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Everton have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey as manager Rafael Benitez looks to bolster his engine room options at Goodison Park.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Toffees are interested in securing the 30-year-old’s services in the January window, with fellow Premier League club West Ham United also listed as potential suitors.

The report claimed that both Everton and the Hammers are weighing up a move for Ramsey as the Serie A giants are eager to offload his sizeable wages as soon as possible.

Ramsey’s current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, but rumours suggest the Italian giants are eager to get the former Arsenal man off their books much sooner due to his lack of output on the pitch.

Marcel Brands must sanction Everton swoop

Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands must sanction a swoop for the £12.6m-rated Ramsey over the winter window, adding some class and technical ability to Benitez’s industrial midfield.

The Wales international has bags of Premier League experience under his belt from his time at Arsenal, where he continually impressed throughout his seven-year stay. Ramsey scored 65 goals and laid on a further 65 assists in 371 appearances for the Gunners, winning three FA Cups along the way and earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including Martin Keown.

“He continues to mature as a player and develop. He’s a real leader now in this Arsenal team,” the Gunners legend claimed back in 2019.

“Playing in a deeper role, as he did under Arsene Wenger – I think that’s the best role for him. If you want Ozil and him in the same team. He’s so important to everything Arsenal do. It’s the energy – the box-to-box energy. He’s become an outstanding technician.”

However, following a contract dispute, Ramsey departed the north London outfit on a free transfer ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, joining Juventus in a search for silverware.

Although he has claimed a Scudetto and a Coppa Italia during his time in Turin, the creative talent has only started 25 league games to date for the Bianconeri, highlighting his peripheral role within the first team squad.

Therefore, a move back to English shores appears likely over the coming months, and Everton’s hierarchy must make Goodison Park Ramsey’s next destination, aiding their push for a top six finish.

In other news… Everton could find their new Marouane Fellaini by signing “exciting” 6 foot 4 weapon 

Manchester United will be hoping to prove their status as potential champions with a victory over fierce rivals Leeds United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils finished second in the top-flight last term, 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City as they attempted to seal their first league crown since 2013.

It’s been a very successful summer for the Old Trafford club, though, with former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho finally arriving in a £73m deal, while Raphael Varane is expected to be announced imminently.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Sancho will play some part in today’s early kick-off, although whether he features from the off or not remains to be seen.

“Jadon is going to be involved definitely. Good week, but was ill after his holiday. He has looked sharper than expected. Can’t tell you if he is going to start, though,” claimed Solskjaer in yesterday’s press conference.

With that in mind, here’s how Football Fan Cast thinks the Norwegian will line up his side against Leeds, making three changes from their Europa League final defeat in May…

Spain international David de Gea will start in goal for the Red Devils as Dean Henderson has yet to fully recover from a viral infection.

Many United supporters would have been hoping to catch a glimpse of Varane in today’s opening encounter, but the World Cup-winning centre-back is currently unavailable. That means Victor Lindelof is set to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of defence, with the Englishman returning to the starting lineup in place of £13.5m-rated Eric Bailly.

The full-back spots will be occupied by the usual suspects of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, completing a rather familiar-looking back five.

In midfield, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make. Reports throughout the summer claimed he was keen to play an attacking 4-3-3 system this season, meaning that Scott McTominay could anchor a forward-thinking duo involving Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek.

Paul Pogba’s absence from the engine room should see him line up on the left-hand side. That’s due to the absence of Marcus Rashford through injury, Jesse Lingard through illness and Sancho and Edinson Cavani through a lack of training.

Solsjkaer’s fitness concerns should present a golden opportunity for Anthony Martial to stake his claim to be the leading striker once again, though, and might also see 19-year-old Mason Greenwood feature from the off once more.

In other news… Ole could save millions by trusting “perfect” £40m gem, Man Utd fans would love him 

Aston Villa are hoping to furnish Steven Gerrard with a new centre-back and a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 41-year-old took over from Dean Smith earlier this month, so January will be his first chance to put his stamp on the squad through recruitment.

Villa spent £89.84m in the summer, with £34.5m addition Emiliano Buendia becoming their record signing and Leon Bailey and Danny Ings slotting into their all-time top four purchases.

Their outlay was the fifth-highest in the Premier League, yet they still managed to turn a £24.46m profit after the British record sale of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

The latest

An Aston Villa source has told Football Insider that NSWE are prepared to sanction “big money” deals in the mid-season window.

Gerrard has identified the two positions he would like to be strengthened, namely centre-back and defensive midfield.

The verdict

When he was at Rangers, Gerrard had expressed frustration at the club’s lack of spending, so you can imagine that he sought assurances that he’d be adequately backed before taking on the Villa job.

Who could he potentially be targeting? Perhaps the centre-back could be reported target Pau Torres of Villarreal, and that would certainly be a big-money deal, with a report from Fichajes claiming that he’s valued at around £42m.

Eclipsing their transfer record once again to snap up the ‘extraordinary’ centre-back would be quite some statement of intent under the new boss.

In other news, Kevin Campbell thinks Gerrard may look to strengthen this position as well

West Ham United are reportedly monitoring a rather exciting young midfielder ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on the latest episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, the Irons hold an interest in Marseille duo Duje Caleta-Car, who is a centre-back, and Boubacar Kamara, a 21-year-old gem.

Perhaps this development should come as no surprise to those around the London Stadium after the club recruited former Les Olympiens scout Georges Santos to Rob Newman’s recruitment team in recent weeks.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the young France U21 international since the summer transfer window.

Dream Noble successor

With club captain Mark Noble hanging up his boots in the summer, it could be wise to search for further midfield reinforcements, sooner rather than later.

The Hammers did sign Alex Kral on loan during the summer but he’s to make any sort of mark, having been restricted to just two appearances all season.

Kamara is one of Europe’s most exciting versatile future talents. He is capable of playing in defence, both in the middle and on either flank, but it is in midfield where he appears to be the very best fit at 5 foot 10.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

He has earned glowing reviews on his ability and potential already at such a young age, including one from ex-Marseille teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” he claimed. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

Since making his debut in France, Kamara has averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 headers won and 1.3 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, who also list his strengths as being his aerial and passing ability, as well as his tackling and blocking.

That sort of defensive resilience and intelligence bears some hallmarks to Noble and suggests that he could be a great option sitting a little deeper alongside Declan Rice, who we have seen get forward a lot more this campaign.

Kamara also has experience in Europe, playing 19 times across the Champions and Europa League, so he would fit in well with the ambition of the club and having fellow countrymen Kurt Zouma, Alphonse Areola – who has swapped Ligue 1 for England too – and Issa Diop would surely help an easy transition.

Also lauded as a “jewel” by scout Jacek Kulig, the £25.2m-rated beast could be an exciting and long-term signing in east London.

AND in other news, Huge update emerges on Rice’s future at West Ham…

Many Everton fans have been left delighted following an update on their proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, a web camera is set to be installed at the site so that supporters of the Merseyside club can see live images of what is happening during the construction process.The Toffees will also be launching a new project website which will share all of the latest news to do with the stadium, and give an opportunity for Blues to ask any questions they may have.These are certainly exciting times for Evertonians, as now that permission has been granted to build on the site, construction for the new ground can get under way as soon as possible, and they will be able to see it happening in front of their very eyes once the web cam is installed. Everton fans on Bramley-Moore Dock update

These EFC fans lauded the update was it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is ‘excellent news’:

“This is excellent news”Credit: @otrochris”Loving every bit of this.”Credit: @djmikepeters”Massive day.”Credit: @seanarundel”Brilliant Blues!!!”Credit: @camoefc84″Love it”Credit: @matt1878″Yeeeessss”Credit: @Howardm37030595In other news, find out what transfer update has Toffees talking here!

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has insisted that current Swansea City manager Steve Cooper is not nailed on to take the vacant Crystal Palace job.

The Lowdown: Parish’s manager woes

Steve Parish is yet to have any concrete success when it comes to searching for Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor.

The Eagles were in talks with former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo and were thought to be closing in on the Portuguese coach.

However, a deal fell through due to finances involved in a possible move. Nuno is now thought to be in discussions with Everton about replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Nixon replies to Cooper links

Swansea boss Cooper has since been tipped as the new favourite for the Selhurst Park vacancy.

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Swansea fan on social media if the 41-year-old was now nailed on to take over at Palace, to which he simply and bullish replied:

“No”

The Verdict: Time is running out

It appears, despite the favourite rumours, that Palace are not close to appointing Cooper as their new manager.

He appears to be a manager who Parish and the Eagles hierarchy like, though, with Burnley boss Sean Dyche also back in contention for a move to London after Palace’s talks with Nuno came to an end.

Should Palace make their move for Cooper, they would have to put their hand in their pockets. Reports have suggested Cooper would cost around £4.5m in compensation.

Palace could do with bringing in a new boss relatively swiftly, with the transfer window now open and an Eagles rebuild required but it appears that they still aren’t close to making a hire.

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz as ‘positive’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

Aston Villa must land Liverpool starlet Curtis Jones in the January transfer window amid Alan Nixon’s recent claim.

What’s the story?

In a tweet posted just before transfer deadline day, Nixon said: “Aston Villa. Big interest in Curtis Jones at Liverpool. A bit of the Grealish about that talented lad. Might be one for next window. Not in squad yesterday…”

In response to that news, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has suggested that Jones could be a very intriguing transfer target for Smith if the club are having a disappointing season.

He said: “It’s going to be an interesting few months, January especially. It depends how Villa do, if they do ok they might wait until the end of the season.

“If they aren’t doing as well as they want to, they will have to really push for Curtis Jones. Villa like young players and Jones is exactly that, he’s got real quality. Villa are looking to buy smart, buy young and looking to buy players with something to prove which is smart.”

He has shades of Jack Grealish

While Jack Grealish may not be Villa’s darling anymore following his big-money move to Premier League champions Manchester City, there’s no questioning that he is a massive loss on the pitch.

In Jones, Smith could get someone who has all the intangibles to bring that same level of excitement that Grealish brought to the table, while he’s already amassed more big-game experience by playing in the Champions League unlike his older counterpart.

Indeed, after Liverpool’s win over Everton in January 2020, when the teenage talent scored a stunning decisive goal, Jurgen Klopp sang the 19-year-old’s praises and tipped him to reach the big time provided that “nothing strange happens”.

He said: “It was an absolutely sensational goal, I love it. Let me speak about Curtis. Unbelievable player, Scouser, very confident, can’t wait to play in the first team. Rightly so. He is in a very good way, I’ve known him for three-and-a half years. He has made big steps, he will be a Liverpool player if nothing strange happens 100%. You sometimes forget, and we forget it in training, that he is only 18. Unbelievable.”

The Liverpool boss went so far as to dub Jones an “exceptional talent”, and that kind of praise is indicative of the kind of lofty heights Klopp expects the talented starlet to reach.

The £27m-rated ace’s ability to come up with something spectacular, like he did against Everton 20 months ago, has real shades of Grealish.

Jones steps up when the spotlight shines brightest, reserving his best performances for Liverpool last season in the Champions League. As per WhoScored, he averaged an impressive 7.37 match rating, scoring one goal and providing two assists in five games – no other Liverpool player bettered his match rating out of those who featured more than three times in the competition.

If Smith goes in for Jones in the January transfer window, they could move quickly to replacing Grealish in this team.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed a major Aston Villa boost…

Manchester City were never in for Cristiano Ronaldo, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has exclusively told Football FanCast.

Before rivals Manchester United agreed a deal with Juventus to sign the Portuguese forward, he had been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad.

This came after City’s failed attempt to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, with the 28-year-old recently confirming on Twitter that he would be staying at the north London club this summer.

Ultimately, given that failed pursuit of Kane, City moving for another forward like Ronaldo is logical. However, according to Palmer, based on what he has heard, a transfer was never on the cards.

“As far as I understand it, they were never in for Ronaldo,” the ex-Leeds United and Southampton player said. “They were never in for Ronaldo. I’ve had that on good authority. They made it very, very clear they wanted Harry Kane.”

Had they signed Ronaldo, it probably would have been game over for the rest of the Premier League.

The 36-year-old scored an impressive 29 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last season. Adding that sort of firepower to a team that was already capable of winning the Premier League could have made them unstoppable.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting in delighted fashion to the news that Ibrahima Konate has officially become a Reds player.

Jurgen Klopp managed to guide his team to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2020/21, but it was an extremely difficult season for the German.

The 53-year-old had to overcome a number of obstacles, the most notable of which was having to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the vast majority of the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The trio are all still injured and Liverpool ended up playing unproven duo Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams as a centre-back pairing in the final games.

It has highlighted the need for the Reds to sign a new defender this summer and Konate has always looked set to be that man, having been continually linked with a move to Anfield.

On Friday, Liverpool confirmed that a deal for the RB Leipzig man had been completed, with the 22-year-old arriving on a ‘long-term’ contract.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Konate update

These Reds supporters have taken to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the positive news.

“Happy Friday Reds”

Credit: @AnythingLFC_

“Things you love to see. Welcome, Ibrahima Konate”

Credit: @LFC_JamieBS

“What a signing. Let’s go, LFC”

Credit: @Akki_SwagMan

“Love this, Liverpool going out and getting exactly the player needed early doors. A player who has all the potential to become one of the best in the world and form a formidable partnership with Van Dijk”

Credit: @DHardayal

“This is exceptional value”

Credit: @lrchandley

“Let’s gooooooooooo”

Credit: @Kea_IsTheName

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been bemoaning an update on one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool are looking to achieve an unprecedented feat this year that would see them become the first English side to lift the quadruple.

Mohamed Salah is a major component for the Reds in their chase for glory and some interesting news has broken over the future of the Egyptian.

What’s the news?

Last week, an exclusive interview between FourFourTwo’s Chris Flanagan and Mo Salah was made public, with the Premier League’s top scorer offering words on the status of his contract talks with Liverpool.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Chris Flanagan shared his verdict in the latest report via ThisisAnfield.com:

“He seemed very relaxed about everything, including his future.

“I got the sense that his number one aim is absolutely to stay at the club, but that he was prepared to wait a little longer to get the best deal possible if that’s what it takes.”

Fans on edge

Salah’s future at the club has been an overshadowing worry for Liverpool fans this season, with the Egyptian proving to be a talismanic figure for Klopp’s side since his transfer from Roma back in 2017.

The now 29-year-old has bagged 13 assists in 43 appearances for Klopp’s side this term, yet again proving his value to a side who are capitalising on his performances and setting their sights on an unprecedented quadruple trophy swoop.

Salah has remained composed throughout the contract debacle and has already equalled his goal tally of last season in six games less.

The £90m-rated sensation insisted his contract issues were not about monetary gain, as he told Flannagan: “I think the fans know what I want, but in the contract, it’s not everything about the money at all.”

Asked by ThisisAnfield, Flannagan gave his verdict on the quote from Salah: “His added quote that it wasn’t all about the money was interesting, as it was unprompted – I’d asked him how he saw his future, but my question hadn’t mentioned money.”

Either way, with the clock ticking on his deal, supporters will be on the edge of their seats about whether or not he’ll pen new terms in Merseyside. This claim certainly seems to suggest that he might, however.

In other news: Insider: Liverpool consider move for “world-class” £150m gem, imagine him & Fabinho…