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Some Everton fans have been left to react to a transfer update on Adrien Rabiot from Tuttosport.

As per the Italian news outlet, the Goodison Park faithful is a place that has ‘never faded’ as possible destination for the Juventus ace, currently valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt.

Of course, Carlo Ancelotti has managed the 25-year-old before when he was playing at Paris Saint Germain a few campaigns ago, and so will know how to get the best out of his former player, while he is also someone who would add to his current options in the centre of midfield at the moment.

However, Rabiot has no previous experience of playing in the Premier League, and may demand a big wage having come from one of the most decorated clubs in football.

Everton fan reaction to Rabiot transfer update

These Toffees were split on Twitter on whether they should sign Rabiot, with one Blues supporter claiming that the France international is ‘super’ with his ball retention:

“He’s good, gents. Creative? More of a holding player, super with ball retention, very active when they have the ball, a bit of what we need for sure. Definitely a different level than everyone else we have in CM/DM IMO.”

Credit: @RyanSoccerAA

“And importantly this would be real depth at CM not something we have been blessed with for a long time”

Credit: @sludvigs

“I’d take him if true”Credit: @jay_smith1

“Doesn’t do enough for me you know Sean and I’ve seen him a lot as I regularly watch Juve. At times he looks disinterested too.”

Credit: @bracewellsboots

“Type of player we really don’t need, we need dynamic midfielders, not another Gomes type”

Credit: @efcBuggi

“Why? Just don’t think he’ll improve us at all”Credit: @JakeC98__In other news, find out what Paul Joyce update has been lauded by EFC fans here!

Players at Newcastle United are said to have been ‘disgusted’ at the leaking of Karl Darlow being dropped before their 1-1 home draw against Wolves.

As per the Daily Mail, the 30-year-old goalkeeper had not been informed of the decision and found out through the media, and the players believe that Steve Bruce leaked the news to the press.

Despite Darlow challenging Bruce over the report, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss denied leaking the story.

The Mail have also reported of a training ground bust-up between Bruce and Matt Ritchie in which the manager was said to have physically confronted his player and barged into him after the former AFC Bournemouth ace called him a ‘coward’.

Newcastle in turmoil

It seems as if everything is far from rosy in the garden at the moment at St. James’ Park.

The North East club are currently a mere three points off of the drop zone after 26 games (BBC Sport), with a real chance of getting relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship.

The pressure is clearly mounting on both Bruce and his players to deliver results from now until the end of the 2020/21 term and it is perhaps not a surprise to hear of the fallouts on Tyneside.

Nonetheless, they will have to put everything behind them now and group together to fight for their place in the top flight for another season.

In other news, find out what relegation claim Ben Jacobs has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Liam Kennedy has predicted as many as three changes made by Newcastle United in their away game at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Writing in his latest piece for The Shields Gazette, the football journalist has predicted that Emil Krafth, Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight Gayle will all make way from the team that drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa last time out, with Javier Manquillo, Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy all coming in to replace them.

Newcastle must make changes

There is no doubt that The St. James’ Park faithful need to change something if they are to pick up what could be a vital three points away at Graham Potter’s side.

Manquillo has averaged more tackles (1.8) than any other defender in Steve Bruce’s team so far in the top flight in the 2020/21 term, while Shelvey, who currently earns £70,000 per week in the North East, has not scored or assisted in his last six games and so maybe should be dropped to the bench.

Murphy recently received a lot of praise from Bruce in his pre-match press conference, as the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss claimed that he was ‘very bright’ when he came on against AVFC.

Nonetheless, whatever players he puts out, the fixture looks to be a crucial one in terms of creating a bigger picture for relegation down the foot of the table.

In other news, find out what takeover ‘advantage’ NUFC have here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee reacted to Charlie Austin’s claim on talkSPORT that Manchester United opted to sign Victor Lindelof instead of Virgil van Dijk.

Former Southampton striker Austin said the Red Devils turned down the chance to sign Van Dijk, revealing a chat he had with the 29-year-old during their time at St Mary’s.

The highly-rated Dutch defender, who had attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including United, handed in a transfer request to push through a move to Anfield, only for the deal to initially fall through after Liverpool publicly apologised for an alleged illegal approach for him in 2017.

But the Reds would not be dissuaded and renewed their efforts to sign him from the Saints in a then-world record deal worth £75m.

Of course, United would go on to complete the signing of Lindelof for £31m from Benfica several months later, as former manager Jose Mourinho sought to bolster his defensive options in the summer.

Whilst Lee wasn’t so easily convinced, he does believe that Van Dijk is a class above the rest of his competitors. He was asked about Austin’s comments by Football FanCast editor James Beavis this week and shared his thoughts on the subject.

He told FFC: “Well, they’ll be gutted if that’s true. Listen, Charlie Austin, I don’t know if it’s true or not, but you can’t compare the players.

“Van Dijk cruised the Scottish league, absolutely cruised it. I’m amazed no one bigger than Southampton came in for him.

“But again, it’s very difficult to judge how they play in different leagues to how well they will adjust to playing in the Premier League.

“Van Dijk, before his injury, and I’m sure once he comes back, is the best centre-back in the world by a million miles.”

It’s hard to argue otherwise, isn’t it? Van Dijk has established himself as a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp and gone on to make over a hundred appearances for Liverpool, helping them to Champions League and Premier League honours.

Lindelof, meanwhile, has struggled to make much of an impression at Old Trafford, as he is battling with Eric Bailly to bag a spot alongside Harry Maguire.

With United’s shock defeat to Sheffield United still fresh on his mind, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be forgiven for wondering how things might have panned out if Van Dijk had joined their ranks instead of Lindelof in the summer of 2017.

AND in other news, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes let Ole Gunnar Solskjaer down in 2-1 defeat…

Since Jeff Shi became owner of Wolves, the mantra has been to develop players for the future.That’s seen the likes of Diogo Jota, Adama Traore and Pedro Neto become genuine stars of the Premier League. The idea is to breed them young and then develop them quickly.Unfortunately for those coming up through the academy, it’s mainly been done through external transfers, players coming in from abroad.Rarely do we see those who have risen through the ranks at Molineux given a chance to enjoy first-team life. Max Kilman has stepped up admirably this term but Morgan Gibbs-White is someone still struggling to make the grade in the top-flight.His loan stint at Swansea was cut short with Wolves needing more depth in January but he’s featured as a starter just once in the league since returning.Gibbs-White has undeniable talent but can’t quite provide enough quality to impress Nuno enough to trust him regularly. Worryingly for the 21-year-old, there’s another player in the academy in his position making waves.That happens to be Owen Hesketh, a young attacking midfielder scoring on a regular basis for the U23s.The 18-year-old is capable of playing on both flanks, but also as a number 10 or central midfielder. His versatility is eye-catching, but so is his ability to find the back of the net.In his last four games, Hesketh has beaten the goalkeeper on three occasions.

It’s a run of form that’s seen him earn rave reviews, particularly from U23 boss James Collins. He said earlier this week: “Owen is a real plus to have in the group and have in the team, because he keeps the game ticking with the way he passes the ball, he’s always the one wanting the ball from a teammate.â€

Collins continued: “Owen has come in and scores every week, it seems.â€

Remarkably, this is the youngster’s first season in U23 football. He has stepped up to the plate and has now become one of their most important players at academy level.

If it wasn’t for a loan spell to Meritan Shabani, however, he may not have got his chance. Football is often about circumstance and if Gibbs-White finds himself on the sidelines again or out on loan, Hesketh will be waiting in the wings ready for his chance.

Judging by his counterpart’s form, he could even be given a go this season. After all, the Old Gold have little to play for between now and the end of the campaign. It would be risk-free to unleash him.

AND in other news, Wolves may already have their next Coady in rarely-seen 19 y/o who’s “always had potential”…

Steve Bruce must recall Jeff Hendrick to the Newcastle United starting line-up for their FA Cup third round trip to Arsenal on Saturday in order to give Mikel Arteta a scare.

Hendrick has not featured for the Magpies in any of their last five fixtures across all competitions, with Bruce opting against fielding the Republic of Ireland international from the bench for even a second.

Newcastle failed to win any of the matches in which Hendrick did not play a role in the action, despite the 28-year-old providing one of United’s two goals during their 5-2 mauling at Leeds United last month whilst earning his 10th and most recent start of the season so far.

Hendrick had been one of Bruce’s favoured midfield options over the opening months of the Premier League campaign with minutes in 10 of their 12 matches, but now finds himself with a point to prove all over again following his summer arrival as a free agent.

Former Burnley captain Frank Sinclair firmly believed Hendrick would prove to be a player Sean Dyche would miss at Turf Moor following his exit, feeling the £8m-rated ace had been “terrific” during his four-year spell in Lancashire.

Bruce, too, expected big things from Hendrick and described the midfielder as a “big asset” who is entering his peak, and must now turn to him once again to best-place Newcastle ahead of their FA Cup trip to Arsenal.

Arteta will not be scared of facing the Magpies should Bruce opt to name the same central midfield pairing which lost at home to Leicester City last time out, as a dual-axis pivot of Sean and Matty Longstaff was as far from ideal as it possibly could have been.

Sean Longstaff endured a horror show as he was overrun in the engine room against the Foxes, and even the second-half introduction of the experienced Jonjo Shelvey failed to turn the tide as he allowed Youri Tielemans to drift through unchallenged to score his side’s second of the day.

Bruce would risk Newcastle’s position in the FA Cup by keeping his faith in those who were exposed by Brendan Rodgers’ side last week, so must turn to Hendrick and offer the 60-cap international a recall at the Emirates Stadium.

Hendrick had been a creative and combative presence in Bruce’s plans when fielded in the Premier League prior to his festive omission, with the Derby County product providing 0.8 shots, 0.6 dribbles, 1.6 tackles and 1.0 interceptions a game, per WhoScored.

His long-range passing had also been at a higher level than seen from the likes of Isaac Hayden (1.7), Miguel Almiron (0.7) and Matty Longstaff (0.5) with 1.8 accurate attempts a game, and is the only Toon player other than Callum Wilson to have scored more than once in the top-flight this term.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce has no alternative but to perform a U-turn and tie a £4.5m-rated Newcastle star down with a new deal now…

Liverpool’s defensive woes increased on Thursday night despite their win against Tottenham Hotspur, as Fabinho was ruled out of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium through injury.

The Brazilian has been one of the Reds’ most important players so far this season, as he has stepped up in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez by taking on the role of centre-back.

In his 17 appearances in the top-flight so far this season, the 27-year-old has averaged a solid 6.92 rating and has been the only centre-back in Klopp’s squad to feature more than ten times in the Premier League, due to Joel Matip’s inconsistent fitness and the German manager’s rotation of Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams.

Whilst the former Monaco man, who reportedly earns £100k per week at Liverpool, was exposed somewhat in recent fixtures against Burnley and Manchester United, he is still an incredibly important part of this Liverpool side at the moment and looks much more comfortable at centre-back than fellow defensive-midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has also featured in defence in recent fixtures.

Therefore, whilst the length of Fabinho’s injury is currently unknown, his setback must be the catalyst for the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to act in the remaining days of the January transfer window, as it seems clear that Klopp is desperate for a centre-back.

Following the game with Spurs, the former Borussia Dortmund boss provided an update on Fabinho, saying:

“It was nothing really. He just felt something and we had to take him out. And now he’s out.

“It was not a challenge or whatever, it was not intense situations. It was just how things happen.”

He also suggested in his post-match conference that Liverpool were looking for ‘the right player’ to bring in before next Monday’s deadline, so it seems as the Reds could well dip into the transfer market after all, although they are running out of time to complete a deal.

Earlier this week, the makeshift centre-back was praised by Thiago, who dubbed him an “amazing player”, whether he’s playing in defence or in midfield.

Certainly, if Fabinho’s injury does prove to be a long-term one, then the Liverpool board must surely see sense and bring in a defender, otherwise, they run the risk of falling a long way short of retaining the Premier League title.

And, in other news… Forget Trent: LFC “machine” who made four key passes was Klopp’s star vs Spurs

Former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere has been strongly linked with a switch to Glasgow Rangers in recent months as he is available on a free transfer.

What’s the word?

A recent report from talkSPORT, as relayed by TEAMtalk, had revealed that a move to Rangers “should not be ruled out” despite the fact the Gers signed South Africa international Bongani Zungu from French Ligue 2 side Amiens on an initial loan deal on transfer deadline day.

Wilshere was handed a three-year-deal by former West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini in 2018, but this was terminated by mutual consent, which has raised questions over his future.

The Stevenage-born star has been without a club ever since he was released by the Hammers, with rumours linking him with a move to Scotland.

Following months of speculation, he has finally broken his silence, saying he hasn’t been approached by Ross Wilson, but admitting that he is a big fan of Gerrard.

When asked about the reports, Wilshere told Dubai Eye radio, as quoted by The Daily Record: “It would interest me because it’s Steven Gerrard, and that’s no disrespect to Scotland.

“My granddad married a Scottish woman 30 years ago so she’s like my nan and that’s all I’ve known growing up.

“It never crossed my mind playing there, but now that Gerrard’s there, the door definitely isn’t closed.

“But at the same time it wouldn’t be my first choice.

“There’s been no contact.

“I’ve read all the rumours, but honestly, there’s been no contact.

“Listen, I played with Gerrard for England, I watched him growing up. He was one of my heroes growing up and he’s a legend.

“But there’s been no contact.”

Imagine Wilshere and Kamara

The 28-year-old remains a free agent but the Gers may well have an advantage when it comes to potential negotiations with his representatives, considering just how much he admires the manager.

Steven Gerrard’s side have made a strong start to the season, sitting top of the Scottish Premiership after 15 games. Celtic are 11 points behind the Light Blues, but have two games in hand, so Wilshere may be the man to give the Gers a cutting edge in midfield and help them to regain the title for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

The Ibrox boss is pretty spoilt for choice in the midfield as he can call upon the likes of Zungu, Scott Arfield, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo, but most, if not all of them, are central and defensive options, so Wilshere might be the man to add some attack-minded talent to the midfield and keep them ahead of the Hoops.

Wilshere has had his fair share of injuries, that much is for certain, but during his time at West Ham, he still showed flashes of his overall brilliance, as he featured eight times for the Hammers in the Premier League in the 2018-19 campaign, registering one assist, whilst he averaged 1.9 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

He demonstrated his versatility during his time at Arsenal as Arsene Wenger deployed him in various positions across the midfield, which would surely be an added bonus when you consider the fact he won’t cost Wilson a penny.

Last month, Barcelona legend Xavi was full of praise for the former England international, saying he would be the best player in Scotland if he reunited with Gerrard at Ibrox, whilst the Gers manager has admitted that he admires his former international teammate in the past.

Xavi told The Daily Record: “Rangers could be a very good fit for him. The pace in Scotland is not as fast as England and it would give him more time on the ball. That is where he excels, his vision and passing is incredible.”

It goes without saying that Wilshere could be a shrewd signing, especially when you consider the fact that he is currently valued at £3.6m via Transfermarkt. He could become a bargain signing if Wilson and co. can reach an agreement with his representatives.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey is the heir apparent to Borna Barisic…

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Wednesday night with the aim of returning to the top of the Premier League with a win against Jose Mourinho’s side.

Both sides dropped points away from home at the weekend, with the Reds struggling to a 1-1 draw against Fulham, whilst Spurs failed to take all three points with the same scoreline against Crystal Palace.

Joel Matip was forced off with injury during the game at Craven Cottage, so could miss out on the game against the North London side, potentially leaving Klopp with no fit senior centre-backs in his side.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Klopp to line his side up against Spurs at Anfield, with two changes from the team that started against Fulham…

Alisson keeps his place in goal after impressing on his return to the side against Fulham last weekend, as he made a number of important stops to keep the Reds in the game.

There’s one change in defence, as Nathaniel Phillips is handed his third start of the Premier League season, replacing Matip in defence after his injury on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will be key if they can push forward and be dangerous with their crosses, although they must be strong defensively against this prolific Spurs attack.

There’s one change in midfield, as, despite his excellent display at the weekend, Curtis Jones drops out in place of Takumi Minamino.

The Reds will need a disciplined midfield and the former RB Salzburg man’s energy could be beneficial against this Spurs midfield, especially if Harry Kane drops deep to try and influence the game, so having someone like Minamino to break things up could prove vital.

Earlier this season, Klopp praised the 25-year-old for his impact against Ajax in the Champions League, saying:

“Taki is a machine. He’s everywhere, he defends like a devil and then offensively he’s really involved. Nice one-twos together with Diogo on the side where they came into the box.”

Therefore, the German manager may be tempted to start the Japanese international, who earns £75k per week at Liverpool, on Wednesday, due to his impressive work-rate off the ball.

Unsurprisingly, the front three stays the same after it was revealed that Diogo Jota could be out until February with a knee injury, so Klopp will be hoping that the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino can do the damage at Anfield.

And, in other news… Forget Matip: Klopp should recall £70k-p/w beast loved by Carragher, he can thwart Kane

Carlo Ancelotti must trust Anthony Gordon to fill the void created by James Rodriguez’s potential injury when Everton visit Southampton on Sunday.

The Blues look set to travel to the south coast without their sensational summer signing after boss Ancelotti confirmed the Colombian had sustained an issue early into last week’s Merseyside Derby during a collision with Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

Rodriguez has been a vital mainstay of the Toffees line-up since his arrival at Goodison Park, with Ancelotti calling on the playmaker to open each of his side’s five Premier League fixtures. The Italian’s trust has also been well placed, with the 29-year-old either scoring, assisting or pre-assisting 10 of Everton’s last 12 top-flight strikes.

“Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool],” Ancelotti told EvertonTV.

“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton.”

Should the suspected issue sideline Rodriguez and force Ancelotti into altering his favoured starting line-up, the Italian must look to award Gordon his Premier League season debut having been impressed by what the 19-year-old has offered during his appearances in the Carabao Cup.

Gordon has also displayed his enthusiasm to play in the top-flight to Ancelotti, who noted last month how the young talent banged on his door after being overlooked during the opening weeks of the league campaign.

“He wanted an explanation and so I explained to him the squad is really competitive and sometimes it can happen that the players are not involved,” Ancelotti said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo.

“But this doesn’t mean I don’t believe in them. I believe, and so he had the opportunity against Salford to show us his quality, he took the opportunity because he played really well.”

“I love, I love this. It means they are really interested to do a proper job,” the former Real Madrid coach added when asked about Gordon coming to see him.

Ancelotti has plenty of reasons why Gordon’s performances in the Carabao Cup should excite both the Everton coaching staff but also their supporters, while displaying the potential he can bring to the Premier League during any time without Rodriguez.

Over his time on the field against Salford and Fleetwood Town, Gordon has created a remarkable average 5.5 chances per game with 3.5 shots and 2.0 key balls, while making 1.5 successful dribbles with a 50 per cent success rate and winning 5.0 of his ground duels, per SofaScore.

His output led Gordon to record two assists in the Second Round clash with Salford before creating Alex Iwobi’s Third Round strike away to Fleetwood to put Everton into a 3-1 lead.

The more he plays, the better Gordon will become and further push on from the exciting talent David Unsworth hailed him for being during the winger’s time in the Toffees’ Under 23s.

“[Everton fans] should get excited about him,” Unsworth said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo following Gordon’s first-team breakthrough during Project Restart.

“But it is our job to give him the information, day-to-day, week-to-week, game-by-game and month-by-month to ensure he fulfils his potential because what we’ve got at the moment is a young, exciting player with bags and bags of potential who we feel has a great chance of being a Premier League footballer.”

AND in other news, Everton are yet to open talks with a key club figure who’s set to be out of contract next summer.