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Everton are reportedly still keeping close tabs on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks ahead of the January transfer window, with manager Rafa Benitez desperate to reinforce his struggling side.

What’s the story?

According to Sunday People (as relayed by Goodison News), the 25-year-old is still wanted by the Toffees despite the recent departures of director of football Marcel Brands and head of recruitment and development Gretar Steinsson.

The newspaper report in their print edition (page 54, 12 December) that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will consider the sale of Winks if a suitable offer arrives over the coming months in order to provide new manager Antonio Conte suitable funds to rebuild his squad.

Rafa Benitez must seal Everton swoop

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, Winks has made 182 appearances for the north London outfit in all competitions and started their 2019 Champions League final defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

The technically gifted talent featured prominently during the reign of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who lavished praise on the midfielder after a late winner against Fulham two years ago, stating he has the “quality” to score more goals.

And Winks’ eye-catching displays at club level earned him ten senior caps for England, with ex-Spurs and Three Lions goalkeeper Paul Robinson lauding his important role in the national team setup.

“For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch,” said the retired 42-year-old when discussing Gareth Southgate’s midfield options.

“He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves. A fit Harry Winks is an important selection for England.”

However, the £18m-rated gem has struggled for game time in recent months, starting just nine Premier League games last term before slipping even further down the Spurs pecking order this time around.

But Winks could be the ideal solution to Everton’s engine room woes. Since James Rodriguez’s departure, the Blues have struggled to open up opposition defences on a consistent basis, scoring just 20 goals in their 16 top-flight games to date.

As per WhoScored, no Tottenham player who started a league match bettered or matched his average of 70 passes per game last season, and he also topped the charts for pass completion after achieving a 90% success rate.

Winks’ impressive figures weren’t just down to selecting the safe and simple options every time, either. He managed 1.3 key passes per Premier League fixture in 2020/21 and pulled off 4.4 long balls – of all of the capital club’s outfield players, only Toby Alderweireld completed more (7.3).

Therefore, the diminutive technician could be the catalyst to transform Everton’s disappointing campaign, and Benitez must sanction a swoop this winter in order to add more quality to his squad.

And, in other news…Everton eye swoop for “immense” 6ft4 goliath, he could be a Rafa masterclass

Michael Ball has questioned what would happen during a Merseyside derby if Rafael Benitez is appointed as the new Everton manager, suggesting that Liverpool fans may end up singing the name of their arch-rivals’ boss.

Benitez is now seen as the frontrunner to become the club’s new manager as they continue their search for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

Ancelotti, of course, left to join Real Madrid and the Toffees have been linked with a number of managers since his departure.

Nuno Espirito Santo was, at one point, regarded as the leading candidate but that deal has not come to anything.

Instead, it appears Benitez could become the first manager to take charge of both Liverpool and Everton.

Indeed, the former Valencia boss spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League and the FA Cup during his stint.

The Reds’ supporters still sing songs about Benitez, and Ball believes there could be a genuinely embarrassing situation for Everton during a derby if he is given the reigns.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “With the links with Rafa, many of them are questioning whether they’re going to return to Goodison Park. Feelings are running high in Liverpool right now, we know he lives locally, that doesn’t warrant that he should be manager of the club.

“There’s questions over what has he done since he left Liverpool? He was successful at Liverpool and Liverpool fans still sing and cheer his name. What would happen in a derby?

“Would it be embarrassing for Everton fans to listen to their arch-rivals singing about their own manager?”

West Brom will likely lose Matheus Pereira this summer and that’ll be a devastating blow to Sam Allardyce, or whoever is in charge next season…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, several Premier League teams, including local rivals Aston Villa, are monitoring the 24-year-old ahead of the transfer window, where many big decisions will need to be made over the current Albion squad.

Express & Star journalist Joseph Masi has since given his verdict to the ‘Baggies broadcast’ podcast, he said:

“I think he will leave, where he’ll go is the big, big question really. Albion will set their valuation and he won’t leave until that valuation is met, that’s a given. The question is how much is he worth – I think he’s worth about £18m, add-ons could take it to £21m.”

Worrying news

After a difficult start to life in the top-flight, the Brazilian playmaker has finally found his feet and “seems at home” in the big time, so it’s hardly a surprise that other teams will be circling like vultures with West Brom likely to go back down to the Championship.

Pereira has been one of the few shining lights of the Baggies’ dismal campaign. He tops the charts for goals scored (nine) and assists provided (five) and is currently their second-highest rated player (6.91), as per WhoScored figures.

In the first half of the season, the £11.7m-rated Albion maestro struggled to provide a spark on the pitch and looked rather dejected off it but that soon changed at the turn of the year.

Only Harry Kane has contributed a higher proportion of his team’s goals this term – that’s how pivotal Pereira is to West Brom, so to lose him will be a huge blow to Big Sam – if he stays.

“I wouldn’t say he’s up there right at the top as world-class, but he certainly has the potential to be a top-class Premier League player in his continued development at his young age,” claimed Allardyce following their 2-2 draw with Villa at the weekend, via The Athletic.

“When he’s committed like he was tonight, when he works as hard as he did and when he shows the ability that he showed then he’s certainly a big difference and a big-game player, certainly for West Brom, and can be, moving along, with that quality of performance as he gets more mature.”

Dubbed a “genius” by former Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss and lauded for his “brilliant” set-piece ability by Jermaine Jenas, many at the Hawthorns will be gutted to see him leave but it’s merely an unfortunate consequence of their sorry Premier League plight.

AND in other news, Out-of-work manager would take West Brom job, Dowling must now act…

Reliable journalist Dominic King has provided a fresh update regarding a Liverpool move to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, confirming Reds chiefs are eyeing the player. 

The lowdown: Frenzy of speculation

This all comes following a report from Santi Aouna of reputable French otulet Foot Mercato, claiming that the Reds have initiated contact over a possible move for the 22-year-old.

Whilst the Anfield club have been tentatively linked previously, this was the first suggestion of a tangible pursuit as Liverpool seemingly moved into the front of the queue to sign Tchouameni.

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However, things may not be that straightforward just yet, with King sharing who the favourites to lock up a deal actually are…

The latest: King delivers reality check

Taking to Twitter, King, the Northern Football Correspondent for the Daily Mail, had this to say when confirming the Reds’ interest in the formidable Ligue 1 talent.

“Lots of stuff around about Liverpool and Aurelien Tchouameni. No question he is a player they are looking at but other clubs in frame, too, most notably Real Madrid, who are favourites. Liverpool, however, most definitely looking for a midfielder with his qualities.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United have also been extensively indexed with a move for the eight-cap France star who has been dubbed as an ‘octopus’ for his unwavering ability to control the game from midfield.

The verdict: Make it happen

As King rightly alludes to, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and new transfer chief Julian Ward should be in the market for an addition to the engine room during the summer transfer window.

Whilst current frontline incumbents Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita continue to more than hold their own, all four have faced their battles with fitness in the past and with James Milner out of contract at the end of the season, a fresh face is required.

So far this season the £36million-rated (Transfermarkt) ace has earned an outstanding 7.27 rating from 32 Ligue 1 outings, completing 2.5 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 51.5 passes on average per game (Sofascore).

In fact, he leads the French top flight in winning possession back, puts up great pressing numbers and even wins over 70 per cent of his aerial duels (MaaxiAngelo). Perhaps, then, it is no surprise to see Paul Pogba label his young compatriot as ‘extraordinary’.

Tchouameni’s ability to operate at the base of the midfield as well as in a box-to-box role would make the French youngster an invaluable addition to the Anfield squad and one the board should be pulling out all the stops to get over the line.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed some key Liverpool news. Read more here.

In a recent interview, Frank McAvennie questioned the attitude of reported West Ham United transfer target, Odsonne Edouard. 

So far this season, Edouard has highly impressed over his 26 Scottish Premiership appearances for Celtic, bagging 16 goals and providing three assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.31 – ranking him as the club’s joint fourth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

As a result of his fine performances, West Ham have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, for whom Celtic are reported to want a figure of around £35 million to part with.

It will be no surprise to see the Irons front of the queue if Celtic decide to cash in – David Moyes only has one recognised striker in the shape of Michail Antonio.

However, speaking recently to Football Insider, the former Celtic and West Ham striker, McAvennie, claimed that while he would like to see Edouard join the Hammers this summer, he was unsure whether the Frenchman has an attitude that would comply with Moyes.

He said: “I would take Edouard at West Ham but the way he downed tools with Lenny was disappointing. The boy’s got talent and West Ham need a striker. But if David Moyes would have that kind of player, I don’t know.

“But, you get the ball up to him and he keeps it. He’s definitely a talent. There are rumours going about here, there and everywhere but until someone comes in and spends the money, we just don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering the fact that Edouard scored eight goals over Neil Lennon’s last eight league games in charge of Celtic before his dismissal, it could be argued that McAvennie’s claim that the striker “downed tools” for his manager is somewhat unwarranted.

And, with West Ham in desperate need of a striker in the summer transfer window, with Moyes currently only having Antonio as an option in the position, the addition of a centre-forward with the goal-scoring record of Edouard would appear to be just what the Hammers are looking for.

In other news: these West Ham fans slammed this club figure with “no ambition” after footage surfaced – find out more here!

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a big money swoop for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, as claimed by Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Aston Villa gear up for 2021/22

As the Villans gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season, much attention will be paid to how Dean Smith’s men improve upon their impressive 11th-placed finish last time out. Already active in the transfer market, Villa have acquired Emiliano Buendia from Norwich for a club record fee, along with a return for Ashley Young on a free transfer from Inter Milan [Transfermarkt].

One crucial element of the Buendia deal was Villa fending off interest from Arsenal for his signature [Mirror]. Could the same thing happen regarding their pursuit of Berge?

The Latest: Villa said to be monitoring Berge

Aston Villa are said to be monitoring Norway international Berge as they prepare for the new season [Birmingham Live].

Familiar foes Arsenal are also said to be courting his services, but have recently flinched at his price tag of £35m, which could leave the Gunners susceptible to counter-bids [Sheffield Star].

Although it is not clear how much Aston Villa would be willing to pay, they could well challenge their divisional rivals for the 23-year-old as they strive to build a team capable of challenging for continental qualification [Birmingham Live].

The Verdict: Berge would be a good addition

Undoubtedly, Berge would add quality and energy to an already well-stocked Aston Villa midfield. He suffered an injury-hit 2020/21 campaign for the Blades, only making 16 appearances as he scored once and set up another goal [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as having a ‘brilliant attitude’ by former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder [Sheffield Star], there is every chance that he could become an established Premier League midfielder for years to come should any move materialize.

Berge has already featured 24 times for the Norwegian international side, scoring on one occasion [Transfermarkt]. Having already proven capable of holding his own at an elite level, Villa should do everything in their power to get this deal over the line, especially with Arsenal baulking at his valuation.

In other news, these Aston Villa fans react to one player’s exit from the club.

West Ham United remain interested in Youssef En-Nesyri this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to El Desmarque, who claim the Irons are willing to pay beyond the €40m (£36m) mark to sign the 24-year-old Sevilla talisman this transfer window.

It’s believed that the Morrocan international is among their priorities before the start of the new season, having attempted to bring him to the London Stadium in January following the departure of Sebastian Haller.

The Hammers are also said to have promised that En-Nesyri would be amongst their top earners should he agree to a move, though that may prove hard as it seems as though he doesn’t want to leave the La Liga outfit.

Sign him up!

With that in mind, West Ham’s hierarchy must be prepared to break the bank for someone who scored 24 times during the 2020/21 season as he’d be a dangerous addition to David Moyes’ barren frontline.

Right now, the East Londoners will be heading into a Europa League campaign with just one recognised striker, an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

At 6 foot 2, En-Nesyri would offer a different dimension to the 31-year-old, allowing the Scotsman to either play two up top, with the Sevilla star being the perfect foil for the shorter, more explosive forward or even deployed by himself, where he has quickly emerged as someone who can create chances for himself.

Speaking about his qualities to This is Futbol, La Liga expert Euan McTear waxed lyrical, also making a lofty comparison to one of the game’s current greats.

“He’s not someone that will move out wide and create a chance, he’s very much a centre-forward, if he’s moving out of the box to create something, it’s usually for his own good – a bit like Benzema, but he does that well and scores a lot of goals.”

Indeed, En-Nesyri has failed to provide a single assist at Sevilla but has found the net 30 times across 78 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

An average of 2.5 aerial duels won per game suggests he’s more than capable to the physical demands of the Premier League, whilst an average of 2.1 shots per match would see him sit third in the current Hammers squad.

“When you look at his attributes, he’s as good in the air as anyone now. Not only is he tall, [but] he’s got that athletic ability to leap as well. He seems to really enjoy aerial challenges,” claims Sky Sports’ Spanish football commentator Terry Gibson, who also deemed him a “world-beater” at times.

If Moyes is to truly keep the Hammers competitive next season, then GSB needs to be making signings like this one. The £36m-rated machine must be secured this summer.

AND in other news, Moyes could take West Ham to next level by signing “dangerous” £18m-rated goal machine…

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Jordan Jones reflected on the Black Cats’ recent draw with Peterborough United.

Having joined Sunderland from Rangers on a three-month loan deal back in January, Jones has impressed over his 11 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, with the 26-year-old winger scoring two goals and providing four assists for the club, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.03 – ranking him as the Black Cats’ joint fourth-best performer in the third tier.

And, following the club’s recent draw with Peterborough United, Jones took to Twitter, claiming he felt that the result was a “good point” on what was a “tough pitch”, before stating that his and his team’s “full focus” is now on Saturday, when Sunderland face Charlton Athletic.

In reaction to his tweet, fans of Sunderland flocked to have their say on the matter, with many taking the opportunity to beg for Jones to remain at their club beyond his current loan spell.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to Jones’ latest comments?

“Get it signed.”

@swainyFTM

“Obviously subject to promotion… or is it? Be a part of something beautiful, my friend.”

@ChrisMacBP

“Keep running at those defenders lad and sign permanently.”

@Micky_A_Lawson

“Exactly. Get out of there unscathed and move on. Brilliant.”

@DavidGl13279946

“SIGN THE CONTRACT.”

@SAFCLJ25

“Please stay.”

@DJfenwick

In other news: Loads of Sunderland fans gushed as the club confirmed this ‘huge’ news – find out more here!

Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed Southampton have had talks with Liverpool as they aim to keep Takumi Minamino at St. Mary’s Stadium next season.

The Lowdown: Minamino future up in the air

Minamino signed for Liverpool last January, but he managed just four goals in 31 games in his first 12 months at the club (Transfermarkt) before moving on loan to the Saints at the start of this year.

As of yet, it is not clear what the future holds for him.

The Latest: Hasenhuttl reveals extension interest

Speaking ahead of Southampton’s final match of the season versus West Ham, Hasenhuttl revealed Southampton are interested in keeping the Japan international on loan at the club next term. He said (via Hampshire Live):

“It is possible, definitely.

“We have had talks with them and they are not so sure what will happen with him because Liverpool may make some things happen in the transfer market.

“For him, it was important to play here. We gave him that chance to play and we have enjoyed having him here.”

The Verdict: More to give

Minamino’s spell on the south coast has been a mixed one. He scored twice in his first three games, but has failed to score in seven since then and has even come in for criticism from the club’s supporters. Still, he has only featured in nine matches overall – that is hardly the biggest sample size.

At Red Bull Salzburg, he scored 64 goals and provided 44 assists in 199 matches – he has 87 strikes throughout his career. While he may have been participating in an inferior league in the Austrian Bundesliga, two goals and three assists in the Champions League during the 2019/20 term indicate he can perform at a higher level. If Hasenhuttl can keep him at the club for another 12 months, Minamino could yet prove to be a valuable asset.

In other news, Southampton are interested in this goalkeeper.

Tottenham Hotspur could find Nuno Santo his dream striker solution in the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Spurs are among the clubs who could make a move for Torino talisman Andrea Belotti at the turn of the year.

It was thought that the 27-year-old would leave the Serie A outfit in the summer, and with him out of contract at the end of the season, he has still not extended his current deal in Turin.

They claim that Belotti was close to signing for Chelsea or Zenit St Petersburg but it’s Spurs, Inter Milan and Juventus who could look to seal him in January.

It remains to be seen how much the Euro 2020 winner would command given his contractual situation, but Transfermarkt currently value him at £31.5m.

Nuno will be buzzing

The Lilywhites, who are rank outsiders for the Premier League title for those thinking of using their bonus kod kelbet, failed to secure a back-up – or partner – to Harry Kane throughout the summer, so it would make sense for them to revisit one in the next window.

As per The Telegraph in July, the Portuguese head coach is understood to have wanted to switch Spurs’ system to a two-man attack – something which may not be possible right now considering that the England international is his only senior centre-forward.

Belotti would be a dream solution – and potentially a massive bargain.

The 39-cap Italy international has proven to be a prolific goalscorer, even despite Torino’s league struggles – as per Transfermarkt, Belotti has hit at least double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17.

In that time, the Serie A club have not finished above seventh, ending last season in 17th place.

An average of 3.1 shots and 3.9 fouls drawn per game in 2020/21, via WhoScored, suggests that he’s a troubling threat in attack as he’s not only firing off attempts at goal but also forcing the opposition into taking him down.

By comparison, only Kane (3.9) managed more shots each outing, whilst Belotti was fouled over double the number of times of any Spurs star in 2020/21.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart, who left for Celtic this summer, has previously played alongside the 5 foot 11 Italian powerhouse and his glowing endorsement should provide further encouragement.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not,” he told Gianluca Di Marzio. “It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

If Nuno is really desperate for another striker, then Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici should work his magic back in his home country. After working at Juventus over the last few years, he should know full well what Belotti would bring.

They must launch a bid for the Torino star in January.

AND in other news, Nuno could unearth Spurs’ new secret weapon in “unbelievable” £27m-rated “big talent”…