Yesterday it was announced that Aston Villa have agreed a £9.5m fee with Wigan Athletic for Charles N’Zogbia and the 25-year-old is set travel down to Villa Park to discuss personal terms today.
The French international who was last capped in 2010, will be a straight forward replacement on the left wing for the recently departed Stuart Downing and will become McLeish’s second summer signing after capturing N’Zogbia’s former Newcastle teammate Shay Given from Man City last week.
McLeish has long been an admirer of N’Zogbia and actually came within a whisker of signing him last summer for his former club Birmingham City but the deal collapsed at the 11th hour as they couldn’t agree personal terms. So although a fee has now been agreed it is still not 100% that he will be joining the club. However if as expected he does agree terms this week, McLeish will be hoping that he will be a suitable replacement for Downing and Young who had started to build up a potent attacking force alongside Darren Bent last season.
Villa have so far raised over £40 million from player sales this summer and N’Zogbia will be a major part of a new look Aston Villa side with the Alan Hutton and Scott Parker two other possible arrivals at Villa Park. Although he has experienced controversy in the past especially at Newcastle, I can see McLeish being disciplined with the winger and he will make sure the Villa fans only see N’Zogbia’s good side.
Interestingly he is actually classed as a home-grown player after being affiliated with an English club since the age of 18 when he brought over by Newcastle from Le Havre and will count as one of the eight players home-grown players needed in Villa’s 25-man-squad. This make it even more of a transfer bargain as everyone has seen that English players are moving at overinflated transfer fees partly due to this rule.
With Downing and Young sold, Villa were looking for a player that can create threats to the opposition and would also be responsible for set-pieces. In N’Zogbia they have this player as he is known for his match-winning ability, his excellent all round play and is one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League. He can also operate on either flank or as an attacking midfielder so it is understandable why Villa have snapped him up.
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It will be a new challenge for N’Zogbia who was influential in keeping the Latics in the Premier League last season and his two goals against West Ham in the penultimate game of the season all but secured their survival. Dave Whelan recently said of his prized asset: “I have always said for £10 million he is an absolute snip, if Stewart Downing can change hands for £20 million I don’t know what Charles is worth.”
He contributed with ten goals and seven assists for the Latics last season which is not too different to Downing’s total of seven goals and nine assists and this shows what a good deal Villa are getting with a reported £10.5 million difference in transfer fees.
With only 12 months left on his contract Wigan are getting a decent price for the winger but in terms of Downing’s move, it is still relatively cheap. He will only improve at a bigger club and in the right environment so N’Zogbia could be worth a lot more in the future. Downing’s £20m price tag was over-inflated by the fact he still had four years left on his contract at Villa Park but Villa fans must feel they are the end of a very good deal.
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Villa fans would have been saddened to see their player of the year Downing leave after his impressive form last season but I feel they are getting a more than adequate replacement in N’Zogbia. He has a similar goal scoring record, has the ability to change a game and is signing at a very reasonable price. The rebuilding has begun and securing N’Zogbia’s signature would be a great way to kick-start it.
Do you agree? Do you think N’Zogbia is the right man to replace Downing? Follow me on twitter @aidanmccartney
Steven Pienaar has said speculation surrounding his future will not affect his current form.
The South Africa international has been strongly linked with a move away for weeks, with Tottenham looking the most likely destination for the 28-year-old.
The Toffees are still trying to persuade Pienaar to sign a new contract but time is running out.
Everton have already hinted they would rather sell him in January rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires.
When asked whether he would still be on Merseyside come the end of the season Pienaar told Sky Sports: "No comment."
The winger did go on to say that he knew nothing of the apparent link with Tottenham, claiming it was all media speculation at this point in time.
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"I was also told this by one of my team-mates, so I don't know what is going on.
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As reported by Transfermarketweb.com, Liverpool are interested in signing Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker in the upcoming summer transfer window.
What’s the story?
With the future of Emre Can at Anfield very much in doubt, Jurgen Klopp is likely to be on the hunt for midfield talent from around Europe this summer in an effort to replace the German international’s contribution to his first team.
One name that is being linked with a move to Merseyside is Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker.
That’s according to Transfermarketweb.com, who say the player will be available for around £26.4m when the transfer window opens.
Is he the kind of player that can replace Can’s skills in the Reds’ engine room?
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Good enough for Liverpool?
Dendoncker was a star in the Anderlecht side that went all the way to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals last season but with that team almost unrecognisable from the current state of the Belgians, he’s failed to replicate that form this term.
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He struggled to make an impact in the UEFA Champions League group stages and for much of the season has been utilised at centre-back rather than midfield, perhaps making the skills he’d require at Liverpool a little bit rusty.
He is still young and learning and at 22 years of age has potential, but hasn’t done enough in an under-performing Anderlecht squad to prove he has enough about him to replace a player like Emre Can, especially with the reported fee going beyond £20m.
As the festive period fast approaches there is only one thing on the minds of football fans across Europe. Presents and turkey will of course have their role to play this December, but after Christmas ends and households throughout the nation are littered with wrapping paper and empty boxes, we at least have the January transfer window to look forward to.
Yes the winter window never really lives up to the transfer dealings that happen in the summer, and yes, players who sign in January usually under-perform, leaving managers and clubs wary of doing any business whatsoever during mid-season. But as is always the case in the modern world of football, Premier League clubs very rarely learn from their mistakes.
Take a look at the potential transfer bargains available this January, with a thought to which clubs need to do the most business throughout the window.
10. Ravel Morrison
Football – Stevenage v West Ham United – Pre Season Friendly – Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way – 14/15 – 12/7/14West Ham United’s Ravel MorrisonMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Once described by ex-Birmingham manager, Lee Clark, as the best English talent since Paul Gascoigne, Ravel Morrison’s brief career has so far been nothing short of controversial.
The ex-Manchester United starlet has so far been accused of two counts of witness intimidation as a juvenile, as well as a more recent accusation of assault on an ex-girlfriend. The latter case has subsequently been dropped, but along with several bust-ups with team mates (both on and off the pitch), Ravel Morrison has done little to help himself so far.
The 21-year-old is blessed with incredible talent however. He has a calmness on the ball that is more commonly found within players from the continent, and his ability to pick out a fine pass is second to none among the England U21 international set up.
Morrison’s contract is up in the summer, and with his time at West Ham seemingly coming to an end, former clubs that he spent time at on loan, QPR and Birmingham, may just decide that this once priceless asset may be worth it if he can finally get his head straight.
9. Fabian Delph
Aston Villa’s latest talent has certainly been turning heads recently in the Premier League. He has gained many admirers this season for his direct style of play, intense energy output, and impressive ability to score class goals.
Delph definitely needs to develop some consistency within his game, as he is still far from the finished article, but this 25-year-old nevertheless is a fairly exciting prospect.
After several impressive displays and the reward of a recent England call-up from Roy Hodgson, you would think that Villa would be doing everything they can to keep hold of the centre-midfielder. Things will not be so easy for Paul Lambert however, as with his side seemingly going nowhere in the league at the moment, Delph’s reluctance to sign a new contract doesn’t bode well for the Villains.
Everton and Liverpool have both expressed interest in Fabian Delph in recent weeks, so a move could well be on the cards for the midfielder if he continues to find his feet in the Premier League.
8. Adrien Rabiot
This young French midfielder may have the look of a new David Luiz, but since the arrival of Yohan Cabaye and the continued form of Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti, Adrien Rabiot has seen little time to express himself in PSG’s first team.
Rabiot has drawn praise from both Carlo Ancelotti and current boss Laurent Blanc for his composure on the ball and ability to break up play. He can offer a great deal to any team that is willing to give him the chance, but at the young age of 19-years-old, Rabiot is hardly a big name at PSG at the moment. He was once considered to be one of Ligue 1’s rising stars during 2013/14, but that line of thinking has since evaporated for the young talent.
Arsenal, as well as a whole host of names from the rest of Europe, have expressed an interest in Adrien Rabiot, but they may be put off by the midfielder’s reportedly high wage demands. If this is the case, a loan move may be the more sensible option for those looking to take on the young Frenchman.
7. Andre Ayew
As the sons of former Ghana legend Abedi Pele, Andre and his brother Jordan never fail to attract interest from the Premier League and beyond. Although he is still only 24, the older of the two brothers, Andre, is continuing to impress critics within both France and Europe.
The exciting winger/forward has become a firm fan-favourite during his time at Marseille, but after impressing for his nation at the World Cup this summer, Andre Ayew’s spell in France may be coming to an end. He has several qualities to his game, including fast pace and strong finishing, that would certainly put him in good stead to ply his trade in the Premier League.
Both West Ham and Newcastle have been reportedly keen on Ayew in recent years, but a move to one of Europe’s more illustrious clubs may still await the Marseille forward with his contract ending next summer.
6. Fabian Schar
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With Paulo Sousa’s Basel sealing Champions League qualification at Anfield this week, Fabian Schar proves to be a player whose stock is on the rise.
The Swiss centre back has wowed fans in his native homeland for his ability to clean up in defence and chip in with a few important goals in the process. The 22-year-old defender has since developed his role in the heart of Switzerland’s back line, ousting former Arsenal utility-man Johan Djourou in the process.
Basel will therefore be certainly keen to hold onto Schar, but as the prospect of playing in one of Europe’s top five most popular leagues looms ever closer for the young centre-back, doing so won’t be so easy for Paulo Sousa.
A move this winter does seem unlikely however, as Schar is cup-tied for the Champions League and would obviously leave Basel with unfinished business if he were to depart so soon. Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund and a whole host of clubs from Serie A, have continued to express their desire to sign the young defender.
5. James Milner
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Manuel Pellegrini’s ex-Newcastle and Villa winger has always been somewhat of an enigma for fans of the Premier League.
During his career, James Milner has displayed spells of brilliance as an attacking force with a good eye for a pass. The English winger has particularly shone alongside the likes of David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure with Manchester City in recent years, yet he has never really established himself as a first team regular under either Pellegrino or Mancini.
Milner has also failed to bring his club form onto the international stage, but as that is the case with nearly every player who represents the Three Lions these days, his poor form comes as no surprise. Despite this, James Milner can also play the utility-man role by popping up at right-back every now and then when required.
With his contract due to expire soon, it seems doubtful that the England international has a role at Man City beyond this season. Several Premier League teams have are reportedly interested in Milner, with Liverpool again being touted as the front runners.
4. Dani Alves
Within Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Barcelona side circa 2009/10, Dani Alves was largely considered to be one of the best full-backs in the world.
A subsequent drop of form and a quite frankly poor World Cup campaign have nevertheless put an end to that status, and seemingly put an end to Alves’ time at Barca as well. It has been confirmed by the Catalonian giants that the flying Brazilian will be leaving the club in the summer.
This news will not put off potential January suitors however, with all of the Premier League’s top sides looking to win the race to sign this once prized asset. PSG are also considered to be highly interested in the defender, but with the chance to sign Dani Alves for free next summer, perhaps a January move will come too soon for the Barca no. 22.
As well as the ability to score flashy free-kicks, Dani Alves has won the world over for his technical skill and the touch of flair that he brings to the defensive side of the game.
3. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
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As most of the Premier League’s big sides are looking for a striker to ease their goal drought in 2014/15, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may prove to be the perfect signing.
‘The Hunter’, as he has become known for his ruthless nature in front of goal, has developed an ability to score for fun in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04. He also has plenty of Champions League caps as well a long term experience of playing international football that would surely impress any clubs looking to sign the Dutchman.
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Whilst he has never been considered one of the world’s very best strikers, Huntelaar has been a constant force in Europe during spells with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Yes the Dutch forward hasn’t had his scoring boots laced to maximum efficiency at all times, but Schalke’s current main man has definitely gone a long way in rediscovering his form in the Bundesliga.
Liverpool and Arsenal should certainly be considering a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who only has a year remaining on his contract in Germany.
2. Yevhen Konoplyanka
This 25-year-old talent may provide us with one of the least well known players on this list, but for fans of the equally unknown Ukrainian club, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, Yevhen Konoplyanka is a true star in the making.
The Ukrainian winger has drawn plaudits for his performances in the Europa League, and with a move to Liverpool reportedly falling through at the last minute last season, Konoplyanka could soon be on his way to somewhere new.
He has the ability to provide an attacking force for his side throughout the entire 90 minutes, as well as being a good passer, a good crosser and a player who rarely seems to tire. For these reasons he would seem a great addition to the Premier League.
As very few Ukrainians actually make it in English football however, perhaps a degree of caution should be applied for any club looking to sign Yevhen Konoplyanka.
1. Sami Khedira
Whilst Sami Khedira doesn’t look like he’d be one of the most technically gifted midfielders that Europe has to offer, the half-German half-Tunisian enforcer is no mere water-carrier.
As his sublime individual display in the 7-1 semi-final destruction of Brazil this summer displayed, Khedira has all the characteristics of a calm ball winner and strong box-to-box midfielder. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid however, the German World Cup star has often been considered second best and deemed worthy of only a place on the bench.
At a side like Arsenal though, Khedira would find himself with a lot more game time on his hands and the opportunity to potentially develop into one of the league’s best centre-mids.
Everyone knows that the Gunners could do with someone of Khedira’s calibre in their side, and with the advent of his contract running up at Madrid, a move to the Premier League could soon become a reality for the German star. A worrying injury record however, remains the only issue holding back Sami’s career at this current moment.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes that a loss to QPR in Saturday’s Premier League encounter could lead to fear of relegation.
The Magpies have endured a tough start to the campaign, with the act of balancing Europa League football and domestic games weighing heavy on the squad.
This has seen the St James’ Park outfit slip down to 15th position, just two points from the relegation zone.
Pardew believes that their weekend clash with second-bottom QPR could be a tricky one:
“We’re going to have a lot of pressure this week,” he is quoted by The Mirror.
“QPR will be expected to lose, so they can come and play with a little bit of freedom – but not us.
“We’re going to have to play under monster pressure.
“The fans need to be right on our side, whatever happens – even if QPR go 2-0 up.”
Newcastle face back-to-back trips to Manchester United and Arsenal before hosting Everton in the coming weeks, and Pardew feels that points must be won ahead of this tricky set of fixtures:
“It’s going to be one of those days when we must win,
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“Usually, people say it’s a must-win game – but I’m telling you it’s must-win.
“That’s what we need to do.
“We’ve always been about the next game. It’s the next game because that’s the only thing that you can legislate for. Already, I’m looking forward to it and it can’t come soon enough.”
Marouane Fellaini was recalled to the Manchester United starting line-up for the first time since his return from injury for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Sevilla.
The divisive midfielder failed to impress in the hour he was on the pitch as United put in an insipid performance and were eliminated in embarrassing circumstances, going down 2-1.
Paul Pogba replaced the 80-cap Belgian international, showing signs that he is over the gashed leg that kept him out of Saturday’s victory over Liverpool and that gives Jose Mourinho a midfield selection dilemma.
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That is something the Portuguese manager has not had for a while given the spate of injuries that have limited his midfield options in recent weeks.
The Sevilla defeat has added even more importance to Saturday’s FA Cup quarter final showdown with Brighton at Old Trafford so it is imperative that Mourinho gets it right in his engine room.
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That’s why we’re asking you; should Fellaini keep his spot in the side for the visit of the Seagulls? Let us know by voting in the poll below…
Aston Villa seems to be heading for the Premier League trap door quicker than Usain Bolt can run the 100 metre race. Had it not been for their three wins and a draw in their opening four games, they would be rooted to the bottom of the table right now with nowhere to hide.
They have lost their last six games on the bounce, ironically just after their boss signed a new five year extension on the back of his side’s great start to the campaign. The ten points they accumulated in four games was an impressive start without a shadow of a doubt. Since then, they have been in rapid decline, losing five out of their last six games without even a goal to show for their troubles. It took them until their latest defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur to score a goal, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
They now face an in form West Ham in their next match, an away game which will be made even more of a daunting prospect for the Villa considering the suspension of key player Christian Benteke after his sending off against Spurs for “punching” (more like stroking) Ryan Mason.
After West Ham, they then face a home tie against an even more in form side in Southampton who have been nothing short of perfect so far this season, and find themselves sitting in second place behind league leaders Chelsea. On paper, it is hard to see past another two defeats in their next two games, which would see them having lost a massive eight games on the trot.
Their only reprieve comes after the game against Saints, a relegation crunch match and six pointer against fellow strugglers Burnley who are about the only team worse than Villa at the moment.
Villa are leaking goals for fun this season and not scoring many at all, so they are facing issues at both ends of the pitch, a worrying sign that you are in big trouble. They have the joint second worst goal difference in the whole league and they don’t look like they can find a solution.
Normally if a team is defending well, they might be struggling to score and are perhaps drawing too many games. Or a team is scoring well but are also conceding and at least then a team in that position can look to outscore the opposition and would have a few more points on the board.
It has to be said that on paper, Villa haven’t got the type of team that you would consider a relegation scrap candidate. They should be finding themselves in the top half of the table, and quite a tough team to play. However at the moment they are everyone else’s team of choice to play after Burnley, the Premier League’s newest whipping boys.
It is hard to see where manager Paul Lambert is going to find the motivation and inspiration from to lead his team to victory in their next couple of games. It is vital that they pick up something from these next two games, or they will be dragged a lot further into trouble and potentially end up in the bottom three come the end of the season.
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One team they can draw inspiration from will be Newcastle, who after finding themselves in similar peril went on a winning spree and find themselves out of trouble (for now) and even managed to defeat Spurs away and Liverpool at home.
Aston Villa will be hoping for similar joy in their next few games, or it will be hard for them to dig themselves out of trouble. It could well be that this is the season that sees them finally fall through the trap door into the Championship!
When Andy Carroll arrived at Upton Park on the last day of the summer transfer window many people were shocked at how a so-called £35 million player had ended up at a newly promoted side in the Premier League.
His transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool was equally as shocking considering he only really had one good season at St. James’ Park. But the big question now is whether West Ham should take up the option of first refusal at the end of the season or send him back to Liverpool where he clearly isn’t wanted.
The striker’s impact at West Ham was immediate after he was involved in Kevin Nolan’s 1st minute opener in the 3-0 home win over Fulham in September. He continued to be a handful up front and he seemed to fit perfectly into Sam Allardyce’s style of play.
However, just one goal in 10 appearances wasn’t the contribution West Ham were expecting. Many believed a new club with new surroundings and the opportunity to link up again with best friend Kevin Nolan would see Carroll re-discover the goal scoring form that earned him that big money move to Liverpool in the first place.
But should we be looking beyond his lack of goals and be appreciating the extra dimension he gives the Hammers up top? There’s no denying he plays a major part in West Ham’s attacking threat and his aerial presence was un-rivalled in the Premier League before injury struck a few weeks ago.
During his absence, West Ham have struggled to pick up results and are clearly missing him. That makes you wonder whether he is imperative to West Ham’s success in the Premier League regardless of how many goals he scores.
Is he worth the money? Seventeen million quid is a hell of a lot of money for a club like West Ham to be paying for one player, but if he can remain fit and continue building up an understanding with his new team mates then it’s a sacrifice I think West Ham must make.
With him due to return to action in mid-January, he will no doubt have another striker to compete for a starting place with. Allardyce is not likely to play 4-4-2 so we shouldn’t expect to see him being partnered up front with an old fashioned goal poaching forward, but the extra competition for places will help him improve and try harder to impress. After all, the pressure that huge price tag has given him will urge the striker to prove the country that he was worth every penny.
From West Ham’s point of view, and especially Sam Allardyce, it will all depend on how well he does in the second half of the season. If he gets a few assists on the board and scores some important goals then there will be a case for the club to spend a lot of money to keep him there. We all know he is the perfect fit for West Ham and their style of play, but if he can’t prove it then taking a punt on the hope that he’ll be better next season is risky.
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With Andy Carroll, he will need to make a decision on whether he wants to remain at West Ham or not. There’s no point playing at a club when your heart is elsewhere and it’s clear he dreams of a return to Newcastle. Captain Kevin Nolan will play a huge part in that decision, I’m sure, and he’ll be eager to keep Carroll in London, but if he doesn’t feel it’s right for him here then the club or the fans wouldn’t begrudge him turning down a permanent move.
It is a lot of money but, in my opinion, he will be worth every penny. He works hard and fits in well at Upton Park and with the support of the fans, Allardyce and his team mates can give him, he’ll soon realise West Ham is a perfect place for him to justify the money Liverpool paid for him. Dig deep, Gold and Sullivan, because Big Andy is what we need to continue improving in the Premier League.
Do you think West Ham should splash the cash on Andy Carroll? Or is £17 million too much for a player who we are still waiting to see the best of in the Premier League?
Leonardo Bonucci is an experienced winner having won seven league titles in his career, and now he is being linked with a move to the Premier League.
According to Calciomercato, Manchester City are one of a handful of clubs that are interested in recruiting the veteran defender.
Pep Guardiola already has a strong team at his disposal, and not a huge amount needs to be changed following last season’s title triumph.
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However, it seems that the recent two-year European ban implemented on Milan by UEFA has led City to consider a swoop for Bonucci as he is now believed to be considering his future.
Calciomercato reports that along with City, the club’s arch rivals Manchester United, as well as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking the defender.
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Guardiola are not in desperate need of a new centre-back, but there are concerns over injury prone Vincent Kompany.
Judging by the reaction on Twitter, though, City fans would rather the club did not make a move for the 31-year-old.
Mohamed Salah has been in a class of his own this season, scoring 23 goals and only failing to score twice in his last 10 Premier League games.
He’s not the only Liverpool player to make an impact since signing in the summer, though, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Virgil Van Dijk, Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke all making a name for themselves after arriving at Anfield either in the summer or the January transfer window.
Centre-forward Dominic Solanke has, at least quantitatively, probably been the least effective signing – with the Chelsea youth graduate appearing 16 times for Liverpool in the league this season but only earning the one assist to his name.
Left-back Andrew Robertson has fought his way into the side after barely seeing the field in the first few months of the season, and the left-back is now a first-team regular with two assists in the record books this season.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Virgil Van Dijk have had the most expectation attached to them out of the new signings, with the former arriving at Anfield for £34m in the summer and Van Dijk transferring from Southampton on a £70m fee in January.
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The formal Arsenal midfielder has chipped in three goals and four assists, while the ex-Southampton centre-back has kept two clean sheets in the league since joining the club, but has either player been worth their inflated price tag?
We’ll let Liverpool fans decide who has been the best signing at the club this season – have your say by voting below…