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Everton are still keen to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, according to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder. 

The lowdown

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported in August that Rafael Benitez was keen on a reunion with Longstaff at Goodison Park. The Spaniard had handed the midfielder his senior debut for Newcastle back in December 2018.

The Magpies slapped a £10m price tag on the midfielder during the summer and he wound up remaining at St James’ Park beyond the transfer deadline, but as it stands, Longstaff will have only six months remaining on his contract when the January transfer window opens, so this could be Newcastle’s last chance to cash in.

The 24-year-old has won plaudits from the likes of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who admitted after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in 2019 that his team ‘could not deal’ with Longstaff and his midfield partner Isaac Hayden.

The latest

Ryder wrote in The Chronicle that Longstaff is wanted by Everton and other clubs around Europe ahead of the mid-season transfer window.

He has apparently been open to a new contract, with Newcastle wishing to continue those discussions, but it’s clear that time is running out for him to agree a new deal on Tyneside.

The verdict

What do Longstaff’s numbers look like this season? He has played 11 Premier League games, making eight starts and three substitute appearances (via WhoScored).

In those matches, he has averaged 2.8 tackles, 2.4 accurate long balls and 1.1 clearances. For context, among the Everton squad, only Allan (3.2) has a better tackling average, with the Newcastle midfielder ranking inside the league’s top 20 for that metric.

He could be a solid squad option for the Toffees, particularly as Benitez should be able to get the best out of him having blooded him at St James’ Park.

In other news, many Everton fans slammed this man’s performance v Brentford

According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, as translated and shared by the Glasgow Times, Celtic are also set to sign Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi alongside known targets Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

The Lowdown: Celtic eye Maeda and Hatate moves…

Ange Postecoglou, coming after the summer signing of Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi, has been heavily tipped to add more talent from the Asian continent to his Hoops roster.

The former Australia national team manager knows these players well with Celtic’s boss having also apparently set his sights on both Maeda and Hatate over these last few months.

Maeda, a striker for Ange’s ex-club Yokohama F Marinos, has been on their radar with the 24-year-old bagging an incredible 23 goals and five assists in 36 J-League starts over 2021 (Transfermarkt).

Hatate, meanwhile, a versatile left-back for Kawasaki Frontale, has also been at the centre of reports that his move to Parkhead is also a matter of time.

The Latest: Celtic also set to sign Ideguchi…

As per Kyodo, shared and translated by The Glasgow Times, Celtic are now also set ‘to win’ Ideguchi alongside the heavily linked duo.

The 25-year-old, a former Leeds United midfield player, comes as part of a stunning Japanese triple swoop with the transfers apparently on the verge of completion.

The Verdict: Right man?

Ideguchi’s inclusion in this raid should raise some eyebrows, not least because Celtic’s fresh interest has attracted some raised eyebrows from experts on Twitter.

Respected journalist Dan Orlowitz of The Japan Times, for instance, at first glance thought Ange’s interest in the ex-Whites man was ‘kind of insane’ – citing the fact he ‘threw his international career away’ during his spell at Elland Road (Twitter).

However, looking at the positives, other Asian football experts have actually praised Ideguchi for turning his form around in recent seasons.

Speaking to HITC, Alan Gibson, the editor of JSoccer magazine, explained how the midfield ace is ‘prepared to be hard’ and possesses a ‘touch of malice’ – perhaps leaving little wonder why Ange wants him in Glasgow.

Celtic’s boss is certainly familiar with Ideguchi actually haunting Ange during his time as the Socceroos head coach.

Ending Japan’s once seven-game run without a win against Australia in 2017, Ideguchi grabbed a goal against Ange’s side to help secure his country a place in the 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 triumph (Taipei Times).

That result briefly came as a ‘major blow’ to the Aussies in their quest for Russian qualification, though they eventually made it with a 3-1 win over Honduras.

Clearly, Ideguchi’s reportedly imminent arrival comes as a mixed bag but Celtic supporters will be hoping Ange can get the very best out of him.

In other news, Celtic are eyeing this Bundesliga star…

Many Wolves fans were left fuming over a claim made by Danny Murphy following their 1-0 loss at home to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme (via Birmingham Live), the former Reds midfielder said of Bruno Lage’s side: “Their lack of willingness to try and run forward, or (show) any courage to win the game, to go and cause Liverpool problems, was disappointing. I’ve seen them much better than that.”

Jurgen Klopp’s team dominated the game, with 17 shots compared to just three for the home side, and had twice as much of the ball, but they only won courtesy of a Divock Origi goal deep into injury time (SofaScore).

Liverpool are the most dangerous attacking team in the Premier League at the moment, having scored the most goals (44) in the division, and Lage’s plan almost worked, so it is understandable to see a few Wolves supporters taking issue with Murphy over his analysis.

Wolves fans on Murphy claim

These Wanderers fans fumed as the claim was shared on Twitter:

“Thought Murphy was supposed to be knowledgeable about football”

Credit: @jonbriscs

“The worst pundit by a distance… ruined MGW’s career”

Credit: @BenWolves8

“Then there’s the real world”

Credit: @julianholigan

“What, so we can get beaten by 3 or 4 like everyone else….just roll over? Get real Murphy!”

Credit: @oldwulf1

“Clear as day that Danny Murphy had not watched the 90 minutes before commenting”

Credit: @molineuxmusings

“We’d have been torn apart if we’d have run at them. The only disappointment was that we didn’t try and do more when they took Henderson off for Origi.”

Credit: @lukebailey90

In other news, many Wolves fans enjoyed this official club update

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos is happy at Ibrox despite rumours linking him with a move away, according to journalist Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Morelos a modern Rangers hero

The Gers have had numerous heroes down the years, whether it be Richard Gough, Ally McCoist or many other iconic Ibrox figures.

Morelos has arguably been the star man at the club in recent times, with his feisty personality complimented by goalscoring prowess.

The 25-year-old has scored 105 goals in 208 appearances for the Gers, playing a key role in them winning the Premiership title last season.

The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Morelos has been linked with a move away from the Gers, but speaking to Give Me Sport, Bridge claimed that his future looks set to belong at Ibrox.

The journalist said: “He’s always linked with other clubs, but he’s never moved away. He seems happy, he’s kind of settled down. There was one season where he had five red cards.”

The Verdict: Huge player moving forward

Losing Morelos would be a huge blow for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with the striker being such a regular source of goals and leading the line superbly, having been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by his former manager Steven Gerrard.

Granted, the Colombian hasn’t always been a saint, but the hope is that he is maturing with age and will become an even more rounded individual in years to come. Having been sent off six times in the 2018/19 campaign, he has been shown just two red cards in almost two-and-a-half years since (Transfermarkt), so it seems that he has cleaned up his act.

Morelos will likely have a massive role to play in the title race between now and the end of the season, as he looks to add to his six league goals in 2021/22.

In other news, one player is ‘definitely’ a Rangers transfer target. Read more here.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa could revisit a move for a Southampton midfielder in the January transfer window…

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer had suggested that the Midlands club were keen on signing James Ward-Prowse from St Mary’s, but it appears Gerrard is now also interested in landing Romeu.

During a Q&A for The Athletic, Evans said: “As for the budget… rather than setting an exact figure, Villa will remain flexible to act if either a bargain deal becomes available, or there is a need to top up a certain position, such as in midfield. Sporting director Johan Lange will present midfield options to manager Steven Gerrard, and Southampton’s Oriol Romeu may be looked at after he was tracked over the summer.”

Replacing Idrissa Gueye

Ever since Idrissa Gueye left the club for fellow Premier League side Everton, Villa have searched far and wide for someone to replace the gaping hole that the Senegal international left in the middle of the park.

Marvelous Nakamba has been the closest to doing so, but in Romeu, Gerrard could genuinely find a real monstrous defensive presence.

The 6 foot machine would represent a real upgrade on Nakamba in that holding midfield role – in fact, as per Whoscored, the Saints man’s impressive average of 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last season ranked him joint-third in the entire division.

Romeu also averaged 1.4 interceptions per game, numbers which are far better than any of Gerrard’s current options at Villa Park – Nakamba being the closest Villa player to the Spaniard, managing just 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match.

And, when asked about Romeu’s performance against West Brom in a 2-0 victory last season, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “When you see him as a professional, how he reacts when he is not first-choice, he’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever seen.

“Sometimes he is under the radar because he makes the work nobody wants to do – closing the gaps, closing the space, winning duels, being everywhere and when he is in the moment when he can score, it is unbelievable for him.”

The £6m-rated star is exactly what Villa need in that engine room, and could finally be the man to replace Gueye.

Meanwhile, Villa could transform their defence with this star…

As per a West Ham United source speaking to Football Insider, there has been an update on the club’s pursuit of a forward addition involving a new target in Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye attacking additions…

Since last January, David Moyes and the Irons have been actively scouring the market in search of fresh attacking options after they agreed to sell club-record signing Sebastien Haller to Ajax.

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As things stand, Jamaica international Michail Antonio is the Hammers’ only natural senior striking option, with an alternative apparently at the top of their agenda this month (Evening Standard).

New head of recruitment Rob Newman is now set for his first transfer window at West Ham as he aims to help Moyes in the winter market, with Football Insider sharing the latest on a new target.

The Latest: Newman eyeing El Ghazi bid…

As per an Irons source, speaking to the outlet, West Ham and Newman by extension are ‘plotting a January move’ for Villa’s El Ghazi amid his struggle for game-time.

Moyes apparently sees the forward as capable of ‘spearheading’ his attack through the centre as well as out wide, with Steven Gerrard’s side set to greenlight a sale for the player this month. While the Villans would prefer a permanent deal, it is believed that they are also open to the possibility of loan.

The Verdict: Right target?

El Ghazi has become a bit-part player this season but his performances at times over 2020/21 point to a player who could be useful for Moyes. Scoring 10 Premier League goals in 17 starts for Villa, the 26-year-old also averaged a consistent 2.3 shots on goal per 90 in that time, with only Antonio making more attempts among West Ham’s squad this term (WhoScored).

The Netherlands international has been called ‘unstoppable in training’ by his former Villa teammate Alan Hutton, who also glorified El Ghazi for his ‘outstanding’ form at the time (Football Insider).

Depending on the price, or if West Ham could agree a temporary move, he could actually be quite a shrewd addition by Newman and co, given his aforementioned ability to score prolifically in the English top flight.

In other news: West Ham could now also bid to sign ‘unbelievable’ £31.5 million-valued star for Moyes, find out more here.

Everton have been struggling to find form in the Premier League this season under Rafael Benitez, but they have already completed the signings of Ukrainian left back Vitaliy Mykolenko on New Year’s Day and Nathan Patterson. However, they are set for further January incomings if the latest claims are to be believed.

What’s the word?

News editor and journalist Alan Myers has taken to Twitter to confirm that Everton will be doing more business during the January transfer window following the capture of Patterson.

An Everton fan tweeted the journalist asking if he expected to see any more signings after the deal for the former Rangers whizz, with Myers responding: “Yes, and it depends on outs I’d suggest.”

The teaser comes as Benitez confirmed in his press conference ahead of last Sunday’s clash against Brighton that the club would be getting involved in the transfer window and pinpointed his intentions, saying: “We are working hard [to sign players]. At the same time, everyone knows how difficult the transfer window is in January, but we are still working hard to try and find some targets to improve the team.”

The Spaniard added: “We are trying to find the right players for positions not just for the present, but also for the future. I’m sure we will bring two or three players and we will bring the kind of players that want to be here, which is the main thing for me.”

It is understood that the manager would be taking a more active role in the transfer business during this window due to the unexpected resignation of Marcel Brands, who left Goodison Park a month ago over a rumoured conflict of opinion on the direction of the club.

Fans surely buzzing

Many Everton fans have made no secret of their anger and frustration towards Farhad Moshiri, and more so Benitez, when it comes to what they have seen on the pitch over the last six months. Sunday’s home defeat to Brighton witnessed the latest exhibition of disdain towards both the owner’s and the manager’s presence at the club.

One angry Toffees fan took to Twitter to reflect on the problems that Moshiri and Rafa have been creating from their perspective, saying: “Sleepwalking from one disaster to the next, 1 win in 12, clueless in possession, and tactically inept but Moshiri continues to sit on his hands and tell us it’ll all come good with Rafa. How long do we wait? #RafaOut”

Despite the awful results and performances which have left Everton with only five wins out of 19 league games so far this season, fans will likely be buzzing about the prospect of new signings who could potentially change the course of the club’s current campaign.

They might be just as happy about Myers’ claim of potential outgoings to allow scope for further arrivals, given how some of the current squad have been subjected to some rather stinging criticism from a number of fans over their less than stellar performances for the club.

The possibility of further additions this month could provide a welcome antidote to what has so far been a dreadful season for Everton and their supporters.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh transfer update on Nathan Patterson

Celtic have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Zinedine Ferhat to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Objectif Gard (via the Daily Record), who reveal a fresh twist to the story, suggesting the Algeria international is actively pushing for a move away from Nimes this January, with the 28-year-old being absent from the Ligue 2 side’s training on Wednesday.

This will come as a huge boost to Celtic and AS Saint-Etienne, both of whom are reported to be interested in a move for the winger – whose current contract at Stade des Costieres is set to expire at the end of the season.

Postecoglou will be buzzing

Considering the sheer amount of ability Ferhat quite clearly possesses, the news that the forward is very much keen to secure a move away from Nimes this January is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou buzzing.

Indeed, over his 33 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the £4.05m-rated winger scored six goals, provided a highly impressive ten assists – the joint second-most in the league alongside Dimitri Payet – and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £13k-per-week 28-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him by far and away as his side’s best performer in the top flight of French football last time out.

And, with Celtic having suffered a number of injuries to their wide attacking options so far this season, it would certainly appear that, should Postecoglou wish to give his side the best possible chance of sealing the Premiership title this season, greater depth is very much needed on the wings.

As such, considering his rather extraordinary returns in Ligue 1 last term, it would indeed seem like a move for Ferhat would be an incredibly wise one for the Bhoys this January, and, following the latest on the winger, it certainly looks as if there is a deal to be done for Celtic.

In other news: “Opened talks”: Joseph drops major transfer update that’ll have Celtic fans buzzing

Newcastle United are interested in Manchester United duo Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard, according to The Daily Star. 

The lowdown

The defender recently returned to the Red Devils’ Premier League starting line-up for the first time in two years against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the midfielder has been limited to 88 minutes of top-flight football so far this season, with a change of manager at Old Trafford failing to yield any real improvement in terms of game-time for either.

Newcastle have already flexed their muscles this month with the £12m signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, who won La Liga last season and have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages this term. Chris Wood has also joined from Burnley in a £25m deal.

The latest

The Daily Star’s Harry Pratt named Newcastle as one of Jones’ admirers. While Eddie Howe has ‘more pressing transfer targets’ in mind right now, he could revisit the potential move later in the transfer window. The Red Devils value the centre-back at £15m, a price tag which has put Burnley off.

In a separate report, Alex Wood wrote that Newcastle are willing to stump up a £3m fee to add Lingard to their ranks. The England international, who is also a target for West Ham after his loan spell with the Irons last season, is said to be ‘weighing up a departure’ from Old Trafford this month.

The verdict

Howe wants players who are proven in the Premier League to haul Newcastle away from trouble, and the the Red Devils’ 29-year-old duo seem to fit the bill. Jones has made 201 appearances in the English top flight, while Lingard has played 158 times at that level.

Jones may have allayed any concerns over his fitness with an impressive display against Wolves a fortnight ago. He won seven out of his eight duels and blocked three shots to earn a SofaScore rating of 7.6/10, the second-highest in Ralf Rangnick’s side.

Meanwhile, Lingard showed what he was capable of at West Ham in the early month of 2021, netting nine goals and laying on five assists in 16 appearances during a highly successful loan spell.

Those would suggest that both could make a big impact at St James’ Park if they swap Manchester for Tyneside.

In other news, Luke Edwards has been lamenting by this transfer update involving Newcastle

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have been left unimpressed with Jesse Lingard’s fresh admission that he hopes the Irons make a late move for him.

According to fresh reports by ESPN, Manchester United are keen to negotiate a permanent transfer for the England international before the January transfer deadline, as they hope to avoid losing the midfielder on a free at the end of the season.

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Sources have told ESPN that Lingard is only prepared to sign for Newcastle on a loan deal rather than a permanent basis, as he would like to assess his options in the summer.

The 29-year-old is reportedly hoping that his former loan club West Ham make a late move to secure his services. However, Man United are reluctant to loan the player to a club with whom they are competing for Champions League qualification, so they would only consider a permanent transfer to the Irons.

West Ham fans slam Lingard

West Ham Transfers shared ESPN’s news on their Twitter account, and this led to numerous Hammers fans flocking to the comments to share their disillusionment with the player, following a lengthy transfer saga where he previously rejected a move to the club.

Here’s what some of them had to say, with one angrily calling Lingard a “time waster”:

“This lad is so confusing”

Credit: @BowenOnFire

“Bored of hearing his name now”

Credit: @DraigCawson

“This conversation again? I thought he said a couple of weeks back that he weren’t interested in a move back??”

Credit: @jaymeeteewhu98

“This is getting old now.”

Credit: @hammerstone89

“this guy is honestly just the biggest time waster ever, we want players that are willing to play for us, he’s had plenty of chances to get a move”

Credit: @Billy_Dawson01

“Put a transfer request in. Prove yourself”

Credit: @tmerry10

In other news: ‘Pleaaaseeeee’, ‘This is the one’ – Many West Ham fans erupt over links with £8.1m-rated striker