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Former Premier League striker and Sky Sports pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has been left shocked by Anthony Gordon’s reported wage demands at Everton.

The Lowdown: £100,000 per week?!

It has been reported that the Goodison Park outfit are struggling to agree on new contract terms for Gordon, with talks reaching an impasse of late.

They want to tie him down after strong interest from Chelsea in the summer, with his current deal in Merseyside set to expire in 2025.

However, Gordon is thought to be demanding £100,000-per-week if he is to sign.

The Latest: Agbonlahor shocked

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was left shocked when hearing of Gordon’s demands, even going as far as to call them ‘crazy’:

“I don’t feel he has (warranted those wages).

“This is the problem with football at the moment. These crazy contracts are being thrown out to players that haven’t done enough.

“How many goals does he have in the Premier League? How many assists has he got?

“Because he’s had some good games where he shows energy and commitment, is that enough for £100,000-a-week? I don’t think it is.

“Football is a bit crazy now. Footballers are being average and getting these crazy contracts.

“Everton will look at and think that because they want to keep him and other teams are after him, they’ve got no choice.”

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The Verdict: Too much

As per FBRef, Gordon is currently on £10,000-per-week at the Toffees, and while he does deserve a wage increase, giving the 21-year-old ten times as much would be irresponsible.

There are only two players earning six-figure salaries for Frank Lampard’s team at the moment, and they have to be careful with offering big contracts without upsetting the dressing room.

Of course, Gordon is home-grown and so the club will want to keep him for as long as possible, but he has only managed six goals and eight assists in 70 games for the Blues (Transfermarkt), hardly warranting such a huge salary.

Nonetheless, both parties need to come to a form of middle ground, so that Gordon does get the wage increase he deserves and does not leave the club without them banking a huge profit in the process.

Wolverhampton Wanderers face Leicester City in what is a crucial Premier League match for both teams.

Having won just two league matches this season, Wolves urgently require a victory in order to boost their morale and give them some sort of push in the right direction.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have picked up four points from their last two matches and it will be a tense match at Molineux this afternoon.

Steve Davis will do some tinkering following the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, making two changes and we at Football FanCast predict this will be the 57-year-old’s starting XI…

Wolves predicted XI

Davis will stick with Jose Sa in between the posts, while the back four will remain unchanged from Tuesday night’s tie.

Despite Rayan Ait-Nouri being available after missing the Palace tie, the interim manager will keep 20-year-old Hugo Beuno – dubbed a “real talent” by journalist Ryan Taylor – at left-back, and the France U21 international might be used as an impact sub, with Max Kilman, Nathan Collins and Nelson Semedo forming the rest of the back four.

Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho will be the duo in the Wolves engine room and their experience will be invaluable if the club wants to secure a positive result.

Daniel Podence, who has netted twice in the league this season, will keep his place on the left wing, while Adama Traore, who scored in midweek, will start on the right wing. Matheus Nunes will play in the number ten role, just off the striker.

With Diego Costa averaging a poor SofaScore rating of just 6.35 in his four Premier League appearances so far, Davis will drop him to the bench and start Hee-Chan Hwang in his place.

The South Korean hasn’t yet scored this season, however, aside from Costa, he remains the only natural senior centre forward at the club. With one assist and averaging 0.6 shots on goal per game, he might be able to threaten from the start.

Three points will be all that matters this afternoon, and hopefully, the club can score more than one Premier League in a match for the first time this season.

Predicted Wolves XI: Sa; Beuno, Kilman, Collins, Semedo; Neves, Moutinho; Podence, Nunes, Traore; Hwang.

Liverpool travel to Amsterdam to take on Ajax in their penultimate game of the group stage in the Champions League on Wednesday night, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can put their disastrous Premier League performance from the weekend behind them.

The Reds suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, continuing the inconsistent form and lacklustre performances which have been all too evident throughout the domestic season so far.

However, apart from the horrific display against Napoli in their first game, Liverpool have been able to pick up points comfortably in the Champions League and will hope that a result in the Netherlands secures their place in the round of 16 of the prestigious European competition with one match to spare.

Klopp must deploy his most reliable players when he leads his team out at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, and as a result drop Fabinho from the starting line-up.

The 29-year-old has been struggling to make an impact in midfield for the entire season, and after starting against Forest last weekend, there should be no doubt in the Liverpool manager’s mind that the former Monaco man should not feature against Ajax.

According to SofaScore, the Brazil international – who has been dubbed “dreadful” by Fox News reporter Keith Costigan – was one of the worst-rated players on the pitch (6.6) against the Tricky Trees. When you consider his effectiveness, it’s not hard to see why that was the case.

Fabinho lost 75% of his duels, failed to make any interceptions and was dribbled past once over his 90-minute performance on Saturday, so Klopp must re-evaluate the player’s starting position in the team.

Since the change of formation and tweaks to tactics, there is one midfielder who has thrived in the heart of the team, with Jordan Henderson proving just how hard-working and resilient he is when those qualities have been needed the most.

The £140k-per-week Liverpool captain, who was hailed as a “role model” by team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been a stalwart when selected to play more recently, and Klopp could give the Reds the best chance of beating Ajax by deploying the 32-year-old in the starting line-up on Wednesday night.

Over his two Champions League appearances this term, Henderson has taken 65 touches and made 1.5 key passes and two tackles per game, won 71% of his duels and successfully completed 100% of his dribbles.

With that in mind, there is no doubt that Klopp should unleash the skipper in the team tomorrow night, as his recent form and influence in midfield could see Liverpool rediscover some positivity after a difficult start to their campaign.

Sunderland will be looking to make it back-t0-back wins in the Championship when they take on Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and Tony Mowbray can get the stadium rocking by unleashing Ellis Simms.

Goals from Alex Pritchard and Amad Diallo secured a 2-0 win against Huddersfield in midweek and Mowbray will want his side to finish strongly in their last two games ahead of the World Cup break.

Simms recently made his return from injury and made a big impact from the bench against the Terriers on Wednesday night, providing the assist for Diallo’s late goal which secured three points for the Black Cats.

The Everton loanee has been impressive since joining in the summer, contributing three goals and one assist in 10 Championship appearances, which has helped him earn a 6.88 average rating from WhoScored.

This ranks him as the fourth-best performer in Mowbray’s squad, which emphasises his importance at the Stadium of Light, and with the top performer and fellow striker Ross Stewart still sidelined through injury, it makes sense that he earns a start against Cardiff this weekend.

Simms can provide an aerial presence up top that other currently available Sunderland attackers lack, as his average of 2.6 aerials won per game is only bettered by Stewart and Danny Batth in the squad.

He has also averaged the second-most shots per game so far this season which emphasises how dangerous he can be in the final third, and his finishing ability could be the difference on Saturday afternoon as Sunderland look to get another win on the board.

It is no surprise that Simms is making his mark at Sunderland having impressed in previous loan spells at Blackpool and Hearts, where he hit a combined 17 goals, with former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson labelling the 6 foot 2 titan “outstanding” during his time at Tynecastle Park.

Simms provides a big threat in attack and after such a morale-boosting win in midweek, starting the Everton loanee on Saturday could see Mowbray’s side look even better against Cardiff.

Newcastle United have reportedly scouted Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The 22-year-old is enjoying a standout season with Lorient, ranking high in key metrics for Ligue 1 players, and helping his team make a charge up to the Champions League qualifying places.

His performances have been consistently impressive as, over the past year, he has ranked in the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions, 94th percentile for tackles and 90th percentile for dribbles completed out of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues (FBRef).

Therefore, it seems likely that Le Fee is due a big move away from the Stade du Moustoir in the near future.

The Latest: Newcastle scout Le Fee

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle have ‘scouted’ Le Fee ahead of a potential move in January.

However, the Magpies face competition from fellow Premier League clubs Leicester City and Fulham, along with Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio from the continent, for his signature.

Lorient are ‘ready’ to open talks over a new contract for Le Fee, but may find it difficult to keep him if a suitable offer comes in.

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The Verdict: Another great option

Le Fee would be another great squad option for Eddie Howe at Newcastle going into the second half of the campaign as they look to maintain their push for a Champions League place.

Similar to Bruno Guimaraes in terms of playing style, the Frenchman could establish a formidable new partnership with the Magpies favourite in the middle of the park, having already racked up a tally of two goals and two assists in 13 matches in Ligue 1 this term (Transfermarkt).

Also, as he is still only 22 years of age, the Magpies could help him to fulfil his high potentialif he comes to St James’ Park.

Manchester City are ‘ready’ to make a summer 2023 move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Attacking abundance…

The Premier League champions are currently enriched with real depth in the attacking areas as top-flight clubs continue to struggle with Pep Guardiola’s scintillating brand of football.

No other team in the English top tier has scored more goals than City so far this season, thanks in part to the imperious form of marquee summer signing Erling Haaland, who already has a staggering 18 goals in 12 league games.

Alongside the Norway star, Guardiola has Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez at his disposal going forward in a real nightmare for their competitors.

Despite City’s numerous attacking options, though, sporting director Txiki Begiristain is seemingly always working overtime to bolster Guardiola’s squad even further.

The Latest: Man City ‘ready’ to make Leao move next summer…

Reports suggest that City and Begiristain are firmly in the mix to sign Leao, who is in line to feature for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The 23-year-old has been a key player at the San Siro for some time, prompting interest from the Sky Blues and other major clubs.

Journalist Rudy Galetti claims on Twitter that City are ‘ready’ to knock on Milan’s door for Leao next summer, alongside Chelsea and Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Milan apparently value their ‘jewel’ at no less than €120m (£105m), but if City were to move for him next year, Leao’s club may be forced to accept a lower offer.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, and if he hasn’t penned fresh terms by then, the Rossoneri would have to consider either selling him or else risk losing him for nothing soon after.

Called ‘world class’ by members of the Italian press, no Milan player has attempted more shots or completed more dribbles per 90 than Leao this season (WhoScored), so it’s clear to see why a pursuit is firmly on City’s agenda.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged by former goalkeeper Paul Robinson to secure a transfer deal for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ previous interest in Maddison

The north London club have been linked with a move for the midfielder in the past, most recently during the previous summer transfer window.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that the Foxes have entered talks with Maddison and his representatives over potentially extending his contract at the club, which is set to expire in 2024.

Now though, it appears that one pundit believes that the north London club should reignite their interest in the Englishman and add him to Antonio Conte’s squad.

The Latest: Spurs urged to sign Maddison

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that Maddison would take Spurs to the ‘next level’:

He said: “I’ve changed my mind on James Maddison.

“I know I have dismissed it previously and said he wouldn’t fit in at Spurs, but I was wrong. Now that I’ve seen him playing on the right-hand side for Leicester I really think he’d be an asset to Spurs.

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“Look at the lack of creativity in the midfield at Spurs. Maddison couldn’t play in the centre-midfielder position but he could add a lot from the right-hand side. Spurs are crying out for creativity.

“I now think that Maddison could take Spurs to the next level. He is versatile, he could play out wide or behind [Harry] Kane. Conte has to make room for a player like Maddison. He could be the spark Spurs need moving forward.”

The Verdict: A smart signing for Spurs

The 25-year-old has been in hot form this season for Leicester, which led to him being included in England’s World Cup squad.

With 13 league appearances under his belt, Maddison has scored seven goals, provided four assists and made more key passes (31) and shot-creating actions (57) than any other player at Leicester.

Bearing in mind how Manchester City and Liverpool have racked up more shot-creating actions and key passes than Spurs in the league this season, having a player like Maddison in the squad could be a good way of closing the gap between those two other clubs, who have dominated in recent seasons.

Hailed for his “sensational” performances last season by Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester star would surely be a smart and exciting signing for Conte to make.

Liverpool and FSG are reportedly willing to spend ‘huge’ money on a ‘superstar signing’ in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

Sitting in a disappointing sixth place in the Premier League table, the Anfield outfit are in danger of missing out on a UEFA Champions League place for next season.

They could still win this year’s competition of course, but face a daunting tie against holders Real Madrid in the next round, who beat them in the final last term.

Nonetheless, reinforcements appear to be needed in January in order for them to kick on in the second part of the campaign after an underwhelming start.

The Latest: Willing to spend ‘huge’

As per Football Insider, a ‘source with knowledge of Liverpool’s recruitment plans’ has claimed that FSG will spend ‘huge’ money on a ‘superstar signing’ in January, if a deal can be done.

Borussia Dortmund and England central midfielder Jude Bellingham is thought to be a ‘top target’, while West Ham United’s Declan Rice is another player that Jurgen Klopp ‘admires’.

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The Verdict: Exciting

It must be exciting for Reds supporters to hear of a potential big signing in January, given the position that they find themselves in.

Bellingham and Rice seem like players that would be unattainable in the winter though, with the former also linked to Real Madrid and reigning top-flight champions Manchester City, while the Hammers would likely be reluctant to let Rice go to a Premier League rival midway through the season, given that they are only one point above the relegation zone.

However, every player has a price, and if the money is right, Liverpool may believe that they can make a top signing.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will no doubt have been keeping a close eye on the displays of compatriot Aaron Mooy at the World Cup, with the playmaker having been in impressive form during Australia’s opening two group games.

The 32-year-old – who arrived at Parkhead in the summer – had been “immense” in the latest win over Tunisia, according to journalist Josh Bunting, having produced a tenacious performance in the centre of the park to help keep the Socceroos’ hopes of progression alive.

The midfielder’s international colleague Harry Souttar may well have been another to have caught Postecoglou’s attention as a result of his colossal form at the heart of the defence, with the towering centre-back having previously been tipped for a move to Glasgow.

Hoops journalist Anthony Haggerty notably suggested in the summer of 2021 that the 6 foot 6 ace could well be a target for the Old Firm outfit, with the club insider stating:

“Harry Souttar would be a person of interest, especially since they know him from his time with Dundee United. He’s gone down south and flourished. If I’m doing my scouting right, Harry Souttar’s on the list. We need defenders and you can scout Europe, Far East Asian markets and Australian markets, but you have to know what’s under your nose.

“I think Harry Souttar could be a fit for Celtic.”

As it proved, the Bhoys chose not to heed that recommendation as no move came to fruition, with that potentially something of a chance missed such has been the Aberdeen-born star’s displays on the world stage in recent times.

Despite having missed much of the past year or so due to an ACL injury – ensuring that the 24-year-old has featured just once in the Championship for current side Stoke City this season – the former Dundee United man has shown no ill-effect of that lack of action, having looked a real rock-solid presence in his side’s opening two games in Qatar.

The most recent win over Tunisia saw the imposing defender particularly impress, having been like “superman”, in the words of pundit Danny Murphy, after helping to keep the opposition at bay, having been an “absolute beast” at the back, according to journalist Sacha Pisani.

The one-time Fleetwood Town loanee – whose brother John plays for Rangers – notably won five of his six total duels on the day, while recording six clearances and three blocked shots in what was a relentless bid to keep a clean sheet.

Dubbed a ‘granite colossus’ and like ‘prime Franco Baresi’ by The Guardian’s Jonathan Howcroft, Souttar was a true standout presence for his side, with that evidenced by his 7.7 match rating, as per SofaScore – the joint-second highest among his teammates.

While Celtic seemingly have few regrets at present amid their rampant surge towards retaining their league title, it still may have been a potential blunder not to have moved for the Stoke ace.

Newcastle United are reportedly one of the clubs who are interested in a move for Ajax sensation, Mohammed Kudus, with the Tynesiders having seemingly made an enquiry regarding the Ghanian’s availability.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Magpies are believed to have ‘asked about’ the 22-year-old’s situation in Amsterdam following the forward’s starring role for his country at the World Cup, with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool all named as potential suitors.

This follows previous reports over the summer which claimed that the 20-cap starlet was a target for sporting director Dan Ashworth, while fellow Premier League side Everton are believed to have seen a £15m offer rebuffed in the recent window.

The latest suggestion – as per 90min – is that the former Nordsjaelland man could now command a fee of around £30m in January, with a host of clubs across Europe also believed to have shown an interest in his signature.

Seedorf-esque

As stated above, the 5-foot-9 speedster has made a sparkling start to the ongoing tournament in Qatar, having notably netted twice during the Black Stars’ recent triumph over South Korea to help bolster their hopes of progression to the knockout stages.

That brilliance brace has come following what has been a stunning run of form for the Accra-born gem in the early months of the campaign at club level, having netted ten times in just 21 appearances in all competitions for the Eredivisie giants.

Lauded as a “goal machine” by journalist Akosua Adjei, Kudus has notably showcased his talents on the Champions League stage of late, memorably firing in a breathtaking strike in the win over Rangers on matchday one after shrugging off opposition defender, James Tavernier.

Such moments of quality at the elite level for both club and country have unsurprisingly captured the attention of a growing list of suitors, although the youngster has seemingly been tipped for greatness in the past, having even been compared to Dutch footballing legend, Clarence Seedorf following his arrival at the Johan Cruyff Arena in 2020.

That was the verdict of club scout John Steen Olsen, who said at the time:

“Kudus can play in all positions in midfield anyway, but he can also play in the striker in the front or on the right.  That makes him so interesting. He looks a bit like a young Clarence Seedorf.”

That is notable praise considering the career that the now-retired ace would enjoy, with the 46-year-old having racked up over 850 appearances across spells at the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan, as well as for Ajax.

That glittering journey saw the commanding midfielder – who featured 87 times for his country – win the Champions League on four occasions, while being the only man to win the competition with three different clubs.

To be compared to such an iconic figure in European football is likely to be noteworthy as far as those back at St James’ Park are concerned, with manager Eddie Howe likely to relish the chance to get to work with a Seedorf-esque talent, should Ashworth manage to get a deal over the line.