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Everton “need to get in a new number nine” and have now made a “bid” for a £12m man described as a “breath of fresh air” and a “clever player”, per journalist Alex Crook.

Everton news – What’s the latest?

There’s no escaping from the fact that last year was yet another terrible season for the blue half of Merseyside, one that needed a final-day win to avoid ending in relegation for the historic club.

That said, the transfer business this summer has been really quite good, with the Toffees adding both quantity and quality to Sean Dyche’s squad as they hope for a slightly less eventful campaign this year.

The loan signing of Jack Harrison from Leeds United and the permanent £15m signing of 19-year-old striker Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon are probably the two stand-out arrivals at Goodison Park so far.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

However, getting in Ashley Young on a free and finally securing Arnaut Danjuma on loan after their failed attempt in January also represents some great business.

And the club aren’t stopping there as they have now made an offer for Southampton and Scotland striker Che Adams worth in the region of £12m, per journalist Alex Crook.

He explained the situation live on TalkSport, with the clip then being posted to their YouTube channel:

“Che Adams, we understand that a bid is in from Everton for around about £12m. He’s in the last year of his contract, so a decision for Southampton to make. He’s actually started the season quite well, scoring a couple of goals in the championship.

“But I think Everton, they need to get in a new number nine don’t they because they just can’t rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin to stay fit.”

How much does Che Adams earn?

The Saints man is currently on a pay packet of £30,000-a-week, or £1,560,000-a-year, which is the ninth-highest wage at Southampton now that James Ward-Prowse has left.

Should he get his move to Merseyside this summer, he can probably expect a nice raise as well, as he currently earns less than half of the team’s average weekly salary, which is around £62,000-a-week, per Capology.

He had a good enough last season and showed in glimpses that he has the required talent and attributes to make it in the Premier League and that for a team battling relegation like the Toffees, he would probably be a great fit.

In just 23 league starts last year, the Scotland international scored five goals, provided three assists, took 1.7 shots per game, won 2.2 aerial duals, won one Man-of-the-Match award and averaged a match rating of 6.59, per WhoScored.

One man who is undoubtedly a fan is Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist who heaped praise on the 27-year-old, saying:

“But Adams is one I like a lot. He’s such a clever player. He’s got a bit of pace and can go in behind, and he can finish.

“He has been a breath of fresh air for us.”

Ultimately Everton could do a lot worse than Adams, and whilst he maybe isn’t the most exciting of signings, he would make a brilliant addition to Dyche’s squad this year.

Manchester City were dealt a huge blow at the end of last month as midfielder Ilkay Gundogan departed upon the expiry of his contract with the club.

The German has signed for Spanish giants Barcelona on a free transfer after captaining the Citizens to the treble last season.

This has left Pep Guardiola without one of his trusted midfield options heading into the 2023/24 campaign, which could tempt him into the transfer market in the coming weeks.

Mateo Kovacic has joined on a permanent deal from Chelsea but his six goals in 221 competitive matches for the Blues does not suggest that he has the goalscoring ability to adequately replace the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace.

Gundogan found the back of the net 11 times in all competitions for City last term, scoring crucial goals in vital games – including two in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Who could replace Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City?

Guardiola could forget all about the now-Barcelona dynamo by securing the signing of Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga, who is a reported transfer target for the club.

He has a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract with the Spanish side and City are said to be willing to match it, although they face competition from a host of European clubs – including Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Chelsea from the Premier League.

Like Gundogan, the 21-year-old magician, who was once hailed as "dangerous" by journalist Euan McTear, is a central midfielder with an eye for goal and his exploits in the final third could make him the dream replacement for City.

The Spain U21 international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 36 LaLiga outings last term and contributed with 11 goals to go along with four assists from the middle of the park, which came after he managed nine goals in 31 outings for Celta B in the 2021/22 season.

Veiga, who predominantly plays as a number eight or ten, is not a seasoned campaigner who would come in with a guarantee of success but his impressive goal return from his position at the age of 21 suggests that the potential is there for him to be an excellent addition for Guardiola.

Gundogan averaged a goal every 5.06 matches on average throughout his City career (60 in 304) and the Celta Vigo starlet has averaged a strike every 3.35 league games on average for the first-team and reserve sides combined over the last two years (20 in 67).

Only Erling Haaland (36) scored more league goals for the Citizens than Veiga's tally of 11 in LaLiga, indicating that the Spanish maestro could provide the manager with an excellent goalscoring option from midfield, as the Germany international did during his time at The Etihad.

Leeds United have endured a slow start to their summer, having yet to welcome a new manager into their dugout, and therefore made no signings either.

If they are truly keen on an instant return to the Premier League, they must rectify this soon.

Fortunately for fans of the club, many are aware that a deal for Daniel Farke seems all but complete, with the completion of the 49ers' takeover the only thing standing in the way of its announcement and the true start of their transfer window.

That is not to suggest that targets have not already been identified though, with one report emerging late last month linking the Whites with a move for Emmanuel Dennis.

Given the Nigeria forward struggled for game time within Nottingham Forest's bloated squad, the Yorkshire outfit could offer him an escape, to replace their own struggling striker and add some much-needed firepower to propel them out of the Championship.

Would Emmanuel Dennis improve Leeds United?

Despite having only spent two years in English football now, it feels like the 25-year-old has been around for far longer.

Having joined Watford in 2021, the marksman quickly established himself as one of the hottest prospects in the top flight with his blistering start.

Journalist Josh Bunting even noted during that time that he was an "absolutely stunning player2."

This culminated in his tally of ten goals alongside six assists for the year, which still could not prevent the Hornets from the drop.

However, it alerted many to his ability to thrive at the top level.

Whilst the Tricky Trees were unwilling to hand the £40k-per-week dynamo the necessary play time to prove this further, a move to Elland Road could help him become a hero by firing them to promotion and then helping spearhead the retention of their top-flight status.

Just 39 minutes per game last campaign fed into his underwhelming record of two goals and two assists all season, via Sofascore.

His presence would at the very least provide an upgrade on Patrick Bamford, who Farke could seek to immediately bin given his performances last term.

Having made 28 league appearances, the Englishman would record just four goals, missing a whopping 13 big chances with a conversion rate of just 8%. If their new boss has serious ambitions of competing at the top of their new division, they will need a far more reliable frontman than the 29-year-old who made missing sitters in huge moments an unfortunate habit.

For comparison, Dennis would miss just five big chances in that aforementioned breakout year, with a goal conversion rate of 17%, via Sofascore.

With pace, physicality, finishing prowess and youth all on his side, Farke could do much worse than immediately ditching Bamford for Dennis as his first big call as the new manager.

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson is "likely" to re-sign defender Will Fish on another loan from Man United, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Who will Hibs sign?

Hibs have been fairly busy so far this transfer window as they build a capable side for the 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign and their foray into Europe.

The Hibees qualified for the Europa Conference League play-off rounds at the end of last season after finishing fifth, and are still awaiting who they will face off against in the first leg of their second qualifying round on July 27th.

In the meantime, Johnson's side have looming friendlies against Bournemouth, with kick off later today, and FC Groningen next Friday.

So far, they've prepared well this summer in terms of incomings, having already sealed deals for Elie Youan, who joined from Swiss side St. Gallen for around £496,000, and Dylan Levitt from Dundee United for £299,000.

The aforementioned duo join striker Adam Le Fondre, left-back Jordan Obita and goalkeeper Maksymilian Boruc who have signed for Hibs on free transfers.

These additions could do wonders to fill the gaps left by star departures, most notably striker and top scorer from last season Kevin Nisbett, who joined Millwall last month for a "significant" seven-figure fee.

The 26-year-old departed Hibs alongside Marijan Cabraja, Mikey Devlin, Maciej Dabrowski, Kyle Magennis and Aiden McGeady – with Johnson seemingly orchestrating a major rebuild (Transfermarkt).

However, according to reliable reports in the English press, they may not be done there as young centre-back Fish could re-join Hibs on loan from Man United.

Journalist Luckhurst co-wrote a piece for the Manchester Evening News, sharing it on Twitter, whilst claiming Fish's reunion with Hibs is "likely" as the player agrees to make another season-long loan move.

The 20-year-old has been named in Erik ten Hag's recent friendly squads and will be again for their match against Lyon in Edinburgh next week.

He's then expected to remain in the Scottish capital and begin preparations with Hibs boss Johnson as he looks set to make the move back up north.

Fish was attracting attention from rivals, like Aberdeen, as well as clubs in the English Championship and League One. However, it is Hibs who have seemingly won the race for his signature, with the youngster keen to re-join and build upon his brilliant end to the 22/23 campaign.

How good is Will Fish?

The starlet seriously impressed towards the back end of last season with Hibs.

Indeed, Fish ranked among their top five best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored, with the Englishman even chipping in with three league goals going forward.

He was also an indomitable presence at the back for Hibs, averaging more clearances and blocks per 90 than any other player in Johnson's squad (WhoScored).

Johnson, speaking to BBC Sportsround (via Football Scotland), heaped praise on Fish for his contribution in green and white.

"He's been fantastic. I've said before if you could build a centre-half, you'd build Will Fish," exclaimed Johnson.

He's a great student and a great lad and he's had to up his gravitas levels for this league and his on-pitch personalities.

"He's trusted by the boys, trusted by the staff and it's a great sign."

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has now “resumed training” after his recent injury and may return at the start of next month.

What’s the latest on Alphonse Areola and his West Ham injury?

The Frenchman has been out recently with a hamstring injury and consequently hasn’t been able to feature in the club’s last two Premier League games.

As result, in the recent draw against Newcastle United, manager David Moyes opted to name third-choice goalkeeper Joseph Anang and academy stopper Krisztian Hegyi both on the bench at St James’ Park – he did the same against Chelsea last weekend, too.

However, following a new update on Areola on The West Ham Way podcast, it seems as though the goalkeeper may be back on the bench shortly to provide more senior depth to Lukasz Fabianski.

Indeed, Ex revealed that the 29-year-old is close to returning although likely won’t play until they face Manchester United in the FA Cup.

He said: “Areola has also resumed training. He’s unlikely to feature for us until the Manchester United game, but obviously, it will be good for him to get back on the bench and get some training in before that game.”

What does the Areola injury mean for WHUFC?For now at West Ham, Fabianski remains very much the number one goalkeeping option for Moyes, with the Pole starting all 22 league games so far this season.He is, however, 37 years old now and with Areola completing a permanent transfer to the club from Paris Saint-Germain last summer (signing a five-year deal), it suggests the Frenchman will be the first pick in years to come.This term, though, the 29-year-old has mainly had to settle for minutes in the cup competitions. For instance, he has started every Europa Conference League game.Taking that into account, even if he is fit enough to play, he probably won’t come into the side for another few weeks until West Ham take on Man United in the fifth round of the FA Cup on 1st March.

Leeds United are in talks to sign experienced full-back Sam Byram this summer, according to reports, with the defender currently without a club.

Recently appointed Leeds manager Daniel Farke has previously worked with Byram at Norwich City, and has allowed his former player to train with the Yorkshire club.

What's the latest on Sam Byram to Leeds United?

The experienced defender is currently training with Leeds, as he is without a club. And, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post, the Championship club are considering turning his stay into a permanent one this summer.

Byram has featured in three of Leeds' pre-season fixtures this summer, and has reportedly impressed those in charge at the club, making a deal possible before the deadline.

The full-back has also been without any injury issues after featuring in those pre-season games, in what could be the defining point in whether Leeds decide to go ahead with a permanent deal. Byram previously struggled to stay fit, ending his time at Norwich.

If they are to sign Byram, then they must do it by today if they want him to feature against Cardiff City on the opening day of their Championship season, which takes place on Saturday.

It's certainly a potential deal to keep an eye on, whether it happens as soon as today, or before the transfer deadline.

Should Leeds United sign Sam Byram?

After impressing during pre-season without any injury problems, a deal for Byram feels like a no-brainer for Leeds this summer, who need all the experience they can get on their quest for instant promotion back to the Premier League in the coming season.

Byram, 29, has 151 Championship appearances to his name, and has plenty of Premier League experience on top of that, too. The added bonus, of course, is the fact that he has previously played under Farke, so would waste no time in becoming adjusted to his system at Elland Road.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

When speaking about the defender, and whether Leeds will offer him a deal this summer, Farke said, via The Yorkshire Post: “It's too early to judge.

"Sam is obviously a top, top player once he's fit and a top class character, a Leeds academy product, he's had a really good spell here and he's homegrown which is also important for the Championship.

“He's an experienced player, that's what we need in a few positions. We could definitely also need some signings. But the most important topic for Sam is that his body is fit and ready to go.

“I was quite pleased with him in the final 30 minutes today, he came in in a difficult spell, we were a bit under pressure from Monaco and I think he had a solid start to life here in pre-season.

"The most important topic is that he stays fit and all the other topics are decisions that will be made in a few weeks but we are all happy that we have him because he's good for the dressing room at the moment.”

So, as things stand, it remains to be seen whether Byram will be lining up for Leeds United in the Championship in the coming season, but everything seems to be pointing in the positive direction for the defender.

Aston Villa could potentially make a move for Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho this summer, according to an update from transfer expert Dean Jones.

How old is Jadon Sancho?

The England international made the move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021, with enormous things expected of him after a superb spell in the Bundesliga.

Instead, Sancho's time at United has been hugely disappointing to date, with the 23-year-old failing to have anything close to the impact many expected him to. He is struggling to get into the starting lineup, while his overall tally of 12 goals and six assists in 81 appearances is a poor return for such an attacking player.

It could even be that the Englishman's time in Manchester comes to an end sooner than most predicted this summer, should he be frustrated with his lack of playing time. Villa have been linked with an audacious move for him before the end of the month, as the club look to complete some more key transfer business.

The likes of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby have already come in, significantly bolstering the squad, and a wide option could also be required to add an extra attacking spark to the team.

Will Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones talked up the idea of Sancho completing a move to Villa this summer, in order to reignite his stuttering career:

"Yeah, he has been heavily linked. I just think it’s a difficult deal to do. I think Aston Villa could be a good place for Jadon Sancho to consider joining. But the stance from Manchester United this summer is that they’re not keen on giving it up and I think that it would take a pretty significant sum for that to happen."

While it seems clear that United have no great desire to see Sancho leave the club in the current transfer window, no doubt still potentially seeing him as someone who could improve as the years pass, Villa should certainly do all they can to entice him to the club and get a deal over the line.

At Old Trafford, it seems clear that he isn't considered a regular starter, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony preferred to him at the moment, and once new signing Rasmus Hojlund is fit, the likelihood is that Marcus Rashford will play out wide again, further pushing Sancho down the pecking order.

In comparison, the former Dortmund man could come straight as a key player for Villa from the off, even though his time as a United player has clearly been very underwhelming. This is still someone who has been described as "incredible" by Brazil legend Neymar in the recent past, and he has so much of his career ahead of him.

It may simply be that he and United are the wrong fit, and that he needs a new challenge to reset, and it would be fascinating to see how he fared as a star man for Villa, potentially finding a new lease of lease and helping Unai Emery's side find another level.

Wolverhampton Wanderers ended the 2022/23 campaign with a relatively comfortable 13th-placed finish in the Premier League table.

Julen Lopetegui's side were never in any serious danger of being relegated down to the Championship as they finished seven points clear of the bottom three, with Leicester, Southampton, and Leeds United all dropping out of the division.

The Spanish head coach now has a full summer transfer window to improve his squad with a view to competing further up the table, and potentially challenging for Europe again in 23/24.

One player who could come in is Stuttgart ace Konstantinos Mavropanos, who is a reported transfer target for the Old Gold as they look to improve their defensive options.

Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos?

The 25-year-old Greek centre-back enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga in 22/23 and could come in to form a terrific partnership with current Wolves star Max Kilman.

The English defender played 37 of the club's 38 Premier League matches in the season just gone and averaged a solid Sofascore rating of 6.85. He proved himself to be a solid option at the heart of the defence and dominated opposition attackers as he won 63% of his duels.

This means that Kilman is capable of bullying opponents and keeping them quiet for the majority of games when it comes to battling for the ball, which is particularly useful in physical games where there may be a barrage of set pieces and balls into the box.

Mavropanos could form a "monster" pairing with the Wolves ace as Borussia Monchengladbach chief Pellegrino Matarazzo previously described the Greek gem, whilst also hailing him as a "gladiator".

The colossal Stuttgart enforcer averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.26 across 28 appearances in the Bundesliga, which would place him top of the Wolves squad for outfield players, and won an impressive 66% of his battles, including 70% of his aerial contests.

This suggests that the former Arsenal prospect, who also made four tackles and interceptions per match, is also a dominant defender who does not give much away when competing with opposition strikers.

Therefore, the £22k-per-week brute could be an exceptional addition to Lopetegui's side as his form in the German top-flight suggests that the potential is there for him to be an outstanding performer for the club, whilst his dominance at the back could make him and Kilman a formidable pairing for strikers to come up against next season.

Everton are interested in a move for Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa, according to reports in Italy.

What's the latest on Joaquin Correa to Everton?

According to reports in Italy (via FC Inter News), both the Toffees and West Ham United have made contact with Correa so far this summer, with the forward and the Inter Milan looking to part ways after an unsuccessful spell.

Correa's current valuation is as low as £17m, as per FootballTransfers, which is a significantly lower price than the €30m (£27m) that Inter paid Lazio for the forward back in July of 2022.

The drop in valuation should help the Argentine's exit this summer, who looks set to leave the club just one year after making his deal permanent.

Linked with a move to the Premier League, it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on just where Correa ends up this summer.

Should Everton avoid Joaquin Correa?

With their Premier League status hanging by a thread in the last two seasons, Everton can ill afford yet another transfer flop, particularly in attack.

Last season, the Toffees spent a staggering €78m (£67m) on reinforcements. And the season before that, they spent close to €40 million (£35m) on adding to supposed quality needed to comfortably survive.

Things were anything but comfortable though, as Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche were forced to keep their sides afloat on the final days of their respective seasons in charge, so the issue hasn't exactly been a lack of funding.

The problem therein lies with the recruitment in the transfer market.

In many ways, moving for Correa – a forward who scored just four goals all of last season – would be a classic Everton move of recent times.

In fact, it would almost mirror their £25.1m deal to sign Moise Kean back in 2019.

The Italian arrived with so much promise, before scoring just four goals in 39 appearances and eventually finding his way back to Juventus.

Those in Italy have not been impressed with the Juventus forward, either, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that Italian newspapers labelled the 23-year-old 'lazy' and 'the worst' back in September as the Serie A side struggled domestically.

Correa's stats are even more damming, however.

At least Kean showed signs of promise prior to his Goodison Park move. Correa, contrastingly, has never looked like bursting into life for Inter.

Statistically speaking, too, when comparing the Argentina international with the former Everton man during his time in England's top flight, it is Correa who comes out the worse player.

During the 2019/20 campaign, Kean had more goal involvements per 90, whilst also enjoying a better take-on success, as per FBref.

Perhaps a killer blow for Dyche, which should end all plans to sign the Inter flop, is his poor aerial duel success.

Last season, the reported transfer target won just 25% of his duels, something that would not bode well in an often scrappy, yet effective, Dyche setup.

The more that it's looked at, the more it seems as though Everton would be better off avoiding a Kean mistake in signing Correa, who writer Jerry Mancini claimed had been "awful this season" before the new campaign gets underway.

Manchester United are set to continue with their pursuit of striker Rasmus Hojlund as Fabrizio Romano has dropped another update…

Are Manchester United close to signing Rasmus Hojlund?

The Italian journalist tweeted:

“Rasmus Højlund wants Man United, it’s very clear since day one of negotiations and these final days of the week could be crucial.

“PSG bid hasn’t changed Højlund mind at this stage: priority Man Utd, club set for new round of talks w/Atalanta.

“Up to Man United now.”

This comes after the Red Devils sent a proposal of €60m (£51.4m) to Atalanta, yet the Serie A outfitt are demanding €70m (£60m) to secure his signing.

Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on signing the young striker, although they have yet to agree personal terms with the player, unlike United.

With the next stage of negotiations looking like they will make or break any potential deal, Erik ten Hag must make a solid pitch to the Danish international.

How many goals has Rasmus Hojlund scored?

While Mason Mount and Andre Onana have arrived at Old Trafford during the transfer window, the Dutchman is desperate to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

United scored just 58 league goals last term, with only Aston Villa in the top half scoring less and this needs to be fixed if they wish to challenge for their first top-flight crown since 2013.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes led the way in terms of goals scored, as they bagged 30 and 14 goals respectively across all competitions, yet Ten Hag simply can't afford to rely on just two players for another campaign.

Hojlund could certainly take the pressure off the duo, having netted 16 times for both Atalanta and SK Sturm Graz last term, and he can boast a tally of 33 goals for both club and country since making his senior bow in 2020.

The 20-year-old gem ranked first across the whole Atalanta squad for shots on target per game last term (0.9) whilst also winning two penalties, and it’s clear he thrives in the opposition penalty area by causing chaos for defenders.

The Danish prodigy could form an exciting attacking duo alongside Antony, who shone in spells during his debut season in Manchester.

Eight goals and three assists weren’t the most sparkling of returns given the club had shelled out £81.3m for his services, however, he did rank in the top 5% across Europe’s big five leagues for total shots per 90 (3.44) and top 15% for progressive carries per 90 (4.55), suggesting that he is always aiming to score and progresses the ball close to the opposition goal.

This could suit Hojlund, who would be ready to receive passes from Antony in the box, aiming to stick any chances away especially as the Danish striker ranked in the top 1% compared to positional peers for progressive passes received (10.99) and top 7% for touches in the opposition box (6.53) per 90, suggesting he could be the ideal player to link up with Antony.

Once hailed as a “machine” by Raffael Behounek, a former opponent, Hojlund could certainly improve United’s faltering attack, and he has the potential to turn into one of Ten Hag’s finest-ever signings in the process.