Liverpool make 'priority' player contract call as key Chelsea star links to Man City are shut down

The Premier League has returned to action following the international break and we’ve already seen some thrilling performances. As we wait for the remaining games to unfold in the highly competitive top flight, we’ve taken a dive into some of the latest transfer rumours, with the January window rapidly approaching.

Liverpool make contract ‘priority’

Liverpool have made it their ‘number one priority’ to extend Virgil van Dijk’s tenure at the club. The captain is one of three players approaching the end of his contract and reports are starting to swirl around the future of the trio. Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also at risk of becoming free agents unless new terms are agreed.

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool want to retain Van Dijk ‘for the foreseeable future’ and have made it their priority to tie him down with a new deal. The 33-year-old is also reportedly keen on staying at Anfield, despite previous contrasting reports that he could be headed for the exit.

Van Dijk is ‘believed to have been pleased’ with what he’s seen from Arne Slot so far and that could prove itself if he puts pen to paper over a new deal.

The 3AM Verdict: Many expected several players to leave Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure but with things going well under Slot, there’s a lot to be excited about. If the club can convince key players like Van Dijk to stay and commit to this new chapter at Anfield, it will be a huge statement from Liverpool. Not only will it be great news for fans to see important members of the team stick around, it will send a huge signal regarding how well things are going so far under new management.

Chelsea star links to Man City shut down

Chelsea’s star performer Cole Palmer has been linked with a ‘sensational’ return to Manchester City but Football Insider has reported that this is not something the Blues will allow to happen. Chelsea ‘will not entertain’ offers for their versatile goalscorer.

Palmer has rapidly established himself as one of Chelsea’s most important and reliable performers, with 31 goals and 20 assists in 54 appearances so far overall. The 22-year-old has contributed six goals and five assists in his first seven Premier League appearances this season and City reportedly, and unsurprisingly, ‘regret’ letting him go.

Rumours have been circulating that he is the man being lined up to potentially replace exit-linked Kevin De Bruyne but the Football Insider report says any links back to the Etihad are ‘premature speculation’. It would cost a ‘world record fee’ to prise Palmer away from Chelsea.

The 3AM Verdict: In today’s market, Chelsea could realistically ask for any amount of money for Palmer based on how impressive he is already, with a huge career still ahead of him too. With the Blues in good form right now, it is crucial they keep hold of influential players like Palmer, as they certainly wouldn’t be in the position they are now without him pulling the strings in most games. A sale could be on the cards much further down the line, as all players must move on in some capacity at some point, but for now, Chelsea probably see Palmer as an asset no amount of money can buy.