Everton have long been linked with a move for Ismaila Sarr, and a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Frank Lampard is “definitely” interested in signing the Watford and Senegal winger.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT about the 24-year-old: “I don’t think he’s reached his full potential yet, but he’s definitely got something about him, and he could reach that potential.”

“I don’t know whether he would go to a club like Everton, though, I think he would probably set his sights a little bit higher than that. But it’d be an interesting one to see if anything develops there. But Lampard has definitely got an interest in him.”

He’s a Gray upgrade

Everton have found themselves teetering on the edge of the relegation zone after a poor run of performances ahead of the World Cup break which has left them 17th in the Premier League table and just one point clear of the bottom three.

As a result, Lampard will be desperate to improve performances on the pitch, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring fewer top-flight goals than the Toffees over the campaign so far.

Indeed, the former Chelsea boss will have the opportunity to strengthen his forward line during the January transfer window, and Sarr could be the perfect prospective signing to improve the Toffees’ attacking threat over the second half of the season.

The £35m-valued Watford ace has been an outstanding performer for the Hornets since he joined them in 2019, scoring 30 goals and registering 21 assists in 109 appearances, with a goal contribution every 174 minutes illustrating that he is a consistent and reliable goal threat for his team.

In fact, Lampard could land a huge upgrade on Everton winger Demarai Gray if the powers at Goodison Park can secure the signature of Sarr in the upcoming transfer window.

The Senegal forward has outperformed Gray in many attributes over the season so far, including goal contributions (9 v 1), shots on target per 90 minutes (0.80 v 0.77), pass completion rate (77.4% v 67.5%), goal-creating actions (7 v 3) and dribbles completed (40% v 32.6%).

Everton are in desperate need of more goal contributions, and with Sarr in fine form for Watford and also offering Premier League experience, he could be the perfect profile of player to earn Lampard’s team crucial points in the top flight in 2023.

With that being said, it won’t be easy to convince Watford to part ways with one of their most important players, so the powers at Goodison Park will need to make a very tempting offer to acquire Sarr’s services in January.

Everton manager Frank Lampard is running out of time and could be sacked in the next few weeks, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Everton in dire form

The Blues are increasingly having a season to forget, with results proving to be hugely disappointing on either side of the 2022 World Cup.

Everton are hovering ominously above the Premier League relegation zone, having not won since October, and Lampard is under big pressure to keep his job.

However, a new update suggests that his time at Goodison Park may have slightly longer left to run after Saturday’s draw at Manchester City.

The Latest: Lampard timeline

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips claimed that Lampard probably has a couple more weeks to save his future at Goodison:

“In terms of the amount of time I think he’s got, I think if things don’t get better in the next few weeks, then you might see him in some real trouble then.”

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The Verdict: Time for a change?

With each passing game, the more it does feel as though Lampard has taken this Everton side as far as he can, with performances and results both not good enough even despite the impressive fightback at the Etihad.

The 44-year-old is struggling to get the best out of too many players, with last season’s bright sparks like Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi now struggling, and having had support from the fans for some time, the tide is definitely turning now.

A new manager with fresh ideas may be the sensible option or Everton could find themselves in a second consecutive relegation battle come the spring.

West Ham United return to Premier League action on Friday night to face Brentford at the London Stadium, with victory imperative following a dreadful campaign thus far.

The Hammers have been beset by a stark decline in form this season, sitting 16th, and the threat of relegation now stands a more realistic prospect than a third successive European-clinching term.

Indeed, having finished in the continental field at the upper end of the Premier League table for the past two seasons under the tutelage of David Moyes, optimism was brimming from east London with hopes of attaining that coveted qualification to the Champions League, especially after a lucrative summer spending spree that saw the club part with roughly £161m.

It has not been the case, and cohesion and fluidity have been washed away by the relentless pace of the current season, but against Brentford, the Irons have a golden opportunity to rectify the wrongs and start the ascension toward greener pastures.

Last time out, Moyes’ squad lost 3-1 to high-flying table-toppers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the first match back since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, putting in a gallant performance and taking the lead via Said Benrahma’s driven penalty before the Gunners displayed their title credentials with a blistering second-half showing. 

There were positives to be picked from the defeat, one being the Algerian Benrahma snatching his fifth goal of the term from 22 appearances, with two assists to complement his tally. 

His form and fitness at the business end of the Premier League year might prove the difference between thriving or floundering, with his flair and guile capable of unlocking even the tightest of defences – Brentford B coach Sam Saunders once proclaimed that he could “nutmeg a mermaid”, such is his innate ball-playing ability. 

The 27-year-old arrived at the London Stadium in October 2020, converting his loan move to a £20m permanent deal in January 2021, signing from Brentford – who played in the EFL Championship at the time.

Against his former outfit, Benrahma can stake his claim as an offensive focal point for West Ham and leave his mark in a fixture with a sprinkling of added meaning for him.

Last season, the dynamic flanker netted 11 goals and six assists throughout a mammoth campaign for Moyes’ team, a drastic improvement on the meagre three strikes scored during his debut season the year before.

He certainly has a knack for making an impact, with the Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas lauding him for a “promising cameo” in October.

And with FBref ranking him within the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers for total shots and the top 14% for dribbles completed, he clearly possesses a forward-thinking, direct approach that can prove invaluable for the Hammers’ travails across the next phase of this crucial year for the club.

Newcastle United could well set their sights on signing Fiorentina midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat, with the Moroccan international having only recently starred for his country at the World Cup.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Italia journalist Luca Marchetti – via Fiorentina News – the Magpies could well be one of the clubs in the running for the 26-year-old’s signature, with the St James’ Park outfit set to have “no problem” splashing the cash on the player.

The transfer insider states that the Serie A side views the former Club Brugge man as “non-transferable”, although it is yet to be seen whether a €40m (£35m) offer would test their resolve in the New Year.

This follows reports earlier this month that named the Tynesiders as one of the potential suitors for the 46-cap machine with sporting director Dan Ashworth clearly watching him closely, albeit with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be tracking his progress.

‘Extraordinary’ at St James’ Park

The one-time Feyenoord ace – who is the brother of former Watford forward, Nordin Amrabat – has warranted such hefty interest in his services as a result of what was a breakout tournament in Qatar, having played a vital role as Morocco enjoyed a remarkable surge to the last four.

Dubbed the “best centre midfielder in the tournament” by journalist Carlo Garganese, Amrabat was truly influential in what was a stunning run for the Atlas Lions, starting all seven games in the competition.

The impressive “monster” – as also lauded by Garganese – showcased his defensive prowess after averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the tournament, while also leading the way for recoveries made with 57 to his name in total.

Such “extraordinary” form, as per ex-Spain boss Luis Enrique, has certainly put the £33k-per-week gem on the map, although the 6 foot ace has also caught the eye as a result of his form at club level in recent times.

The imposing rock has proven himself more than just a mere defensive shield in front of the back four, with that evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% in Europe among those in his position for pass completion, as well as in the top 3% for progressive passes.

While making a move for a player off the back of a strong major tournament display is never the wisest approach, Amrabat’s impact in Florence in recent times has helped to further illustrate just what a talent he is, with the hope being that he could replicate such ‘extraordinary’ form at St James’ Park if Ashworth seals the deal in January.

Glasgow Rangers won 3-2 in Michael Beale’s first match in charge of the Ibrox side as they head into a new era under the Englishman.

It hasn’t exactly been the finest of seasons for the Light Blues, with the club trailing their Glasgow arch-rivals in the chase for the Premiership title, while crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage with the worst-ever record in the competition.

This eventually led to the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, although the Dutchman did lead the team to some wonderful results last season.

The Scottish Cup was claimed after a 2-0 victory against Hearts at Hampden Park, and who can forget the superb run to the Europa League final, which unfortunately ended in defeat on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Beale has a lot of work to do to get Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, and while he works on things at Ibrox, why not take the Football FanCast bumper Rangers quiz of 2022 – we bet you can’t get 100%…

West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca was criticised by the club’s correspondent for The Athletic, Roshane Thomas, for his performance in the 2-0 loss against Brentford on Friday night.

The Lowdown: Another defeat

West Ham dominated the ball with 63% possession, while also registering more than double the amount of shots mustered up by Brentford, but they failed to make their opponents pay, not creating a single big chance in the entire match.

Ivan Toney opened the scoring just shy of the 20 minute mark before Joshua Dasilva added another before the break to put the game out of reach for David Moyes’ side, who have now lost their last five matches in all competitions.

While it is fair to say that the majority of the team underperformed, Scamacca was deemed to have a particularly bad day at the office by Thomas..

The Latest: Scamacca criticised

Judging by his Twitter post during the game, it’s clear that Thomas thought the Italian was ineffectual on Friday night, with the journalist saying:

“Scamacca has been disappointing so far. Needs to offer more.”

One supporter went one step further in reply to Thomas’ post, calling the striker ‘the new Haller’.

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The Verdict: Shared responsibility

It is true that the 23-year-old had very little impact on the game, making just 16 touches across the 90 minutes, the lowest amount of any player that started the match, while also losing the only aerial duel that he contested.

However, the 6 foot 4 marksman needs more service from his teammates, and given that no big chances were created, the blame does not lie solely at his door, with the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Said Benrahma needing to do more to bring him into the play in the final third.

Therefore, a much better performance will be needed from the whole team if they are to get anything from an away trip to Leeds United on Wednesday.

Arsenal are still believed to be plotting to sign Shakhtar Donetsk starlet, Mykhaylo Mudryk, despite rampant interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the Gunners remain firmly intent on landing the 22-year-old this month, despite the suggestion that the Stamford Bridge outfit could look to hijack the deal.

Writing on Twitter regarding that update, the respected journalist stated: “Darijo Srna, Shakhtar Donetsk director, here at Stamford Bridge as expected for Chelsea-City game. Arsenal will keep pushing for Mykhaylo Mudryk, player’s preference and total priority — but Shakhtar also met with Chelsea in the last hours.”

As Romano alluded to, the eight-cap sensation – who could reportedly cost as much as £85m were he to make the switch to England – appears keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s side in the current window, although the Blues could well look to turn his head with a rival offer.

Imagine him and Jesus

Although the presence of Graham Potter’s side in the equation has certainly complicated matters, the hope will be that Mudryk does end up signing on the dotted line with the Emirates outfit, with such an addition likely to only bolster the club’s title charge.

The fleet-footed “baller” – as described by journalist Sacha Pisani – has been in devastating form in his homeland in recent times, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists in just 18 games across all fronts this term.

That sparkling tally includes a haul of three goals and two assists in just six Champions League group stage outings, with the 5 foot 9 dynamo having notably netted twice in the two meetings with Scottish champions Celtic, having looked “frightening” down the left flank against the Old Firm giants, as per journalist Josh Bunting.

The winger’s remarkable speed and clinical nature in front of goal has unsurprisingly caught the attention of Arteta and co, with the Gunners boss likely licking his lips at the prospect of adding Mudryk to his lethal forward line.

The Spaniard could well have the makings of an elite attacking partnership involving the Shakhtar star and summer signing, Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian having led the line superbly in the early months of the campaign, prior to his recent injury absence.

Despite only scoring five goals in 14 league appearances this term, the 25-year-old has been a key cog in Arteta’s relentless machine as he offers a real creative spark through the middle, with seven assists across all fronts to his name to date.

Arguably the club’s “most important player” despite having only recently made the move to north London, according to pundit Rio Ferdinand, Jesus clearly has a knack for bringing the club’s other forwards into play, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 8% in Europe among those in his position for assists.

As club legend Martin Keown stated, the striker’s ability to drop “very deep” allows the wide men to “funnel in”, ensuring there should well be plenty of space for Mudryk to exploit if he is to cut in off the left flank.

That understanding in attack could well lead to a truly lethal combination, hence the need for Edu to keep ‘pushing’ to secure the Ukrainian’s signature.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that there is a ‘possibility’ that Liverpool sign a defender and central midfielder after completing the signing of Cody Gakpo.

The Lowdown: Gakpo signs

The Reds have already completed the signing of Gakpo from PSV for a reported transfer fee of £37m plus add-ons.

Jurgen Klopp has claimed that there is a ‘chance’ that the winger could feature in their Premier League game away at Brentford this evening, but it seems he may not be the only signing that comes through the doors at Anfield in this window.

The Latest: Defender and midfielder next?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that there is a ‘possibility’ that the Merseyside club sign a defender and central midfielder alongside Gakpo in January:

“We know there’s a possibility of a defender, there’s still the possibility of a central midfielder. Now they can really focus on those two things.

“For all we know, they might have already been making headway. They keep these things so quiet, you never know what might already be going on.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

The thought of Liverpool potentially making three signings in this window – including Gakpo – should come as music to the ears of supporters.

For midfielders, they have been linked with the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, while Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar has been touted as a possible defensive addition.

However, Klopp has recently insisted that the club will not be ‘splashing the cash’ after the signing of Gakpo, so perhaps only one of these signings is realistic come the end of January.

Nonetheless, the Reds could do with reinforcements in order to help them get back into the UEFA Champions League spots.

It’s been a notable 12 months of change for Newcastle United in 2022, with the Magpies already reaping the rewards of PIF’s ownership and the subsequent appointment of manager Eddie Howe.

After the doom and gloom which surrounded Mike Ashley’s ill-fated regime – and the dour stint with Steve Bruce at the helm – the Tynesiders are now looking towards life in the Champions League, rather than merely fearing a return to the Championship.

Having gone on to finish well clear of relegation last term, the Magpies are now firmly in the mix for a top-four berth, with Howe having done a remarkable job in reviving a club which appeared to be going nowhere fast prior to his arrival 13 months ago.

While there will be much to anticipate in the New Year – including potential new additions and a push for European qualification – it is time to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable 2022 for the Premier League high-flyers.

With that in mind, why not have a crack at Football FanCast’s bumper Newcastle quiz of the year – we bet you can’t get 100%…

Liverpool are ‘not actively pursuing’ a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Midfield targeted

The Premier League giants have reportedly set aside cash to make a big-money central midfield signing this month, and the 21-year-old has been name-checked as a potential target.

Sky Sports have credited the Reds with an interest in the Ecuadorian, although the club are set to face stiff competition from rivals Chelsea, with Graham Potter keen on a reunion with his former Seagulls playmaker.

The Latest: Caicedo move unlikely this month

Speaking to GiveMeSport, however, Jones revealed that whilst Liverpool have been monitoring Caicedo for a long period, he believes that they aren’t currently looking to strike an agreement.

The journalist said: “We know Caicedo’s been on the radar for a long time. I still think that that midfield position is one they are looking at.

“But, as it stands, Liverpool seem pretty firm on the fact that they are not actively pursuing Caicedo, and I would be surprised if he left Brighton this month anyway.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

Liverpool definitely need to sign a new midfielder to increase their chances of making the top four, but taking the decision for Caicedo not to be that man is the right one.

The Seagulls star has only registered one goal so far this season and supplied one assist, lacking that creative spark in the final third that Jurgen Klopp loves his central players to have.

One of the biggest concerns about Liverpool’s existing midfield is the lack of output in terms of goal contributions, and it’s not something that the Ecuadorian seems likely to resolve based on his figures.

The Anfield outfit would also need to cough up a hefty sum as a result of Caicedo‘s contract not expiring until 2025, which could financially have an impact on the Reds’ reported pursuit of Jude Bellingham.