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Everton could be set to add the solution to their defensive woes, bolstering the whole team in the process…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to journalist Simon Phillips, who thinks that Frank Lampard might plead with Farhad Moshiri to allow him to return for Robin Gosens.

This comes after reports from Italy emerged at the start of November suggesting that the Toffees are admirers of the full-back.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips responded to those links: “Frank Lampard looked at him and tried to sign him when he was at Chelsea.

“He was a player that they took to the board, so I can definitely see this link being legit and transpiring.”

Complete his defence

Although Vitaliy Mykolenko has provided a solid option at left-back since his £20m move, he admittedly has offered little offensively.

Often, attacks are prioritised down the right flank as when the ball finds itself at the feet of the Ukrainian, he lacks the speed and attacking impetus to drive into space and deliver.

Since signing he has only scored once and is yet to assist across 31 appearances.

Therefore, to swap him out for the converted winger could be a stroke of genius.

At Atalanta, the 28-year-old boasted 29 goals and 21 assists, and since moving to Inter Milan has racked up four goal contributions in fewer games than Mykolenko has played on Merseyside.

With him and Nathan Patterson on the flanks, it would provide width and pace seldom seen at Goodison Park this season, and not only would it complete Lampard’s defence, but it would boost the whole squad as his system would no longer be reliant on one side.

This season, despite averaging a 6.63 rating, the £76k-per-week trickster is boasting a 29% crossing accuracy alongside a 67% dribble success rate, via Sofascore.

These statistics culminate in his ranking in the top 1% compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals.

His offensive presence led commentator Matteo Bonetti to dub him a “weapon”, serving to supplement Joachim Low’s praise after his “amazing performance” helped his country defeat Portugal in EURO 2020.

To add him to the Toffees’ toothless side would be an inspired decision, as they are crying out for fresh momentum in attack.

Gosens could provide that, completing a rock-solid backline with a touch of class.

Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson could be an ideal addition to Aston Villa’s attack if he joins the Premier League club in January, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

The Lowdown: Jackson linked with Villa

The 21-year-old is an exciting young player who has scored two goals and set up two more in La Liga so far this season, with a bright future seemingly on the cards for him.

New Villa manager Unai Emery knows Jackson inside-out after working with him recently at the Estadio de la Ceramica, and the Senegal forward has been linked with a move to Villa Park.

A January move could potentially be on the cards, and his possible signing has once again been talked up.

The Latest: Journalist talks up possible Jackson signing

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke said that Jackson is someone who could help take Villa up another gear this season and beyond if he comes to the Midlands.

The reporter said of the 21-year-old:

“He’s broken into the Villarreal team on a regular basis this season, and he’s been a real find for them.

“He scored goals, created goals, and he’s someone who could add to that Aston Villa attack because they’ve really struggled to score goals so far this season.

“So, I’m sure it’s an area of the team that Unai Emery will quickly identify to try and improve.”

The Verdict: Ideal January addition

Jackson could be a perfect January addition for Villa, with Emery’s knowledge of the Senegalese gem as a player certainly taking the risk element out of the move.

At 21, he is still very raw, but with Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia regressing from last season’s levels, and with neither Danny Ings nor Ollie Watkins scoring freely, more attacking depth is required.

Jackson should be viewed as someone who could come in and be an immediate regular for Villa, while also maturing into a genuine stalwart in claret and blue as the years progress.

Medical expert Ben Dinnery has claimed that the new injury to Kemar Roofe is ‘very frustrating’ for him and Glasgow Rangers, although not ‘alarming’.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed in late October that the 29-year-old had suffered an injury setback and would be missing for a couple of weeks.

The striker had been carrying a knee injury from last season, although he did make his return in the 1-0 win at home to Dundee in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals last month.

Roofe then made another substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw at home to Livingston in the Premiership, but this latest injury has kept him out ever since.

The Latest: ‘Very frustrating’

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery – who runs the Premier Injuries site and also contributes for Sky Sports – has claimed that Roofe’s latest injury setback is ‘very frustrating’, but not ‘alarming’.

He stated of the Jamaican’s woes: “I wouldn’t say it’s alarming, it’s more frustrating in terms of where the player wants to be.

“We know the associated risk of players returning from long-term injury, regardless of the work you are putting in on the training pitch.

“Nothing quite prepares the body for the rigours of competitive first-team football. That’s why you see players suffer minor setbacks and niggles because you need to adapt and integrate.

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“This latest setback puts a pause on him being involved but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a minor issue.

“Unfortunately it’s one that he will be used to. You need to be in a really strong mindset to get you through that. You just focus on hitting those milestones in recovery and getting back in the team.

“It’s very frustrating, very disappointed but not totally unexpected. The break eases the pressure. Usually, everyone is asking when you are back and you push yourself.

“This allows the process to take its natural course, you can ease back and go through a thorough programme, so you arrive in the second half of the season in a really good place.”

The Verdict: Cannot catch a break

Roofe simply cannot catch a break, as he has been suffering from constant injury problems since the last campaign.

With Alfredo Morelos strongly linked with leaving Ibrox over the next few months, there is a place in the Rangers squad for an understudy to Antonio Colak, and Roofe would be confident that he can eventually surpass the new signing as the Light Blues’ main focal point.

He finished as the club’s third-highest scorer last season with 16 goals across all competitions, and when fit, he has shown that he can be a consistent threat in front of goal.

However, these constant injuries are hampering his chances of getting more game-time for the Light Blues.

Everton have no doubt endured a miserable recruitment record over the years, having routinely made often bizarre and costly decisions in the transfer market, while also missing out on potential ideal signings.

One such figure that eluded them in the past was that of Peter Crouch, with reports back in 2010 suggesting that the Englishman was a potential target for Toffees boss David Moyes, with midfielder Steven Pienaar set to head in the other direction to join Tottenham Hotspur.

While the striker’s previous Liverpool connections may well have been a contentious issue among supporters, the towering marksman would likely have offered a reliable goalscoring presence in attack, having netted 13 times and provided nine assists during the 2009/10 campaign for Spurs.

A player whom Moyes was seemingly fond of – with the Scotsman having reportedly been keen to sign the unique asset during his later stint as Sunderland boss in 2016 – it could well have been an ideal deal for all concerned.

As it proved, however, no such move came to fruition – despite Pienaar securing his switch to north London – with Crouch ultimately staying put with the Lilywhites for a further season.

Amid that missed chance, the Merseysiders instead bolstered their attacking ranks with the free transfer capture of Jermaine Beckford, with the former Leeds United man subsequently going on to last just a solitary season at Goodison Park, having scored ten goals in all competitions during the 2010/11 campaign.

As for Crouch, the 6 foot 7 colossus would ultimately go on to join Stoke City a year later, enjoying a respectable spell with the Potters as he scored 61 goals and provided 27 assists in 261 games in all competitions.

The now-retired journeyman – who also turned out for the likes of Southampton, Queen’s Park Rangers and Portsmouth in a lengthy career in English football – may have never been truly prolific, although remained a real handful for any opposition as a result of his towering frame and aerial ability.

That latter strength ensured that the 42-cap menace still holds the overall record for the most headed goals in Premier League history with a tally of 40, while his tally of 108 league goals ensures he ranks 28th in the competition’s all-time scorers list.

A player who accumulated 199 goals at club level throughout his career, the Macclesfield-born sensation would no doubt have offered a real attacking threat to Moyes had he been snapped up all those years ago.

Just imagine the carnage that could have ensued with the former England international lined up in attack alongside Marouane Fellaini…

Nottingham Forest’s tough start to life in the Premier League continued on Monday night as they were thrashed 4-0 by previously-winless Leicester City.

A shocking spell in the first half saw James Maddison open the scoring thanks to a deflected effort, before an excellent strike from Harvey Barnes made it 2-0 just a minute later.

Maddison then made it 3-0 with a superb free-kick in off the post, with Patson Daka completing the humiliation in the second half with a lovely flicked finish.

However, Forest had their chances at the King Power Stadium, with Taiwo Awoniyi missing two huge opportunities, including an effort off the post when the score was still 0-0.

Had the Nigerian summer signing taken his chances then Forest could have escaped with a point or more, so the former Liverpool man definitely let Steve Cooper down.

In fact, his lacklustre finishing ability may well have cost the English manager his job, as reports have emerged following the game that the Reds could look to appoint Rafa Benitez as Cooper’s replacement, after a disappointing start to the season.

As per SofaScore, Awoniyi would earn a shocking 6.1 rating for his performance, which was the worst of any outfield player on the pitch.

After hitting the woodwork in the first half, the 25-year-old fluffed another chance in the second half, shooting straight at Danny Ward when played through on goal.

During his time on the pitch, the Nigerian forward would have just 13 touches of the ball. Dean Henderson, by comparison, would have 54, which emphasises how little Awoniyi was involved on Monday night.

The target man has averaged just nine passes per game this season but somehow dropped even lower against the Foxes, completing just six passes before he was rightly substituted just after the hour mark.

With only two goals in his opening eight appearances for Forest, with a number of notable chances missed, Cooper may well have been a lot better off with a more clinical option than Awoniyi up front.

Therefore, with the former Swansea boss seemingly on the brink of losing his job, Awoniyi must share some of the blame after another passenger-like display on Monday.

Fulham are reportedly looking to pip Tottenham to a deal for Leeds United forward Dan James, according to ESPN’s James Olley.

The Lowdown: Spurs rumours

The 24-year-old has been linked with a late move to Spurs, with Antonio Conte’s side thought to be confident over a deal. Talks were reportedly at an advanced stage, although the Wales international is still with Leeds in the final hours of the transfer window.

It looks as if there has been a transfer twist, though, with another London club now keen on his services.

The Latest: Transfer twist

Olley, a senior reporter for ESPN, took to Twitter on Wednesday to provide an ‘update’ on James. He claimed that Fulham are ‘ready’ to match Leeds’ £20m asking price, with Tottenham only willing to sign the forward on loan.

Phil Hay has shared what he knows, stating that James’ preference is to remain at Elland Road but Leeds haven’t ruled out an exit just yet.

Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that a deal is close, though he believes it could be a loan move, so time will tell whether Leeds get any cash for the player come the end of the day.

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The Verdict: Decision to make

It doesn’t look like PSV’s Cody Gakpo will be heading to Yorkshire, and with time running out before the 11pm deadline, Leeds may have a decision to make regarding James.

It appears as if they could be tempted to sell the 24-year-old, but it would be a major gamble to green-light a move without a replacement lined up.

Victor Orta may well be working late into the night on the hunt for a forward, so James’ future could be one to keep an eye on today with Fulham now firmly in the race for the Welshman.

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie shared the latest injury news for Newcastle United on Monday.

The Lowdown: Unavailable

Jonjo Shelvey was unavailable for the Tynesiders’ 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, leaving question marks over the seriousness of his injury.

Luckily, Eddie Howe’s team did not need him in the end, as goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson were enough to earn them all three points and the perfect start to the new campaign.

The Latest: Three months out…

Taking to Twitter 48 hours after the Forest match, Downie shared that Shelvey has had surgery on his hamstring, which he described as a ‘real blow’ for the player and his side:

“Jonjo Shelvey had surgery on his hamstring in London on Saturday, and is set to be out for the next 3 months. On the positive side, the World Cup break will give him a chance for a second “pre-season” in Nov/Dec. A real blow for the player & team, though.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Of course, losing a player of Shelvey’s quality for up to three months will be worrying for Howe and the Toon Army – at 30, it’s tough to know if he’ll even return the same player from a hamstring surgery.

The Englishman was a key player last term, playing in almost every match he was available for under Howe, scoring two goals and supplying one assist (Transfermarkt).

He also captained the side towards the back end of the season, showing his leadership qualities both on and off of the pitch, and so he will not be an easy void to fill in the middle of the park.

Rangers summer signings Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo trained with the team on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League qualifier, according to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell.

The Lowdown: Rangers’ summer signings

The Light Blues have been busy at work during the transfer window this summer, with numerous arrivals and departures to and from Ibrox.

Last month, the Gers announced the signing of 21-year-old Rabbi Matondo, who made the switch to Glasgow from Schalke 04 in a deal worth £1.8m. The Wales international joined the German outfit from Manchester City in 2019 for a staggering £11m.

Giovanni van Bronckhost’s side also recently announced the arrival of Ridvan Yilmaz at Ibrox, who joined the club in a deal worth £3.4m plus add-ons. The Turkey international made his debut for Besiktas in 2019 as an 18-year-old and has since gone on to make 62 appearances in all competitions for the Super Lig giants.

The Latest: Campbell’s team news

With Matondo having missed out on Rangers’ opening game of the Premiership season against Livingston due to injury, Campbell has shared an update on the youngster’s fitness.

Also speaking about recent arrival Yilmaz, the reliable journalist took to Twitter on Monday morning to state: “Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo trained with the team yesterday ahead of the UCL qualifier tomorrow.

“Another session in store today but Van Bronckhorst says a couple of players are still doubts.”

The Verdict: Big boost

The inclusion of Matondo and Yilmaz in the Gers’ squad for their Champions League qualifier against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday will come as a big boost to Van Brockhorst’s side.

With it being Rangers’ first continental clash since the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt in May, the Light Blues will be desperate to progress in the Champions League this season.

However, with Saint-Gilloise narrowly missing out on the Belgian title last year, this will be no easy fixture for Van Bronckhorst’s men.

Therefore, the possible inclusion of the two new signings will come as a boost to Rangers, providing them with alternative options in the latter stages of the match in Belgium if needed.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Matheus Nunes this summer, and there has been a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Paisley Gates), there is a strong possibility that the 23-year-old will make the move to England, with the Reds remaining interested.

As per the report, Sporting Lisbon are now only interested in doing business in the transfer market to sell players at this point, and the midfielder seems one of the most likely outgoings for the Portuguese club.

Big Keita upgrade

The Reds are reportedly prioritising the midfield as key area to improve and strengthen after completing the club-record signing of Darwin Nunez this summer, and Nunes could be the perfect Naby Keita upgrade if FSG can secure a deal for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Guinea international will be out of contract in less than 12 months’ time, and although Liverpool are speculated to be in talks to negotiate a new deal for the midfielder, they may not need to if they can sign the Sporting star this summer.

According to FBRef, both Nunes and Keita matched up for goal contributions, scoring three goals and delivering one assist each, although there are many attributes where Nunes outperforms his positional peer on Merseyside.

The 23-year-old has a better shot on target accuracy (27.3%), created more big chances (six), made more tackles (two) and won more duels (6.5) on average per game, while also being more successful in completing his dribble attempts (70%) compared to Keita (63%).

The £42.2m-valued dynamo has been the recipient of high praise, with his former team-mate Goncalo Santos hailing him previously (via Liverpool Echo).

Santos said of Nunes: “It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.

“If you are in the defensive phase and he gets the ball, he can run with it and fire the team 30 yards up the pitch because he is so good in possession.”

With that in mind, the powerbrokers at Anfield should carefully consider whether they ought to offer a new contract to Keita or sign an upgrade in Nunes this summer to replace the Guinea midfielder.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool transfer update that’ll frustrate supporters

Leeds United have been tipped to launch a bid to secure a permanent move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor had this to say on the matter.

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He said: “I think McAtee is one that Leeds will look at permanently. They’re partial to that kind of deal. We saw them sign Lewis Bate from Chelsea, that kind of high potential youngster that they’re willing to invest in, although it hasn’t quite worked out yet.”

As a product of City’s youth academy, which has produced players such as Phil Foden, McAtee has made 93 appearances for the club across their senior and youth sides.

Over those appearances, the 19-year-old has scored 44 goals and delivered 27 assists in the process.

His latest campaign saw the midfielder score 18 goals and provide seven assists in 23 league appearances for City’s U23s.

He also made six senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, showing that he is on the fringes of breaking into the first team.

Leeds supporters will be buzzing

Should the Manchester club not be able to guarantee regular senior minutes for the teenager next season, perhaps a move away from the Etihad Stadium could be the best next step for him and his development.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to suggest that the Englishman would be an exciting signing for the Yorkshire club and have a lot of Leeds supporters buzzing to have such a promising young player in their ranks.

As Taylor also mentioned, the Whites have not been shy when it comes to signing young players from clubs across England.

In addition to Bate, figures such as Joe Gelhardt and Sean McGurk have made moves to Elland Road in recent years, highlighting just how eager the club can be when it comes to securing deals for young talents and developing them for the future.

Moving forward, if the Whites see an opportunity to potentially secure a loan, or even a permanent deal for the City starlet, this is definitely something that they should look to explore, as the possible long-term benefits could be huge for the club.

AND in other news: Marsch could seal the next £142m talent in Leeds bid for “magnificent” £16k-p/w target