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Liverpool face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon, and it is perhaps a gravely concerning actuality that the club’s supporters will hold an overarching sense of pessimism following the Premier League drubbing earlier this month.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are in something of a sticky spell, immensely underwhelming this season following a preceding campaign that struck silverware in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, taking Manchester City to the closing day in the Premier League title race and agonisingly falling short to Real Madrid in the Champions League finale.

The marathon year has taken its toll.

This season, Liverpool languish in tenth place in the English top-flight after the midpoint (19 fixtures played) and have lost their swagger and style, with a recent report from The Athletic detailing the collapse of intensity from the midfield sending Klopp’s system teetering off-balance and removing the formerly iron-clad resilience that charged Klopp’s unwavering intensity.

But with the club overcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup, a trip to the Amex Stadium to battle the high-flying Seagulls will be imperative in the club’s affirmation of their stature, ironing out the creases and reminding the footballing world of their calibre.

Complicated by the ignominious 3-0 loss at the very same stadium mere weeks ago, the Reds will need to channel the very best of their ability to bypass one of English football’s most cohesive units, and there is one man in particular that might be imperative in doing just that.

£85m summer signing Darwin Nunez has been a figure of polarity since his arrival at Anfield, with criticisms over his wayward shooting a consistent theme of conversation since the summer, yet a promising goal record and unwavering tenacity hinting to a prosperous career in Liverpool over the coming years.

Indeed, having scored ten goals and provided three assists from just 15 starts across all competitions for his Merseyside outfit, the 23-year-old Uruguayan has demonstrated his prowess as a clinical presence, and when the goals ostensibly start raining down with slicker precision, he will indeed emerge one of the European scenes most devastating forwards.

As per FBref, the £140k-per-week gem ranks among the top 6% of forwards goals, the top 2% for touches in the attacking box and the top 1% for total shots when compared to those playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year.

And having missed the loss on the South Coast due to injury, the “exciting” Nunez – as dubbed by George Chomokov – is certain to make an impact as his outfit looks to exact revenge and continue their defence of the FA Cup.

Having been beaten so comprehensively by Roberto de Zerbi’s Albion earlier this month, many Liverpool supporters might indeed carry a weight of trepidation into the forthcoming FA Cup fixture, but with the “monster” that is Nunez – as hailed by Liverpool writer Charlotte Coates – spearheading the attack, a major victory, one which could indeed turn the tide, could be achieved.

TalkSport pundit Danny Murphy has claimed it would be ‘not far off a miracle’ if Sean Dyche was able to save Everton from relegation.

The Lowdown: Huge concerns

Former boss Frank Lampard was sacked just under a week ago by the Everton board and was replaced by the ex-Burnley manager.

The Toffees are currently second-bottom in the Premier League table and two points away from safety.

It’s been disastrous on the transfer front for Everton, as they failed to bring in any new recruits last month.

The Latest: Murphy predicts Everton relegation

Speaking live on TalkSport, Murphy claimed that Dyche has a tough job on his hands and doesn’t think he’ll be able to do enough to keep them up.

Asked if he could see Dyche steering the Toffees to safety, he said: “I don’t think so, no.

“I think they’ve got a mountain to climb in that the next two games, you don’t really fancy them – at home to Arsenal and away at Liverpool. I know Liverpool aren’t playing great, but a derby game at Anfield – Everton don’t generally do very well in it.

“I think it’s a big ask for Sean Dyche. I think if he manages to keep them up with the squad he’s got, with no signings and how low on confidence they are, it would be not far off a miracle.”

The Verdict: A lot to ask

We believe that the Everton hierarchy has made it incredibly hard for Dyche and his Everton players, and that Championship football next season looks like a real possibility.

There’s been plenty of criticism aimed at the Toffees board, with BBC Sport writer Phil McNulty claiming on Twitter that they were ‘equally culpable’ for the current status of the club as former manager Frank Lampard was.

With Everton struggling to find goals this season, we’re totally baffled by the lack of action to improve the squad. It may seem obvious, but goals win football matches and Everton are doing neither on a regular basis.

Dyche is familiar with two current Toffees stars, as he’s previously worked with James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil. He opted to play them a lot at Burnley and may be able to get the best out of them.

Ultimately, all the Everton boss can do is look to develop and improve what he has. If he doesn’t, then it could spell relegation and we can only begin to imagine how fans will react to that based on their recent actions.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will want to ‘finish the job’ in the Scottish Premiership amid exit links, according to BBC pundit and commentator Chris Sutton.

The Lowdown: Leeds targeting Postecoglou

Leeds United sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday following a poor start to the season, and the Hoops boss is reportedly on the shortlist of favourites to take over, alongside the likes of West Brom coach Carlos Corberan.

This isn’t the first time the Australian has been linked with a move to the Premier League after Brighton and Leicester City were both chasing him in 2022, though he was quick to dismiss any exit rumours.

Now, despite being targeted for a third time, the chances of him turning down the Elland Road vacancy are high according to one former Bhoys legend in particular…

The Latest: Sutton shares what he knows

Speaking to the Daily Record, Sutton admitted that Postecoglou will, one day, transition to the Premier League, but suggested that he remains keen to see out his long-term project at Celtic:

“I have no doubt Postecoglou will manage in the Premier League. But I don’t think the time is now. Leeds are a big club and they have a lot of potential, even though they are in a difficult position right now.

“It might be a different proposition if the question came in the summer. But I just think Postecoglou will be mindful of what happened when Rodgers left.

“It left a bad taste in the mouths of supporters who had idolised him for two and a half years. There was a furious response.

“There was a feeling he left them in the lurch and he still hasn’t been forgiven in the eyes of a lot of supporters. But from what I get from Postecoglou’s comments he would want to finish the job he started.

“There’s a title to be retained, the Viaplay Cup Final around the corner and the Scottish Cup on the line as well. There’s also the Champions League again and that is something I think will be a big motivating factor for him.”

The Verdict: New contract deserved

Postecoglou will be out of contract at Celtic at the end of the season, but considering how much he’s transformed the team, the hierarchy should offer him a new deal.

The Greece-born manager has won 69, drawn ten and lost just 16 of his second consecutive Premiership title.

Ange also led his side to the League Cup trophy in 2021/22, and there’s no doubt that the Hoops will enjoy many more years of success should the boss remain at the helm.

Tottenham are already ‘set’ for a ‘bargain’ summer transfer tussle over France striker Marcus Thuram, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

Spurs star Harry Kane’s future at the club is uncertain as things stand with the England international now well into the final 18 months of his contract.

The 29-year-old’s deal expires in 2024, and while there has been noise of a potential renewal, nothing has been signed as things stand.

Tottenham may need to ponder replacements for Kane, or at the very least a back-up if they wish to keep chase with Premier League football’s most elite sides.

The Latest: Spurs ‘set’ for ‘bargain’ Thuram tussle…

According to a report by AS, via Sport Witness, the Lilywhites are ‘set’ for transfer tussle to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Thuram this summer.

Alongside Spurs, Liverpool, Atletico and Arsenal are displaying an interest in the 25-year-old who is available on a free deal as things stand.

Thuram’s contract expires later this year, making him ‘one of the bargains of the summer’, as per this update.

The Verdict: Fantastic player…

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse forward has been exceptional for Gladbach over 2022/2023, prompting his inclusion in France’s 2022 World Cup squad for Qatar.

Thuram has already hit double figures for goals in the Bundesliga, scoring 10 with a further three assists domestically.

As per WhoScored, the Frenchman has also averaged Gladbach’s highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 and sits just behind teammate Manu Kone in terms of completed dribbles.

Not only is he a physical presence going by his towering height, but it’s clear by the numbers that Thuram is a constant and ever-present threat for the German side.

Vfl Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer heaped praise on Thuram, even after his season-long injury ruled him out for the majority of 2021/2022 – calling him ‘world class’.

The attacker has proved that tag and we believe Spurs would indeed secure a bargain by signing him for free – if they can beat the competition.

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a bid for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as Erik ten Hag plans for next season.

What’s the latest on Valverde to Man United?

According to reports in Spain, United have submitted an offer in the region of €65m (£58m) in order to prise the versatile midfielder away from La Liga, although it is unlikely this figure will be high enough.

Last summer, Liverpool wanted the Madrid player and a fee of €100m (£88m) was put on the table, however, no move materialised as he was seen as a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

His performances since the World Cup have dipped however and Ten Hag may see this as a chance to secure him for an acceptable transfer fee as he plans ahead for 2023/2024.

Can Ten Hag sign Valverde for Man United?

Before the World Cup, Valverde was in superb form, scoring eight goals and registering four assists across La Liga and the Champions League as he became an integral part of the Madrid side.

Since the season resumed following the hiatus however, he has scored just once, in the Club World Cup tie against El Ahly and Madrid’s performances have dipped, with the champions lying eight points behind a resurgent Barcelona in the table.

If Ten Hag could lure the Uruguayan to Old Trafford, it would be an excellent coup, especially with the midfielder statistically similar to one of the Premier League’s all-time finest players – David Silva.

The former Manchester City sensation is now playing for Real Sociedad as he approaches the final stages of his career, but his decade-long association with City will be steeped in legend.

The Spaniard won every domestic honour in England and scored 77 goals while registering a staggering 140 assists as he occupied either a central or attacking midfield role.

According to FBref, Silva is the sixth-most comparable player to Valverde, and considering his stature in the game and the fact he has won on both the international and club stage, it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, this season has seen the two register similar statistics with regard to assists (both two), pass completion success rate (87.9% to 83.5%), goal-creating actions (both ten), tackles won (both 11), and crosses (15 to 14), also via FBref.

These stats clearly suggest both are extremely effective attacking threats from either a central midfield berth or occupying a more advanced role and according to WhoScored, both Silva and Valverde have similar styles of play with the fact that they play a lot of short passes and like to do layoffs.

The 24-year-old was dubbed “unbelievable” by ex-Premier League star Joe Cole earlier this season following his blistering run of form so if the Dutchman could land the Madrid dynamo this summer, it would give United another significant boost as they look to end their barren run without a league title.

Liverpool are interested in the signing of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio this summer, a new transfer report claims.

The Lowdown: Centre-back on the agenda

While much of the current talk is about the Reds’ midfield, in terms of signings in the summer transfer window, a new central defender could also come in.

Jurgen Klopp may feel that that area of the pitch also needs freshening up, especially with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez’s performances proving patchy recently and the former being tipped to leave with just one year left on his deal.

Now, a new centre-back target has emerged, as Liverpool prepare for what is hopefully a big summer ahead.

The Latest: Reds scouts watch Inacio

According to Correio da Manha, the Reds sent club officials to watch Inacio in action for Sporting in Primeira Liga action against Porto last weekend.

The 21-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2026, is also thought to be wanted by Newcastle United.

The Verdict: Long-term acquisition?

A young centre-back with big promise feels like the best option for Liverpool this summer, considering Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk should continue to be the first-choice pairing for the foreseeable future.

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Inacio has been hailed as a ‘complete CB’ in his position by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and he enjoyed an 87.5% pass completion across six starts in the Champions League this season, showing composure on the big stage.

Inacio also averaged 3.5 clearances per game in Europe’s biggest club competition and he tasted title glory with Sporting back in 2020/21, so knows what it takes to win silverware.

At 21, he could come in as the fourth-choice centre-back, should Matip or Gomez move on, eventually maturing into a regular alongside Konate over time.

Newcastle United are believed to be one of the clubs who are in the mix to sign Real Betis star, Nabil Fekir, this summer.

What’s the latest on Fekir to Newcastle?

According to reports in Spain – via Sports Witness – the Magpies are said to be one of a handful of Premier League sides who are interested in the 29-year-old, with both Manchester United and Leicester City also named as potential suitors.

The report suggests that despite the Frenchman having just over three years left to run on his existing deal in Seville, the La Liga side are seemingly aware that they may have to cash in this summer amid the mounting interest, with a fee of around €30m (£26m) having been suggested.

The piece goes on to add that the Tynesiders seemingly attempted to sign the 5 foot 8 playmaker – who previously came close to joining Liverpool – last summer, although were unable to come to an agreement with the Andalusian outfit.

Could Fekir rival Almiron for a starting spot?

Fekir has seemingly warranted such interest as a result of his standout form in Spain in recent times, having contributed six goals and three assists in just 19 games in all competitions so far this season, taking his total tally for Betis to 54 goal involvements in just 137 games to date.

The World Cup winner had previously been a key figure at hometown club Lyon prior to joining his current side in 2019, having scored 69 goals and laid on 46 assists in 13 games for the Ligue 1 outfit, after rising up through the club’s youth ranks.

While the left-footed dynamo has typically done much of his damage in an attacking midfield role in recent times, the 25-cap sensation also provides the benefit of being able to feature on the flanks, ensuring that he could offer a suitable alternative to Miguel Almiron in Eddie Howe’s side.

The latter man has been something of a revelation in recent months after being deployed on the right flank, with the playmaker having scored ten goals in the top flight already this term, rubberstamping what has been an “amazing transformation”, in the words of club legend Alan Shearer.

The Paraguayan international has been particularly lethal cutting in onto his stronger left foot to wreak havoc in the Magpies’ forward line, albeit with there a potential concern with regard to the lack of a genuine rival to the 29-year-old’s starting berth, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin arguably best suited on the opposite side.

As such the addition of Fekir – who has been described as “like fire” by former Anfield hero Sadio Mane in the past – could provide much-needed competition to the forward line, with more depth set to be required if Newcastle are to compete in Europe next season.

The £117k-per-week wizard is clearly able to offer a real direct threat in attack as he ranks in the top 14% among his European peers for successful take-ons, while he also ranks in the top 4% for shot-creating actions as a marker of his creative prowess.

While the St James’ Park outfit may have to fend off the likes of Man United and Leicester to secure a deal, managing to bring in the Betis man this summer could well help to keep the in-form Almiron on his toes.

Wolves’ attackers have consistently let the side down across the last two seasons but perhaps none more so than Hwang Hee-chan, who last found the net in the Premier League in February 2022.

With Julen Lopetegui likely to make wholesale changes this summer, regardless of the division that the Old Gold find themselves in, the Spaniard must consider getting rid of Hwang for good.

Why should Wolves sell Hwang Hee-chan?

When the South Korea international joined on loan from RB Leipzig last season, he looked to be a shrewd acquisition by Bruno Lage, as he hit four goals in 14 appearances, which encouraged the Midlands club to make his move permanent in January.

He would sign a contract until 2026, joining in a deal worth £14m, but his form since then has been abysmal to say the least, with the Old Gold perhaps regretting that decision given their woes in front of goal in recent times, as well as the influx of new attackers under Lopetegui.

This season has seen the 27-year-old forward make 18 appearances in the Premier League for Wolves, in which he has no goals and just one assist, averaging a woeful 6.22 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Remarkably, this ranks him as the 26th-best performer at Molineux so far this campaign, which emphasises just how poor he has been and why Lopetegui needs to cash in this summer.

His performances this term have been an unfortunate continuation of the form he showed in the back end of last season, as his Arsenal on February 24, before a run of 13 games in which he managed just one assist.

Is Hwang stealing a wage at Molineux?

While Hwang is not one of Wolves’ top earners at Molineux, receiving £30k per week, it seems clear that he doesn’t have a future in Lopetegui’s squad, especially with attacking players such as Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic also likely to limit his game time further when they return from their respective injuries.

Although he would show glimpses of quality in Wolves’ 3-0 win over Liverpool recently – providing two key passes – he would pick up another injury in that game which is expected to keep him out until mid-March, at a time when the Old Gold need as many attacking players available as possible.

Therefore, it seems clear that the former Red Bull Salzburg man cannot be relied upon as a consistent source of goals and good performances in this Wolves side.

As such, Lopetegui should look to cash in on the South Korean this summer, rather than seeing him continue to waste a wage.

Mark Goldbridge believes Jude Bellingham could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Man United joining the race for Bellingham

Man United are currently in a little bit of limbo off the pitch as they have been the subject of several takeover bids from the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a Qatari group which may well raise doubts about what they can do in the transfer market.

Since Ten Hag joined the club, the Glazers have certainly backed him in the transfer market by handing him players such as Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Wout Weghorst, but that may change in the near future.

If the Glazers believe a sale of the club is imminent but may not be done before the summer transfer window, it’s unlikely they would sanction a huge signing in the form of Bellingham – who they’ve been linked with recently – before just walking out of the club.

The Latest: Bellingham is a target

The Athletic have reported that Man United are joining the race for Bellingham and despite his huge price tag, Goldbridge has claimed on the United Stand YouTube channel that the England international could be the final player Ten Hag needs in his rebuild of the club.

He said: (3:05) “Look, to be honest with you if Liverpool retain Jurgen Klopp then there is a decent chance – like happened with Sir Alex many times – that they could rebuild and he [Bellingham] could be a part of that.

“On the other hand, Man United are in the process of a rebuild and he [Bellinghma] could be the final piece in that jigsaw.”

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The Verdict: Difficult to sign Bellingham this summer

It has long been reported that the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are chasing Bellingham this summer, although, with no release clause in his contract, it will take a monumental offer to get him out of Borussia Dortmund.

The fact that those three clubs have seemingly been tracking Bellingham for a long time, Man United may well have joined the race too late now as the young midfielder could have his heart set on a club of his choice already.

Therefore, while Man United are indeed showing signs of growth under Ten Hag that may well have left it too late to land Bellingham and their unclear long-term ownership could well see them hamstrung come the summer.

Keeping an eye on what players get up to once they’ve retired is always an interesting activity but what have 10 Newcastle United legends been getting up to? Most go down the popular route of either punditry or coaching/management.

But there are some standouts that take an entirely different and unpredictable path in different industries and even different sports.

Our question is regarding Newcastle United legends, and what they’ve been up to since hanging up their boots. And, as you’ll see below, we’ve answered that question for a select few, with some going on to have a lot of success in their chosen roles in retirement.

With that said, if you’ve ever wondered what the likes of Nolberto Solano are up to nowadays, then see our list below, as we found out what 10 Newcastle legends have been up to, via Premier League Heroes.

10) Shay Given 

After hanging up his gloves, Shay Given completed his goalkeeper coaching license, and became the head goalkeeper coach at Derby County, before becoming a first-team coach under Wayne Rooney.

Away from football, he set up his own charity, ‘Care Given’ which raised money to supply PPE equipment for frontline workers during the pandemic. He has also tried his hand at punditry for Sky Sports.

Given often analyses games involving his old club, particularly now they are flying under the management of Eddie Howe.

The ex-goalkeeper is also a noted fan of the club and can be seen at St James’ Park cheering his side on.

9) Kieron Dyer

Kieron Dyer has been an interesting one to look at since retirement.

He has tried his hand at coaching at Ipswich Town as part of their U16s set-up, before working as an U18s coach. The main role he has taken up is that on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2015, in which he finished a very respectable fourth place, before he medically withdrew from SAS: Who Dares Wins due to a collapsed lung.

Dyer then had to undergo a liver transplant, and has been recovering ever since.

It remains to be seen if he will attempt to find his way back into a coaching role.

8) Jermaine Jenas 

It feels like Jermaine Jenas has done it all since retiring from football, working as a pundit on Match of the Day, BT Sport, ITV, and as a host on BBC’s One Show.

His work has been impressive enough that many have backed the former Newcastle man to go on and become Gary Lineker’s replacement as the host of Match of the Day.

Indeed, Jenas was heavily featured by the BBC during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he was repeatedly seen analysing England games and other heavyweight clashes.

He is clearly highly thought of in punditry circles.

7) David Ginola

Like Dyer, the biggest role that David Ginola has taken up since retirement is on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2021, in which, again like Dyer, he finished fourth.

The Frenchman would have been grateful to have made the show for many reasons, especially after nearly losing his life in 2016, when he swallowed his tongue after suffering a cardiac arrest in a charity match.

Ginola was lucky to survive after having to undergo quadruple heart bypass surgery.

Now, he is seen taking it a bit more easy after his recovery from the near-death experience.

6) David Batty

Since retirement, David Batty has been one of the quietest Premier League players, keeping a low profile as a family man, rather than going down the punditry or coaching route.

He was, however, seen in 2006 on ‘The Match’ – a charity game by Sky Sports, as well as on a promotional video for Leeds United season tickets.

Batty, of course, also played for England during his career and it seems that he mainly wants to keep his head down and enjoy his time away from the game.

To us, that seems more than fair enough.

5) Jonathan Woodgate

Going down the coaching and management route, Jonathan Woodgate has taken charge of Middlesbrough, and AFC Bournemouth, whilst also initially working as a scout in Spain and Portugal for Liverpool when he first retired.

As of right now, Woodgate is the first-team coach at Boro under the management of Michael Carrick.

He has clearly been highly thought of at the north-east club, and he remains a favourable figure at Newcastle and at Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored the winner in the 2008 League Cup final.

He’s less highly thought of at Real Madrid.

4) Peter Beardsley 

Peter Beardsley has had quite the controversial career in retirement, taking up coaching roles at Newcastle, before working in marketing and PR roles at St James’ Park.

It was during his time in charge of the club’s U21s when things took a turn for the worse, however, as Beardsley was accused of racism and bullying, before being charged on three counts by the FA for using racist language.

Since then, he has naturally been keeping a low profile and is rarely seen on television or at the stadium.

Again, that seems fair enough.

3) Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy is one of many players to have gone down the coaching route, taking up a role in Cardiff City’s youth academy, before also becoming the club’s player development manager, and then head coach of the U18s side.

After leaving the Welsh club amid accusations of bullying against him, Bellamy found himself at Anderlecht as the U21s manager, before most-recently joining Vincent Kompany at Burnley as the assistant manager.

He is clearly trying to cultivate an impressive CV, potentially to make the move to a bigger club down the line.

Bellamy may well have his sights set on a role at Newcastle.

2) Andy Cole 

One of the most clinical goal scorers in Premier League history, Andy Cole attempted to translate his prowess in front of goal onto those at Manchester United and Huddersfield Town as a forward coach.

He certainly hasn’t had it easy in retirement, though, as he suffered kidney failure in 2015, before having a kidney transplant in 2017.

The former striker has since coached at Macclesfield Town and Southend United, before becoming a pundit.

He is one of those players who is often seen at stadiums watching on.

1) Alan Shearer 

Alan Shearer is one of few players to have an untouchable legacy at a club even after taking them down as the interim manager in a disastrous spell in 2009.

Since then, he has not returned to management. Instead, he has taken up punditry roles with the BBC on Match of the Day as well as for international tournaments and domestic competitions.

He is a fixture for the BBC, regularly appearing on any games that are aired on terrestrial television.

Shearer and Gary Lineker are, after all, one of the more iconic duos when it comes to watching football on the box.

So, there you have it, our list of what 10 Newcastle United legends have been up to since retirement. Did anything surprise you? Or did you expect certain players to go down the paths that they have? Let us know in the comments.

What we’re looking forward to is seeing what the current crop of Newcastle players choose to do in retirement. Could we see Allan Saint-Maximin on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ one day, following in the footsteps of Dyer and Ginola? Or could we see Callum Wilson on punditry duty? Better yet, Jonjo Shelvey in the technical area?