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Everton have been linked with signing Jannik Vestergaard this summer, and now Paul Brown has weighed in on the potential transfer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star journalist, he wouldn’t be surprised if the Leicester City star did make a move to Goodison Park at the end of the season – as long as they remain a Premier League club next term.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “In that position, I wouldn’t be surprised if something like that might happen. But it’s very difficult to see who they could possibly target right now without knowing where they’re going to be.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that there are clearly changes needed to be made at Goodison Park, and it will be Frank Lampard’s job to make sure he identifies the key areas of improvement – with their defensive play a huge cause for concern this season.

Everton have found themselves in a vulnerable position in the Premier League, currently fighting against potential relegation to the Championship and it’s no surprise they are in this situation when you consider their defensive record.

Indeed, only the two teams at the bottom of the table, Watford and Norwich, have a worse goal difference than the Toffees, with 53 goals conceded and the joint third-least clean sheets in the entire division.

And, despite only playing 10 games for Leicester in the Premier League so far, Vestergaard has been consistent when on the pitch.

The 29-year-old has won the majority of his ground and aerial duels (62%), been successful in 100% of his dribbles and has made an average of 1.5 tackles, 3.5 clearances and 0.7 interceptions per game, proving he can make an effective defensive impact in his team.

Yerry Mina was linked with a move away from Goodison Park in January with both Newcastle and Flamengo interested, so there is a chance that there will be further interest this summer which would make way for Vestergaard to step into his role next season.

However, Frank Lampard must first focus on securing top-flight football, with the Toffees having seven games to save their season – currently sitting just one point off the drop zone.

Indeed, transfers will be the least of the club’s worries in the immediate future and if Everton were to get relegated their business in the summer could look very different.

AND in other news: Frank can finally axe “out of control” EFC flop by signing “outstanding” £18k-p/w star

Speaking to Tribal Football, journalist Rudy Galetti has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Juventus star Juan Cuadrado.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing free deals…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have reportedly been eyeing up players on dwindling contracts as the club aim to back manager Antonio Conte with low cost, effective options.

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There have been many links to soon to be out-of-contract stars over the last few months with the likes of Paulo Dybala (Juventus) and Sam Johnstone (West Brom) coming up as most recent examples.

Ahead of Conte’s first full campaign in 2022/2023, this summer window could be crucial as the club and chairman Daniel Levy aim to back the Italian in transforming Spurs back into an elite Premier League side.

The Latest: Galetti makes Cuadrado claim…

Speaking to TF, journalist Galetti says Paratici and co are ‘chasing’ another imminent free agent in Cuadrado.

Tottenham have apparently made contact with the Colombian’s representative, Alessandro Lucci, with Conte ‘crying out’ for a new right-wing-back option amid his dis-satisfaction over Emerson Royal.

Despite the electric form of Matt Doherty, Spurs’ head coach still wants to strengthen on the right-hand side, resulting in the Lilywhites now ‘working hard’ to sign his former player in Cuadrado.

The Verdict: Good option?

Tottenham and Paratici spent a lot of January attempting to negotiate a deal to sign Adama Traore with Conte seeking a makeshift RWB option.

After Barcelona hijacked that move, you could say Doherty’s brilliant performances have arguably masked over Spurs’ transfer blunder, but Conte may need to re-visit the position again to add further steel.

Cuadrado, who could join for free if he doesn’t extend in Turin, may well be a shrewd option.

Indeed, the South American has averaged a higher league match rating (7.21) than any Spurs player over 2021/2022 bar Harry Kane (7.36) and Son Heung-min (7.38), according to WhoScored.

He’s a consistent threat in the attacking positions with only Son and Dejan Kulusevski making more key passes per 90 in the final third than Cuadrado this season (WhoScored).

The £152,000-per-week star may well be a suitable solution for Conte on the right.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Aston Villa fans would have hailed the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel as a real coup, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Witsel was linked with a surprise move to Villa at the end of the summer transfer window, with Italian outlet Tuttosport claiming that Juventus, AS Roma and the Midlands club were all interested in signing the Belgian.

Witsel has remained at Dortmund, however, and will now be looking to help Marco Rose’s side end Bayern Munich’s dominance of the Bundesliga.

Had the 32-year-old signed for Villa, though, Hatfield is certain he would have been a welcome addition.

“Witsel would’ve obviously fitted into the position Villa probably needed to address,” Hatfield told FFC. “But he’s not the youngest in the world and he’s just coming off a really serious Achilles injury.

“Obviously he would’ve been an amazing signing for fans and the fans would’ve been right behind it. On paper, it would always look good, but in practice, I’m not too sure. But Villa fans would’ve been hailing it as a real coup.”

While Villa did not end up bringing in a midfielder like Witsel, you would have to say it was still a pretty successful transfer window for the Premier League outfit.

Yes, they lost Jack Grealish to Manchester City, but they were still able to make significant attacking additions after signing Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey.

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming as some injury news emerged on Lucas Digne.

The former FC Barcelona man was substituted off late on in the second half of their loss away at Queens Park Rangers on penalties in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, and Rafa Benitez has since given an update on his injury: “I don’t think it is very serious. We will see when we check tomorrow.”

Even if it does not turn out to be serious, it would certainly give the Goodison Park faithful a scare, given that he is the only senior left-back in the squad at the moment.

Nonetheless, given his goal and the fact that he was the second-highest rated Toffees player on Sofascore after the game, Digne has shown how key he is to the team, and losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow.

Everton fans on Digne injury news

These Blues supporters fumed as the injury news was shared on Twitter:

“Well done Marcel getting rid of our 2 backup LB’s”

Credit: @jay_smith190

“The whole team made of glass or something?”

Credit: @Jakecheesey9

“We are so cursed”

Credit: @EFC_Robinson

“Marcel Brands has done a shocking job… U23’s are in a state too. Needs the boot”

Credit: @Paul_M__H

“There will be no one left. What’s going on?”

Credit: @RichyDaily

“Do us a favour give that joke of a DOF a pat on the back for leaving us with 1 RB and 1 LB and not getting Dumfries”

Credit: @paulh_2021

In other news, find out whose display was slammed by Evertonians here!

Crystal Palace will be aiming to extend their three-game unbeaten run when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles conceded a hugely disappointing last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last time out, condemning Patrick Vieira’s charges to a third consecutive draw.

However, there are plenty of positives to take from their recent displays, and the return of star man Wilfried Zaha following a short illness will be a huge boost to their chances of securing a much-needed victory.

Vieira may be tempted to make a few alterations to his starting XI for the visit of Newcastle given their recent woes, with the Magpies currently 19th in the top flight table.

A run of eight games without a victory to begin 2021/22 cost Steve Bruce his job this week, and Palace will be desperate to take advantage of the situation in which their managerless opponents currently find themselves.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Vieira to line up at Selhurst Park, with three changes from the side which started against the Gunners…

In goal, the ever-dependable Vicente Guaita is set to start between the sticks once again as he goes in search of his first clean sheet in five games.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be an unchanged back four consisting of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Joel Ward after a string of promising displays from the defensive unit at the start of the season.

However, Vieira could opt for a more attack-minded trio in midfield. Jeffrey Schlupp may get a rare opportunity to impress from the off as Palace go in search of three points, relegating Luka Milivojevic to the bench.

Completing the engine room will be the dependable duo of James McArthur and Conor Gallagher due to their impressive recent form in the middle of the pitch.

In attack, the return of Zaha will be a big relief to Vieira, and it’s likely to see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke forced to watch from the sidelines despite bagging his first goal of the season on Monday night.

Summer signings Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise are likely to complete the starting XI after their outstanding contributions in front of goal in recent weeks, giving Palace a very threatening forward line.

In other news… Parish must sanction bargain Palace swoop for 6 ft 2 colossus, Vieira needs him 

Eric Dier was always going to stay at Tottenham this summer, says Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

Tottenham have had a bit of a reshuffle at the back, selling Toby Alderweireld to Al-Duhail and bringing in Cristian Romero.

Pau Torres and Takehiro Tomiyasu have also been linked with moves to the north London club in this transfer window. The capture of either player or arrival of another name could leave the future of one of Spurs’ current central defenders in doubt.

However, that is unlikely to be Dier, with Bridge convinced that the 27-year-old will not be sold this summer. He told TT:

“I think Dier was going to stay whatever happened. [Davinson] Sanchez was probably the one they were going to offload. However, he played very, very well against Arsenal and was really good against City.”

According to Sanchez’s agent, speaking to Caracol Radio (via MailOnline) not too long ago, discussions with Sevilla over a potential move for the Colombian had taken place. So it does seem like Tottenham are open to selling him while they keep hold of Dier.

As already mentioned, though, Sanchez has had a solid start to the season, helping Spurs to clean sheets in victories against Manchester City and Wolves with Dier’s assistance.

Niko Kovac has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant manager’s role at Everton.

The Telegraph’s Jason Burt says that the 50-year-old’s name is ‘being pushed’ as the Toffees assess their options, and the Croatian is apparently keen to have a crack at the Premier League.

Everton sacked Rafael Benitez in the wake of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich City. It is their second managerial search in the space of eight months after Carlo Ancelotti left in June.

An overview of Kovac

Kovac has managed three clubs – Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and AS Monaco. The Croatian succeeded Jupp Heynckes at Bayern after taking Eintracht from relegation territory to the top half.

However, he was sacked by the Bavarian giants in November 2019, 16 months after taking charge, following a 5-1 defeat at the hands of his former club. He had managed to win a league-and-cup double in his first season at the helm in Munich (via BBC Sport).

Kovac’s next stop, in the summer of 2020, was Monaco, but he was dismissed earlier this month with the team sixth in Ligue 1.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Burt’s claim, and here’s what these Everton supporters made of it, with many in favour of seeing Kovac getting the Goodison Park gig.

These Everton fans call for Kovac

“Get it done lads”

Credit: @ericowens27

“This is more like it…. So probably won’t happen”

Credit: @thatphillad

“I’ve decided Kovac is my #1 choice”

Credit: @efc18789

“I can get behind this”

Credit: @AmateurGus

“Him or Favre & I’ll be happy”

Credit: @MattyHughes10

“Get him”

Credit: @kmcgrath28

In other news, many Everton fans reacted with disbelief to this club announcement

According to The Daily Mirror, West Ham United have shortlisted a brand new defensive target as news emerges on Manchester United starlet Di’Shon Bernard. 

The lowdown: Career so far

A product of the youth academy at Chelsea, Bernard moved to Manchester in 2017 to link up with the Old Trafford Under-18’s side.

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Since then the London-born central defender has progressed through the ranks in the North West and made a senior debut for the club in the Europa League in November 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 21-year-old spent the entire 2020/21 campaign on loan at Salford City in League Two and could be set for another move in the upcoming transfer window…

The latest: Moyes is interested

As per the report from the Mirror, the Hammers and by association, manager David Moyes, are ‘plotting a move’ to sign the 6 foot 2 defender.

It’s claimed that the Scot is a ‘big admirer’ of Bernard who is currently on loan at Championship outfit Hull City.

Furthermore, the report states that the east Londoners are confident in their ability to get a deal done due to offering a ‘quicker pathway’ to first-team football for the colossus youngster who was described as ‘quick’ and ‘aggressive’ by Grant McCann.

The verdict: Next generation

Albeit still unproven in the Premier League, Bernard has enjoyed a positive season at Hull City, averaging 6.91 match rating over 2021/2022 whilst making 1.3 interceptions, 3.2 clearances per game and helping to keep eight clean sheets in the league (Sofascore), the talented defender appears to be ready for the next step in a promising career.

As both Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna reach the twilight of their superb individual careers, Moyes will rightfully be thinking about the succession plan.

GSB have already acted to succeed one half of the partnership with the capture of Kurt Zouma and having never truly shown total faith in Issa Diop, it’s no surprise that the Irons’ boss may look elsewhere for reinforcements and Bernard could be the chosen one to bolster the London Stadium ranks.

In other news: Find out who the three worst West Ham players were against Burnley. 

Ashley Preece believes that Aston Villa should go big for Yves Bissouma in the January transfer window.

What’s been said?

In a recent article for Birmingham Live, Preece stated his belief that, following the Brighton midfielder’s dominant display despite his team’s 2-0 loss at Villa Park on Saturday, the 25-year-old is a player who Steven Gerrard, Johan Lange and Christian Purslow should be looking to sign in the upcoming winter market.

In his piece, the journalist wrote: “What a signing Yves Bissouma would be for Villa. The Malian just oozed class on Saturday. ‘He’s a proper player,’ was what my colleague said to me moments in, with Bissouma dribbling past three Villa shirts before starting a Brighton attack.

“Under the watchful eye of Gerrard, his coaches and transfer chief Johan Lange in the directors’ box, Villa could do a lot worse than to raid Brighton and go big on Bissouma who, by the way, has just 19 months left on his current deal. You’d imagine he’d cost around the £30million-plus mark, which is not bad for a player who does all the right things.”

He’d be a huge coup

Considering that Bissoma has been linked with moves to clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this year, it would be a rather huge coup for Gerrard if Aston Villa indeed go on to seal a deal for the 25-year-old in January.

As Preece suggests, it would very much appear to be a move worth pursuing, as the Mali international has continually wowed at the Amex Stadium since his move to the south coast back in 2018.

Indeed, over his eight Premier League appearances so far this season, the £22.5m-rated maestro has made an impressive average of 2.1 interceptions and 3.8 tackles – the third and joint-most respectively out of all Premier League players in the current campaign – and won 6.6 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £25k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Graham Potter’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

Indeed, when comparing his seasonal returns to that of Marvelous Nakamba, his opposite number on Saturday, the Brighton man beats the 27-year-old hands down, with the Villa midfielder averaging a SofaScore match rating of just 6.56 so far this season.

As such, with Preece suggesting that Bissouma would be available for a fee of around £30m this winter, it would seem highly advisable for Lange to do all he can to secure a deal for the Seagulls star, as the midfielder’s signing could help to fire Villa towards the European places in the Premier League table come next May.

In other news: Lange can seal Gerrard’s dream Villa deal with bargain swoop for “next level” gem

Graham Smyth has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United winger Ian Poveda.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Smyth revealed that the 22-year-old, who had returned to Thorp Arch from his season-long loan deal at Blackburn Rovers as a result of an ankle injury sustained last November, is now set to return to the Championship side on a trial basis this week.

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The journalist goes on to state that Tony Mowbray will then decide whether or not he would like the former England U20 international to rejoin his first-team squad for the remainder of the second-tier campaign – with Rovers still being in with a shot of securing a top-six finish in the league.

Raphinha replacement

While it is true that, after making 16 first-team appearances in 2020/21, Poveda has not progressed as many at Elland Road would have hoped this season – something that is largely down to his long-term injury – the youngster would nevertheless still appear to have a bright future with the Premier League side.

Indeed, despite Paul Robinson’s recent claim that the 22-year-old’s future at Leeds is “up in the air” at present, Victor Orta’s comments at the time of the winger’s loan switch to Ewood Park would appear to suggest otherwise.

Regarding the forward, the Spanish sporting director said: “We feel Ian can make an impact here in the future and we’ve been very impressed with how Blackburn have developed players such as Harvey Elliott at Liverpool. We hope Ian can get some game time and come back to us next season ready to fight.”

And, while it is undeniable that the £11k-per-week talent – who Robinson also dubbed an “exciting” player – initially struggled to find his feet at Blackburn, his performance in the fixture before he sustained his injury against fellow play-off hopefuls Sheffield United proved that the former Manchester City starlet is a “wonderful talent” – as Mowbray claimed.

Indeed, in Rovers’ 3-1 victory over the Blades, Poveda turned in a man of the match display, scoring one goal and registering one assist, as well as making two key passes, creating one big chance, completing five dribbles and winning eight duels – with these returns seeing the forward earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 8.5 – the best of any player to feature in the match.

As such, should the £1.8m-rated prodigy be able to refind this level of form upon his return to Blackburn over the remainder of the season, it would appear highly advisable for Jesse Marsch to consider reinstating the 22-year-old in his first-team squad ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, with Raphinha being heavily linked with a £60m move away from Elland Road this summer, should Poveda go on to fulfil his undoubted potential next season, the Englishman could well go on to become the Whites’ next wide attacking sensation – potentially even turning into a player who is just as important to the club as the Brazilain currently is.

AND in other news: “Been told…”: Sky Sports journo drops huge Leeds update, supporters will be fuming