Everton's takeover saga continues to rumble on with no end in sight, and a new update from journalist Paul Brown could raise eyebrows amongst supporters at Goodison Park.
Everton takeover updates
Talk of a potential takeover has dominated the headlines on the blue half of Merseyside of late, with the situation somewhat overshadowing what the Blues are doing on the pitch, as they look to steer themselves away from the Premier League relegation zone this season.
As it stands, 777 Partners are the front-runners to come in and bring an end to the Farhad Moshiri era at Everton, which is something that many supporters want to see happen, following a turbulent reign in charge that has led to protests outside the stadium and during matches in 2023.
There are concerns over whether 777 are the right people to come in, however, with doubts over their finances, and it is making for a murky situation at the club that feels a long way from ending. Another update has now emerged – one that sheds further light on whether 777 will be the people to lead the Blues forward ahead of move to Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.
Less than 50% chance of Everton takeover
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown assessed Everton's chances of being taken over by 777 Partners, saying that former Arsenal chairman David Dein knows those involved in the talks well, but it looks lower than a 50% chance of happening at the moment:
"He (Dein) is at least someone who knows all of the people involved, and they think will be able to pave the way for the takeover to be approved.
"I think it is still fraught with difficulty for them and I think their finances and being able to provide the right documentation for the regulatory bodies to get this signed off is a problem for various reasons. So I think it's still up in the air and I've been told that the chances are less than 50/50 of it going through at the moment."
This is an update that will once again likely cause frustration among the Everton fanbase, with the saga feeling never ending at this point, when a smooth transition from Moshiri to a new owner would be far more ideal.
It is vital that a takeover is completed in time for the January transfer window, potentially generating more funds for Sean Dyche to spend on new signings at that point, and it is important for the general feel-good factor of the club, bringing a stability to proceedings in the process.
The longer this goes on, the harder it is going to be for Dyche and his players to simply focus on getting positive results, and similarly, supporters are going to games with a negative mindset at times because of the unresolved issues higher up.
Whatever happens, Moshiri's time as owner needs to come to an end, and whoever comes in to replace him must tick every box, rather than a gamble which could potentially put Everton in even more financial strife.
The win against India A gave them a bonus point, but their chance of making the final was wiped out by Australia A’s victory over India B
The Report by Sruthi Ravindranath in Bengaluru27-Aug-2018On a cloudy day and a greenish pitch, South Africa A’s pacers ran through India A, consigning them to a four-wicket defeat and knocking them out of contention for a place in the quadrangular series final. The win gave South Africa a bonus-point, but their own chance of making the final was wiped out by Australia A’s victory over India B.Dane Paterson was the destructor-in-chief as he scythed through the hosts’ line-up, picking up his best bowling figures in a limited-overs game. The South Africa batsmen, in their chase, survived an equally-disciplined India bowling effort on a pitch that never looked easy to bat on.”Funnily enough, that was a South African wicket put out today,” Paterson said after the match, following his figures of 5 for 19. The new-ball duo of Paterson and Robert Frylinck found movement off the pitch, quickly drew parallels with the ones back home, and made no mistake in applying them. While keeping the scoring quiet with probing lines outside off, they accounted for the top-four batsmen within the first ten overs to leave India A reeling at 31 for 4.Dane Paterson on being called a T20 specialist
“It’s a dream to play Test cricket, so I’m working on that, aspiring to be there. It’s funny because at the beginning of my career, I used to have a lot of success with the red ball and suddenly now once I’ve got older, my white-ball game has taken off.
“I feel relieved, it’s been a long time since I took a five-for, it was my first with the white ball, so quite happy about today’s performance.”
At that point, Krunal Pandya joined Nitish Rana at the crease, following which India saw a brief flash of recovery. The two motored on for about six overs, rotating strike and seeing off the new-ball pair, but then Pandya edged one to the keeper, contributing just five to the overall score. While Rana pushed India’s score past 50, his struggle against the short ball was exposed, and soon he lost his wicket to a Malusi Siboto bouncer after making a 45-ball 19.The onus was on Sanju Samson to resurrect India’s innings, but Deepak Chahar did his bit to hold up South A too. He batted freely even as South Africa captain Khaya Zondo set an aggressive field. While Samson at the other end played watchfully, Chahar hit three sixes and as many fours to make a 42-ball 38, ending as India’s top scorer of the day.From 76 for 6, the duo pulled India to 140 before the South Africa pacers struck again. The promising 64-run stand was ended by a sharp catch by Pieter Malan at backward point to send Chahar back, and the fielder duly received a loud appreciation from the 50-odd spectators at the stadium. Following that, Paterson and Sisanda Magala did not take much time to wrap up the innings.For South Africa, Malan opened with Gihahn Cloete and the pair was treated to tidy bowling by Chahar, Shivam Mavi and Khaleel Ahmed. Khaleel provided the breakthrough for India, sending an edgy Cloete back, but Malan stuck around at the other end, making an 86-ball 47 before Khaleel came back to dismiss him. Paterson was sent in at No. 5 with the intention of collecting quick runs, but his brief stay at the crease was terminated by a Khaleel full toss that found its way to deep point to leave South Africa 111 for 5.With spin pressing from both ends, South Africa’s scoring slowed down in the middle. Mayank Markande and Krunal Pandya stifled the flow of runs with tight lengths – and also picked up three wickets between them in all – but India needed more runs on the board. South Africa took the relatively small chase to the 38th over but got home they did, Farhaan Behardien and Frylinck finishing the job. The bonus point they got for doing it in under 40 overs took them over Australia A in the points table, but only till the latter registered a win themselves later in the day in Alur.
Warwickshire need 519 to beat Kent – a figure never achieved – but at 229 for 1, and Ian Bell again in sumptious form, anything is possible at Tunbridge Wells
ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2018
ScorecardEngland Test stalwart Ian Bell appears intent on inspiring a momentous Warwickshire run-chase at Tunbridge Wells after Kent set the visitors a mammoth victory target of 519 in a shade over five sessions.In a topsy-turvy Specsavers County Championship match between the second division’s top two sides, Bell posted his third unbeaten hundred in four red-ball innings to take Warwickshire into the final day on 229 for one, requiring a further 290 for victory. The previous two were unbeaten; if this one remains so, Warwickshire would doubtless make history with the biggest successful run chase in Championship history. It is quite a run in the month when he conceded that his England days were realistically over.Bell and his second-wicket partner Dominic Sibley came together after the departure of left-hander Will Rhodes soon after lunch. Rhodes, back on his stumps to a Harry Podmore off-cutter went leg before for 25 leaving Bell and Sibley to bat out the remaining 55.4 overs of the day.Despite numerous Kent bowling changes, the visiting partners reached stumps with aplomb, rarely looking in trouble as they batted throughout the third day’s final session.The home bowlers switched ends in trying to make best use of Keith Barker’s day-two follow-through marks, but in truth off-spinner Adam Riley and rookie seamer Ivan Tomas offered little threat, Indeed Riley, in his last two championship starts, has now sent down 55.2 wicketless overs.Bell, prodding somewhat at his 164th ball, was slightly fortuitous to move to his 55th first-class hundred with a 15th boundary that ran through to the unguarded ropes at fine leg via a thick inside edge against the bowling of Matt Henry.Two deliveries later, Henry dropped to his haunches in exasperation after umpire James Middlebrook turned aside the Kiwi’s strenuous leg before plea.At the other end Sibley, who was downed in the cordon shortly before lunch, looked sound in defence and restrained in his stroke play in reaching 82 from 197 balls faced.The pair will likely need to extend their stand well into the final day if they are to beat the highest ever fourth-innings run chase in championship history set by Middlesex in beating Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1925.Warwickshire’s own best last innings chase came far more recently however, when they pursued 427 to beat Somerset at Taunton in 2013.At the start of the day, promotion-chasing Kent batted on for a further 22 overs as seventh-wicket pairing Zak Crawley and Harry Podmore frustrated Jeetan Patel’s side for an hour in adding a further 53 runs.Crawley, the 19-year-old former Tonbridge School opener, posted his maiden championship half-century from 87 balls and with four fours, but, with his score on 24, Podmore aimed to force a short, loose delivery from Oliver Hannon-Dalby and succeeded in edging to the keeper Tim Ambrose.Crawley, dropped at slip when on 89 by Jonathan Trott, lasted only two more balls before Hannon-Dalby finally got his man lbw for 93. Having just nicked a streaky boundary to third man, Crawley was undone by an off-cutter that thudded into his front pad.After a lusty 20 from Matt Henry, Kent’s acting skipper Joe Denly declared at 12.25pm, leaving Warwickshire to face a mammoth, first-class record run chase of 519 for victory. By the close, Denly may have already been wishing he’d have batted on a tad longer.
SLC announced an extraordinary general meeting with a view to holding board elections on May 31, subject to approval from the country’s sports ministry
Madushka Balasuriya01-May-2018
Thilanga Sumathipala and Sanath Jayasuriya at a press conference•AFP
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced an extraordinary general meeting with a view to holding board elections on May 31 – the day the board’s term is set to end – subject to approval from the country’s sports ministry.The EGM will take place on May 19, the date elections were originally set to take place prior to being postponed on technical grounds, and the SLC membership will appoint an independent election committee.As per the SLC constitution, members need to be given at least 14 days notice ahead of an EGM, and then a further 40 days must lapse before an Annual General Meeting and an election can be held. While this would normally prevent holding elections until the end of June at the earliest, SLC have sought permission from the country’s sports minister to hold elections early, so as to be able to pass the year’s audited accounts at the AGM.If elections aren’t held before May 31 then sports law dictates that an interim committee be appointed, which would likely mean the present Executive Committee remains in charge until the election date but won’t have the power to pass annual accounts. With the deadline for nominations being April 27, SLC believes the 40-day waiting period can be bypassed as no new nominations are being accepted.It is expected that two camps headed by former SLC office bearers Nishantha Ranatunga and Jayantha Dharmadasa will be contesting against the incumbent board headed by SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala.Elections were postponed last week by Sri Lanka’s sports ministry after it adjudged that by appointing an election committee at an Executive Committee meeting as opposed to at an EGM, SLC had contravened the country’s sports law. SLC contested that it had received permission from the previous sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera in this regard, however Faiszer Mustapha – the new sports minister – insisted on following constitutional protocol.”Our position earlier was to bring the elections committee into the SLC constitution at an ExCo meeting, and then appoint the committee members at the floor of the house,” Sumathipala said.”Therefore we gave notice to the general membership on April 6, informing them that on May 19 at an EGM [prior to holding the AGM later that same day] we will pass the resolution and bring the due changes to our constitution. And subsequent to that to appoint an elections committee.”For this we informed the former minister of sports and with his permission we agreed to go ahead, but we have since been informed that it is better that we follow proper procedure.”
Victory in the Merseyside derby appears to have been a false dawn, with Liverpool’s late-season decline very much still here after an error-strewn display saw Fulham claim victory over Arne Slot in the Premier League.
It was actually the first time that Liverpool and Slot had tasted defeat on the road in this term’s top flight, but stepping into the bracing summer air feels a distance away yet, for Fulham benefitted from some elementary defensive mistakes from the away side’s experienced and successful defenders.
Virgil van Dijk’s concerning but perhaps overblown dip in form continued, rarely at ease against the Londoners’ frontline and notably turned inside out by a Bergkamp-esque touch from Rodrigo Muniz, who proved to seal the win by scoring Fulham’s decisive third goal before the break.
However, Van Dijk, 33, is still one of the – if not the – best centre-backs in Europe; tying Liverpool’s captain down to one final contract is crucial.
The same can’t be said for Andrew Robertson, whose unwavering belief in his ability is admirable, but not enough given errors and a startling drop in athleticism and creativity have put his performances under a microscope this year.
Why Andy Robertson needs to be replaced
Robertson joined Liverpool way back when. Hull City’s talented full-back couldn’t save the Tigers from relegation in 2016/17, and so Jurgen Klopp saw an opportunity, swooped in and snapped him up for a cool £8m fee.
goncalo-inacio-andrew-robertson-liverpool-opinion
Now, he’s entering the twilight stage of his trophy-adorned career. Aged 31, Robertson has spent many years playing expertly in a high-octane, big-expectation outfit, but he’s past his best, with the defeat at Fulham the latest game in which he’s been culpable for a “dreadful error,” as was remarked by The Athletic’s James Pearce.
The Scotland captain also ceded possession on 12 occasions despite failing to complete a single key pass to help Liverpool’s attacking fluency, as per Sofascore.
Andy Robertson is sent off for Liverpool
It would be unfair to rebuke Robertson too harshly. He might be something of a weak link but he’s still been an important part of Liverpool’s campaign and is heading toward his second Premier League title.
But he needs replacing, for sure.
Plans have been mapped out already, it seems like Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is one of FSG’s most pressing transfer targets ahead of the summer window.
However, Robertson’s not the only player who showed in the capital that they need to be sold, with a ‘world-class’ star potentially having played his last.
Liverpool need to sell "world-class" star
Replacing Robertson would be for the greater good of Slot’s project, but there are one or two more regular starters on Merseyside who might also be cashed in this summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher being one of them. The goalkeeper has been brilliant as Liverpool’s back-up between the sticks, featuring 67 times in total for the first team, but his unconvincing performance against Fulham underscored the reasoning behind FSG’s decision to allow him to move away, to sign a replacement.
Fulham put three past their opponents at the weekend despite only accumulating an xG total of just 0.79, which basically means that Liverpool should really have prevented two, if not all three, of the strikes.
It’s becoming clear that Kelleher needs to be sold, having risen from Liverpool’s academy graduate to achieve a sort of cult status, so instrumental in winning domestic cups over the past few seasons.
Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher and Virgil van Dijk
Praised as a “world-class” shot-stopper by his skipper, Van Dijk, Kelleher cannot abide another campaign playing second fiddle and fair enough to him. A swarm of clubs were intrigued in signing the £35m-rated star last year, but he ultimately stayed put.
However, the Irishman has pulled no punches in expressing his desire to take the next step in his career and “leave and be a number one.”
However, he’s hardly failed to earn any attention at Anfield. Slot, to whom Alisson is “the best goalkeeper in the world,” has been forced to make do without his number one on many occasions this season. In fact, the 26-year-old’s skills have been called into play regularly over the past couple of years.
Caoimhin Kelleher – Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
Apps
Clean Sheets
24/25
20
9
23/24
26
5
22/23
4
2
21/22
8
4
20/21
5
2
19/20
4
2
Stats via Transfermarkt
With Alisson unable to shake persistent injury problems, Kelleher has featured 46 times since the start of last season. His Brazilian counterpart has featured 60 times over the same period.
The Liverpool Echo certainly weren’t impressed, handing Kelleher a 5/10 match rating. While correspondent Ian Doyle noted that the Ireland international could do little about Ryan Sessegnon’s parity-restoring strike, there’s a case to be made that the following strikes could have been prevented, albeit with Iwobi’s shot taking a nicking deflection off the guilty Robertson.
Liverpool's CaoimhinKelleher
With Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive from Valencia in the summer, it makes perfect sense to bank a fee for Kelleher before his deal expires in 2026.
Especially when the Georgian goalkeeper, still only 24, is putting in performances like that of last weekend, when Real Madrid was foiled in their own backyard.
Football is a fickle game and revisionism must be ignored as Liverpool enter this final stretch of the campaign a little sapped and disjointed.
If anything, such a dip would have told Slot more about his tools than the hitherto strength that allowed him to carve through so many of his club’s opponents for the lion’s share of the season.
Liverpool have suffered a few blots on the copybook of late, but make no mistake, this is an extraordinary feat acheived down Anfield Road. The Reds are heading toward the Premier League title, but change is sure to be afoot in the market this summer.
In west London, Kelleher, like Robertson, may well have shown why he needs to be sold this summer.
Worse than Salah: Slot must axe 5/10 Liverpool ace who made just 2 passes
Liverpool suffered just their second Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon.
The Premier League title may not be heading in the direction of the Emirates Stadium but there are plenty of positives for Arsenal to build upon.
The Gunners are in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Declan Rice has come on leaps and bounds, notably in attacking phases of play, Ethan Nwaneri’s emergence has been sublime and Myles Lewis-Skelly has arguably been even better than the darling of Hale End.
Yet, all of their hard work in overcoming injuries and some questionable refereeing decisions will be worthless if they don’t look to take matters into their own hands over the summer.
While Arsenal boast plenty of depth at the back, it has been in forward areas where they have struggled so much, largely because of those injuries.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard have all been absent for lengthy spells and they cannot afford that again in 2025/26.
So, who could they sign?
The forwards Arsenal could sign this summer
A dream move for Alexander Isak looks firmly off the table now with Newcastle demanding upwards of £150m to sell their prized asset.
Several other attackers have been linked with a move to the Emirates, including Chelsea flop Christopher Nkunku this weekend, while there are perhaps more exciting links to the likes of Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres and French superstar Hugo Ekitike.
Yet, links to a certain Benjamin Sesko just won’t go away.
Arsenal wanted to sign the Slovenian last summer but were fruitless in their attempts when the hulking centre forward decided to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Sesko has stayed in Germany for the duration of this term but a move in a few months’ time is likely forthcoming.
Well, according to Football.London, his destination could still be the Gunners. Arsenal are said to have continued monitoring his progress and are still keen on bringing him to England.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
It was initially thought the Bundesliga club would be willing to let Sesko leave for around £60m but are now having second thoughts having reportedly bumped his asking price up to £86m.
How Benjamin Sesko compares to Viktor Gyokeres
Once famously dubbed “the new Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has been attracting attention for a number of years now and his stock has arguably never been higher.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoshoots at goal
This term, the Slovenia international has scored 20 times in 42 games, a very decent record for a striker, particularly one who is still only 21. For context, that’s some way behind the great Gyokeres who has found the net on a staggering 48 occasions this season.
So, on that evidence, how would Sesko be a better signing for the Gunners? Well, we’ll let data analyst Ben Mattinson help us here.
Taking to social media earlier this week, he highlighted that there “a lot of red flags” surrounding Gyokeres, primarily his “heavy first touch” and the fact that he does not shield the ball well. He’s also slow to turn and his touches in transition take him away from the goal.
In a nutshell, that sounds like everything Arteta hates. Let us focus on Havertz a moment. While he’s not the most prolific of scorers, he brings others into play incredibly well and possesses a deft first touch. Even Mikel Merino is better in that regard. His assist against Ipswich, flicking the ball into Gabriel Martinelli with a dose of flair, supports that claim.
Of course, for the less data-led among us, sticking the ball in the back of the net is always the most important thing in football. Yet, Arsenal also need someone who’s going to help them in other phases of play. This is where Sesko comes in.
Viktor Gyokeres
47
48
Victor Osimhen
35
30
Alexander Isak
39
26
Hugo Ekitike
45
22
Benjamin Sesko
42
20
Matheus Cunha
32
17
An incredibly strong striker, one who stands at 6 foot 5, the Slovenian has longer strides than Gyokeres but they both possess that bulldozer effect, crashing through the last line of the defence to score goals.
Crucially for an Arsenal side so used to someone like Havertz or Merino leading the line, Sesko is strong in the air too. Compared to Gyokeres, he wins 2.61 aerials per 90 minutes to the Swede’s 1.18.
To further our point, Mattinson also believes that while both players “are obsessed with goals”, there is “more to work with” when it comes to Sesko, largely because he’s young and his ceiling is greater.
A powerhouse boasting a genuinely exciting profile, Sesko, who has all the potential to become a truly elite no.9, should be the man Arsenal go for if they can’t get their hands on Isak this summer.
Arteta's next Havertz: Arsenal make enquiry to sign £52m "monster"
Arsenal could be about to land a new fprward to end their issues in the final third.
The January transfer window officially opened for business at the start of last week and Tottenham Hotspur have wasted little time in bolstering their squad.
They have already confirmed the arrival of Germany international Timo Werner on loan from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig until the end of the season.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that the club have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer for a fee of €17m (£14.6m).
The same reporter has also confirmed that Spurs are on the verge of a move for Genoa central defender Radu Dragusin to improve Ange Postecoglou's options at the heart of his defence.
Tottenham have reached an agreement with the Serie A side for a fee in excess of €30m (£25.8m) and is now set to complete the formalities before the transfer can become official, whilst Djed Spence is due to go the other way on loan.
That may not be the end of their transfer dealings this month, though, as they have now been linked with a swoop for a winger to add to their attacking options.
Spurs transfer news – Roony Bardghji
It has been reported by HITC that Spurs are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Roony Bardghji from Danish side Copenhagen in January.
The outlet claim that the teenage winger is regarded as one of the top prospects in Scandanavia and a host of top European clubs have been keeping tabs on his situation.
They state that Postecoglou is eyeing a Tottenham swoop to sign the impressive youngster, who was recently in England for commercial reasons.
FC Copenhagen midfielderRoony Bardghji.
Aston Villa, Brentford, Newcastle United, and Manchester United have also been spoken to about Bardghji's potential availability and could be in the race to secure his signature.
However, all of the aforementioned English teams look set to be joined by clubs across Europe. Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and Juventus are all interested in the 18-year-old whiz.
HITC state that Copenhagen are prepared to do business this month and would like a fee of at least £20m for their star performer, although they would like to keep him until the end of the season if possible.
A January transfer is a real possibility for the impressive prospect and, as this report shows, there does not appear to be a shortage of suitors for him.
This means that it could be a difficult transfer for Spurs to complete amid interest from a host of top clubs. However, the ambition being shown in the market – with the signings of Dragusin and Werner – could show Bardghji that they mean business and are the right place for him to continue his development.
If Postecoglou can lure the Copenhagen star to the Lilywhites this month, or even in the summer, then he could unearth his own version of Bukayo Saka, who – of course – currently stars for the club's bitter rivals across North London.
Saka's Premier League form over the last 18 months
Since the start of last season, the Arsenal academy graduate has been a terrific Premier League performer who has proven himself to be a lethal operator in the final third.
The Gunners failed to secure the top-flight title ahead of Manchester City by the end of the 2022/23 campaign but Saka's sensational form on the right wing was a big factor in them being in the running to lift the trophy throughout the season.
He produced a staggering 14 goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League appearances as the young gem showcased his ability as a scorer and a creator of goals.
His outstanding performances were recognised by his peers as the England international was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the campaign.
This term, Saka has racked up six goals, six assists, and ten 'big chances' created in 19 league outings for Mikel Arteta's side as a left-footed forward on the right flank.
Assists (0.33)
Top 15%
Expected Assisted Goals (0.29)
Top 15%
Shot-creating actions (5.75)
Top 4%
Progressive carries (4.88)
Top 22%
Non-penalty goals (0.22)
Top 48%
As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old has been a terrific creative threat for his team and one of the top performers in the Premier League.
The statistics that show Bardghji could be Spurs' Saka
Postecoglou could now land his own version of Saka in a swoop to sign Bardghji, although this is a move that the club could benefit from in the future rather than the here and now.
The Copenhagen star only turned 18 in November of last year and has plenty of time left on his side to develop and improve, which is why this could be a long-term addition to the squad.
He is yet to prove himself in a major European league but has showcased his potential in Denmark and in the Champions League so far this season.
Bardghji caught the eye in Europe with an impressive cameo against Manchester United earlier this term. He played 27 minutes off the bench and completed all three of his dribble attempts to go along with the winning goal in a 4-3 victory for his side.
The left-footed right winger, who was hailed as an "outrageous" talent by scout Jacek Kulig, has been lethal in front of goal in the Superliga during the 2023/24 campaign with seven goals and zero 'big chances' missed in 14 starts.
He has also created two 'big chances' for his teammates and has not been rewarded with an assist, which suggests that his fellow forwards have let him down in the final third.
The £20m-rated phenom has racked up 11 goals in 31 outings in all competitions and these statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an impressive goalscorer coming in on his left foot from the right flank, just like Saka, given what the exciting gem is already doing at such a young age.
Postecoglou could also work with him to improve his creative output. Bardghji assisted four goals in 21 U19 games for Copenhagen but has only registered one assist at first-team level.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
At the age of 18, the Spurs target has the time on his hands to develop those skills to go along with his already-impressive goalscoring quality to become Tottenham's own version of Saka on the right wing as a supremely talented young left-footed dynamo.
Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared what the West Ham board and directors are currently "working" on for January.
Fulham 5-0 West Ham
Before Sunday's embarrassing result at Craven Cottage, Irons boss David Moyes was enjoying a fine run of six wins over West Ham's previous eight games in all competitions – including victories against the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.
Few could've predicted that West Ham would be on the wrong end of a 5-0 humbling at Fulham over the weekend, and it's a result which has piled the pressure back on Moyes.
Player facing "difficulties" inside West Ham as "tension" with Moyes shared
He’s apparently having a tough time.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 9, 2023
The Scotsman's contract expires at the end of this Premier League season, and reports suggest Moyes is likely to leave West Ham in 2024 and not be offered fresh terms to stay.
The extent of West Ham's defeat at Fulham has resulted in some calls for West Ham to part company with Moyes sooner than that, but it's reported that Moyes is in no danger of an imminent sack despite the big loss (The Guardian).
Speaking after the trip to west London, Moyes was apologetic over the performance but admitted that, on paper, West Ham are still in fairly good stead after two tough away games.
"Everyone had two away games or two homes in this period and not many have taken six points," said Moyes on the Fulham defeat (via whufc.co.uk).
"Two away games, if you’d given me three points Id have probably said yes. If you’d given me two draws we’d have said that might have been good results away from home, so to get three points from the two games wasn’t that bad.
"But more importantly it was a disappointment today in how we performed."
West Ham arguably missed Edson Alvarez in midfield and were forced to play Jarrod Bowen as a makeshift striker again in the absence of Michail Antonio.
Technical director Tim Steidten wants to sign a new forward for West Ham as we approach the January window, according to club insider ExWHUemployee, as their lack of depth up front has arguably been exposed lately.
The winter transfer market represents an opportunity for West Ham to strengthen in key areas, and hopefully avoid terrible defeats akin to the weekend.
Fabrizio Romano shares West Ham transfer plan
Now, renowned transfer reporter Romano has shared an update on West Ham's transfer plans for January. Sharing what the club's board and directors are plotting next month, the journalist claims they could actually be set for a busy month as the Hammers hierarchy get "working".
“I expect West Ham to be busy in January as they’re looking at opportunities around," said Romano to Caught Offside.
"Though it’s still too early to say anything about specific names. Nothing is advanced, but the owners and directors are working on it.”
This will come as a promising bit of news for supporters, and we believe the signing of a new striker should take first priority.
Newcastle United are keeping tabs on an overseas forward ahead of a potential move in January, according to a fresh transfer update.
Newcastle's season so far
The Magpies have made a generally positive start to the new campaign having won seven, drawn two and lost just four of their opening 13 games, meaning that they currently find themselves seventh in the Premier League table.
Whilst PIF and Eddie Howe will be assessing their options in the market as to who they could sign to throw straight into the starting line-up, they may also have an eye on some younger, up-and-coming prospects who they believe could be a worthy investment for the long-term future of the club.
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ByJoel Bland Feb 18, 2024
The St. James’ Park side have highlighted Palmeiras’ left-winger Riquelme Fillipi as a candidate who falls into that bracket, with the 17-year-old yet to make his first senior appearance and instead being a regular feature of his club’s various youth sides at the Allianz Parque (Transfermarkt – Fillipi statistics).
The Brazil youth international still has just under another two years remaining on his deal, as per the same above outlet, but that hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from wanting to make an attempt to secure his services and bring him to the northeast during the upcoming transfer window.
PIF set sights on Riquelme Fillipi
According to Brazilian outlet Bolavip (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are interested in Fillipi ahead of January. The Magpies have reportedly been following several young talents from his homeland and he is one of the players to be placed “on their list” of targets.
As per previous reports mentioned in the article, the forward has been valued at €10m (£8m) by his current club, so that is likely the price that it will take to prise him away from Palmeiras.
Newcastle's home stadium, St. James' Park.
Fillipi is a hugely "exciting" prospect
Whilst Fillipi wouldn’t necessarily be a player ready to be involved in the senior squad, Newcastle will be aware that he can be extremely prolific in the final third having clocked up five involvements (three assists and two goals) in just seven appearances for Brazil’s U17s at the South American Championship 2023.
The Santo Andre native also has the versatility to operate out wide on both the left and right flanks, so his ability to easily adapt to his manager’s demands is another attractive attribute and will no doubt be a reason why he’s caught the eye of the black and white stripes.
Regarding achievements, Howe’s target has even represented his country at the FIFA U17s World Cup, so he will know what it takes to compete and be successful at a decent level, According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Fillipi is a super “exciting” player with bags of potential to offer, and even though he’s already started to showcase that at Palmeiras, he would be able to improve and develop as an attacker so much more should he sign for Newcastle.
Aston Villa are back in action this afternoon, as the Villans host in-form West Ham United at Villa Park in matchweek nine of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Only two points separate the two sides, who have both started the campaign in fine form, making this afternoon’s affair one to watch in the Midlands.
After being held to a 1-1 draw at Molineux prior to the international break, Unai Emery will be eager to see his squad pick up three points against the Hammers, although claiming the win will be far from easy.
What is the latest Aston Villa team news against West Ham?
After the well-fought draw against Wolves last time out, Emery’s side will hope to return to winning ways, which could be made easier with no fresh injury concerns.
In his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard confirmed that Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey remain absent from the squad as they continue to push for fitness, while long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia are also far from a return to action.
With the Villans set to be back in action in the Europa Conference League next week, there may be some consideration for rotation in the squad, particularly due to the current situation regarding Nicolo Zaniolo.
While the club have confirmed that the Italian, who is being investigated due to betting breaches, will be in the squad to face the Hammers, there is no guarantee that he will start the game given the drama unfolding off the pitch for the 24-year-old.
With all factors in mind, Emery may be prompted to demote the playmaker to the bench, which could open a door for one of Villa’s most exciting players on his day, with a figure that could damage the well-structured West Ham back line.
Should Leon Bailey start against West Ham?
During his pre-match press conference, Emery was full of praise for this afternoon’s opposition, admitting that it’s “always difficult” to beat the Hammers.
Adding another threat to the flank could administer further danger to West Ham’s back line, and Leon Bailey could be the one to deal such a blow.
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey.
The Jamaican has started just two Premier League games this season, however has still had time to showcase his threat, scoring two goals and recording one assist in a total of six appearances.
A reshuffle in the middle of the park could be sanctioned to allow Bailey to occupy his favoured right-wing role, which could prevail to be a strong move considering the danger he poses when in possession going forward.
Last season, the 26-year-old averaged an impressive 3.89 progressive carries per 90 in the Premier League, as well as attempting 5.08 take-ons per 90, to highlight his direct trajectory when on the flank, via FBref.
Once lauded as “electric” by journalist Matt Maher, Bailey could threaten the wide channels against Moyes' men, who enjoy attacking in pairs on the wings, which could free up some space for the £100k-per-week Jamaican to exploit due to his strength in possession.
Emery will have a host of decisions to make ahead of the fixture with the knowledge that whatever team he decides to play, the fixture is poised to be a thriller.