Liverpool legend plans shock raid for Everton talisman as Aston Villa eye £50m transfer coup

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is reportedly ready to return to Merseyside to persuade Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to join his at Saudi club Al Ettifaq.

The Sun have claimed the 11-times capped England striker ‘could be sold’ during the January transfer window despite marking his long-awaited return from injury by starting his side’s last four games.

After scoring as a substitute in a 3-1 win at Brentford last month, Calvert-Lewin found the net for a second consecutive game as the Toffees fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Everton a week later.

The 26-year-old frontman still has just under two years remaining on his current deal at Goodison Park - but he has now become a target for Liverpool legend Gerrard and could link up with former Toffees team-mate Demarai Gray at the Saudi Pro-League club.

The 3AM Verdict: “Any player heading into the final 12 months of their deal will always attract attention from other clubs. Whether Calvert-Lewin would be lured by what would no doubt be a lucrative move to the Pro League remains to be seen.”

Aston Villa prioritise La Liga midfielder for January move

Aston Villa are enjoying a fine run of form that has taken them into contention for a second consecutive season in European competition.

Their unquestionable progress under Unai Emery has been further fuelled by an impressive summer of recruitment after the likes of Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres moved to Villa Park.

Emery is still hoping to improve his squad during the January transfer window by returning to former club Villarreal to sign midfielder Alex Baena. Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed Emery has made the 22-year-old a priority for the new year and is looking for a way to persuade his former employers to allow their prize asset to depart for a figure lower than his current £51m release clause.

The 3AM Verdict: Baena’s progress at Villarreal has reportedly captured the attention of several clubs and there is no surprise his former manager is among his admirers. Given the progress Villa are making under Emery, a move to Villa Park could be the perfect fit for the newly-capped Spain star.

Newcastle plot January move

The doubt surrouding summer signing Sandro Tonali has led Newcastle United putting a midfielder to the top of their January shopping list.

The Italy international is currently awaiting the outcome of an investigation into alleged illegal betting and could be facing a ban of up to three years. Although Eddie Howe refused to commit to suggesting the Magpies would be forced into the transfer market if Tonali is punished, Football Insider have claimed a midfielder is ‘the top priority’ for the new year.

The 3AM Verdict: Although losing Tonali - the most high profile summer signing - would be a blow for Newcastle, the Magpies are blessed with several options in the heart of their midfield and could prioritise other areas even if their Italy international is forced into a period on the sidelines.