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Everton are reportedly now eyeing a move for Everton Soares in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Champions League struggles

Everton played for Benfica in their 3-3 draw away at Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, but unlike some of his teammates, seemed to struggle at Anfield.

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Rated as their worst player on the night, the winger lost out on a team-high nine of his duels, while he also failed to record a shot on target, and had a mere 34 touches of the ball in total, fewer than his own goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos (SofaScore).

However, the Goodison Park faithful do not seem to be distracted by his performance, judging by a fresh transfer update.

The Latest: Everton lurking

Writing in his latest piece for TEAMtalk, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Merseyside club are now ‘looking’ at a deal to sign Everton in the summer, with the futures of both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison uncertain.

Everton is a player that their scouts have ‘worked hard on’, and even though he has a contract at Benfica until 2025, he could be sold for the right price.

The Verdict: Avoid

Everton is clearly someone that the Toffees have now looked at for a long time, as former manager Carlo Ancelotti even reportedly wanted him back in 2020 before he signed for Benfica.

Back then, he was making a name for himself at Brazilian club Gremio, where he scored 47 goals and made a further 17 assists in 179 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Former Gremio and Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari even went as far as to claim that Everton ‘reminds’ him of Cristiano Ronaldo, but he seems to have lost his way a bit since then.

Now 26 years of age, he has only managed lost his place in the Brazil squad.

Nonetheless, the Blues already have a number of wide options, and so should instead focus on strengthening other areas of the pitch first of all, namely through the spine of the team.

In other news, find out which ‘exciting’ speedster has now ‘quietly left’ EFC here!

Many Leeds United fans have been slamming the performance of Luke Ayling in their 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Friday night.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team took the lead early on in the first half as Raphinha’s deceptive cross found its way into the back of the net, before Allan Saint-Maximin equalised for the hosts with a lovely solo effort on the verge of half-time.

While there were some decent performances from the visitors, Ayling seemed to struggle throughout the game having to fill in at centre-back, and was forced off with an injury just before stoppage time at the end of the second half.

The 30-year-old lost out on two of his duels and recorded no interceptions, while also losing possession of the ball on 13 separate occasions in the match, the joint-fourth most of any of his teammates (Sofascore). He also got away with a late misplaced header as, from the subsequent chance, Saint-Maximin was denied by a fine Illan Meslier save (Sky Sports).

Leeds fans on Ayling’s display

These Leeds fans on Twitter slammed the defender’s performance, with one Whites supporter even going as far as to claim that Ayling looked like a ‘Championship’ player last night:

“Roberts, Dallas, Ayling should be nowhere near the team, absolutely shocking last night, thin squad struggling, children on the bench, going to be a long hard season, hope we stay up”

Credit: @jaxonlufc

“Not good enough. Settling for a 1-1 against Newcastle is dross. Roberts poor. Firpo poor. Rodrigo poor. Ayling deteriorating. We are in trouble”

Credit: @RossSlade92

“Ayling full of mistakes this season, like so many others just seems to have dropped massively”

Credit: @DBauer191

“I know we’re low on CB’s right now but Cooper is dreadful, would rather see Cresswell given a go. As a minimum he shouldn’t be left alone anywhere near Saint-Maximin! Ayling and Dallas very poor too. Concerning”

Credit: @Mattwh

“We have one CB left so far and midfield gets walked through… something is very wrong. Ayling and Dallas aren’t turning up imo”

Credit: @evilturnip78

“I think Firpo did ok, Ayling’s been awful, looked like a Championship player. Bamford looks over-confident daft as that sounds, too casual when the chances come”

Credit: @shaunbinno

In other news, find out who has hinted that Bielsa could leave

Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have now dropped a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-back chase…

It has been reported that Spurs are looking into signing another defender this summer even after completing a deal for 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award-winning defender Cristian Romero.

Claims emerged earlier this week of their renewed interest and contacts for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with managing director Fabio Paratici eager to land another defensive option for Nuno Espirito Santo.

They have also been in talks to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic (Sky Sports), with Sky now bringing news as Spurs eye another West Ham United target.

The Latest: Sky drop live TV claim involving Zouma and Spurs…

As per the broadcast giant, via Football Daily’s post, Tottenham are now interested in signing Zouma this summer as they bring a transfer update out of N17.

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“Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma,” Sky explained.

“He’s one of a number of defenders the club are looking at.”

The Frenchman now joins a growing list of Spurs transfer targets for the central defensive area as Paratici eyes yet more reinforcements to protect goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Verdict: Great option, but unlikely…

Lauded as a ‘beast of a player’ by Premier League legend John Terry (Instagram Live via Tribuna), Zouma arguably has the ability to succeed at Tottenham.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, the 26-year-old averaged a higher pass accuracy (90.9%) than any Spurs player in the English top flight last year – highlighting his real composure passing out from the back (WhoScored).

However, Chelsea and Tottenham’s unwillingness to do business is well documented so it is difficult to see this transfer coming off as a result.

In other news: 66-cap ace pushed closer to leaving Tottenham, Nuno leaves him out of ECL squad…find out more here.

Adam Pope has delivered his verdict on Leeds United starlet Jamie Shackleton, and has tipped him to have a “big impact” this season in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

The 21-year-old has made a couple of appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the top-flight, but the only game that he has started came in the Carabao Cup second round clash against Crewe when he played the full 90 minutes.

Now, in response to a fan’s tweet about this season being a break-out one for Shackleton, Pope delivered his take on the young midfielder.

He said: “Thing is he’s made 60 plus appearances so he’s never been far away from it under Marcelo. If he has better luck with injuries he could continue to have a big impact.”

Up to Bielsa now

Yet to make a start in the Premier League this season, Shackleton’s chances of doing so were boosted earlier in the summer when Leeds opted against signing a new central midfielder, or at least failing to do so.

The 21-year-old is one of the players who should benefit hugely from that decision, and while he’s yet to really make his mark on the first-team just yet, it’s not because his manager doesn’t rate him.

In fact, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Southampton in the Premier League last season, Bielsa said: “I believe in Shackleton as an important alternative for Leeds United. He’s in a similar process to that of Pascal (Struijk).

“The only thing is that Pascal has a continuity that Shackleton hasn’t been able to have. I consider him a player that I can trust and I’m satisfied with what he has brought to the team. Apart from that, he is a very serious player, very applied and very conscious of what is needed to play at this level.”

And, speaking after his cameo in the 5-0 win over West Brom earlier last year, the Leeds boss said of the 21-year-old: “Good organisation, energetic, he’s quick, he can surprise opponents, plays in a position which has many varieties as a box-to-box midfielder.”

But as always, actions speak louder than words, and while Bielsa may publicly voice his approval of Shackleton, the only real way he can show that is by giving him the opportunities to start in the Premier League.

With no new central midfielder arriving at Elland Road over the summer, the Leeds boss now has the perfect chance to finally unleash Shackleton.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target is now set for contract talks…

Everton could be set for a big blow over the coming months after it was revealed Arsenal have set their sights on star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

What’s the word?

According to reports, the Gunners have identified the highly-rated 24-year-old as a possible replacement for wantaway forward Alexandre Lacazette.

The France international is expected to depart the north London outfit either in January or as a free agent next summer following the expiration of his current contract, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already begun the search for his successor.

He’s reportedly in the market for a young goalscorer with Premier League experience to continue his policy of building a new squad around youth, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins the alternative target.

However, the Toffees are expected to put up a fight for Calvert-Lewin, with the report stating: “Ambitious Everton will fight tooth and nail to keep top scorer Calvert-Lewin, who has established himself as Harry Kane’s England back-up over the past year.

“He signed a long-term Goodison deal worth £75,000-a-week last year, and it would cost upwards of £50million to prise him away from Merseyside.”

Everton fans will be gutted

Calvert-Lewin has become a key player for Everton in recent seasons, scoring 32 Premier League goals in 72 appearances since the beginning of 2019/20.

Thus, losing their star striker and top scorer would be a seismic blow to any ambitions they have of qualifying for Europe next term.

His outstanding performances at club level have seen him become a regular member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad, where he’s the first-choice backup to captain Harry Kane.

Although he only made two substitute appearances throughout the summer as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2020 final, his presence as the only natural alternative to the Tottenham Hotspur star illustrates just how highly Calvert-Lewin is thought of.

The 6 foot 2 target man returned from his international exploits in emphatic form at the start of the current campaign, bagging a goal in each of Everton’s opening three top-flight fixtures before a broken toe sidelined him.

Calvert-Lewin’s departure would be a significant setback in the Goodison Park outfit’s plans under new manager Rafael Benitez, and the Spanish tactician will be hoping his key man remains on Merseyside for many years to come.

With Salomon Rondon struggling for goals, it only elevates the England international’s importance at Finch Farm; they simply have to keep him.

And, in other news…Report reveals exciting Everton transfer update, fans should be buzzing 

Many Everton fans have been left slamming a transfer update involving Harry Winks.

Speaking on the ‘Last Word on Spurs’ show (via The Toffee Blues), Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Goodison Park faithful are interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfield player before the summer window shuts.

However, he also claimed that Winks is happy at Spurs at the moment, although that does not stop the Merseyside club testing the waters.

While the Englishman is a tidy player, he does not really offer much of a threat in terms of goals and assists, scoring a mere two times and making a further two assists in 30 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt).

Currently on £91,000-per-week as well, Rafa Benitez’s team should really be looking elsewhere for midfield targets.

Everton fans on Winks transfer update

These Blues supporters slammed the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to claim that it is a ‘nightmare’:

“This nightmare has to stop. I want to wake up now.”

Credit: @GrungKjetil

“When does the pain end?….”

Credit: @andrew2003efc

“When will it end Robbie?”

Credit: @bowie_kieran

“I just plain despair.”

Credit: @Lee_Vousden

“Dear God”

Credit: @jacobenglander

“Our recruitment team need binning asap”

Credit: @ScottParker_efc

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians talking here!

Celtic are willing to let Vasilis Barkas leave Parkhead either on a temporary or permanent basis in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by Anthony Joseph, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, following his exclusion from Ange Postecoglou’s matchday squad against Real Betis on Thursday evening, the 27-year-old goalkeeper does not appear to have a future in Glasgow.

Joseph went on to state that, in order for the club to give themselves the best possible chance of getting the Greece international off of their books this winter, they will be open to sanctioning a loan or permanent deal for the shot-stopper.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “I think it’s fair to say Celtic will also be open to a loan or permanent move for Vasilis Barkas next month – not in the squad [against Betis], suggests he’s no longer in the first-team plans.”

Fans will be delighted

Considering just how poor Barkas has been since making a £5m move to Parkhead back in the summer of 2020, reports that the club are hoping to part ways with the goalkeeper this January is sure to have left Celtic fans delighted.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership appearances last season, the £2.52m-rated ‘keeper conceded an average of 0.7 goals and made just one save per game. These returns saw the 27-year-old earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as the Bhoys’ ninth-worst performer in the league.

This season, the ‘keeper has found his game-time even more limited, making just one first team appearance since Postecoglou’s appointment at the club in the summer – and that was way back in July.

As such, considering that Barkas is reported to be earning a whopping £20k-per-week at Parkhead, the club simply must do all they can to rid themselves of the goalkeeper in January. While the Hoops will more than likely make a substantial loss in selling him, his hefty weekly wage could easily be put to much better use by Postecoglou in the winter market.

In other news – “Heard similar rumours…”: Devlin drops behind-the-scenes Celtic claim which fans will love

Tottenham Hotspur are gaining momentum in the race to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, and Antonio Conte will no doubt fancy his team’s chances of doing so.

The north Londoners take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday evening, and while the Italian may be reluctant to make too many changes, if indeed any, he may consider bringing in Sergio Reguilon to offer a more natural balance on the left-hand side.

The Spaniard’s absence saw Matt Doherty operate on that flank in the 5-1 win over Newcastle United last week, with Emerson Royal playing on the right as the duo both ended up on the scoresheet in a comprehensive performance.

However, Conte offered a very encouraging update on Reguilon ahead of Spurs’ game against Villa on Saturday.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 52-year-old said: “No new injuries, two good news because Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon they had the training session with us.”

The Spaniard had been a permanent fixture in Tottenham’s line-up for the majority of the Premier League season, playing 23 matches in the top flight, scoring two goals and providing three assists in that time, even coming off the bench to find the net against Everton recently.

The 25-year-old’s ability to get forward is something that Conte has actively encouraged, with the left-back talking about the kind of job that the Spurs boss wants him to do.

Reguilon said: “I’ve never played five at the back before. I have to learn quickly. The gaffer has told me he wants me to be solid in defence but at the same moment I have to arrive in the box, help the strikers, score goals, give assists. Now I have more of a chance to score goals and give assists. So let’s work.”

Hailed as a “complete player” by his former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, the Spaniard’s return could leave Villa’s defence terrified, particularly with his pace to get in behind. Steven Gerrard’s side are in a bad run of form lately with three defeats on the spin, and they won’t fancy coming up against a speedster like Reguilon who is constantly trying to maraud forward.

Restoring the £80k-per-week earner to the Spurs starting XI could be an inspired change by Conte this weekend.

AND in other news: Conte can form “dangerous” duo as Spurs plot bids for £156m pair who “really get along”

With Ange Postecoglou having endured something of an injury crisis during the early stages of his managerial career at Celtic, the 56-year-old manager will undoubtedly be delighted that a number of his first-team squad are finally returning to full fitness at Parkhead.

Indeed, Mikey Johnston, Josip Juranovic, Georgios Giakoumakis and James McCarthy were all available for selection against St. Johnstone on Saturday after varying lengths of spells spent on the sidelines due to injury, while Christopher Jullien and James Forrest are set to return to first-team training in the coming weeks.

Postecoglou himself recently commented on his excitement regarding the return of Johnston, stating after Saturday’s 2-0 win: “I was really pleased to see Mikey back because he looked really good in pre-season. I know how talented he is but the key for him was to get his body healthy and to be really patient with him.

“He’s a talented player and he’s now getting more game time. The way we play I know he can have a huge impact for us, he just needs to stay healthy and keep improving his game.”

It is easy to see why the 56-year-old appears so happy with the return of the 22-year-old, as, over his brief 8-minute cameo against Ferencvarosi in midweek, the £900k-rated man highly impressed, managing 13 touches of the ball, making one key pass, completing both of his attempted dribbles, creating one big chance and hitting the target with his only shot at goal.

These metrics saw the £9k-per-week forward earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.7, ranking him as the third-best player to feature in the match.

As such, while it is true that Johnston has failed to ever really cement a starting spot in the Celtic side after breaking through into the first team, with his highest number of league appearances in one season being 14 back in 2018/19, Postecoglou simply must unleash the 22-year-old in the coming weeks, as now would finally appear to be the time when the winger can have a real impact within the Bhoys side.

In other news: Conroy drops key update on “priceless” £15k-p/w dynamo that’ll delight Celtic fans

Leeds have recently been linked with a move for Arsenal youngster Khayon Edwards, who could follow in the footsteps of Sam Greenwood at Elland Road.

This forms part of The Transfer Tavern’s The Gossip series, where we analyse players based on praise and criticism from past and present.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Edwards

The Whites have recently been linked with a move for Edwards and are thought to be in the mix in the race to sign the teenage striker.

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Goal reported that Chelsea have made contact with the 18-year-old, with Arsenal experiencing difficulty in their attempts to secure the forward on a professional contract.

Edwards could therefore leave in a cut-price deal over the summer, with just a compensation fee possibly needed.

The Latest: Greenwood a favourite at Leeds

Victor Orta has previous of bringing a young Gunners striker to Yorkshire in Sam Greenwood, who put in an impressive cameo in Leeds’ 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

He appears to be a favourite under Jesse Marsch, who revealed after the victory that the 20-year-old has adapted to his ideas better than anyone.

The Verdict: Edwards to follow suit?

Edwards has been efficient in front of goal this season, contributing to 23 goals in just 22 games, scoring 17, most of which have come for Arsenal’s under-18s.

He is still awaiting a senior debut at the Emirates Stadium, so perhaps he could be interested in a move to Elland Road, especially after seeing the likes of Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt coming through at Leeds and now being viewed as first-team players.

The Gunners youngster has been labelled as a ‘wonderkid’ and ‘prolific’ by an Arsenal news Twitter account, so you can see why the Whites are plotting a move for him. However, they may have to be quick, especially after the Champions League holders made their move.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload