The Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are gearing up for a dream Champions League final match against European giants of the game Real Madrid and, after two fantastic two-legged wins over Man City and Roma – they will surely fancy themselves.

Liverpool will be looking to continue the stunning form that saw them remain unbeaten in the group stages, alongside finding the net 23 times in the six matches. The Reds, this season, have shown the ability to blow any team away and, that’s exactly what Jurgen Klopp will be looking for again to fire the Reds to European glory for the sixth time – which will delight our punters.

Our regulars in the tap room have enjoyed watching Liverpool this season, however, are very mindful that a second-half collapse much like their one against Sevilla in the group stages can happen at any point if they press the self-destruct button. Indeed, this simply can not happen against a cut-throat team like Los Blancos.

With vast improvements in the defence, Klopp will be expecting his players to level up once more to move on to the European Glory, however, our landlord has taken a look at which TWO players, if it all doesn’t go to plan could see this as the end of the Anfield careers…

OUR VERDICT – Loris Karius and Joel Matip

Liverpool have had goalkeeper problems all season long and one of the main factors behind that was in that the indecisive decision making of Klopp.

Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have been in and out of the team all season, up until recently when it seems the Karius has taken the top spot and things have started to turn around with a regular voice behind the defence.

At the moment, it is Karius’ to take into next season, however, if things don’t go well tonight, Klopp will look elsewhere for a regular number one next season.

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In Joel Matip the centre-back has been vying for one of the two places at the back of the defence alongside the Dutchman, Virgil Van Dijk. It’s been a straight shootout between Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren to partner the VVD, with Matip coming off the loser.

If he’s left out and the Reds lose tonight, then the Cameroonian may leave as the boss will look to further strengthen the defence many in the back room of the pub feel, and it wouldn’t be a huge miss in the team with him putting in a disappointing first half of the season.

According to Sky Sports, Everton have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign highly-rated Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Sky Sports say that the Toffees, along with their Premier League rivals are keen on the 21-year-old, but they could face competition for his signature from Schalke and Monaco.

Sky Sports says that while Tottenham have scouted the Mali international intensive throughout the campaign, the Merseyside outfit’s interest in the player may have been held by former head of recruitment Steve Walsh rather than replacement Marcel Brands, who can become an instant Goodison Park hero if he completes an ambitious £70m deal.

However, the report adds that the Dutchman and the club are still looking for a player of a similar profile to Bissouma, meaning that Walsh’s departure may not have killed any potential move.

How did Bissouma do this season?

The midfielder was outstanding and ended the campaign having made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille, scoring two goals and picking up one assist.

The Mali international showed his quality on the pall with a passing accuracy of 85.2% in those French top flight outings, as per WhoScored.com, while he also showed his ability to take on his opponents and move forward while in possession having successfully completed 55 of the 75 dribbles he attempted.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old showed his defensive capabilities by making 31 interceptions and winning 68 of the 88 tackles he attempted.

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Would he be a good signing for Everton?

He certainly would be.

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Toffees supporters generally weren’t pleased with Morgan Schneiderlin’s performances last season alongside Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park, and Bissouma could prove to be an upgrade and a real breath of fresh air alongside his fellow African next season if he signs for the Merseyside club.

One of the main annoyances the Goodison Park faithful have with the Frenchman is his tendency to make a sideways pass rather than a forward one, and the Mali international would certainly help to eradicate that issue as he is strong and loves to dribble forward with the ball.

Yaya Toure has not gone through his football career without controversy, and unfortunately the midfielder finds himself at the centre of another storm following his Manchester City departure.

After eight seasons at the Premier League club, the Ivory Coast international was released.

The former Barcelona star, who has won five league titles during his career, dropped down the rankings following Pep Guardiola’s appointment as manager in 2016.

Interestingly, the 35-year-old faded into the background at Barca during Guardiola’s four-year spell as manager at the Camp Nou.

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In an explosive interview with France Football, Toure opened up about his relationship with the manager, accusing the Spaniard of seeking “revenge” and being “jealous” of the footballer.

Controversially, the midfielder also suggested that Guardiola ‘does not like’ African players.

“He was cruel with me. Do you really think he could’ve been like that with Iniesta? It got to the point I asked myself if it was because of my colour. I’m not the first, other Barça players asked the question too.

“Maybe us Africans aren’t always treated the same by certain people. When you see the problems he (Pep) has often had with African players, everywhere he has been, I ask myself questions.

“Pep is too intelligent to be caught. He’ll never admit it (not liking Africans). But the day he picks a team with five Africans in, I promise I will send him a cake!”

Many City fans were saddened by the news that Toure was leaving the club, but these remarks have soiled the fond farewell.

Plenty of supporters gave their opinions on the interview via Reddit, and the majority were left feeling disgruntled.

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The 2018 World Cup is well underway and there are a number of players that have already made a big impact for their country in their opening group game, and surely some of them will have caught the eye of Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 44-year-old has already added Willy Boly to his squad on a permanent basis as well as wrapping up the arrivals of Raul Jimenez and Rui Patracio, but the Portuguese boss will surely want to add more quality to his squad in order to ensure they don’t find themselves in a Premier League relegation battle this season following a brilliant promotion campaign.

Considering how ambitious their owners are the west Midlands outfit, who could be set to deliver another marquee signing if they sell a £9m-rated key man, may even be targeting Europa League football and if they want to achieve that, Santo may need to strengthen his team in the wing-back and attacking areas in particular.

The former Porto boss will already have some targets in mind, but he may have been convinced by the impressive displays of a number of individuals in Russia, too.

Here are three World Cup stars that Santo has surely added to his summer transfer wishlist…

If Nuno Espirito Santo really wants to progress and aim high up the standings with Wolves in their first season back in the Premier League, he will know that he perhaps needs to strengthen in the wing-back positions, which would include finding an upgrade on Matt Doherty despite an impressive campaign for the Irishman.

Varela was brilliant for Uruguay in their win against Egypt with a passing accuracy of 96.4% from 55 passes, as per WhoScored.com, and while he made three tackles and one interception at the back, he also showed his attacking ability by completing one dribble and making one key pass.

The former Manchester United man is currently with Penarol, but he may well find himself back in European football this season if he continues to impress.

Similarly to with Doherty, Santo may want an upgrade on Barry Douglas on the opposite flank despite a standout 2017/18 campaign for the Scotland international.

If he is looking for a wing-back that is able both defensively and from attacking point of view, he could do a lot worse than take a look at Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo, who only joined Monterrey from Pumas UNAM last month.

However, following a stunning display in his country’s win against the holders Germany he could be targeted by a number of European clubs, and a big offer could be enough to tempt his new club and the player to accept a move to the Premier League instead.

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If Wolves are in need of another attacking midfielder who can also play wide this summer, they could do a lot worse than bring FC Porto’s Quintero to Molineux – especially following his brilliant goal for Colombia against Japan on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old usually plays on the right but started in a central role in the absence of the injured James Rodriguez against the Asian outfit, and he scored a clever low free-kick to put his country back in the contest following an early red card.

Clever and quick, Santo should go all out to bring the Colombian to the west Midlands before August 9.

Do you agree, Wolves fans? Let us know below.

West Ham fans are getting excited over a potential summer swoop for Joaquin Correa, as Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly eyeing Sevilla youngster as a Manuel Lanzini replacement.

The injury to Lanzini earlier this month was absolutely devastating news for both player and club, as the Hammers summer plans were all set to bring the best out of both Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic.

The two attackers are undoubtedly the Hammers’ best players, and adding the likes of Felipe Anderson to the exciting duo was a really enticing prospect.

Lanzini’s knee injury has thrown a spanner in the works though, and Pellegrini now must find a direct replacement for the creativity the crafty little Argentine brought to the team.

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According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Hammers have made contact with Alessandro Lucci, Correa’s agent, over a potential summer move.

The tricky 23 year-old has a similar dribbling style to Lanzini, and grabbed seven goals and seven assists in all competitions for Sevilla last season.

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West Bromwich Albion should try their luck and move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente if they lose Jay Rodriguez this summer.

What’s the word?

Darren Moore is need of players who can help the Baggies return to the promised land following their relegation to the Championship last season.

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Rumours have been circling that Jay Rodriguez is attracting attention from his former club Burnley, and if the forward does leave, West Brom need a replacement.

Fernando Llorente currently plies his trade at Spurs, but he had a miserable season with regards to game time.

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The 33-year-old was handed just one start in the Premier League, and he only managed to score five goals and create one assists in 31 outings in all competitions.

The return is not ideal, but he was rarely given the nod by manager Mauricio Pochettino, whereas at West Brom he would get regular minutes on the pitch.

Could a deal happen?

Llorente recently told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo that he is happy with life at Tottenham, despite the fact that he plays a bit-part role.

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The former Swansea City forward gave no indication that he was thinking about leaving the North London outfit, which would make it tricky for West Brom to get a deal over the line.

In addition, even though Tottenham have one of the more modest wage structures, the Baggies will be struggle to match what Llorente is already earning.

On top of that, the striker will be sacrificing top-flight football for Championship, but given his situation at Spurs, it is worth West Brom making an enquiry.

A round up from the latest matches in the Faithwear Metbank One-Day Competition

Cricinfo staff08-Dec-2009Mountaineers made light work of the target set by Matabeleland Tuskers at Mutare Sports Club. Choosing to bat first Matabeleland could not last the 50 overs as they were bowled out for under 200. It could have been worse for the visiting side, who were struggling at 71 for 6 at the half-way stage of their innings. But a run-a-ball 53 from captain Greg Strydom and contributions Mbekezeli Mabuza (24) and Chris Mpofu (29 not out) lifted the total to 197. Though the wickets were shared around the bowlers,18 year-old legspinner Natsai Mushangwe was the star, collecting a career best 4 for 40 from his 10 overs.With plenty of time to reach their target, unbeaten fifties from Tino Mawoyo and captain Hamilton Masakadza alongside 47 from Timycen Maruma ensured no problems for the Mountaineers as they widened their lead over second-placed Mid West Rhinos to 16 points.Rain meant only 4.1 overs of play was possible in Southern Rocks game against Mashonaland Eagles at Masvingo Sports Club.

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR	For	Against
Mountaineers	7	6	0	0	1	28	+1.003	1293/245.3	1279/300.0
Mid West Rhinos	6	3	3	0	0	12	+0.006	1425/297.3	1365/285.2
Mashonaland Eagles	7	2	3	0	2	12	-0.063	1225/247.1	1228/244.4
Southern Rocks	6	2	3	0	1	10	-0.387	1193/248.3	1233/237.4
Matabeleland Tuskers	6	1	5	0	0	4	-0.606	1379/300.0	1410/271.0

Australia remain confident that Peter Siddle will be fit for the third Test despite the selectors calling for the Tasmania fast bowler Brett Geeves as a backup

Brydon Coverdale in Perth14-Dec-2009Australia remain confident that Peter Siddle will be fit for the third Test despite the selectors calling for the Tasmania fast bowler Brett Geeves as a backup. Siddle bowled at full speed in the WACA nets on Monday and did not show any signs of the hamstring strain that troubled him in Adelaide, but much will depend on how he recovers after training.Following his bowling session, Siddle walked laps of the WACA with the team physio Alex Kountouris, who has spent much of the week working with Siddle in an effort to ensure he is fit for the Test starting on Wednesday. The wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said while Siddle was not yet a certain starter, the signs were positive.”There’s still a little bit of doubt around Peter,” Haddin said. “He bowled today, by all accounts he’s pulled up pretty well but with all these sort of injuries it’s not so much the first day, it’s how you pull up the next day. So he will have to be reassessed tomorrow but by all reports he pulled up pretty well after his spell today.”If Siddle does not prove his fitness before the Test, it would mean a likely debut for his Victorian team-mate Clint McKay, who was the 12th man in Adelaide and stayed with the squad for the Perth Test. The chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said that while Siddle was expected to be cleared, they were covering their bases by calling for Geeves, who was due to join the team in Perth on Monday night ahead of the series-deciding third game.”In order to ensure there is sufficient cover, a decision has been made to have Brett Geeves available as a standby player in Perth,” Hilditch said. “Brett gets his opportunity on the back of his recent strong performances in Sheffield Shield cricket and because the panel feels he will be well-suited to the conditions at the WACA should an opportunity present itself.”Geeves, a 27-year-old right armer, toured with the limited-overs team to South Africa earlier in the year, and has appeared in two ODIs and a Twenty20 international. However, his prospects seemed to suffer when he was not called up for the injury-hit visit to India in October and November.Five wickets in Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield win over Western Australia last week helped remind the selectors of his worth. In 39 first-class games he has taken 134 wickets at 34.41 and is well-known in Australian cricket circles for his lively blog. The country’s fast-bowling stocks are being tested with the contract holders Ben Hilfenhaus, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark on the injured list.

Stuart Clark will be joining Kent as an overseas player for the first half of next season. Clark, who has also enjoyed brief stints with Hampshire and Middlesex, had been set to fill the overseas role for Kent last summer before being recalled by Australi

Cricinfo staff06-Jan-2010Stuart Clark will be joining Kent as an overseas player for the first half of next season. Clark, who has also enjoyed brief stints with Hampshire and Middlesex, had been set to fill the overseas role for Kent last summer before being recalled by Australia during the Ashes.”Stuart is a tremendous character and has the ability and experience that we are looking for”, said Graham Johnson, Kent’s chairman of cricket. “He is a genuine wicket-taker and will bring a great amount to the side. He has a positive outlook and will prove a great addition.””We are delighted to finally sign Stuart,” added Paul Farbrace, the county’s team director. “He is an attractive signing for us because he is not playing in the Indian Premier League and will be available for the first half of the summer. He is an exceptional bowler and will offer a lot, both on and off the field.”Clark has represented his country 24 times in Test matches, taking 94 wickets at a miserly 23.86, but was discarded after Australia’s unsuccessful Ashes campaign. While conceding that his international career is in all likelihood over, the 34-year-old has identified a county stint as a new career objective.

An unbeaten hundred from Maurice Ouma kept Kenya afloat on the third day of their Intercontinental Cup game against Scotland at Nairobi Gymkhana. His 106, along with dogged contributions from Hiren Varaiya (44), Collins Obuya (38) and Steve Tikolo (34) ha

Cricinfo staff27-Jan-2010Close Kenya 91 (Obuya 40) and 288 for 7 (Ouma 106*, Varaiya 44, Nel 3-91) lead Scotland 306 (Sheikh 108, Berrington 80) by 73 runs

ScorecardAn unbeaten hundred from Maurice Ouma kept Kenya afloat on the third day of their Intercontinental Cup game against Scotland at Nairobi Gymkhana. His 106, along with dogged contributions from Hiren Varaiya (44), Collins Obuya (38) and Steve Tikolo (34) had stretched Kenya’s lead to 73 by stumps. Two late strikes by Kyle Coetzer gave Scotland the edge today, however, and Kenya closed at 288 for 7.After a dismal performance in their first innings, the pressure was on the Kenyan batsmen today. The inexperienced Rakep Patel added only 10 runs to his overnight score before he edged Dewald Nel through to Simon Smith to give Scotland their first breakthrough of the morning. Majid Haq found Obuya’s edge after he had flowed to 38 to bring Tikolo, Kenya’s most experienced batsman and a constant presence in the middle order for the last 15 years, to the crease.Kenya would have hoped for a long innings from Tikolo, and he stroked six boundaries in a fluent innings but fell to Haq’s offspin with Kenya still 67 runs short of making Scotland bat again. All the while, Varaiya held firm at the other end, grinding his way to 44 from an astounding 237 balls – his highest score in first-class cricket – before he became Nel’s third victim of the day.Jimmy Kamande showed some application to survive for 54 balls, but his dismissal by Coetzer nine overs before the close opened the door for Scotland and Nehemiah Odhiambo was bowled for a duck in Coetzer’s next over. Elijah Otieno’s unbeaten 10 – his personal best with the bat in any format – allowed Ouma to go to a well-deserved hundred, but with only three second-innings wickets still standing, Scotland will still be confident that they can restrict Kenya to a gettable total tomorrow.