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Everton will make the short trip across the city to play their most fierce rivals at Anfield in the Merseyside derby tomorrow afternoon, and Frank Lampard’s side finds themselves in an extremely vulnerable position.

When the game kicks off, Burnley will have already played their fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Turf Moor, and should they take all three points, Everton will drop into the relegation zone if they do not beat their title-challenging rivals.

Liverpool have lost just once in their last 22 Premier League meetings with Everton – winning 11 and drawing nine – and with the Kopites battling with Manchester City for the league title, it will be a hugely difficult challenge for Lampard and his team.

With that in mind, the Toffees boss must select a team that has proven to be reliable, can offer a threat and perform to the highest quality to ensure they can take something from the game.

As a result, Abdoulaye Doucoure should be selected to start the clash.

The 29-year-old has been a consistent threat in the league this season, with four assists and two goals scored, creating two big chances and being successful in the majority of his dribbles (55%).

The £22.5m-rated man has also been impressive in a defensive capacity, making an average of 2.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per league game this term, proving he is a complete player in the centre of the pitch who can cause problems at both ends.

Indeed, the £75k-per-week Doucoure was hailed a “complete” midfielder by former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian stating: “Abdoulaye is a fantastic midfielder, a complete midfielder. He can defend well. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can bring energy to the club and a different quality.”

The Frenchman was initially a favoured player under Lampard, playing the full 90 minutes over six games, but has recently not seen as much game time – playing just six minutes in the victory over Man United and being on the bench against Leicester City.

However, there is no doubt that Lampard must unleash Doucoure – who was dubbed a “bundle of energy” by Joe Parkinson – against Liverpool tomorrow afternoon, as he would certainly improve the Toffees’ chances of causing an upset at Anfield.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Everton dealt fresh injury setback ahead of Liverpool, Lamps will be gutted

According to a report by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), West Ham United, and by extension new head of recruitment Rob Newman, have set their sights on Aaron Ramsey.

The Lowdown: Newman era begins…

As officially announced, West Ham have now started a new era of transfers as they appoint new head of recruitment Newman.

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The ex-Man City chief, who played a role in bringing the likes of Aymeric Laporte to Eastlands as well as a plethora of promising youngsters, will try his hand at improving David Moyes’ squad as West Ham gear up for a new era (The Athletic).

Now, news has emerged on yet another target.

The Latest: West Ham make Ramsey contact…

As per Calciomercato (via SW), West Ham have already made tentative contact over a move for Ramsey as current club Juventus preferably seek a January sale.

The 30-year-old could potentially leave on a free at some point but Juve are keen to sell him on and rid themselves of his sky high €7 million-per-year (£5.9m) salary.

It was once believed that Juve could have received a €20m (£16.9m) transfer fee for the player but is now apparently clear that they may have to settle for less.

As such, West Ham and Everton are interested in a move with both clubs making approaches according to this report.

The Lowdown: Irons asset?

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Sports Mole), international teammate Joe Allen lauded Ramsey as a ‘world class’ player alongside Gareth Bale  at the Euros – but he could be an asset to West Ham?

Scoring 65 goals and 65 assists in 371 appearances for Arsenal, the former Premier League attacking midfielder is certainly proven and has experience in the English top flight.

The only barrier for West Ham remains his wages and whether GSB would be willing to have him at the London Stadium for such a lofty salary.

In other news: Newman gifted boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

Celtic were linked with a late swoop for Linfield teenager Trai Hume on deadline day, Belfast Live report.  

The Lowdown: Three in

Dominic McKay was a busy man on his first deadline day as Celtic CEO.

Leigh Griffiths, Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard all completed moves away from Parkhead, while Georgios Giakoumakis, Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers all finalised Glasgow moves with hours to spare.

It seems as if McKay may have had his eye on a fourth late addition for the Hoops, though, going off reports late on Tuesday evening.

The Latest: Hume links

According to Belfast Live, Linfield turned down a number of big-money offers for Hume in excess of £100,000, who can play as a right-back, centre-back or centre-midfielder.

Celtic and English League One side Lincoln City were name-checked with the late interest in the 5 foot 9 teenager, who is reportedly under contract until 2023.

The Verdict: Another Scales?

Celtic recently sealed a move for versatile defender Liam Scales from Shamrock Rovers, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Hoops go back in for Hume further down the line, with there clearly being a focus from McKay on up and coming defenders.

He’s been described as one of the Irish League’s hottest properties, similar to Scales earlier in the summer.

Hume’s versatility could attract Celtic in the next transfer window, as it did with Scales, so it could be a name to keep an eye on over the next 12 months.

In other news: Greek journalist drops late Celtic transfer news; ace didn’t want to move.

Many Manchester United fans have been left slamming the display of Alex Telles in their 1-0 loss at home in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team crashed out of the competition at Old Trafford as an early goal from Manuel Lanzini was enough to send West Ham United through into the next round.

Some Red Devils thought that Telles was at fault for the goal due to the ease with which Ryan Fredericks skipped past him, and the left-back certainly seemed to struggle after that too.

Telles lost out on 100 per cent of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single dribble, blocked shot, interception or tackle, while losing possession possession of the ball on no fewer than on 13 separate occasions, the fifth-most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Man Utd fans on Telles display

These MUFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with a couple of them even going as far as to claim that the former FC Porto ace was ‘awful’:

“Martial, Telles and Mata were awful. No issues with the others”

Credit: @nzmanc

“Telles got absolutely done for the goal. It was right in front of the corner I was at for the game. Looked awful up close.”

Credit: @UnitedPecky

“Martial was poor but Telles disaster class cost @ManUtd the game.”

Credit: @johnwill175

“Telles was shocking yesterday though let’s be honest”

Credit: @Jaswin23

“I don’t think Telles or the defence played well. It’s not good enough for United level.”

Credit: @FreeLurkyMe2

“Bailly was alright but yeah, Telles was straight up horrendous. I just mentioned the names straight top off my head”

Credit: @VedantUTD

In other news, find out which ‘unbelievable’ Premier League star is being monitored by United here!

Celtic have been handed a major boost regarding Josip Juranovic’s return from injury.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the right-back could once again be available for selection for the fixture against St Johnstone this weekend, as the 26-year-old is in the tail end of his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Speaking about the current condition of the defender, the 56-year-old said: “Juranovic did his hamstring so didn’t go away [on international duty]. He’s been doing rehab here. It’s the tail end so we’re looking at [this] weekend for him.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

While Anthony Ralston has performed incredibly impressively while filling in at right-back during Juranovic’s absence – with the 22-year-old averaging a rather extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.76 over his seven league appearances – it is nevertheless certain that considering the Croatia international was one of Celtic’s most exciting summer signings, Postecoglou will be buzzing about the defender’s return.

Indeed, over his four Scottish Premiership appearances prior to picking up his injury, the £2.25m-rated man had helped his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 0.5 key passes, one interception, two tackles and winning 3.3 duels per game.

These metrics have seen the player who Bhoys Analytics dubbed a “creative monster” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in the top flight of Scottish football, while the 26-year-old also impressed in his one appearance in the Europa League, getting himself on the scoresheet and earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 against Real Betis.

As such, the news that the defender is nearing a return to first-team action will undoubtedly come as a major boost for Postecoglou and his side, although, the fact Juranovic does not look likely to feature in the Bhoys’ crunch match with Ferencvarosi TC on Tuesday afternoon may be slightly disappointing for the 56-year-old.

In other news: £3.8m out of pocket: Celtic had a nightmare in “magnificent” £12k-p/w dynamo’s sale

West Ham United have held talks with CSKA Moscow attacker Nikola Vlasic, amid growing suspicion that fellow target Jesse Lingard will stay put at Manchester United this summer [Hammers News].

Enjoying a commendable 2020/21 campaign, the Croatia international registered 18 goal contributions in 34 appearances for his current Russian employers; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could well be set for a move to East London following recent reports.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show yesterday evening, Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth remarked that the Hammers have held talks with Vlasic over a move, whilst also adding that there is “a growing feeling that Jesse Lingard may remain at Manchester United” [Hammers News].

West Ham have allegedly put forward an offer of a season-long loan stint with a £28 million purchase clause at the end of the season inserted for Vlasic’s services [Hammers News].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United supporters flocked to social media to share their opinion on the latest news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some Hammers had to say about the update, with one admitting they are ‘excited’:

“Sign Vlasic on Loan then get Lingard for cheaper in January when Benrahma goes to AFCON”

Credit: @OC02_”Excited about this one if we can get it over the line”Credit: @davewinsley”Jesse seems impossible and seems to be talking to CSKA Moscow over Vlasic now”Credit: @WHUFCJPNFans”Vlasic PLEASE”Credit: @ben_personal”Please”Credit: @WesthamDeku_”Okay for real west ham can you just do me this one solid and get Vlašić? You’re gonna make so much money off me alone if you bring him in”Credit: @NStamparIn other news, West Ham United fans react to a Declan Rice update. Find out more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers and their transfer plans to pursue a new forward in the January window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Gers have been keeping tabs on young Millwall striker Zak Lovelace as they track his progress with the English Championship side.

The report claims that the 15-year-old is also the subject of interest from Premier League clubs Leicester and Brighton.

The next Patterson

Giovanni van Bronckhorst could find the next Nathan Patterson for Rangers by securing a deal to sign Lovelace this month.

The 15-year-old has already made his senior debut for Millwall in the English second tier and has been called up by England at under-16 level, showing that he is a young player with plenty of potential.

Lions manager Gary Rowett heaped praise on him after the youngster made his Championship bow, saying: “I thought it was going to be one of those moments where the ball isn’t out of play and there’s a 15-year-old stood on the sidelines ready to make his debut. I was actually quite thankful they had a shot that missed, just because it allowed us to get him on. He had a big, big smile on his face and was desperate to get out there.

“We could have taken the easy route and put a senior player on there because we had Smudge [Matt Smith] left on the bench. But I just felt it was a game where we needed a bit of mobility at the end to stop them getting out.

“Young Zak makes a 50-yard sprint to try and stop them. He showed great appetite. He’s going to have a big career ahead of him, I’m sure.”

He is said to have scored more than 20 goals for the club’s youth teams and this suggests that he has performed well enough for Millwall’s academy to earn himself a first-team chance.

Therefore, he could be an exciting prospect to come in who could be viewed as a player with the scope to go on and make an impact for Van Bronckhorst’s side in the future, much like Patterson did under Steven Gerrard and the Dutchman.

Rangers recently sold the 20-year-old to Everton for a club-record transfer fee after he came through the academy process and made 27 first-team appearances whilst being capped six times by Scotland during his time at Ibrox. Lovelace could come in and replicate that success, given what he has already achieved at such a young age, and the Gers must ensure that they snap him up this month.

AND in other news, “I’d expect”: Expert delivers exciting Rangers claim that’ll leave Ibrox fans buzzing…

Manchester United could still appoint current Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor this season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What’s the story?

The Northern Irishman is believed to be high up on the United hierarchy’s wishlist as they line up possible replacements for Solskjaer following their disappointing start to the campaign.

Several reports have claimed that Rodgers is the leading candidate to take over the Old Trafford hot seat, but it seems as though the Glazers will keep faith with their Norwegian tactician for the time being.

However, transfer insider Jones has refused to rule out Solskjaer being replaced by the 48-year-old before the campaign comes to a close amid mounting pressure.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I wouldn’t rule it out later in the season somewhere if United can’t ride this out. It seems strange but it is definitely plausible from what I’m hearing.”

Man Utd fans will be excited

News that Rodgers could take the reins at United over the coming months will leave a large section of the club’s supporters feeling excited.

The former Celtic boss has cultivated an enviable reputation as one of British football’s most astute and innovative tacticians in recent years, guiding the Hoops to seven major trophies in just two-and-a-half years.

He then continued to prove his credentials at the King Power Stadium, guiding the Foxes to consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League before claiming the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Solskjaer, on the other hand, is yet to find a piece of silverware during his tenure with the Red Devils, overseeing an agonising trophy drought for the 20-time English champions.

The Scandinavian’s good work should not be forgotten, though. Consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, a successful squad rebuild, and the blooding of several academy graduates have all marked his tenure.

However, concerns over whether Solskjaer is capable of taking United to the next step in their development and competing with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool for major honours are ever-increasing.

A ceiling appears to have been reached under his tutelage, and therefore, Rodgers’ arrival would be welcomed by many in United’s fanbase.

And, in other news…Forget Diallo: Ole could unearth Man Utd gem in “hugely talented” rarely-seen 17 y/o

Rangers could make a ‘huge’ move for Sam Johnstone after Steve Bruce confirmed that the England goalkeeper is likely to leave his current club. 

That is according to Mark McDougall, a journalist for Football Scotland.

The lowdown

The Daily Mail recently reported that Rangers have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing Johnstone from West Brom, whose manager Steve Bruce admitted that the English ‘keeper is probably ‘going to leave’ The Hawthorns when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Sky Sports have claimed that two of the Premier League’s top seven in Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in the frame for the 29-year-old’s signature.

Rangers are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, with Allan McGregor soon to be out of contract and potentially contemplating retirement.

https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-3/

The latest

In Football Scotland, McDougall named some of the ‘keepers with whom Rangers have been linked, such as Martin Fraisl, Benjamin Siegrist and Zander Clark, but he feels that Johnstone stands out on the list, adding that signing him could be a ‘huge’ boost to the club’s prospects for next season.

He also believes that the Gers may have an advantage over United and Spurs because the Premier League duo may struggle to offer him first-team football.

That’s exactly what the 29-year-old wants as he looks to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The verdict

It’s hard to disagree with McDougall’s assessment. Johnstone would be quite the coup for Rangers, based on the glowing praise he has received in recent times.

For instance, Micah Richards, for example, has dubbed him an ‘outstanding’ player and a ‘wonderful professional’.

He has also produced big-game stops which leave onlookers stunned. His former Baggies manager Sam Allardyce called one save against Liverpool ‘magnificent’, while Gary Lineker’s jaw dropped after an ‘unbelievable’ piece of goalkeeping against Manchester United last year.

Whereas he would have to dislodge Hugo Lloris or David de Gea if he joined one of his Champions League-chasing English suitors, there would potentially be a clear vacancy to fill in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side if McGregor exits the scene.

In other news, this Rangers trio struggled on Sunday

Leeds United will be ‘desperate’ for this season to come to an end after an endless string of injuries, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Season to forget

The Whites enjoyed a brilliant first year back in the Premier League, finishing ninth, but the 2021/22 campaign has undoubtedly been one to forget.

Leeds find themselves in a relegation battle as we head towards April, with their safety far from secured and ongoing injury problems continuing to hold them back.

Since August, they have been without a host of key names at various points, whether it be Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips or Patrick Bamford, to name just a few.

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The Latest: O’Rourke makes key claim

Speaking to Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke claimed that Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch will be ‘desperate’ for this season to finish before drawing a line under it:

“The injuries do pile up and they do count against you come the end of season and for Leeds, they’ll just be desperate for this season to end and to ensure they’re still in the Premier League.”

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The Verdict: Just avoid relegation now

O’Rourke’s assessment is spot on, in truth, with the campaign feeling increasingly tiresome for fans as the weeks and months have passed, with injuries holding them back but performances also proving to be poor at times.

The goal between now and May shouldn’t be playing good football, but instead simply remaining in the Premier League under Marsch, prior to rebuilding in the summer.

They have to just get the job done even if it’s in an ugly fashion, as was the case in the recent dramatic late wins against Norwich City and Wolves, before resetting ahead of 2022/23.

In other news, Phil Hay has discussed Leeds’ interest in one player. Find out who it is here.