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From player to coach and then caretaker manager, it seems as if big Duncan Ferguson can do no wrong at Merseyside.

He played 257 times for the royal blue of Everton, scoring 68 goals and in typical fashion, being shown a yellow card on 39 occasions.

Ferguson was given his marching orders eight times but despite his hot-headed bullish nature, he is loved by everyone at Goodison Park.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the Scot was a brutal force of nature in the air, bullying defenders to one side with his angry style of football.

He is a classic striker, one that’s now incredibly rare to find in the modern game. If you lumped the ball in the box it was a fair bet that Ferguson would be there to head home.

Big Dunc is a true legend of Everton and led the celebrations after Carlo Ancelotti engineered the club’s first Anfield win since 1999 earlier this year.

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He even turned down the chance to go with the Italian to Real Madrid in order to remain at his beloved Goodison Park.

Ferguson is a candidate for the manager’s job but whoever arrives, they could sign Chris Wood, a player directly in the mould of the 49-year-old himself.

The Mirror suggests Everton are one of three top-flight sides interested in signing the tall Burnley striker.

At a colossal height of 6 foot 3, Wood makes it incredibly difficult for any defender to beat him before he’s even got off the ground.

In that sense, he is incredibly similar to Ferguson. The former Scotland international once scored a hat-trick of headers for Everton and has a headed goal rate of 52.9% in the Premier League.

That means that 36 of his 68 top-flight goals came after he won an aerial duel.

Wood has made a living from a comparable play style. Speaking earlier in his career, former teammate Scott Malone said: “I remember his power and the size of him. On the training pitch, in a five-a-side game, you couldn’t get near him. He was frightening.”

It’s easy to see why. The New Zealand international has scored 34% of his goals in the Premier League with his head; that’s down on Ferguson but he does win a rock-solid 4.7 aerial battles per match.

A mighty force when the ball is off the ground, he is now also a proven Premier League goalscorer. He has netted 50 goals for Burnley and found the back of the net on 12 occasions last term.

Everton may already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin to aim for in the air but with Wood on top of that, they’d have an incredibly dominant forward line. Marcel Brands would do no harm with his move

AND in other news, Everton eye move for 58-cap beast who Ancelotti dubbed “the best”, he’d be a huge coup…

A transfer claim regarding Manchester United’s chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer has emerged…

What’s the word?

Super-journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United’s pursuit of the former Ajax starlet, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Romano took to his Twitter page to relay the claim which read: “Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links.”

The Italian’s tweet contained quotes from Xavi on the potential departure of de Jong, with the Barcelona manager saying this: “Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.

“I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barca.”

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Ten Hag will be gutted

With Ten Hag’s recent appointment at Manchester United amidst fluctuating game-time for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, it looked like this reunion was written in the stars for the Old Trafford side.

Since departing Ten Hag’s Ajax back in the summer of 2019, the Netherlands star has continued his development across his total of 136 appearances for the Blaugrana.

With Paul Pogba’s rumoured departure, a move for the 24-year-old looked like a sure-fire switch, with the Dutch coach enjoying unlimited success with de Jong – winning the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup – in a season that saw Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

The signing of the midfield maestro would have been the epitome of the next chapter for United, with the £63m-rated midfielder offering something completely different in the Red Devils’ engine room.

De Jong is quite simply a pass master, averaging an insane 90% pass completion total per 90, with an average total of 56 passes per match.

The Netherlands international is forward-thinking. His passing is productive and allows his side to progress the ball forward, whilst also creating a number of chances for his teammates – with his shot-creating actions total of three per 90 reflecting this.

Though, his style is much more offensive than defensive, with his metrics for the latter looking poor, considering his position.

As such, United may have had a lucky escape, as it is no secret that the lack of defensive solidity across the midfield has been one of the biggest issues for the side this season.

United need to identify a well-rounded and unselfish central midfielder who can cover both aspects of the game, as well as an outright central defensive midfielder who sits back and acts as the metronome.

It would have been nice to see de Jong reunite with Ten Hag, and although he may not be what the Red Devils need, it will be a big blow to the new boss nonetheless.

AND in other news: Ten Hag can instantly get OT rocking as MUFC plot bid for “top-class” £13.5m-rated gem – opinion

Former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he would welcome the appointment of Frank Lampard at Selhurst Park.

Current Eagles boss Roy Hodgson is out of contract in the summer, which has led to a serious of names being linked with the vacancy in south London.

Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe, and John Terry have also been mentioned, and Lampard is amongst the frontrunners to replace Hodgson, should the former England manager decide against extending his contract with the Eagles.

The 42-year-old has been out of work since his sacking from Chelsea in January and has been linked to the Bournemouth job, but is continuing to take a break from football following two-and-half intense seasons at Derby and the Blues.

Palace have several exciting youngsters in their squad, with Lampard’s track record of bringing through youth an impressive one – most notably Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge.

“It looks as if there’s something going on and someone is going to come in,” Bent told Football FanCast.

“Frank Lampard, Derby and Chelsea – he didn’t spend too much time at either club but did well in the Championship and was unlucky at Chelsea.

“Crystal Palace would be a good stepping stone for him. Frank Lampard would be a good appointment, and he would stabilise them in the Premier League.”

Rafael Leao could join Everton as part of AC Milan’s move for James Rodriguez, journalist Sandro Sabatini has told the Calciomercato Show.

The lowdown

Leao was directly involved in 12 goals (six goals, six assists) in 22 Serie A starts for Milan last season. He was predominantly used as a centre forward, but was also frequently deployed on the left flank (via WhoScored).

Milan’s willingness to part with him may be down to their abundance of options. The seven-time European Champions have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ante Rebic and Olivier Giroud at their disposal.

James only joined Everton ahead of the 2020/21 season but was left considering his future following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Everton have made three signings so far this summer – recruiting Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend – but only spent £1.8million.

The latest

Sabatini says James is keen on the transfer, but now ‘everything depends’ on Leao’s decision.

‘If he accepts’, Milan can greenlight the move for the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstar.

Sabatini adds that ‘the whole situation’ is being orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, who represents both players.

The verdict

If Leao accepts the move, he would provide excellent cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin – and that’s an area Everton have to address this summer.

But it’s a big ‘if’. Leao may justifiably fear that his game-time will be limited as a mere deputy to the Englishman, and perhaps prefer a move to become a recognised number nine.

And while he is versatile enough to play out wide, Rafael Benitez apparently wants to use more traditional wingers who will direct plenty of crosses into Calvert-Lewin.

It’ll be down to Mendes to allay those fears if he’s intent on striking this deal.

In other news, Marcus Bent has tipped Everton cash in on this forward.

Newcastle United are now reportedly keen on signing Amadou Diawara before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Diawara impresses

Diawara has come off the back of an impressive individual 2020/21 season with AS Roma, helping them finish in seventh spot in the Serie A table.

The Guinea international was particularly impressive in their UEFA Europa League campaign, winning no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per game in the competition, as well as averaging 2.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.3 clearances per match (Sofascore).

The Latest: Newcastle keen

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful are now ‘interested’ in a potential move for Diawara, who needs to be sold by Roma to make room for a new central midfield player.

Wolves are also reportedly keen on his signature, but he has turned down the option of joining the Midlands club.

The Verdict: Sign

The North East club could certainly do with some more bodies in the middle of the park ahead of the new 2021/22 Premier League season, and Diawara would fit the bill.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by Italian agent and scout Robert Visan back in 2018, the 24-year-old still has a lot of potential, and has already shown that he is more than capable of playing at a high level with his performances in European competition.

Currently rated at just £12.6m by Transfermarkt, Diawara could turn out to be an absolute bargain, should the Tyneside club be able to sign him of course.

In other news, find out which ‘exciting’ international NUFC have made an offer for here!

Norwich City are interested in a deal to bring Tosin Adarabioyo to Carrow Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the Canaries are prioritising the signing of a centre-back in the upcoming transfer window, with Stuart Webber thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the 23-year-old Fulham defender.

The report goes on to state that Norwich scouts have been mapping the progress of the centre-back over the course of the Cottagers’ Premier League campaign ahead of a potential move this summer.

Farke would love him

Having joined Fulham from Manchester City in what was a £1.49m last October, Adarabioyo impressed in his debut season at Craven Cottage, despite the west London side ultimately suffering relegation to the Championship.

Over his 33 Premier League appearances, the £27k-per-week defender helped his side to keep nine clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 5.8 clearances per game.

The former Manchester City man also impressed with his range of passing, successfully completing an average of 49.8 passes per match, with a success rate of 86%, in addition to completing an average of 3.6 long balls and 2.3 chipped passes per appearance.

These metrics saw Adarabioyo earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Scott Parker’s ninth-best performer in the top flight.

As such, the addition of the £9m-rated defender to the Norwich City backline would appear to considerably boost the chances of the Canaries improving upon the whopping 75 goals they conceded in their 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

So, it would seem highly advisable for Webber to follow up on his interest with a bid for the player Tony Mowbray dubbed “immense” this summer, as Adarabioyo would not only bring Premier League experience to the City backline, but he would also appear to be the type of defender the German manager would love.

In other news: Transfer claim emerges on “top-class” 19 y/o gem, it should leave Norwich fans gutted – opinion

Aston Villa have been mentioned as one of the sides interested in signing England and Southampton striker Danny Ings.

What’s the story?

Ahead of the Three Lions’ EURO 2020 semi-final clash against Denmark tonight, news emerged that Ings – who of course isn’t a part of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament – had turned down a new contract offer from the Saints.

And now, according to The Athletic, Villa, along with fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Tottenham have all shown an interest in signing the England international this summer.

The striker has just a year left on his existing deal at St Mary’s, so could either leave on a cut-price deal in the transfer window or exit on a free transfer next summer.

NSWE mean business

The £19.8m-rated Ings enjoyed another fantastic campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games – that followed up from his Golden Boot winning year the season before when he bagged 22.

Ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared Ings to Robbie Keane for his “first-class” movement, while his current boss at St Mary’s, Ralph Hasenhuttl has lauded his exploits as “unbelievable”.

Having already clinched shrewd deals for Ashley Young and Josh Feeney, and a record-breaking signing for Emi Buendia, this latest interest in Ings is a major sign of NSWE’s ambition.

The club, of course, are also being linked with a stunning swoop for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, but a move for the proven player like Ings would be a real statement of intent.

If Villa can successfully fend off competition from both the Hammers and Spurs for Ings, then it would show NSWE really do mean business.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed a transfer boost over this star…

Having joined Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youth setup back in 2018, Theo Corbeanu is a player who very quickly began to catch the eye at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.

Indeed, after a rather quiet first season with Wolves U18s, scoring one goal and registering one assist over 14 Premier League U18 appearances in 2018/19, the versatile centre-forward really started to find his feet in the following campaign, bagging six goals and providing one assist over 17 fixtures for the U18 side, as well as making his first appearance for the U23s.

This form led to the Canada international being promoted to the U23 side on a permanent basis last season, during which the £900k-rated man scored seven goals and registered two assists over 21 Premier League 2 appearances, in addition to making his Premier League debut for the first team – coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in May.

Perhaps unsurprisingly considering his impressive rise through the Wolves youth ranks, the opinion of Corbeanu is extremely high at Molineux, particularly in the eyes of U23 head coach James Collins.

Speaking about the potential of the 19-year-old, Collins said: “He’s athletic, tall, can head it, can defend, can dribble past people and score, he can shoot, he can pass, he’s both footed, he’s got a bit of everything.”

The boss continued: “Theo can be anything he wants to be. He’s an outstanding prospect.”

This assessment of the youngster’s ability is sure to excite Wolves fans, as Collins’ description could also quite easily fit the club’s current first-choice centre-forward, Raul Jimenez – of whom Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said: “For a striker, he is so mobile, but also physically so good and talented technically on the ball.”

However, despite his obvious promise, after being sent on loan to Sheffield Wednesday this summer, Corbeanu’s rise appears to have slowed somewhat, as the striker has so far made just four appearances for Darren Moore’s side – all of which have come from the bench.

Indeed, Tim Spiers recently stated in an article for The Athletic that, with both Lincoln City and Crewe Alexandra thought to have been interested in signing the forward this summer, should the 19-year-old still not be receiving regular game time at Hillsborough by the time January comes around, Wolves could well look to move the youngster to a new club for the second half of the season.

And, should Bruno Lage wish to give Corbeanu the best possible chance of going on to fulfil his undoubted potential, this would appear an extremely wise move. The 19-year-old certainly has the potential to not only become Jimenez’s long-term successor at Wolves, but he could also save Fosun millions of pounds in transfer fees as a result.

In other news: Nixon drops worrying claim on “authoritative” £62k-p/w ace, Wolves fans will be gutted

Arsenal are set to still be without one of Mikel Arteta’s key first-team stars when they face Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night…

What’s the latest?

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions with a resounding 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Friday and they now face Premier League opposition in the Round of 16 of the Carabao Cup.

However, Arteta will not have the services of first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney after he missed last weekend’s game with a bruised ankle. That’s the word from the Press Association, as relayed by FourFourTwo ahead of kickoff.

It’s thought that the Spanish head coach is expected to make numerous changes, but with a lack of options in Tierney’s role, Nuno Tavares may have to remain.

Big setback

This is a massive blow to Arsenal and their chances of achieving a result against Leeds, who despite being in poor form can easily devastate top-flight opposition on their day.

After all, they finished ninth last season – just one place behind the north London giants – and remained undefeated against the likes of United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs at home, so they are certainly a team to be feared despite now finding themselves one place above the relegation zone.

Crucial to Marcelo Bielsa and his system are his wide options, in which the lethal Raphinha could feature on the right.

After six goals and nine assists during his maiden campaign at Elland Road, the tricky Brazilian has continued that form into the new season and has been one of the Whites’ standout performers, with three goals from eight appearances.

His presence down the wing would require someone of Tierney’s calibre to stop him – he averaged 1.8 tackles and 2.2 clearances per 90 during the 2020/21 campaign, via WhoScored, proving to be a rock-solid defensive option who is alert to danger.

To not have him available, in a competition which is very much winnable for the Gunners, is certainly going to be a disappointing setback for Arteta, and it could be one which leaves him and the fanbase rather concerned, considering the opposition.

Tierney’s backup Tavares is vastly inexperienced, having only played 317 minutes in English football since his summer move to the Emirates Stadium. He’ll have to perform to the best of his ability to thwart the Yorkshiremen tonight.

AND in other news, Arteta could repeat Arsenal’s catastrophic Gnabry mistake with £13m-rated “gladiator”…

‘There is some discussion’ between Wolverhampton Wanderers and AC Milan over the potential transfer of Rafael Leao, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

Milan are expected to sell one, but not both, of Leao and 21-year-old winger Jens Petter Hauge.

Hauge has been subject of €10million offers from Germany, but Milan are thought to be demanding €15million.

The lowdown on Wolves target Leao

Leao started 22 Serie A matches last season for Stefano Pioli’s side, who finished second in Serie A.

He was directly involved in 12 goals – six goals, six assists – and earned a place in Portugal’s squad for the Under-21 European Championships.

The 21-year-old started one match and made two appearances off the bench for the eventual runners-up.

Wolves have already added an attacker to their ranks this summer, signing Leao’s compatriot Francisco Trincao from FC Barcelona on a season-long loan.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Gazzetta’s claim, and here’s what supporters made of it.

Wolves fans issue warning amid Leao links

“This is great but where’s the CB”

Credit: @Adam11520205

“This is nice and all but I want to see us linked with some CBs”

Credit: @kingmichael_88

“Assembling a really impressive forward line, if this comes off. Expect us to be working on a cb and a combative cm alongside this though…”

Credit: @DavidHandley

“Centre back links please”

Credit: @_Ade_

“No centre backs or midfielders, just vibes”

Credit: @Hardly_Working

“Can he play CB”

Credit: @BagginsTia

In other news, Wolves fans flocked to this image as rumours swirl.