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Everton head into their opening Premier League clash of the season next week with a lot of preparation still to undertake.

At the moment, the Toffees don’t look ready for an assault on the top six in the top-flight and could be left behind very quickly by their nearest rivals.

On the chalkboard

Rafa Benitez has had a rather quiet transfer window with just three signings being made in the shape of Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.

However, there are still plenty of areas in the squad that need to be addressed before the window closes.

Whether James Rodriguez departs is a contentious point of debate but he’s not the only one linked with the exit door.

Andre Gomes could face a departure while Tom Davies has been touted with a move away as well.

Davies has come through the club’s academy and for that, he deserves very special praise. However, if he does go he should be fairly easy to replace.

The solution

If Davies or anyone in the Everton midfield heads for the departure lounge in the remaining weeks of the window, Benitez should move for Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa.

The Fulham midfielder could be on the move after the Cottagers were relegated back in May and the Toffees are one of the interested parties.

He’s previously been quoted at £25m which would be a mere snip for such a well-rounded footballer.

Instantly, Benitez would secure an upgrade on Davies who has failed to really take his game to the next level over the last year.

The 23-year-old failed to score all season and put in some rather lightweight performances in the middle of the park. He made just 1.2 tackles per game from a defensive point of view but his offensive play was also lacking.

Davies only registered 0.2 key passes per game and recorded 0.7 dribbles a match.

Zambo-Anguissa, on the other hand, is a monster in several phases. Described as a “machine” by Joachim Andersen, the Cameroon international made a whopping 2.2 successful tackles last season.

What sets him apart from others in his position is mesmeric dribbling. Zambo-Anguissa’s ball carrying is elite, making 2.7 dribbles per outing.

That means that the Fulham star completed 95 dribbles in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign, the third-best tally in the entire division behind Allan Saint-Maximin and Adama Traore.

On that evidence, he’d be a fantastic signing from Marcel Brands and co. He is a certified upgrade on others in the Everton squad.

AND in other news, Everton may repeat Lacina Traore howler by signing 83-cap gem Rafa compared to Shearer…

Recent European Championships have obtained a reputation for being goal-shy affairs, often without much in the way of highlight-reel worthy stunners. Arriving a year late has clearly allowed some pent up energy to build as Euro 2020 racks up the goals and a host of stunners to boot. As the tournament reaches the quarter-finals stage we’ve already been treated to outstanding strikes, including a long-range effort that will do down in the annals of football history – unless you’re a Scotland fan.

Let’s start with a man who wouldn’t have been on many people’s radar when it came to planning a Euro 2020 Squad Builder, Andriy Yarmolenko. The Ukraine and West Ham ace cut in from the right before delivering a trademark finish into the top right-hand corner from all of 25-yards.

Next up a goal with huge permutations as Wales reached the knockout phase for a second consecutive tournament thanks in many ways to an Aaron Ramsey delight. Running in behind a motionless Turkish defence, having already spurned numerous chances, the Juventus ace brought down an exquisite Gareth Bale pass before coolly slotting home from inside the area.

If there had been any doubts about whether the players could produce the quality after an arduous domestic campaign, they were put to bed when Turkey met Switzerland on the final matchday in Group A. After Haris Seferovic had opened the scoring with a driving left-footed strike from the edge of the box, Liverpool outcast Xherdan Shaqiri revved up his own left foot and produced two moments of sheer quality – the latter rounding off a sweeping counter-attack.

Despite ending up on the losing side, perhaps the brightest moment from a nightmarish campaign for Turkey came when Irfan Can Kahveci fired home a screamer after manipulating the ball inside with the sole of his foot.

Goals can be judged by many means, but one that can never go unnoticed is the importance of the moment. Fortunately for Andreas Christensen, his piledriver against Russia would be noteworthy regardless of scale. With the emotion of a nation and a full Parken Stadium in Copenhagen hanging on every moment, the centre-back seemed to appear from nowhere as the ball broke loose to fire home from all of 30 yards, sending Denmark through and the crowd wild.

Scotland fans look away now, and later. Another game on a knife-edge settled by a moment of pure genius as a man known for big moments, Luca Modric, produced once again. The Real Madrid man’s sumptuous strike with the outside of the right boot put Croatia back in control and ultimately broke the hearts of the Tartan Army.

Perhaps the shock of the tournament until now came when France were dumped out on penalties against Switzerland at the Round of 16 stage. Despite the disappointing night’s work, Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba found time to provide two memorable moments. The former produced one of the greatest touches ever seen at the Euros before chipping an onrushing Yan Sommer. Just 15 minutes later a dancing Pogba seemed to wrap up the tie with a postage stamp strike that almost took the net camera with it.

Many peoples in-tournament favourites, Italy were forced to go all the way to extra-time in their round-of-16 tie against Austria. With the prospect of penalties on the horizon, Juventus winger Federico Chiesa produced a much-need moment of magic with incredible control before unleashing an unstoppable volley from a tight angle.

Unfortunately, it’s time to look away again. No goal compilation that follows this tournament will be complete without a look at Patrik Schick’s quick thinking effort from inches shy of 50 yards out. Created by a fortunate deflection, Schick was playing in 4D after spotting David Marshall way off his line and sending a pinpoint effort curling over the back-pedalling Scot – creating meme-worthy content in the process.

Honourable mentions should go to certain Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin de Bruyne efforts, albeit not worthy of ousting any of the above.

As the competition reaches the last eight stage we can look forward to yet more memorable moments, goals, shocks and potentially even an effort worthy of beating Patrik Schick’s procession to Goal of the Tournament.

A major update has emerged on Celtic’s pursuit of Charlie Wyke, it could affect Ipswich’s transfer plans this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to the Northern Echo, Scottish Premiership side Celtic are growing increasingly confident of landing Charlie Wyke from Sunderland this summer. Wyke is out of contract at the end of the month and the Hoops believe that they will be able to prise him away from the Stadium of Light ahead of other interested parties, with an offer set to be lodged by the club in the coming days.

Last month, Football Insider claimed Ipswich are interested in a deal to sign Wyke on a free transfer. The Tractor Boys are reportedly ready to offer Wyke a lucrative contract to come to Portman Road, but now look set to miss out on his signature as Celtic close in.

Earlier this year, Sunderland’s assistant manager Jamie McAllister lauded the “brilliant” centre-forward. He told Chronicle Live:

“The big man has been brilliant.

“He gives us a lot, a platform to play off, he can run in behind, he has good touch, and he is dangerous in the box.

“His all-round game is good, but he has now added goals to it. He’s full of confidence and he’s scored 25 goals this season now.”

Cook will be livid

Ipswich manager Paul Cook will be livid with this update as it means that he now looks set to miss out on a deal for Wyke this summer.

This could be a major blow to Ipswich’s transfer plans, as Football Insider claimed they were ready to drop a hefty sum of money on a contract for the striker – suggesting that he is, or was, high up on Cook’s list of transfer targets. Therefore, the boss will not be best pleased if Wyke ends up crossing the border to sign for Celtic in the coming weeks.

Ipswich have a goalscoring problem that they need to deal with in the window. James Norwood ended the campaign as Ipswich’s top goalscorer on nine goals, with no player managing to hit double figures. Alan Judge (four) and Gwion Edwards (six) were the club’s next two highest scorers and both players have since departed Portman Road. This shows that Ipswich desperately need to bring in added firepower in the summer and Wyke could have been the forward they need.

The £6.4k-per-week goal machine, Wyke, scored 26 goals in League One for Sunderland. He also averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.35, with 4.8 aerial battles won per game for the Black Cats.

The tall forward scored 17 more than any Ipswich player managed throughout the entire campaign, highlighting how he could take Cook’s side to the next level with his ability up front. This is why the manager will be devastated at this latest development.

AND in other news, Cook heading for disaster with “outstanding” £2.3k-p/w ace, Ipswich fans will be livid…

Pundit Noel Whelan has backed Nuno Espirito Santo to sign Conor Coady for Everton, should he land the Toffees job.

The Lowdown: Coady link emerges

Everton move into the new season looking to improve on their 10th placed finish in 2020/21 [BBC].

Of course, things will be different on a recruitment and managerial front, following the surprise departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid earlier this month [Guardian], leaving Marcel Brands with plenty of work to do this summer.

Brands and co are now in advanced talks with former Wolves manager Nuno [90MIN], and news has since emerged of a swoop for Coady, with a Goodison source claiming this week both he and Pedro Netro could follow the boss to Merseyside.

The Latest: Whelan backs Everton to sign ‘Nuno’s Rodriguez’

In an interview with Football Insider, Whelan stated:

“He [Coady] knows the league and the game here in England.

“That’s worth a lot more than a very good international foreign player coming in. You have to know the Premier League.

“It’s so different to playing abroad, it’s more dynamic, quicker, aggressive. That’s probably what’s been missing at Everton.

“Every manager at every club brings in their own players. Carlo Ancelotti did it with Allan and James Rodriguez. Coady can be Nuno’s Rodriguez.”

The Verdict: Marcel Brands should listen

New environments for a player or head coach can be daunting at first, so acquiring some familiar faces may help to breed the culture of trust and a collective understanding of Nuno’s tactics within a dressing room.

Coady would certainly provide reliability and leadership to the Merseyside outfit. In 2020/21, he was ever-present for the Wanderers, making 40 appearances across the season [Transfermarkt].

Across that time frame, the Liverpool-born defender made an average of 3.5 clearances per match, illustrating his dominant presence within the backline [WhoScored]. For context, only Yerry Mina and Michael Keane [WhoScored] could better this from the Everton squad, so perhaps he could form a part of Nuno’s patented back three alongside that duo.

Looking towards 2021/22, Brands could do a lot worse than pursue Coady’s services as he would be a solid addition who has proven he can excel under Nuno.

In other news, Everton are interested in a Turkey international defender.

Everton are believed to have been left ‘stunned’ by Leeds United’s acquisition of exciting Birmingham City youngster Amari Miller.

The Lowdown: Leeds snap up Miller

The 18-year-old made the move to Elland Road earlier this week, agreeing a four-year deal and being seen as a long-term signing with bags of potential.

Miller made his first-team debut for Birmingham back in April and has caught the eye for their Under-18s, shining in a wide role.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Everton ‘stunned’ by move

According to a source who spoke to Football Insider, Leeds ‘came in strong’ for the youngster, following initial interest from Everton.

The Toffees are believed to be have been left ‘stunned’ by the speed at which the move happened, snapping him up from under their noses.

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is unlikely that Miller will be considered a first-team regular by Marcelo Bielsa next season, especially given his lack of playing time in the Championship.

That being said, the 5ft 10in wide man should be viewed as someone who could eventually mature into a formidable performer over time, initially playing for the Under-23s.

Building for the future is key at Leeds, ensuring a repeat of their relegation to the Championship in 2004 doesn’t happen, becoming an established top-level club for many years to come.

In other news, Leeds are expected to miss out on a player this summer – find out who it is here.

Football FanCast exclusively revealed last month that Everton were targeting a new winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The need to strengthen that part of the field has only been heightened with Richarlison’s poor run of form and James Rodriguez’s ongoing injury.

The former has only scored one goal since March while Everton’s Colombian superstar has been ruled out of the Copa America.

With Theo Walcott departing and Bernard potentially heading through the exit door, it means they may well be left quite short on the flanks.

Everton have had a number of targets in mind, however, with the likes of Moussa Diaby and Gareth Bale linked.

Bale seems a bit far-fetched but Diaby remains a realistic target. Possessing a frightening level of pace and the ability to beat a man, those ingredients seem to be at the top of the list of priorities.

Another gem within the Bundesliga that Everton are eyeing a move for is Josip Brekalo.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fabulous season in the German top-flight with Wolfsburg and has now caught the eye of the Premier League.

Bild (via Sport Witness) report that both Everton and Leeds are interested in signing the winger.

Brekalo would be a shrewd signing from the Toffees and by luring him to Goodison Park, they could find their new Steven Pienaar.

Their current target has a bit more pace than the South African but in terms of their attacking numbers and fluency, they are very alike.

Pienaar was a menace for Everton down the years, amassing 26 goals and 49 assists in 229 outings.

The winger played in a canny way, using his dribbling ability and slight frame of just 5 foot 7 to engineer his way past defenders and pick up tidy pockets of space.

Brekalo stands at a similarly petite height of just 5 foot 8. With that in mind, the Croatian sensation could roll back the years with his destructive play style.

Taking to Twitter last year, journalist Ronan Murphy outlined the youngster’s best qualities. He said: “The less said about his off-field antics the better, as he should leave his on-field performances do the talking. Able to unlock defences and strong cutting in to shoot, he will torment defenders everywhere.”

Pienaar had this clever ability to cause chaos for the opposition with his dribbling ability, registering as many as 1.7 successful take-ons per game in the 2010/11 campaign.

On top of that, he produced 2.2 shots per game and 1.6 key passes during the course of that campaign.

Brekalo has amassed similar numbers throughout his career, producing 1.2 key passes per match and 1.3 dribbles per game.

Those are ever so slightly behind Pienaar but given his tender age, there is still plenty of time for those areas to be improved.

After all, he’s already shown a competent streak in front of goal, scoring seven times this term.

A move to Everton could be exactly what he needs to take his game to the next level. Watch out Premier League defences.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Doucoure: Everton must swoop for £35m colossus, he’s shades of Fellaini…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Director of Football at Peterborough Barry Fry has claimed that David Gold and David Sullivan have received a lot of stick and abuse from West Ham fans since moving the club from Upton Park to the London Stadium.

The Hammers are currently experiencing their best season since moving to the London Stadium because with three games left in the Premier League, they still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

David Moyes has surprised a lot of people this season in how he has managed to turn the Hammers’ fortunes around from relegation candidates last season to top-six challengers with just a few signings.

Speaking on why West Ham fans are not fond of Gold and Sullivan and how they have had to put up with a lot of stick from Irons supporters, Fry exclusively told FFC:

“The fans are upset because they left the Boleyn Ground where they had brought through a lot of good players, but even if God had been in charge of West Ham they wouldn’t have liked him.

“I think both the Davids and Karen got a horrendous amount of stick for doing the deal but they were thinking of the future for West Ham rather than the past, and I think they got a lot of unnecessary stick.”

The Hammers were in the driving seat to make the top four this season before three defeats in their last four games against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Everton derailed their chances.

West Ham have been hit with some big injuries at the back end of the season as Michail Antonio, Declan Rice, Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell have all spent time on the sidelines.

Many West Ham fans were gutted as Fabian Balbuena confirmed that he will be leaving the club now that the season is over.

A fantastic campaign for the Hammers ended in style on Sunday as they defeated Southampton 3-0 at the London Stadium – the victory means they confirmed a spot in the Europa League next term. That is a wonderful achievement, especially when you consider they finished above Arsenal and Tottenham to do so and only narrowly avoided relegation last term.

Balbuena has been with the Irons since 2018, making 61 appearances in all competitions since then (Transfermarkt), although the 29-year-old has only appeared 14 times in the Premier League this season under David Moyes.

He has confirmed in an Instagram post that he will be departing the club as his contract runs out next month.

The news was shared on Twitter by @WestHamViews_, and it attracted plenty of interest from the club’s supporters. These took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Balbuena’s announcement.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Balbuena news below

“Real shame this”

Credit: @lewis_wall

“I just don’t understand! Now is the time we need players like him. A massive shame he’s leaving and definitely had a soft spot for him. Good like Fab no doubt you’ll smash it wherever you end up”

Credit: @ChrisConnor93

“Really really liked the General! Gutted to see him leave especially when we are going to need some serious depth for next season!”

Credit: @GetGSBout

“Really need to keep players like this but Moyes knows what he’s doing”

Credit: @HighwaymanX

“A real shame he’s not going to be part of the journey next season. Always did the job when called on. A valuable member of the squad that’ll need adding to for the extra games we’ve got next year. Thanks and all the very best”

Credit: @phillyonskem

“I am gutted that we haven’t renewed his contract tbh. Done a solid job most games and with us having to play even more games next season, Balbuena could’ve done a decent job.”

Credit: @23HPork

In other news, many West Ham fans are delighted by this transfer news.

Ex-Everton man Michael Ball has expressed his disappointment over Richarlison’s form this season amid talk over his future.

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the club in the wake of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s shock decision to move to Real Madrid.

Football Insider have reported that the Toffees are braced for Richarlison to ask to leave, with Ancelotti considering a reunion with him at the Bernabeu.

Richarlison endured a difficult season under the Italian, scoring seven goals and laying on three assists in 34 league games.

The 24-year-old scored four goals in four games between February and March, but then went on a run of just one goal in 12 games.

And Ball believes that the forward pushed himself too much as he tried to earn himself a summer move, and ended up letting himself down.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, the ex-Everton ace said: “I feel Richarlison, especially, his performances, while his work rate is fantastic and he works really hard for the team, I feel he was probably trying too hard.

“Maybe he knew that this was a big season for him, if he did well, he could move on but I feel he’s let himself down by maybe trying too hard and forcing the issue and not being composed, and getting the goals that he wanted to get to that next level.”

Richarlison has been with Everton since 2018 and is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt.

Kevin Phillips has said that he is worried about Sunderland losing Charlie Wyke after it was revealed that CSKA Moscow have been scouting the striker.

Phillips makes Wyke claim

According to the Daily Mail, Russian giants CSKA recently scouted £270,000-valued Wyke (Transfermarkt), along with Peterborough striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips – affectionately known as ‘Super Kev’ to many on Wearside – revealed that he is worried about Wyke being poached away from the Stadium of Light. He said:

“It’s a double-edged sword.

“The more he scores the more people will want him at the end of the day.

“If Sunderland don’t go up, there will be teams sniffing around – 100 per cent. I imagine he will score at least 30 this season and when you are posting numbers like that , naturally, someone is going to be sniffing around.

“Could he help a team get out of the Championship? He is a player on the tip of everyone’s tongue.

“If a club is looking for a striker of his mould, there is not many better in the Championship or League One.”

Could happen

Wyke has been in terrific from from a goalscoring point of view for the Black Cats this season. In 47 games in all competitions, he has 27 goals to his name (Transfermarkt), while only Clarke-Harris has scored more in League One than the 28-year-old this term (BBC).

After Wyke, Sunderland’s next highest scorer in 2020/21 is Chris Maguire, whose seven-goal haul is just over 25% of what the CSKA Moscow transfer target has racked up.

However, some Sunderland fans have still expressed disappointment with his displays – they may not be too unhappy if he were to depart. Given they are playing in the third tier of English football, and that there are a number of clubs above them who would be eager to sign a player who has proven he can find the net on a regular basis, it promises to be an interesting summer regarding Wyke’s future.

In other news, many Sunderland fans slam this man’s comments.