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Crystal Palace must move for Everton midfielder Tom Davies as new manager Patrick Vieira aims to complete the overhaul of his engine room at Selhurst Park.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Eagles are monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation at Goodison Park ahead of a potential offer.

The report states that: “A Palace source has told Football Insider that Davies is on their radar going into next year and his situation at Everton will be monitored.

“Intriguingly, Davies is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and there has been no progress in talks over an extension.”

Patrick Vieira needs him

Palace replaced several ageing campaigners with fresh faces over the summer following Roy Hodgson’s departure, including two central midfielders.

Conor Gallagher arrived at Selhurst Park on a season-long loan from Chelsea and has already made a huge impression in south London, while Will Hughes is yet to make an appearance following his switch from Watford.

Despite the acquisition of the duo, Vieira may still feel the need to freshen up his options in the centre of the pitch, given the profiles of his alternative choices.

Club captain Luka Milivojevic is 30 years old, James McArthur is 33 and Cheikhou Kouyate is 31, combine those ages with the fact that Gallagher may not return for a second spell next season and it’s easy to understand why Davies is needed.

The former England Under-21 international would bring energy, youthful legs, and a tenacity to the midfield that has been lacing in south London in previous years.

Under former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, Davies played a bit-part role during 2020/21 but did put in several standout displays, catching the eye of the Italian tactician against Manchester United.

“I think, first of all, Tom is a really professional player, really focused on what he is doing,” Ancelotti said. “He has a strong sense of belonging to this club, and this is also really important.

“The only thing I said to him is to simplify his work and his style of play. He plays in a position where tactically you have to be really focused. Watching the game against United, I think tactically; he was perfect.”

However, the youngster appears to have slipped down the pecking order under Ancelotti’s successor Rafael Benitez. Davies has only featured in 17 minutes of Premier League action in Everton’s opening six fixtures the current campaign, throwing his future at the club into doubt.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Davies, providing Vieira with a long-term solution to his engine room conundrum.

And, in other news…Palace can repeat Olise masterclass by signing 26y/o beast, he’s got a “great future” 

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Galway United starlet Alex Murphy.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported: “#NUFC win battle to sign teenage defender Alex Murphy – with Irish full-back set to leave Galway United and move to Tyneside in the summer…”

In a follow-up article, he added: “Murphy will leave Irish side Galway United to move to Tyneside in the summer, once he turns 18, and is set to join Newcastle’s development ranks.

“The 17-year-old, who is primarily regarded as a left-back, joined Galway United from Corrib Celtic, and has been attracting attention from scouts from right across Europe in the last few months.””Torino and Celtic are understood to have made contact with his representatives, with Brighton also having been linked with a possible move, but Newcastle have won the battle to secure his signature.”Exciting prospect for NewcastleVersatile enough to play at both left-back and centre-back, Murphy has been a regular presence for Galway since the start of the League of Ireland season earlier this year, playing seven games and registering one assist.The 17-year-old has also broken onto the scene at international level, playing for the Republic of Ireland’s under-18s, while also featuring most recently for the under-19s in their European Championship qualifiers against Portugal and Armenia just last month.Having seen his club play a vital role in Murphy’s early development, Corrib Celtic’s chairman Jack Barrett raved about the teenager’s work ethic.He said: “Corrib Celtic were aware from an early stage that we had a huge talent on our hands. I often witnessed Alex’s determination and strive to make himself better. On a lot of occasions off-season I would visit our grounds with nobody around and next thing witness Alex arrive on a bike on his own, with two footballs, to spend the next three hours practicing free-kicks and all the other skills of the game.”This shows a real attitude to go further in the game. All in all, Galway United have the real deal on their hands.”While Newcastle fans will be excited to see the prospect of big-money signings and marquee arrivals this summer, Murphy’s move to Tyneside should have Eddie Howe delighted, with the teenager no doubt someone who could very much become part of the club’s future.Already gaining valuable experience at first-team level with Galway United, Murphy should find a home in the Magpies’ academy sides as Wilson has suggested, with a view to integrating him into the senior setup sooner rather than later if he really showcases his talent and potential.The 5 foot 11 starlet could be a part of the long-term project at St James’ Park for Newcastle.AND in other news – Sold for just £100k, now a two-time title winner: NUFC flop has delivered huge payback

There was no sign of Lucas Digne in the Everton squad for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Arsenal. 

The French defender had started all but one Premier League game prior to the Gunners’ visit to Goodison Park, but even though he wasn’t injured, Rafael Benitez made the ‘significant decision’, in the words of The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe, to leave him out entirely.

What’s going on at Everton?

Everton finally ended an eight-game winless run stretching back to September courtesy of Demarai Gray’s stoppage-time effort, but before the match, a report from The Athletic revealed discontent within the Toffees’ camp.

Some players apparently feel constrained by Benitez’s style of play, and one ‘key figure’ even described it as ‘ugly football’.

Digne had seemed happy

Digne signed a contract extension as recently as February, committing to the club until 2025.

The 28-year-old’s estimated transfer value now stands at £31.5m, according to Transfermarkt.

Could it be form-related?

The Frenchman’s form has tailed off this season, as shown by the drop in his average WhoScored rating from 7.08 to 6.8/10. His expected assists per 90 have also slipped from 0.2 to 0.13 (via Understat).

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed news of Benitez’s call, and here’s what supporters made of it, with some fearing a repeat of how James Rodriguez abruptly left Goodison Park earlier this year after being frozen out by the Spaniard.

These Everton fans express Digne fears

“He’s consolidated power and first chance he gets he takes retribution on a player…this is going to end very badly…”

Credit: @peterabbit68

“Pushing all the good players out, James, Digne, be DCL and Richarlison next.”

Credit: @JoeBazooooka

“Benched yes I’d understand more so but fully dropped from the squad…”

Credit: @tutes24

“If he goes it will be a massive miss and a surprise that a lot of fans won’t miss him till he’s gone.”

Credit: @SheepFlavour

“We are getting the full Benitez experience. Consolidating his power and pushing quality players he doesn’t like out”

Credit: @MarcC856

“James part 2”

Credit: @pombomalvado

In other news, many Everton fans have reacted to the club’s post-Brands plan

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential boost in their bid to bring Isco to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Carlo Ancelotti has informed the Real Madrid attacking midfielder that he will be sold in the January transfer window, should an acceptable offer be lodged.

This could see Tottenham reignite their interest in the 29-year-old, with it being reported last summer that the Premier League side were monitoring the situation of the Spain international ahead of a potential swoop.

Indeed, a further report by The Sunday Mirror (via The Spurs Web) suggested that Spurs were willing to offer Madrid £14m in order to sign the forward earlier this year, as well as being prepared to offer Isco a three-year deal in north London.

Bye-bye Dele

While it is true that Isco has not enjoyed his finest form at Real Madrid in recent campaigns, the 29-year-old has nevertheless demonstrated in previous seasons that, when he is given the opportunity to do so, he can be one of the most influential players in what is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances back in 2016/17, the £13.5m-rated man scored a highly impressive ten goals, registered eight assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Andres Iniesta dubbed a “fantastic player with an incredible talent” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Los Blancos’ ninth-best player in the top flight of Spanish football that season.

And, although his metrics have not been quite as impressive over his seven league outings so far this term, the £211k-per-week midfielder has far from been in disastrous form, scoring one goal, creating one big chance for his teammates and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

Furthermore, with it being widely reported that Antonio Conte is more than happy for Dele Alli to move onto pastures new in the upcoming winter window, a move for Isco would not only help to improve the Italian’s current options in attacking midfield, it would also very much appear to be the final nail in the coffin for the 25-year-old former England international in the capital.

In other news: Conte can finally axe Spurs’ £25m-rated “joke” by signing “devastating” £69k-p/w beast

Taking to Twitter, Canadian sports reporter Matthew Scianitti has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving in-form Lille star Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye striker…

As explained by reliable reporter Alasdair Gold, signing a striker is one of manager Antonio Conte’s four main priorities for Spurs as he seeks to begin the N17 rebuild.

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Many names have been linked with a potential, namely Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic as the most prevalent target, but other, more obscure forwards can’t be ruled out.

In terms of quality, there are few options in greater form than Ligue 1 sensation David, who is already drawing comparisons with superstar Luis Suarez.

Making a Twitter claim, TSN sports journalist Scianitti has shared some news involving the his countryman and Spurs.

The Latest: David ‘open’ to Spurs possibility…

He claims that the Canada star is now on Tottenham’s radar as they join the ever-growing list of clubs eyeing a move.

While it is ‘unlikely’ David will be leaving before January 31, the player hasn’t yet got a particular destination in mind as is ‘open’ to all possibilities – including Spurs.

“Add Chelsea & Tottenham to teams interested in Jonathan David, @TSN_Sports has learned,” he explained.

“Barcelona & Man United still interested too, adding to Arsenal, Liverpool & Real Madrid reports.

“Jan move unlikely. David hasn’t narrowed his list, he’s said to be “open” to every possibility.”

The Verdict: Major coup…

If the 22-year-old were to narrow down his options to Tottenham, there is little arguing he would be a major coup.

Scoring a brilliant 16 goals already this campaign, David’s international record with Canada is equally as impressive – having netted a sublime 18 goals in 24 caps (Transfermarkt).

Valued at around £45 million by Transfermarkt, there is little wonder he could command such a hefty fee, with commentator Maximiliano Bretos branding David ‘phenomenal’ for his exploits on the world stage.

In other news: Spurs edge closer to first January signing as Conte personally eyes ‘massive’ £15m man, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to return to winning ways after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. 

Spurs have failed to complete any signings up until this point in the January transfer window, which isn’t a great surprise as they weren’t able to strengthen back in the summer months.

One thing that has been bothering many supporters is the amount of doubt currently surrounding Christian Eriksen’s contract situation, with Mauricio Pochettino currently unsure (as per Sky Sports) on his future.

Eriksen has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football over the past couple of seasons, and his contributions have been priceless once again in the current campaign, with six goals and 10 assists.

So, the Lilywhites will be desperate to persuade him to stay in the English capital for longer, with an ambitious double swoop in the January transfer window signings possibly turning his head.

Mousa Dembele’s departure has left Spurs with a void to fill in the middle of midfield, so Daniel Levy will need to bring in a central midfielder before the end of this month.

Interestingly, Abdoulaye Doucoure could be the man to take the Belgian international’s place in North London.

The Watford midfielder has managed to produce three goals and five assists in the current campaign, but it has been his pure dominance in the middle of midfield that has really caught the eye. Indeed, the tall Frenchman is dominant in the air and in possession of the ball, with his passing and tackling ability making him very effective in all areas.

Also, another player the Premier League club should look at signing is Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder.

Ben Yedder has established himself as one of the most impressive forwards in Spain over the past couple of seasons, with 17 goals and seven assists to his name in the current campaign, which includes six goals in Europe. He would be the perfect replacement for Harry Kane at the pinnacle of the attack while he continues to nurse his injury, with goals, assists and world-class performances being produced on a consistent basis.

There’s no doubt that securing these two transfer deals before the end of this month would show Eriksen that the club means business, with Pochettino then having the playing resources to go out and secure Champions League glory and a top four spot. Indeed, with Ben Yedder taking Spurs’ attack to the next level and Doucoure providing Eriksen with the licence to push forward in midfield, there’s no better place for the Dane to be.

Tottenham Hotspur fans – thoughts on potential moves for Ben Yedder and Doucoure?

Everton and West Ham United are among possible destinations for Ivan Perisic as he approaches the end of his Inter Milan contract, according to Fichajes.net.

The lowdown

Perisic, 32, is now into the final year of his deal at Inter. He’s been on the books of the Serie A giants for seven years, though he did spend the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich, helping them to win the Champions League.

The Croatian netted twice for his country at last summer’s European Championships, with his goal at Hampden Park on Matchday Three quashing Scotland’s hopes of progression.

He’s started eight of Inter’s nine league games up to this point, scoring twice and providing one assist (via WhoScored).

Jose Mourinho has previously marvelled at the ‘amazing’ winger and described him as ‘dominant over defenders’.

The latest

The report states that ‘several clubs are aware’ of Perisic’s situation and are ‘preparing their offers’ ahead of 2020.

He may yet renew his contract at San Siro, but if he chooses to leave, Everton and West Ham would be interested in bringing him to England.

Perisic could also return to the Bundesliga, with Wolfsburg keen on luring him back to the Volkswagen Arena.

The verdict

Another winger, Andros Townsend, arrived on a free transfer last summer and looks to be an excellent addition.

That will have given Everton encouragement – they’ll believe they can improve their squad without spending a penny on a transfer fee with Rafa Benitez showing his knack of getting the best out of limited spending.

And Perisic is, of course, a couple of levels up from the former Crystal Palace man. He’ll have turned 33 by the end of the season, but he could still offer Everton a year or two of effective service given his track record at top clubs in Europe.

In other news, fans weren’t happy with this ‘work hard’ post. 

Everton could take midfielder Fabian Ruiz from Napoli, according to Gonfia La Rete (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Spaniard is valued at a hefty £49.5m by Transfermarkt but significantly his contract is due to expire at the end of next season.

If Napoli can’t tie him down in the next couple of months, they may view the summer transfer window as their last opportunity to cash in, knowing that Ruiz could negotiate pre-contract terms with foreign clubs come January 2023.

The 26-year-old has split his minutes so far this season between central midfield (20 games) and defensive midfield roles (12).

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The latest

The report from Gonfia La Rete (via Sport Witness) rates Napoli’s prospects of agreeing a contract extension with Ruiz.

They claimed that things could get ‘difficult’ for the Serie A title-chasers if Everton make an offer to ‘cover the Spaniard in gold’.

Newcastle United are also said to be interested and could present a counterproposal.

The verdict

Newcastle are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world, so Everton may not be able to compete with the kind of financial package that the Tynesiders can offer.

If the Toffees can win the race, though, they would be picking up a long-range specialist. Remarkably, all six of Ruiz’s Serie A goals this season have come from outside the penalty area – that’s as many as Everton have scored as a team.

One of those goals was a 94th-minute winner away to Lazio in February, which sports journalist Josh Bunting labelled ‘stunning’.

Ruiz has a penchant for the spectacular, although journalist Zach Lowy believes that his performances have also been ‘absolutely incredible’ in general.

This could be an early recruitment triumph for Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell if he pulls it off.

In other news, Ian Wright heaps praise on one Everton ace

Everton have already made two signings during the first week of the January transfer window, but they could now be set to make another signing as they are rumoured to have joined the chase to sign one in-demand player from Europe.

What’s the word?

According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, the Toffees are interested in Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski.

The report suggests that the Serie A club are interested in selling the 21-year-old in order to raise funds for a striker this month, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be interested in securing his signature.

The £27.5m-rated gem was hailed by former Bianconeri team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who said: “He is a great talent. He will help us to win and achieve incredible things. I really like to see him, he has a great potential, and he’s an excellent player.”

Everton are set to compete with the other two Premier League clubs to get a deal done for Kulusevski but are currently trying to build transfer funds in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Imagine him & Doucoure

Despite Everton struggling to get results in the Premier League this season with just five wins so far, they do have an appeal with a number of fine attacking players in their squad, which could be the element with which to tempt Kulusevski with a possible move to Merseyside.

According to One Versus One, the Sweden international has the highest one-touch pass accuracy in Serie A and is in the top ten players for completing his passes into the final third. That could be a huge advantage to the attacking line at Goodison Park, as this top-level accuracy in front of goal could secure the opportunity for more chances to be created and, as a result, more goals to be scored.

If he were to join Benitez’s side, he would likely play on the right-hand side of midfield alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure, and the duo could form a deadly partnership in creating chances for a newly-returned Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the potential for the team being more prolific in front of goal, as scoring has been an issue this season.

Everton had been without Calvert-Lewin since the start of September, while Richarlison has also suffered two bouts of injury, so it’s no surprise that the goal scoring hasn’t come naturally to the Toffees this season. However, with the return of the England striker and more potential additions in January like Kulusevski, the Toffees could be back in the top half of the table in no time.

In other news: This Everton player gives an insight to his future plans

This weekend sees Liverpool continue their push for the Premier League title with a tough clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday evening, with the Hammers just two points behing Jurgen Klopp’s side in the table.

Looking ahead to the match in east London, it seems as though the Reds have been handed yet another injury issue which Klopp will need to work around when considering his starting XI against the Irons.

What’s the news?

Speaking ahead of the match against David Moyes’ side, Klopp revealed that Curtis Jones suffered an eye injury in training which kept him out of the club’s midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid and will also rule him out of Sunday’s clash. That will surely have a lot of Liverpool fans fuming given the likely accidental nature of the injury on this occasion, on top of the fact that he struggled with a muscle injury he picked up on international duty in October.

So far this season, Jones has made nine appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists in the process and proving himself to be useful midfield option for Klopp, especially in an attacking sense.

Additionally, the 20-year-old has averaged 1.2 shots at goal per game in the Premier League so far this season, as well as an impressive passing accuracy percentage of 94%.

This shows why he will be a big miss for the Reds on Sunday, especially considering that West Ham have conceded fewer goals (11) than the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton prior to today’s fixtures, so Jones’ prowess in the final third of the pitch could have been vital for Liverpool on Sunday.

His absence will also be a big miss for the Reds considering that they have the likes of Naby Keita and James Milner also ruled out with hamstring injuries, leaving Klopp with few midfield options at his disposal when selecting his starting XI.

Those other absences could’ve presented Jones with the perfect opportunity to firmly cement a starting berth in Liverpool’s midfield. Instead, he can only watch on tomorrow evening, which will surely come as a real frustration for him and for Reds fans.

In other news: Forget Salah: FSG must strike a deal with LFC’s “important” machine, Klopp loves him