Liverpool face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa
Harvey Elliott is on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
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Liverpool face a significant challenge against Manchester City on Sunday. The Reds are targeting a statement victory that could strengthen the team's ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League.
Arne Slot's side offered encouragement with a 4-1 triumph over Newcastle United in their most recent fixture and face a City team who have secured just one win in their last six league matches. While Liverpool have displayed similarly patchy form, the vital encounter at Anfield presents a chance to remind their opponents of the talent within their squad.
Off the pitch, transfer rumours have continued to circulate following the end of the January window as clubs start preparing for the summer. Here is a round-up of some of the latest stories surrounding the Reds.
Harvey Elliott discussions
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has maintained that the responsibility rests with Liverpool to help rescue Harvey Elliott's campaign following months of talks. The 22-year-old agreed a temporary switch to Villa in the summer, which would become permanent upon making 10 appearances.
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While the midfielder was widely anticipated to thrive at Villa Park, he remains short of that figure. However, as Villa are reluctant to activate his purchase option, Emery has called for the Reds to withdraw the transfer clause to allow the Liverpool loanee to feature more consistently.
"We are speaking about it [taking off the clause] but not now. We started speaking about it three months ago," Emery said. "Of course, the transfer window was finished on Monday. It will be fair for him, because he's a calm guy, good guy and he's a fantastic professional. And then his qualities are there.
"Of course he must play and he's really being passionate and I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there and we are taking the decision responsibly from my side. It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause - if they don't want to, okay."
The Villa manager continued: "My sport decision is still there - 'you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play'. But in case, the clauses are still there and now it is Liverpool - they have the key."
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to leave Al-Nassr(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
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Cristiano Ronaldo situation
Cristiano Ronaldo has been touted as a potential departure from Al Nassr, should Mohamed Salah make the switch from Liverpool to the Saudi Pro League during the summer. The Portuguese striker has been absent from his team's previous two league fixtures, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr's handling of the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Salah has been persistently linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Rumours of a Liverpool exit escalated following his outburst over being dropped to the bench in December. Ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood reckons that the reported interest in Salah, who is nearing the final year of his contract, could spell the end for Ronaldo's stint in Saudi Arabia.
"You've got to feel sorry for Cristiano Ronaldo, haven't you," Sherwood said to Casinostugan. "Who wouldn't feel aggrieved that they're not signing players how he wants them signed when he's on £500k a day? He's got every right to throw a tantrum, right?
"I mean, what is he talking about? If I was on £500k a day I'd be asking them what do you want me to do, and when do you want me to do it?
"Will Mohamed Salah moving out there mean the end of Ronaldo's time in Saudi Arabia? Absolutely but then again he's always had his battles."