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Everton’s record in the transfer window has left a lot to be desired in recent years and one club has benefitted more than most from their haphazard spending.

The Toffees signed Alex Ixobi from Arsenal for £34m in the summer of 2019, but not before they splashed out £20m to secure the services of a 28-year-old Theo Walcott just six months prior.

At first glance, it appeared to be a sensible transfer for the Goodison Park outfit. Director of football Marcel Brands had secured an England international who had scored over 100 goals for the Gunners and was still in his prime years.

However, Walcott’s three-and-a-half-year stay on Merseyside proved to be somewhat of a nightmare for Everton and the player.

The flying winger made a fast start to in a Blue shirt, scoring three goals and providing a further three assists in his first 14 Premier League games for the club, but his promising form failed to carry over into 2018/19.

During his second campaign as an Everton player, Walcott only added a further eight goal contributions despite making 40 appearances in all competitions.

And things got even worse for the now 32-year-old in 2019/20. The Southampton academy graduate scored just two goals and laid on four assists, condemning the forward to one of his least productive campaigns in many years.

It led to Walcott re-joining his boyhood club on a season-long loan last term before making the move permanent following the expiration of his contract over the summer, ending an underwhelming with the Toffees.

He exited Everton with 20 goal contributions in 85 outings for the club and will go down as another expensive dud who promised so much.

And, in other news…Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing 

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has made a claim after hearing Tanguy Ndombele has told Tottenham Hotspur chiefs he wants leave.

The Lowdown: Ndombele out the door?

Daily Star reporter Paul Brown first reported that Ndombele’s future is up in the air with the player now considering his options this summer.

Following this development, Football Insider went one step further and claimed that the Frenchman has now told club chiefs that he wants to leave Spurs before August 31.

Indeed, it appears another Lilywhites star is now seeking the exit door amid all the unrest surrounding Harry Kane.

Reacting to this FI claim on Ndombele, Campbell has now made his feelings known to the same outlet.

The Latest: Campbell makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to this update that Ndombele is now looking to leave north London, Campbell believes that the exit could ‘100%’ happen and the ‘writing is on the wall’.

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“It could happen, 100%,” the pundit explained.

“Ndombele had problems with Mourinho, didn’t he? Maybe he isn’t the player Nuno wants.

“The fact of the matter is when he’s not even involved, the writing is on the wall.

“He wants to play football, he’s a talented boy and the record signing. He’s not going to hang around and sit in the stands watching everyone else.

“He’ll ask to leave if he doesn’t play. A move will probably do him good. It’s never good when you aren’t even making the squad.”

The Verdict: Blow for Nuno?

Lauded as an ‘incredible’ player by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and ‘unplayable’ on his day by Joe Hart, losing Tottenham’s club record signing would come as somewhat of a blow.

On his day, the 24-year-old can really turn it on and his ability is there for all to see.

According to WhoScored, no Spurs player completed more successful dribbles per 90 last season than Ndombele (2.2) and he can often prove difficult to dispossess.

That being said, question marks remain surrounding his application and it may be best for both parties to entertain considerable offers before deadline day.

In other news: Offer pending: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

David Moyes is sweating on the fitness of star left-back Aaron Cresswell ahead of West Ham United’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

The 31-year-old has been absent since picking up a back problem during the defeat to Manchester City several weeks ago and has recently resumed ‘light’ training but according to the manager, it’ll be “touch and go” if he features today.

“Cress is doing much better, it will be touch and go if he makes it or not,” said the Scot (via the Evening Standard).

“We’ve seen him out and about a little bit and he’s doing a bit more, feeling a bit more mobile than he has been. It would be important if we could get him back, it would help us a lot. We’ll give him every opportunity to try and make it.”

Big setback

Cresswell’s continued absence would be a major blow to the Irons, especially as the injuries are mounting up in defence.

Kurt Zouma was withdrawn in last weekend’s victory over Chelsea and is expected to join fellow centre-back Angelo Ogbonna on the long-term injury list, whilst young full-back Ben Johnson also picked up a problem in the game, and he could miss several games over the festive period.

If the Englishman is also out, then it leaves Moyes very short on options right across the backline. Vladimir Coufal, you’d imagine, would be set to claim his place back at right-back but on the left, it’s a little tricky.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the Hammers boss does not trust Arthur Masuaku that much defensively but in a back five, where he can bomb up and down the wing, he’s more likely to start.

That is something Moyes also alluded to during his pre-game press conference.

“We certainly lose something in midfield but maybe we might have more midfield players than we do defenders at the moment so Declan is certainly a consideration for that and he can play there as well,” he claimed (via the Evening Standard). “He would give us a lot of pluses if we play at the back, we’d build better.”Rice would only drop back into defence if Moyes opted for a back-three, which would then allow the inclusion of Masuaku, but ideally, you’d think that many around the team would want their trusty and reliable left-back involved.Last season, Cresswell led the squad for creativity, managing a whopping eight assists and 1.6 key passes made per game, via WhoScored. That shows his influence to the side, particularly in the final third, where he is a much better option than the Congolese defender.Therefore, it would be a bitter and crushing blow to not have the 31-year-old back involved after returning to training this week.

AND in other news, Moyes must start West Ham’s “creative spark” over Said Benrahma this afternoon… 

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost regarding the injury picked up by Sergio Reguilon on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

In a post on the left-back’s Twitter account, Reguilon revealed that the knock he picked up in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Norwich City this weekend – which saw the defender substituted in the 22nd minute of the clash – is nothing serious, before claiming he would be back to full fitness in a matter of days.

In his post, the 24-year-old said: “I’ll be back in a few days. Don’t sell me in @OfficialFPL.”

This would appear to be an assessment that is supported by Antonio Conte, with the Tottenham manager stating of the Spain international’s injury after the game: “Reguilon is a generous player, because he started the game, and he wasn’t 100 per cent.

“I spoke with him at the end of the game, and we stopped him at the right time. I hope to have him very soon. It’s not an injury, only fatigue in his muscle.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Tottenham side Reguilon has become since his £27m move to north London last summer, the news that the defender’s injury is not serious and will be back in a few days time is sure to have left Spurs fans buzzing.

Indeed, the £22.5m-rated left-back has featured in all but one of Tottenham’s 14 Premier League fixtures so far this season, over which he has helped his side keep four clean sheets, scored one goal, registered three assists and created two big chances for his teammates.

The £68k-per-week man has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of one key pass, 1.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and winning 4.1 duels per match, with these returns seeing the 24-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

As such, the news that the former Real Madrid defender could well feature in Spurs’ UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Rennes on Thursday evening is sure to delight fans and Conte alike, as the Spaniard’s inclusion will undoubtedly provide the club’s chances of picking up all three points from the game with a major boost.

In other news: Paratici makes THFC move for £30m gem who Conte could “achieve incredible things” with

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as an exit rumour emerges on James Rodriguez.

As per football journalist and transfer expert Pedro Almeida, the Colombia international is heading for a move to Italy before the summer window shuts at the end of this month.

Rodriguez was a key player for the Goodison Park club in the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals and supplying a further nine assists in 26 games across all competitions (Transfermarkt), and he would be deeply missed should he make the move away from Merseyside.

He adds that extra bit of creativity and spark in midfield, and with only Gylfi Sigurdsson supplying more assists for Everton in 2020/21, the Colombian would not be easy to replace as the end of the transfer window draws nearer.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer update

These Toffees supporters fumed as the exit rumour on Rodriguez was shared by The Everton End on their Twitter page, with one Blue claiming that the 30-year-old is a ‘quality’ player and another deriding manager Rafael Benitez as a ‘clown’ if he were to sanction the playmaker’s exit:

“Played 20+ for us which isn’t to bad. And he’s still comfortably our best player. Take his creativity out and we don’t replace him. We will struggle a lot more to score.”

Credit: @PatrickDrohan

“LET JAMES PLAY IN FRONT OF THE FANS”

Credit: @dylanlaughlin18

“CRIME: ..definition: “To have James Rodriguez play for Everton an entire year and not once had him played in front of a packed Goodison Park, score and bathe in the roar of ecstasy only celebrating in front of Everton fans will ever bring him””

Credit: @CeejayNightwing

“As if I’m not going to witness James in blue live, Everton that”

Credit: @BurnsA1997

“Why lose such a quality player?”

Credit: @gerrardsteve64

“Can’t believe all the deadwood we have and the clown of a manager wants to get rid of our most creative midfielder.”

Credit: @stedickson4

In other news, find out what swap deal involving Rodriguez could be on the cards

Manchester United have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane with the Spanish club becoming ‘increasingly resigned’ to losing the Frenchman after his representatives told them that he’s keen to face another challenge.

What’s the story?

According to a report from The Athletic, United are the most likely club to try and do a deal for the 28-year-old amid “informal interest” from fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.

The report claims that Madrid president Florentino Perez is hoping Varane can create an auction for his signature through a string of impressive performances at Euro 2020, with a price tag of £40-45 million currently thought to be placed on his head.

Fans will be buzzing

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer has made signing a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire one of his priorities this summer after the continued struggles of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

Villarreal’s Pau Torres is another potential candidate being lined up by the Red Devils, but Varane is believed to be the club’s first-choice as they aim to close the gap on English champions Manchester City.

United finished 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s charges last term after conceding 12 more goals than their local rivals.

Although Varane may not be able to make up such a substantial difference on his own, the addition of a World Cup-winning defender would be a significant coup for the Old Trafford outfit.

It’s been eight long years since United last got their hands on the top-flight title, but the Madrid man has become accustomed to winning major trophies throughout his time at the Bernabeu.

Since arriving in the Spanish capital back in 2011, Varane has claimed four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey.

His world-class quality, winning mentality and extensive experience at the highest level would all be extremely welcome additions to United’s ranks.

Therefore, news that the France international is set to be available and that United are looking like the most likely club to sign him at this stage will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

With only 12 months remaining on Varane’s current contract with Los Blancos, his exit looks inevitable this summer, and if Solskjaer can attain his signature over the comings months, then a title challenge may be on the cards next term.

And, in other news…Fresh twist emerges in Man Utd’s pursuit of £55m beast, Ole will be gutted 

Manchester United have suffered a big injury blow ahead of their opening Champions League group stage fixture after Edinson Cavani was ruled out of action.

The Red Devils will be looking to get their Group F campaign underway with a victory when they travel to Switzerland to take on Young Boys this evening, but they’ll have to do so without their experienced South American striker.

What’s the word?

Cavani is yet to start for United this season after returning late to Manchester following his summer exploits for Uruguay in the Copa America.

The 34-year-old then suffered a strain in the Red Devils’ behind-closed-doors friendly with Stoke City two weeks ago.

Since then, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace has been pictured doing ball work on the training pitch but he was not in the matchday squad for the win over Newcastle United on Saturday and has not travelled to Bern.

“Edi is hopefully back with us soon,” Solskjaer said in his recent press conference. “He had a slight strain during the international week after the in-house game that we played. He’s working hard to get back.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be gutted

Although United have fared well in Cavani’s absence so far this season, picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in the Premier League, his enforced absence could be a big blow for the 20-time English champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock arrival on transfer deadline day provided Solskjaer with an abundance of options in the final third, but at 36, the Portugal international won’t be able to play two games a week all season.

Coupled with the fact that Young Boys play on an artificial surface and Anthony Martial has made a slow start to 2021/22, bringing Cavani into the starting lineup would surely have been something Solskjaer may have been contemplating had he been fit. Instead, the manager could be left feeling gutted by the Uruguayan’s untimely absence, not least with the veteran proving a very potent option whenever he is called upon.

In other news… MUFC suffer potential blow in pursuit of “excellent” 22y/o machine, Ole will be gutted 

Southampton have been linked with West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone recently and he would solve a key issue in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side if he did move to St Mary’s.

According to The Athletic, Southampton will prioritise bringing in a new goalkeeper next summer and have already begun looking at potential options, with Johnstone high up on their list of targets.

It is no surprise that he is being considered by the Saints, who are outsiders for the drop with bembybet.com this year, as he has plenty of Premier League experience with West Brom, with whom he was relegated last season, and he will potentially be looking for a move back to the top-flight should Albion fail to earn promotion this season.

At 28, he is a good age for a goalkeeper, and his performances last season were extremely impressive and earned him his first England caps, with Micah Richards suggesting that he enjoyed an “outstanding” season.

He will also, as it stands, be available on a free transfer due to his contract at the Hawthorns expiring in 2022, so it would make a huge amount of sense for Southampton to consider signing him, especially considering their current goalkeeping situation.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Hasenhuttl alternated between Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster in the second half of last season after the former seemed to suffer a crisis of confidence following the 9-0 thrashing against Manchester United, whilst Forster’s impressive FA Cup form allowed him to come in for some Premier League games.

However, it is the former QPR man who has been preferred so far this season and he was handed a new three-year contract recently, which all but confirms his spot as the first-choice this season, whereas Forster looks set to depart at the end of the campaign when his contract expires.

It seems strange that the Saints weren’t keen on bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer as they conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League last season, despite only having the seventh-worst xGA, which emphasises that some of the blame must be attributed to their goalkeepers.

You could argue that neither McCarthy nor Forster are the ideal long-term options for Southampton and a new, younger, better shot-stopper such as Johnstone could solve a key issue for Hasenhuttl, so Martin Semmens should do everything he can to sign him.

And, in other news… 4 shots on target: Southampton ace continued his fine form with superb international display

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Lazio News 24), West Ham are interested in signing Joaquin Correa from Lazio this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham prepare for Europa League

Last season was a magnificent one for the Hammers as they finished in sixth place in the table, meaning they qualified for the group stages of the Europa League.

As such, they will need to get their squad ready for the continental competition, and that is likely to mean new arrivals at the London Stadium.

The Latest: Hammers eye Correa

It is being reported that David Moyes and co are interested in signing Correa from Serie A outfit Lazio.

The 26-year-old is also being targeted by Everton, with the Biancocelesti said to be looking for a fee of €30m (£25.8m) for his services, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Lazio News 24).

The Verdict: Interesting option

Correa has been a solid option for Lazio since making the move there from Sevilla. In 117 games for the Biancocelesti, he has racked up 30 goals and 18 assists (Transfermarkt), highlighting his attacking threat. In 2020/21, he managed 11 goals and six assists as the Rome-based outfit competed in the Champions League.

Correa’s versatility may also be something which interests Moyes. He can play anywhere across the front line, while he has even been known to play slightly deeper in left or right midfield (Transfermarkt).

Given his relatively young age, the sum demanded does not appear to be too high, although that may depend on who else the Irons would like to bring in.

In other news, many West Ham fans want the club to sign this 29-year-old striker.

Aston Villa have emerged as a potential suitor for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly according to reports from Italy.

What’s the Word?

Italian outlet TMW has claimed that Premier League sides Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in the Senegal international, labelling him a “real tressure” in what would undoubtedly be a sensational signing for Villa.

The centre back is in high demand, with European heavyweights Barcelona also interested, this is despite Napoli placing a €70m (£58m) price tag on his head.

Koulibaly will turn 31 in June and a fee of this size might put a lot of teams off, especially when they may only get a couple of years out of him at his peak.

Imagine him & Konsa

Villa have been leaking goals as of late and surely a centre back is high on the list of Steven Gerrard’s priorities as he looks ahead to his first full season in charge at Villa Park.

There aren’t many defenders better than Koulibaly at the moment, with the Premier League surely being an attractive move having spent the last eight years in Serie A.

Forza Italian football editor Connor Clancy previously stated his belief that the Napoli titan “improves any team” he plays for, as well as dubbing the defender “phenomenal.” High praise for the 30-year-old.

The most important aspect that Gerrard will be looking at is to create a solid centre back pairing of both Ezri Konsa and Koulibaly.

With Konsa having a rating of 6.74 on SofaScore this season, the onus would be on the Senegal international to come in and form a solid backline with the 24-year-old English talent.

Regardless of if Gerrard actually manages to secure his services or not, it shows just how far Villa have come since promotion three years ago that they are linked with one of the finest centre backs in the world.

What a summer Villa supporters have in store.

AND in other news, Gerrard now plotting AVFC bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s better than Phillips