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Some Everton fans have been left fuming as the arrival of Anwar El Ghazi was confirmed by the Toffees.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the winger has now signed on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season, and so is eligible to play Norwich City away from home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

However, while El Ghazi offers an extra body in the attack and plenty of top-flight experience, some supporters of the Merseyside club have been left underwhelmed by his signing.

The Netherlands international has sizeable number of wingers that he can call upon in the squad already, with other areas of the pitch arguably needing strengthening more.

Everton fans on El Ghazi transfer news

These Toffees were baffled as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, while one Blue even went as far as to claim that he is a ‘fraud’, perhaps given his lack of goals or assists in the Premier League this term:

“It just keeps getting worse #RafaOut”

Credit: @Gethsfa

“Ehhhhhhh…”

Credit: @gaming_uki

“Fraud”

Credit: @NoGrayDays11

“Oh dear”

Credit: @alexgriffiths96

“Moshiri out”

Credit: @BlueJamie99

“Liquidate”

Credit: @Hnsno1878

In other news, find out what club post also had Evertonians fuming here!

Many Sunderland fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news that has emerged on Danny Batth.

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light faithful, the central defender has now signed an 18-month deal on Wearside, joining on a free transfer from Stoke City.

He has plenty of experience of playing in League One before with 260 games in the Championship with the likes of Wolves and Middlesbrough as well as the Potters.

Nonetheless, Batth will now give Lee Johnson another good option at centre-back, and at 31 years of age, can mentor the likes of 18-year-old Callum Doyle as they look to seal automatic promotion out of League One and back up to England’s second division.

Sunderland fans on Batth transfer news

These Black Cats were left buzzing as the transfer news on Batth was shared on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘big’ signing:

“Wow. How quick. Class signing”

Credit: @John67684101

“You love to see it”

Credit: @AidanMackem

“Awesome”

Credit: @stevenmclean4

“YESSSSSSS!!!”

Credit: @owenmain7

“What a tremendous signing this is btw”

Credit: @Mustardinho

“BIG signing!!”

Credit: @Dronfield_SAFC

In other news, find out whose performance against Accrington Stanley was blasted here!

Everton are set to offer Frank Lampard an interview regarding the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the 43-year-old manager is one of the names on Farhad Moshiri’s shortlist of targets to replace Rafael Benitez in the Everton dugout following the Spaniard’s sacking last weekend.

The report goes on to state that the former Derby County and Chelsea manager is expected to be one of the first interviewed by the Everton board, who are also keen to speak with the likes of Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

However, Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom appeared to have reservations about the former England international’s suitability to the Toffees job, stating: “Lampard is an interesting one. I can understand why his name is mentioned because every time a Premier League job comes up, his name will be mentioned.

“He did well at Derby, he did pretty well at Chelsea. It’s a tricky one for Lampard. I don’t know if this is the right time for him but I can see why he would be interested because Everton is a really huge name in English football. They’re regarded as one of the sleeping giants.

“If you can go in and do well, there is a project there… and then you’re at a great football club, if you get the opportunity to be successful. But it’s such a tough job. It has to be the right fit.”

Moshiri may repeat Silva disaster

While it is true that Lampard did an impressive job at Derby – guiding the Rams to a sixth-place finish in the Championship, before beating Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side in the play-off semi-finals and narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off final – the 43-year-old enjoyed a rather less impressive spell in his following position as the Chelsea head coach.

Indeed, despite securing a respectable fourth-place finish in the league during his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, at the halfway stage of the 2020/21 campaign, the Blues found themselves languishing down in ninth place in the top-flight standings – having won eight, lost five and drawn six of their 19 league fixtures.

This form ultimately led to Roman Abramovich calling time on the Chelsea legend’s spell at the club, with Blues midfielder Jorginho stating his belief after Lampard’s sacking that the coach did not possess the experience required to take on such a big job.

The Italian said: “Look, I’ll be really sincere here on Lampard. I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club.”

“He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn’t ready for a job at this level, to be honest.”

For fans of Everton, this assessment will be extremely worrying, as there is a very clear line that can be drawn between the potential appointment of Lampard and Moshiri’s previous appointment of Marco Silva.

Indeed, the now-44-year-old manager fought bravely against relegation with Hull City back in 2016/17, and, as a result of his impressive spell at the MKM Stadium, subsequently secured a move to Watford for the 2017/18 campaign.

However, the Portuguese coach would go on to last just 24 games at Vicarage Road, being sacked in January 2018 after a poor run of results, before Moshiri made a shock move to appoint Silva the following summer.

The now-Fulham manager went on to secure a semi-respectable eighth-place finish in the league during his debut campaign, however, with the Toffees sitting in the relegation zone after 15 games played in 2019/20, Silva was given his marching orders.

As such, considering their similar levels of experience and failure at a so-called big club, it would appear a very wise move for the Everton owner to do all he can to avoid a repeat of his disaster on Silva and swerve a move to appoint Lampard as the next Blues boss.

In other news: Sky reveal new “heavyweight” manager “under consideration” at EFC, fans surely livid

Aston Villa have been rather proactive when it comes to bringing new players to the club during the current January transfer window with the likes of Robin Olsen, Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho making their way to Villa Park.

However, it seems as though there could be a late twist in the coming days with Villa having to try and keep hold of one of their current players.

What’s the talk? 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say on the possibility of Watford making a move to sign Ashley Young before the end of the month.

He said: “A new era at Watford under Roy Hodgson and maybe an old face returning to their squad, from what I’m hearing. Ashley Young is emerging as a potential transfer option from Aston Villa, a return to the club where he began his career.”

As a product of Watford’s youth system, Young eventually joined Villa in 2007 before making the move to Manchester United in 2011.

The 36-year-old returned to Villa during the previous summer transfer window as a free agent after a stint with Inter Milan.

Overall, the Englishman has racked up a total of 203 appearances for Villa across all competitions, scoring 37 goals and providing 61 assists along the way.

Gerrard would be furious

Despite not appearing in any of Villa’s four previous league games, Young is highly valued at the Midlands club, especially by Gerrard with the Liverpudlian praising the veteran for his “leadership and standard-setting” qualities.

This suggests how unhappy the Villa boss would be if they were to let him leave this month, especially to another Premier League side. He is evidently a massive player in the dressing room and his experience plays a key part in setting the tone for Gerrard’s ever-improving squad.

As well as his leadership qualities and ability to offer guidance to some of Villa’s younger players due to his vast experience, the former Watford figure is a useful squad option for Gerrard on the pitch due to his versatility across numerous positions.

As a result, Villa should definitely be trying to keep hold of Young and draw him out of Watford’s clutches given how much of an asset he is for them in different aspects.

Looking ahead further, with his contract at Villa set to expire in the summer, it could also be worth the club approaching the 36-year-old to see if he would be willing to extend his stay there as a player or even in a different capacity.

In other news: Gregg Evans has dropped an exciting Villa transfer update…

As per The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur are already weighing moves ahead of the summer window as news emerges on long-time target and Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey.

The Lowdown: Paratici watches on…

The Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte were linked with a January move amid his search for a right-wing-back but any deal ultimately failed to materialise.

Brighton’s star defender is reportedly a wanted man in the Premier League and has been for quite a while, with reports of Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s interest emerging as far back as last summer.

Indeed, Sky Sports revealed Tottenham’s interest a week after their managing director of football was appointed at the Lilywhites helm.

The Latest: Spurs ‘likely’ to consider Lamptey move…

In an update, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick has explained that Tottenham and Paratici are ‘likely’ to consider a move for the Seagulls ace this summer.

This comes after failed late January moves for the likes of Belgium forward Yannick Carrasco and Championship starlet Djed Spence, with Spurs already looking towards the summer window in a bid to back Antonio Conte.

The Verdict: Definitely swoop…

As the winter window passes, whilst it may have been too difficult to grant Conte’s RWB wish, Lamptey would be a perfect option for the club this summer.

Young, homegrown and already proven in the English top flight – his manager Graham Potter has even called the defender a ‘dream’ player.

However, Tottenham may have to invest significantly, with the Mail claiming Brighton value him at around £40 million.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham move for ‘bargain’ international fell apart in 11th hour, he wanted to join…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could end one of Antonio Conte’s biggest nightmares for just £10m this summer.

During the winter transfer window, the north London outfit were linked with a move for Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence, who has been impressing out on loan to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.

He has played a huge part under their new manager, Steve Cooper, helping the Reds knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup and project them firmly into the promotion race.

It’s thought that Spurs failed with two bids for him on deadline day but now an encouraging claim has emerged that will be music to the ears of sporting director Fabio Paratici and the Italian head coach too.

According to Eurosport transfer insider Dean Jones, the 21-year-old gem could be available for a very low fee, despite likely competition in his signature.

“There’s going to be a lot of competition to sign him, but Middlesbrough are open to the idea of him leaving permanently,” he told GIVEMESPORT, “I think it’s £10m, I was told, that was the figure, which isn’t that bad for a Premier League club to be signing a player at that level.”

Conte was reportedly very keen to sign a new right wing-back in January due to doubts over Emerson Royal’s ability to fulfil the role and the Lilywhites’ embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Southampton in midweek was another cold reminder of why he feels that way.

The Brazil international played a devastating role in arguably all three of the goals they conceded, being horribly out of place inside the box and failing to clear his lines.

It’s also telling that he still continues to get the nod over Matt Doherty, so it’s easy to see why the 52-year-old wants a new option and he could find the perfect solution in Spence, who was recently lauded as a “constant threat” by ex-Premier League winner Wes Morgan.

Spence currently rates out amongst Forest’s top five performers in the Championship, having also averaged 1.6 interceptions (second-best) and 1.5 tackles per game, whilst further forward he can also contribute in abundance, where he has registered an average of 1.7 successful dribbles and 0.9 key passes per outing, too (via WhoScored).

He more than held his own up against the Gunners and his performance that day led to high praise indeed.

“But let me say, that was one of the best right-back performances I have seen for a very long time. A very long time,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright told his podcast and he later added: “I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.”

For just £10m, Spurs could well be getting themselves an absolute bargain and ultimately, he would fill one of Conte’s biggest problems at the club right now.

Homegrown, bags of potential and very consistent, the swashbuckling Spence must be signed in the summer at all costs.

AND in other news, Forget Sanchez: £15.3m-rated Spurs lightweight who won 50% duels badly let Conte down…

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner has criticised Reo Hatate for his role in the concession of one of his team’s goals on Sunday. 

The lowdown

The Hoops battled to a 3-2 victory over Dundee at Parkhead on Sunday to go three points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The bottom-of-the-table visitors went ahead on 26 minutes when Danny Mullen got on the end of a corner. Giorgos Giakoumakis’ quickfire double turned the game around, only for Ryan Sweeney to level the match once more.

The Greek then completed his hat-trick four minutes from time to ensure that Celtic didn’t spurn the opportunity to capitalise on Rangers’ dropped points at Dundee United earlier in the day.

The latest

Bonner, who played for Celtic between 1978 and 1997, felt that Celtic were too passive when defending the set piece for the opening goal, with Hatate a particular culprit.

The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was on punditry duty for BBC Sportsound and, in reaction to Dundee going 1-0 up, he said: “The goalkeeper doesn’t come. The ball just drops. Matt O’Riley is occupied by one of the centre-halves, Reo Hatate stood still. Danny Mullen had all the time in the world.”

The verdict

Hatate was back in the starting XI after being benched for Thursday’s Europa League defeat against Bodo/Glimt, but he failed to make much of an impact.

The 24-year-old didn’t make a tackle, clearance, block or interception, nor did he create a chance. Although he recorded four shots, each of those was off target (via SofaScore).

It’s worth remembering that Hatate, who is valued at just under £1.1m by Transfermarkt, has broadly made a positive start to his Celtic career, with five goals and assists in his first seven Premiership outings, so this can probably be considered an off-day. Hopefully that’s the case.

In other news, Pete O’Rourke had this to say on potential transfer interest in Hatate

Liverpool will host Norwich City at Anfield this afternoon, with Jurgen Klopp’s side going unbeaten in five Premier League games and taking a victory away from the San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday night. However, it’s not all good news on the return to Merseyside as a major setback emerges.

What’s the word?

The Liverpool boss took to his pre-match press conference yesterday to give an update on Diogo Jota’s injury that he sustained in the first half of the 2-0 win over Inter Milan midweek.

Klopp told the press;

“He will not be available but the extent is still not clear. It will need further assessment. It’s something around the ligaments. Everything is pretty much possible in the moment. Hopefully it will be really quick.”

The striker appeared to suffer a twisted ankle during the game, but further added to concerns when he was spotted using crutches whilst travelling home from Italy on Thursday.

Klopp will be seething

There is no doubt that Klopp will be seething to suffer an injury to such an important and impactful player to his side, especially at this point of the season where latter stages of tournaments are coming up and the chances for Liverpool to close down Manchester City at the top of the table becomes a tighter challenge.

The Reds have three games over the next eight days, with Norwich today, Leeds United on Wednesday and the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday against Chelsea at Wembley, and the loss of Jota will come as a huge blow.

The Portuguese forward is enjoying the best season of his career so far at Liverpool with a goal involvement every 115 minutes, scoring 17 goals and assisting his team mates three times already – his 12 Premier League goals put him up as the second top goal-scorer in the league this season ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Raheem Sterling, only playing second fiddle to his team mate Mohamed Salah, who has scored 16 league goals so far.

Klopp will be hoping that he can rely on his other forwards to deliver in Jota’s absence, with Sadio Mane returned from AFCON and Luis Diaz joining the club in January, and so there should be enough quality in the side to deliver what is needed to stay in contention for a chance to catch Manchester City in the title race.

In other news: Matip keeps Burnley at bay to secure the win

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes that Manchester City could target Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix as an alternative to Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

The Lowdown: Kane and Haaland linked with Man City

Pep Guardiola’s pursuit of Tottenham star Kane last summer was highly documented as the 28-year-old made it known that he wanted to join the Premier League champions. City even made a £125m bid which was sensationally rejected by Daniel Levy, who was doing anything he could to keep his most prized asset.

Elsewhere, the Sky Blues are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland. It has been reported that the Norwegian has a £67m release clause in his contract, so this could prove to be a much cheaper addition compared to the Spurs man.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-news-2/” title=”Man City latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Man City could go for Felix instead

If Guardiola fails to secure the services of either of these strikers, Jones has claimed that Man City could turn to 22-year-old Joao Felix instead.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he stated: “Manchester City have seriously looked at Joao Felix for some time, and if their main plans – Kane and Haaland – don’t work out, it would not surprise me at all to see them try to sign the Atletico Madrid star instead.

 “People close to the situation have left me in no doubt about how much he is admired within City.”

The Verdict: Pep could get the best out of him

When the Portugal youngster joined the La Liga side in 2019, he became the fifth-most expensive footballer of all time, signing in a deal worth £113m.

Since then, however, Felix has struggled to live up to expectations. In 102 appearances for the club, he has netted just 24 goals, although his underlying stats illustrate his true potential. Over the past year, he has ranked in the 94th percentile for pass completion, the 93rd percentile for progressive carries and the 92nd percentile for progressive passes (via FB Ref).

With a reduced market valuation of £54m and with the prospect of Guardiola working on the 22-year-old’s finishing ability, he could prove to be the perfect target for City if they fail to secure Kane or Haaland.

In other news: Bild drop Erling Haaland to City transfer update

With his first Premier League campaign nearing its conclusion, Brentford striker Ivan Toney has proven to the array of clubs that have previously shown interest in the forward what they’ve missed out on.

One of those clubs is West Ham United, who were confirmed to be a potential suitor for the English striker by Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony on the Hard Truth Podcast before he eventually signed for the Bees.

The 25-year-old scored 24 goals in 32 appearances in the 2019/20 League One season for the Posh before his move to West London, leading Brentford to their first-ever Premier League season the following campaign with 33 goals in 48 appearances.

It was Toney’s efforts in the third-tier that attracted so much interest from numerous clubs before Thomas Frank’s side paid an initial £5m with the fee rising to £10m with add-ons to replace Ollie Watkins who had joined Aston Villa.

Now, after almost a season in the top-flight, in which the striker has netted nine goals in 23 appearances following his first Premier League hat-trick against Norwich City on Saturday, Toney is showing West Ham what they could’ve had.

It’s no secret that the Hammers have been in need of a striker for numerous transfer windows now, having missed out on a centre-forward once again in January.

31-year-old Michail Antonio is currently the club’s only senior striker, meaning that without the Jamaica international, manager David Moyes has to fit square pegs into round holes as the solution.

Moreover, the forward hasn’t scored in the league since New Year’s Day, further highlighting how big a blow missing out on Ivan Toney really turned out to be for the East London club.

Currently valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt, Toney is worth almost six times the initial fee Brentford paid Peterborough in 2020 and, should the Bees secure top-flight survival, the 25-year-old’s value will surely excel.

When the West London outfit signed the Englishman, it seemed as though they were heavily overpaying for Toney’s services with the striker valued at just £360,000. However, that soon increased heavily to £4.05m in October 2020, although still under the transfer fee.

As Brentford’s talisman kept finding the back of the net, his value kept soaring, with Toney worth £16.2m by March 2021 just before Frank’s side secured a playoff spot.

Following promotion, the striker’s value sharply increased once again to £25.2m before rising slightly to the current figure of £28.8m in October after bagging 44 goals for the Bees.

Labelled as “exceptional” by Barry Fry when he was in the lower leagues, there is no doubt that the 25-year-old belongs in the English top-flight and could well be onto even better fortunes beyond Brentford.

With their striker issues and a majorly important final set of fixtures to contest, there is no doubt that West Ham will be kicking themselves on what is clearly a prized asset.

In other news: West Ham handed another big fitness blow that’ll have Moyes livid