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Everton are yet again struggling to retain their Premier League status this season and, with just seven games remaining to seal their fate, Sean Dyche is in a challenging position at Goodison Park.

The Toffees are only clear of the bottom three by the skin of their teeth with a better goal difference than Nottingham Forest, who match them for points but are currently in the drop zone, so taking points from their upcoming game at Selhurst Park will be essential following a difficult few weeks for form.

Indeed, there will unlikely to be much transfer planning taking place on the blue side of Merseyside until they know whether they will remain in the top flight or spend next season in the Championship, however, if Everton are going to improve there will need to be changes made no matter what.

It is no secret that, alongside their lack of stability in the Premier League, the Blues are suffering several monetary concerns with an investigation underway to delve into their alleged mismanaged finances over the last few years, which pending an outcome will likely affect Dyche's ability to splash the cash in the summer transfer window.

As a result, the former Burnley boss could look to the club's academy to find glowing talent that can be of use to the senior squad next term, adding vital depth to key positions on the pitch without the need to scour the market for bargains.

One player who has recently been offered the golden opportunity to develop a better understanding of how the senior team operates is Ishe Samuels-Smith, a talented left-back who was seen in the matchday squad against Fulham last weekend.

Who is Ishe Samuels-Smith?

Samuels-Smith has been rising through the ranks of the youth academy at Finch Farm since joining at U9 level and has also been part of the England youth system from U15s onwards.

Despite being only 16 years old, the defender has already been given several opportunities in the U18 and U21 teams, comfortably rising to the challenges of playing with teammates and opponents much older than him, which has ultimately led to his chance to impress Dyche too.

Over four appearances in the Football League Trophy campaign this season, Samuels-Smith was hugely impressive having successfully completed 60% of his dribbles and 77% of his passes.

Importantly, he was strong at the back, averaging 1.5 interceptions, two tackles and 3.5 duels won per game – despite only averaging 45 minutes per performance.

The Manchester-born full-back – who also plays as a centre-back for England – has not been short of praise for his talents either, with The Athletic's Patrick Boyland claiming that he is "definitely one to watch."

Boyland continued: "He was best in his group with Emilio Lawrence, who left the club over summer. They did well to keep hold of ISS over summer, because there was plenty of interest.

"Versatile – also plays full back – so will be interesting to see where he ends up position-wise."

Whilst the Merseysiders have acquired the services of Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ruben Vinagre on the left flank since the departure of Lucas Digne, neither have seemingly convinced the Everton boss since his arrival in January, so it could be a great opportunity for Samuels-Smith to become Digne's true heir by working hard to earn a spot in the starting XI soon.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for Samuels-Smith and if he can continue to impress Dyche in training, it will be no time at all before he is Everton's next breakthrough star at Goodison Park.

Revised bids to buy Manchester United, one of which was from Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, look set to fall short of the Glazers’ valuation.

What’s the latest on the Old Trafford takeover?

Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe appear to be the main contenders when it comes to a takeover, with both parties making second bids after a mix-up last week. Respective teams of the pair asked for an extension after missing the deadline on Wednesday, with Ratcliffe’s fresh proposal going in 24 hours later on Thursday and news of Jassim’s second offer emerging on Saturday morning.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth believes that any sale will be for a world-record fee, and an update has emerged on those second offers. ESPN reporter Rob Dawson shared news he’s heard out of Old Trafford in the last 24 hours regarding a takeover. He stated that revised bids ‘will fall short of the Glazer family's valuation, although there is still hope a buyout can happen’.

Dawson added that bids ‘have been increased from around £4.5bn but remain below the asking price of around £6bn', so the improved bids comfortably surpass the record £3.7bn Denver Broncos takeover in the NFL. He says there is 'hope that the Glazers might still accept a compromise fee to allow a takeover at Old Trafford.’ Red Devils staff have been told to expect 'clarity' when it comes to the ownership situation by the end of the season.

What would a Qatari takeover mean?

It looks as if the proposals on the table from the Qatari investors and Ratcliffe have already eclipsed the current world record for a sports team which stands at a $4.65bn sale for the Denver Broncos last year.

Jassim is thought to be confident of winning the race to take control at Old Trafford, and should he do just that, the club could be in for a busy few months in the transfer market. Earlier this year, the Qatari group wanted 'things done quickly' so they could help Erik ten Hag when it comes to new signings, with reports suggesting last week that Jassim is a huge fan of Jude Bellingham and is looking at a stunning move.

Both Jassim and Ratcliffe will now have to remain patient and await what the Glazers have to say to their proposals, but even though the offers could be rejected, it seems as if a complete takeover in 2023 could still be on the cards, making this a situation to keep an eye on alongside maters on the pitch.

Manchester United await for Southampton in the Premier League, with the Saints hoping to build upon their recent good form and stave off the threat of relegation.

Their recent form under manager Ruben Selles – the former coach stepping up to replace Nathan Jones, who was sacked after a wretched spell at the helm – has been far more promising, with two victories clinched from the past three league matches.

An away triumph over Chelsea preceded a battling defeat to relegation rivals Leeds United, before a pivotal win against Leicester City, themselves just two points above the bottom three, closed the gulf to touching distance; Saints are now just one point behind the Whites in 17th.

The upswing in form has come at the perfect time considering the magnitude of the task in travelling to Old Trafford and stopping Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils, who responded emphatically after losing 7-0 to Liverpool by defeating Real Betis 4-1 in the Europa League.

What will Southampton’s starting XI be vs Manchester United?

With this in mind, here is how Football FanCast is predicting Saints boss Selles to field his starting eleven when the club take on Man United at the Theatre of Dreams this afternoon, with just one change expected after three points were clinched last weekend.

(4-3-3) – (GK) Bazunu; (RB) Maitland-Niles, (CB) Bednarek, (CB) Bella-Kotchap, (LB) Walker-Peters; (CM) Lavia, (CM) Ward-Prowse (AM) Elyounoussi; (RW) Walcott, (LW) Sulemana; (CF) Adams. 

Selles will likely stick with the same backline that secured victory last time out, especially given Southampton have now kept clean sheets in two of the past three league outings, conceding only once against Leeds.

In midfield, Romeo Lavia and captain James Ward-Prowse could continue their partnership as the two behind the attacking midfield trident.

Selles will demand cohesion and attentiveness from his outfit, and might have to do so without last week’s match-winner Carlos Alcaraz, who is touch-and-go for a starting berth against United after injuring himself in the celebration last Saturday, with The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell stating that scans were ‘positive’.

The £12m winter signing is a doubt due to his fitness and the “one-dimensional” – as remarked by analyst Ben Wells – Mohamed Elyounoussi could start by replacing the starlet at St. Mary’s.

Up front, Che Adams will retain his talismanic position in the place of Paul Onuachu, while pacy wingers Theo Walcott and Kamaldeen Sulemana will hope to make an impact from the flanks.

Aston Villa have been in contact with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram.

The Lowdown: Impressive form

Thuram has been in fine form in Germany this season, contributing to 17 goals in 21 games. The France international has been playing as a centre-forward but is also able to turn out on the wing if required.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, though, and it looks as if NSWE and Unai Emery are keen on a potential cut-price transfer.

The Latest: Contact made

Sports Witness relayed an update from FC Inter News regarding Thuram, where Villa were mentioned.

It is believed that Villa are one of four Premier League clubs who have contacted Thuram’s agent ahead of a potential free transfer, with Serie A side Inter Milan also interested in a deal.

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The Verdict: Would be a coup

Thuram is valued at a whopping €32m by Transfermarkt, so securing his services for nothing could be a brilliant piece of business by Villa Park chiefs.

The club managed to win the race for Boubacar Kamara’s services in a similar transfer last year, and you can see how Thuram, described as ‘world class’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer, would fit in under Emery.

Villa have just Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran as centre-forward options, so Thuram, who appears to be in the form of his life, could help take them to the next level in the final third, however, it could prove a tricky deal to complete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United keen.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has revealed that Elland Road officials ‘admire’ Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola.

The Lowdown: Iraola profiled

Iraola began his managerial career at AEK Larnaca back in 2018 and has also been in charge of CD Mirandes before taking over at Rayo Vallecano in 2020.

The 40-year-old likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and has averaged 1.53 points per game with Los Vallecanos in 118 matches. Iraola actually ended his playing career at New York City as a team-mate of Jack Harrison, with the Spaniard making 21 appearances alongside the Leeds star, and it now seems as if he is of interest to potentially take over from Jesse Marsch, who was sacked on Monday.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Hay took to Twitter on Monday evening, stating that Iraola is ‘one of the coaches Leeds United particularly admire’ as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic.

The reliable reporter said that the 40-year-old ‘has built a very good team’ at Rayo Vallecano and is on Leeds’ radar as a result.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Iraola has led Rayo Vallecano to fifth place in La Liga this season after 20 games, drawing with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and defeating Real Madrid.

All Leeds TV presenter Oscar Marrio believes that the Spaniard has a similar philosophy to another reported Whites managerial target in Carlos Corberan – ‘high pressing, possession based football with a heavy emphasis on maintaining width’.

Therefore, a Leeds swoop for Iraola by owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises – who appear to have the decisive say when it comes to managerial decisions – could prove to be a shrewd one. However, his lack of Premier League experience may also make it a risk, with the club once again involved in a relegation battle.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United could be keen on making a move for centre-back Nat Phillips this January.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic, young Liverpool defender Rhys Williams is set to be recalled from his loan spell at Blackpool. It’s expected that he will return to Jurgen Klopp’s squad for the second half of the season after seeing his minutes diminish in the Championship.

This may come as a bit of good news for David Moyes and co. Indeed, West Ham have just sold Craig Dawson to Wolves and so should be on the lookout for a replacement.

While speaking about it all on The West Ham Way Patreon, Ex explained that Williams’ return could open the door for Phillips to leave this winter.

He said: “Interestingly, Liverpool look set to recall Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Championship side Blackpool with interest growing in Nat Phillips before next week’s transfer deadline.

“As we revealed at the start of the window we expected him to be a target. Liverpool appeared reluctant to let him go following Van Dijk’s injury but it seems like they could be preparing for his departure.

“West Ham have always been keen on the player and could also make a move for the player.

“It is thought that Moyes wants a domestic-based centre-back on loan, both [Michael Keane was mentioned too] of these are and they are over 6 foot 3 which Moyes seems to prefer for his centre-backs.”

Transfer chance

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT back in November, journalist Dean Jones claimed that West Ham have been keeping “a keen eye” on the defender for some time now.

This makes a lot of sense as the club likely would have been aware of Dawson’s impending departure seeing as he came so close to leaving last summer too.

With that in mind, the club have had ample opportunity to do their homework on Phillips and with Williams’s return now potentially opening the door for a deal to be done, the east London outfit could soon make their move.

The 25-year-old has never truly established himself as a first-team regular at Liverpool, but he has still managed to play 29 times for the club.

Incidentally, the defender actually put in a man-of-the-match display against the Hammers back in 2020 which caused Klopp to dub him a “monster”.

Phillips’ manager told the BBC: “He’s a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything.

“He’s not easy on the eye, he’s not [Lionel] Messi but who cares? In the air, he’s a monster! He was incredible.”

Perhaps that was what first piqued West Ham’s interest in the centre-back.

Chelsea return to Premier League action for a London clash against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, in a fixture that desperately calls for a home victory.

Having assumed the managerial role in the maiden period of the campaign, Graham Potter has been plagued by a barrage of issues, with the injury department at its brim and confidence depleted.

Against Palace, the Blues must bounce back from the 2-1 defeat away to rivals Fulham – their seventh defeat from ten outings across all competitions – and look to mount a charge back towards Champions League contention.

This season, Potter’s top Premier League goal-scorers are £50m summer signing Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz, both with four; for comparison, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has 21 strikes in the league alone.

With that in mind, three points are certainly paramount in order to combat the ailing fortunes.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Potter to field his starting 11 today against Crystal Palace, with as many as three changes…

Kepa Arrizabalaga will deputise between the sticks once again, having started the past four league matches, while Potter might maintain the back-three in defence – which worked well against Fulham despite defeat, so Trevoh Chaloba, Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva remain.

Marc Cucurella, however, will move back into a left wing-back role, replacing the blossoming 18-year-old gem Lewis Hall, while stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta will retain his deployment down the right flank.

The £50m “class act” that is Jorginho – as once lauded by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher – will partner Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the park, dictating the play, with Denis Zakaria – on a loan deal from Juventus – withdrawn in the previous outing with a suspected injury.

With recent signing Joao Felix suspended, Kai Havertz might be shifted out wide to accommodate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has found the back of the net just three times since his summer move from FC Barcelona, while Mason Mount will look to drift out to the left in search of a sliver of creative ingenuity to steer his club to success.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Koulibaly, Silva; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Cucurella; Havertz, Aubameyang, Mount.

Manchester City’s emerging star Rico Lewis has left former BBC pundit Noel Whelan blown away by his recent performances.

The Lowdown: Lewis’ breakthrough

Despite only being 18-years-old, Lewis has managed to force his way into the Man City starting XI in recent weeks, starting the two most recent games ahead of Joao Cancelo, against Leeds United and Everton.

The right-back has made five appearances total in the Premier League, while he has also featured twice in the Champions League this season, scoring once, and he has now been the subject of praise from Whelan for his efforts.

 The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan says the youngster’s attributes make him a great fit for Pep Guardiola’s style of play:

“From what I saw the other night, he’s got everything a full-back needs.

“He didn’t look out of place at all. He can get forward, he can defend – he’s very comfortable on the ball, which is perfect for Pep.

“They’re all capable on the ball and he looks very assured.

“He’s definitely one for the future in terms of Man City and England – because I was very impressed with how he hit the ground running.

“He’s a fantastic young player.”

The Verdict: Future star

Last time out, against Everton, the starlet displayed his passing ability by competing 54 of the 56 balls that he attempted, attaining a 96% pass completion rate, the second-highest figure of any outfield Man City starter, a vital asset for a player to have if they are going to succeed in a Guardiola system.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ and ‘so composed on the ball’ by journalist Tom Young, the Englishman also impressed against Leeds, displaying his defensive acumen by making two clearances, while also showing a good eye to set his teammates up in attacking areas, creating one big chance.

There is no doubt that Guardiola has a future star on his hands, and it will now be interesting to see how he can continue to keep more established names like Kyle Walker and Cancelo out of the team.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that there is ‘nothing significant’ between Arsenal and a reported move for Dusan Vlahovic ‘just yet’.

The Lowdown: Return for Vlahovic?

The Gunners did try to sign Vlahovic in the January transfer window, but he moved to Juventus instead, and a recent report has claimed that they are still interested in a move.

This comes after Gabriel Jesus has reportedly been ruled out for up to three months after picking up an injury while with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, meaning that the Emirates Stadium outfit could now dip into the market for another striker in the January transfer window.

The Latest: ‘Nothing significant’

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that there is ‘nothing significant’ in the North London club’s links to Vlahovic ‘just yet’, and it ‘remains to be seen’ whether they will try to sign him again, having failed in January:

“It remains to be seen whether Arsenal try again having pushed hard in January to try and sign him from Fiorentina. Gabriel Jesus’ injury will naturally prompt links with strikers (and some concrete enquiries, too). But told nothing significant between Vlahovic and #AFC just yet.”

The Verdict: Short-term fix

If Arsenal do sign Vlahovic, then it would only be a short-term fix until Jesus is back from injury.

Lauded as having ‘unbelievable’ quality and being a ‘bit like Haaland’ by journalist Dean Jones, the Serbia international boasts 16 goals and four assists in 36 matches for Juve (Transfermarkt), and at just 22 years of age, is one of the most promising strikers in Europe.

There is no doubt that he would add another dimension to the Gunners’ attack, as they push for the Premier League title in the second part of the season after finding themselves five points clear at the top.

However, once Jesus returns from injury, Mikel Arteta would have a real dilemma on his hands in terms of who to play, and he may find it difficult to keep both players happy, which could have long-term implications.

Sunderland look set to welcome Daniel Ballard back to first-team action in the coming weeks, in what is undoubtedly a big boost for Tony Mowbray ahead of the busy Christmas period.

The Black Cats signed the centre-back from Arsenal during the summer and he looked set to be a mainstay at the Stadium of Light, starting the first three fixtures in the second tier.

However, he would fracture his foot in the 2-2 draw against QPR in August and understandably hasn’t featured since, but it seems as if he is now nearing a return to full fitness.

The World Cup break arguably came at a good time for Sunderland, as it has allowed the likes of Ballard and Ross Stewart to continue their recovery without needing to be rushed back, and it seems as if both will now make their competitive returns before the new year.

Mowbray confirmed the latest on the 23-year-old defender in an injury update earlier this week, saying:

“We don’t think Dan Ballard is too far behind either – someone just said in the dressing room there’s two of our very best players, we can only get better. Let’s hope that proves to be the case.”

Ballard arrived at the Stadium of Light with a big reputation, having impressed in loan spells with Blackpool and Millwall in each of the last two seasons.

During his time at Bloomfield Road, where he helped the Tangerines to promotion back to the Championship, Ballard earned a huge amount of praise from former manager Neil Critchley.

He said:

“He played like a man out there today. Really assured (his) defending was outstanding up against good strikers, some experienced strikers. He kept them all quiet today, really pleased with Dan and he’s had a really good start to his Blackpool career.”

After averaging a strong 6.93 rating from WhoScored for his performances with Millwall in the Championship last season, Ballard clearly has what it takes to be an important member of Sunderland’s squad for the rest of the season.

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The 23-year-old might find it tough to oust the likes of Danny Batth and Aji Alese in Mowbray’s side given their respective form but it is undoubtedly good news for the Black Cats that he is nearly back to full fitness.