Liverpool Echo

Liverpool now know they will face Atletico Madrid or one of Galatasaray or Juventus in the Champions League round of 16

A familiar foe potentially lies in wait for Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16. Atletico Madrid's 4-1 home win over Club Brugge on Tuesday (February 24) means they will face the Reds or their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur next month.

Atletico ran out convincing winners at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Liverpool famously lifted their sixth European Cup in 2019 after beating Tottenham 2-0 in the final, after being held to a 3-3 draw by Brugge in Belgium last week.

The Spanish outfit took the lead in the 23rd minute when Alexander Sorloth's shot squirmed through the hands of former Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

But Brugge restored parity 13 minutes later when Joel Ordonez, who was linked with a move to Liverpool in the January transfer window, headed home from a corner.

Atletico restored their advaqntage three minutes after the restart through Johnny Cardoso and put the tie beyond doubt in the final 14 minutes thanks to ex-Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth, who completed his first Champions League hat-trick with two further goals to seal a 7-4 aggregate success.

Should Atleti be paired with Liverpool, it would be the fifth time they and their long-serving manager Diego Simeone have faced the defending Premier League champions in European football's premier club competition since 2020.

Simeone's side knocked the Reds out of the Champions League in March 2020, winning 3-2 at Anfield to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory, in what was the final major football match in England before the sport was shut down out due to the spread of coronavirus.

The clubs have met three times in the group stages since then, with Liverpool winning on each occasion, including back in September when an injury-time Virgil van Dijk header earned a 3-2 home victory.

The Reds' second potential round-of-16 opponents will be confirmed on Wednesday (February 25). It will either be Juventus or Galatasaray.

The Turkish champions are strong favourites to progress from the knockout phase play-offs after beating Juventus 5-2 in the first leg in Istanbul last week.

Liverpool lost 1-0 at Galatasaray earlier this season before recovering to win five of their remaining six group games to finish third behind Bayern Munich and Arsenal in the league phase standings.

The draw for the round of 16 takes place on Friday (February 27). And here is everything you need to know.

When is the Champions League draw?

The draw is on Friday (February 27) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Proceedings will get underway at 11am UK time.

As well as revealing the round of 16, the draw will also determine the teams that sides could potentially face if they progress to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Champions League knockout phase play-offs round results and fixtures

Tuesday (February 24)

Newcastle United 3-2 Qarabag (9-3 on aggregate)

Atletico Madrid 4-1 Club Brugge (7-4 on aggregate)

Inter Milan 1-2 Bodo/Glimt (2-5 on aggregate)

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Olympiacos (2-0 on aggregate)

Wednesday (February 25)

PSG vs Monaco (3-2)

Juventus vs Galatasaray (2-5)

Real Madrid vs Benfica (1-0)

Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund (0-2)

Champions League round of 16 draw as it stands

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting and Manchester City finished in the top eight of the league phase to progress to the round of 16 stage, where they have been joined by Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Bodo/Glimt and Bayer Leverkusen.

Here is the round of 16 draws as it stands before Wednesday's (February 25) final knockout phase play-offs round second legs.

Monaco/Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea/Barcelona

Newcastle United vs Chelsea/Barcelona

Galatasaray/Juventus vs Liverpool/Tottenham Hotspur

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool/Tottenham Hotspur

Benfica/Real Madrid vs Sporting/Manchester City

Bodo Glimt vs Sporting/Manchester City

Borussia Dortmund/Atalanta vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal/Bayern Munich

When are the round of 16 ties played?

The first legs will take place on March 10-11, with the second legs played a week later on March 17-18.

Liverpool will have home advantage in the second leg.

Full Champions League knockout round dates

Last 16: March 10-11 and March 17-18

Quarter-finals: April 7-8 and April 14-15

Semi-finals: April 28-29 and May 5-6

Final: May 30

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Tottenham transfer truth clear - that won't be why he'd return to London

Claims that Everton are having to fend off interest from Tottenham Hotspur for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are bizarre

Claims that Everton are having to fend off interest from Tottenham Hotspur for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have to be one of the strangest transfer rumours of the year.

With a 13-day gap in between Blues fixtures, it seems that tittle-tattle is being used to fill the void as Football Insider report that sources have told them Everton are set to resist attempts to prise Dewsbury-Hall away from the club and are ready to take a firm stance that they will “definitely” not sell the 27-year-old with Spurs linked with a move for him.

Just where this Tottenham speculation has come from remains a mystery, but the thought that either Hill Dickinson Stadium chiefs or the player himself would be looking to entertain any such switch seems utterly bizarre. Back in the summer of 2022, Richarlison’s transfer from Everton to Spurs was negotiated across the dining table in the elegant surroundings of Scott’s in Mayfair.

The plush seafood restaurant sells caviar and boasts an elegant oyster and champagne bar, but the Blues’ late chairman Bill Kenwright still left with a bad taste in his mouth as he felt that opposite number Daniel Levy had his club over a barrel as they needed to sell to satisfy PSR issues and ended up accepting an offer for the Brazilian for some £20million less than their valuation of the player. To add insult to injury, Everton ultimately were still deemed to have breached that financial year, and a subsequent brace of points deductions loomed for that and the following 12 months.

Those dark days are over now for the Blues though. Playing on the Mersey waterfront, they’re now based at a venue that financial experts estimate will bring in an additional £60million a year in revenue and they have ambitious new owners in place with The Friedkin Group (Dan Friedkin currently ranks at 316 in the world on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s wealthiest people, with an estimated fortune of $11billion (approximately £8.13billion).

David Moyes, the club’s most consistent manager of the modern era, who delivered nine top-eight finishes (a position they currently occupy) in his first spell at Goodison Park, including their highest-ever Premier League position of fourth in 2004/05, is back at the helm. The Glaswegian gaffer also played a pivotal role in prising Dewsbury-Hall away from Chelsea.

The Nottingham-born player was on Moyes’ radar when he first returned in January but speaking last November, Dewsbury-Hall was adamant he made the right choice after making his £25million switch in August. He said: “I did have a fair few options after a successful season. After speaking to many people, family members, people I trust, and speaking to people at Everton, if I was going to leave a club like Chelsea, it was everything I wanted to go to: a new project; a new stadium; an exciting future; plans.

“That’s something I wanted to be at the forefront of. If I’m at the start of this new chapter, I think that’s a very important part of a club’s history.

“I spoke to the manager, he was fantastic. He explained exactly what he wanted from me and what he wants going in the future. I respect him a load because I appreciate what he’s done. I think he’s the same as me.

“So, it just felt right. Ever since I’ve come through the door, I know it’s the right decision because of the way I’ve been treated, the way my family has been treated, everything has just been first class.

“It’s nice that’s happened because it’s made me realise I definitely made the right decision and it makes me excited about what we can do in the future. It makes me excited just to come in every day and keep improving and see what happens.”

He added: “The feeling of the club. It feels like a real family club, I don’t really know how to explain it really.

“The fanbase is so big and it means so much to the people, which I love because football’s my life and it feels like it’s their life as well. We’re sort of on the same page.

“I see how passionate they are and how much they want to win, and it just resonates with me because that’s how I live my life. I’m not saying that the other clubs weren’t like that, but I just feel like Everton’s on a different level.”

The way Dewsbury-Hall talks, he gets Everton. It’s the same with the way he plays.

After an altercation with Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White late on in the Blues’ 3-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium in December, he was asked what happened and replied: “I don’t know, I mean, you know what it’s like when the temperature gets a bit hot.

“It’s all handbags. But look, I feel like if you play for this club, you’ve got to show a bit about you. It is what it is, but I enjoyed that.”

Indeed, while he enjoyed his year in London at Stamford Bridge, picking up winners’ medals in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, why would Dewsbury-Hall want to swap what he’s got right now to join basket case Spurs who finished 17th on 38 points last season but promptly sacked Ange Postecoglou, the manager who delivered their first major trophy in 17 years and have just axed Thomas Frank as they sit five points above the relegation zone?

Other than Everton’s final five away fixtures of the season, the only reason for Dewsbury-Hall to be returning to the capital any time soon is to indulge in his “guilty pleasure” of musical theatre and take in a West End show. At least Mr Kenwright would have approved of that!

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Didi Hamann believes Micky van de Ven will be on Liverpool's transfer radar this season - along with another Tottenham Hotspur defender

Didi Hamann believes Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven will be "on the radar" of Liverpool this summer. The Reds agreed a deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet on transfer deadline day with the highly-rated Rennes defender joining in the summer for an initial £55m, potentially rising to £60m.

However, Ibrahima Konate is inside the final few months of his contract, Joe Gomez was close to leaving the club in the closing days of last summer's window, while Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from a serious injury.

And Hamann, who won the 2005 Champions League with the Reds, thinks Netherlands international Van de Ven will be near the top of any shortlist for defensive additions.

"We know in football how important pace is going forward, but also at the same time you need quick defenders, and the more fast ones you've got, the better," Hamann told Thunderpick.io.

"I think Micky van de Van is one of the quickest, if not the quickest, in the Premier League. So, yeah, he'd certainly be one who's on the radar.

"And there's a player from Spurs at Hamburg now who's making huge waves, Luka Vuskovic, a Croatian guy, 18. He leads the defence. They got a point against Munich last week. He scored, and he's on Tottenham's books.

"I think Ivan Rakitic came out and said he's such a good player, he should go to Bayern Munich, they should be signing him. But obviously, they can only sign him if Spurs let him go.

"So, I think the centre-back position at Spurs will be very interesting what's happening in the summer because Van de Ven, the way he stood well here for Wolfsburg, I always liked him as a player.

"I think he's a player who strives to do better. I'm not sure whether he's too happy with the way things are going, I suppose, at the moment."

Hamann continued: "If Ibrahima Konate leaves, they (Liverpool) probably need at least one more player because I think it's a big risk.

"Jeremy Jacquet is a very promising young player. Bayern Munich were very interested; they thought they might have had him because it was not clear whether Dayot Upamecano was going to extend his contract.

"You just have to wait and see. I think what will be important is that when a young player comes into a struggling side, it doesn't help him.

@Hopefully, in the summer, things will have settled down because it makes it a lot easier for a young player to come in and do what he does best.

‘If Konate was to go, which is a possibility or maybe likely, I certainly think they need at least one more defender."

Liverpool have previously been linked with signing Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven before agreeing a deal for Jeremy Jacquet on deadline day

Liverpool have been told why they still have a chance of being able to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven, even after agreeing a deal for Jeremy Jacquet. Transfer deadline day was mostly quiet for the Reds, but they did announce one signing with confirmation that a deal had been agreed with Rennes for the signing of Jacquet.

It has been confirmed that Jacquet will officially move to Liverpool in the summer after spending the rest of the season with Rennes.

Liverpool had agreed a £60million deal with Rennes for the signing of the 20-year-old central defender, which includes a £55million initial fee with a further £5million in add-ons.

The Reds had fended off reported competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for the signing of Jacquet, who will link up with the squad at Anfield ahead of next season.

Before Liverpool announced the deal to sign Jacquet, the Reds had been linked with signing Van de Ven from Tottenham.

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The last few weeks have seen Liverpool heavily linked with strengthening their defence, with Lutsharel Geertruida emerging as a target before deadline day, even though a move never materialised.

Van de Ven is another reported target for Liverpool, and former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood believes that, despite agreeing to sign Jacquet, a move for the Tottenham star could still be on the cards.

"Is Micky van de Ven to Liverpool off? All Micky has got to do is to prove his fitness between now and the end of the season but that will make it very difficult for Tottenham," Sherwood told CasinoStugan.

"Van de Ven is what I call a hierarchy player, players who when they are fit, they will play. They are the players that fans crave, and Tottenham fans want those top players like Harry Kane.

"When he was fit, you knew he was playing, and they've only got one of those players at the moment and that's Micky van de Ven. If he's fit, he plays. Other than him, Tottenham's players are all a much of a muchness.

"I think Tottenham have got more chance of keeping Micky van de Ven than they have of bringing in another one of these players. That is the issue."

Sherwood also believes that Van de Ven will be on a transfer shortlist for a host of clubs, including Liverpool, this summer, with Man United also mentioned as a potential suitor.

The former Spurs boss went on to explain why the north London club still hope to keep Van de Ven at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite the ongoing speculation.

"If he proves his fitness, I think there will be a queue around the block for him," Sherwood said. "Hopefully Tottenham can keep hold of him but you know what it's like when a player decides he wants to leave. Unfortunately, if you don't let him go, you're left without the money and the player in the end.

"People may be shocked by that but it all depends on who they have as manager in the summer because they've got it wrong so many times before and it looks like they have got it right at the moment.

"United are a club that can go from where they have been to the top quicker than most because they've got the brand power, the money to do it. They can pay the big wages for the big players.

"They missed the boat before. They could have signed Declan Rice and Harry Kane. Instead, they ended up with seven or eight signings who were alright but mostly very poor.

"They won't want to miss the boat this time on Van de Ven. He will certainly be at the top of a lot of lists at any number of clubs and Tottenham will have to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of him.

"I think the only real way they keep hold of him is if Micky [Van de Ven] decides that there might be a bright future ahead at Tottenham, and right now they're down in 14th in the Premier League and out of the running for the two domestic cups. They're flying high in the Champions League but there are stiffer tests to come in that competition."

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A Liverpool star has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, with former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp having previously made his thoughts clear on the player

Jurgen Klopp has already made his thoughts clear on Tottenham transfer target Curtis Jones by heaping praise on the Liverpool midfielder. With Thomas Frank under huge pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and injuries mounting with each passing game, Spurs turned to the transfer market earlier this month, bringing in former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

However, with Pape Sarr falling ill at AFCON, Rodrigo Bentancur out for a while due to injury and Joao Palhinha missing the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday, another midfield addition might be needed in north London during this transfer window.

Reports suggest Jones, who has seen limited playtime under Arne Slot at Anfield this season, is a player Tottenham have considered. The Englishman has the endorsement of Klopp, who helped nurse him through Liverpool's academy ranks.

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The Times claim Spurs are keen on the 24-year-old, who has only started 10 Premier League matches this season, although it remains to be seen whether this interest persists following Tottenham’s signing of Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.

Speaking in 2020, Klopp was left amazed by a young Jones after he delivered a standout performance in a 7-2 Carabao Cup victory against Lincoln. He had been gradually integrating the midfielder into Liverpool's first team.

When asked about Jones, who scored two goals in the win, Klopp was full of admiration and said: "First half really good, start of the second half really good.

"There is still space for improvement but everyone knows my opinion of Curtis Jones, he is an exceptional talent and we will have some fun with him I am pretty sure in the future.

"Both goals were difficult. The second one the first touch was absolutely exceptional between two opponents and then he opens up and sees the opportunity and finishes it off."

In the following years, Jones would become a key member of Klopp's squad, securing two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cup trophies.

When Klopp left Liverpool in 2024, a documentary was produced about his time in charge and he once again had some positive and choice words about the English midfielder.

"He was never in doubt that he will make it, which I love that so much," said Klopp. "It's so different to my personality. I have no idea how I arrived here, he knows he's absolutely in the right place.

"I always could understand the player. That they hated me if they didn't come on or didn't start, or whatever, because I was no different.

"So when I go and tell him 'Curtis, you have to pass the ball more often'. And he has to learn that the ball from now on when he passes to whoever, there's a good chance he will do something special, or you'll get it back."

Liverpool are not expected to make any signings before the January transfer window closes, but Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa could be on the move

Liverpool have less than two weeks to secure their first senior signing of the winter transfer window. The Reds brought in Mor Talla Ndiaye earlier this month, but he is set to join their under-21s.

James Norris is the only player to have left so far, having been signed by Shelbourne on a permanent basis on New Year's Day. At this point in the market, departures are more the talk of Anfield than arrivals, with several players attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

The ECHO provides an update on the latest transfer rumours involving the Reds, with a focus on Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa.

Curtis Jones' Premier League interest

Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in Curtis Jones, as reported by The Times. Spurs have already secured Conor Gallagher this winter and could now bring Jones together with his former England teammate.

The duo have twice played for the senior side together, having previously teamed up for the under-21s. Both will be hoping to make it back into Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup this summer.

Gallagher has already made a move for more game time and played the full 90 minutes on his debut for Spurs. Jones, on the other hand, has started all but one of Liverpool's last 10 matches, the only exception being the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, when he was left on the bench.

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Federico Chiesa faces a pivotal week

According to Calciomercato, Juventus still view Federico Chiesa as a prime candidate to bolster their attack this month. The Italian publication reports that Liverpool are seeking between £13million and £17million for the winger.

It's also reported that the Reds are keen on a permanent departure, while the Turin side would favour a loan deal with an option to buy. Chiesa seems eager for a return and is reportedly willing to lower his wage demands to facilitate a move.

The return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations could potentially pave the way for Chiesa's exit. With the Egyptian star back in action, Chiesa's role under Arne Slot could diminish even further.

However, during the summer, the Italian expressed contentment at Anfield, stating: "I am playing for one of the best teams in the world. I just have to wait and be ready and prove that I can play for this team. The coach has treated me very well."

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Tottenham are weighing up whether to make a managerial change, with former Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso linked with the potential vacancy

Xabi Alonso has been touted as a potential successor to Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur, should the club decide on a change of manager. The former Liverpool star is currently out of work after leaving his role as Real Madrid manager earlier this week.

Frank's tenure as Spurs manager has come under scrutiny of late, with rumours escalating after their loss to West Ham.

Tottenham suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Hammers in Saturday's Premier League match, leaving them in 14th place in the league table.

Spurs have managed just one victory in their last seven Premier League games, a run of form that has fuelled speculation about Frank's future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reports the Express.

Frank was brought in last summer following Ange Postecoglou's departure, but already there are rumours that another change could be on the horizon.

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The Independent reports that the Spurs board is considering replacing Frank before Tuesday night's Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, with at least one club chief raising the possibility of sacking him.

Alonso is named in the report as a possible candidate to step into Frank's shoes if a change is made.

However, the report also suggests that Alonso might decline the job in North London if offered, as the ex-Madrid manager believes he may have "better options" to consider at the end of the season.

Alonso left Real earlier this month after Los Blancos were beaten by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The former Liverpool star has been succeeded by Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate from his time at Anfield, who has assumed caretaker charge of the La Liga giants.

The report does indicate, however, that Alonso isn't the only candidate being touted to replace Frank at Tottenham, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner also mentioned as a possible successor.

For now, at least, Spurs are retaining Frank as their manager, but it's unclear whether a change will be implemented before the Champions League fixture against Dortmund in midweek.

Alonso has also been linked with taking the Liverpool job in the near future as well as Manchester United, who are planning to name a permanent successor for Ruben Amorim in the summer.

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The Liverpool striker is set for some time out on the side-lines after suffering a fractured fibula and an ankle injury during their 2-1 win over Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has revealed a text exchange between himself and Liverpool's Alexander Isak following the latter's devastating injury. The club's summer signing is expected to be on the side-lines for at least a couple of months.

He suffered the ankle injury when he was caught by van de Ven as he scored the Reds opening goal in a 2-1 win over Spurs. He has since undergone surgery on the problem, which included a fractured fibula.

The injury is the latest setback for Isak who's yet to fully establish himself at the club since his £125million move from Newcastle this summer. Van De Ven has, in turn, outlined the message he sent to Isak following the match.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spurs defender said: "Yeah, I've text him, of course.

"I've sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him, I didn't want to do something to hurt him, I just tried to block the shot and I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs.

"So I sent him a text afterwards and I want to wish him all the best in his recovery.

"That's what I said to him, and I hope we can see him on the pitch very soon again."

When asked if Isak replied, he added: "Yeah, he really appreciated the message, he texted back."

Despite van de Ven not specifically divulging what was in the reply sent by Isak, it's fair to assume the Liverpool man accepted the apology. His full focus will now be getting back to fitness as soon as possible.

Speaking about Isak's return, head coach Arne Slot revealed his confidence the striker will make his comeback before the end of the current campaign.

"Yeah, [he'll play again this season], I'm confident.

"It's been a really challenging and difficult period for him, I think.

"Maybe no-one understands but if you haven't trained for three or four months on a serious level with the team and you're playing in this league... in this league you need to be on the top of your game to impact the games.

"That took, which we all knew, months before we could bring him there because there was no pre-season, there were games, games, games.

"We had hardly any time to train, so we always knew that it would take him time - and that's why he's so unlucky that he's now injured because I think we all saw with a goal against West Ham, and with this goal [vs Tottenham], that he got closer and closer to the player he was at Newcastle."

Cristian Romero has been charged by the Football Association after being sent off in Liverpool's win over Tottenham Hotspur

Cristian Romero has been charged by the Football Association following his dismissal in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Spurs captain was shown a second yellow card after kicking out at Ibrahima Konate in second half stoppage-time.

However, the FA charge is in relation to his conduct after being shown the red card, with the Argentina international finding himself charged for allegedly failing to leave the pitch promptly and behaving improperly towards referee John Brooks.

A statement shared by the official spokesperson for The FA reads: "Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero has been charged following their Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday 20 December.

"It's alleged that he acted in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off in the 93rd minute. Cristian Romero has until Friday 2 January 2026 to respond."

Romero is already set to serve a one-game suspension as a result of his dismissal, and will at least miss Tottenham's match against Crystal Palace on December 28.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank took issue with Romero’s sending off, suggesting it was the wrong decision following Liverpool’s win over Spurs.

“The second red we got on the wrong end too,” said Frank. “There’s probably a reason why the whole team reacts as they do.

"Normally, if it's one player reacting, if it's the whole team, probably because there's something about it. I think we all played football enough and seen enough football that there's something probably around that.

"So, I can't see if it's right or wrong that he gives the first yellow. The second yellow, I see two big boys competing; Konate absolutely smashing through Cuti [Romero]. It's a foul, I'm not saying more.

"His foot landed on Cuti's head. Not a yellow, I'm not saying that. Cuti makes a reaction. I think I guess it can be given, but also I guess it can be not given.”

Romero was also involved in both Liverpool goals, gifting the ball to the Reds in midfield for Alexander Isak’s opener before insisting he was fouled by Hugo Ekitike when challenging the Frenchman in the air for the would-be winner.

Elsewhere, Spurs narrowly avoided being fined by the FA for ill-discipline in their clash with Liverpool.

Action is taken against a club if six or more of their players or technical area occupants are either cautioned or sent off in a match, with a club receiving an initial £25,000 fine.

Spurs were issued six different cards by Brooks, with Frank, Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur also booked, while Xavi Simons received a straight red card in the first half for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

But with Romero being issued with two yellow cards, six or more of their players and staff did not fall foul of officials against Liverpool.

The Reds were previously fined by the FA for ill-discipline themselves following their controversial trip to Tottenham in September 2023.

Jurgen Klopp's side saw Curtis Jones controversially shown a straight red card for a foul on Yves Bissouma in the first half in North London, which was upgraded from a yellow card following VAR intervention, while Diogo Jota was dismissed for two bookable offences in quick-succession after the break.

Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk were also all cautioned, along with assistant manager Peter Krawietz.

With such a financial penalty automatic, there was no charge to answer and no statement from the FA.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has spoken to Alexander Isak after the challenge that injured the Liverpool striker

Micky van de Ven has revealed the details of his apology to Alexander Isak after the challenge that left the Liverpool striker with a broken leg. Isak underwent surgery on Monday to repair an ankle injury that included a fractured left fibula having been caught by a heavy late challenge from Tottenham defender Van de Ven in the process of scoring the opener in the Reds' 2-1 Premier League win in London at the weekend.

Claims from Liverpool boss Arne Slot the tackle was "reckless" were dismissed by Tottenham counterpart Thomas Frank on Tuesday afternoon.

And Van de Ven has now explained the exchange he had with Isak after the extent of the injury emerged and is adamant he didn't mean to harm the Sweden international.

"Yeah, I've texted him, of course," said Van de Ven to Sky Sports. "I sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him.

"I didn't want to do something to hurt him, of course. I just wanted to try to block the shot.

"And I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs. So yeah, I sent him a text afterwards, and I wanted to wish him all the best for his recovery. That's what I said to him.

"He really appreciated the message. He texted back."

Isak is now facing a number of months on the sidelines after the latest setback of a difficult season following his British record £125million transfer from Newcastle United at the start of September.

Spurs boss Frank had said yesterday: “I am obviously disagreeing (with Slot) in many ways," he said. "We are talking about a defender that will do everything he can to avoid the goal.

“It is a transition, there is a ball down the side and he is doing everything he can to block the shot so he is sliding. Unfortunately Isak plants his foot so it makes it look worse than it is, but that is a natural action for a defender.

“Put it this way, if my defender does not do that, they are not true defenders!

“Reckless challenge? I don’t think you see anything like that from Micky. He is very fair and I know the two players have sorted it out, so that’s a good sign.”