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Everton are prioritising the signing of a new centre-back in the January transfer window next month, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Centre-back issues

The Blues are in a hugely disappointing run of form and it hasn’t been helped by a number of injuries in the centre of defence.

Yerry Mina is the most high-profile current absentee in that area of the pitch, but while Michael Keane has made 17 Premier League starts this season, Mason Holgate (five) is next up in terms of starts, with Ben Godfrey (14) often playing at full-back.

It highlights the need for a new centre-back to come in next month, and it appears as though that could happen.

The Latest: Journalist makes transfer claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke claimed that Rafael Benitez is eyeing up a central defender in January to help revive Everton’s fortunes.

He outlined: “I know Everton and Newcastle are both in the market for centre-halves in January. That’s the key position that they want to fill in the January transfer window.”

The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

While the thought of relegation for Everton still seems unfathomable, they must make sure their current situation doesn’t get a whole lot worse.

They look weak at centre-back, conceding 29 goals in 17 league games in 2021/22, so the need for reinforcements is plain to see.

Bringing in an experienced head who can fill in alongside Keane, or in a back three, could help to plug the leak at the back and steer Everton away from the drop zone.

In other news, some Everton fans fuming after a revelation emerged. Read more here.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will make numerous outcasts train with the academy sides, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Derby demolition

The Hoops returned to the top of the Premiership on Wednesday night for the first time since August with a dominant win in the Old Firm derby.

Celtic scored three times in the first half, two of which came from January arrival Reo Hatate, ending a seven-game winless run against Rangers.

Three players who didn’t feature at Celtic Park were Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli, with the trio failing to seal moves away from the club in last month’s transfer window.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments

McLeish, who contributes as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider about the trio in a story released the morning after the derby win.

He expects all three to be demoted to Celtic’s academy sides due to the size of Postecoglou’s squad, saying:

“This is where, when you’ve got a massive squad, you have to separate a lot of the players, and I’m looking at the likes of Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli.

“They will probably be, and I can only imagine because we did this back in my day at Rangers, under the supervision of other coaches.

“Maybe one of the younger coaches learning his trade as well with the professionals who are not in the plans. He’ll join them in with the young players and stuff.

“You know players of that ilk would want to go and play senior level (football). They don’t really relish playing with the young ones.

“To be fair, most of them will give the young ones the respect while they’re training with them.

“There’s no way you can train a squad with eight or nine you don’t consider as first or second choice.”

The Verdict: Still time…

Even though the transfer window is now shut in Scotland, that doesn’t mean Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli are stuck with the Hoops until the summer.

That’s because multiple countries across the world can still complete their winter business in February, including Turkey, with the window closing in five days.

Both Barkas and Bolingoli have been linked with moves to Turkey over the past 12 months, so perhaps that could be a possibility over the coming days rather than McLeish’s prediction of them being banished to training with Celtic’s reserves.

In other news – 20 duels won, 13 successful tackles, 77 completed passes: These were Celtic’s 3 best players v Rangers 

Writing on Patreon, disclosing exactly why Mark Noble missed West Ham United’s 2-1 win at Burnley, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has lifted the lid on details surrounding the club legend’s absence – with the Englishman looking set to be out for two weeks after picking up a calf injury.

Noble has been a regular under manager David Moyes since star man Declan Rice picked up his own knock, and the 33-year-old being sidelined comes as another injury blow for the Hammers as their Champions League qualification dream remains alive.

ExWHUemployee sheds light on Noble injury

West Ham have had no shortage of fitness issues recently with the likes of Rice, Arthur Masuaku, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio having been sidelined for a period of time over the last few weeks.

The latter pair returned to action at Turf Moor on Monday evening in a big boost for Moyes and Antonio even bagged two goals and put in a man of the match performance.

However, ExWHUemployee has shed light on Noble’s absence in another injury blow for West Ham and reveals that he will be sidelined for a fortnight after picking up a calf problem.

Angelo Ogbonna also missed the match with a hamstring strain, but ExWHUemployee later provided some good news on the Italian and claimed it should not be too serious (Patreon).

Transfer Tavern take

Possibly losing Noble for the next two weeks does come as a blow for Moyes given his influence in the dressing room and the notion he has arguably performed when required in place of Rice.

Hammers first team coach Stuart Pearce, for example, recently heralded the midfielder for his displays this season, calling him ‘outstanding’ and ‘fantastic’ when called upon (talkSPORT via West Ham Zone).

Luckily, however, it should only be a matter of time before crucial asset Rice returns to the side and counteracts the loss of Noble.

In other news: West Ham fans shocked by this stat, find out more here.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could look to bring Manchester United assistant Chris Armas to Elland Road this summer, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Armas profiled

The 49-year-old worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls, serving as his assistant for 151 games.

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Armas, labelled as a ‘winner’ with ‘infectious positivity’, has since gone on to manage Toronto and has been at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick since December.

His services in Manchester may no longer be needed after Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, and it looks as if Marsch could take full advantage ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at Leeds’ U23s following a record PL2 attendance at Elland Road on Friday night.

Within his report, he claimed that Marsch looks set to make further alterations to his backroom staff this summer, revealing Armas is under consideration for a permanent post.

The Verdict: Makes sense

The pair know each other well following their time back in the USA and Marsch is clearly a fan of Armas, so a reunion in Yorkshire appears to be a shrewd move.

Marsch has already brought Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack to Thorp Arch, while Mark Jackson has been promoted from the U23s, so Amas could be the missing piece in the backroom staff jigsaw.

Hopefully, Leeds will be preparing for a first full season under the American as a Premier League side, which could persuade Armas to remain in England.

In other news: Phil Hay: Marsch now eyeing Leeds move for ‘quality’ rising star alongside Aaronson. 

West Ham United co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold must rue their decision to pass on signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney from Peterborough United.

What’s the word?

While speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, Peterborough’s Director of Football Barry Fry has claimed that he told Gold and Sullivan to purchase Toney in 2020 before selling the striker to Brentford.

The 25-year-old joined the Bees last August in a £5m deal that could reach £10m with add-ons, and has proven to be a huge hit in the Championship.

Toney’s efforts at the Brentford Community Stadium, where he has provided 43% of his side’s 65 league goals, are thought to have piqued West Ham’s interest, with Eurosport claiming that he has emerged as an interesting option to replace Sebastien Haller.

But Fry claims the Irons had the chance to jump the queue and land Toney last year, having spoken in detail with the London Stadium hierarchy.

“I spoke to David Sullivan and David Gold last year at great length and I said he’s the best centre-forward we’ve had,” Fry told FFC.

“He’s not only a goalscorer, he scored 49 goals for us in 92 games in two seasons. But it wasn’t only his goalscoring efforts, he also made a lot of goals and he also was our best defender.

“He headed the ball out more than anybody else, from free-kicks and corners from the opposition. He was absolutely magnificent, and I recommended him highly.”

A huge blunder from GSB

Gold and Sullivan must surely now rue their decision to go against Fry’s advice and choose not to sign Toney last summer, with Moyes failing to get the best out of Haller before the striker joined AFC Ajax, with West Ham opting against hiring a replacement in January.

Toney leads the Championship Golden Boot race coming out of the international break with 28 goals to his name in 36 appearances, six more than any other player, while penning nine assists.

His efforts under Thomas Frank have seen the 25-year-old’s market value skyrocket in the seven-months since Toney’s arrival, with football.london suggesting the Northampton-born star is now valued by Brentford at around £30m.

That price is dependent on the Bees failing to secure promotion to the Premier League, with Frank’s side currently in the play-off pack, as it would take an ‘obscene’ offer to tempt the Greater London outfit to cash-in with top-flight football to come.

Toney also has suitors in Arsenal and Leeds United, per TEAMtalk, while Peterborough chief Fry added that “top” Premier League sides are watching the £21,000-per-week sensation and that every club he spoke with last year are “regretting not signing him”.

West Ham facing a £25m hike on the initial fee Brentford paid the Posh last year will come as an added blow for Gold and Sullivan, too, and they could be left kicking themselves for years if the forward were to now join a Premier League rival in the summer.

AND in other news, a £70k-p/w dud with “wonderful feet” intends to quit West Ham this summer…

An update has emerged on St Johnstone defender Jamie McCart, regarding Sunderland’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Sun, as transcribed by NotTheOldFirm, Sunderland are one of the clubs showing an interest in signing St Johnstone central defender Jamie McCart this summer.

The report claims Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Hibernian are also tracking the defender following his impressive season up in Scotland. He is said to be in the final 12 months of his contract, with a host of sides looking to pounce on his potential availability, including the Black Cats.

Forget Sanderson

Sunderland were dealt a blow earlier this month as The Athletic revealed that Wolves are planning to keep Dion Sanderson at Molineux this summer. Wolves want to retain the centre-back and loan him out to a Championship side, ruling out any chance of a return to the Stadium of Light.

Kristjaan Speakman was reportedly keen on sealing a deal for the defender, following his loan spell last season, but now appears set to miss out on his signature.

Whilst this is frustrating for the club, it is now time to forget about Sanderson and concentrate on a swoop for McCart. The 24-year-old enjoyed a terrific campaign in the Scottish Premiership for St Johnstone and could be a fantastic, much-needed, addition to Lee Johnson’s squad. The ex-Bristol City coach needs a centre-back to replace Sanderson and McCart could prove to be an upgrade on the loanee, which would soon make supporters forget about the Wolves man.

Earlier this year, St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson heaped praise on his centre-back. He said that he is a great defender and works hard on the pitch.

He told The Courier:

“Jamie brings good balance on the left side, but he is a very good defender, first and foremost.

“Jamie works extremely hard and is very good on the ball, stepping in and playing. That’s something we have been getting him to do more of this season. But I don’t think people realise how good a defender he is.

“He’s defending his box really well.”

The £450k-rated powerhouse averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 6.91 in the Scottish Premiership, winning 5.5 aerial battles per game. Sanderson, meanwhile, averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.72 across 26 appearances for Sunderland in League One, winning 2.3 aerial battles per game. McCart also made more tackles, interceptions and clearances than the Wolves loanee managed in the third tier.

McCart could turn out to be an upgrade on Sanderson and be a top-quality signing for Johnson as he has proven he can perform in the top-flight in Scotland. Dropping down to the third division in England could allow him to thrive even more, so Speakman and Johnson need to do all they can to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Johnson must seal SAFC deal for “outstanding” £9.3k-p/w beast, he won’t cost a penny…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted with the display of Ryan Kent during the first half of their Scottish Cup fourth round tie on Sunday.

The Gers are in action at Ibrox against Celtic as they aim to progress to the next round. With the Premiership title already sewn up, the 55-time Scottish champions have the chance to do the domestic double if they can get past the Bhoys – St Johnstone await the winners in the quarter-finals.

The home side took the lead through Steven Davis, but Kent was instrumental in the build-up. It was his turn past Scott Brown which started the move, although he was then taken out by Stephen Welsh.

The former Liverpool winger then played a huge part in doubling the home side’s lead on the 34th minute, his pressure on Jonjoe Kenny forcing an own goal from the Hoops defender, to put Steven Gerrard’s men in a commanding position towards the end of the first half.

These Gers supporters were absolutely delighted with what they have seen from the 24-year-old, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Kent

“Ryan Kent what a spin”

Credit: @dave_daveframe

“That turn from Kent on Brown was filthy”

Credit: @PaulLinfield

“Kent was electric there.”

Credit: @d6mo

“Fantastic by Kent and what a finish”

Credit: @miltonfox6141

“Kent should be knighted for destroying Brown in the lead up to the goal”

Credit: @garrymoore18

“Ryan Kent despises this mob”

Credit: @davlorn73

“He’s the man”

Credit: @Kirky_8

In other news, many Rangers fans are gutted by news on this 29-year-old.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa can finally wave goodbye to Kiko Casilla this summer by signing QPR’s Seny Dieng.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay previously claimed towards the end of last season that Casilla is “one of the players we’ve been expecting Leeds to move on in the summer”.

And, after reports suggesting that Leeds are one of a number of Premier League sides tracking Dieng’s progress in the Championship, West London Sport have delivered an update on the situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

They revealed: “There have so far been no enquiries about Dieng despite speculation about his future resulting from his performances since leapfrogging both Lumley and Kelly to become first-choice keeper.”

Bielsa must land Dieng

While Leeds have yet to make a summer move for the 6 foot 4 Dieng just yet, Bielsa must surely ensure that the Whites do so and snap him ahead of the new Premier League season.

With Casilla being firmly relegated to being Illan Meslier’s number two, and Meslier’s emergence onto the scene, Bielsa must surely look to offload the £40k-a-week earning Spaniard this summer.

Speaking after Leeds’ FA Cup loss to Crawley Town earlier this season, journalist Daniel Storey, slammed: “I think Kiko Casilla was the other game-changer in a negative sense because I don’t think he should be playing for Leeds for non-football reasons, but he probably shouldn’t be playing for Leeds for football reasons after today.”

Meanwhile, Leeds TV podcaster, Oscar Mario called him a “complete liability”, and despite Bielsa’s surprise decision to bring him back into the fold on the final day of the Premier League season, his time at the club is surely up.

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In Dieng, the Leeds boss will have the perfect chance to wave goodbye to Casilla and bring in the kind of goalkeeper who could potentially challenge Meslier for that number one jersey.

Meanwhile, Bielsa may be heading for a major early window howler at Leeds…

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on another big development at Tottenham Hotspur amid all the talk surrounding Antonio Conte’s possible appointment.

The Lowdown: Spurs shakeup incoming?

All the signs appear to point towards former Chelsea manager Conte taking charge at Tottenham ahead of what could be a very interesting 2021/2022 season.

Much has been made of chairman Daniel Levy’s search for a new boss with plenty of names dropping in and out of the candidacy.

On Wednesday, the Italian emerged as a clear frontrunner with fellow managerial target Mauricio Pochettino now looking likely to stay at Paris-Saint Germain.

Amid the managerial hysteria, Romano has now lifted the lid on another big backroom development.

The Latest: Romano lifts lid on big Spurs development

Taking to Twitter, reliable source of information Romano has shared more news on a possibly big Tottenham shakeup this summer – this time concerning members of the board.

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Indeed, he claims an offer is now on the table for ex-Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici to join the club alongside Conte.

“Tottenham tried to appoint Fabio Paratici as director of football five years ago,” Romano explained on social media.

“#THFC proposal is now on the table again. He’s gonna answer/decide soon.

“Antonio Conte representatives are discussing details with Tottenham board in order to reach an agreement.”

The Verdict: Hitchen in trouble?

Tottenham’s current technical performance director Steve Hitchen’s position could be made unclear by the possible arrival of Paratici, as backed by other reports (Evening Standard).

Spurs have been linked with a new director of football for some time and preferably one with a rich history of fruitful transfer dealings.

Former AS Monaco and Lille sporting chief Luis Campos, famed for his astute business in the transfer market, had been touted with a possible move to Tottenham (Daily Record).

However, it appears Levy now has his eyes on another sporting chief to shake up his backroom.

Describing himself as a man ‘obsessed by knowledge’ in an interview with Sky Sport Italia (via Juventus.com), Paratici was also responsible for bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Turin.

It’s clear, judging by his credentials, he may be a sound alternative to Hitchen if he agrees to Tottenham’s proposal.

In other news: Spurs now want this ‘amazing’ 103-goal striker, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans are calling for the Reds to sign Harvey Barnes after he scored in Leicester City’s Europa League clash with Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp is arguably a little light in terms of attacking options in his squad, especially with Roberto Firmino currently out injured.

It was frustrating not to see Liverpool add depth in that area during the summer transfer window and it could potentially become an issue as the season progresses.

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One player the Reds were linked with as a target in the summer was Barnes, who has become a key player for Leicester under former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

On Thursday night, the winger scored in the Foxes’ draw 2-2 with Napoli at the King Power Stadium, as he continues to shine.

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Liverpool fans want Barnes to join Reds

Some Liverpool fans were keeping tabs on the game and immediately called for the Reds to snap up Barnes in the near future, replying to a tweet by LFC Transfer Room.

“Hope the club keeps tabs on him”

Credit: @EJ_Farrell_LFC

“Adeyemi in January, Kessie for free and Barnes in the summer, Bellingham in 2023”

Credit: @BCarauleanu

“Go all out for Harvey Barnes in January”

Credit: @t_gxdberLFC

“I think Liverpool need to pay whatever is needed to get Harvey Barnes. Would be immense being able to bring him off the bench or rest Mane and bring him off the bench”

Credit: @Daniel_Greaves2

“I’d love Harvey Barnes at Liverpool”

Credit: @Lewedwards12

“Harvey Barnes would be fantastic at Liverpool”

Credit: @KeiferMacd

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.