Liverpool's Fabio Carvalho has opted to stop representing Portugal at Under-21 level.

Carvalho – who has made 11 Premier League appearances in his first campaign with the Reds, scoring twice – previously played for England at younger age levels.

The attacking midfielder most recently made six appearances for England's Under-18s between 2019 and 2020.

Having not yet played at senior international level, he could pursue a career with the Three Lions after deciding to step back from playing for the country of his birth.

Carvalho had been named in Rui Jorge's Portugal Under-21 squad for upcoming friendlies against the Czech Republic and Japan before the 20-year-old informed the Portuguese Football Federation [FPF] of the move.

A statement from the FPF read: "Fabio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at the under-21 level.

"This decision by the player was communicated after the call-up for the preparation games with the Czech Republic and Japan was known."

Some of the Premier League's top clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram – including Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Thuram, 25, is a towering presence up front, standing at six-foot-four and, after arriving at Gladbach from Ligue 1's Guingamp in 2019 for a fee of €12million, he has continued to grow as a goalscorer.

Through just 15 Bundesliga games this season, Thuram has matched his career-high tally of 10 league goals, including strikes against both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

His recent run of form has seen him earn a late inclusion into France's World Cup squad as they look to defend their title, and although he may not receive a start, he was worked his way onto the radar of some of the world's elite clubs.

TOP STORY – 25-YEAR-OLD FRANCE INTERNATIONAL LIKELY AVAILABLE ON FREE TRANSFER

Thuram has spent four seasons with Gladbach, and this is looking like his last as he is yet to renew his contract ahead of its expiry date at the end of this campaign.

With a transfer value likely north of €40m, the ability to land a powerful striker entering his prime as a free agent is a deal too good to pass up for forward-hungry Premier League sides.

90min is reporting Tottenham sent scouts over to Germany recently to watch him play, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also mentioned as interested parties.

ROUND-UP

– According to Express, Cristiano Ronaldo could move to Chelsea after the departure of Thomas Tuchel, who was said to be the one blocking the idea.

– Express is also reporting Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City have identified 19-year-old Las Palmas midfielder Alberto Moleiro as a target. 

– Sky Sports Germany is reporting 22-year-old Salzburg striker Noah Okafor is available for a January transfer, with City, Liverpool and Milan named as suitors for the €40m-rated Switzerland international.

– Chelsea are confident they have done enough to secure 25-year-old RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku in the January window, per 90min.

– According to Relevo, Barcelona are willing to let Memphis Depay leave on a free transfer in January.

Jude Bellingham can leave Borussia Dortmund if Europe's big names come calling as the German club cannot "afford to fight financially", says their CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Bellingham's strong start to the season has seen him register 12 goal involvements in all competitions, earning him a place in England's World Cup and garnering interest from a number of top clubs.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all rumoured to be interested in the midfielder, who signed for Dortmund from Birmingham City as a 17-year-old in 2020 for an initial fee of £25million.

If Bellingham does leave, Dortmund reportedly want a fee of €100m, though that number could end up reaching €150m should a bidding war play out for his services.

While Bellingham is yet to publicly state any desire to leave Dortmund, Watzke knows will be difficult to keep hold of him if that changes and the top teams come calling.

"We will hold talks now, as soon as [the World Cup in] Qatar is over," Watzke told Bild. "Then we'll have a fundamental talk about what he would like.

"He just needs to tell us if he'd like to stay or if he'd like to go. In both cases we'll talk about it very pleasantly and reasonably together.

"In general we can imagine that he'd stay with us, but we can't behave as if this topic wasn't on the table.

"If he says 'I'd like to do something else,' then the really big [clubs] in Europe will be there and we can't afford to fight financially."

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool "never doubted" the quality of Darwin Nunez following the striker's recent upturn in fortunes.

Nunez endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield following his big-money move from Benfica, receiving a straight card against Crystal Palace in just his third appearance under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Uruguay international is starting to hit his stride in English football; his two goals in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton taking his tally for the season to nine.

"We never doubted his quality but obviously, when you have a price tag like that and the goals are not flowing like you want, it's good [he has shown character] and I think he's done very well," Van Dijk said.

"He has all the qualities for a modern-day striker. There is a reason why we bought him, and he's maturing, he's stayed patient, kept his head down and played and that's a credit to him. Hopefully, he can keep scoring and stay important for the group.

"Obviously, he learns how we want to play, he learns what we expect from him, he plays a little bit on the left, but also has a free role coming into the middle.

"It takes time. It is a new team, new environment, new country, new language, so it is absolutely normal for him to take a little bit more time [to settle in], but there is no doubt the qualities are there, and the goals will follow."

Van Dijk also heaped praise on goalkeeper Alisson, who made a string of impressive saves to keep Southampton at bay during the victory at Anfield.

The Netherlands skipper additionally highlighted Roberto Firmino's character, with the forward opening the scoring against the Saints after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad.

"[Alisson is] important for the group on and off the pitch," Van Dijk added. "We don't want him to have to make saves, first and foremost. He had to do so [against Southampton] and he was outstanding.

"Brazil are a very good team, they have two of their best goalkeepers in their squad and in my opinion, the best goalie in the world is Alisson.

"I think Bobby [Firmino] should be in, but who am I to say that? He took it on the chin, all you can do is recover and be ready for the rest of the season and I think he will do that."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the decision to leave Roberto Firmino out of the Brazil World Cup as "madness" before netting in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton.

Firmino missed the cut for Tite's 26-man Brazilian squad in midweek despite being in their squad for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in September.

The Brazilian put aside that disappointment to open the scoring against the Saints with a crafty header - his 18th headed goal in the Premier League.

But Klopp revealed prior to the game that the decision had impacted Firmino and taken the German by surprise too.

"A blow, definitely," Klopp said. "You couldn't see it in training, but definitely.

"It was [a blow] for me to be honest. I'm happy we have Bobby, but he deserves it. I think he deserves everything, to be honest.

"It just shows how incredibly good and talented this Brazilian squad is if you can leave a player like Bobby Firmino out. Madness.

"Of course, we will talk; we did already, and will maybe do again. He's fine but, as everyone can imagine, very disappointed."

Firmino has netted nine goals and provided four assists for the Reds this season including seven strikes in the Premier League.

Klopp also confirmed the club and 31-year-old Firmino are in talks to discuss a new deal, with the Brazilian's current contract expiring in June 2023.

"Normal conversations are happening as well so we will see what happens there," Klopp said.

Jurgen Klopp said there was "no chance" James Milner was not going to be brought on for his 600th Premier League appearance on Saturday.

Milner came on as a 68th-minute substitute during Liverpool's 3-1 win over Southampton at Anfield.

That saw the 36-year-old become the fourth player in Premier League history, after Gareth Barry, Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard, to make 600 appearances in the competition.

Klopp, who was watching from the stands as he served a one-match touchline suspension handed to him by the Football Association (FA) on Friday, knew Milner was closing in on the milestone, and said there was little chance the former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder would not play.

"Wow! I don't know how many have reached that mark in England. Most of the games probably for Liverpool so it's an honour to be around when he reaches that number. Even Millie is proud today," Klopp told reporters.

"It's a big number, a big career and won pretty much everything. A role model for us, for everyone in the room. I knew he was on 599 and there was no chance he wouldn't play today.

"He did well, you could see that he is still important to us. He doesn't just play to get him number 600.

"He sets the tone very often, has the right amount of aggression. He knows that at 36, he has room for improvement, it's crazy. But I'm glad to have him. Congratulations James."

Liverpool have won 10 of their last 11 league meetings with Southampton, with Darwin Nunez's double seeing off the Saints, who were playing for the first time under new manager Nathan Jones.

Roberto Firmino's opener – his 18th headed goal in the Premier League – had been cancelled out by Che Adams, whose four top-flight goals this season have come away from home.

The victory sees Liverpool go into the break on 22 points, having won their last two league games following successive defeats to Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

"Very, very pleased," said Klopp. "Three points was the most important thing. The performance in the first half was really good as well.

"Early goal, early goal then for them but a good reaction. We got in behind and used our speed, used our football skills. 

"Second half wasn't as good. We needed Alisson. He enjoys that but as a manager I enjoy it much less. We didn't control the game well enough in the second half. Defensively we were too passive, too deep and that's how they were able to get through.

"But 22 points was the maximum we could reach before the break, we knew that for a little while and that's what we've got."

James Milner joined an exclusive club as he became just the fourth player to make 600 Premier League appearances.

Milner replaced Harvey Elliott, who is 17 years his junior, midway through the second half in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

In the process, the former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder - who made his debut in the competition for Leeds United as a 16-year-old on 10 November, 2002 - joined Gareth Barry (653), Ryan Giggs (632) and Frank Lampard (609) as the players to have played in 600 Premier League matches.

Milner hopes he can set an example for Liverpool's youngsters, as he hailed Anfield as a "perfect place to be" for developing players.

"It's a big number isn't it? It's unbelievable," said Milner said in an interview with BBC Sport.

"It's been a very long time. You see someone like Ben Doak come on the other night at a similar age and do well. Hopefully they can have a long career as I have.

"For our young guys it's an unbelievable place to be. You can learn so much. You won't go too far wrong watching these guys here and learning off them."

Darwin Nunez's double secured the points for Liverpool, whose opener had been cancelled out by Che Adams.

Darwin Nunez scored twice as Liverpool went into the World Cup break on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield.

With Jurgen Klopp watching on from the stands on Saturday due to his one-match suspension, Liverpool claimed a victory that lifts them to sixth in the Premier League.

It was not always easy, with Che Adams scoring Southampton's first goal under new boss Nathan Jones to cancel out Roberto Firmino's opener.

But Nunez, who will feature for Uruguay in Qatar, bookended a thrilling opening 21 minutes to make it 2-1, with his second goal late in the first half enough to secure the points.

Firmino was left out of Brazil's World Cup squad this week but continued his fine scoring form after six minutes when his looping header caught Gavin Bazunu flat-footed.

Liverpool's lead lasted only three minutes, though, with James Ward-Prowse's wonderful free-kick headed home by Adams.

Bazunu prevented Liverpool from restoring their lead with a brilliant save in the 16th minute, lunging out to deny Mohammed Salah, but could do nothing to stop Nunez making it 2-1 when he prodded in from Harvey Elliot's weighted ball.

Nunez had his second just before the break, sliding in to divert Robertson's cross beyond Bazunu.

Salah headed over from Trent Alexander-Arnold's centre and Liverpool would have been punished had Alisson not denied Mohamed Elyounoussi at the other end.

Liverpool wanted a penalty when Salah took a tumble after testing Bazunu, though another terrific Alisson stop - this time a dive down to his right to keep out Adams' header - ensured there would be no nervy finish for the hosts.

What does it mean? Reds rediscover their form

Successive defeats to teams starting the day in the bottom three (Leeds United and Nottingham Forest) had left Liverpool's season swiftly spiralling downwards, but Klopp's team have corrected course and will go into the World Cup break in the top six should Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion lose.

New Southampton manager Jones, meanwhile, will hope to use the hiatus to work on his system and approach as the Saints bid to get out of the bottom three when the league restarts in late December.

Nunez hitting his stride 

Maligned in the opening weeks of his Liverpool career, Nunez is starting to hit his stride in English football. He might lack the craft or poise of some of his fellow Reds attackers, yet it is this direct, blood-and-thunder approach that is paying dividends.

The 23-year-old now has five Premier League goals, adding to three in the Champions League. All three of his shots on Saturday hit the target, while he also created two chances.

Robertson matches Baines record

Robertson teed up two of Liverpool's goals, playing in the free-kick that Firmino turned in before supplying a crisp low delivery for Nunez to make it 3-1.

In the process, he joined former Wigan Athletic and Everton left-back Leighton Baines on 53 Premier League assists – the record for a defender in the competition.

What's next?

Both sides are in EFL Cup action after the World Cup, with Liverpool facing Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp would welcome the prospect of fresh investment at Liverpool, saying the Reds need to add "proven quality" to their squad.

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were open to selling Liverpool, although the Reds' owners have since clarified they are simply willing to "consider new shareholders".

Klopp reaffirmed his own commitment to the club on Thursday, and has now said new investment would be a positive development if it enables his side to "take risks" in the transfer market.

"In the structure we had, we were obviously able to spend money, but we always had to look and say, 'what did we earn?' That was always the situation, it was clear," Klopp said at a pre-match news conference ahead of Liverpool's meeting with Southampton.

"The two biggest transfers we did in the past, with Ali [Alisson] and Virg [Van Dijk], we all know how it happened. 

"We got some money from Barcelona [for Philippe Coutinho] and spent it wisely, I would say.

"For me, how we did it so far brought us to where we are. But fresh money is no mistake, let me say it like this. Nothing gets cheaper, and not only because of the inflation rate. 

"Sometimes you have to spend. We are really happy to give all our young kids a chance, and I'm so positive about the impact they will have in the future. 

"But around it you have to, from time to time, throw in proven quality. In an ideal world, they are young as well, and not 35! So yes, from time to time, you have to take some risks, and we will see. 

"I have no idea what will happen, but I am positive about it. If in the end it is not positive, then I can start worrying, but I just think everything will be fine."

Jurgen Klopp has been suspended by the Football Association (FA) for one game with immediate effect, meaning he will be unable to be on the touchline for Liverpool's home match with Southampton.

Klopp was shown a red card for furiously charging towards assistant referee Gary Beswick and berating the official late in a 1-0 Premier League win for Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield on October 16.

The Liverpool manager subsequently conceded that he "lost it", having also confronted referee Anthony Taylor.

Klopp was fined £30,000 by an independent regulatory commission but avoided a touchline ban.

However, the FA has successfully appealed that decision, and Liverpool's manager will have to watch on from the stands at Anfield on Saturday, in what is the Reds' final game before the World Cup break.

An FA statement read: "An independent Appeal Board has allowed The FA's appeal against an Independent Regulatory Commission's sanction in relation to the recent case involving Jurgen Klopp.

"As a result, the Liverpool FC manager has been suspended from the touchline for one match with immediate effect, fined £30,000, and warned as to his future conduct."

Liverpool got back to winning ways in the league by beating Tottenham on Sunday, before they edged past Derby County on penalties in the EFL Cup third round in midweek.

Southampton travel to Anfield with a new manager in place after appointing Nathan Jones as Ralph Hasenhuttl's successor.

Jurgen Klopp believes England manager Gareth Southgate should have no concerns about playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The Liverpool right-back has come in for criticism from sections of the media for his defensive displays this season, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville claiming he should not feature in knockout games should the Three Lions make it that far in Qatar.

Alexander-Arnold was named in Southgate's 26-man squad on Thursday, and Klopp has backed his player, pointing to the numerous finals he has played in and trophies he has won.

"It's nice. It's a big tournament, everybody dreams of these kind of things and he was very pleased about the news and I am very happy for him," Klopp said at a press conference on Friday.

Though Alexander-Arnold has been questioned about his defensive work, he has averaged more progressive passes per 90 minutes (9.5) than any other player in the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old has played in three Champions League finals, winning one, as well as lifting both the EFL Cup and FA Cup with Liverpool last season.

"I know Trent now for long enough, he knows that apart from playing football he has no influence [on selection decisions], it's a lot of talk around him," Klopp added.

"I heard now that Gary Neville said something about in the knockout games [Alexander-Arnold] cannot play or whatever, I'm not sure he said it really or somebody wrote it down and changed the words a little bit.

"He is now 24, he won quite a few finals, that's a very important game where you have to defend, he played finals against Chelsea last year for example, they were incredibly intense and world-class players were in moments better than players they face at the World Cup, definitely.

"[Champions League] finals against Tottenham and Real Madrid, he was always there and he always defended well. I don't know exactly why we have this discussion but it's fine.

"I think he would have been disappointed if he had not been there... I saw his face and realised he was really happy about it."

Klopp's Liverpool host Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday in their final game before the World Cup, with the visitors bringing a new manager to Anfield after Ralph Hasenhuttl was replaced by Nathan Jones this week.

"I actually thought Ralph Hasenhuttl did an exceptional job there," Klopp said. "Everything has its time, but if Southampton showed anything then it was for sure attitude. They were a highly-motivated team, always really going for it.

"Yes, with a new manager there might be an extra few per cent if that's possible but for us that's not our problem because we always expect a really motivated opponent."

Pep Guardiola joked both he and Jurgen Klopp will need to play for Manchester City and Liverpool when the sides meet after the World Cup.

The Premier League rivals will meet for the third time this season, having faced off in the Community Shield and the top-flight already, with the Reds victorious on both occasions, when they play each other in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

But their next encounter will come immediately in the shadow of Qatar 2022, with the tie set to take place only a handful of days after the World Cup final on December 18.

That has led Guardiola to suggest both managers may need to lace up their boots, while conceding he does not know how his team will look once the dust settles after the tournament.

"He's going to play at left-back," he quipped on Klopp in a press conference. "I'm going to play holding midfielder. [But] I don't know how many players we will have.

"If [their national teams] don't get through the group stages, then they will be able to play Liverpool. If not, then we will see. Players will come back, but I don't know in what condition [yet]."

Both City and Liverpool will see several key players head to Qatar with their respective nations, though a fleet of players will not be called up.

That includes those, such as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, whose countries have not qualified, while others like Roberto Firmino and Thiago Alcantara have not made the cut.

In the case of Haaland, Guardiola does not necessarily see the Norway international's break from action as a blessing in disguise, despite the striker's recent struggles with fitness.

"I'd prefer him to go to the World Cup," he added. "[But] unfortunately they didn't qualify. He'll recover hopefully perfectly from his injury. He'll be in Marbella or Norway, and will hopefully come back to train."

City play Brentford in the Premier League this weekend, in their final game before the mid-season break, but will be without Kyle Walker as he continues to recover from injury.

The defender was named in England's World Cup squad alongside club-mate Kalvin Phillips, who only returned to action himself in midweek, with Guardiola saying Gareth Southgate's call to take the duo to Qatar is backed by City.

"It's a decision from Gareth," he added. "One-hundred per cent, we support his decision. After Saturday, the players belong to their national team, not us. I'm not worried."

Joao Felix is angling for a way out of Atletico Madrid, having fallen out of favour in Spain.

The 22-year-old has started only eight of the 17 games he has played in this season, netting three goals.

The forward is contracted with Atletico until 2026, having signed a bumper seven-year deal when joining from Benfica in 2019.

TOP STORY – PSG PLOTTING JANUARY LOAN MOVE FOR JOAO FELIX

Paris Saint-Germain have joined the list of clubs interested in Atletico Madrid's wantaway forward Joao Felix, according to Le Parisien.

PSG may look to sign the Portuguese on loan in January, having been interested in a move for him during the last transfer window.

Joao Felix has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Manchester United, with both clubs reportedly bidding for him in the last transfer window.

ROUND-UP

– Borussia Dortmund are bullish they can ward off interest in their 19-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham and retain his services, reports 90min. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all keen on the England international.

– Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa may have penned a new contract last week, but Manchester United are still monitoring the 23-year-old, reports Nicolo Schira. United will keep an eye on him during the World Cup, although he has a €75million (£65m) release clause.

– Arsenal are willing to fork out £56m to land Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk, according to Dean Jones on GiveMeSport.

– Roma are interested in out-of-favour Barcelona full-back Hector Bellerin, having failed to lure Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, reports Calciomercato.

– West Ham have identified Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone as their top transfer target, reports Bild.

EFL Cup holders Liverpool will go up against fellow Premier League giants Manchester City in the fourth round of the competition.

Liverpool needed penalties to get past League One side Derby County on Wednesday, while City have already seen off top-flight rivals in Chelsea thanks to a 2-0 win.

But the two were paired together in Thursday's draw, meaning there will be at least one major casualty in the fourth round, with games due to take place just a few days after the World Cup final.

Manchester United booked their place in the draw with a thrilling 4-2 win over Aston Villa on Thursday, and they will be confident of a more straightforward route through the next round after drawing Championship side Burnley, now managed by City great Vincent Kompany.

Jurgen Klopp says he remains "committed" to Liverpool amid rumours of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) potentially looking to sell the club.

The Reds beat Derby County on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes on Wednesday to reach the EFL Cup fourth round, but many of the questions after the match surrounded FSG's statement earlier in the week.

On Monday, The Athletic reported FSG was "inviting offers" to sell the club, but the Boston-based company later clarified they were willing to "consider new shareholders" while remaining "fully committed" to Liverpool.

When quizzed on whether a potential sale may affect his managerial position, Klopp told reporters: "For me it means nothing.

"Whatever happens, I really like how we work together with our owners, but if that would change, I'm committed to the club.

"As far as I know, they're looking for investors and I thought actually that makes sense.

"We work really close together with FSG. It was and is a great relationship until now and it will not change and whatever happens we will see and we will deal with it."

Asked whether the statement had any impact on his team's build-up to the game with Derby, Klopp replied: "No impact at all.

"It didn't distract the preparation at all. The players didn't ask me but if the players want to ask me, I can tell them everything."

When the press conference turned to events on the pitch, Klopp was effusive in his praise for backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after his three shootout saves helped Liverpool see off League One Derby at Anfield.

Klopp made 11 changes from the weekend victory over Tottenham, and although Derby pushed his young side all the way to spot-kicks, Kelleher came up big to keep the holders' hopes of retaining the trophy alive.

Klopp was delighted for the 23-year-old after the match, saying: "We never hold him back, he is exceptional, absolutely exceptional.

"They were three really good penalties, they all go in the corner. He saved them anyway.

"He came back from holiday and was injured, it took a really long time to get him back to training and back to speed. But obviously he's ready now.

"He's a modern goalie, calm as you like, can play football and on top of that can catch balls and keep the ball out of the net in a really good manner. I'm over the moon for him."