News about Takefusa Kubo

Liverpool are not close to agreeing a deal to sign Japan international Takefusa Kubo despite reports in his home country stating otherwise. After Jurgen Klopp announced he would step down at the end of last season following nearly a decade on Merseyside, Dutchman Arne Slot has taken the reins at Anfield. However, despite their Premier League opener against new boys Ipswich being less than one month away, the Reds have yet to flex their muscle in the transfer market.

After Kylian Mbappe had the breakthrough, there was some solace around the Parc Des Princes on Wednesday evening. After a tumultuous first half, with Real Sociedad retaining the French giants mostly at bay, tensions were rising as the Parisians tried to take the lead in their Champions League round of 16 tie. But big players step up in big moments, right? And Luis Enrique's team was defeated 2-0 after the 25-year-old World Cup champion, who stepped up to break the deadlock once more.

Christmas is just four days away, and football clubs are considering how they will be treated in the upcoming January transfer window. A number of Premier League sides are investigating whether their ranks have the necessary depth to contend in the second half of the season as injuries pile up and a packed fixture list begins to take its toll. Manchester United's outgoings may be a factor, as the future of Ivan Toney is expected to be one of the most interesting talking points, after a Brentford chief said that the Arsenal target could change'very soon.'

PETE JENSON: Barcelona weren't fantastic, but they did a good job extending their lead at the top: Real Madrid and Real Sociedad were both brilliant, but they fell further behind. It was a strange weekend. Ousmane Dembele sustained a new injury, which means he would not face Manchester United. Takefusa Kubo put on a stellar performance against one of his many former clubs. Atletico Madrid's And Saul was one of the goals. Cyle Larin, Canada's all-time top scorer, had some success with Ronaldo's Real Valladolid, Inaki Williams' record came to an end, and Elche threatened to release a new one. Here are ten things we learned from La Liga this week.

As Japan takes on Croatia in the last-16 on Monday, they will attempt to make history by making the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time. Japan appeared to have their work cut out to reach the knockout stages after being placed in a consortium with Spain and Germany, but they did win both European giants, despite losing to Costa Rica in between. It's been far from simple for Japan to progress to this round, and the two nations will be desperate for their fairytale run to continue.

Group E will come to an end, with all four squads still in with a chance of qualifying for the final-16. Costa Rica reacted in style from their 7-0 loss at the hands of Spain to beat Japan, while Germany salvaged a late draw against Spain in order to keep their slim hopes alive. It means that Spain and Japan will clash in their last game, with both needing results to ensure they succeed. Sportsmail tells you what you need to hear about the Japan vs. Spain clash.

As Japan takes on Costa Rica at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Sunday afternoon, they will be hoping to make it two wins from two victories. Costa Rica will be looking for revenge against Japan, having lost 7-0 to Spain in their first game of the tournament. Well, with the match fast approaching, Sportsmail takes you through everything you need to hear about the Group E game.

The Samurai Blue came from 1-0 down to defeat Germany in arguably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, with jubilant scenes from the players and staff alike. Saudi Arabi came from one down to defeat Argentina on Tuesday, and Sakai praised his team's Asian rivals for assisting his team in believing in themselves. Japan will now fear qualifying from Group E, with Spain's favorites to win the first stage.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is just days away, with the first-ever winter edition of the tournament drawing ever closer. Qatar will launch proceedings against Ecuador on November 20 in the United Kingdom, while England's campaign against Iran will continue the following day. Following their triumph in Russia four years ago, holders France, as well as Brazil, are once more among the favorites.