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Everton transfer news on Calvert-Lewin

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle United are keen on signing the Goodison Park striker, while Arsenal and an unnamed club from the Bundesliga are also interested in his signature.

Manchester City and Manchester United are also believed to be a long-term admirer of his, as the race hots up to sign the former Sheffield United ace.

Of course, their talisman being linked with a move to a rival in the Premier League has upset a lot of supporters of the Merseyside club, who simply do not want to see him go, unless a monstrous offer came in.

With three goals in three games so far this season before his injury (Transfermarkt), Rafa Benitez would find it so hard to replace him.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin transfer news

These Toffees fans fumed as the transfer news on Calvert-Lewin was shared on Twitter:

“The media literally hate us”

Credit: @KUEFC

“Can all this bad news just like stop?…”

Credit: @shaun00012

“Marcel will let him leave for a season long loan and bring in someone like Joelinton”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“Knew this was coming”

Credit: @ToffeeTosh1878

“And so it begins”

Credit: @robjones673

“Don’t worry we have Rondon”

Credit: @neilh32

In other news, find out whose return from injury has Blues buzzing here!

Gardner-Hickman must start against Cardiff

Taylor Gardner-Hickman has been having quite a week after celebrating his 20th birthday as well as signing a new contract with West Brom on the same day.

The Albion academy graduate secured a four-and-a-half year deal with the club after making a great impression on Valerien Ismael and the West Brom fans.

Speaking after signing his contract, Gardner-Hickman said: “I’m absolutely delighted. This is my boyhood club. I’ve been here since I was seven and to finally achieve a long-term contract is a dream come true.

“I’ve been working really hard and I was hoping that one day my chance would come. Thankfully it came and I’ve been fortunate enough to be around the squad for a while now.”

The youngster has displayed some impressive performances for the Baggies’ first team this season, especially in the game against Reading a few weeks ago, where SofaScore gave him the highest player rating (8.3) of anyone in Ismael’s side.

According to the website, in that match alone, Gardner-Hickman recorded an 89% pass accuracy, with more touches on the ball than any other midfielder, and won 11 out of his 17 duels.

Ismael has been one of the first to sing the youngster’s praises, calling him “fearless” after his outstanding contribution whilst stepping up to the first team as he said: “He represents exactly what we want to see from young players. He’s hungry, he has desire, he’s fearless. He also has a lot of quality.

“After Dara O’Shea, I think he is the second one with the same profile and I’m delighted to be able to work with him in the years to come.”

Albion will take on their first fixture of 2022 tomorrow against Cardiff City at The Hawthorns, and we’re sure the homegrown talent will be eager to come in for his first start since that impressive outing against Reading three weeks ago.

It could be the perfect opportunity for Gardner-Hickman to get stuck into the second half of the season, and if he gets his chance this weekend, he could be a game-changer from full-back with his all-action play. Indeed, Albion have failed to win or even score since his last start for the club.

The club believe he has what it takes to succeed by offering him a new contract in recent days; now it’s over to Ismael to place his trust in the 20-year-old and back up the aforementioned glowing praise.

In other news: Carlton Palmer weighs in on one potential January signing for Albion

Rangers transfer news on Lowry

A Glasgow Rangers insider has now revealed some fresh transfer news on Alex Lowry.

The Lowdown: Reported talks

It has been reported that head of recruitment at Newcastle United, Steve Nickson, has met with Lowry’s agent in a hotel to discuss a potential move to St. James’ Park in the summer.

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He has reportedly rejected a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Ibrox, which is set to expire in 2023.

The Latest: No contact

Taking to Twitter, Gers insider The 4th Official, who regularly breaks club news and updates, has now revealed a fresh twist on the situation, claiming that there has been ‘no contact’ from the Magpies with the club over Lowry, despite the reported meeting with his agent:

”Currently, Rangers have had no contact from Newcastle United, let alone a bid for the player.”

Expanding in his latest podcast, the insider has also revealed details of private ‘conversations’ that they have had with people inside the club, claiming that Lowry is ‘happy’ and ‘definitely not’ trying to force through a move away:

“I have had conversations with people inside Rangers & they tell me that Alex Lowry is happy here and definitely not trying to force a move.”

The Verdict: Hope

The latest update from The 4th Official certainly gives hope that Lowry will end up staying, and potentially sign a new long-term contract.

He is highly thought of at the Light Blues, having made four senior appearances already this season despite being just 18 years of age, drawing praise as ‘remarkable’ from former boss Graeme Murty.

It will be difficult to hold off the pressure if a Premier League giant like the Toon come calling, but Lowry is one for the future, and so the supporters should be able to see the best of him under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

In other news, find out who GvB’s first summer signing could now be here!

West Ham fans rave over Carvalho claim

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have raved over a transfer update involving exciting young attacker Fabio Carvalho.

The talented teenager has continued to thrive at Craven Cottage since breaking into Fulham’s first team in 2020, clinching the EFL Young Player of the Month in August whilst continuing to show his potential.

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His current deal at Fulham expires at the end of the season, prompting clubs to take a serious interest in the England youth starlet, with West Ham apparently among his many suitors according to TEAMtalk. Indeed, they claimed that the Irons, and by extension owners GSB, have Carvalho in their sights as talks over an extension stall at his current club.

The Hammers are joined by Spurs, Liverpool and Southampton in being linked with the youngster, with that trio also believed to keeping tabs on the 19-year-old with a view to making a move.

West Ham fans rave…

Amid this development, plenty of West Ham fans have raved on Twitter, and it’s not hard to see why given Carvalho’s performances and high ceiling.

Check out some of their best reactions to the news that their club want him below, with one Hammers fan labelling the player a would-be ‘fantastic signing’.

“I’d take Fabio Carvalho. He’s the sort of signing we should be making, lots of potential but already proving he can score and perform at that level. Once the transfer window opens for us in about 10 days time … hopefully we make a move.” 

Credit: @RockyWhu

“Yes plz”

Credit: @IronsJoes

“Baller”

Credit: @jakewhu16

“please please please please”

Credit: @3ndtroducing

“This would be a fantastic signing.”

Credit: @WestHamUtdScout

“Wanted him years ago, would be perfect for Lanzini back up.”

Credit: @Icevain7

In other news: West Ham source: Newman makes move to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Journalist drops Raphinha update at West Ham

Taking to social media, 90min reporter Graeme Bailey has shared a West Ham United transfer update as their offer for Leeds United star Raphinha gets rejected.

The Lowdown: West Ham table marquee bid…

Over the past two days, big reports emerged of West Ham’s offer to sign the Brazil international in what was a surprise late January window move.

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Insider Claret & Hugh had broken news that big bids were lodged by the Hammers, all of which were turned down, though mystery surrounded who exactly they were made for.

90min now believe one of them was a sky high £50m for Raphinha – but it has been swiftly rejected as Leeds aim to keep hold of their South American star.

In an update, however, reporter Bailey has made an intriguing claim.

The Latest: Raphinha ‘would be keen’ to join West Ham…

According to the reporter, Leeds’ attacker actually ‘would be keen’ on a move to West Ham as the club’s £50m approach is knocked back.

However, he has also ‘loved his time’ at Elland Road and would only green-light a move with their ‘blessing’.

The Verdict: Come back in the summer?

Given this news, it isn’t impossible to think that West Ham could come back in for Raphinha in the summer when there is more time to orchestrate an agreement.

There is little doubting, from our perspective, that the 25-year-old is certainly worth breaking West Ham’s transfer record to sign.

Racking up a career-total of 59 goals, Brazilian international teammates Emerson Royal and Gabriel Magalhaes both believe he is a ‘phenomenon’ – as they stated on Instagram (via Subhankar Mondal).

However, after their £50m bid was rejected, a West Ham move for Raphinha could be a very difficult to pull off and it will be interesting to see just how far they could go to back manager David Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham eye 11th hour move for 82-goal striker as ‘another name’ emerges, find out more here.

Opinion: Joel Matip’s excellent showing vs Man United symptomatic of transformation

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Joel Matip is rapidly changing perceptions at Liverpool following a fine run of form.

The Cameroon international was once written off as a donkey, a player who could hardly balance on his on two feet, a defensive liability Jurgen Klopp ought to get rid of.

An injury to Joe Gomez, however, appears to have changed perceptions on Merseyside. The once ritually lambasted defender has stepped into the 21-year-old’s position and shone in his absence.

His latest showing against Manchester United provided yet another example of how much he has improved this season, and it’s about time that he was placed in a bracket alongside Andrew Robertson as one of the biggest Liverpool bargains in recent memory.

Granted, Matip’s task was made easier by Marcus Rashford’s lack of mobility and his afternoon would have looked altogether different had the England international been fully fit.

However, Matip was defensively solid in a multitude of different situations: he was dominant in aerial battles, winning four during the match, and he supplemented his ability to read the game with a willingness to step forward into United’s half by completing two dribbles.

All of Liverpool’s defenders are forced to accept the reality that they will live in Virgil Van Dijk’s shadow for as long as he remains at the club.

But, despite being signed for a fraction of the price, Andrew Robertson is not far behind Van Dijk and, considering Matip was signed on a free transfer, it’s fair to say he was a bargain on par with the Scotland international.

That’s an opinion which would not have been entertained at the beginning of the season, but a string of solid performances culminating at Old Trafford suggest that he should be held in the same bracket as Robertson in terms of value for money signings.

Preview: Celtic vs Ferencvarosi

With Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side heading into Thursday evening’s Europa League fixture knowing that nothing but a win will keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive, the 56-year-old manager must ensure he gets his team selection spot on against Ferencvarosi TC.

And, with the Hoops’ Hungarian hosts currently being on a run of three consecutive fixtures without defeat – a series of games which includes a 7-0 spanking of Tokol VSK – Postecoglou will be well aware that taking three points from the Groupama Arena will be no walk in the park.

So, will the Bhoys boss make any changes to the team which started the lacklustre 0-0 draw with Livingston last time out? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Ferencvarosi, along with the latest team and injury news…

With both Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt being unavailable for Thursday evening due to injury, we predict that Postecoglou will make three changes to the side that lined up against Livingston last weekend.

The first of these alterations is a forced one in the centre of defence, with the stricken Starfelt being replaced by the highly-rated 21-year-old Stephen Welsh – who is handed his first start since September.

The remainder of the back five is unchanged, with Joe Hart starting between the Celtic sticks, Josip Juranovic and Anthony Ralston lining up at left and right-back respectively, and Cameron Carter-Vickers starting alongside Welsh at centre-back.

There is something of a reshuffle in the middle of the park, with the £14k-per-week Nir Bitton dropping to the bench, while Jota moves into a central attacking midfield role – in a bid to combat the Bhoys’ clear lack of creativity in midfield against the Lions on Saturday.

This move sees the £9k-per-week Mikey Johnston handed a start on the left of Postecoglou’s front three, while Kyogo Furuhashi returns to the XI in place of the £2.25m-rated Georgios Giakoumakis – who had something of an afternoon to forget against Livingston – with Liel Abada keeping his spot on the right.

In other news: Cost £4.5m, left on a free: Celtic had a nightmare on 25 y/o gem who “has everything”

West Ham must move for Darwin Nunez

West Ham United are currently sitting pretty in fifth position in the Premier League table as David Moyes’ charges aim to upset the odds once again this season by finishing in a European qualification spot.

A strong start to the campaign saw the Hammers lose just one of their opening nine fixtures in all competitions, but their recent form has been in sharp contrast.

Following the latest international break back in November, West Ham have won just one top-flight game – albeit a thrilling 3-2 victory over Champions League holders Chelsea – seeing them drop out of the top four.

Injuries to first-choice centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have significantly undermined the capital club’s efforts, yet it’s their issues at the other end of the pitch that will be giving Moyes the most cause for concern.

Star striker Michail Antonio started 2021/22 in remarkable form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in his opening 11 games of the season in all competitions.

However, since then, the Jamaica international has looked a shadow of his former self. In his subsequent eight outings, the 31-year-old has failed to find the back of the net, adding just one assist to his tally.

Antonio’s woes have heavily contributed to the east London outfit’s current goal drought, spanning over 270 minutes of football, meaning Moyes must add further reinforcements up front over the January transfer window.

Since Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium last winter, the former Nottingham Forest ace has been the only recognised striker in West Ham’s first-team squad.

As a result, an over-reliance on Antonio as a source of goals has developed and Moyes currently has no alternative options to call upon in order to rest his star man as his nightmare in front of goal continues.

But the solution to their attacking woes could be an obvious one after the capital club were linked with a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Irons are keen on launching a bid for the 22-year-old talisman in January, although they are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

The 6 foot 1 beast has been sensational for the Primeira Liga table-toppers this term, bagging a sensational 14 goals in 19 appearances, taking his tally up to 28 for the Eagles.

Darwin’s eye-catching performances saw talent scout Jacek Kulig laud his “world-class potential” last year, and now he’s beginning to fulfil it.

Therefore, Moyes must move for the Uruguay international in order to get West Ham’s season back on track, providing some much-needed cover and competition for Antonio along the way.

This is well and truly a signing that could end the Jamaica international’s misery in offensive areas. They have to sign him.

And, in other news…Moyes can seal West Ham masterclass with move for “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated “monster” 

Liverpool eye Mikel Merino move

Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer who could be available for £45m.

What’s the story?

According to reports in Spain, the Reds could revive their pursuit of the Spanish star after previously registering interest in the winter market.

Klopp wants to sign a ‘top class’ central midfielder this summer and there is a lot of speculation about who that might be. Whilst many stand out names have been mentioned, considering a player like Merino may be worth it.

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The player is valued at a mouthwatering £45m by Transfermarkt.

He’s better than Henderson

Not only would he be available at a cheaper price than others, he has Premier League experience as well. He spent a season on loan at Newcastle United before being bought by the Magpies for £6.3m.

At the time his capture was described as “obscenely good” by journalist Simon Harrison, but he was sold in the same transfer window. He was also described as “more mobile and more dynamic.” than Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso by his then manager Rafael Benítez.

Perhaps he’s one that got away for the Toon, but it could play to Liverpool’s advantage nicely. His time on Tyneside wasn’t exceptional but he was only 21-years old and has since improved.

Although in a recent interview he admits that he “still gets goosebumps” thinking about the crowd at St James’ Park, therefore just imagine what he would feel in front of the Anfield faithful.

The Spaniard has made 27 league appearances for Real Sociedad this season and has seven goal contributions to his name.

What’s more impressive are his stats on the ball, he is in the top 7% in Europe’s top five leagues compared to players in his position for passes under pressure and touches in the opposing penalty area.

To get a feel for how well he would do in a Liverpool shirt we compared him to captain and star midfielder for the Reds Jordan Henderson.

Merino has a higher expected goals and assists per 90 minutes this season at 0.27 compared to the Reds skipper’s 0.21.

He also beats Henderson in some defensive areas, including having tackled a higher percentage of dribblers at 38% compared to 28%.

And at just 25-years-old he has his best years ahead of him. Klopp could go for a more complete midfielder who is perhaps already world-class, but it would cost more and leave him with less money to spend elsewhere.

He has a proven record of turning good players into the best players and he could do the same with Merino.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool now set to sign “generational” ace, he’s more exciting than Carvalho…

West Ham dealt injury blow ahead of Watford

West Ham United have been dealt a late injury blow concerning Arthur Masuaku ahead of this evening’s Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Evening Standard, David Moyes revealed that the 28-year-old will be unavailable for selection for the fixture against Watford as a result of a knee injury, with the 58-year-old going on to reveal that the left-back will be seeing a specialist about his knock.

Speaking about the current state of his first-team squad, Moyes said: “We’ve had an injury to [Manuel] Lanzini and an injury to Arthur. They are both doing okay but Arthur is going to see a specialist about his knee.”

Moyes will be gutted

While the return of Aaron Cresswell has eased West Ham’s concerns at left-back, the loss of Masuaku ahead of the Watford game, and potentially for a much longer period, is sure to have left the 58-year-old Hammers boss gutted.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated defender had been in decent form over his 11 Premier League appearances while filling in for Cresswell this season, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 0.9 clearances and winning an impressive five duels – at a success rate of 65% – per game.

These returns had seen the DR Congo international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as Moyes’ 12th-best performer in the top flight of English football so far this term.

As such, while Masuaku is by no means a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium, the 28-year-old’s loss will nevertheless come as a blow to the Scottish manager and his side – as, should Cresswell pick up another injury, or simply just become fatigued with the club’s heavy schedule, the absence of Masuaku undoubtedly reduces the Irons’ depth in the position.

In other news: Moyes must brutally axe “shocking” WHU flop tonight, it’s “frightening” how bad he is

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