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Everton slumped to tenth in the Premier League table after goals from Max Kilman and Raul Jimenez secured a 2-1 victory for Wolves at Molineux.

A consolation effort from Alex Iwobi couldn’t prevent the Toffees from slipping to their third consecutive defeat on Monday night, and the visitors could have little complaints after their dreadful first-half showing.

Rafa Benitez’s charges were missing several key players through injury once again, but that was no excuse for their underwhelming opening 45 minutes.

Kilman was allowed a free header at the far post following a Wolves corner after 28 minutes before a horrendous Ben Godfrey back pass was punished by Jimenez just four minutes later.

No Everton player covered themselves in glory bar goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, although some were more disappointing than others.

Godfrey was one of the main culprits but experienced midfielder Allan was one of those who particularly struggled to cope with the home side’s intensity, and he once again looked lost and exposed without the protection of Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Admittedly, his engine room partner Jean-Philippe Gbamin was well off the pace after making his first Premier League start of 2021/22, but the 30-year-old Allan was the one expected to drag his teammate through the evening, not the other way around.

As per SofaScore, the Brazil international received a match rating of 6.4 out of 10, the third-lowest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

During the 90 minutes, Allan achieved a measly passing accuracy of just 71%, failed to pick out a colleague with any of his three attempted long balls and lost possession a whopping 17 times.

And the South American was equally as frustrating when trying to stop the opposition’s attacks, an aspect of his game in which he usually excels.

Allan won just five of his 12 duels, was dribbled past on three occasions, and failed to make a single clearance or block a shot.

His improved second-half display will have been some comfort for Benitez and co. but the damage was already done by then, and his poor showing didn’t go unnoticed.

“It was not a great game by the Brazilian’s standards, as it was riddled with plenty of sloppy moments. However, Allan’s hard work and consistent shift throughout the game cannot be faulted,” wrote The Hard Tackle after awarding him a five out of 10.

With Tottenham coming up next for the Blues, Benitez will be hoping his influential midfielder can get back to his best and help put an end to their lengthy losing run.

And, in other news…7 duels lost: Everton lightweight who’s “really struggling” let Rafa down again v WWFC

Aston Villa were interested in Weston McKennie last summer, according to Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Italian giants Juventus signed McKennie on a one-year loan deal last August with an option to buy. A report in the Independent states that Tottenham Hotspur have spoken to Juventus about signing the highly-rated American and that sources believe a move for under £40m may be possible.

McKennie featured 46 times for Juventus last season, scoring six goals and providing three assists in all competitions in his first year in Turin. Luke Hatfield says that Aston Villa were interested in the 22-year-old last summer, telling Football FanCast: “It’s a weird one because, you know, last summer if he was available the same way he was and I think he ended up going to Juve last summer, then yeah Villa would have been all over it. I mean, they were interested.”

Calciomercato.com reported earlier this week that Villa are again interested in McKennie this summer and with interest from Spurs also, there is a battle for his signature during this transfer window.

Villa have done some really good business this summer bringing in Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Danny Ings, Ashley Young and Emi Buendia. Dean Smith’s side managed to respond to an opening day Premier League defeat at the hands of Watford with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United last weekend.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are buzzing over a transfer update involving former Liverpool star and Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

It’s only been a matter of months since the Netherlands international swapped Anfield for the French capital as former Premier League boss Mauricio Pochettino brought him to PSG on a free deal.

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However, a lack of game time under the Argentine has already seen him being linked with a move away from Ligue 1 and back to the English top flight.

In a shock update, West Ham are among the clubs who could actually sign the £165,000-per-week star as 90min share a transfer update out of the London Stadium.

According to their sources, manager David Moyes and the Hammers have now been offered Wijnaldum through intermediaries as his agents work on a January move for the player.

In terms of West Ham’s stance after these representatives made an approach, it is believed that the club haven’t ruled out the possibility of negotiating a loan deal in the winter window.

West Ham fans buzz…

As this transfer update emerges, it’s safe to say this Wijnaldum story has many Irons supporters buzzing on Twitter.

Despite Pochettino’s lack of consistent starts for the 31-year-old, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s praise for the player over 2020/2021 speaks volumes for his quality.

The German lauded Wijnaldum as a ‘legend’ and ‘sensational’ last season and it’s not hard to see why going by his impressive stats.

Indeed, he actually averaged a higher pass accuracy (92.7%) than any Reds player last season and was a mainstay in their midfield – playing in every single Premier League game (WhoScored).

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder West Ham fans are raving as they are offered the chance to sign him – find all of their best reactions down below:

“If true I’d take him in a heartbeat, imagine the energy of a midfield of Gini, Rice and Soucek, we saw how good he can be in an attacking sense at the Euros, he could cause havoc in that 10 role”

Credit: @TomQuirkeJourno

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Please Happen!!!”

Credit: @X3Number1

“Wages must be crazy but what a signing he’d be. A whole new dimension with a 4-3-3 and is well versed at covering for marauding DMs/ full backs, which would allow Rice and Cresswell to utilise their attacking abilities mix”

Credit: @leondepreli_

“quality signing this would be, bloke’s world-class”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Pleeeeeease”

Credit: @VammandeSammarN

“I would cry.”

Credit: @CostiaAHN

In other news: Approach already made: West Ham now willing to pay asking price for colossal 47-goal striker, find out more here.

After an impressive start to life as Aston Villa manager, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield on Saturday, looking to build on his side’s recent run of three league wins from four.

Despite a battling performance, the Villans left Merseyside empty-handed as Mo Salah’s 67th-minute penalty separated the two teams.

With the Reds the league’s top scorers with 44 goals prior to the match, the Midlands club were always going to need their front men to perform if they were to come away with a result, particularly Ollie Watkins. However, the striker had a quiet afternoon at Anfield.

Starting in a front three alongside Ashley Young and Jacob Ramsey, Watkins struggled to make any sort of impact, with the centre-forward failing to get a single shot away.

Furthermore, according to SofaScore, the 25-year-old lost possession 14 times alongside making just 36 touches, meaning that he lost the ball every 2.57 touches. There was a lack of physical presence up front from Villa’s talisman too as Watkins lost 75% of his duels.

The £44k-p/w forward has made a good start to life under Gerrard, scoring against Brighton and Manchester City under the 41-year-old since he replaced Dean Smith, and there is still little doubt that Watkins is the club’s best striker, his four league goals the most of anyone in Villa’s squad so far this season.

However, fellow forward Danny Ings returned from injury on Saturday, having not played for three games, which will increase competition in the attacking department once again. The two started alongside each other in Gerrard’s first game against Brighton, with Ings playing as a centre-forward and Watkins playing on the left of a front three.

It’s plausible that this could happen again, but if both were to purely play in their preferred centre-forward role, then one would have to miss out. This must be used as an incentive for Watkins has his place in the starting line-up is at greater risk after today’s soporific performance, especially with the renewed availability of Ings.

In other news: Aston Villa can start January with a bang by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated machine

A fresh update has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Takehiro Tomiyasu…

What’s the word?

According to renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are still negotiating to sign the Bologna defender, though no agreement over the fee has been agreed with the Serie A outfit.

Speaking on the ‘Last Word On Spurs’ YouTube channel, he said:

“They are still in talks with the agent of the player, but there is still no agreement with Bologna. The deal is not off yet.”

Earlier this month, the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath claimed that the Italian side were wanting €25m (£21.5m) but the two clubs have been negotiating, with the 22-year-old seen as both a right-back and a central defensive option for Nuno Santo.

Bye-bye Aurier

The arrival of Tomiyasu would surely spell the end for Serge Aurier’s time in North London. The 28-year-old is believed to be on the transfer list, according to The Athletic, who claim Spurs have told the right-back that they would like to move him on this window.

Back in May, Aurier himself hinted that his future may lie elsewhere.

“Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I’d have already done so,” he told L’Equipe. “I’m not going to do that in six months’ time. I’ve experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-team-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici can move on from the former Paris Saint-Germain star with a move for Tomiyasu, who appears to be the perfect fit for Nuno’s system.

That’s because he is a defensively-minded right-back, who can slot into the backline to make it a three-man defence, which allows Sergio Reguilon to bomb on as a very attacking left wing-back, with Heung-min Son acting as an inside forward or Harry Kane’s frontline partner.

The £18m-rated Japan international, who featured at the Tokyo Olympics this summer, has been described as a “true warrior” by fellow Bologna defender Mitchell Dijks.

Indeed, an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.9 aerial battles won per game, via WhoScored, suggests that he’s an animal defensively and could potentially be a more reliable option than Aurier, who has frequently been dubbed a “liability” throughout his time in England.

The Ivorian averaged only one interception and 1.9 aerial duels won per match in the Premier League last season and even committed 1.2 fouls each outing, too.

It’s also telling that Nuno has preferred his former Wolves ace, Matt Doherty, throughout pre-season, so it’s clear that Aurier is very much an unwanted man.

As such, the Portuguese could very much do with signing Tomiyasu and as negotiations continue, Paratici and co must ensure they come to an agreement over the transfer fee as a top priority.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano: Spurs could make 2 to 3 more signings…

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Jack Hendry to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claimed that Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp have all made a move for the KV Oostende centre-back, while Aston Villa are also thought to have joined the race for the 26-year-old’s signature.

A host of Championship clubs, including West Brom, Sheffield United and Fulham, were previously reported to be keen on a move for the former Celtic defender in the summer transfer window, although the relegated trio could now be gazumped by teams offering the prospect of top-flight or even European football.

Ismael will be gutted

With Ismael typically operating with a system which utilised three centre-backs during his time at Barnsley, it would seem highly likely that the Frenchman will implement this setup at The Hawthorns next season.

With the 45-year-old not having a great deal of choice in that position at Albion, the heart of defence would very much appear to be an area where the Baggies manager will look to strengthen in the summer transfer window, with Hendry appearing to be an excellent candidate for the role.

Indeed, over his 30 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Oostende last season, the £3.15m-rated man helped his team to keep six clean sheets, along with averaging 0.6 interceptions, one tackle and 4.1 clearances and winning 4.8 duels per game.

The £8,000-per-week defender also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as well as averaging 0.2 key passes per league game.

These returns saw the man Alex McLeish dubbed a “confident” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Alexander Blessin’s third-best performer in the Belgian top flight.

As such, it would very much appear that the signing of Hendry would have been a perfect fit for Ismael. However, with a number of clubs interested in the centre-back who boast considerably greater pull than the Baggies, it would seem as if a deal for the Scotland international does not look overly likely at present, an outcome which will surely leave their manager gutted.

In other news: Get it done: Major update emerges on “fantastic” £8m West Brom target, Ismael must act

Barcelona are thought to be interested in Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher.

As to be expected following his brilliant start to Selhurst Park life, the update has had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

Reports earlier in the month claimed that his parent club Chelsea were willing to hand him a first team opportunity next season under Thomas Tuchel.

However, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, as cited by The Hard Tackle, Barcelona have set their sights on a future move for the 21-year-old.

Gallagher has been a regular under Patrick Vieira this season and picked up Palace’s Player of the Month for August with more than 89% of the vote from supporters.

It seems as if his displays for the Eagles have been catching the eye, though, so Palace could find it difficult if they wanted to make his loan move permanent.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared The Hard Tackle’s report on Gallagher via Twitter, and here is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply…

“Our European rivals now coming in for our players, we’re huge”

Credit: @Benteke_SZN

“Joke’s on them, we’re not bankrupt”

Credit: @justtoezefut

“Lucky enough we actually have more money”

Credit: @cbk_13

“He’s not going anywhere”

Credit: @SteYouLater24

“They can stay away”

Credit: @tyrickmitch

“So fake it hurts”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

In other news: ‘Oh my’, ‘So glad’ – Many Palace fans show ‘love’ over Wilfried Zaha update. 

Leeds United had a £13million bid for Lewis O’Brien rejected in the summer, according to Huddersfield Town chairman Phil Hodgkinson.

The Lowdown: Leeds constantly linked with move

The Whites ended up having a productive summer, bringing in the likes of Junior Firpo and Daniel James, but they failed to find a quality midfielder who can allow players like Kalvin Phillips to rest and rotate.

Leeds were continually linked with a move for Huddersfield’s O’Brien, but he ended up staying put at the Championship club.

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The Latest: Chairman makes big claim

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Hodgkinson has claimed that the Whites bid as much as £13million for O’Brien.

You couldn’t get a much closer source than the Terriers’ chairman himself, delivering a nine-word verdict and confirming that Huddersfield rejected the approach:

“The fourth offer we rejected was for thirteen million.”

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The Verdict: Overpriced?

While O’Brien is a young player who has shone in the Championship, winning Huddersfield’s Player of the Year award in 2019/20, £13million seems a lot of money to spend on a player who will ultimately be arriving as back-up, rather than a first XI option.

The 22-year-old remains unproven at the top level and he would likely have come in as a squad player, providing opportunities to rest Phillips now that the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ is featuring regularly through international breaks.

It may be that Leeds come back in for O’Brien in the January transfer window or next summer, but there is a feeling that he could be overpriced if they are willing to spend that amount again.

In other news, a key piece of Liverpool team news has emerged ahead of Leeds’ clash with the Reds on Sunday. Read more here.

Speaking to TUTTOmercatoWEB, Turkish football agent Fazil Ozdemir has opened the door for Tottenham Hotspur as they allegedly eye a move for Lille defender Zeki Celik.

The Lowdown: Spurs and Celik…

Last summer, former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho was reportedly eager to sign Celik and the defender himself even opened up on the north London links – stating he had heard of Tottenham’s fondness.

Now, the Lilywhites have seemingly rekindled that interest – with numerous reports over the last fortnight detailing they are eyeing a move.

L’Equipe believe that Spurs are interested in signing the Turkey international this summer.

The Evening Standard went on to back these reports, stating Tottenham have indeed taken a liking to the player and have thus joined the race for his signature, alongside Manchester United and north London rivals Arsenal.

The Latest: Agent opens door…

Speaking to TUTTOmercatoWEB, the player’s agent has confirmed there is interest in the player from all over Europe.

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As well as this, he has opened the door for Spurs to potentially make a move, claiming they will consider a sit down with Lille if a considerable offer arrives from elsewhere.

“He has interest from the big players in Europe, it’s true,” Ozdemir explained.

“Should a great offer arrive then we would sit down with Lille to talk about it.

“He was a key player for the title win.”

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

After Spurs confirmed the arrival of new football managing director Fabio Paratici, who will oversee the club’s sporting operations from here on in, we believe Celik should firmly be on his agenda this summer.

Winning the 2020/2021 Ligue 1 title with Lille, Celik was indeed a key player and started 28 games under Christophe Galtier.

According to WhoScored, out of Spurs’ squad, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.6) and Serge Aurier (2.9) averaged more tackles per 90 compared to Celik (2.5).

Another incentive may also be his slender price tag, with the Evening Standard believing he may only cost around £13m this summer.

Aurier is reportedly edging closer to a Spurs exit and Celik may well be his ideal heir at full-back.

In other news: ‘Have now been told’…Alasdair Gold shares transfer development coming out of Spurs, find out more here.

Crystal Palace will assess the condition of their 20-year-old midfielder Michael Olise ahead of today’s evening kick-off against Leeds United.

What’s the latest?

Friday morning’s press conference (via Football.London) saw Palace boss Patrick Vieira drop a revelation on Michael Olise’s foot injury that saw him prematurely withdrawn last time out against Newcastle United.

Speaking to the media, he said: “With Michael Olise – we were off yesterday and today, so we have to wait until tomorrow. But, yes, we took him off early in the [Newcastle] game as he wasn’t feeling 100 percent.”

A mini-update of sorts was then revealed by producer Conor McGilligan on Twitter who shared he was “definitely a doubt.”

Olise omission

In what is his debut season in the Premier League, Olise has struggled to assert himself as a regular under Patrick Vieira, starting just 34% of the Eagles’ Premier League fixtures.

Though you cannot argue against his impact for Palace this season, with his accumulation of seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in a total of 23 appearances in the league.

The Frenchman’s five assists this season see him rank first in the Eagles set-up, ahead of Conor Gallagher’s total of three assists in the league.

Along the same lines, his chance creation is what Palace will miss the most, with his total of seven big chances created again placing him ahead of Gallagher and ranking him first in the squad.

At just 20-year-old, Olise is an outstanding creative asset for Vieira’s side and in the appearances, he has made, has acted as the glue for his side’s efforts in possession, with his average of 49 passes per 90 and goal-creating actions of 0.62 placing him within the elite category amongst positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

For extra context, Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong averages 56 passes per match, so Olise is kicking it with the best of them and it is not going unnoticed.

Vieira will certainly be worried if he has to make do without the French starlet’s brilliance in the side tonight in what will be a real let-off for Leeds United.

In other news: Vieira must finally unleash CPFC’s £15.3m “delight” today, he will terrify Leeds…