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An update has emerged on Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, Everton boss Rafa Benitez is plotting a £50m swoop for Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer. The report claims that Benitez has identified the star of his former club as a potential replacement for Richarlison, with the Blues seemingly prepared to pay £50m for the Frenchman.

Newcastle are said to value Saint-Maximin at £60m after he recently signed a new long-term contract with the club this year.

Bruce will be gutted

Newcastle could be set for a huge blow if a bid from Everton is accepted as Saint-Maximin is a crucial player for the club. He provides the magic required to light up a game in the Premier League and often pops up with special moments to win points for the club.

The winger averaged an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.12 in the Premier League last term. Joe Willock was the only player who managed better than that – by 0.01 – and the third-highest score was Martin Dubravka’s 6.84. This highlights the gulf in quality between Saint-Maximin and the next best in the squad, with Willock having returned to Arsenal following his loan spell at the club.

Speaking earlier this year, Steve Bruce was resigned to there being interest in the attacker this summer. The ex-Villa boss lauded the forward’s ability to get supporters off their seats and labeled him as a special talent.

He told The Sun:

“He’s one of them that will get you off your seat, and how many have got that these days?

“He scored a goal in training the other day which was just remarkable. He does that, where we all just have to stand and applaud.

“You can see when he’s playing and injury free then he’s a special, special talent which inevitably will draw interest.”

This shows how highly Bruce rates the 24-year-old and why selling him would be a major blow for the club, at any price. Bruce would be gutted if he lost a player of Saint-Maximin’s quality ahead of the campaign.

Therefore, Bruce would be gutted if Mike Ashley sanctioned an exit for Saint-Maximin for £50m. It would take a lot to replace the winger, given the standard of his performances for the Toon Army and how much he stood out ahead of his peers at this level.

This is why Newcastle must reject the offer and do their utmost to keep him at the club as long as they can.

AND in other news, “Drumming up this confidence” – Journalist drops Newcastle United takeover verdict…

It wasn’t long ago that Tom Rogic’s Celtic career looked in significant doubt.

The attacking midfielder was only a bit-part player at Parkhead during various points of Neil Lennon’s tenure and was linked with a regular exit from the Hoops.

Yet, step forward Ange Postecoglou, who has revived his fellow countryman’s career in Glasgow, with the Australian playing 44 times this term and contributing to 16 goals in the process.

Rogic is now a key player again and in the words of The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, he is becoming a “Celtic great.”

It’s hard to argue against that considering his 266 outings in the green and white but he does have competition from David Turnbull, someone who has spent plenty of time on the sidelines this term.

He will also have to look further behind him in Matt O’Riley, who has very quickly become a fan favourite at Celtic Park.

The Denmark U21 international signed from MK Dons for a bargain fee of £1.5m in January and he has been a revelation since penning terms.

The 21-year-old already has three goals and three assists in Celtic colours and that tally will surely rapidly improve.

His performance off the bench in the 7-0 drubbing of St Johnstone was one of his best performances yet, with the £405k-rated attack-minded player finding the net twice.

Capable of playing in central areas or on the flanks, the youngster is starting to show shades of a certain Stuart Armstrong, someone who stood out in a similar position before being snapped up by Southampton.

Armstrong scored 28 times and supplied another 25 for his teammates in Glasgow and the more intricate stats suggest how alike they are.

In 2021/22 so far, the Scotland international has recorded 1.7 shots per, 1.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per match in the Premier League.

O’Riley on the other hand has registered 1.4 shots, 2.5 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per match, although that final statistic was better at 1.3 while he was still playing in England’s third tier.

With those stats in mind, they both appear to glide past players with ease, while they’re also extremely dangerous in front of goal.

Celtic’s new recruit does appear to be more creative but it’s clear to see why this comparison is being made.

Described as “silky” and “classy” after yesterday’s win by pundit Michael Stewart, the future is a hugely exciting one for O’Riley in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Jota: Ange must clinch huge Celtic signing in 54-goal gem who is “like Mbappe”…

Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt has withdrawn from England U20 duty due to injury…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report from LeedsLive, who have revealed that the 19-year-old has returned to Thorp Arch in a bid to aid his recovery ahead of the Whites’ trip to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

The young frontman missed their 1-1 draw with Leicester City at the weekend with an unknown injury and it seems as if it is bad enough to keep him out of the internationals this break.

Gelhardt was originally named in Andy Edwards’ squad alongside Elland Road teammates Sam Greenwood, Lewis Bate and Cody Drameh.

Short up top

This has to be a massive cause for concern for Marcelo Bielsa as he has been light on options in attack, with first-choice striker Patrick Bamford also facing time on the treatment table in recent weeks.

Indeed, the senior England international has missed each of Leeds’ last six league outings and without Gelhardt on Sunday, the Argentine boss only had Rodrigo, who is more of a second striker or a no.10 at his disposal.

Even Jack Harrison has led the line on the odd occasion, which goes to show just how bad Bielsa and his side have been suffering without Bamford.

Gelhardt has only featured in 124 minutes of action for the first team this season but he played a starring role from the bench in winning a late penalty against Wolves last month, in which the aforementioned Spaniard equalised from the spot to clinch a point.

The former Wigan Athletic graduate has been touted for big, big things in the past, with LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross once suggesting he could be Leeds’ best-ever business.

“As I’m sure we’ll find out in the years ahead, Gelhardt may well be the best bit of business the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player,” he claimed.

With 17 goals in 23 appearances at U23 level, the teenager would be an interesting prospect to fill the void left behind by Bamford, so this latest blow comes at the very worst time for him.

As that’s another option off the table for the time being, you could forgive Bielsa if he was absolutely reeling back in Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Leeds eyeing January swoop for £110k-p/w “liability”, it would be one huge Orta howler…

Wolves technical director Scott Sellars has revealed his delight after academy forward Lee Harkin committed his future to the club. 

The lowdown: Harkin a hot prospect at Wolves

The 18-year-old is one of the Wanderers’ most exciting youth prospects and earned a first professional contract having signed from Derry City in July 2020.

Since then, the teenager has scored 10 times and provided five assists in 46 appearances for Wolves across the under-23 and under-18 sides.

Having signed a new one-year deal to remain in the Midlands, club chief Sellars has now been praising the youngster…

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The latest: Sellars ‘delighted’ for Harkin

Speaking to the club’s official website, Sellars hailed the new contract for Harkin as an impressive statement from the Molineux hierarchy.

He chimed: “We’re always looking at every opportunity, and Lee’s move was before Brexit. He had a lot of options, but how we work as a club, and how we take care of people, were some of the reasons why Lee came and we’re delighted he’s stayed.

“He gets the chance to train with the first-team on a regular basis and Chem and Luke playing for the first-team is great for everybody in the academy and shows there are opportunities at Wolves.

“Lee’s versatile, which is great. In our style of play, inside wingers are very important, and he can do that as well as play down the middle, which is going to benefit him in the long term and present more opportunities.”

The verdict: Smart move by Wolves

Although Harkin is yet to feature in Bruno Lage’s matchday first-team plans, an opportunity could be forthcoming for the Republic of Ireland youth international in the not-too-distant future.

As Lage attempts to take the club to the next level and compete both domestically and potentially in Europe too, the squad will be tested to its limits, so the best youngsters will almost certainly get their chance to shine as a result.

Therefore, tying down talented prospects such as Harkin is a smart move from Wolves and further proof of the club protecting its prized young assets.

In other news, Wolves reportedly interested in Brazilian wonderkid. Find out who it is here

Many Wolves fans have been left reacting to some transfer news that has emerged on Joao Moutinho.

As per La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Jose Mourinho and Roma are now interested in signing the central midfield player, with his contract in the Midlands club running out in the summer.

At 35 years of age, the Molineux faithful have to consider where his immediate future lies, with the risk of losing him for free in just a few months.

Moutinho has been one of their best players this season, in fact he ranks ninth in their squad according to WhoScored, and is high among his teammates in terms of average tackles, interceptions, blocks, key passes, crosses and long balls per game in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, some WWFC supporters do not want to see him go to Roma, and so would rather he stayed and signed a new deal.

Wolves fans on Moutinho transfer news

These Wanderers reacted to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter:

“I fear we’ll be stripped bare in the summer. I hear Man Utd are looking at Max Kilman”

Credit: @Johnboy42370177

“I wish everybody would stop trying to steal our players”

Credit: @TonyBel83049813

“Two more years at Wolves Joao”

Credit: @LeightonBinder

“One more year Joao!”

Credit: @JackBrownieee97

“NOOOOOOO!!!”

Credit: @Dazwolf180

“I wish the vultures would stay away! Football is crazy, anyone who is brilliant is immediately headhunted from us. I guess that’s all in the game but …….”

Credit: @peggyja95517835

In other news, find out what hope Wolves have in their bid to sign this former player here!

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as a change to one of their fixtures was confirmed by the Goodison Park faithful.

As per the official Twitter page of the Merseyside club, their game away at Chelsea during the festive period has now been changes to a 7:45pm kick-off on Thursday 16th December.

It means that those Toffees supporters who already had travel down to Stamford Bridge for the match organised will have to change plans, while those with work commitments the following day may simply find it impossible to attend.

Nonetheless, it is rare for a Premier League fixture to be scheduled for a Thursday these days, due to European and cup commitments, and a few Blues just found it strange that the top flight decided to schedule it for that day.

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Everton fans on Chelsea fixture change

These EFC fans fumed as the change was revealed on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it is ‘ridiculous’:

“Football ever more becoming a TV show than a sport. Absolutely ridiculous”

Credit: @rogerefc

“Absolute nightmare! I have already booked trains and hotels to go down”

Credit: @BobbyC_1878

“Scandalous”

Credit: @SimonMidi9790

“Disgraceful”

Credit: @Neil85059534

“What a shower, absolute joke these fixture changes all the time!!”

Credit: @Ben02222604

“WHAT A SURPRISE”

Credit: @ellieq

In other news, find out which club news has Toffees buzzing here!

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tottenham Hotspur source has shared some damning news involving midfielder Tanguy Ndombele as star striker Harry Kane also reportedly pushes to leave N17.

The Lowdown: Spurs exodus?

Sky Sports broke news of Kane’s desire to leave north London back in May and there have been no shorting of updates linking him with a move to Man City.

Tottenham have also seen the likes of Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Dennis Cirkin, Juan Foyth, Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga leave as manager Nuno Espirito Santo oversees a big summer of change (Transfermarkt).

Now, Football Insider have shared some damning exit news from a Spurs source.

The Latest: Ndombele tells Spurs chiefs he wants to leave…

As per the outlet, coming after Kane informed the club of his desire to leave, yet another player has now told Spurs chiefs that he wishes to complete a transfer out of north London before August 31.

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Indeed, club record signing Ndombele, who was a key player for ex-boss Jose Mourinho at large points over 2020/2021, has now sent a message to the Tottenham hierarchy that he wants to quit by deadline day.

He has been frozen out of Nuno’s side lately and his future is now up in the air going into the final stretch of this summer transfer window.

A Spurs source has told Football Insider that the Frenchman wants to leave and he is even believed to have made that ‘clear’ in the summer.

The Verdict: Time to go?

The 24-year-old has bags of ability in his locker, as proven last season under Mourinho, with the Portuguese even calling him ‘incredible’ as he transformed from an outcast into a key player.

Ndombele, on his day, can prove to be ‘unplayable’, as explained by Joe Hart (BT Sport via VBetNews), and near-impossible to dispossess in midfield.

No Spurs player completed more dribbles per 90 (2.2) than the former Lyon star over 2020/2021 according to WhoScored, with the only question being around his application.

The last thing Nuno needs is another player upsetting the apple cart as he aims to build a positive momentum going into this season.

So, if Spurs receive any considerable offers, they should certainly be weighed up by chairman Daniel Levy.

In other news: Offer incoming: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

Everton have been handed yet another significant injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this evening.

What’s the word?

Injuries have severely hampered the Toffees’ progress in recent weeks, with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies all facing extensive spells on the sidelines.

Rafael Benitez was able to welcome back Yerry Mina into the starting line-up last time out against Arsenal, but the  centre-back only lasted 31 minutes before leaving the field of play with a fitness complaint.

In his pre-match press conference, the Toffees manager provided an update on the 27-year-old’s situation, confirming that he won’t be available for the trip to south London, before revealing that Salomon Rondon and Allan are progressing well.

“Yerry is not available. Rondon is available and has been training, and Allan has done today half of a training session,” the manager said.

However, Benitez was able to announce some encouraging news regarding Davies and Calvert-Lewin, revealing that the English duo could make their comebacks in the weeks ahead.

He said: “Still we have Davies, maybe next week he will start with the team. Dominic is getting closer, obviously. Every training session that he is doing with the rehabilitation coach, he’s getting better.”

Everton fans will be gutted

News that Mina is once again ruled out of action for the intriguing encounter against Palace will surely leave Everton supporters feeling gutted, given his importance to the team.

The Colombia international has started seven Premier League games this season, losing on just one occasion and winning four times. In his absence, the Toffees have lost four of their five encounters, keeping just one clean sheet in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham, and his underlying numbers indicate why that has been the case.

As per WhoScored, Mina has averaged 1.3 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 0.6 blocks per top-flight fixture, placing him in the top four amongst his teammates for each metric.

Therefore, the 27-year-old’s latest injury setback will come as a bitter blow to Everton, and Benitez will be hoping that the likes of Mason Holgate and Michael Keane can step up in his absence.

In other news… Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible”

Loads of Everton fans have been reacting to some transfer news which has emerged on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per The Daily Mail, Arsenal are now plotting a move to sign the former Sheffield United striker, as Mikel Arteta plans for life without Alexandre Lacazette.

However, the Gunners would have to pay as much as £60m for his signature, and he is seen as the ‘ideal candidate’ to replace the Frenchman.

With their current problems with Financial Fair Play (FFP), it would not be out of the question for the Goodison Park outfit to sell Calvert-Lewin, should the right offer come to pass.

Of course, the Toffees would surely prefer to keep hold of him if they can, given the injury-enforced absence in recent weeks.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin transfer news

These Everton supporters gave their reactions to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with some speculating that he will go, while others have been left raging over the possibility:

“Yeah he’s off”

Credit: @james_gavo3

“Nothing. More. Certain.”

Credit: @ShoeyEFC1234

“When it rains it pours”

Credit: @ElliotB1878

“So it begins”

Credit: @WillNSNO

“Championship, here we gooooo.”

Credit: @exiledtoffee

“Not now Dom…”

Credit: @bramleystand

In other news, find out what Farhad Moshiri revelation has left these Evertonians fuming

According to a report by Get French Football News, West Ham United have ‘reinitiated contacts’ and ‘restarted’ talks with Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

The Lowdown: West Ham still hunting centre-half…

The Hammers have earmarked a new central defensive addition as their top priority before signing a new striker according to ExWHUemployee, but time is fast running out to get deals over the line.

August 31, the summer transfer window deadline, is slowly approaching and thus far West Ham have only confirmed one major signing with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola joining on loan from Paris-Saint Germain.

The Latest: West Ham re-start Caleta-Car talks

As per GFFN, the Irons are now in contact with Caleta-Car and are holding talks with the player – but no approach to his club, Marseille, has been made yet.

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Indeed, while West Ham are back in touch with the Croatia international, they are yet to commence negotiations with Marseille or make an official bid to sign Caleta-Car this summer.

However, as per this report, Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma remains West Ham’s priority as a potential central defensive signing.

The Verdict: Milenkovic the better option…

Caleta-Car does arguably have the credentials to be a successful Premier League signing.

The £22.5 million-valued powerhouse, standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, averaged a higher pass accuracy (86.1%) out from the back domestically than any West Ham defender last season (WhoScored).

However, fellow West Ham target Nikola Milenkovic possesses similar physical traits and could leave Fiorentina for as little as €15 million (£12.7m) this summer according to Charlie Eccleshare.

We believe GSB need to secure their central defensive signing as soon as possible and move on to the big issue of signing a striker, so the cheaper and more attainable option in Milenkovic makes a lot of sense.

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘What we’ve been asking for’…West Ham fans flock to official club post, find out more here.