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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!

Sunderland play host to Ipswich Town on Saturday at the Stadium of Light as they attempt to end a run of three straight defeats in League One.

It was recently reported that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is unhappy with the club’s management at this current juncture and the pressure is mounting on Lee Johnson to turn things around in the coming matches.

Their last performance did little to help matters as they lost on penalties to Bradford after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the EFL Trophy. They were also dumped out of the FA Cup at home to Mansfield for the second season in a row at the start of the month.

How many changes will Johnson make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make seven alterations to the side from the Bradford game, with Carl Winchester, Dennis Cirkin, Tom Flanagan, Callum Doyle, Aiden McGeady, Dan Neil and Ross Stewart all coming in.

Hoffmann could keep his place between the sticks, but we are predicting an entirely new back four to the one which faced Bradford. Flanagan and Doyle missed out due to international duty, with the pair now available to return, whilst Winchester and Cirkin could come in for Lynden Gooch and Kenton Richardson.

We recently published an article explaining why Gooch has let Johnson down this season and that is part of the reason why he should be axed from the side, along with him playing out of position at left-back. Meanwhile, Richardson did not do enough against Bradford to warrant another start, as he lost possession a whopping 27 times that night.

In midfield, Dan Neil could come in for Harrison Sohna. The youngster received a SofaScore rating of 6.6 as he won two of his four duels in the match against the Bantams, whilst Neil has averaged a rating of 6.86 in League One this season and chipped in with one goal and five assists.

Finally, Stewart and McGeady could replace Leon Dajaku and Elliot Embleton, with Nathan Broadhead being moved into a wide right position following his goal against Bradford.

Stewart has 10 goals in 15 League One matches this season and has shown that he has the ability to be a match-winner for the Black Cats, which is why he could be relied upon from the start at centre-forward. McGeady has two goals and four assists in 12 league appearances and has averaged a superb rating of 7.11, making a strong argument for his place in the team today.

AND in other news, Possession lost 135x: Sunderland lightweight with zero goals has let Johnson down badly…

In their latest attempt at escaping League One and making a return to the Championship, Sunderland probably haven’t had the start to their campaign that most at the club would have hoped for.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though Sunderland could make an addition to their squad during the next window with someone that will be pretty familiar to a lot of fans at the Stadium of Light.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Chronicle Live that Sunderland will review Jack Diamond’s loan spell at Harrogate Town in January and the possibility of recalling him back to the Wearside club.

Since joining Harrogate back in August in what is his second loan spell with the club, Diamond has started all of the 12 League Two games he’s appeared in prior to their midweek match against Carlisle United, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the process.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the possibility of Sunderland recalling him from his latest loan early has been raised recently.

As a product of Sunderland’s youth academy, the 21-year-old winger has a total of 78 appearances under his belt for the U18 and U23 sides combined with ten goals and ten assists to his name.

For the senior side, Diamond has made 40 appearances across all competitions where he has managed to score two goals and provide six assists, showing that he can be a fairly useful attacking option.

With this in mind and the fact that Diamond, who has been described as a “dynamic” by Johnson in the past, could offer the Black Cats boss an extra attacking option to his side for the second half of the season, one that could sway Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co from spending money on new players in the winter.

His return could end up being crucial for Sunderland should they lose any of their current attacking options to injury, that could well help push the side to a promotion place and revive their campaign having lost a fair amount of games already this season.

However, given how many minutes Diamond has got under his belt so far this season at Harrogate, it seems like his potential playing time back at Sunderland would be a big factor in whether he will return to his boyhood club in January or not.

In other news: Johnson must ruthlessly axe “unique” lightweight tonight, he could cost SAFC dearly – opinion

Former Leeds United player David Norris believes captain Liam Cooper brings more than just his qualities on the pitch to the club.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa got the Yorkshire outfit playing some really good football last season, with Leeds finishing the season strongly, winning four of their last five Premier League matches.

Liam Cooper was instrumental for Leeds last season featuring in 26 games in all competitions, with David Norris believing the captain brings more than just his qualities on the pitch.

He told Football FanCast: “I think with him, he’ll bring more than just what he can do on the pitch. He’s the captain, he’ll be great around the club, he’ll be great in the changing room bringing the lads together. So I think it comes down to more than just his out and out right ability on the pitch.”

Cooper obviously did help bring everyone together and create a good camaraderie around the dressing room, as Leeds enjoyed a brilliant first season back in the Premier League.

The Elland Road outfit finished ninth, just eight points off the final Champions League spot, which was occupied by Chelsea and scored 62 goals in the process.

After a good campaign last season, Leeds will be hoping to push on this upcoming season and their preparations got off to the best possible start as young Leeds team, ran out 3-2 victors against Guiseley on Tuesday night, before a stronger team drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers the following evening.

Details have emerged about Paulo Fonseca’s soon-to-be-confirmed appointment at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

According to an update from Fabrizio Romano in the Guardian, the Portuguese coach will sign a three-year deal this week and his arrival could be announced as early as Wednesday.

It’s claimed that it’ll be an initial two-year contract with an option for another season after talks progressed well over the weekend, with the 48-year-old agreeing in principle to be Spurs’ next manager.

Newly appointed director of football Fabio Paratici made the ex-Roma boss his top candidate following a collapsed move for former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte.

Fans won’t be happy

It means Tottenham’s long search for Jose Mourinho’s successor is finally drawing to a close, nearly two months after he was sacked. Intriguingly, the ‘Special One’ has gone in and replaced Fonseca at the Stadio Olimpico – almost as if this were a manager swap.

During the past few weeks, chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy have suffered many a setback, on top of their Conte blow.

Julian Nagelsmann opted for Bayern Munich instead, Brendan Rodgers preferred to stay at Leicester City, Erik ten Hag signed a contract extension at Ajax, and sensational talks to bring Mauricio Pochettino home were thwarted by Paris Saint-Germain.

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According to the Daily Mail, Fonseca was actually the sixth choice manager on their initial shortlist, which is hardly a surprise given the names above.

However, with this appointment, Paratici and Levy both risk a wrath of fury before a ball has even been kicked, as many in North London are totally against this move.

As relayed by This is Futbol, plenty of the Hotspur faithful have reacted poorly to this very update. One claimed that it was “underwhelming,” another said it was “absolutely bonkers,” whilst a further member of the fanbase suggested that “not one single Spurs fan cares about this announcement.”

That may well be a small sample size but in reality, it tells the overriding consensus and that’s from supporters who have recently protested against Levy and the club’s owners, the ENIC Group.

In the few days building up to his likely announcement, that isn’t going to change much – if at all, so this latest update will come as bad news to many in N17 right now.

If that reaction is anything to go by, they will surely be fuming by the time Wednesday swings around.

AND in other news, Fonseca could save Levy millions by unleashing £9m-rated Spurs gem who’s a “machine”…

Manchester United will be able to call upon the services of new signing Cristiano Ronaldo when they take on Newcastle United next weekend.

The Red Devils will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign when Steve Bruce’s charges visit Old Trafford next Saturday, and Ronaldo’s availability should certainly aid them in their mission to do just that.

What’s the word?

After picking up a yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating his record-breaking winner in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland in midweek, the 36-year-old is suspended for his nation’s encounter with Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

As a result, Portugal head coach Fernando Santos released the player on Thursday in order to help him accelerate his move to United, freeing him up to return to England earlier than initially expected.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side applied for an “elite sport exemption” on Ronaldo’s behalf but the government rejected it, according to The Times, so he will have to isolate for five days and return a negative virus test before being allowed out of quarantine.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was greeted by former team-mate turned technical director Darren Fletcher at Manchester Airport on Friday, allowing him plenty of time to train with his new team-mates before their next fixture.

Solskjaer will be absolutely delighted

News that Ronaldo should be available to face Newcastle for his second Old Trafford debut will leave Solskjaer feeling absolutely delighted.

Despite United picking up seven points from a possible nine in the opening weeks of the new Premier League season, the addition of a legendary striker who has scored 674 clubs goals in 895 appearances will always be welcomed.

Solskjaer’s biggest decision may be who partners Ronaldo in attack. Mason Greenwood has done a fabulous job leading the line so far, scoring three goals in as many top-flight games, so he’s likely to keep his place in the starting XI.

That could see Jadon Sancho sacrificed after his underwhelming performance against Wolves last time out, although he’ll be hoping to bounce back with a positive display next time out.

In other news… Man Utd eyeing “exceptional” £22.5m-rated beast, he’s an upgrade on McTominay & Fred 

Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a move for Valencia centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful are after a new central defender, with the likes of Ozan Kabak and Phil Jones recently being linked.

However, with the deadline just a few days away, they need to act fast if they are going to bring one in, and Steve Bruce has admitted funds are running thin.

The Latest: Diakhaby eyed

As per AS, the North East club have not ruled out the possibility of signing Diakhaby, who sees Tyneside as a ‘good destination’ for him.

The Valencia ace wants to play in the Premier League, and would cost Bruce’s team a fee in the region of between €8-10m (£6.9-8.6m) in order to secure his signature.

The Verdict: Sign

At 24 years of age, Diakhaby has not reached his peak yet, and so potentially paying a mere £6.9m for him would represent good business by the Magpies.

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With a six-foot-three frame, he would offer them a threat in both boxes and should have few problems in coping with the physical demands of the top flight.

Nonetheless, having played in the UEFA Champions League with two different sides (Transfermarkt), Diakhaby has experience of playing at the highest level, and so should raise the games of those around him.

In other news, find out who NUFC have been urged not to let go after transfer talk here!

Lawrie Sanchez is confident that Chris Wilder would get West Brom promoted at the first time of asking, but has revealed he has a concern that the manager wouldn’t have the same “emotional connection” that he had at Sheffield United.

The former Blades boss has been out of management since his sacking at Bramall Lane earlier this year but is the favourite to become the new West Brom boss following the recent departure of Sam Allardyce.

Wilder took the Blades from League One to their highest Premier League finish last term, but paid the price for their struggles this season, which eventually culminated in relegation.

A report from the Telegraph earlier in May said that Wilder was set to hold talks with West Brom about becoming their new manager, although Frank Lampard and Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael are both in the running for the job.

West Brom are going to be amongst the favourites to win promotion straight back to the Premier League, but Wilder has experience of getting a team out of the Championship having led Sheffield United back to the promise land two seasons ago following their second-place finish behind Norwich.

But whilst he wouldn’t have the same ’emotional connection’ with the Baggies, Sanchez told Football FanCast that he would get West Brom promoted.

“If you get the team up you’ve got the golden ticket. It is the Willy Wonka golden ticket getting a team promoted, because what they see it hundreds of millions of quid.

“He’s got to be there or thereabouts. I’m sure he wouldn’t turn it down, but the only difference between Sheffield United and West Brom is that he had an emotional connection with Sheffield United, whereas West Brom is just another job. But I have no doubts that he would take them back up.”

Wolves are interested in signing Mexico and Napoli winger Hirving Lozano in the summer transfer window, according to a latest report.

The Lowdown: Lozano in-and-out at Napoli

The 26-year-old has found himself in and out of Napoli’s team this season, with injuries and illness holding him back at times but the wide man still managing to contribute.

Lozano has chipped in with four goals and assists apiece in Serie A, in just 16 starts, and he has helped them compete in a tense title race with AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Mexican’s current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, but according to a fresh update, a move to Molineux could be on the cards.

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The Latest: Wolves keen on move

According to Napoli Today [via Sport Witness], Wolves have been ‘following’ Lozano ‘for some time’, as they weigh up a potential summer move.

The idea of him staying pout at Napoli is ‘not entirely a foregone conclusion’, which further gives Wanderers hope of sealing an exciting signing.

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The Verdict: Audacious swoop by Wanderers

Lozano has proven himself on the biggest stage of all, catching the eye for Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, registering one goal and assist each and standing out with his pace and directness.

For that reason, it is hugely exciting to see Wolves being linked with a move for him and he could be someone who takes their attacking game to the next level in the Premier League.

With Adama Traore likely to leave permanently this summer and Francisco Trincao expected to leave, too, Lozano could fill the void out wide, and much more, becoming the latest attacking hero at Molineux.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an exciting Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.