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Everton have made two great signings already with Rafa Benitez attracting the likes of Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko to the Toffees during this transfer window, but he could be heading for a disaster if he was to sign a certain player who has recently been linked with a move to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Inter Milan have offered Everton the opportunity to sign Alexis Sanchez on a free transfer during this winter window.

The 33-year-old has fallen out of favour since Antonio Conte left Inter Milan after winning the Serie A last season, and is no longer a consistent starter under new coach Simone Inzaghi.

The situation was then discussed on GIVEMESPORT by transfer insider Dean Jones who spoke of Farhad Moshiri’s desires for the squad when asked about Sanchez this week: “We’ve seen that at various times over Moshiri’s time there that he really does like having that superstar feel to his team if he can get it.”

Rodriguez disasterclass 2.0

Alexis has been in the headlines this week for scoring in extra time for Inter as they won Supercoppa, describing himself as a “monster” post-match, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’d be a good acquisition.

Everton have become well known for their reckless spending since the arrival of owner Farhad Moshiri, who has signed over 40 players and spent north of £500m during his half-decade at the club, with no progress or trophies since, in fact, the side are just six points away from the relegation zone currently, after enduring a struggle in the first half of the season.

Although Sanchez, who was once dubbed “inconsistent” by Joey Barton, has been a phenomenal player in the past and made a great impact on the club he has played for – helping Conte secure a league title in the Serie A last season with seven goals and seven assists in the league – he is currently on £350k-per-week and in the last years of his career at 33-years-old.

The signing of the outspoken Chilean forward could head in the same direction as the disasterclass that became of the James Rodriguez signing.

He started spectacularly for the Toffees, seeing himself involved in six goals in his first five outings, but soon became injured, inconsistent and as a result, unable to deliver at the level he was expected to. Thus, he became an expensive headache on £140k-per-week which eventually led to his departure on a free transfer in September last year.

If the rumours are true that Everton are interested in signing Sanchez, it will be disappointing to fans who would be hoping that Moshiri has learned some lessons over the last half a decade owning the Merseyside club.

Wasting money has got them nowhere in terms of being successful on the pitch and Benitez should work hard to make sure that the club spends money on wages more wisely rather than splashing them on a player who is out of his prime and unlikely able to start every week.

In other news: “Everton are interested” – Journo drops big transfer update that’ll leave Rafa gutted…

Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Fabio Silva for £35m in a record-breaking transfer for the club, but Silva has since only been given 36 minutes of Premier League football so far this season under Bruno Lage.

The Portuguese boss hasn’t been playing the 19-year-old forward often, with just two starts for the side in the league cup, during which he has bagged two assists for the side.

The Wolves manager did speak out last week about why he hasn’t been included in the side much this season:

“Fabio is important for us,” Lage said. “He’s a young talent. Me and my staff have a pathway for the youth. Luis (Nascimento) worked with Fabio before so we see potential in him.”

“He needs to continue to work and wait for that chance. He needs to work for today and work for tomorrow.”

The teenager played 37 games in all competitions last season under Nuno Santo, scoring four goals and assisting three times for the side but has become out of favour for game time since the arrival of new manager Bruno Lage, in the summer.

Silva has been predicted to be an “extraordinary striker” by Sporting CP legend, Manuel Fernandes and even compared the teenager to Ronaldo.

“When Ronaldo was 17, he played as a centre-forward for Sporting’s youth teams. I saw him doing things that I’m now seeing a boy from FC Porto do, Fabio Silva.”

One of the main reasons that Silva did get so much game time last season was due to the fact Raul Jimenez suffered a horrific skull injury a few months into the season in November 2020, missing the rest of the season for Wolves, meaning that the youngster had the opportunity to step into his shoes quickly.

Although the Mexican has made his return to the side, Lage will need to look at future prospects for Silva, who will be keen to break back into the first team.

Wolves will be looking to capitalise on their fantastic first half of the season, with the view to securing a European spot by finishing in the top half of the Premier League.

The number of attacking options in Wolves’ locker still hasn’t deterred the rumour mill from working overtime when it comes to the imminent winter transfer window, with Enner Valencia linked to a move to the Molineux.

However, Lage could make smarter moves by saving millions and forgetting about the aforementioned target, utilising Silva in the team instead.

In other news: Hatfield hints at an early exit for Traore

Carney Chukwuemeka will make just his second start of the season for Aston Villa against Burnley on Saturday, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has predicted. 

The lowdown

Chukwuemeka’s only previous Premier League start this term came in the 1-1 draw with Brentford back in August.

He then watched on from the sidelines until returning to the fray as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at the start of this month.

The 18-year-old’s runout at Norwich City in midweek only lasted seven minutes, but it was enough time for him to tee-up Ollie Watkins for a late goal.

Chukwuemeka, who’s been on Villa’s books since 2016, is only valued at £2.25million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Preece thinks that Ashley Young could drop out of the starting line-up, pointing out that the 36-year-old has played 220 minutes in the space of ten days.

Jacob Ramsey could be pushed into a left wing position, but he reckons it’s more likely that Gerrard will turn to Chukwuemeka following his ‘brilliant’ assist against Norwich.

The verdict

In truth, Chukwuemeka didn’t make too much of an impression against Brentford. He only completed 13 passes during his 63 minutes on the pitch, and he failed to register a shot or create a chance (via SofaScore).

But having caught the eye at Carrow Road, he could well be in line for gametime over the busy festive period. Villa are due to play four matches in the next 15 days, and that could force Gerrard to rotate.

What’s more, handing opportunities to the ‘supremely gifted’ and ‘imposing’ youngster may convince him that Villa Park is the best place for him.

In other news, fans fumed at this news from the club.

According to a report by Super Deporte, via Sport Witness, there has been a behind-the-scenes update on Leeds United’s search for a possible heir to Marcelo Bielsa.

The Lowdown: Bielsa era ending?

The Argentine, who has worked wonders at Elland Road overall, guiding them back to the Premier League after many years of waiting, could be on the way out of Yorkshire at the end of this season.

Sources suggest that the 66-year-old could decide to part company with his contract set to expire at the end of 2021/2022 as things stand.

There has been no sign of an extension at Leeds so far as the club hover just two points above the relegation zone after a very lacklustre start.

Former Granada boss Diego Martinez has been heavily tipped to potentially succeed Bielsa at the end of this season as an update emerges.

The Latest: ‘Everything suggests’ Martinez to Leeds…

As per Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), ‘everything suggests’ the 40-year-old will eventually succeed Leeds’ manager as the Spaniard is even in England studying the game.

Indeed, as per their information, Leeds chief Victor Orta has already held talks with Martinez – making a ‘first approach’ with him behind the scenes.

However, the out-of-work boss does not want to take charge of a team mid-season – with the feeling being he will arrive in the summer when Bielsa’s contract runs out.

The Verdict: Ideal replacement?

Lauded as a miracle worker and Spanish football revelation for his job at Granada, it’s safe to say Martinez certainly knows how to get the best out of what he has.

Guiding his former side from the second tier to Europa League quarter-finals, his candid interview with ESPN details a hard-working, charismatic boss potentially in the Bielsa mould.

He was adored by his former club’s supporters according to writers associated with Granada, with there being some suggestions they were calling for a statue (LaLigaLowdown).

Taking this into account, he could be a more-than ideal heir for Bielsa at Leeds.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ turnaround under their current head coach, Bruno Lage, has been quite incredible.

The Midlands club suffered a trio of defeats to mark the opening of the Portuguese’s reign as his appointment immediately looked like something of a mistake.

However, Wolves have banished nearly all of their demons from Nuno Santo’s mediocre final campaign in charge, as they sit firmly in contention for a Europa League spot.

They are more prominent in attack which has been aided by Raul Jimenez’s return and the arrival of Hwang Hee-Chan.

Sadly, one of the club’s lingering issues from 2020/21 is still very much plaguing them. That happens to be on the injury front where Pedro Neto, Jonny and Yerson Mosquera all remain long-term absentees at Molineux.

Lage confirmed on Tuesday that they will not return in December, but sadly the same eventually has befallen Willy Boly.

Wolves supporters have only caught one glimpse of the centre-back this term which came in the Carabao Cup.

Boly has felt the long-lasting impacts after previously testing positive for the ongoing pandemic and he has not been the same since.

The former Porto defender had appeared on the bench in the last few weeks but now fans will have to wait even longer to see him back in the Old Gold.

That’s because he’s been dealt a new late injury in the build-up to the Burnley clash. Unfortunately, it’s a setback that could keep him out until the New Year when he might head off to the Africa Cup of Nations, fitness depending.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Burnley, Lage revealed the news in a big blow that is likely to devastate him.

He said: “I believe, for sure, after this he’ll be back stronger, fit, to help us in the second half of the season. That’s what I want, for him — full energy to be fit to help us. Let’s see. He wants to come back as soon as possible, (and be) the Boly people know, the Boly who did very well here the past four years.”

The injury, at present, is unspecified but there is no denying how big a miss he continues to be.

If you can fault anything about Wolves this term, it’s their defence. With the likes of Boly, Mosquera, Jonny and Marcal all out, it has pillaged Lage of some pivotal options.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see that they’ve kept just four clean sheets in the league all season.

That record would surely be improved with Boly in the team, and thus, as Wolves continue to chase European football, that goal will become an even trickier one to achieve with him on the treatment table again.

The 30-year-old has been a colossal influence on the side since joining so Lage is likely to be gutted that he’s not had an opportunity to unleash him properly.

Once again, he’ll be left scrambling around to patch together his defence when Sean Dyche’s physically imposing side arrive in the Midlands.

AND in other news, Spiers drops behind the scenes Wolves update ahead of Burnley, fans will be buzzing…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have absolutely erupted over a managerial update involving their club and Dutch title-winner Erik ten Hag.

After the Red Devils succumbed to a humiliating loss against Liverpool at the weekend, conceding five without reply to their arch rivals at Old Trafford, it’s safe to say Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position has been under scrutiny.

The United legend has been at the centre of reports hinting he could be grasping on to his tenure by a thread as his side lay seventh in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Chelsea.

Given the amount of star power in their squad, not to mention summer investment, it is little surprise Solskjaer is under pressure and there have already been murmurs of who could replace the Norwegian if he is given his marching orders.

The Daily Mail claim that one man United are considering to potentially replace the 48-year-old is Ajax manager ten Hag – with journalist Sami Mokbel writing that he is ‘touted as a potential replacement’ for Solskjaer amid his links to Newcastle.

Flocking to this update, which one supporter called a ‘dream’, it’s safe to say many other Red Devils want to see ten Hag replace their current under-fire boss.

Find all of their verdicts on the development down below, via utdreport.

Man United fans flock to ten Hag news… “I AM ON MY KNEES”Credit: @J_Brodie_3“This looks promising”Credit: @SonoiyaLawrence“now we are talking”Credit: @fotball_fan“PLEASE”Credit: @Kaazz_Mufc“OMG YESSSS I BEG”Credit: @MufcLucas“Thats the dream hope it happens”Credit: @danthegenius_“Perfect choice, let him bring Overmars as well please.”Credit: @Martialized11“We beg you@ManUtdPlz for the love of gods get him inHe is the perfect man united managerPlays great football, develops youth, gives them changes and his tactics are on par with klopp,pep and he is socially presentable and well likeable as wellHe is the perfect candidate”Credit: @Krish_1129

In other news: ‘Worse than Fred’, ‘Needs to get in the weight room’…Man United fans tear into ‘very weak’ player who ‘needs shipping out’, find out more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Dean Smith’s post-match interview following the 4-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.

Villa failed to revive their fortunes against David Moyes’ side, making it four defeats in a row in October and leading to reports that the 50-year-old’s job is in ‘serious jeopardy’.

Ollie Watkins cancelled out Ben Johnson’s opener before Declan Rice gave the Hammers the lead once again before half-time. Villa then had Ezri Konsa sent off at the start of the second half, with goals from Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen sealing an emphatic win for the Hammers late on.

Smith gave his assessment of the match to the club’s official media team, with the interview available to view here.

He discussed each talking point and believed that Konsa’s sending off was ‘wrong’, while also name-checking Leon Bailey and Emiliano Martinez for mistakes for the visitors’ first two goals.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to a clip from the club’s official Twitter channel showing the interview, with many left raging over what Smith had to say.

“Time to go Smith. We need to progress onto the top 6. We won’t do it with you.”

Credit: @bretharris4

“Started slowly for the first 15 minutes AGAIN. What is going on? We never start on the front foot. Another season where we would take mid table. Let’s hope we see progress this season. Stay safe everyone. UTV”

Credit: @SharkyWard2

“I feel sick listening to that”

Credit: @utvavfcutv

“How on earth is he blaming Bailey for the first goal lol.”

Credit: @AstonViIIaFan

“I love you Deano. You gave this club an identity but you’ve taken us as far as you can. Plus, it looks like you’ve lost the dressing room to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done but it’s time to step aside before this season is an absolute write off and relegation battle”

Credit: @bmmorris26

“Let him walk his dog all day every day to the job centre”

Credit: @avfck1eran

In other news: ‘Bigger issue than Mings’ – Many Villa fans slam ‘useless’ player v West Ham

With Southampton having failed to win a game in the Premier League so far this season, it’s safe to say that Saints fans have not had a lot to shout about recently.

However, one shining light that supporters can take some pleasure in is the progression and development of full-back Kyle Walker-Peters since his arrival at the club.

Southampton originally signed Walker-Peters on a loan deal from fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in the 2020 January window before securing him on a permanent deal in the following summer transfer window for a fee of £12m.

In terms of his development and progression since joining Southampton, the defender’s market value in April 2020 was £7.2 million according to Transfermarkt. However, after making a total of 51 appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side across all competitions where he’s managed one goal and provided four assists along the way, Walker-Peters’ current market value has increased to £16.2m.

That’s a fine increase of 125% since penning terms on the south coast and suggests it was somewhat of a masterclass from the manager to sign him.

The rise in value shows just how well the 24-year-old, who is apparently earning a weekly wage of just over £23k-per-week according to Spotrac, has done since stepping away from Spurs and joining Southampton.

So far this season, the defender has made six appearances across all competitions where he has registered one goal and provided one assist, both coming in their 8-0 win over Newport County in the Carabao Cup.

For his five appearances in the Premier League, Walker-Peters has earned himself an overall season rating of 6.83/10 for his performances which puts him as Southampton’s third-highest rated player according to WhoScored.

Walker-Peters latest appearance for Southampton saw him play the entire 90 minutes in their recent 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

Despite the poor result, Walker-Peters still managed to earn himself a respectable match rating of 6.8/10 for his efforts against the west London club. He won six duels all while playing out of position on the left-hand side of defence. His rating, via SofaScore, made him the second-highest-rated outfield player on the day from a Saints perspective.

Moving forward, we see no reason why Hasenhuttl would consider not continue starting Walker-Peters throughout the remainder of their Premier League campaign. However, they will need to make sure they secure their first win of the season as soon as possible or else they could find themselves in real trouble.

In other news: Forget JWP: £12.5k-p/w Southampton gem who made just 6 passes let Ralph down v CFC – opinion

Former Celtic captain Tom Boyd has said that Motherwell’s Bevis Mugabi got away with a ‘horrendous’ challenge against the Hoops at the weekend.

The lowdown

David Turnbull was left in need of treatment after the tackle from centre-half Mugabi early in the second half of Celtic’s 2-0 win at Fir Park on Saturday.

The Motherwell defender escaped any form of punishment for the challenge, although he received a yellow card for a separate incident in stoppage time.

Turnbull had put Celtic two goals to the good after Filipe Jota’s opener and was able to complete the 90 minutes.

The latest

Boyd, who was on co-commentary duty for Celtic TV, was furious that Mugabi wasn’t shown a red card, and he believes there’s a pattern of referees failing to protect Hoops players.

“That is a red card,” he said, as quoted by 67 Hail Hail. “It is a red card. It’s horrendous, coming through.

“It’s the follow-through that he’s done. I think he’s got a bit of the ball but he’s come through and followed through and done Turnbull.

“And once again a player gets a free hit at us by referees not doing their duty of care to players that are wearing green and white hoops.”

The verdict

If Boyd’s fearful claim is justified, then it’s a concern for Celtic going forward. Without adequate punishment, there may not be that deterrent in place to prevent reckless challenges from opponents.

Turnbull may have emerged unscathed at the weekend, but in future there’s perhaps a risk of serious injury.

It should be said that no Celtic player features in the top 35 most-fouled players in the Premiership, but it’s less an issue of frequency and more of force.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has revealed the return timeline for this key duo. 

Rangers kick off their Europa League group stage campaign against Ligue 1 side Lyon at Ibrox on Thursday night as they go in search of three points against the French outfit.

Steven Gerrard’s side head into the match having won five of their last six matches in all competitions, with their last defeat coming against Malmo in a Champions League qualifier on the 10th of August.

After failing to qualify for Europe’s premier competition they ended up winning their Europa League play-off game and will now be aiming to reach the knockout stages, with their journey to that point beginning with a group stage clash against Lyon.

It will be intriguing to see who Gerrard selects in his starting XI, with a number of options all over the pitch for him to choose from. One player who we believe should be handed a starting berth, however, is Croatian left-back Borna Barisic.

The 28-year-old was rested against St Johnstone at the weekend as young full-back Calvin Bassey was given the chance to catch the eye with a performance. Whilst he did not do anything wrong, Bassey was not able to offer the same quality on the ball as Barisic in the final third.

He was given a SofaScore rating of 6.80 and created one chance for Rangers. Barisic, meanwhile, has played two Scottish Premiership matches and averaged a score of 7.30 and created three chances, with one of those games coming against Celtic.

Last season, Barisic averaged a rating of 7.40 as he scored one goal and provided six assists from the left-back position. He created an impressive 2.2 chances per game from the back, showing that he has the quality to open up defences with his quality of delivery from out wide.

This is why Gerrard must unleash the Croatian against Lyon as he has the ability to unlock the Ligue 1 side’s defence with his ability on the ball. Playing Barisic would give Rangers another creative outlet in the side and pose more questions of to the Lyon back four, with the full-back able to create overlapping situations on the left to whip crosses into the box to test the centre-backs and goalkeeper.

Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae once hailed his ability in the final third, saying: “He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

The £18k-per-week left-back has proven that he can perform to a higher standard than Bassey and create more chances per game, which is why he should be selected ahead of the 21-year-old when the team news drops on Thursday night.

AND in other news, Major pre-Lyon update emerges on £27k-p/w “warrior”, it’ll have Rangers fans buzzing…