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Everton may team Wayne Rooney up with an interim manager, according to The Mirror’s David Maddock. 

The lowdown

The 36-year-old is currently in charge at Derby County, who have been hit a combined 21-point deduction after entering administration and admitting breaches of accounting rules (via BBC Sport).

The Englishman began his playing career at Goodison Park, scoring 15 Premier League goals as a teenager before joining Manchester United in a £27m deal in 2004. He then returned to the Toffees for a single season in 2017 after his Old Trafford career came to an end.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Rooney is on Everton’s list of managerial options, but his limited experience is a concern given the Toffees’ predicament in terms of sitting just four points above the Premier League relegation zone.

They’ve been looking at potential interim candidates, ‘pursuing a similar idea to Manchester United’, who have given Ralf Rangnick the reins until the end of the season. There is a possibility that Rooney could work ‘alongside an interim with an appropriate CV’.

The verdict

Rooney has done a commendable job in hugely difficult circumstances at Derby, hauling them off the foot of the Championship table earlier this month. Without those points deductions, they’d actually be knocking on the door of the top half.

Everton’s hesitation is understandable – he has never managed in the Premier League before and they’re uncomfortably close to the relegation zone – but he has had to cope with mighty adversity at Pride Park.

With a more experienced hand to offer guidance at first, giving him the job might not be the worst idea, even if it would be a unique arrangement in the English top flight.

In other news, many Everton fans fumed over links to this manager

West Ham have easily exceeded their Premier League expectations so far, currently sitting three points clear in the fourth Champions League spot in the table.

Despite a dodgy loss against Wolves at the weekend, David Moyes will be hoping to continue their outstanding league form and importantly, their form in the Europa League, where they are yet to lose a game.

Moyes has been dealt a few injury issues over the season so far, with Nikola Vlasic and Andriy Yarmolenko still unavailable, but most recently losing Angelo Ogbonna to a devastating ACL injury that was operated on a few days ago.

With the team spreading thin in both the attack and defensive lines, Moyes cannot afford to miss out on reinvestment into new players to add to the team in the upcoming winter transfer window. By not making important signings in key areas, Moyes could send the side into an injury crisis that will burden the Hammers to choose between chasing Europa League success or a top-four finish.

One player that has been on the club’s radar for a while is established Premier League defender, James Tarkowski.

The £22.5m-rated titan already plays in the league with Burnley, but with the opportunity to escape constant relegation battles with his current club to get a move to a club with big chances in European football and top half league domination, it should be a no brainer for the defender to join West Ham.

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The Hammers were said to be interested in the Burnley defender back in the summer but decided against the signing. However, thanks to Moyes’ impressive management of the West Ham side as it stands, he can now offer a more attractive position to the 26-year-old, especially with the recent horrific injury to Ogbonna.

If Tarkowski did join the East London club, he would have the opportunity to form a centre back partnership with fan favourite, Kurt Zouma, who has had a fantastic impact on the team since joining the side in the summer from Chelsea.

Zouma has made his presence known quickly in the West Ham side with nine appearances, and even scored his first goal for the side against title-challenging giants, Liverpool, a few weeks ago, and will now look to lead the defensive line in the absence of their Italian colossus.

West Ham will need to make sure they are fully covered going into the second half of the season, and cannot afford to lose anymore key players in positions of importance going into their Europa League challenge and their fourth-place battle with the likes of Arsenal.

Signing Tarkowski or someone of his calibre, therefore, is hugely important. His Premier League experience, something Craig Dawson has proven, would be key to the Irons’ chances for the rest of the campaign.

In other news: Jesse Lingard requests West Ham return this January

Crystal Palace are set to reward winger Wilfried Zaha with a new Selhurst Park contract.

That’s according to Eurosport, and the update has had a number of Palace supporters talking on social media.

Zaha, who has now made more than 400 appearances for the club across two spells, is currently on £130,000 per week. His contract is set to expire in 18 months’ time, and it seems as if Steve Parish and co want to tie down the speedster to new terms following his solid start to the season.

The 29-year-old has started in 11 of Palace’s 13 Premier League games this season, contributing to five goals under Patrick Vieira.

According to Eurosport, the Eagles want to reward Zaha with a new deal amid fears that he could be on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The report namechecks the likes of AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund with an interest over the past 12 months, with the Ivorian thought to be keen on remaining with Palace.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news regarding Zaha on Twitter on Saturday morning. Here is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with a few excited and one labelling his current deal, which is close to £7m per year, as ‘obscene’.

“Oh my”

Credit: @CPFCtomm

“give him a blank cheque”

Credit: @localpla6tic

“Why? Because 7 million a year is not enough?? Obscene already!”

Credit: @pete_algar

“Give him the whole club”

Credit: @christylord7

“YESSS”

Credit: @Sumo08112

“omg”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

In other news: ‘Shadow of his former self’ – Many Palace fans slate ‘shaky’ ace in defeat to Villa

Ange Postecoglou’s first few months as Celtic manager have been a whirlwind affair at Parkhead.

It started with frustration as the Hoops boss was unable to land his transfer targets quickly and that resulted in the Bhoys being knocked out of Europe’s premier competition.

They are also behind their fierce rivals in the race for the Premiership crown but there have been a number of positives.

For instance, Celtic are in the League Cup final this weekend and they have achieved that primarily because of the signings Postecoglou did eventually get over the line.

Celtic will be without Jota for the final and his miss will be a devastating blow. After all, the diminutive Portuguese forward has racked up eight goals and six assists in his 18 outings for the club to date.

It’s worrying, therefore, that Celtic have not yet utilised the £6.5m option to buy they have in the terms of the 22-year-old’s loan contract in Scotland.

If they dally any further, it would not be a surprise if one of Europe’s more prestigious clubs snatched him away from Postecoglou’s jaws. He has already been touted to seal a move to one of the continent’s elite so eyes will surely be watching his performances closely.

If he does exit, it will be disastrous for Celtic but it certainly won’t be the end of the world.

They have been linked with a move for a man dubbed the ‘Iranian Neymar’ over the winter and he could move to Paradise in a cut-price deal.

That happens to be another pocket rocket in Mehdi Ghaedi. Reports from his homeland claim that Celtic are interested in a move and he’d certainly be an exciting addition.

Postecoglou has spoken before of targeting lesser-known leagues after the success of Kyogo Furuhashi and this deal could replicate that.

Ghaedi currently plies his trade for Shadab Dubai in the UAE and has registered four goal involvements in nine outings.

The 23-year-old is an incredibly tricky customer and like Jota, possesses an abundance of creativity, dazzling dribbling and potency in the final third.

Journalist, Navid Molaaghaei, once described the £1m-rated talent as a “magician” after a stunning goal back in 2019. Ghaedi appears to be used to popping up in big moments, being dubbed “extraordinary” after a late solo goal for his team back in September.

The forward waltzed past two defenders before burying an opportunity with remarkable confidence. It was a goal that typifies why he’s exactly like Jota and if the Benfica loanee does depart for good, Ghaedi would be a wonderful replacement at Celtic.

AND in other news, Forget Abada: Celtic gem who won 67% duels proved he’s now someone “Ange can’t ignore”…

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting after it was suggested the Gers supporters were responsible for a recent spike in positive coronavirus tests in the Glasgow region.

The Gers’ status as Premiership champions was confirmed the Sunday before last after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. That led to thousands of jubilant fans pouring into the streets of Glasgow to celebrate – breaking coronavirus regulations in the process.

There has been a recent spike in cases in the Glasgow area in recent days, and Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith has suggested the large gathering of supporters could have led to the increase (planetradio.co.uk) – even though clinical director Jason Leitch has revealed it is far too early to tell whether the celebrations had an effect on the numbers (The Scottish Sun).

The Gers fans, clearly, are far from happy with suggestions they are to blame. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“At Xmas they said it would take weeks to see the spike from Christmas gatherings. It suits their narrative and agenda to make the comparison here”

Credit: @g_trader_

“Big bad rangers but no spike in December when thousands went to hampden”

Credit: @DavidMo44520864

“I think it’s scandalous, never heard this narrative after the bheasts lockdown behaviours”

Credit: @TidRangers

“All very predictable I’m afraid. They will ramp up the numbers again in the coming days when they work out the true timescale of exposure to symptoms presenting, to testing, recording results and inclusion in the data being provided for daily briefings.”

Credit: @ElPedro1872

“It’s really scary the way this country going, basically nearly every news media is running with a story that’s so unbelievable if thought out but it’s Scotland where the media is only too willing to print lies especially if it’s about Rangers and it’s fans.”

Credit: @Theprovocateur2

“Anybody else think that the news that Rangers fans caused a spike in covid is just a complete fairytale? So if we consider cases rose on Tuesday which was 2 days after the celebrations in George Square, symptoms (if any) would not have presented so soon”

Credit: @joe_black1509

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now backed some big transfer news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving playmaker and former hero Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Conte in the mix…

In recent weeks, a major Spurs update has come to light as the Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte eye a ‘stunning’ return for Eriksen nearly two and a half years after his exit to Inter Milan.

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The Dane is currently enjoying a fairy-tale Premier League stint at Brentford after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Euro 2020 – with his brilliant form prompting interest from all over England.

90min claim that a host of clubs, including Tottenham, are interested in snapping up the 30-year-old on a Bosman when his Bees contract expires this summer.

The Times also say that transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the club are indeed weighing a move for Eriksen with Sky journalist Bridge now joining in.

The Latest: Bridge backs big Eriksen news…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter now backs that Tottenham will indeed be in the mix, adding that Brentford boss Thomas Frank will find it very hard to keep the midfielder.

He explained: “Spurs will be keeping tabs on him, that’s for sure. I think Brentford will find it very hard to keep him. I know people might say, ‘Well, doesn’t he owe Brentford another year?’ But it doesn’t really work like that.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

Following his phenomenal return to action, an inspirational story in it’s own right, there is little denying Eriksen would inject real creativity into Conte’s midfield – especially on a free deal.

According to WhoScored, only sensational January signing Dejan Kulusevski (1.9) and star forward Son Heung-min (1.7) have averaged the same or more key passes per 90 than the ex-Spurs man (1.7) in the Premier League this season.

Paratici is reportedly eyeing up quality players on dwindling contracts to bolster Conte’s options this summer (The Daily Mail) and we believe Eriksen stands out as one of their most proven options in this bracket.

Conte, as per The Telegraph, also wants two new midfielders with his former Nerazzurri man coming as an extremely shrewd option.

In other news: Big name source: Tottenham in pole position to sign ‘unreal’ 6 ft 3 powerhouse for Conte! Find out more here.

If the transfer gossip columns are to be believed, Glasgow Rangers want to bolster their midfield options in the January transfer window.

Four names have continued to dominate the Rangers rumour mill in recent months, namely Aberdeen’s Scott Wright, Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele, Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson and former West Ham star-turned-free-agent Jack Wilshere.

Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard has remained tight-lipped over any potential incomings at Ibrox but hinted that there’s still business to be done in the transfer market as he bids to prevent Celtic from winning ‘ten in a row.’

Reports have now emerged over the past week that Rangers have started negotiations with Johnson, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, having rejected a club-record contract offer from the Championship club.

Kingston-born Johnson, 28, has been impressing in the English Championship for Preston with four goals and three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

He began his career at Crystal Palace before a major move to Aston Villa’s academy. After excelling as a youngster, he signed his first professional contract at Villa Park, where he played under former Rangers manager Alex McLeish, who was effusive in his praise for the “lovely little player.”

Capable of playing in the centre, on the left or on the right of the midfield, he has legitimate claims to not only being one of Preston’s best central midfielders but also one of the best attacking players in the division too, based on the statistics.

Last season, Johnson bagged 12 goals and 7 assists from the midfield in 33 appearances in the Championship, resulting in a 7 average rating, per WhoScored. For context, that’s only four fewer than tenth-placed Swansea City striker Andre Ayew.

In fact, if you take a closer look at the numbers, the Jamaican actually outperformed Ayew in certain areas, producing 1.4 key passes to Ayew’s 0.9, suggesting that he has a well-rounded game and create chances for others whilst scoring himself.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that a fit and in-form Johnson would be a valuable asset to most sides in the Scottish Premiership.

An extremely talented player, the two-time £3.6m-rated Jamaica international has scored 36 goals in 203 Championship appearances for Preston, emphasising the fact he could add a natural goal threat in the middle of the park.

If that isn’t enough to convince you otherwise, former Motherwell player Chris Humphrey played with him at Preston and recently described his former teammate as an “unbelievable” talent.

Having failed to sign him from Deepdale last summer, Ross Wilson must try and sign the midfielder on a pre-contract agreement in January. After all, he may not get another chance.

AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Ross County…

According reports, Aston Villa are interested in signing free agent Alex Teixeira.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed a superb Premier League season thus far, placing themselves firmly in the battle for a European place. And, according to Spanish publication, Fichajes, Villa are keen on making a move for Teixeira.

The Brazilian left Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning at the end of December, and the report claims that Villa, along with both Benfica and his former side Shakhtar Donetsk, are keen on giving him an immediate return to football.

It’s further suggested that Villa see Teixeira as someone who could give a “big boost” to their European push.

Upgrade on Barkley

Described as a “technical leader”, Teixeira has been doing the business across the world for a number of years now, amassing a quite incredible 172 goals over his illustrious career – that despite predominantly featuring as a number ten or out wide.

Speaking back in 2016, Teixeira’s then boss at Shakhtar, Mircea Lucescu, said: “He’s incredible, very fast, very good technique. I compare him with other players of the same age who changed (the fortunes of) a club, (Angel) Di Maria for example at Paris Saint-Germain.

“Teixeira can be at the same level, better even. He doesn’t get injured, and every year he gets better and better.”

The Brazilian would offer an immediate upgrade on Ross Barkley, who has still yet to prove himself as a real consistent performer over the years. He has never managed more than eight goals in a single league campaign, whilst his totals in the past three seasons in particular have been shocking to say the least, with three, one and two goals respectively.

On the other hand, Teixeira has consistently broken past the ten goal barrier in the league both at Shakhtar and with Jiangsu. Since the 2012/2013 campaign, he has managed totals of: 10, 6, 17, 22, 11, 8, 13 and 18. The veteran is a goal-scoring machine from midfield, and would give Smith’s side an added dimension, instead of just having to rely on Ollie Watkins to score all the time.

Teixeira’s consistency over such a long period of time, and the fact that he’s had plenty of experience playing at the highest level in the Champions League too, means he would surely represent an upgrade on Barkley. The fact he “doesn’t get injured”, like has been the case with the England international, makes him all the more of an attractive proposition when you add that to the fact he would arrive on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa star has been a revelation…

Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Dan James are set to return to the first team squad for this evening’s fixture against Fulham, providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a huge boost ahead of the Europa League final.

What’s the latest?

Martial has been sidelined with a hip injury and a ruptured knee ligament since early March, missing United’s last 13 games in all competitions, while James has been absent since the second leg against Roma with an injury issue.

After the 25-year-old France international incurred his injury setback on international duty, Solskjaer revealed his fears that Martial may be out for the remainder of the season, but it seems as though the forward has recovered ahead of schedule.

In a recent press conference (via Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils boss provided a fresh update on the attacking duo ahead of tonight’s clash with the already-relegated Cottagers, disclosing how they are expected to play some part at Old Trafford.

“I’m hoping to get Anthony (Martial) and Dan (James) back involved in this game which is a very good boost for us. Maybe they can even start against Wolves, and then maybe if they’re sensational? It’s hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest level,” said Solskjaer.

A significant boost

While Martial has not enjoyed his most fruitful campaign in a United shirt, the former Monaco man has still managed to record some respectable numbers throughout 2020/21

The Frenchman has bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances for the 20-time English champions and could play a significant role as they attempt to end the club’s longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

Although James has struggled at times since making the step up from Swansea two seasons ago, the Wales international has enjoyed some of his best displays for the Red Devils in the Europa League, as his 6.99 WhoScored rating illustrates. His performance in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in February, when he scored one goal and set up another, showcased what he is capable of producing when at his best.

Therefore, the duo’s return to action tonight should provide a significant boost to Solskjaer’s attacking options ahead of the showpiece event against Villarreal, and the Norwegian must be buzzing to see Martial and James form part of his matchday squad once again.

In other news…Major Manchester United transfer update emerges; fans will surely be buzzing – opinion

Crystal Palace secured a pivotal Premier League victory on Saturday as they edged past West Bromwich Albion 1-0.

The win came courtesy of a Luka Milivojevic penalty after Baggies defender Darnell Furlong had handled the ball in the area.

The Serbian proved to be the match-winner in more ways than one as he put in a dominant midfield showing for Roy Hodgson’s Eagles.

According to WhoScored, the £10.8m-rated midfielder was a crucial defensive influence in the centre of the park, producing a huge four tackles. This was more than centre-back Gary Cahill as no other player on the entire pitch managed to produce more tackles.

He was also an extremely positive presence on the ball, making 39 passes throughout the 90 minutes, more than anyone in the Palace team.

Milivojevic’s influence did not end there though as he also produced a further four clearances, an interception and a block. That role was pivotal then as the Baggies, who are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League, ramped up the pressure in search of an equalising goal.

Speaking of pressure, the former Olympiakos man stayed cool to convert at the key moment for the Eagles.

Eventually awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR delay, he beat Sam Johnstone with consummate ease, sending the West Brom stopper the wrong way and coolly slotting home into the bottom-right corner of the net for what was surprisingly his first Premier League goal of the campaign.

Considering Palace’s position in the table and the long delay, that spot-kick was certainly pressurised. Hodgson’s men now sit comfortably 11 points above the relegation zone thanks to the penalty and, of course, the victory, the key to that being midfielder Luka Milivojevic.

AND in more news, take a look at another one of Palace’s stars against West Brom – Christian Benteke…