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Everton have been offered Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez on a free transfer, with the Italian giants looking to offload the former Arsenal and Manchester United man.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, Inter have offered the Chilean to the Toffees for free amid fears that Rafael Benitez will lose star forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Having been a fan favourite at Arsenal, the 33-year-old’s career has taken a major downturn since leaving north London four years ago. Spells at Manchester United and Inter Milan haven’t worked out as planned and the forward is now subject to a potential return to the Premier League.

The report also claimed that, should the Merseyside club fail in their pursuit of Sanchez, they will move for 23-year-old New York City striker Valentin Castellanos.

Everton should sign Sanchez

Signing a player reportedly being paid £175k per-week who has struggled for form over recent seasons would undoubtedly be a risk for Benitez’s side. However, having seen the player the Chilean can be, and considering the lack of options the Toffees may soon have in the attacking department, it would be worth the gamble.

At Arsenal, Sanchez was one of the Premier League’s top performers, with Barcelona legend and current manager Xavi stating that the forward “never stops running”.

In 166 appearances for the Gunners, the Chilean scored 80 goals and contributed a further 45 assists; a goal contribution every 1.33 games. By contrast, in a combined 131 outings for Manchester United and Inter Milan, he has managed 19 goals and 30 assists, which amounts to a goal contribution every 2.67 games.

Moreover, if there is genuine concern that the Toffees could be without both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the near future, Benitez will need alternative options in attack. This is particularly prevalent given the Merseyside club’s current position in the Premier League.

The Toffees have won just one of their last 12 league games and are sat in 15th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

If the 33-year-old were to come to the club and be able to replicate similar form to that from his time in north London, it would certainly be worth the gamble from Everton.

In other news, Everton have been linked with this promising midfielder…

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Lynden Gooch in their 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United in League One on Saturday afternoon.

The winger made an error that led to Matty Taylor levelling the score later on in the first half, after Leon Dajaku had given the hosts an early lead.

Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Gooch, who failed to record a single shot on target, and was inaccurate with five of his crosses and nine of his long balls throughout the game (SofaScore).

He also gave the ball away on no fewer than on 28 separate occasions in the match, the second-most times out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore), and so it is no surprise that the Stadium of Light faithful turned on him.

Sunderland fans on Gooch display

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘liability’:

“Lynden Gooch liability, that’s pathetic”

Credit: @1996SAR_

“We play Gooch regularly and we don’t get promoted.”

Credit: @Fieldo100

“I seem to think like this every week. How is Gooch a professional footballer?”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“A new low for Lynden Gooch. Awful footballer.”

Credit: @stustuy

“Gooch has been our worst player, weak for their goal, goes down too easy. Canny goal from Dajaku.”

Credit: @markmarshall17

“Embarrassing Gooch”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

In other news, find out whose display against Oldham Athletic was slammed here!

Sampdoria are bracing themselves for a Newcastle United approach for defender Maya Yoshida, according to TuttoMercatoWeb. 

The lowdown

The Japanese defender is probably best known on these shores for his eight-year stint at Southampton, during which he made 154 Premier League appearances and helped the Saints reach the final of the 2016/17 EFL Cup. The Athletic’s Carl Anka wrote that he had been a ‘superb’ servant at St Mary’s.

Now 33, the Japan international is a regular under Roberto D’Aversa at Sampdoria, having started 14 of their 18 Serie A matches so far this season.

Newcastle, who have comfortably the worst defensive record in the Premier League with 41 goals conceded, may well be in the market for a new centre-back in January. Indeed, they have already been linked with Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.

The latest

The report from TuttoMercatoWeb stated that Yoshida is one of many Sampdoria players who are in demand, with fellow centre-back Omar Colley, midfielder Morten Thorsby and right-back Bartosz Bereszinsky also attracting interest from prospective suitors.

The expectation is that Newcastle, and by extension their new transfer consultant Nick Hammond, will make an enquiry about signing Yoshida.

The verdict

It’s perhaps surprising to see Yoshida’s emerge in the Newcastle transfer conversation. He will turn 34 at the start of next season, putting him well beyond the average footballer’s peak years.

He should come quite cheap, though – he’s valued at just £2.88m by Transfermarkt and is approaching the final six months of his contract at Sampdoria. Intriguingly, according to FBRef, he’s stylistically very similar to fellow Magpies target Tarkowski.

He’s still performing reasonably well, winning 60% of his duels overall and 70% of his aerial battles, and he ticks a key box for Eddie Howe in that he is proven in the English top flight. He could be a shrewd cut-price acquisition, not least given Newcastle’s awful defensive record this term.

In other news, this Premier League ace has emerged as a potential target for Newcastle

West Ham United are set to reignite their interest in Sparta Prague gem Adam Hlozek this January…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, who delivered a fresh update on the situation to social media this week.

“#WHUFC want to sign Adam Hlozek in January and also a centre-back to cover the injured Ogbonna,” he tweeted.

“Hlozek could be an initial loan with conditions to make an obligatory purchase, similar to Soucek’s 2020 deal. Kretinsky could be key.”

In an accompanying article, it’s claimed that the Irons are preparing a loan-to-buy agreement to sign the 19-year-old forward in the winter transfer window, which will be a similar type of deal used to sign Tomas Soucek in 2020.

The Hammers now have Sparta Prague co-owner Daniel Kretinsky on their board following his investment this month, so that is expected to stand them in good stead when negotiating a deal both clubs will be happy with.

Imagine him and Antonio

The Czech Republic international can play upfront – a position that manager David Moyes really does need to bolster – but he has predominantly been deployed on the flanks until this season.

Hlozek has provided four goals and eight assists in 20 appearances this season, all coming in a central role. It builds on last season’s tally of 15 goals and nine assists, where he averaged a direct contribution every 75.9 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Michail Antonio has had his fair share of injury woes over the years and at 31, you can’t expect that to improve in the future. Moyes has been left with just one senior option in the centre-forward position for nearly two years now, so a new frontman is certainly a priority in 2022.

The 6 foot 2 dynamo, valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, is a hugely encouraging long-term prospect and one that should leave many around the London Stadium buzzing with delight.

Pavel Paska, who is the agent of both Hlozek and Tomas Soucek, believes his client is an “extraordinary talent” who “has everything an attacker needs,” whilst scout Jacek Kulig has described Hlozek as “an incredible talent” and Czech’s best talent since the emergence of Tomas Rosicky.

Just imagine him alongside Antonio or him providing the perfect foil for the 31-year-old talisman as the season goes on.

On this evidence, he’d be a signing that would leave the fanbase absolutely buzzing, especially given the success stories of Soucek and Vladimir Coufal and the recent involvement of Kretinksy, who should help them tenfold in any likely deal.

AND in other news, West Ham receive Declan Rice fitness boost ahead of Wolves clash…

The previous summer transfer window was a rather busy one for Sunderland that saw the Wearside club bring a number of players in on free transfers such as Alex Pritchard and Corry Evans, as well as loan deals for players like Callum Doyle, Leon Dajaku and Nathan Broadhead among others.

However, it seems as though there could have been another new player at Sunderland this season that Black Cats manager Lee Johnson will now be wishing the club managed to secure.

According to Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley, Sunderland were interested in signing Millwall right-back Mahlon Romeo during the previous summer window before he eventually joined Pompey on a season-long loan deal.

Taking into account how Sunderland have a lot of their current defensive players out injured and the fact that Romeo has managed to play the full 90 minutes in all but one of the 15 League One games he’s appeared in for Portsmouth so far this season as a right-back and right-midfielder, he could have been a really useful player for the Black Cats this season.

In those league appearances, Romeo has shown just what a capable defensive unit he has been for Portsmouth by racking up an average of 2.7 tackles per game, 1.5 clearances per game and 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst winning 62% of the duels he’s been involved in.

Sunderland have managed to concede one more goal in the league than Portsmouth at this point in the season, despite Pompey having played two more games than the Black Cats, Romeo could have added some strength and depth at the back for Sunderland.

Labelled as an “aggressive” player by Millwall manager Gary Rowett, Romeo, who is currently valued at £1.8m according to Transfermarkt, has certainly proved himself to be a solid performer in League One during his time with Portsmouth.

With this in mind, if Sunderland see an opportunity to secure the signing of Romeo when his loan deal at Pompey ends, he’d be an incredibly valuable signing if they are indeed still interested.

If their defensive problems have persisted too, he could just prove to be a worthy solution to the club’s woes heading into a new season.

In other news: Johnson must unleash SAFC’s £3.6k-p/w “leader”, he may be a catalyst for change – opinion

Newcastle United should look to sign Wolves centre-back Conor Coady in January, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Coady shines at Wolves

Coady has been a fantastic servant for Wolves, making 286 appearances for the club and fully deserving his role as captain.

The 28-year-old’s leadership has shone through at Molineux and he has been a model of consistency at the heart of the defence, both in the Championship and the Premier League.

The Latest: Captain tipped for January exit

With Newcastle receiving an influx of money after their recent takeover, however, they could be looking at signing various players in January.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed Coady would be an ideal addition to the Magpies’ squad:

“He’s a brilliant defender and consistency is what you will get from him.

“Newcastle have struggled defensively for a number of years now, so getting a defender like him into the spine of that side will be massive.

“That’s the first place I’d be looking. You have Wilson, Saint-Maximin and Almiron in the attack, so you have enough there but the frailties are at the back and at centre-half, for me.

“Conor Coady is a player you would be more than happy with at your football club. He’s got the leadership qualities, he’s an England international now and he is a very consistent performer for Wolves.”

The Verdict: Potential huge blow

Coady might not necessarily be the most athletically gifted footballer around, but he has a huge influence at Wolves, both on and off the pitch.

For that reason, the thought of losing him doesn’t bear thinking about, with the Englishman very much the heart of the squad and almost a second manager on the pitch.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will make a bid, but Wolves should demand huge money if they do.

In other news, some Wolves fans love a tweet about a Premier League landmark. Read more here.

After being kicked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek by Chelsea, Southampton have a big Premier League game on the horizon against Watford who are only two points ahead of the Saints in the league table.

Following on from their defeat in west London, it seems as though Southampton have been dealt yet another disappointing blow that could have a big impact on the match at the weekend against Claudio Ranieri’s side who managed to beat Everton 5-2 in their previous league outing.

What’s the news?

Speaking ahead of the match against the Hornets in his latest press conference, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that on-loan Chelsea striker Armando Broja will miss the match on Saturday due to an ankle injury.

Since joining the south coast club on his loan deal from Chelsea back in August, the striker has managed to score four goals in eight appearances for the Saints across all competitions, with two of them coming in Southampton’s previous two Premier League games against Leeds United and Burnley.

Not only does this show what good form the 20-year-old was enjoying in recent weeks but also how much of a massive blow his absence at the weekend will be for the team and the Southampton fans, who will undoubtedly be gutted by this latest news.

Looking ahead to the Watford match and who we feel Hasenhuttl could turn to that could be a suitable replacement for the injured Broja, we feel that given how Che Adams managed to score Southampton’s goal against Chelsea on Tuesday, he would be the smart option to start at the weekend, potentially alongside Adam Armstrong who also played in midweek to see if they can help secure the three points against the Hornets.

Looking beyond that, everyone at Southampton will undoubtedly be hoping that Broja will not be out of action for too long and can potentially return to the decent goalscoring form he was delivering in the league before his injury as he could well be the difference between Southampton staying up and going down considering they have only managed to score eight goals in their opening nine league games of the season.

In other news: Ralph may be hit with big blow as transfer news emerges, Saints fans surely concerned – opinion

Frank McAvennie has been left fuming at what he has now heard from Newcastle United’s recent takeover case.

The Lowdown: Newcastle threatened

As cited by The Daily Telegraph, the St. James’ Park faithful were threatened with expulsion from the Premier League during the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) hearing on Wednesday.

This is one of two legal battles Mike Ashley is fighting the top flight over, as the separate arbitration case between the two parties over the stalled takeover deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is now set to take place on January 3rd.

The Latest: McAvennie on threat

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic and West Ham United striker McAvennie, 61, has now expressed his fume at the division after hearing about their threat to the North East club:

“It’s ridiculous they would say that.

“Why would they clamp down that hard on that? They can’t just kick clubs out of the league. They can’t do that.

“I’m sure they can threaten it but there is so much legality in kicking someone out. I don’t know if they can.

“I’m glad it sounds like this will all be done soon because the Newcastle fans need answers.

“We need to know what happened and why this has taken so long. It’s a disgrace from the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Pressure mounting

For the Premier League to threaten the Tyneside outfit with expulsion suggests that the pressure is now mounting on them as the takeover saga develops.

It is a threat that was and is certainly not needed going into the arbitration process next year, as the two parties need to come to an agreement over the direction of where the bid is likely to be heading.

Nonetheless, if the top flight were to go through with their threat, then there would no doubt be yet another legal battle brewing between them and the Magpies, as tensions are seemingly never going to stop rising.

In other news, find out what ‘positive news’ on arbitration emerged here!

Aston Villa could have their own Raheem Sterling in academy starlet Ajani Burchall.

Having signed him from Championship side Bournemouth in the summer, it’s fair to say that the 16-year-old has already marked himself out as one of the brightest prospects at the club.

In a profile piece done by The Guardian’s Paul Doyle for their Next Generation 2021 series earlier this month, he said: “Born in Bermuda, Burchall moved to England at a young age and joined Villa in July 2021 from Bournemouth. Last season he became the third youngest senior debutant in the south coast club’s history when he came off the bench against Huddersfield.

“A fast, skillful and smart winger, he has been quick to make an impact at Villa, scoring a hat-trick in his second appearance in the U18 Premier League and also collecting three assists in his first four games for the club.”

Steve Cook, Burchall’s former teammate at Bournemouth, said after the youngster’s first team debut for the club: “You could see how special a player he is. His first involvement was checked his shoulder, cut across a player and won his foul. For a 16-year-old, that awareness, that knowhow, I think the club have produced a really good player.”

Like Sterling, the teenager seems to have that eye for goal which stands him in good stead in this era of modern wingers being the team’s chief goalscorers – the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at Liverpool of course doing that better than most.

At just 16, the 5 foot 9 Burchall still has plenty of time to grow and develop, but it’s a measure of his considerable talent that he’s already dominating the under-18 scene for Villa.

Although he’s predominantly played on the right for Villa, he has also operated from the left previously at Bournemouth, and that interchangeability should catch Dean Smith’s eye at senior level.

Sterling made his Premier League debut for Liverpool aged just 17 years, three months and 16 days, so Burchall still has a bit of time left to either match or even better that feat.

One thing is for certain, the teenage starlet could be ready to make a huge impact for Villa if he continues to progress at academy level.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this Championship ace…

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have destroyed defender Ben Davies for his performance against Crystal Palace.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men fell to a 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, their first defeat of his tenure in charge, with Tottenham’s 100 per cent start coming to a swift end this afternoon.

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In what was a day to forget, Palace swept Spurs aside in the second half thanks to a brace from their summer signing Odsonne Edouard.

Indeed, missing a plethora of first team players, Nuno watched on as his depleted defence were put to the sword in south London.

One man in particular who drew the wrath of Lilywhites supporters was Wales international Davies, who managed the lowest SofaScore rating (5.7) out of any player on the field.

He also conceded a penalty in what was a nightmare outing for the 28-year-old.

Find all of the verdicts on his performance from Twitter down below.

Spurs fans destroy Davies…

“How is Ben Davies still a Spurs player. Genuinely one of the worst players to ever wear the shirt.”

Credit: @Harriskid1

“Davies is the absolute worst”

Credit: @ringdingsnpepsi

“Ben Davies is a liability”

Credit: @Gardner2Lee

“For all the bad defenders ever been at spurs Ben Davies is in the top 3.

Beyond woeful he is”

Credit: @gerryconnolly3

“Ben Davies a player that should of left in the summer . Useless”

Credit: @JoshuaMiless

“Limited blame attached to the majority of the players here. Kane isn’t trying, Tanganga let the heat of the moment get to him and Davies is just an atrocious individual. The rest of them are probably giving all they can”

Credit: @adamdnathan

“Awful today. Winks was terrible & Ben Davies had a shocker when he came on.”

Credit: @Pochthemagician

In other news: Spurs source: Rising starlet could now be out for at least nine months after big injury blow, find out more here.