Liverpool

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Former Premier League midfielder and ex-Liverpool youth player Craig Hignett, speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about a superb start to the season made by Reds winger Luis Diaz:

"He's been incredible. It's not just the goals he's scored, but what he's creating for the team and his impact in games.

"For me, he's been Liverpool's standout player at the start of the season. He's been so electric.

"Not only that, his forward play has been outstanding but the other side of it as well; getting back, tracking runners, doing the horrible stuff forwards don't want to do - he does it and he's a willing runner to do it.

"When you had Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino up front, the two wide players scored more goals than the central player. It's getting a bit like that with Diaz and Salah.

"If Diaz gets to 20 goals this season, that would be phenomenal. And he's got a real chance. He looks sharper - I know he had lots of problems last season that were well-documented and maybe that did take a toll on him - but he's come back and looks absolutely razor sharp."

Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the potential takeover: "There's a long way to go to get everything to a final stage but the early signs look favourable. It certainly looks like a stronger situation than the past."

• When asked if he wants clarity on his own future: "I got brought here to do a specific job and I continue to work hard at that. The rest of it will sort itself out. We've got to change results - that's a given - but the actual workload and what I've done here has been considerable I think."

• Dyche confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite is fit and available for selection as well as Vitaliy Mykolenko. Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja and Nathan Patterson, however, will be a "bit longer" and remain out.

• On the team struggling to defend set pieces: "Apart from the change in personnel through injuries and illness, the format has only had minor changes because we were so strong last season. We don't want to change too much. We want to stick with the basic principles but, in its simplest form, when the ball comes in the box, someone has to deal with that situation."

• On whether there are any nerves in the team: "I don't think it's helpful when you don't have that edge of killer instinct and that's in both boxes. We've been working on that, trying to analyse it and bring it together but equally trying to allow the players the freedom. They have to enjoy the challenge that is right in front of them and we've done that many times before here."

• On what he expects from the atmosphere at Goodison Park this weekend: "Inside the stadium, it's our job to bring that. It's certainly my job with the players to go and deliver a performance that can enhance some positivity. The fans have always been there for us. It's about giving them something to work with."

• He recognises the value of getting a result against another side yet to win this season: "The importance of every game is obvious but there are some which you look at as considerably favourable to do so. We're at that stage at the minute where we have to find a way of winning. There has to be organisation but also a freedom. [There's a] fine line of being loose enough to play but focused enough to stay tight as a unit and making sure we defend properly and do the basics. We are still searching for that regardless of who we are playing."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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It is still to be determined whether Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah remain at Liverpool beyond this season.

All three are yet to sign new deals at the club with their contracts set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Discussing the topic on the Planet Premier League podcast, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said he believes "two of them" will stay at Anfield.

"I expect them to sign a new deal before January. That's what I think and it would just be like business as usual," said Onuoha. "And then whoever that third is, they'll explain their reasons.

"The first thing about all three of them is they've been great servants for Liverpool and if they were to leave, which I'm sure most fans wouldn't want from them, you know they'll be carried out of the place and thanked for their service.

"So they've handled it very well, which doesn't surprise me, but they're also handling it so well that I believe that they are in negotiations."

Listen to Planet Premier League

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Only one place to start Sean Dyche's news conference today and that is the impending takeover.

But one difference this afternoon should be more positivity around it, rather than the usual uncertainty that has been spoken about over the last two years.

Dyche's future is something The Friedkin Group will need to address, with the boss into the final 12 months of his contract.

Will he be kept on or will they opt for a change?

It's not a done deal yet so there is still a need to urge caution, but all signs point to a celebratory conclusion.

On the pitch, Everton host Crystal Palace on Saturday, so will star man Jarrad Branthwaite be fit to be involved in the squad? How many of the other injured/ill players will return for the game?

It's a battle of two sides yet to win this season, so how does he see the game panning out?

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Italy international Federico Chiesa, who made his first start for the Reds against West Ham in the Carabao Cup:

"It was pleasing he could play 60 minutes because he has hardly played any minutes in the past three or four months.

"He assisted and he worked really hard. I think it's normal that he's not already at the top of his ability. He has to get used to the club, his team-mates and our playing style.

"It was good to see how match-fit he already is, so we can use him if we need him."

On being drawn against Brighton in round four of the Carabao Cup: "Again, a difficult draw.

"Almost all of the teams that are left are strong teams and if you want to win a trophy, you will play against difficult opponents - as West Ham were.

"Our schedule is already so tight that we would prefer not to travel, and Brighton is not next door. They are a quality team to face."

Hear more reaction from Slot on BBC Sounds

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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Another lead surrendered. Another weekend without a win, but the storm clouds have parted ever so slightly – if only until 17:00 on Saturday.

The traits we have seen from the previous four league games of the season were still evident at King Power Stadium on Saturday. However there are reasons to be optimistic.

I had to mention another impressive showing by Iliman Ndiaye. The summer signing from Marseille – so often compared to the gifted Steven Pienaar – has almost become the focus of our attacking play.

His first Premier League goal will naturally bring him into sight for those who do not regularly watch us, but his impact since his arrival has been noticeable.

Seeing a player capable of carrying the ball at pace, with impressive close control and an eye for goal is something we have been starved of for many years. Seeing how disjointed and lost we become as an attacking unit when he is substituted highlights further both his impact and our reliance on him.

Speaking of reliance, the weekend was capped off by the return of Jarrad Branthwaite for the under-21s. A welcome sight for all Evertonians given our defensive frailties this season.

There is an expectation that all our problems will be solved once he returns to first team action. Clearly, that is fantasy thinking, but it is not without its merit.

Branthwaite brings balance, calmness and stability to our defence. Last season's defensive success was built upon having the same two centre-halves for the vast majority of the season.

Up to now, that has been stripped away, only highlighting how talented he is and how much he is worth (take note Manchester United).

When the teamsheet drops on Saturday afternoon, every Evertonian will feel a whole lot lighter if number 32 is lining up alongside James Tarkowski.

Maybe then, the real Everton will emerge from the gloom.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Everton boss Brian Sorensen has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Manchester United (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Aurora Galli's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a "big loss" for Everton says Sorensen and the squad are "all gutted for her".

• On Galli: "Of course she is super devastated and down. She feels herself that she could have avoided it but there is no research on how to avoid that. It is the way it is. She has been in the building the last couple of days but Yaya is always super positive and happy. Her family is coming up for 10 days so she is in good hands."

• Melissa Lawley has fractured her elbow and will be out for up to three weeks, while Karen Holmgaard and Emily Ramsey continue rehabilitation.

• Sorensen says facing Man Utd is a "tough ask" but Everton need to make sure they carry out their gameplan to 100%.

• The Everton boss says they looked into injury prevention this summer but 70% of the issues were influenced by international football.

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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Liverpool and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Daniel: A bit slow and out of shape for the first 20 minutes of the game, which ultimately cost us a goal. But as soon as Diogo Jota scored, we started to find our rhythm again and the second half was much better. More clinical, more consistent and more productive going forward. Need to keep this momentum going as much as we can!

Chris: The 5-1 win is fab and going forward we look great. I wish for more from Darwin Nunez but his work rate is great. The downside is that we conceded a sloppy goal, and even Bradley let too many people ghost by him. Caiomhin Kelleher was fab too with lots of good saves and he was very commanding.

Callum: I had a feeling Liverpool would be at the races today. There’s a good group there that are dying to break into the first team and results like that are asking Slot the right questions. Come on you Reds.

West Ham fans

Mark: Deserved losers, but like all our defeats this season, the scoreline flatters the opposition. It's nice we now have a manager who makes substitutions, but he keeps getting the team selection wrong. Michail Antonio should have started.

James: Can’t help but feel hard done by. First goal looked like an offside in the buildup, second goal comes right after we should’ve had a penalty, third goal comes from a goal kick that should’ve been a corner to us. Fifth goal huge deflection. The scoreline did not reflect the game. Hoping some luck goes our way on Saturday.

Richard: Another horror show. This is starting to get worrying. Going forward, at times it looks slick and promising but the midfield is just not working hard enough to protect the defence. Apart from Crysencio Summerville, the new additions are just not up to speed.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

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"Never dull."

"A new dawn."

"Hope."

Words and phrases Everton fans are all-too familiar with and which popped up again this week.

But could it actually happen this time? Is there really some light at the end of this dark tunnel?

All optimism about the future both on and off the pitch has been pinned on The Friedkin Group who, out of nowhere, agreed a deal to buy the club from Farhad Moshiri this week.

The Toffees and supporters have been here before with 777 Partners, but insiders feel this is different, with the the deal being hailed as "momentous".

I am told completion should be sealed in eight to 12 weeks, so Blues fans may be enjoying a nice Christmas present at the start of December,

The Friedkins' in-tray will be overflowing with issues to sort out - making sure of the club's Premier League survival, manager Sean Dyche's future, addressing a threadbare playing squad and completing the internal fit-out of the new stadium.

For far too long, talk around Everton has been around the ownership and finances - it is time to put that to bed with the hope that this giant of English football is finally waking up.

After years of misery, fans will not be celebrating just yet, but will be starting to crack a smile about the thought of good times returning.

As Julie Clarke, secretary of the fans’ advisory board, said: "It will be lovely to just be able to enjoy football again."

Quite right.

Liverpool are ready to move for Real Madrid and Brazil winger Rodrygo, 23, if Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, leaves Anfield at the end of the season. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Bayer Leverkusen's Netherlands right-back Jeremie Frimpong, 23, will be high on Liverpool's list to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if the England international, 25, leaves the club. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Prospective new owners the Friedkin Group want to bring in former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who left Lazio in March, as their new manager. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external

Manchester United remain interested in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and will make another attempt to sign the 22-year-old England defender in 2025. (HITC), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports after his side thrashed West Ham in the Carabao Cup: "If you're facing a team like West Ham, who have a lot of quality, they can press you. Second half they were also threatening on set pieces.

"Since I've been here it's never been easy, although sometimes the result looks different, but probably that's the Premier League. Every team has quality players.

"I do feel like in most parts of the game, we had control. We had a large part of ball possession, particularly in the first half.

"What pleased me most is that, even if a lot of new players come in, they don't come in and try to have a good individual performance. They tried to work really hard for the team.

On Cody Gakpo's late two goals: "He deserved that. And way he hits the ball in and around the 18-yard box is with incredible speed, so I'm not surprised him scoring like this."

On the competition in the squad: "I've never worked with a group of players who don't want to play. Everywhere is the same, players like to play, [and] especially to be part of a winning group."

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

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Federico Chiesa has had to show patience since arriving at Liverpool but the Italy winger made up for lost time under the lights at Anfield.

One month after becoming Arne Slot's first signing, Chiesa was handed his first start against West Ham in the EFL Cup.

He ended it with an assist after his acrobatic volley into the ground bounced up for Diogo Jota to score the first of his two goals.

There was a moment in the first half when Chiesa rolled the ball through the legs of Vladimir Coufal during another attack which generated almost as much applause from fans as any of Liverpool's five goals.

Slot is being careful with how he handles Chiesa due to his injury record and the player was replaced around the hour mark.

But Chiesa will certainly be needed in the coming weeks and months as Liverpool handle the demands of the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.