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Many Everton fans have been left fuming as an update has emerged on Lewis Dobbin’s contract situation at Goodison Park.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Patrick Boyland has now revealed that no progress has been made on extending his current deal, after an initial offer was made earlier on in the campaign.

It means that as it stands, the striker can sign a pre-contract agreement with European clubs from January.

Dobbin scored a lovely goal for the Merseyside club’s under-23s team against Brighton and Hove Albion at home on Monday night, which prompted some supporters to call for him to be given an opportunity for the senior squad when they Brentford away from home in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

He has already featured Transfermarkt), the Englishman really should be given more chances under Rafa Benitez.

Thus, to potentially let Dobbin go on a free transfer would be very worrying for the Toffees faithful.

Everton fans on Dobbin contract news

These Blues supporters fumed as the contract news was shared on Twitter:

“Our board honestly what do they do?!”

Credit: @LiamGillham93

“Our board are clueless. Running us into the ground.”

Credit: @SL1878

“Absolute shambles of a club”

Credit: @JSHERRYEFC

“Joke club we are. I’d rather give him a chance instead of donkey Rondon. Don’t blame the kid for getting off tbh good luck to him if he leaves”

Credit: @TWard90

“Club is a farce.”

Credit: @lewissefc

“Criminal. Absolutely criminal.”

Credit: @efc_alex18

In other news, find out what Benitez comments have baffled Evertonians here!

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have absolutely erupted over a fresh transfer update involving Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently flying high near the top of the Premier League, well and truly in the title race alongside Manchester City and Chelsea.

Their latest win, a 4-1 derby triumph over Everton at Goodison Park, sums up the momentum gained under Klopp this season after Liverpool fell short in their title defence last time around.

The Reds had to cope with a plethora of injury issues throughout 2020/2021, bringing their strength in depth into question as the club seek to maintain their current heights at the top level. As such, fans will be eager for Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and Liverpool’s transfer chiefs to take significant steps to bolster Klopp’s options.

Bringing the latest, La Gazzetta dello Sport have shared some promising news involving Switzerland international and Reds transfer target Zakara. The 25-year-old’s current deal at Monchengladbach expires in 2022, meaning that he can leave for free at the end of this season, putting the Bundesliga giants under some pressure to sell in January.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are apparently leading the race for Zakaria, who would personally ‘love’ to work under Klopp. Also, if FSG decide to make an early move in the winter, it is believed they could secure him for as little as £7m-£8.5m.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Given his ability and the fact that he could leave for such a meagre fee, it’s little wonder so many Liverpool fans are raving as their club eye an ‘absolute bargain’ swoop. According to WhoScored, Zakaria has averaged a higher pass accuracy domestically (89.1%) this season than any Reds midfielder with more than four league starts.

The maestro has also made more interceptions in the centre of the park (1.8) than Liverpool’s entire midfield roster, supporting the theory that he would come as a solid alternative to Fabinho, especially for a maximum £8.5m fee or as a free agent next summer.

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to the prospect of signing him at such a low cost:

“Ain’t no way. Edwards’ last dance”

Credit: @LFCHLEB

“wow”

Credit: @Abdriano

“Please”

Credit: @_JS98

“No brainer that!”

Credit: @LukeJones_10

“Buy him in Jan, what a bargain”

Credit: @Footbal22104495

“Would be a class backup for Fabinho, exactly the sort of depth that’s needed”

Credit: @6timesladd

“absolute pocket change, don’t really think we should wait, just splash it man”

Credit: @TobiasP88223924

“Similar to Fabinho in the way he plays but he has more pace. (Top speed of 35.07km) 7m for him is an absolute bargain, definitely would be a 25-30m player if it wasn’t for his contract.”

Credit: @umxr168

‘Sell’, ‘Another poor game’ – Many Liverpool fans slam ‘anonymous’ ace for ‘horrendous’ derby display, find out more here.

The door has seemingly opened for Tottenham Hotspur to make their move for mooted transfer target Mauro Icardi this January…

What’s the word?

According to Friday’s edition of French newspaper L’Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain are likely to part ways with the 28-year-old striker in the winter transfer window as it would be a ‘surprise’ if they rejected a ‘reasonable’ offer for him (via Sport Witness).

Other reports earlier in the month have suggested that agents had offered the Argentina international to the north London outfit and PSG were prepared to sanction his departure.

It remains to be seen how much a move for Icardi would cost Spurs, though Transfermarkt currently value the Rosario-born forward at £31.5m.

Shades of Lautaro

A new striker could certainly be high on Antonio Conte’s agenda at the turn of the year as he only has one senior option in Harry Kane, who is out of form, having bagged just one league goal all campaign.

The Italian is also unable to deploy a 3-5-2 formation as a result of the situation, a system which saw him clinch Inter Milan’s first Scudetto in over a decade last term.

He was able to pair Romelu Lukaku, a towering and physical presence, alongside Lautaro Martinez, a more nimble poacher, together in the attack and it paid serious dividends.

Presuming Kane can fulfil the Belgian’s role, then Icardi could come in as Conte’s new Martinez. After all, the pair are both Argentinian and stand at 6 foot or smaller.

Ironically enough, it was the 24-year-old Nerazzurri striker who arrived at the San Siro to replace Icardi a few years ago.

‘Similar to Icardi, Martínez is a great poacher in the box.  When leading the line, the striker causes confusion in the opposition defence by wandering into midfield and rather discretely using the defender’s blind spots to make runs into the box,’ wrote analysis website FootballBH back in 2019.

The eight-cap Argentina international may be frustrated by his lack game-time under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, being restricted to 746 minutes in all competitions so far this season.

However, he has been prolific throughout his career, scoring 124 goals in 219 games for Inter, whilst he’s still bagged 36 times in only 79 appearances at the Parcs des Princes, as per Transfermarkt.

Icardi’s former manager Stefano Pioli once dubbed him an “animal in the box” and that is a frightening prospect to have alongside Kane in the Premier Leauge.

As such, Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici must seal a move for the PSG outcast in January. In doing so, Conte could switch to his successful two-man frontline and find his new Martinez and Lukaku combination.

It makes the world of sense.

AND in other news, Journalist drops Spurs update amid mounting Hotspur Way crisis…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side continued their highly impressive run of Premiership form on Sunday afternoon, with the Bhoys sweeping aside fourth-placed Dundee United 3-0, a result which saw the Hoops’ extend their unbeaten league run to 10 games.

There were also a number of extremely encouraging individual performances turned in by a number of Celtic’s players, with Tom Rogic, David Turnbull, Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers all highly impressing for the 56-year-old manager’s side.

However, although he only spent 15 minutes on the pitch, perhaps one of the most exciting displays at Tannadice was that of 23-year-old Liam Scales, with the versatile centre-back going a long way to proving he is more than ready for regular first-team football this season.

Scales could save Celtic millions

Being brought on at left-back, the £540k summer signing from Shamrock Rovers enjoyed 23 touches of the ball, completed 14 passes and created one big chance – firing a dangerous ball across the Dundee United penalty area that was begging for a finishing touch from one of the Irishman’s teammates.

However, undeniably the most eye-catching factor of the £90k-rated man’s performance was his extremely cool edge of the box finish just six minutes into what was his league debut for the Bhoys – a goal which confirmed Celtic would be heading back to Glasgow with all three points.

Speaking after the match, Postecoglou said of Scales’ display: “He did well today. Not just with his goal but coming in and having to deal with some pressure there. Like all the other young players, we give them the opportunities, we give them the platform to improve, and the rest is up to them.”

And, while the 23-year-old who Postecoglou himself suggested has “big future at Celtic” had struggled to make an impact at Parkhead prior to Sunday, following his remarkable league debut, he could well go on to live up to Graham Gartland’s claim that he is “only going to get better” in his senior career.

Indeed, if the youngster – who described his debut as like something out of “Roy of the Rovers” – can maintain his level of performance against Dundee United going forwards, the defender could well prove to save the Bhoys millions of pounds in transfer fees this January – as he would appear more than capable of filling in, or even starting when required for Celtic.

In other news: “Won’t happen”: Journalist drops worrying transfer update, Celtic fans will be gutted

A section of Crystal Palace fans protested at Selhurst Park in the 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday, Matt Woosnam reports.

The Holmesdale Fanatics held up a banner after the club announced a partnership with cryptocurrency brand Socios, with a number of Palace fans giving their thoughts to the protest on social media.

Palace shared details last week on plans to launch a $CPFC Fan Token through Socios, which gives fans the chance to get involved in Eagles-related polls, games, competitions and quizzes.

All existing Palace season ticket holders and members will soon have the opportunity to redeem a $CPFC Fan Token for free, however, those not eligible will need to pay £2 a token.

Palace fans react

Palace reporter Woosnam shared an image of The Holmesdale Fanatics and their banner regarding Socios on Twitter.

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with many backing the protest, presumably due to Palace partnering with a cryptocurrency brand, which is by its very definition decentralised finance, and therefore non-regulated and very risky.

“Didn’t even know this”

Credit: @bradhcpfc

“Expected this and I’d be surprised if Parish didn’t”

Credit: @Phillyconcarne

“Fans not customers..”

Credit: @c_fletch2

“Well done to the HF.”

Credit: @EaglesPerchCPFC

“I missed that but good on them. It is simply a scam, BBC had a good article this week”

Credit: @GarethWynDavies

“Because its a giant scam. Its a ponzi scheme for tech bros.”

Credit: @scottcd23

In other news: ‘Finished’ – Lots of CPFC fans slam ‘useless’ ace who will ‘be the death of Palace’. 

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have raved over an update out of Eastlands involving fan favourite and long-time club servant Fernandinho.

Pep Guardiola’s blues, currently top of the Premier League table and flying, have been helped largely by the stellar performances of Rodri as he seemingly takes up Fernandinho’s defensive midfield mantle.

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The Brazilian has been a crucial player and mainstay for many years under two different managers, playing a major role in some of City’s domestic top-flight title victories during that period.

Fernandinho, who signed another one-year extension with the club earlier this year, is again at the centre of reports speculating over what the future could hold for him following a brilliant career with the Sky Blues.

Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), sharing the latest on what could be next for the 36-year-old, claims Fernandinho already has a personal ‘invitation’ from Guardiola to work as part of his backroom staff following retirement.

The club captain hasn’t yet decided whether he will retire or not next summer but it appears City and their manager have now presented what could be an appealing option for him.

Man City fans erupt…

After this development, it’s safe to say many supporters want to see their favourite extend his stay at Eastlands beyond his playing days – taking to Twitter and pleading for it to happen.

Find all of their best reactions down below after @CityXtra shared the update:

“Simmm. Get it done”

Credit: @yugee_bro

“YESSSS”

Credit: @BernardoTouch

“no brainer”

Credit: @DJmcfc_

“Wow what a great gesture by Pep”

Credit: @gaemmy65

“niceeee”

Credit: @mat_mcfc

“yes YES PLEASE PLEASE”

Credit: @TshepiMoji

“love that for him”

Credit: @kunsologist

“Great news”

Credit: @dronny63

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Finally’, ‘Please be true’…Man City fans rave as ‘wild’ news emerges, find out more here.

Speaking live on Selecao SporTV (via Sport Witness), Globo Esporte reporter Cahe Mota has broken some West Ham transfer news involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold ‘Gabigol’ transfer talks…

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have already started making moves to sign a striker this January as they recently lifted the lid on transfer talks to sign red hot Selecao star Barbosa.

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As per the reliable broadcast giant, Flamengo’s star forward is keen on a move to England and the Premier League as he feels this is the best chance to be selected for Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.

He also watches every West Ham game and is an admirer of how manager David Moyes has transformed the Irons into top four contenders.

Breaking more news on Moyes’ links to Barbosa, South American reporter Mota has now shared his own update with slightly different information.

The Latest: Mota breaks Barbosa to West Ham latest…

According to the journalist’s information, as he explained live on Selecao SporTV (via SW), West Ham already had a bid rejected at the start of December.

Indeed, Flamengo apparently refused their initial proposal of €6 million (£5.013m) for a loan until the summer of 2023, plus an option to buy.

They considered West Ham’s first offer ‘absurd’, but according to Mota, there is an ‘expectation’ that Moyes’ side will return with a fresh bid to sign Barbosa.

However, if the Irons are going to sign Flamengo’s ace, they will need to pay his €33 million (£27.5m) release clause.

The Verdict: Worth it?

News that the Brazilian Serie A giants are refusing to budge on Barbosa’s release clause will come as a blow to West Ham, but given they are expected to make a fresh offer, we believe the 25-year-old could in fact be worth the investment.

Still fairly young, the prolific striker would come to England with real potential for sell-on value and the rumour he is keen on a move could work in Moyes’ favour.

Scoring 29 goals over 2021 alone, there is little doubting Barbosa knows how to find the back of the net consistently and numbers like that point to a very prolific option for below £30m.

Given West Ham’s real need for a striking back up to Michail Antonio, especially given the Jamaican’s worrying injury record, we believe Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman should at least consider paying Flamengo’s release clause.

In other news: West Ham set for imminent move to sign ‘phenomenal’ powerhouse as reporter drops exciting Twitter message, find out more here.

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans has provided an update on Villa’s pursuit of highly-rated 19-year-old Aaron Hickey.

What’s the story?

According to Evans, the West Midlands club are unlikely to sign the Bologna left-back this window, but will still look to sign a full-back and keep tabs on the Scotsman.

Taking to Twitter, he issued the following disappointing eight-word update: “Aaron Hickey to AVFC is unlikely this month.”

A product of Celtic’s youth system, Hickey joined Hearts in August 2019 and a year later swapped Scotland for Italy as the then-18-year-old joined Serie A outfit Bologna.

Villa fans will be gutted

Having broken through last season, it’s this campaign where the Scotsman has really started to shine, playing all but one of the Italians’ 20 Serie A games as he missed their first game of 2022 against Inter with a virus.

However, it’s the goals tally and versatility that has been particularly impressive, scoring four league goals whilst playing both at left-back and (more frequently) left-midfield.

The Villans have been linked with the left-back for the majority of the window, however, this update from Evans has ultimately put an end to Villa fans’ hopes of their club landing the youngster this month.

They will just have to hope that Steven Gerrard goes back in for the Bologna player in the summer.

Aston Villa are in desperate need of more options in the full-back department with Matt Targett, Ashley Young and Matty Cash the only senior full-backs in Gerrard’s squad.

Moreover, Young has been deployed in a variety of positions this season, meaning that an injury to either Targett or Cash would prove a major issue for Villa.

The addition of Hickey may not have been the major, big name signing that the West Midlands outfit are hoping to sign on a regular basis, such as Philippe Coutinho who joined on loan this week, however, he would’ve filled a gaping hole.

As well as that, the Scotsman would’ve provided a long-term option and clearly possesses plenty of potential, meaning that if a deal can still be struck in 2022, the Villans may find themselves coming away with a bargain.

For now, however, their fans will understandably be gutted that their pursuit of Hickey is likely to drag on further into the year.

In other news: Aston Villa interested in highly rated midfielder

Everton have already made two signings during the first week of the January transfer window, but they could now be set to make another signing as they are rumoured to have joined the chase to sign one in-demand player from Europe.

What’s the word?

According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, the Toffees are interested in Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski.

The report suggests that the Serie A club are interested in selling the 21-year-old in order to raise funds for a striker this month, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be interested in securing his signature.

The £27.5m-rated gem was hailed by former Bianconeri team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who said: “He is a great talent. He will help us to win and achieve incredible things. I really like to see him, he has a great potential, and he’s an excellent player.”

Everton are set to compete with the other two Premier League clubs to get a deal done for Kulusevski but are currently trying to build transfer funds in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Imagine him & Doucoure

Despite Everton struggling to get results in the Premier League this season with just five wins so far, they do have an appeal with a number of fine attacking players in their squad, which could be the element with which to tempt Kulusevski with a possible move to Merseyside.

According to One Versus One, the Sweden international has the highest one-touch pass accuracy in Serie A and is in the top ten players for completing his passes into the final third. That could be a huge advantage to the attacking line at Goodison Park, as this top-level accuracy in front of goal could secure the opportunity for more chances to be created and, as a result, more goals to be scored.

If he were to join Benitez’s side, he would likely play on the right-hand side of midfield alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure, and the duo could form a deadly partnership in creating chances for a newly-returned Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the potential for the team being more prolific in front of goal, as scoring has been an issue this season.

Everton had been without Calvert-Lewin since the start of September, while Richarlison has also suffered two bouts of injury, so it’s no surprise that the goal scoring hasn’t come naturally to the Toffees this season. However, with the return of the England striker and more potential additions in January like Kulusevski, the Toffees could be back in the top half of the table in no time.

In other news: This Everton player gives an insight to his future plans

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side got the second half of their Premiership campaign off to a perfect start against Hibernian on Monday evening, with the Bhoys securing a 2-0 victory at Parkhead to take them back to within three points of the current league leaders.

And, although the Hoops rather unusually saw the away side enjoy more possession of the ball, as well as Shaun Maloney’s side completing more passes in the fixture, the clinical nature of the Bhoys’ performance will nevertheless have been one that will have delighted Postecoglou – as putting teams to the sword is something that the 56-year-old’s side have struggled to do at points this season.

Furthermore, there were also two incredibly impressive debut displays for Celtic, with centre-forward Daizen Maeda – who took just four minutes to open his goalscoring account in Glasgow – and central midfielder Reo Hatate arguably being the 56-year-old manager’s best two players on the night.

However, while Maeda was fantastic against Hibs, it was undoubtedly the show-running performance of Hatate that will have most impressed Postecoglou and Celtic fans alike on Monday evening.

61 touches

Indeed, over his 75 minutes on the pitch, the central midfielder appeared to be everywhere for the Bhoys, with the 24-year-old enjoying 61 touches of the ball – the second-most of Celtic’s midfielders – completing 37 passes – three of which were key – and finding his man with three of his five attempted long balls.

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The £1.08m-rated man also had three shots at the Hibs goal – one of which forced Matt Macey into an excellent diving save from a shot from the edge of the box – won 100% of his ground duels and made one tackle, one interception and one clearance.

These returns saw the Japan international receive a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.4, while the midfielder was also dubbed an “absolute pler” by Everything Celtic and won the Man of the Match award for his efforts on the night.

Indeed, should Hatate be able to keep up this rather extraordinary level of performance going forwards for Celtic, the 24-year-old will very quickly make his £1.38m transfer fee seem like one of the bargains of the season, with the former Kawasaki Frontale star undoubtedly now a nailed-on starter for Postecoglou at Parkhead.

In other news: Ange Postecoglou drops teasing transfer hint that will have Celtic fans buzzing