Everton are “working” on a potential deal for an “outstanding” defender in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Moyes eyeing new signings for Everton

The Toffees continue to be linked with possible new signings this summer, with Greece and Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis emerging as an exciting option to make David Moyes’ side more of an attacking force.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring a combined 21 goals in the Champions League and Primeira Liga, registering seven assists across those competitions.

Meanwhile, Everton have also been linked with a shock move for Liverpool winger Ben Doak at the end of the season, which would send shockwaves across Merseyside.

The Scot is on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough and there is no guarantee that he has a long-term future at Anfield, which could lead to Everton pouncing for one of their rivals’ most exciting young players.

Whether the Reds would allow him to join their arch-rivals is up for debate, though.

Everton want to sign "outstanding" left-back

Speaking to Everton News, Bailey said that Everton want to sign Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin at the end of the season, with other Black Cats players also mentioned:

“They are one of the teams who are looking at Dennis Cirkin, the left-back at Sunderland. We know Crystal Palace and Tottenham like him.

“Obviously, Everton are looking at Sunderland with Anthony Patterson, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil. The Championship is a division which David Moyes knows very well.

“Cirkin is someone on their list, and they are doing work on the full-back position, I know that.”

Cirkin may be a Championship player, but he could be a great addition for Everton, having been such a consistent performer for Sunderland over an extended period.

Prior to this weekend’s action, the 23-year-old has scored three goals and bagged two assists in the league this season, highlighting the quality he can provide from left-back, which is five times the amount of goal contributions Vitalii Mykolenko had managed in the Premier League (zero goals and one assist).

Stat

Cirkin

Mykolenko

Appearances

34

29

Starts

29

29

Minutes played

2632

2544

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Clearances per game

2.6

4

Tackles per game

2.5

1.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

1.5

Cirkin is a player with plenty of admirers, including former striker Sam Parkin, who has described him as an “outstanding” footballer, saying:

“I think he has been one of the most outstanding players in the division this season. When you watch him live, he is a very good athlete. I think he gets up and down; it is eye-catching, the way he moves with the ball, but his decision-making on the ball and his ability on the ball have been top-class this season.”

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At 23, Cirkin still has lots to offer, and the lure of the Premier League could be great if Sunderland fail to earn promotion, so Everton should be looking at him as an excellent option.

Liverpool carry a wide sense of appeal to potential targets this summer, but they may now have a new obstacle to overcome in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Liverpool look to bolster their ranks this summer

The Reds are nearly there in their quest to lift the Premier League title and there is now tangible evidence that Arne Slot could add some premium talent to his side over the next few months.

According to reports, Liverpool are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who has emerged as one of the world’s most in-demand young defenders following his excellent displays on the South Coast.

Following news that Virgil Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield, any moves to strengthen a backline already rich on quality would likely go down well among their expectant fanbase.

Winning the top-flight is one thing, but staying at the top next term in the face of a renewed challenge from the elite of English football will be what sets Slot apart, so it is no surprise to see that the Reds also have Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike at the top of their wishlist.

Hugo Ekitike’s goalscoring record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

43

Goals

21

Assists

9

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may dampen his desire to stay in Germany, though they remain in contention to seal Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.

Either way, recent developments surrounding Liverpool’s interest have taken a sharp turn that may throw up an obstacle to any prospective deal.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025 Sky Sports: Eintracht Frankfurt raise Hugo Ekitike asking price

Per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have raised their asking price for Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike to £85.7 million, though he is still deemed ‘likely’ to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer.

Chief executive Markus Krösche is thought to be behind the move, raising the price by about £17m to try and maximise his profitability following an excellent campaign for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker.

Demonstrating his lethal edge in front of goal, Ekitike has managed to place 40 of his 101 shots on target while featuring in the German top-flight and has also earned a non-penalty XG total of 17.20.

Liverpool are clearly big admirers of his talent and want to bring him to Anfield, but they won’t want to be caught in the trap of being held to ransom in negotiations.

FSG will likely have a cut-off point, though the fact Ekitike is still expected to leave may play into the Reds’ hands on this one.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betway： Fernando Lázaro pode seguir no Corinthians, mas não mais na função de treinador. Após a derrota do Timão para o Argentinos Juniors, pela Libertadores, na noite da última quarta-feira (19), a direção corintiana optou pela mudança no comando técnico do clube. Porém, a ideia é que Lázaro retorne às funções auxiliares.

Porém, tanto a mudança de treinador, quanto o remanejamento do cargo de Fernando ainda não tiveram o martelo batido. Uma reunião foi agendada para a manhã desta quinta-feira (20), no CT Joaquim Grava, onde as decisões serão tomadas. Além do técnico, o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves, e o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes participam do encontro.

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da bet sport： + Fernando Lázaro tem noite desastrosa e leva a pior nota em derrota do Corinthians

A ideia é ainda contar com Lázaro no dia a dia do clube, principalmente explorando o conhecimento do profissional na análise de desempenho. Porém, não se sabe, ao certo, que cargo exatamente ele ocuparia. A decisão pela permanência, ou não, no clube, mas em novo posto ficaria exclusivamente nas mãos de Fernando.

A derrota corintiana para o Argentinos Junior na última noite pesou para que a direção do clube alvinegro mudasse de opinião sobre o trabalho do treinador. Antes prestigiado, até mesmo após a derrota para o Remo, pela Copa do Brasil, na semana passada, o técnico passou a ter o trabalho questionado internamente após o revés pela Libertadores. O entendimento da diretoria é que o trabalho de Fernando Lázaro à frente do Corinthians dava margem para evolução, mas não poderia mais comprometer os resultados do clube na temporada.

+Jogos da Série A sob investigação: listamos os maiores escândalos envolvendo ações em campo

Existia, por exemplo, uma empolgação pelo que a equipe vinha apresentando no Campeonato Paulista, mesmo com a eliminação precoce, nas quartas de final, para o Ituano. A desclassificação foi considerada internamente um ‘acidente de percurso’. Até mesmo a derrota para o Remo, na semana passada, no jogo de ida da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, não pesou, muito por conta da estreia com vitória na Libertadores, contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, em Montevidéu.

Porém, o resultado negativo para o Argentinos Juniors, na última noite, foi a virada de chave para que a direção entendesse que a mudança no comando do clube é o melhor caminho. Há o tempo que uma possível insistência na continuidade comprometa a temporada, já que a missão na Copa do Brasil já está difícil, com a equipe tendo que reverter uma desvantagem de dois gols para se classificar às oitavas de final, e na Libertadores também pode ficar complicada, caso o time perca mais uma partida na fase de grupos.

Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.

Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals

Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.

Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.

Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.

Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.

Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures

Derby County (A)

Pride Park

Norwich City (H)

Turf Moor

Watford (A)

Vicarage Road

Sheffield United (H)

Turf Moor

QPR (A)

Loftus Road

Millwall (H)

Turf Moor

On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.

Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.

Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.

Burnley eyeing Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.

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The trio are battling for promotion to the Premier League and also a star who is available on the market.

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Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.

Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.

It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.

Hayes said she considered giving Girma the summer off, but star center-back asked to play for the U.S.

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Naomi Girma insisted on playing for the USWNT this JuneOnly non-NWSL player in campHas played fewer minutes this year after calf issuesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Emma Hayes was considering giving Naomi Girma time off this month, but the Chelsea center-back made it clear she wanted to be included in the upcoming USWNT squad, the manager said Wednesday after revealing her roster for three upcoming friendlies.

Girma's inclusion comes as something of a surprise as Hayes has turned to a significant NWSL contingent for the the matches against Ireland and Canada – with 24 of the 25 players in camp coming from the United States' domestic league.

Hayes said that Girma, after discussions, made it clear that she was fit enough to play, and offered her services. She also played in the USWNT's most-recent friendlies against China and Jamaica.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT HAYES SAID ABOUT GIRMA

The USWNT coach outlined her conversation with Girma: "I had a long chat with her about it, and she was like, 'Look, I feel top fresh. I haven't been going back-to-back like all the other players.' She wants to be involved with the national team because she felt she's missed the really key camps for us. And she's still learning what we're looking from her. So we took that decision with all those factors in mind."

GettyWHAT HAYES SAID ABOUT ROSE LAVELLE

Hayes also outlined the importance of the return of Rose Lavelle, who hasn't appeared for the team in more than six months after undergoing ankle surgery.

"We're incredibly excited to have her back with us for multiple reasons," Hayes said. "First of all, her personality and the character in the locker room has been sorely missed the past six months. She's supremely gifted as a football player, and playing between the eight and 10 positions. She's someone who, I think, she's maturing a top level footballer.

"It's where her game has been going in the last 12 months she's she's starting to add new dimensions in between the lines. And I'm so excited for her that she gets back to be back with the team, but also we get to be back with the team when we go to Cincinnati, her hometown – and I know she's extremely excited for that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Hayes' comments about Girma, and her desire to play this summer, come against the backdrop of controversy with the USMNT and Christian Pulisic, who asked to be removed from the U.S.'s Gold Cup squad to rest and recover. Pulisic has faced criticism from U.S. legends for his decision.

The former India batter is presently the team mentor at KKR in IPL 2024

Nagraj Gollapudi17-May-2024Former India batter Gautam Gambhir is on top of the BCCI’s wishlist to take up the position of India men’s head coach after Rahul Dravid’s term ends at the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.ESPNcricinfo has learned Gambhir, who is currently the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, has been contacted by the BCCI to gauge his interest in the job, and further discussions are expected after KKR complete their IPL 2024 campaign. However, the deadline for applying for the India head coach job is May 27, a day after the IPL final.Dravid, it is learnt, has communicated to the BCCI his decision not to seek another tenure. VVS Laxman, who had been expected to succeed Dravid, had made himself unavailable last year due to personal reasons.While Gambhir, 42, has no experience of coaching at international or domestic level, he has been in charge of the coaching staff at two IPL franchises. He was the mentor at Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and 2023 – they qualified for the playoffs in both seasons – before joining KKR for the 2024 season, where they will finish the league stage on top of the points table. Gambhir’s move to KKR for IPL 2024 was unexpected but it is learned he was persuaded to become the team’s mentor by the franchise’s principal owner Shah Rukh Khan.Related

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Gambhir was part of India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and the ODI World Cup victory in 2011. He captained KKR for seven IPL seasons from 2011 to 2017, and they qualified for the playoffs five times and won two titles in 2012 and 2014 under his leadership. They also reached the final of the defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.Last week, the BCCI posted an advertisement seeking applications for the position of India men’s head coach. The job, the BCCI said, would be for all three formats for a duration of three and a half years starting from July 2024 until December 2027.Dravid had begun his two-year term as India’s head coach after the 2021 T20 World Cup. His stint was supposed to end after the 2023 ODI World Cup in November last year, but he agreed to an extension until the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be played in West Indies and the USA in June.

There was no place for Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-2024

Rashid Khan will lead an experienced 15-man Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. Of the 15 players, eight are currently involved in the IPL.The squad has only four batters – wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and back-up keeper Mohammad Ishaq, but the presence of six allrounders makes up for it. Alongside Rashid, the other allrounders in the Afghanistan squad are Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat and Nangeyalia Kharote.