Newcastle ‘expected’ to launch attack in January for star Arne Slot has been sidelined

Liverpool can expect Newcastle to make a firm move for Joe Gomez in January, with a report also detailing the player’s stance on leaving the Reds.

Newcastle sought to sign a high-profile defender over the summer and saw numerous bids – the highest worth £65m – rejected by Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi. But before the Magpies moved to Guehi, the Daily Mail revealed that there was a cash-plus-player swap deal that would have seen Joe Gomez and Anthony Gordon swap places. Newcastle are also said to have received £30m as part of the deal.

The move ultimately fell through when Newcastle sold Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) to satisfy their PSR demands before the Premier League deadline of 30 June. But according to the last of Football specialistNewcastle are ready to reignite their interest in Gomez after failing to sign Guehi.

FI stated that Newcastle are “expected” to make an offer for the versatile 27-year-old defender in the January window.

Gomez made 51 appearances across all competitions during Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge last season. However, he only made three appearances under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, and only one of those was a start (League Cup third round against West Ham).

FI concluded that Gomez is “reluctant to continue as a fourth option” in his favored center back position. As such, the defender will reportedly “make a decision” about his future before the winter window opens.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are only willing to sanction a sale if a suitable replacement is signed in the same window.

READ MORE: The main details of each Liverpool first-team player’s contract: expiry dates, weekly wages, agents…

More suitors line up for marginalized Joe Gomez

Aston Villa are also monitoring Gomez in case the green light for his sale is granted.

His vast European experience could be key to Unai Emery’s side, who look set to grace European competitions for many years to come. Gomez made 50 appearances in Europe during his tenure at Liverpool, 37 of which came in the Champions League.

Gomez excelled in a sort of firefighter role at Liverpool last season, playing at right-back, left-back, defender and even central midfield.

As such, only Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott (53 each) have made more appearances than Gomez’s mark of 51.

Compare that to this season, where Gomez has played in just three of a possible eight matches so far. Two of those appearances were late appearances off the bench (against AC Milan in the Champions League and Wolves in the Premier League).

Conor Bradley is now Trent Alexander-Arnold’s main backup at right-back and Kostas Tsimikas is Slot’s preferred option as he replaces Robertson on the left.

With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate forming a strong centre-back pairing under Slot and Jarell Quansah emerging as third choice, Gomez’s prospects for regular action look bleak.

FI concluded that Gomez is aware that he must play more regularly for the benefit of his club and his international career.

Alisson / Zubimendi leaving for Man City?

Elsewhere, the Sun claims Liverpool are “prepared” for Alisson Becker to leave, potentially as early as next summer.

In addition to links with Saudi Arabia, the possibility of joining Bayern Munich to replace Manuel Neuer is now in focus. Bayern – at the request of coach Vincent Kompany – is “very excited” about the move.

Martin Zubimendi is once again in the headlines as Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City weigh up a move in January.

With Rodri’s season over after knee surgery, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking for a high-quality, ready-made addition to their engine room.

Finally, Liverpool are not concerned by speculative reports that Salah has previously agreed a move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season.

In contrast, the Reds are confident they can secure a contract extension for their Egyptian ace.

Liverpool may regret losing ultra-versatile Gomez