be a surprise if he was forced to return to Benfica.

And, in other news, Forget Devine: “Record-breaking” academy sensation should be the next man in Jose’s first-team squad…

According to Mundo Deportivo, Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero as a potential replacement for Real Sociedad target Vicente Guaita.

What’s the word?

Reports have emerged over the past week that the La Liga giants are interested in signing the Spaniard stopper, who has shown flashes of his ability at Selhurst Park this season.

Guaita moved to Palace from Getafe as a free agent almost three years ago and has started every single game in the Premier League so far this season and has three clean sheets to show for his 20 starts.

Now, the Spanish publication claim that the Eagles are eyeing up a move for Romero, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, with the 33-year-old now in the final few months of his contract.

Guaita’s perfect replacement

Hodgson’s side have conceded 36 goals in the Premier League this season, second only to newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion with 48.

Described as being a “top professional” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the stopper would make a fine addition at the back of Palace’s squad.

Like Guaita, Romero has shown tremendous dexterity, with WhoScored listing his strong reflexes as one of his key strengths. The similarities don’t stop there, either, as both keepers have shown they are comfortable saving shots from close range.

Last season, the Argentine goalkeeper averaged 1.2 saves per game in the Europa League, albeit against a higher level of competition, while Guaita has managed three in the Premier League this season. The pair also possess a similar work rate, with Romero taking 32.3 touches per match, slightly ahead of Palace’s stopper at 32.1.

If Hodgson is looking for another veteran to come in and replace Guaita between the sticks, then he could find the perfect replacement in the £1.8m-rated United outcast.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer on Crystal Palace contract talks with Patrick van Aanholt…

Leicester City are set to compete with Arsenal for the signature Ryan Bertrand over the summer after he leaves Southampton on a free transfer.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Brendan Rodgers is set to offer the 31-year-old left-back a contract over the summer as he searches for Christian Fuchs’ replacement.

Bertrand announced that he is set to end his six-year stay on the south coast over the coming months, and several Premier League clubs are expected to do battle for his services.

One particularly strong performance against Manchester United last summer led to the defender being hailed as “superb” by The Athletic correspondent Dan Sheldon, who was speaking on the Total Saints Podcast [via This Is Futbol]. Meanwhile, his averages of 2.1 tackles, one interception and 1.3 clearances per game hint at a player with an unfailing defensive work rate.

Rodgers masterstroke

With 35-year-old full-back Fuchs expected to leave the King Power Stadium after the conclusion of the current campaign and James Justin facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, bringing in some experienced competition for Luke Thomas has become a priority for Leicester.

The Foxes are also reportedly interested in signing Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare and Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard as Rodgers looks to add strength in depth to his relatively thin ranks ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and those are transfers which could take up a sizeable chunk of the club’s budget.

Therefore, acquiring Bertrand on a free transfer to solve a temporary issue may prove to be a masterstroke from their Northern Irish manager.

Leicester have had incredible success over the last few seasons by being very clever in the transfer market, signing relatively unknown talents such as N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez for low fees before selling them on for a healthy profit.

Their policy has allowed the 2016 Premier League champions to punch well above their weight, and this could prove to be the latest clever acquisition, but for slightly different reasons.

Bringing in Bertrand while the highly-rated Justin recovers will allow Rodgers to focus his side’s modest resources on more important areas of the pitch, meaning that a push for the Champions League qualifications could once again be the cards for next season.

Signing a £9m-rated player (Transfermarkt) with more than 250 Premier League games under the belt for free should be a smart piece of business, and when it means Leicester can strengthen in other positions as well, it can be considered a significant coup if it comes off.

In other news… Leicester could land Rodgers his next Vardy with £40m swoop for “incredible” colossus – opinion

Jurgen Klopp reiterated his commitment to Liverpool after the manager role with the German national team opened up.

The DFB announced on Tuesday morning that Joachim Low will leave his post after this summer’s European Championships.

But Klopp is not entertaining the idea of managing his country for now, with another three years left on his Liverpool contract.

“I will not be available as a potential coach for the German team,” he confirmed in his pre-RB Leipzig press conference.

“I have three years left at Liverpool don’t I? It’s simple. You sign a contract and you stick to that contract.

“I stuck to contracts at Mainz and Dortmund.”

After winning the Champions League in 2019 and finally securing the Premier League title in 2020, Liverpool have endured a wretched season.

A catastrophic run of 2021 form has seen the Reds fall to eighth in table, but based on the response to Klopp’s comments, he retains widespread backing among the fanbase.

Supporters flocked to Twitter after his pre-Leipzig comments, and you can find some of the best fan verdicts down below…

Reds fans express relief as Klopp quashes Germany talk

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @cwoodheadhunter

“Thrilled he’s put these silly rumours to rest. I can’t imagine Liverpool without him.”

Credit: @CraigJCG

“Rightly so, if the results don’t improve change the team not klopp”

Credit: @ryank3arney

“I can’t lie I was fearing that Klopp would leave at the end of the season but hearing him say that has eased my fears”

Credit: @JamieLFC901

“Get in 3 more years minimum hopefully we can get some results to add to the good news”

Credit: @crazyitalian7

“He wouldn’t leave us after this season I don’t think. He’ll want to put this season behind us and show everyone what we’re made of.”

Credit: @dameotemp

“If I couldn’t love him any more”

Credit: @jolly_fun01

“Yes, yes, yes”

Credit: @RobieSlick

In other news, FSG are under fire from some fans after this transfer claim