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Many Everton fans have been left flocking to a revelation involving Marcel Brands.

As per The Liverpool Echo, both Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson had been long-term targets for the Goodison Park faithful, and were identified by the recruitment department that worked under Brands.

Of course, the Dutchman has now left the Merseyside club, which begs the question as to whether he should have gone in the first place, given that he essentially helped identify the Toffees’ latest two signings.

There has not always been a good connection between supporters and the board in general, as they have taken a particular disliking to chairman Bill Kenwright, and so revelations like these really do not really help that relationship.

Nonetheless, it appears that a lot of Blues are not really shocked by the news.

Everton fans on Brands news

These EFC supporters were left flocking to the news on Brands as it was shared on Twitter:

“What a weird football club we really are.”

Credit: @eideangm

“Well now, who’d have thought it…”

Credit: @NTylerVI

“There’s a shock.”

Credit: @lewissefc

“This is the backwards way of thinking the board is stuck in at the moment. Freezes Brands out and lets him walk just to make the signings he recommended and attempt to take credit for them”

Credit: @The_Penny_Blue

“Brands getting more freedom to do his job when he’s no longer in the job has got to be the most Everton thing I’ve seen.”

Credit: @KaneVasco

“Only EFC would get rid of the DOF and then buy his recommendations. What next? Benitez fired and Brands recommendation of Potter as new manager taken up.”

Credit: @MurphyRichie

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Crystal Palace have had a quiet transfer window so far, but have been heavily linked to one particular player from Patrick Vieira’s former club this January, but it looks like there has been a blow to those plans.

What’s the word?

Mikel Arteta took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash against Liverpool to respond to rumours that Eddie Nketiah could be on the move this January.

The Arsenal manager simply told the media:

“The situation is that Eddie is our player and he’s going to stay here with us.”

The 22-year-old forward has been linked with a move away from the club as he enters the last six months of his contract, with both Brighton and Crystal Palace said to be interested in signing him during this window.

However, with Arteta’s response, they could now have to wait and battle to get the striker on a free in the summer.

Vieira will be gutted

This news will be a blow to Vieira’s transfer window plans, as the club is rumoured to potentially be losing Jean-Philippe Mateta this January, with an impending recall from his parent club, Mainz, amid interest from Saint Etienne.

That led to Nketiah being speculated as the player to become his replacement and fill the position.

The setback comes as former Palace manager, Roy Hodgson confirmed that the youngster has been a “long term interest” for the London club when he spoke on Sky Sports Transfer Show last Friday evening:

“He’s a player that’s been on the radar for a number of years let alone months,” said the former England boss.

“He’s a player who I know everyone at the club admires very much and I think he’s the right type of player that Patrick [Vieira] might be interested in – a forward of his type.

“I can imagine him being exactly the type of player that Patrick Vieira would like because he’d know a lot about him because I’m sure his contacts at Arsenal are still very good. He’ll know a lot about him as a person as well.”

Nketiah has not signed a new contract with Arsenal yet, despite having less than six months on his current one, which could be a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.

They could save their money this January and sign the striker on a free transfer in a matter of months, thus, taking the pressure off the Palace manager and the team if they can hold onto Mateta at Selhurst Park for the rest of the season.

That said, the Eagles boss will still be gutted at not getting the chance to acquire him this winter as Nketiah’s tally of five goals in just three EFL Cup outings shows he’s a man in form this term.

In other news: Crystal Palace targeting January swoop for Marseille striker Bamba Dieng

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United will now ‘push again’ to try and sign Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Getting closer?

Speaking on Thursday’s edition of Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show, journalist Kaveh Solhekol revealed (via Sky Sports’ The Transfer Centre) live on TV (17:05pm) that Sevilla would like to keep Carlos for their weekend game against Celta Vigo, and then a deal could potentially be done after.

This story has not stopped since the window opened, and so with just over a week left, it seems as if the Magpies have put all their eggs firmly into the basket of bringing Carlos to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Romano update

Writing on his official Twitter page, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Romano has now dropped an update on the situation, revealing the player himself is keen and ‘waiting’.

“Newcastle will push again in the next hours for Diego Carlos.

“Sevilla are trying to resist in every way as they did for Kounde/Chelsea deal last summer – but Newcastle are willing to insist. Key hours ahead.

“Diego already agreed personal terms days ago. He’s waiting.”

The Verdict: Just do it

With the days ticking by, the North East club just need to sign Carlos now as soon as possible, so that they can integrate him into the team to be ready for the relegation battle ahead – it’s not as if there’s a whole host of alternative options queued up either.

Described as a ‘real leader at the back’ (The Daily Express) by European football expert Andy Brassell, ‘The Beast‘, as Carlos is appropriately nicknamed, is exactly the kind of personality that the Tyneside outfit need for the fight, and luring him away from Sevilla, who are currently second in La Liga, would be a real coup.

Nonetheless, at 28 years of age, the Brazilian is in his prime, and now is the time for the Toon to strike.

In other news, find out what worrying NUFC transfer insight Liam Kennedy has dropped here!

Taking to Twitter, reliable BBC reporter Simon Stone has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Spurs join Lingard race…

It has been two years since former favourite Christian Eriksen left Spurs for Inter Milan in a £16.9m deal, and it has been a point of contention ever since then that the Lilywhites have failed to replace him.

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Upon the Dane’s exit from San Siro, there were even theories that he could make a return to Tottenham as transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte seek a creative influence.

Lingard, who was reportedly sounded out by Tottenham through intermediaries earlier in the month (Alasdair Gold), has apparently been on the club’s radar instead.

The United ace is set to leave at the end of this season as a free agent, prompting interest from Spurs, with Stone now sharing what he knows on the situation.

The Latest: Stone makes Lingard claim involving Spurs…

According to the BBC journalist, Tottenham have made a bid to sign the 29-year-old in the form of a loan offer, but Ralf Rangnick’s side swiftly turned down their approach.

The £80,000-per-week England international was subject to the same offer from West Ham, with the Red Devils also rejecting that bid due to their stance over selling to a direct rival for a top four finish.

The Verdict: Blow for Conte?

It is a blow for Spurs to miss out on Lingard, especially going by his brilliant loan spell at the London Stadium last year where he racked up nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League starts. He has also been called ‘sensational’ by former Arsenal player Nigel Winterburn, and the 2018 World Cup star’s ability is clear as day.

According to reliable northern correspondent Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, United believe Lingard is a ‘£50m’ player (Twitter), clearly highlighting how much they rate him as an asset.

Taking all this into account, it is clear to see why they were reluctant to accept Tottenham’s loan offer, with Paratici and co now forced to look elsewhere for a creator before Monday’s transfer deadline.

In other news: Journalist claims £165,000-per-week ‘legend’ now wants to join Tottenham, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will be excited by Fabrizio Romano’s latest claim as we head into the final few days of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

The north London outfit are yet to conduct any form of business this month but plenty of incomings and outgoings have been mooted in the press.

It’s the first window of opportunity for manager Antonio Conte to bolster the playing squad since he was appointed as Nuno Santo’s successor back in November.

And despite a lack of confirmed movement, the Italian transfer expert is expecting it to be a busy end to the window for the Lilywhites.

“I expect Tottenham Hotspur to make two or three signings before the end of the window,” he told blogger Matt Hayes on YouTube. He also claimed that Adama Traore remained a key target but the club are not prepared to pay Wolves’ €25m (£20.8m) asking price.

Encouraging news

Time is certainly running out if Spurs are going to bring in anyone, let alone two or three new players, though it’s believed Conte has asked to strengthen three priority positions.

As per football.london, that’s a new wing-back, a new left-sided centre-back and a backup striker but with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli all linked with departures, per Sky Sports,  a central midfielder could quickly become a key area to target.

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Aside from Traore, the north Londoners have also been mooted with an exciting move for FC Porto sensation Luis Diaz, who is an out-and-out left winger by trade, and Fiorentina outcast Sofyan Amrabat, who is excelling at the Africa Cup of Nations in midfield for Morocco.

So if there is going to be three additions by Monday night, you’d imagine that the trio of players mentioned above are the most likely candidates to meet Romano’s claim.

Spurs had been unbeaten in the Premier League under Conte until last weekend’s defeat to his former club Chelsea, who have now beaten the Lilywhites three times this month and whilst the side are firmly in the race for the top-four, those losses highlighted a huge gulf in quality on the pitch.

The Italian head coach must be backed financially if he’s to stand a chance at reviving this sinking ship in N17 and three new additions would be a great start ahead of the summer.

We’ll have to wait and see if the Spurs hierarchy can pull anything out of the bag over the coming days but if you’re a Lilywhites supporter, then Romano’s update should leave you very excited.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt late January transfer blow over “devastating” target, Conte will be livid…

Leeds United have plans in place ahead of the January transfer window at 11pm…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton, who dropped a quite exciting claim to Sky Sports News earlier this morning.

Crysencio Summerville is subject to interest from abroad, with 2.Bundesliga outfit Hamburg SV said to be keen on signing him on loan, so if Marcelo Bielsa does sanction his exit, then the club will look to bring someone in to replace him.

“There is interest in him. Summerville wants to go out and play. Leeds have already got alternatives lined up. [Takumi] Minamino at Liverpool they have been looking at. But as things stand, he’s not going anywhere. Of course, this is transfer deadline day and that could change.”

Late encouragement?

This should provide some excitement to those around Elland Road as it shows that Victor Orta and co are prepared to bolster the playing squad, should a spot become available.

Of course, the Argentine needs a couple of reinforcements in order to boost their chances of avoiding a relegation scrap as he has been dealing with quite the injury crisis at Thorp Arch.

Minamino is certainly an intriguing option to sign as he has impressed during his time at Liverpool, despite a lack of game time. It’s always going to be hard for him when the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are ahead of him in the pecking order.

The versatile Japanese winger, who was dubbed “very special” by Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl last season following his loan move to the south coast, has delivered six goals and one assist in 18 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That includes two Premier League goals in 86 minutes, which is quite remarkable. Just imagine what he could do at Elland Road when given a proper opportunity for game time.

Elsewhere, Chelsea winger Kenedy is another potential option, according to Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.

Both players would surely be easy to get over the line, given they are both at current Premier League teams, so there should be plenty of encouragement if you’re a United supporter, heading into the final few hours of the window.

AND in other news, Leeds eye last-ditch Aaronson alternative in “very special” £10m gem, Bielsa needs him…

Rangers returned to winning ways on Sunday as Gio van Bronckhorst’s men ran out 5-0 winners in the Premiership at Ibrox.

Alfredo Morelos scored the opening goal in the match against Hearts on his return to club action, slotting into an empty net after a brilliant combination from Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent on the left ended with a teasing delivery into the six-yard box from the latter.

The Colombian then made it two in the 64th minute as the ball broke kindly for him on the edge of the box for him to brilliantly curl the ball into the far left corner.

Substitute Glen Kamara then latched onto a flick-on from the striker to make it three, before Scott Arfield and Fashion Sakala rounded out the scoring.

Forget Morelos

Whilst Morelos managed to plunder two goals and one assist in the rout, the player who truly set Ibrox alight was Kent.

Defensively, he put a hard shift in for the team. As per SofaScore, he won an impressive eight of his 12 duels throughout the match. He also completed three tackles before being taken off in the 85th minute, showing that he was willing to put himself about against the ball to win possession back for his team.

It was offensively, though, where he really got the crowd going. As per SofaScore, he created a whopping four chances and an outstanding three big chances from out wide on the left – picking up two assists for his efforts in the final third. He also completed three of his five attempted dribbles and 84% of his passes in the match.

To put this into context, he was on five big chances created in 15 matches heading into this clash with Hearts – registering three in just 85 minutes on Sunday. This shows that he was a consistent threat to the opposition with his direct running and passing, as he was able to beat players with the ball whilst also having the presence of mind to find a teammate with a pass.

The £18k-per-week gem could have also got on the scoresheet as he sent two efforts just wide of the post in the first half after excellent build-up play.

His finishing is an area in which he needs to improve, with just two goals to his name this term, but his chance creation cannot be faulted as he turned in a magical display at Ibrox that got fans off their seat in excitement whenever he touched the ball anywhere near the opponent’s goal.

AND in other news, “Gers will be keen”: Update emerges on “dynamic” £14k-p/w RFC ace, GvB would be fuming…

Everton have had a season of struggles, ranging from an injury crisis that has seen them lose multiple key players over the course of the season to finding themselves struggling to maintain safety, with the side sat in 16th position.

And now new manager Frank Lampard could be set for his first mistake in charge of the Merseyside outfit.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet, Torcedores, Yerry Mina has been offered to Flamengo by his agent Giuliano Bertolucci.

The report suggests that the Everton defender, who was once hailed a “monster” by ex-Toffees left-back Michael Ball, is interested in listening to offers that Flamengo may have for him, with the possibility of a loan deal until the end of his contract in June 2023 with the Merseyside club.

The signing of Mina is allegedly a priority for the Brazilian club, as they search Europe for reinforcements to bolster their defence.

Frank set for a howler

Lampard will be hoping he can change the trajectory of Everton’s season in the remaining months, something he has shown promise in with a fantastic team performance displayed in the side’s first win in six league games against Leeds United last weekend.

The Toffees have been weakened throughout the season by not only injury but also due to important players leaving, with both James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne being shown the door during Rafa Benitez’s failed tenure at the club, so the newly-appointed boss must do everything he can to not only keep his player fit but also retain their commitment to his challenging project.

When you look at what Mina offers the side in terms of impact in his position, it would be an absolute howler to let him go.

In his ten appearances this season the defender has an average of 89% successful pass completion in his own half, offers 2.7 clearances on average per game and has won the majority of both his ground (65%) and aerial (67%) duels this season, according to SofaScore.

Only Michael Keane is managing a better average rating for Lampard’s current central defensive options, too.

With that being said, keeping the £18m-rated Colombia international should be a top priority this summer amid speculation that he might leave the club, and Lampard could potentially achieve this by ensuring that the 27-year-old defender understands that he is a key member of the side with a future in the Premier League.

AND in other news, Rafa’s only success: Everton struck transfer gold with “tireless” £48k-p/w machine…

A Newcastle United journalist has hailed the return of Javier Manquillo to training ahead of the Brentford game, but did not see Allan Saint-Maximin in preparations for the match.

The Lowdown: Six-pointer

Given the teams’ respective points on the board, positions in the Premier League table and contrasting form , the match on Saturday afternoon really is a six-pointer.

As such, Eddie Howe will want as many of his squad available as realistically possible, in order to give them the best possible chance of leapfrogging the Bees int the table.

The Latest: Manquillo back for Brentford clash

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin has hailed the return of Manquillo to training ahead of the clash, but also noticed that Saint-Maximin did not take part as he continues to recover from his injury.

He outlined: “Boost for #NUFC with Javier Manquillo back in training. No sign of Allan Saint-Maximin, though.”

The Verdict: Mixed feelings

The Toon Army will likely have mixed feelings over Cronin’s update. The possibility of Manquillo returning against the Bees will be a boost, but Saint-Maximin may not be fully fit to play if he wasn’t seen in training.

According to WhoScored, the Spaniard has been Newcastle’s seventh-best player in the Premier League so far this term, and he would be perfect for filling in the void left by the injured Kieran Trippier at right-back.

However, being without Saint-Maximin once more will be a big blow, given his importance to the team. He is their second-highest scorer in the top flight so far this season with five goals, and his three assists are more than any of his team-mates have produced (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Howe will now be hoping that both will be fit enough to start at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday.

In other news, NUFC are ‘bewitched’ by this £40.5m-rated gem ahead of a potential summer move

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie believes that Albian Ajeti will never play for the club again, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Ajeti’s absence

The Switzerland striker, who Ange Postecoglou praised for his work ethic earlier in the season, has made just six starts under the current Celtic boss.

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The 24-year-old has scored three times and registered one assist during his time on the pitch this season but hasn’t been seen since December due to a hamstring injury.

He has been sidelined alongside Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull during that time, with the Celtic pair also encountering hamstring issues.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments on Ajeti

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the Swiss striker in a story released on Wednesday evening ahead of the Hoops’ clash with Bodo/Glimt tonight.

The former Celtic marksman believes it would be ‘a miracle’ if Ajeti can force his way back into Postecoglou’s plans and doesn’t think the 24-year-old will turn out in a Celtic shirt again, saying:

“I don’t think we will see Ajeti play for Celtic again.

“I might be wrong, I have been wrong before but I just don’t see how he gets back in.

“Unless there is some sort of massive injury crisis, it would take a miracle.

“We have three top strikers to rely on in Maeda, Giakoumakis and Kyogo.

“Maeda hasn’t quite the ground running in the same way Kyogo has but he’s still scored a few goals.

“Giakoumakis is playing the best he has done for us and obviously he got a great hattrick at the weekend.

“I just don’t see how Ajeti comes back in with Kyogo also coming back.”

The Verdict: Summer exit?

Boli Bolingoli recently sealed an out-of-window move to Russian side FC Ufa, but due to Ajeti’s injury problems, you’d expect that he may have to wait until the summer for an exit.

The Hoops are fairly well-stocked in attack after Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny’s arrivals in January. Furuhashi is also set to come back into the fold before the end of the season, so it wouldn’t be a shock if Ajeti doesn’t play again this term.

It’s safe to say that a £5m move from West Ham hasn’t paid off for the Hoops or Ajeti, with just nine goals to his name in 48 appearances, and hopefully the club can recoup plenty of that fee in a possible permanent exit.

In other news: Celtic chief makes 742-mile round scouting trip; journalist drops update on possible record move