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Everton are in interested in signing versatile Hoffenheim ace Florian Grillitsch according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.

The lowdown: Plenty of suitors

The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when a contract in Germany expires and there would appear to be a host of clubs keen on acquiring the Austrian’s services.

Formerly of Werder Bremen, Grillitsch has plied his trade in the Bundesliga since 2015, racking up 178 German top-flight appearances to date.

Following an initial report from The Telegraph citing major interest from Leeds United and Arsenal, it would now appear that the Toffees are also in the mix…

The latest: Everton interest emerges

As per the report, Jones writes that there is interest from Everton in signing the 33-cap Austria international.

It’s claimed that there is also admiration from West Ham United and Newcastle United, whilst both Leeds are Arsenal are once again mentioned.

The report states that the man once dubbed as ‘extraordinary’ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, ‘appeals’ to Everton as Frank Lampard prepares to oversee a squad overhaul at Goodison Park.

The verdict: No-brainer

As a potential free agent capture, this truly is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club, particularly with the future of Allan uncertain beyond the upcoming summer window.

Still holding a market value of £14.4m despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), adding Grillitsch – who can play as a central defender or in a variety of midfield positions – to the Blues’ ranks would be a shrewd move.

As a defensive midfielder, the Austrian’s numbers suggest that he is in the same mould as Liverpool star Fabinho and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, according to FBRef, making the potential capture ahead of other Premier League suitors all the more impressive.

In other news, financial expert makes exciting Bramley Moore claim!

Many Aston Villa fans have been going wild on Twitter, following footage shared by The Villa Academy on the social media platform showing Tim Iroegbunam scoring a piledriver for Villa’s under-23s in a 4-2 defeat away to their Norwich City counterparts.

Making a controversial move across the Midlands from rivals West Bromwich Albion, the 19-year-old midfielder has previously been tipped to have a promising future ahead of him by the club’s academy manager Mark Harrison [avfc.co.uk].

Last weekend, he managed to get on the scoresheet for the Aston Villa development squad in stellar fashion. After cutting inside, he then proceeded to lash a powerful shot into the top corner of the net from around 25 yards out.

Despite his best efforts, his side went on to lose 4-2, leaving them fourth in Premier League 2 Division Two [Soccerway].

After witnessing the footage on Twitter, it was little wonder that plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to go wild over Iroegbunam’s wonder goal.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to The Villa Academy on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the goal from the “quality” starlet:

“He’s definitely channeled his inner Pogba with the hair and the goal…”

Credit: @Mattachu_Avfc”absolute belter from Iroegbunam btw”Credit: @DanAV___”He’s actually quality man”Credit: @VillansOpinions”Take a bow son, take a bow”Credit: @hot_diggity_d”That’s naughty”Credit: @Danutv19″What an absolute missile that is”Credit: @astonmorgan_In other news, many Aston Villa fans were unhappy with comments from Dean Smith. Find out more here.

Newcastle must avoid signing former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey this summer amid a recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies have made a shock enquiry for the Wales international as they look to revamp their midfield, and that Steve Bruce’s side have sounded out Ramsey’s availability for a move away from Juventus.

In response, Dean Windass threw his backing behind a potential move for the 30-year-old. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Newcastle would suit him. Why wouldn’t he go there? It all changes, the supporters coming back, get your career back on track. He will play in that attacking midfield role.”

Another Andy Carroll nightmare

Make no mistake about it, Ramsey showed in his time in the Premier League with Arsenal that he has plenty of ability in his locker.

Arsene Wenger raved about the Welshman’s ability to get into the box and find himself on the end of moves, saying: “In my head, Ramsey was going to be a player between 10 and 15 goals a year. He is a Frank Lampard type. He is (about) getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run. Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league.”

Described as an “outstanding technician”, Ramsey would offer that same knack of getting into the box at the right times and scoring those poacher-type goals. In fact, Lampard himself wrote in a column for The Evening Standard about the 74-goal star: “It will probably come as no surprise to people that I like Ramsey. Like me, he makes late runs in the penalty area and he showed that with aplomb for the second goal at AC Milan last week.”

However, the Welshman is someone who will turn 31 later this year, and he is on a mammoth £400k-a-week contract in Turin, Even if he were to take a significant pay cut which would see him earn half that amount, it would still place him in the highest bracket of earners at St James’ Park.

Couple that with his injury record, which is less than stellar to say the least over the years, and the Magpies are facing enduring another nightmare akin to Andy Carroll.

A player on decent wages, with a worrying history of injuries, and on the wrong end of the scale in terms of the kind of progress Newcastle want to make on the pitch – the Magpies just got rid of one in Carroll, so why sign another one in Ramsey?

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a huge Jonjo Shelvey upgrade in this star…

There were a host of marquee who walked through the door of Parkhead and signed for Celtic this summer.

The Hoops were incredibly busy in the transfer market as Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay were keen to make their intentions known.

They did lose three key players but have bought well and seem to be in a promising place to improve upon a dismal 2020/21 campaign.

On the chalkboard

There have been some eye-catching additions to Celtic over the last few months. Teenager Liel Abada looks a breath of fresh air on the flanks, while Kyogo Furuhashi has become an instant hit. The Japanese forward already has seven goals in nine outings and looks to be a perfect replacement for the now-departed Odsonne Edouard.

However, you sense the most important additions have come in defence. Josip Juranovic will halt Celtic’s reliance on an inexperienced Anthony Ralston, while Cameron Carter-Vickers will hopefully stabilise a rocky backline.

One of the few areas they didn’t strengthen too well, though, was at left-back.

The Hoops saw Diego Laxalt head back to Milan when last season ended, and with Boli Bolingoli not in Postecoglou’s plans, their options in that part of the pitch look unconvincing.

Greg Taylor has already attracted fan criticism and the manager will hope he doesn’t have to use Juranovic at left-back too often as he did in the Old Firm derby.

Adam Montgomery remains a very inexperienced option, so a certain Liam Scales could become somewhat of a secret weapon.

The defender is 23 but is relatively inexperienced in the senior game. Scales wasn’t spotted properly until he was 16 and playing for Arklow Town. He gained experience with University College Dublin before really making a name for himself in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers.

Described as the “hottest property” in the country by the Irish Examiner, Scales has risen to prominence in swift fashion.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the youngster is strong in the air and capable of playing in a variety of positions. He can play at centre-back but has earned acclaim for his performances at left-back and at wing-back.

Scales netted one goal and provided two assists for Shamrock Rovers in their Europa Conference League qualifying run and can lend a helping hand in an area where Postecoglou’s team are incredibly light.

He has a captivating game and should provide the Bhoys with a great deal both going forward and at the back.

Speaking about the defender after he arrived, Postecoglou commented: “Liam is a young player who has impressed us and is someone who we think has the potential to have a big future at Celtic. He is an athletic defender who has the ability to play in a number of positions.”

Republic of Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford has also backed him to make the grade quickly at Paradise.

He said: “He was part of the 21s, he wasn’t playing too many minutes and he got a break against Italy at left-back.

“I was hugely impressed, a game of that magnitude, Italy at Tallaght Stadium, he was excellent. He was someone I always felt could go a long way in the game.

“He defends well and he has really come on over the last few years at Rovers, really developed.

“He’s a great fella, a great pro and I feel it won’t be too long before he breaks into the senior team. He has the attitude and the ability.”

With Taylor proving to be an inconsistent player at Celtic, Scales has a genuine chance of becoming a first-team regular. Postecoglou definitely needs to unleash him after the international break.

AND in other news, “Being monitored”: Journo makes Celtic transfer claim, their next Ajer may arrive soon…

Many Wolves fans have been left slamming the display of Francisco Trincao in their game at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Portugal international missed a big chance to score in the first half that would have put the Midlands club 2-0 up after Hwang Hee-chan had given them the lead, but they ended up conceding an equaliser to Jeff Hendrick moments later to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

Other than that opportunity, he struggled to really get into the game, and seemed to be bullied off of the ball a little bit too easily at times, with some members of the Molineux faithful noting his physicality.

Before the match this afternoon, Trincao had only managed one goal and no assists all season (Transfermarkt), and it seems as if he is struggling to adapt to English football.

Wolves fans on Trincao display

These WWFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘awful’:

“Trincao way off the pace Adama on at half-time surely”

Credit: @CaritaMejor

“Trincao horror show”

Credit: @lewis_sharp17

“Trincao is awful.”

Credit: @JBabbacombe

“Trincao just isn’t very good”

Credit: @FourFourTwoPls

“Trincao might not be tough enough for the Premier League.”

Credit: @Ashley19345299

“Get Trincao off the pitch”

Credit: @MichaelKlump44

In other news, find out what Pedro Neto footage has Wanderers buzzing here!

An update has emerged on Leeds target Lewis O’Brien, regarding his thoughts on a move to the club.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun on Sunday (08.08.21, pg. 67), via The72, Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O’Brien is keen on a transfer to Leeds this month and is waiting on the two sides to reach an agreement.

The report claims Leeds have offered the Championship a structured deal of £10m, but Huddersfield want more money up-front in order to bolster their own squad this window.

Fans will be buzzing

Leeds fans will be buzzing with this news as it shows a desire from the player to play for their club. He is not coming to Elland Road for a paycheck, he wants to play for the Lillywhites and the report says that he is willing to bide his time in order to get a chance in the starting XI.

This also means that he would not arrive and expect to immediately start. He is prepared to be patient and this would allow Marcelo Bielsa to take his time with him, working with him in training to make sure he knows exactly what he needs to do on the pitch.

Huddersfield writer Steven Chicken hailed the midfielder earlier this year and praised his wholehearted nature on the pitch.

He said: “Former Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley often praised O’Brien as being ‘like having two players’, with the midfielder receiving particular praise from his manager and fans alike for his ability and willingness to rush back and win the ball with a clean sliding tackle whenever his side were caught on the counter-attack.

“He certainly has the potential to be (a Premier League player), if he’s not already. His fitness is incredible and he just never seems to get tired, which is one of the biggest difficulties Championship players have when stepping up to the Premier League.

“He’s never going to be a big glamorous name in the Premier League, but he is the kind of wholehearted, committed player that managers love because they do so much of the hard work that helps other players to shine.”

This further goes to show that O’Brien has the attitude required to succeed at Leeds. These comments from Chicken suggest that he has the work rate on and off the pitch to put in a shift for his side whilst improving himself on the training pitch, which Bielsa could love as it shows that he is a coachable talent.

Therefore, supporters will be delighted with this latest update on O’Brien. Leeds are working on an agreement with Huddersfield and the player wants it to happen, so hopefully Victor Orta can get this over the line in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Raphinha 2.0: Leeds must sign “exceptional” wing wizard, Bielsa would love him…

Merry Christmas, Newcastle fans!

It has been another tough year for most of us, so The Transfer Tavern have decided to spread some festive cheer.

To thank you for reading our content over the past year, or simply as a little pointless reward for finding the energy to watch Bruce-ball for months on end, we have made a quiz on the Magpies’ 2021/22 season so far, and we think only the biggest Toon supporters will get 100 per cent on it.

Think you are up to the challenge? There are ten questions in total for you to answer below, with four options for each, whether you want to test your family’s knowledge around the dinner table, or have a go yourself while you are munching on all of that Christmas chocolate!

Of course, do not forget to share your scores once you have finished, and here’s to a better 2022 for the Toon Army!

Writing a piece for The Daily Express, reporter Jack Otway has urged Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici to sell defender Ben Davies alongside the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Winks.

The Lowdown: Vitesse defeat highlights issue…

On paper, it is arguable that Spurs should be strolling their Europa Conference League group yet manager Nuno Espirito Santo sees his side sitting third.

Vitesse stunned a much-rotated Lilywhites side 1-0 on Thursday night in their third match of Group G, putting pressure back on Spurs’ head coach after back-to-back solid results in the Premier League.

The usual suspects criticised for their poor showings, like England internationals Alli and Winks, were in the firing line but reporter Otway has now explained why Davies also needs to be sold alongside the duo.

The Latest: Otway slams Davies…

Writing for the Express, Otway believes the 28-year-old’s best days are behind him and has said that Paratici ‘would be wise’ to offload the left-back.

The reporter goes on to say that Davies is ‘stuck in a rut’ and had a ‘chastening night at the office’ midweek.

Calling the Wales international vulnerable defensively after he failed to stop the cross for Vitesse’s eventual winning goal, Otway also believes he offered ‘precious little’ going forward.

The Verdict: In agreement…

We believe the journalist may have a point when it comes to Davies and Spurs, and it could certainly be the case that Paratici and the club need to sell while they can.

The only issue for Tottenham is, as always, lack of depth in that area – especially considering Sergio Reguilon has been linked with a move back to Real Madrid recently and Ryan Sessegnon is yet to ignite his career in north London.

In other news: Matter of time: Yet another Spurs player now eyeing N17 exit, he’s already said yes…find out more here.

Tanguy Ndombele is unlikely to feature again for Tottenham Hotspur and could even be shipped out on another loan, says Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Conte fuming

Spurs boss Antonio Conte was keen on a major revamp to his squad in January. Whilst this saw the deadline day incomings of Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, more players headed for the Lilywhites’ exit door.

This included Lo Celso, who joined Villarreal on a season-long loan. Since returning to Spain, the 26-year-old has gone on to make some impressive displays in both the Champions League and La Liga, having totalled 12 appearances.

Ndombele was another Lilywhites player who was shipped out in January; the Frenchman returned to his former club Lyon, also on a loan deal. Conte was left fuming with the 25 year-old and even made him train away from the group during their short time together, so a winter exit appeared to be the only option for Tottenham’s record signing.

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The Latest: Gold’s verdict…

In a QnA session for football.london, Gold was questioned over whether the pair have futures with the north London club:

“I think it would be tough now for both players to feature under Conte. Lo Celso should have suitors this summer as he has impressed in the Champions League against some big sides, but Ndombele could be harder to get the kind of money for that Spurs will want in return for their club record signing. Another loan might be the only way forward as he just doesn’t seem to be a Conte player.”

The Verdict: Unlikely to return

Whilst Lo Celso could perhaps come back to N17 having had a fresh run-of-form with the La Liga side, Ndombele, called ‘underrated’ by Martin Keown, has struggled to impress since making his return in the French league, starting only six games and ranking as their tenth-best player.

As a result, it is far more likely that Conte decides to keep Lo Celso, rather than Ndombele, to add depth to the midfield. However, if a large offer is made for the Argentina international, the Italian manager would seemingly be unlikely to step in his way.

On the other hand, Spurs will struggle to recoup the £55m they paid for their record signing. Therefore, moving him on in the summer without suffering a huge financial loss, will prove to be far more difficult than selling his midfield counterpart.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Paratici suffers blow in Josko Gvardiol pursuit

According to Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera, there has been an interesting transfer update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Juventus star Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing free agents…

In recent months, reports have suggested that transfer chief Fabio Paratici has a plan set out for the January transfer window as he targets ‘quality players at zero cost’ (Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness).

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This has resulted in Spurs being linked with a plethora of potential 2022 free agents, most recently the likes of Jesse Lingard and Franck Kessie.

Tottenham can approach the latter star and formally agree a pre-contract this month, with news now emerging that the Ivorian midfielder is not the only Serie A star out of contract in 2022 who manager Antonio Conte wants to bring to north London.

The Latest: Spurs ‘ready’ to make Dybala move…

According to CDS, as Dybala’s contract winds down in Turin, Tottenham are one of the few clubs now ‘ready’ to snap up the Argentine from Juve.

It is also believed that Conte is personally ‘in love’, as well as Inter Milan transfer chief Giuseppe Marotta, with both men sharing the same esteem for Dybala.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also watching on with interest amid the South American’s contract situation.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Dybala is a name all Spurs fans will be familiar with after the infamous image rights debacle which once prevented his move to N17, but is he now the right man to take Conte’s new look side forward?

The £45 million-valued star could leave for nothing later this year and, going by his exploits in Italy, it would be foolish for Spurs not to go back in for him – especially since ex-Spurs fan favourite manager Mauricio Pochettino even called Dybala ‘special’.

Scoring 109 goals and assisting 46 others in 274 outings for Juve (Transfermarkt), boss Massimiliano Allegri lauded Dybala as an ‘extraordinary’ player earlier this week with his worth ‘not under question (via Football Italia).

Signing him for free could be major Paratici coup, especially considering he is still in his prime at 28-years-old.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited’…Sky Sports drop big N17 transfer update live on air, find out more here.