Mersey Insider: Everton fear John Stones exit, Romelu Lukaku to steal spotlight from Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge’s Liverpool future in doubt

What’s been happening in the world of football on Merseyside this week? Jennifer Jewell gives us the scoop.

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Precious Stones

With the imminent opening of the January transfer window, Everton fans are starting to get twitchy about the possibility of youngster John Stones departing the club. Yes, the rumours are swirling already. Will Stones stay? Where will go? Who will replace him? These are just a few of the obvious questions running through the minds of Evertonians. Given skipper Phil Jagielka is still recovering from injury, it will be a nerve-wracking month to see if the Toffees can hold on to the 21-year-old with rumoured interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Stevie G fans are well Red

Steven Gerrard delighted fans last week when he at a book signing for ‘My Story’ at the city’s John Moores University. Liverpool supporters queued from early afternoon to get the chance to met the legend. Stevie G is a hero even for those too young to remember him helping the Reds win the Champions League in 2005. An eight-year-old supporter, who was clearly delighted with his signed books, told the Liverpool Echo: “I’m going to keep them forever — and probably frame them.”

Rom for another record

Romelu Lukaku may be the star man for Evertonians at the moment but he will go head-to-head with the striker who has been stealing all the headlines this weekend — Leicester’s Jamie Vardy. The Belgian may have been overshadowed by Foxes’ record-breaking hitman so far this season, but the Toffees fans believe he could get his own back. Lukaku is closing in on Vardy’s historic tally of scoring in 11 consecutive league game and could take his total to seven in their clash at Goodison. It’s exciting times for the 22-year-old — and the fans — who are relishing watching his partnership with Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu continue to develop.

Stuttering Sturridge

Oh no, just when Liverpool fans thought they had their star striker back he goes and picks up another injury. A mixture of frustration and sympathy is spreading amongst them as they wonder what the future holds for injury-plagued Daniel Sturridge. The 26-year-old made a promising comeback in the Capital One Cup a few weeks ago but he is back sitting on the sidelines, this time, recovering from a hamstring injury. New boss Jürgen Klopp has insisted he won’t be in the market for a new hitman next month but will Sturridge ever be the same player and can he play with Christian Benteke?

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