Levy set for loss as £26 million Tottenham player told to find new club

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy appears ready to take a loss on a senior first-teamer this summer, who will be told that he's free to leave.

Spurs now considering over a dozen player sales before 2024/2025

Reliable media sources, like FA registered intermediary Paul O'Keefe, who regularly breaks Spurs news on X, state that the Lilywhites are now considering sales for over a dozen players when the transfer window reopens.

Tottenham offered £52 million forward signing as agents reach out for talks

Intermediaries have contacted the club.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2024

Indeed, it is believed Spurs chiefs and manager Ange Postecoglou would be willing to part ways with the squad members in question if suitable offers arrive, which highlights the scale of their potential rebuild over these next few years.

While these players aren't named specifically, supporters and critics can hazard a pretty good guess as to who they might be. Indeed, Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Joe Rodon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Richarlison, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga, Manor Solomon and Djed Spence have all been linked with permanent Spurs exits in the last few months, but there are a couple of mystery names who have yet to be mentioned.

O'Keefe's claim falls in line with Postecoglou's latest admission that Tottenham need to implement serious change.

"We need change. Change has to happen," said Postecoglou on the Tottenham project.

Tottenham's latest Premier League results

Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal

Newcastle United 4-0 Tottenham

Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest

"You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that. It’s just not going to happen. We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about.

"It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey."

The aforementioned crop are sure-fire contenders for Postecoglou's axe, but there now appears to be another exit candidate in defender Emerson Royal. The Brazilian, who's featured 22 times in the league this season, has been filling in for the injured Destiny Udogie at left-back in recent weeks.

Levy ready to take loss as Emerson told he's free to leave Tottenham

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, he could well be sold this summer. Indeed, it is believed Spurs chiefs are set to tell Emerson to find a new club, with Levy ready to take a small loss on the £26 million they paid for his services in 2021.

Emerson Royal for Tottenham

The north Londoners will apparently accept an offer of around £20 million for the former Real Betis and Barcelona full-back, who was tipped for stardom at Spurs by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell when he first signed.

“Let me tell you, this guy is very, very good. He is all action. He is up and down, very quick and loves to attack," said Campbell to Football Insider.

“The way Spurs play, with the full-backs bombing on, he is perfect. He is relentless down the flank because he is an incredibly fit guy. He also has good quality on the ball so I expect him to quickly become a fan favourite there."

Dharmesh Sheth makes "huge" Liverpool claim on Slot and Edwards’ plans

A significant Liverpool transfer claim has emerged regarding the club's summer business, courtesy of Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Liverpool in need of summer signings

The Reds focused solely on rebuilding their midfield last summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all brought in. Now, with Jurgen Klopp moving on and being replaced by Arne Slot, the Dutchman will want to focus on his own targets, looking to bring in players who fit his plans and system while rebuilding other areas of the squad.

Liverpool certainly don't appear to be waiting around since the arrival of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, with endless players being linked with moves to Anfield already, including Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva. The Reds are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United's efforts to sign the highly-rated young defender as they seek a replacement for Joel Matip.

Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville also continues to stand out as a big target for the Reds in the summer, having helped the Whites reach the Championship playoff final against Southampton later this month. He also won the Player of the Season award in the second tier.

Liverpool are believed to have sent scouts to watch Federico Chiesa in action for Juventus recently too, seeing him face off against another rumoured transfer target in Teun Koopmeiners, who has stood out as a star man for Atalanta this season, scoring 12 goals and registering five assists in Serie A.

Dharmesh Sheth makes Liverpool transfer claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sheth claimed that Liverpool will prioritise a new centre-back signing in the summer transfer window, with Michael Edwards seeing it as a key position to address.

Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool

This is great to hear from a Liverpool perspective, with failure to bring at least one new centre-back this summer bordering on negligence by the club. Matip is leaving on a free transfer after eight years at Anfield, immediately weakening the defensive depth at Slot's disposal, and Ibrahima Konate's injuries continue to be an issue, with the Frenchman struggling to stay fit for lengthy periods.

Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk turns 33 this summer and isn't going to be at the top of his game forever, while Jarell Quansah is still a maturing player who isn't yet ready to start every week for a club of Liverpool's stature.

“Sensational” £150k-a-week Liverpool ace could leave alongside Salah

What a massive blow this would be.

By
Henry Jackson

May 18, 2024

Someone like Benfica star Silva would be ideal, with the 20-year-old starting 29 Primeira Liga games for Benfica this season, coming in as a great option from the off, but also a long-term acquisition. Similarly, Sporting CP ace Goncalo Inacio could be a brilliant addition, proving to be a key man in his side's league title win in 2023/24 and enjoying an 89.3% pass completion rate, suggesting he would suit Slot's style of play.

Former Arsenal and England star drops into League Two! Ex-Gunner joins Bromley and could make his debut this weekend

Former Arsenal defender and England international Carl Jenkinson has joined League Two side Bromley.

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  • Jenkinson played for Arsenal and West Ham
  • Defender earned one cap for England
  • Now signs for League Two Bromley
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After two years with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League, Bromley have announced the signing of former West Ham and Arsenal right-back Jenkinson. The 32-year-old could make his debut for the club this weekend against fellow League Two side Milton Keynes Dons.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Jenkinson began his career at Charlton Athletic, where his performances caught the attention of Arsenal – who he signed for in 2011. While he only played 70 times for Arsenal, he also featured for the Hammers, Nottingham Forest, and made his England debut in a 4-2 loss to Sweden in 2012. For Bromley to sign such a player is quite the coup.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Jenkinson has spent the last three seasons down in Australian top-flight football, playing for Melbourne City on loan, before signing a two-year deal with the Newcastle Jets. He has won two trophies in his career: an FA Cup with Arsenal in 2014 and a A-League Premiership title in 2022.

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Bromley – who sit 18th in League Two after seven games this season – have confirmed Jenkinson will either play against MK Dons this weekend or at home to Chesterfield on Tuesday night.

Wrexham discover FA Cup first round opponents as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side face familiar faces

Wrexham have discovered they will face a familiar foe in the form of League Two side Harrogate Town in the first round of the FA Cup.

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  • Wrexham find out FA Cup first-round clash
  • Will face League Two side Harrogate Town
  • Clash set for November 2 at Wetherby Road
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Wrexham have been on the up-and-up since their takeover by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Red Dragons have achieved back-to-back promotions over the last two seasons and are currently soaring in League One this season as they sit second in the third tier of English football.

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    Despite their successes in the league, Wrexham have failed to show their prowess in the FA Cup as they have failed to get past the fourth round since their takeover in 2020. They will now begin afresh in the FA Cup this season as they will begin their venture with a first-round clash against Harrogate.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Despite Wrexham's good form last season in League Two, they failed to beat Harrogate Town in both of their league clashes. In their first clash last season, Wrexham threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2. They then suffered a goalless draw in the second clash.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

    Phil Parkinson's men will now take on Harrogate Town in the FA Cup first-round at Wetherby Road on November 2. Wrexham will be in action next when they take on Rotherham on Saturday, October 19.

Birmingham interview Rosenior alternative who’d be perfect for Pritchard

Birmingham City's revolving door of managers is very much an interesting topic of conversation among avid fans of EFL football, having gone through four bosses this season just gone.

Tony Mowbray's recent exit from St. Andrew's wasn't a rash axing or poor decision-making blowing up in Birmingham's face again, however, with the experienced 60-year-old stepping down from the managerial limelight due to health issues that had seen Gary Rowett take on the job post temporarily.

Sunderland's former manager Tony Mowbray.

Birmingham won't want to be constantly beaten down by this tag of being a scattergun club when it comes to who occupies the dug-out though, hoping that their next appointment will be the settled face they desire and crave to instantly return back up to the Championship.

Birmingham frontrunner now interviewed

Football Insider have revealed that the relegated Blues have now interviewed former Stoke City boss Alex Neil for the vacancy, with the out-of-work 42-year-old in 'pole position' to land the gig.

Neil's promotion record as a manager would have made him the frontrunner prior to an interview occurring anyway, having been the boss that finally got Sunderland back up to the Championship after a number of near misses, alongside helping Norwich City up to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2015.

Neil's record at Sunderland compared to failed managers

Manager

Games managed

Wins

Draws

Losses

Best finish

Alex Neil

24

12

9

3

5th (promotion)

Lee Johnson

78

42

17

19

4th (no promotion)

Phil Parkinson

48

19

13

16

7th (no promotion)

Jack Ross

76

40

25

11

5th (no promotion)

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Only needing 24 games to seal promotion for the cursed Black Cats, it's not a shock to see reports are stating that Neil is the standout candidate, away from previous talk surrounding Liam Rosenior, for another sleeping giant aiming to quickly return back to the second tier.

Why Neil's appointment would benefit Pritchard

Alex Pritchard will be overjoyed at this managerial switch potentially happening, with the ex-Sunderland attacking midfielder waxing lyrical about the Scotsman when he was still playing at the Stadium of Light, describing Neil as being a "great manager" who really "stamped his authority" onto proceedings.

Alex Pritchard

The 31-year-old could light up League One as a result, needing a familiar arm around his shoulder to get the best out of him after Mowbray's exit had hindered him – who was previously Sunderland manager also – with the start of his Blues career being rather forgettable.

Previously also on the books at Norwich during Neil's stint at Carrow Road, the diminutive midfielder could sparkle again under the 42-year-old's guidance, having been crucial to Sunderland's promotion story under him too.

Pritchard picked up two of his ten assists during the memorable 2021/22 campaign in the crunch play-offs, assisting both Sunderland goals in the League One play-off final to convincingly get the better of Wycombe Wanderers 2-0, and hand Neil another promotion on his managerial resume.

The 31-year-old creator will hope he can put his uninspiring beginnings in the West Midlands behind him in a division he's caused havoc in before, having only registered one single goal contribution in his first nine Birmingham games.

Yet, it would be very unfair to completely write off the 5 foot 7 attacker now, with Pritchard notching up six assists for Sunderland that same campaign before a move to his newly relegated side happened.

Neil will hope he can add a stunning third EFL promotion to his CV with Pritchard on-song, knowing that anything but an immediate leap back up to the second tier would be deemed as a big failure.

Birmingham make contact to hire "magnificent" Rosenior alternative

The Blues can set their sights away from Liam Rosenior with this potential managerial appointment.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 24, 2024

Newcastle can repeat Gordon masterclass by signing "sensational" target

After narrowly missing out on a second consecutive European campaign, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side are on the lookout for reinforcements within his squad.

Deals for Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly appear to be nearing completion, with Howe adding two excellent centre-back options to his already impressive outfit.

Numerous outgoings are also expected at St James’ Park, as the Magpies look to offload some of the deadwood currently plying their trade on Tyneside.

Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron.

Miguel Almiron has constantly been linked with a move away from the club, with the Paraguayan free to leave should the club receive a reasonable fee for hosting signature.

Should he leave, the Magpies would certainly need another body within their forward line to support the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon who have both managed to get into double figures in the Premier League this season.

However, one player has already been linked with a big-money move to St James’, but Howe’s side may face very tough competition in the battle to win the race for his signature.

Newcastle interested in signing Championship star

According to a report from the Daily Mail earlier this month, Newcastle are believed to be battling Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa for the signing of Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

The 22-year-old has been exceptional this season and has become a vital player for Leeds in the Championship scoring 19 goals and registering nine assists in the competition, in which they fell just short of promotion after a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.

His tally of 28 goals and assists this campaign ranks him third in the division for most combined goal contributions, with Summerville only behind Sammie Szmodics and former Magpie Adam Armstrong in the standings.

Football Insider has more recently reported this week that Daniel Farke's side will desperately need to raise funds following their play-off final defeat, with the Dutch winger potentially available for a fee around the £40m mark this summer.

Whilst Newcastle themselves need to be cautious with their spending this summer, Summerville would be an excellent addition, and one that could follow in the footsteps of one current first-team member.

Why Newcastle must repeat Gordon masterclass

Despite playing in a lower-quality division this season, the Dutch winger has produced some excellent stats, many of which would be hugely beneficial to Howe’s side should they win the race for his services this summer.

Summerville has averaged 2.5 successful take-ons per 90 in the Championship for Farke's side, a figure that ranks him within the top 9% of all attackers in England’s second tier.

rutter-summerville-leeds-opinion

The “sensational” 22-year-old, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also averaged 6.1 shot-creating actions – ranking him in the top 1% of all players in the division, demonstrating his qualities in the attacking third.

The club previously forked out a similar fee of £45m for fellow winger Gordon in 2023, with the former Everton man excelling in the Premier League this season under Howe’s guidance.

However, despite bagging 12 goals in all competitions for the Magpies in 2023/24, Summerville has blown him out of the water, scoring nine more than the England international.

Gordon vs Summerville in 2023/24 – all competitions

Statistics

Gordon

Summerville

Games

48

49

Goals

12

21

Assists

11

10

G+A per 90

0.47

0.63

Expected xG

10.22

16.41

Stats via FotMob

The Dutchman has more goals and assists, subsequently producing more contributions per 90, with the club needing to pursue a move for the Leeds talent.

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville

Whilst Gordon has nailed down the left-wing position, the right-hand side needs huge improvement if Howe’s side are to compete for a Champions League spot once again next season.

All of Summerville’s stats show how threatening he is in the final third, with the club desperately needing to replicate the deal for Gordon with the youngster, forking out a huge fee and giving him consistent top-flight minutes to allow him to reach his full potential.

Newcastle can repeat Guimaraes masterclass by signing £60m "top talent"

The Magpies pulled off excellent business by signing the Brazilian, they could replicate it this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 29, 2024

Mary Earps told her days as England No.1 could be numbered by ex-Lionesses captain Steph Houghton amid fight to be PSG's first-choice goalkeeper

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps could lose her place in the England lineup as per ex-Lionesses star Stephanie Houghton.

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  • Earps could lose her place in England team
  • Struggling for form in France
  • Hampton off to a flying start with Chelsea this season
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Earps left Old Trafford to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer as she wished to get out of her comfort zone and win trophies with one of the best teams in Europe. However, the 31-year-old has endured a tough start to life in France. She conceded five goals over two legs in the Women's Champions League qualifier against Juventus as the French giants suffered a shock exit from Europe. The player is now slowly losing her place in the PSG starting lineup as Polish custodian Katarzyna Kiedrzynek was named ahead of the English star in the club's last two league clashes.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With the Lionesses looking to defend their European Championship title next year, questions have been raised over Earps' future with the national team and her place in Sarina Wiegman's lineups. Recently, Houghton opened up about the custodian's future while warning that her poor performance in club football could cost her a place in the Lionesses starting XI.

  • WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

    On the Crossways podcast, Houghton and Ian Wright discussed about Earps' chances in the England team. Wright said, "You know something I was going to say Steph, I've seen how Sarina moves and, you know, she says things and then she kind of changes her mind about, you know you have to be playing at your club to play, and then we've seen her play people who have not been playing a club. I think she might still play Mary on the vibe of well, she never let me down you know, she's done so great for me. So, I'm going to still play her."

    Houghton, however, disagreed as she said, "I don't know, you know. I think I've got a bit of a feeling, maybe through my experience of that situation and the fact that Hannah Hampton's playing for Chelsea and she's playing and she's got a lot more experience before she came into the squad. And towards the end of the season when Mary got hurt at the game at Newcastle, Hannah came in and she kept the shirt while Mary was back fit. So I don't know, I just feel as though there's too many of them patterns emerged."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Hampton performed exceptionally well in the Blues' Women's Super League opener last month as they breezed past Aston Villa 1-0 before thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0. The 23-year-old is slowly making a strong case to become England's No.1 replacing Earps.

Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's record Wrexham signing Mo Faal makes fitness admission amid lack of game time

Wrexham's record signing Mo Faal admitted that he is working on his fitness as he awaits his much anticipated League One debut.

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  • Wrexham signed Faal for a club-record fee of £500,000
  • Is yet to make his league debut amid fitness concerns
  • The striker patiently waits for his turn to impress Parkinson
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Faal, born in The Gambia, signed a contract with Wrexham that will keep him at The Racecourse Ground until June 2027, with an option for an additional year. He joined from West Bromwich Albion for £500,000 on transfer deadline day which is a club record fee. However, since his move to North Wales, Faal has been forced to be patient as he works his way into manager Phil Parkinson's plans while simultaneously building his fitness and confidence.

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    WHAT FAAL SAID

    While he has not yet featured in a League One match, the forward has appeared in the EFL Trophy, where he marked his debut with an impressive acrobatic goal in Wrexham's 3-0 victory over Wolves' U21s. The striker made a candid admission about his fitness and insisted that the coaching staff is taking the necessary steps to ensure he is fully prepared.

    "It is building confidence and gelling with the team, and getting a bit more fitness to be honest," said the striker.

    "When I left my previous team, I don't think I came to Wrexham very fit so credit to the gaffer because he has done well with me, slowly getting me back to fitness and I feel like I am getting there so that is good for me. I have just got to keep working hard every day and hopefully, I can get in there somewhere soon. I have got time on my side but everybody still wants to play.

    "Me and the gaffer speak and I feel like I have gained his trust and he has gained my trust because everything he is saying makes sense to me. It is going alright at the minute so I don't want to start pushing anything because of my fitness and stuff like that but I do want to play. Our strike-force is one of the best in the league so for me it is just soaking it all up."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Wrexham boast a formidable attacking lineup, with the likes of top scorer Jack Marriott, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, and veteran forward Steven Fletcher ahead of Faal in the pecking order. Despite the fierce competition for playing time, Faal remains positive and is rather focused on his development.

    "I think the competition is important because it pushes everyone to be better," added Faal.

    "In training, I see some of the stuff that they are doing and learn a lot from them. I am a bit more like Fletch and Ollie so watching them definitely helps me as a big man. It has been excellent since I have been here and I have enjoyed it."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

    As Wrexham continue their strong start in League One, Mo Faal’s gradual progression adds depth to their squad. The Red Dragons will return to action against Rotherham on October 19.

Aston Villa now in daily contact to sign Euro 2024 player with £35m clause

Looking to land a deal, Aston Villa are reportedly now in daily contact with the representatives of one particular target who received a late call-up to Euro 2024 recently.

Aston Villa transfer news

Those at Villa Park will be hoping for some good news on the transfer front sooner rather than later amid reports that Douglas Luiz is heading for the exit door to join Juventus. And whilst Villa will reportedly receive Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior in a swap deal, replacing Luiz's quality will be incredibly difficult for Unai Emery.

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie

Avoiding a profit and sustainability charge as a result, however, Villa may now be able to turn their attention towards strengthening Emery's squad this summer, as they look to cause a few upsets in the Champions League. Already, on that front, the Villans have been linked with Tammy Abraham, who previously starred on loan and has since enjoyed a spell at AS Roma. Now, he could make a permanent return to England and to the Midlands to boost Emery's attacking options.

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Angus Sinclair

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He's not the only one who could be on the move to the Midlands either. According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Aston Villa are now in daily contact with Ian Maatsen and his representatives as they look to land a deal. The Chelsea left-back, who enjoyed a headline-stealing loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the season, reportedly has a £35m release clause which is proving to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell Maatsen though, and whilst a deal is not close, their daily contact with Maatsen's representatives certainly suggests that this is one that Villa are keen on as they look to put together a squad capable of making it back-to-back top-four finishes in the Premier League.

"Fantastic" Maatsen could displace Digne

After playing his way into the Champions League Team of the Season, there's no doubt that Maatsen deserves to be starting in a side of that level every week, meaning that a move away from Chelsea should be on the cards this summer. The Dutchman will hope to take that form into the Euros and then perhaps to Aston Villa, where he would displace Lucas Digne.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Ian Maatsen

Lucas Digne

Starts

16

27

Assists

2

3

Progressive Carries

50

42

Ball Recoveries Per 90

5.49

3.77

The Chelsea man would hand Emery a more attacking dynamic down the left-hand side, particularly when it comes to driving with the ball and recovering possession away from it. Then having an experienced option like Digne as a back-up would represent a squad on the up at Villa Park.

Unsurprisingly, Maatsen earned plenty of praise during his time at Dortmund, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who described the left-back as "fantastic" on X.

Still just 22 years old, Villa could be getting a player ready to step into the left-back role for years to come, though only time will tell whether they reach an agreement with Chelsea.

Everton interested in move for "ridiculously good" £90,000-p/w defender

With last season's financial sanctions hopefully behind them, Everton are now looking towards this summer as they look to sign a player perfect for Sean Dyche's system.

Fresh faces expected at Goodison this summer

The latest transfer rumours out of Merseyside have linked the Toffees with a slew of smart acquisitions. The most recent name linked with a move to Goodison is Wilfred Ndidi, who is set to become a free agent when his contract at Leicester City expires at the end of this month.

Everton closing in on "total agreement" for "unplayable" £32k-a-week star

A fresh offer is being prepared.

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Henry Jackson

Jun 25, 2024

Attacking players are also high on the Toffees' wishlist with the club eager to make moves for young forward players Wilfried Gnonto and Armando Broja. The former has been linked with Everton since last summer whilst the latter appears nailed on to be leaving Chelsea during this window.

The higher ups at Goodison Park also have a defensive player on their minds with Hull City's Jacob Greaves long seen as the likely successor to Jarrad Branthwaite. The young defender appears destined to be playing his football in the Premier League next season, however Everton will face competition from Ipswich for his signature.

Jacob Greaves in action for Hull City in the Championship.

With Dyche and co looking to strengthen in all areas of the pitch, the Toffees are now interested in a move for a highly rated defensive player.

Toffees keen on Man United man this summer

As first reported by HITC, Everton are interested in a move for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The outlet reports that the current Man United man's future at Old Trafford is uncertain with Erik Ten Hag reportedly eyeing a move for a new right back this summer.

The 26-year-old joined United in a £50 million move from Crystal Palace back in 2019, and currently commands a weekly wage of £90,000 per capology, however has gone on to struggle to maintain a consistent place in the Red Devils' starting eleven.

Despite his problems at United, Wan-Bissaka has maintained his accolade as one of the league's best one on one defenders. Whilst some modern fullbacks look to spend more time attacking than defending, the Englishman is an out-and-out defensive presence.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka stats last 365 days

Total per 90

Rank vs fullbacks in comparable leagues

Interceptions

2.30

99th percentile

Clearances

3.48

96th percentile

Pass completion %

84.1

83rd percentile

Tackles

2.21

66th percentile

Following Wan-Bissaka's exceptional defensive display against Brighton in the 2023 FA Cup semi-final, then Leicester City star James Maddison said of the defender (via the Guardian): "AWB is ridiculously good at 1 v 1 defending.

“Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.”

james-maddison-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-live-updates-harry-kane-serhou-guirassy

Whilst it is one thing for an individual's performance to earn plaudits from their teammates or manager, it is a whole other kind of accolade when other team's players take notice and sing your praises.

This quote from Maddison shows just how well regarded Wan-Bisakka is when it comes to the art of defending. With Dyche well known for his defensive style, adding the 26-year-old to the Toffees' backline would be an excellent acquisition.

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