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Everton’s summer signing Ben Godfrey put together an impressive showcase with England’s Under 21s as Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions beat Turkey 2-1 in a UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier on Tuesday night.

Godfrey’s performance will serve as a timely message to Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is ready to make his Blues debut against Liverpool in Saturday’s Merseyside Derby, with the Italian facing a defensive injury crisis.

The Goodison Park natives finalised a deal with Norwich City worth £20million for Godfrey to join Ancelotti’s unbeaten squad earlier this month, but the 22-year-old was not named in Everton’s team to face Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the October international break.

Ancelotti may be forced into handing Godfrey his Everton debut sooner than planned, as the centre-half is one option being considered to replace Seamus Coleman at right-back against Liverpool with Jonjoe Kenny also out injured.

Midfielder Tom Davies is also in line to deputise for Coleman having taken over at full-back at home to Brighton, and may be required after Yerry Mina sat out Colombia’s 2-2 draw with Chile on Tuesday night after the £120,000-per-week ace felt discomfort in his right thigh in training, meaning the new boy may be needed at centre-back.

Godfrey had featured three times for Norwich in their Championship campaign before departing Carrow Road in the transfer window, racking up 270 minutes of first-team football in which he averaged 67 touches, 46.3 accurate passes, 4.3 clearances, 1.0 tackles and 3.7 duels won a game, per SofaScore.

Godfrey’s performances with Norwich saw Boothroyd name the York-born defender in his England U21s squad to face Turkey on Tuesday night, handing him his sixth Young Lions cap.

Norwich boss Daniel Farke expects Godfrey to go on and achieve more with the senior England set-up, having told reporters at the start of the month via quotes by The Pink Un: “He has all the potential to lead the Three Lions in the future.”

Godfrey impressed with a solid showcase against Turkey despite allowing Halil Dervisoglu to pull a goal back for Tolunay Kafkas’ visitors in second-half stoppage-time, four minutes after Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah had doubled England’s advantage to become the Young Lions’ record scorer.

The Toffees talent kept things simple as he amassed 78 touches of the ball and rarely turned over possession with 67 of his 71 passes finding a teammate. He further denied Kafkas’ visitors with one clearance, one block, one interception and three tackles, and won three of four ground duels, per SofaScore.

Everton’s late summer capture did not attempt a single aerial duel and committed one foul, though, but should be at the front of Ancelotti’s thinking as the Italian plans his way around a defensive injury crisis.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti can look to exploit an “incredible talent” when Everton host Liverpool this Saturday.

A reported date has been set for the English Football League’s potential salary cap as per comments made by Portsmouth chief executive officer Mark Catlin.

Pompey missed out on promotion from League One to the Championship via the play-offs this term, being beaten by Oxford United in the semi-finals.

That disappointment is now expected to see boss Kenny Jackett make wholesale changes during the summer transfer window and look to bolster his squad.

However, the potential of a salary cap of £2.5m per season could restrict many moves and Catlin has now revealed a date that EFL clubs are set to vote on the matter.

Catlin told Portsmouth News: “I don’t think there is a certainty that the salary cap will go through.“There seems to be an ever-growing number of clubs which may vote against it, but I think a lot of those may look at it and, given the financial situation, see it as the best of a bad job.“It doesn’t tick everyone’s boxes, but, on the whole, it means clubs’ costs are going to be brought down.“Unfortunately for us, they are going to be brought down to a level which is far too low for Pompey and too high for other clubs.“I have been speaking to quite a few of the Championship clubs ahead knowing the relegation spaces, so they are up to speed with the situation and must now come to their own decisions.“Obviously the three relegated Championship clubs all have their own internal issues at the moment financially, so we’ll have to see how they do this.“I am pretty certain the vote will take place on August 6, so we will find out soon.”Portsmouth are yet to sign anyone for the 2020/21 season, despite allowing the likes of Christian Burgess and Brandon Haunstrup leave.

Pompey’s whole summer transfer window could be decided by the potential salary cap and that could determine exactly how they will approach the new season.

With little transfer activity happening at the moment at the League One club, players like Burgess and Haunstrup will need to be replaced quickly and efficiently, but as mentioned, the calibre and quality of those potential replacements could be determined by the EFL vote.

It is fair to say that the outcome of the vote could have huge ramifications on Pompey’s 20/21 campaign.

Do you think the salary cap will be introduced? Let us know in the comments section below…

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is discussed heavily by supporters and the media, and journalist David Ornstein has provided an update on the future of the playmaker.

Writing for the Athletic following an interview he did with the player, Ornstein has reported that Ozil wants to see out his contract at the club which is due to expire next summer. Ozil said he is fully fit to play and remains committed to the cause at the Emirates.

He also said that he rejected pay cut as it was rushed, pressured and left a lot of questions unanswered.

The former World Cup winner, who is on a reported £350,000-a-week at the club has been fully fit for most of the season, but did not feature since football returned and on most occasions, he could not even make the bench.

Ozil has not really given Arteta any reason as to why he should be picked when he has had his chances, as he has only managed one goal and two assists in all competitions last season, per WhoScored.

His future at the club looks to be over, but over a calendar year, the player costs the club £18.2 million, and with the German wanting to stay, whilst Arteta doesn’t play him, the club are in the worst situation possible. Hopefully it is a lesson for them that they should think twice before offering their players huge contracts.

Nevertheless this update by Ornstein is a big one and finally tells Arsenal supporters what exactly is happening as the journalist managed to talk to the player directly.

Gunners fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Comment below!

Stan Collymore has urged Liverpool to make a move for Adama Traore.

The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent months after a stellar season with Wolves. Whilst his six goals and 10 assists in all competitions may not be amongst the very best in the Premier League, they are still eye-catching figures. However, it is his ability to beat players – he has completed 5.2 dribbles per match in the top flight, more than any other player – and his frightening pace that has made him one of the most exciting talents in England.

Collymore told The Daily Mirror (print edition, May 26, page 47):

“I like the Traore to Liverpool rumour.

“Traore was poor at Aston Villa but was still a kid then. It was Tony Pulis who breathed new life into him at Middlesbrough.

“The Spaniard has been a revelation at Wolves and has gone from a 20-minute impact substitute to a player who offers good delivery and frightening pace. He could bring an extra dimension to the Champions elect.”

Liverpool have seen first hand just how good Traore can be. He averaged a WhoScored rating of more than seven in each of the two matches against them this season, for example, whilst his three goals and one assist against Manchester City this term show just how good he can be in the biggest matches.

Valued at £70m (as per Le10 Sport via talkSPORT), this is not a player who will come particularly cheap for Jurgen Klopp. However, as Collymore explains, he has certain qualities that could be worth their weight in gold.

Liverpool fans, do you agree with Collymore’s recommendation to sign Traore? Let us know what you think by commenting below!

The summer transfer window is just around the corner, and that means the rumour mill is heating up once again.

Manchester United may be set for a busy summer with rumours of a move for Jadon Sancho or Ousmane Dembele doing the rounds as of late, but it seems that they’re also in the market for a new defender.

Indeed, La Razon have linked the Red Devils with a move for Watford left-back Pervis Estupinan, but they’re not the only club in the market for them.

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The Spanish outlet also state that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have their sights set on the Ecuadorian, but he won’t come cheaply.

The Hornets reportedly value him at €20m (£18m), and some fans seem to be a little confused as to why United are interested in him.

A number of supporters baulked at the idea of signing a left-back they have never even heard of.

Some United fans on Twitter may not have heard of him, but that may be a damning indictment on their lack of knowledge rather than a testament to his lack of ability.

Estupinan has averaged 2.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game this season, while also putting up three assists, trumping Luke Shaw in each of those metrics.

However, a few United fans remained sceptical due to the fact they have plenty of solid options at left-back, with Shaw and Brandon Williams both being adept at playing in that spot.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be a man in demand this summer, which should come as a surprise to nobody at Elland Road, but how much would the club let him go for? Phil Hay reveals his insight…

What’s he said?

The 24-year-old is one of the key cogs of Marcelo Bielsa’s system, playing the lynchpin role at defensive midfield and his specialised qualities have quite rightly attracted interest from some big dogs – most notably Tottenham Hotspur.

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Whilst Manchester United and Wolves have also been linked to Phillips in the past.

Speaking in a recent Q&A on The Athletic, Hay responded to a fan’s question asking about the price these keen parties would have to pay to land the impressive Englishman.

He said:

Bielsa’s talisman

The 5 foot 9 ace started his career as a box-to-box runner until the Argentine took the reins at Elland Road, and he’s not looked back since.

Just this season alone, he’s been absolutely vital to Leeds’ success on the pitch, which has seen them rise to the top of the Championship standings with a healthy seven-point gap to the dreaded playoffs.

Per WhoScored, Phillips is averaging a monstrous 5.3 longballs per game whilst keeping up an accuracy rate of 81.6% – this is hugely indicative on his talents.

The industrious midfielder is also recording 1.9 key passes, 2.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions each match too.

You’d have to feel that even £20m is on the low scale of his worth, especially when Jarred Bowen joined West Ham for £22m in January whilst James Maddison cost Leicester City only £20m.

AND in other news, Phil Hay issues update on potential QSI takeover…

West Ham’s recruitment policy has become a bit of a laughing stock over the years, especially during the David Gold and David Sullivan era.Their biggest struggles have come in their decade long search for a striker capable of scoring consistently. The ones they have found have either been towards the end of the careers or not stayed around for too long before moving on.They are few and far between, though, and the Hammers continue to spend huge amounts of money in a very scatter gun-like approach to recruitment.Last summer they spent a club-record fee on Sebastien Haller, who has managed just seven goals since August, and also brought in Albian Ajeta, who still waits for his first goal in claret and blue.But what about all the other strikers they’ve signed. There are loads of them and the majority have been woeful.Have a flick through and remind yourself of the rubbish Gold and Sullivan have wasted millions on over the last 10 years…

Benni McCarthy – 13 games, 0 goals

To say the South Africa striker struggled to make an impression in east London is an understatement. McCarthy failed to score in 14 games for the Hammers – an abysmal record in a struggling West Ham outfit back in 2010.

Mido – 9 games, 0 goals

Another striker who failed to score during his brief tenure in east London. Nine appearances wasn’t enough for the Egypt forward to get on the scoresheet and moved onto Ajax after one season with the Hammers.

Ilan – 11 games, 4 goals

The first on the list to score for the Hammers. Ilan only made 11 appearances in Claret and Blue but managed to score four times. A conversion rate of 36% is extremely impressive but his time at West Ham was short-lived.

Frederic Piquionne – 62 games, 11 goals

Piquionne signed for the Hammers in 2010 and spent two seasons in east London. Throughout that period, he scored 11 goals in 62 appearances but did not make a meaningful impact on the West Ham faithful. Another ‘average’ striker to add to the collection, but by no means the worst.

Victor Obinna – 32 games, 8 goals

The Nigeria striker accomplished a 25% conversion rate in front of goal, netting eight times in 32 appearances for the Hammers. One season was enough, though, and Obinna swiftly moved on to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. Not the best on the list but certainly not the worst.

Demba Ba – 13 games, 7 goals

Possibly the best striker West Ham have had during the Gold and Sullivan reign. The Senegal striker was brought to east London midway through the 2010/11 Premier League campaign in a bid to avoid the drop.

Netting seven times in 13 appearances, Ba did everything he could to help the Hammers, but his goalscoring prowess wasn’t enough to stop them getting relegated. He left the following season for Newcastle United – scoring 16 Premier League goals for the Magpies.

Robbie Keane – 10 games, 2 goals

The Ireland striker made the switch from north to east London from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but the transfer was not worthwhile. Keane provided two goals in 10 appearances in Claret and Blue, departing the following season for the MLS.

It was a cheap option at the time and he proved to be way past his prime for the Hammers.

John Carew – 21 games, 2 goals

Carew was once a prolific, goalscoring machine during his time at Aston Villa, but by the time he reached West Ham, his best days were behind him.

The Norway target-man made 21 appearances for the Hammers, netting just twice. Perhaps a 10-years younger Carew would have done the trick.

Sam Baldock – 22 games, 5 goals

Baldock spent one season with the Hammers in the Championship during their 2011/12 promotion campaign – scoring five goals in 24 appearances.

Despite his lack of goals, the England forward was young, hungry and displayed great levels of commitment during his time. Unfortunately, the quality was not there, which saw him moved on the following season to Bristol City.

Brian Montenegro – 1 game, 0 goals

To be honest, does anyone even remember this guy? He made one FA Cup appearance for the Hammers in 2011/12 and that was it. And in case your’e wondering, no, he didn’t score.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Newcastle have picked up their form over the last few matches but there are two worrying aspects of the team which could disrupt their current run.

On the chalkboard

Steve Bruce has come in and done an effective job so far, even his predecessor Rafa Bentiez has admitted to that, and while the organisation of the team is a particualr highlight, there are concerns in both attack and defence.

The Magpies’ goal difference reflects that, with just 11 goals scored in 12 games a consequence of the lack of creativity from individuals in the squad, with Allan Saint-Maximin the only saving grace in that department.

He has produced 11 chances from open play this season, the most of any Newcastle player despite playing less than the likes of Miguel Almiron and Joelinton, who have not impressed on the creativity front.

Winning the ball back is the other area of concern for Newcastle, as they fall behind many of their Premier League rivals in terms of tackles and interceptions made.

Such a weakness is unsustainable and until it improves they will likely continue their inconsistent results under Bruce, who should be looking for a solution to the problem over the international break.

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Improvement needed

While Newcastle have struggled on the goal front this season, there has at least been signs of improvement from the front-three, and in Saint-Maximin they have a player who is in-form and has the confidence to be a real threat for his team.

Defensively, though, the lack of a ball-winner could trouble the Magpies, particularly away from home or against possession-based teams.

Isaac Hayden has been one of Newcastle’s better players in that area, with 26 tackles and 16 interceptions this term, so it is noticeable that his sending off against Leicester led to a 5-0 defeat, Bruce’s biggest loss by quite some way.

Another who has impressed is Fabian Schar, who has a combined total of 44 tackles and interceptions, which leaves him a little short of the numbers racked up by the players below, as per @TheOther14.,

With the Switzerland international still sidelined through injury, though, Bruce should be more focused than usual on improving his team’s statistics in stopping danger from the opposition.

If he fails to do so his side are likely to begin conceding more, as they can only rely on the likes of Jamaal Lascelles to clear and block so many shots, and Saint-Maximin can only make so many chances at the other end to bail the team out.

In fact, recent wins against West Ham and Bournemouth have been due to goals scored from set-pieces, another method which can’t guarantee long-term success, leaving Bruce with a lot to think about.

Leeds weren’t at their very best on Tuesday evening as they beat Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium, but fans on Twitter didn’t seem to care one bit about their performance as the Whites returned to the top of the Championship.

It’s a well-known football cliché that champions manage to find a way when they’re not playing well, and it seems that many members of the fanbase are buying into that mantra, or at least hoping that it’s true.

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It took a late winner to secure all three points as a back post header from Jack Harrison turned the tide in United’s favour after looking poor throughout the match.

Leeds are making something of a habit of this after netting a late winner against Luton on Saturday, and fans were buzzing with this emerging trend as they believe that it’s exactly the type of thing promotion winners need to do.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that the club have the option to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the summer, per the Manchester Evening News.

What’s the word?

Luiz joined City in 2017 but never played a game for the club due to work permit issues.

He was loaned to Girona for two seasons, playing 46 times, prior to his move to Villa, which cost the newly-promoted club a total of £15m.

Guardiola, though, says that City, who beat Villa 3-0 on Saturday, have inserted an option to bring the Brazilian back to the Etihad should they so wish next summer.

He said: “He would be here if a work permit were possible if the Premier League said it would be possible but now he is at Aston Villa.

“We have an option to get him back but sometimes life is like this. We wanted him because last season we had problems in that position because we didn’t buy a holding midfielder.

“We wanted him before so we thought about it but the rules with the work permit meant it was not possible. I thought he would be here with the pre-season he played last year in the States, he was really good. I think he had the quality to play with us but he could not do it.

“The talent is always there, we’ll see at the end of the season what his level is but the quality is always there.”

Fernandinho replacement

Luiz could potentially be something of a replacement to the ageing Fernandinho at City and one feels that Guardiola will know that.

The 21-year-old is at the start of his Premier League career while his compatriot, 34, is approaching the end of his. Ironically enough, the latter was sent off against Dean Smith’s men at The Etihad Stadium.

Statistically, Fernandinho averages 0.2 key passes per game in the top-flight, a pass success rate of 91.6%, 1.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 3.2 clearances, per WhoScored.

Luiz, by comparison, averages 0.4 key passes, a completion rate of 87.3%, 0.9 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances. He also has two league goals this season.

One feels that, with the correct coaching and by being surrounded by better players, Luiz’s stats would only rise.

The deal could be revisited in the future and it may well be wise for City to do so; if Luiz impresses for a team that have looked steady and organised since their promotion, he could well find himself back in Manchester sooner or later.