Liverpool given Man Utd tactical idea as Pep Guardiola makes transfer admission
Liverpool will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they take on Manchester United on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds hold a point advantage over nearest challengers Arsenal but could extend that to four with victory against the Red Devils. Attention is also turning to the January transfer window, with the Liverpool hierarchy keen on getting deals over the line.
The Reds could potentially be busy after Joel Matip suffered a season-ending injury, while some players may be set for the exit. Take a look at all of the major headlines coming out of Merseyside over the past 24 hours:
Liverpool urged to copy Man Utd tactic
Former Arsenal star Martin Keown has urged Liverpool to copy Bournemouth’s tactic of pressing high when Manchester United have a goal kick. The Red Devils slumped to a 3-0 defeat to the Cherries last weekend.
Keown believes that one aspect of Bournemouth’s approach could pay dividends for the Reds. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "Jurgen Klopp’s high pressers will be itching to get at their visitors, having seen how they tried and failed to play out from the back against Bournemouth.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash“Straight from kick-off, Bournemouth deliberately put the ball out of play for a United goal-kick to test their ability to play out.”
Read his thoughts in full here
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Guardiola makes Phillips admission
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that he could be forced into the transfer market should Liverpool target Kalvin Phillips leave the club. "Kalvin is a player with us, I don't want to anticipate absolutely anything," he replied when asked for an update on Phillips' future.
"Everyone knows the situation he has. It depends if it happens. If it happens we talk. The market in January is not easy… We still have incredible things to play for, and after we decide.”
Phillips has made just six starts for Man City since arriving from Leeds. Man United have also been linked with the England midfielder.
Read more here
Liverpool hit with Inacio blow
Speaking of transfers, Liverpool now seem very unlikely to be signing Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio. The Reds were linked with a move for him earlier this season but it appears Premier League rivals Arsenal are attempting to steal a march.
According to reports in Portugal, the Gunners are considering activating the release clause written into his contract. That would see Mikel Arteta’s side pay €60million (£51.5m) for the centre-backs services.
Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a swoop for Inacio in the past.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan moveFind out more here