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Sheffield United will immediately want to make amends for their shock 3-0 defeat to Hull City when travelling to Derby County next.

Before that sobering loss, the Blades had won their last three matches in the Championship, but their confidence will have been dented somewhat by the Tigers causing some unexpected chaos at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder will want to see the fresh players he’s purchased in the form of Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon perform better at Pride Park as part of their new group, with more new signings reportedly in the pipeline which includes a deal for this Brazilian midfielder.

Sheffield United interested in Brazilian star

As per a fresh report by the Sunday Mirror – that has been relayed by the Sheffield Star – the Blades are interested in snapping up midfield gem Danilo Barbosa this window, with his current employers Botafago preparing to offload their star to cash in on him before his contract runs out.

The Championship promotion chasers aren’t the only side keen on landing the 28-year-old, however, as both Leeds United and Everton are named as other parties looking at the 6-foot holding midfielder who could be sold for as little as £2m before February’s early deadline.

With United reportedly also keen on bringing in Hamza Choudhury, as a loan move for the Leicester City reserve figure to uproot to South Yorkshire looks more and more imminent, there could well be a new-look core to Wilder’s side as the holding midfield positions undergo a revamp.

What Barbosa could offer Sheffield United

There would be a method to Wilder’s madness here, with the holding midfield positions in his side not exactly blessed with substantial depth at the moment owing to Ollie Arblaster being out with a serious injury.

That was evident in the Hull defeat with Harrison Burrows drafted in to play as an anchor for his team when he had been predominantly played as an option down the left flank for most of the campaign so far, with academy product Sydie Peck also having to remain in the spotlight alongside Burrows.

Bringing in Barbosa would give Wilder a fresh body away from having to rely on the likes of Peck and Burrows to shine, with the 28-year-old a well-travelled figure who would relish the opportunity to star in England.

This season to date for Botafago, Barbosa has shown off his ability to be calm on the ball and a goal threat as much as he has also proven himself to be an attritional figure centrally, with a rock-solid duo perhaps forming if the ex-Braga man was to join the Blades ranks soon alongside Choudhury.

Looking at the table above, Barbosa does better Choudhury in terms of his attacking output when looking at the 27-year-old’s last season in the second tier under Wilder’s wing at Watford, with four goal contributions next to none for Choudhury.

But, the Foxes man more than makes up for his deficiencies in an attacking sense with his strengths as a defensive presence, as more interceptions, tackles and duels are won on average by Choudhury than his potential new Brazilian teammate.

Having also won promotion up to the Premier League last year when more game-time came his way at the King Power Stadium, Choudhury looks like he will be a sterling capture for the Blades.

Partnering him alongside a new face to the English game could also work wonders for Barbosa, as more and more signings are tipped to join the ever-growing camp.

Wilder's next O'Connell: Sheffield United could now sign £8.5k p/w EFL star

Chris Wilder could sign a new version of Jack O’Connell with this next Sheffield United signing.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 26, 2025

Chelsea have reportedly enquired about the availability of €80 million-rated Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz.

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• Chelsea enquire about Juventus' Yildiz
• Juventus consider offering new contract
• Italian giants need to raise funds quickly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Foot Mercato, via Get French Football News, Turkish teenager Yildiz is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The report adds that Juventus are considering offering the 19-year-old a new contract but they do need to raise funds quickly and that could open the door for the Blues.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yildiz is seen as one of Turkey's brightest young talents in recent years and is reportedly valued at €80-90m (£68.5-77m) by Juventus. Chelsea have tried to sign top young talents in recent times and it seems they have set their sights on the youngster for this summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Yildiz, whose contract runs until 2029 at the Serie A team, has made 76 appearances for Juve and has scored 12 times in that period.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Yildiz will hope to lead Juventus into next season's Champions League, with his side currently fifth in Serie A.

América focused on Liguilla, not Club World Cup speculation, the executive said

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• The CAS is expected to issue a final decision next week surrounding Club León's expulsion

• América and LAFC could face off on May 21 or 28

• In their last five meetings vs Pachuca, have managed just one victory

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite growing speculation and recent comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Club América remain cautious about fully committing to the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

  The situation centers on Club León, whose participation hangs in the balance following allegations of violating FIFA’s rules on multi-ownership. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to issue a final decision next week. Should León be officially excluded, the vacant spot would likely be decided through a play-in match between América and LAFC.

  While América has tried to stay removed from the controversy, potential dates for the match have already been floated, with May 21 and May 28 in the United States emerging as possibilities.

  Speaking to , América’s operational president, Héctor González Iñárritu, made it clear that the club is not prioritizing the situation just yet.

  “We’re treating it as something secondary because nothing is official,” he said.

  Infantino recently suggested that a direct elimination match between León and LAFC would determine the final Concacaf representative. However, if León is ruled ineligible, América would step into that role. Even with FIFA hinting at such a scenario, remain focused on domestic priorities, particularly the upcoming Clausura 2025 Liguilla.

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  Amid speculation surrounding a potential spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Club América’s leadership continues to emphasize its commitment to domestic objectives. Team executive Iñárritu made it clear that the focus remains on the upcoming Liguilla, not on hypothetical scenarios.

  “Right now, we’re fully focused on preparing for the Liguilla,” said González Iñárritu. “If that [Club World Cup] opportunity presents itself, we must be respectful of CAS timelines, of FIFA’s rules, statutes, and procedures – after all, it’s the global governing body.”

  He underlined that until there is an official decision, América won’t allow speculation to distract from its current priorities.

  “Until something official comes through and the possibility becomes real, we can’t afford to lose focus,” he added.

  González Iñárritu also dismissed the ongoing discourse as premature and unproductive, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on what the club can actually control.

  “I don’t want to get caught up in that discussion because, frankly, it leads nowhere at this point. If the opportunity does materialize, we’ll address it then. For now, our attention is on the championship, on the possibility of winning a fourth straight title, on recovering key players, and being as prepared as possible,” he concluded.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  América will face a familiar and difficult opponent in the Liguilla quarterfinals, as recent matchups against Pachuca have proven challenging. In their last five meetings, have managed just one victory, highlighting the difficulty André Jardine’s side could face as they pursue a historic fourth consecutive title.

  The last time these two clubs met in a knockout round was during the 2023-2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, where Pachuca eliminated América en route to lifting the trophy. That recent setback adds extra weight to this quarterfinal clash.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?

  América will face Pachuca in the Liguilla quarterfinals, which kick off on May 7 and 8. will play the second leg at home.

Brighton & Hove Albion have made a late move to sign an “exciting” forward, and they have now received a response after submitting a £13m bid, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Brighton inconsistent in the Premier League

Brighton still remain in the top half of the Premier League table, but they have been very inconsistent in recent weeks, and the downturn in form is likely to be a concern for manager Fabian Hurzeler. A win at Old Trafford is not the scalp it once was, but the Seagulls have struggled since the 3-1 victory against Manchester United, most recently suffering a 7-0 battering against high-flying Nottingham Forest.

As such, Hurzeler may be keen to make some additions before the transfer deadline tonight, having sanctioned Evan Ferguson’s departure on loan to West Ham United until the end of the season.

The deal for FC Nurnberg’s Stefanos Tzimas has now been completed, with the young forward arriving for a fee of £20m, although the Greek is set to remain with the German club on loan until the end of the season.

Another key target in recent days has been Sunderland forward Tommy Watson, yesterday submitting an offer of £8.5m after holding talks with the Championship side, and there has now been a new update. Taking to X, Romano has revealed Brighton have submitted a £13m bid for Watson, but it has been knocked back, with the deal now off.

The Seagulls were willing to send Simon Adingra on loan to the Stadium of Light to help orchestrate the move, but there is now very little chance of the deal taking place before the deadline.

Brighton should revisit Watson move this summer

The Black Cats are seemingly unwilling to let the 18-year-old leave this month, but there is every sign it could be worth revisiting a deal at the end of the season.

Despite his age, the Englishman has already managed to force his way into starting contention at the Stadium of Light this season, bagging a brace in a 2-1 victory against Stoke City back in December.

Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls has also been full of praise for the young winger in the past, saying: “Tommy has shown himself to be an exciting and dynamic attacking player and has really kicked on since leaving school and joining the Club full-time.

“He has been recognised internationally and has been part of several of the recent England U17 squads.”

Brighton have developed a reputation as a club with a keen eye for up-and-coming players, and Watson certainly looks as though he fits the mould, so it is exciting news they have been pursuing a deal.

However, it looks as though the move will have to wait until the summer, at which point there could be competition for the teenager’s signature, with Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

Glasgow Rangers still have a bit of time left before the January transfer window officially slams shut if they want to make any further additions to their first-team squad.

The Light Blues have already confirmed, on deadline day, that they have reached an agreement with Lyall Cameron to sign him at the end of his contract with Dundee in the summer.

His deal with the Scottish Premiership side expires at the end of the season and the young central midfielder will link-up with his new teammates at Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst the main focus from supporters may be on the players who could be arriving at Ibrox before the end of the window, Rangers have also been handed a big boost by keeping hold of their star players.

Rangers star set to stay at Ibrox

According to Italian journalist Fabio Marsiglia, Romania international attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi is set to remain a Rangers player beyond the end of the current transfer window.

Transfer Focus

His contract at Ibrox is due to expire in the summer and Serie A outfit Genoa were reportedly keen to snap him up ‘immediately’ to bolster their squad.

However, Margsiglia, speaking to Ibrox News, has revealed that the Italian team has moved on to another target. The reporter said: “I don’t think Hagi can arrive today because Genoa is closing with Milan for Hugo Cuenca, a 2005-born attacking midfielder or winger.”

This suggests that the midfielder is going to remain a Rangers player until, at least, the end of the season and that should come as a massive boost for Philippe Clement and his team.

Why keeping Ianis Hagi is a massive boost

The manager, the players, and the supporters should be delighted that Genoa are not swooping in to sign the midfield star today because he is a crucial player for the Gers.

It was only yesterday, on Sunday, that Hagi provided a timely reminder of the quality that he can provide on the pitch for Rangers, scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Ross County.

The £21k-per-week star, who was once described as an “absolute dream” to work with by Steven Gerrard, has starred in the Scottish Premiership for the Light Blues this season.

Hagi was not initially included in the squad for the Europa League, which he can now be registered for ahead of the play-offs, and that allowed him to focus fully on thriving in domestic action.

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old magician has made a big impact at the top end of the pitch with eight direct goal contributions in 12 starts.

These statistics, and his aforementioned performance on Sunday, show that Hagi is an important player for Clement and that is why keeping hold of him beyond deadline day is a huge boost for the club and one that should be celebrated heading into the second half of the season.

Propper upgrade: Rangers chasing late move for "complete & dominant" star

Rangers are reportedly interested in a swoop for the central defender.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 2, 2025

Carli Lloyd, Nick Rimando, Chris Armas, Mark Abbott, and Mary Harvey all entered the Hall of Fame

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• National Soccer Hall of Fame announces inductees
• Lloyd, Rimando, Armas, Abbott, Harvey all honored
• Event held in Frisco, Texas

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The National Soccer Hall of Fame inducted five members as part of the 2025 class, with Mark Abbott, Chris Armas, Mary Harvey, Carli Lloyd and Nick Rimando all honored on Saturday.

  “We’re proud to recognize this year’s inductees as true champions of the game whose passion and dedication have helped soccer flourish in the U.S.,” said Djorn Buchholz, executive director of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “They’ve made their mark at every level, from the world and national stages to the building blocks of our professional leagues, and their contributions perfectly capture the spirit of the Hall of Fame.”

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  Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a two-time FIFA World Cup champion with the U.S. women's national team, is also a two-time FIFA Women's World Player of the Year a- nd at the 2015 World Cup, won the Golden Ball as the best player at the competition.

  “There was no greater honor than wearing the red, white and blue,” Lloyd said. “Yes, it was extremely hard. There were countless sacrifices along the way, but every bit of it was worth it, because I loved the game, the lessons I learned, the relationships that I forged and the experiences I gained were more than I ever could imagine.”

  Rimando, who played in 553 games in 20 MLS seasons, also made 22 appearances for the U.S. between 2002 and 2015.

  “I stand here today, not because of the games or the records, but because I never stopped believing through the setbacks, the noise and the rejection,” Rimando said. “If my story says anything, that would be this: You’re always more than what they say you are.”

  Armas, who played in MLS' first 12 seasons, was named to the league's postseason Best XI five times, and played in four MLS Cups, including one victory. For the USMNT, he made 66 appearances between 1998 and 2005. He is currently the head coach of the Colorado Rapids.

  “People say, ‘Do you love to win or hate to lose?’ ” Armas said. “I’m not so sure. All I know is that the fire is burning bright, and I learned at a young age that I had to empty my tank in pursuit of that victory.”

  Harvey, who was the goalkeeper on the U.S. team that claimed victory at the first FIFA Women's World Cup in 1992, also won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.

  “I learned that the national team is about excellence,” Harvey said. “It’s about being the best you can be, the best teammate you can be, and about doing incredible things together. Today, I challenge people on the teams that I manage to develop an awareness about how what they say and what they do impacts everyone around them and their ability to perform.”

  Abbott was MLS president and deputy commissioner for 10 seasons, from 2013 through 2022, and previously was the league's VP for business affairs.

  “I had a cool job, and I got to do a lot of cool things, but the thing I always appreciated the most was being a part of a community,” Abbott said. “That community had a common objective of trying to make our league as accessible as it could be.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  ESPN broadcaster Bob Ley was named the recipient of the 2025 Colin Jose Media Award. Ley was one of ESPN’s original broadcasters when the network launched in 1979, and he played a role in covering 10 men’s and women’s World Cups between 1982 and 2015.

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• SOCCER HALL OF FAME

  Since 1979, the National Soccer Hall of Fame has honored soccer achievements in the United States, and is considered the highest honor in American Soccer.

  Part of a $55 million renovation at Toyota Stadium, the National Soccer Hall of Fame is a public-private partnership among FC Dallas, the City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and U.S. Soccer Federation.

Following an underwhelming January transfer window, Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered to chance to land a bargain deal in the race to sign one of Europe’s best strikers.

Newcastle transfer news

If those at St James’ Park were left frustrated by Newcastle’s summer business then they’d have been left even more exasperated by their lack of spending last month. Once again limited by profit and sustainability concerns, the Magpies were forced to sit out of the window and watch on as rumours over Alexander Isak’s Tyneside future came thick and fast.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have been enjoying far better fortunes – recently reaching the Carabao Cup final after thrashing Arsenal 4-0 across two legs in which Isak once again stole plenty of headlines.

Of course, Newcastle’s fortunes on the pitch won’t take away from some awkward PSR questions that they’ll have to face at some stage in the near future. As things stand, it very much seems as though the Magpies will have to sell before they can buy which could yet cast further doubts over Isak’s future.

If it is to be the Swede sacrificed though, then those at St James’ Park could have a replacement lined up. According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Victor Osimhen by triggering his bargain £60m release clause.

Newcastle’s "lost" flop is now on par with Isak after being sold by Howe

Newcastle have one of the most potent strikeforces in Europe but must rue this failed signing.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 8, 2025

In usual circumstances, £60m would be considered a hefty fee but when taking into account reports that Napoli were previously demanding as much as £113m to sell their striker, it’s an opportunity that Newcastle should not turn down.

In another world, if Newcastle raise funds through other sales, Isak and Osimhen could even form one of the most lethal strike partnerships in European football in what would be the ultimate dream in Tyneside.

"Ridiculous" Osimhen would be unstoppable alongside Isak

Whether it remains a dream world or becomes Newcastle’s incredible reality remains to be seen, but it’s difficult not to wonder just how unstoppable Isak and Osimhen would be together. It’s an attacking duo undoubtedly capable of dragging a side from the edge of Champions League football into the top four and potentially beyond on a permanent basis.

Scoring 12 goals in the Turkish Super Lig in 14 starts, Osimhen has added a further five in all competitions to take this season’s total to 17 in impressive fashion. Even outside of Europe’s top five leagues, the Nigerian has managed to steal the headlines and could yet make his return to the spotlight with a bang when the summer arrives.

Previously dubbed “ridiculous” by Statman Dave, Osimhen is likely to be among the summer’s best buys at £60m. As the transfer window approaches too, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle are in a position to finally spend their riches and welcome a blockbuster arrival.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo was forced to act after facing intense social media abuse following his team's Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter.

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• Araujo forced to take action after abuse on social media
• Was criticised for Barca's elimination from Champions League
• Uruguayan's future at the club remains uncertain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Araujo has been left to defend himself after becoming the target of a wave of abuse from a section of the Barcelona fans, who scapegoated the Uruguayan international for their team's heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Inter in the second leg of the semi-final at San Siro on Tuesday. With the tie ending 7-6 on aggregate in favour of the hosts, Barca missed the chance to reach the Champions League final, and Araujo had no choice but to block Instagram comments to protect himself from the abuse.

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  Araujo had to watch haplessly as Inter came from a goal behind to win the tie and eliminate Barca. Substituted on in the 76th minute in place of Inigo Martinez, Araujo was guilty of letting Inter veteran Francesco Acerbi crash the box and meet Denzel Dumfries' low cross to score an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time. Then, in extra time, Araujo once again stood still as he watched Davide Frattesi nab the winner.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Araujo, one of the captains and among the best players for Barca in the past few years, has fallen down in the pecking order behind Martinez and Cubarsi. He was close to an exit in January, but was eventually persuaded to prolong his stay at the club. While he has signed a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2031, he has a €65 million (£55m/$74m) release clause which will remain active for the first 10 days of the transfer window. Reports in the past few weeks have linked him with moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALD ARAUJO?

  The 26-year-old is not expected to be a starter in Barcelona's next game, in which they take on Real Madrid at home on Sunday, May 11, but he could be one of the substitutes head coach Hansi Flick uses in the second half of the game.

After proving himself to be indispensable under Hansi Flick, Frenkie de Jong is reportedly ready to accept a pay cut to continue at Barcelona.

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• De Jong has been a first-team regular after injury return
• Barca keen on extending Dutchman's deal
• Midfielder apparently ready to accept a pay cut

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from , Barcelona midfielder De Jong has told the club that he's prepared to accept a pay cut and sign an extension on lower wages. The Dutchman will enter the final year of his contract in the summer and the Catalans are desperate to tie him down by offering a renewal.

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  After injuring his ankle in April 2024, it took De Jong around six months to fully recover. At the time, numerous reports revealed that his time in Catalonia was going to come to an unfortunate end. However, head coach Hansi Flick showed faith in the Netherlands international, providing him ample opportunities off the bench to regain his rhythm. He then started featuring in the starting XI more regularly, displacing Marc Casado from the team and has formed an efficient midfield partnership with Pedri, making his renewal important to the Catalan giants.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently commented on the future of the 28-year-old. "Frenkie is urgent because he has one year left on his contract, and we don’t want players in that situation. De Jong defines our style," he told (h/t Barca Blaugranes).

  "There have been professional circumstances for two months now, because De Jong wants to stay. We’ve talked about it and agreed on it. We want him to stay, and he must be key to this project."

  Back in April, De Jong refused to commit his future to the club, stating that he was "not focused" on whether he'll stay or leave.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  De Jong is among the highest-paid players in La Liga and is reportedly the second-highest earner at Barcelona. Indeed, the former Ajax midfielder earns a reported gross annual salary of €19 million, second only to Robert Lewandowski's €33m yearly package.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Carlos Ancelotti has reportedly set his sights on bringing an impressive Everton star to Real Madrid in what would deal David Moyes a frustrating blow.

Everton transfer news

Moyes has so far picked up where he left off at Everton over a decade ago, even giving Goodison Park a final Merseyside derby to remember courtesy of James Tarkowski’s stunning last-minute equaliser. It’s the type of moment that he will hope to witness at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium which recently hosted its first test event – an academy fixture between Everton and Wigan Athletic.

Meanwhile, back at Goodison Park the senior side are preparing to welcome a struggling Manchester United side in the hope of making it five games without defeat in the Premier League.

Victory would also see the Toffees move four points clear of the Red Devils – representing just how much Moyes’ arrival has turned things around for those in Merseyside. That success is not going unnoticed, however, and one particular player is now reportedly attracting quite the attention.

According to The Mirror, Ancelotti now personally wants Real Madrid to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, who could be allowed to leave Everton for the right price this summer despite watching on as Manchester United’s bids were rejected in pursuit of his signature last year.

Sold by Koeman: Everton's "world-class" ace is now outscoring Beto & DCL

Everton have had their fair share of high-profile forwards over the years, and he may be the pick of the bunch.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 18, 2025

Worth £75m in the eyes of the Merseyside club last season, it remains to be seen if that valuation will stick one year on. After a difficult start to the campaign, Branthwaite has burst back into life under Moyes and back into the headlines on the transfer front.

Still just 22 years old, the central defender could yet reunite with the man who handed him his Everton debut if Real Madrid come calling this summer.

"Excellent" Branthwaite could have decision to make

Just like last summer, Branthwaite could have the ultimate decision to make when the transfer window swings open. Except this time, it’s Real Madrid knocking and not a fragile Manchester United side. Whether the defender swings the door open this time around remains to be seen, but the La Liga giants are rarely turned down.

Moyes, just as Sean Dyche was, will be keen to keep hold of the future of Everton’s backline who has been back to his best as of late. Dubbed “excellent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Branthwaite is back on the rise.

As the summer approaches and Everton prepare to say goodbye to Goodison Park, they’ll be hoping to avoid the added farewell of star defender Branthwaite, who has already stepped up under Moyes.