Liverpool find 'Joel Matip replacement' as Man Utd 'shortlist' Bundesliga star

Part two of the Premier League break is here, but we still get to see plenty of football this weekend thanks to the staggered nature of the break. This weekend, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United are in action.

We could see yet another twist in the title race, with Liverpool currently five points ahead of Arsenal - the only team who can make up any ground this weekend. Manchester City, who are not in action, are just two points worse off at this stage. As we brace for half the action but - hopefully - just as much entertainment, we have rounded up all the latest rumours surrounding the Premier League.

United like Bundesliga star

Manchester United are said to be interested in a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou ahead of the summer. Florian Plettenberg has made the claim on X, writing: "News Odilon #Kossounou: Due to his strong season with Leverkusen, he is on Manchester United's extended list!

"He’s not not a top target but they are monitoring him … #MUFC Kossounou, key player for Alonso. Contract until 2026. One to watch for summer transfer window."

Luiz to Arsenal links

Arsenal remain interested in signing Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz, according to reports. Football Insider say the Brazilian is a player the Gunners are 'pushing hard' to land, but those pushes have so far been unsuccessful.

The Gunners are also said to have had offers rejected in the past, and Villa are not likely to soften if they continue their current trajectory. But Arsenal are said to view Luiz as a potential key component.

Hancko interest

Feyenoord defender David Hancko is being mooted as a Joel Matip replacement for Liverpool ahead of next season, and the player's agent, Branislav Jasurek, has claimed there is interest from the Reds. He told Czech outlet TN.cz (via Football365): "As an agency, we are in contact not only with these two clubs (Liverpool and PSG), but also with others who are looking into David's situation.

"I estimate that it is 80-90 per cent likely that David will stay in Rotterdam [this month] ... the people at Feyenoord know that David Hancko will be sold, but it is better in the summer than now. It will have to be one of the big clubs. We believe that he will choose the best option for a sporting perspective, similar to his [2022] transfer from Sparta Prague to Feyenoord.

"He chose that step over other, more financially attractive offers. If he does transfer, that would be great because it means he will go to a bigger club. But even if he doesn't transfer, I think David will be happy to stay in Rotterdam."