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Everton could be set to bring as many as four players to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by David Maddock, with The Mirror journalist revealing on Twitter that, following Frank Lampard’s appointment as the new Everton manager, Farhad Moshiri could be set to sanction last-minute moves for as many as four of the 43-year-old’s transfer targets on Monday.

In his post, Maddock said: “Some complicated negotiations [are] at [an] advanced stage, [Lampard] will have [the] final decision on at least two, possibly three-four new signings on Monday.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poor Everton have been this season, with the Toffees sitting a mere four points above the relegation zone at present, it is clear that the current playing squad at Goodison Park is in need of much improvement.

One position that undoubtedly looks as if it could do with improving on is that of centre-back, as although Lampard can call upon the likes of Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite in the heart of his defence, there is no real standout star amongst this quintet – something that will be required if the former Chelsea boss is to improve a Toffees backline that has already shipped 35 goals this season.

Another position in which Lampard is lacking any real strength in depth is attacking midfield, something which has led to the club being linked with late moves for Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek, Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli and Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Should the three or four players who Maddock suggests could be on their way to Goodison be in either of these two positions, they will undoubtedly be signings that will have Everton fans buzzing – as, not only would strengthening in the aforementioned areas help to steer the Toffees clear of the drop, they could well be enough to fire the club back to the top half of the Premier League table come May.

In other news – Forget Iwobi: Lamps may save Everton’s season by signing “intelligent” £18m-rated ace

Leeds United pair Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton are unlikely to be available to face Tottenham, coming after Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling were already ruled out.

The Lowdown: Leeds take on Spurs

The Whites return to Premier League action after the international break this weekend, making the trip to Spurs on Sunday afternoon.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side drew 1-1 at home to Leicester City in their last outing and now haven’t lost in their last three league games.

Avoiding defeat against Spurs would be another positive step in the right direction, but their injury woes have not exactly eased, with Ayling and Bamford both certain to miss out, and now more worrying news emerging before the big clash.

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The Latest: Hay makes injury claim

Two more players who look likely to miss out on Sunday are Firpo and Shackleton, with Hay taking to Twitter to confirm that the pair are not ready fitness-wise:

“Firpo is doing well, just needs minutes, Bielsa says. Shackleton is in the same situation (doesn’t sound like either will be involved on Sunday).”

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The Verdict: Full-back dilemma

Should Firpo and Shackleton miss out, it leaves Leeds horribly light in the full-back department, with the latter impressing at right-back of late and making five league starts this season.

Stuart Dallas will almost certainly fill one of the full-back spots – presumably right-back – while Pascal Stuijk could fill in at left-back, as was the case against Leicester.

It’s far from ideal however, with neither player really a natural on the flanks, while Firpo’s left-foot offers proper width on that side when he is available – the Spaniard’s possible return was labelled as ‘crucial’ by Danny Mills this week, so his absence is a major concern.

In other news, one key Leeds figure is delighted with a Whites injury update. Read more here.

Leeds United are not expected to do much business in the January transfer window, according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable journalist delivered a fresh claim to supporters in a recent Q&A on the website, where he said:

“We know the club and Bielsa do not see a lot of value in January, nor do they see the time available for new arrivals to have an impact before the season finishes, given how long they will need with the under-23s and on the training field to reach Bielsa’s high standards.

“If Leeds are really in the thick of the bottom four or five teams when the window opens though, there surely has to be some frank conversations about the risks of not strengthening for the final stretch of the campaign.

“It will be interesting to see what compromises, if any, Bielsa or the hierarchy make in the window to get business done.”

Worrying news

The Yorkshire giants are just one place and two points above the relegation zone heading into this weekend’s fixtures and they could well drop inside it, depending on other results.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side face the stiff test of Brighton and Hove Albion in Saturday’s late kick-off, with the Seagulls currently occupying a place inside the top ten.

A lot of their struggles this season could be attributed to persistent injury problems to several key stars, including vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading striker Patrick Bamford, both of whom have missed several months of action.

Neither has a genuine alternative, so it’s no wonder that United have suffered in recent games, and it would make their stubbornness to change their ways this January look stupid.

If Leeds are to avoid a relegation scrap all season, then they may well need to bolster the playing squad this winter, as failure to do so could leave Bielsa and co in a very precarious position.

This latest claim from Cross will surely leave those around Elland Road absolutely worried about what might lie ahead. The Whites have won just twice from 12 league games and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon with the aforementioned players still on the treatment table.

AND in other news, Leeds plot January swoop for “very gifted” £9m-rated “beast”, Bielsa would be buzzing…

With West Ham United winning just one of their previous six Premier League games and losing centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma to serious injuries, this could lead the east London club to splash the cash in the upcoming January transfer window to try and get their season back on track.

Given the injuries to those two, it could be worth the Hammers’ while bringing in a new centre-back to ease the strain on the likes of Craig Dawson and Issa Diop, who are currently the only two natural options for that position in David Moyes’ senior squad.

Get Phillips deal done

Having been linked with a January move for Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, who would apparently be available to sign for a fee of £10m, this could be exactly what West Ham need to get their season back on track and push for a top-four place.

Despite not making even one appearance in the league so far this season for the Reds, Phillips ended up as Liverpool’s second-highest rated player last term with an overall performance rating of 7.29/10 according to WhoScored from his 17 league appearances.

The 24-year-old also averaged 4.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, highlighting his defensive talents and capabilities of playing in the Premier League.

To put those numbers into perspective, Ogbonna averaged 4.1 clearances, 0.9 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per league game in 2020/21, showing that the Liverpool colossus has what it takes to rival West Ham’s stalwart defender.

Labelled a “monster” by Jurgen Klopp for his performances last season, Phillips could be just what GSB need to help Moyes solve his central defensive problem at the club as he hopefully is brought in to fill the void left by Ogbonna and Zouma’s long-term absences.

As well as receiving heavy praise for his performances last season from his manager, the 24-year-old – who is currently taking home £19k-per-week according to Salary Sport – also caught the attention of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who called him “unbelievable.”

Looking ahead to January, signing Phillips should be at the top of West Ham’s and GSB’s priority list for the transfer window to see if he can replicate for the Irons the same standard of defensively strong performances that he delivered for Liverpool last season.

In other news: Moyes should also aim to seal a deal for this Premier League target

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has praised Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers for picking Kelechi Iheanacho to play alongside Jamie Vardy in recent weeks.

Prior to James Maddison’s injury, the former Manchester City man had started just four Premier League matches this season.

But since Maddison suffered a hip problem during the Foxes victory at Aston Villa last month, Rodgers has replaced the England midfielder with Iheanacho, opting to play with two strikers as appose to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

And it’s paid dividends for the Leicester boss – with the Nigerian frontman scoring five goals in four matches, including a wonderful opener Burnley and a hat-trick against Sheffield United last Sunday, his first in the Premier League.

Leicester have claimed seven points with Iheanacho in the side, which has strengthened their top-four hopes, and Windass has credited Rodgers for his tactical switch.

He told Football FanCast:

“Unbelievable by the manager. Unbelievable. Vardy has been up there on his own all the time, and then all of a sudden Brendan has thought ‘I may go two up top’. If you can get two lads that can catch pigeons, then you’ve got a chance.

“And when he’s [Iheanacho] come in, he’s not let Brendan down. Fair play to him, he’s starting now and scored a few goals and come in and done very well. Fair play to the kid, his attitude has been spot on.”

You’d have been forgiven for thinking that Leicester might slip down the Premier League table without Maddison and Harvey Barnes in the side, but Rodgers’ slight alteration and bold decision to go with both Iheanacho and Vardy has seen the Foxes only strengthen their case to be playing Champions League football next season.

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills is unconvinced about the Whites potentially signing Michael Olise, instead wanting players who will improve the first team.

Marcelo Bielsa will be keeping an eye out for possible summer reinforcements in the coming months as he looks to freshen up his squad ahead of next season.

The Argentine has built a strong group of players at Elland Road – one which is sitting healthily in mid-table in the Premier League – but it is important that Leeds don’t rest on their laurels.

Olise is a player who has been linked with a move to the Whites following an exceptional season in the Championship with Reading. The 19-year-old has five goals and 10 assists in the league to date, with only Emiliano Buendia (12) picking up more of the latter in the division 2020/21.

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Mills not convinced over Olise move

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills admitted he wants to see players like Raphinha come in, though – individuals who are guaranteed to make the team stronger. He said:

“Does he add more quality to what Leeds have already? That would be my only question. You’ve got Rodrigo, you’ve got Kalvin Phillips, you’ve got Raphinha.

“Maybe it adds a little bit of strength in depth. But when you’re looking at the second season in the Premier League you’ve got to look to improve the first XI.

“You’re better off being a bit more patient and spending more money by improving the first XI. If you can do that at the right price it’s worth doing.

“But just bringing in squad players is not always the right route.”

Transfer Tavern take

Mills certainly has a point regarding bringing in top-class established talent in the summer, but it is possible to do that and also sign young players with lots of potential.

Olise falls into the second of those categories, but he has shown this season that he looks capable of becoming a formidable footballer in the coming years, so Leeds certainly shouldn’t disregard him.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has been discussing one Leeds player’s recent setback – read about it here.

Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Wales Online, who claim that AFC Bournemouth have made an enquiry regarding the signing of the Whites right-back ahead of the upcoming transfer market.

The report goes on to state that the Premier League side will likely assess the position of the 20-year-old in pre-season before determining whether or not they believe his future lies at Elland Road.

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Finally, it is also claimed that, should regular first-team football not be realistic at Leeds next season, the England U21 international would be more than happy to spend next season on loan with Cardiff City once again.

Drameh can save Leeds millions

Considering just how impressive Drameh has been during his loan spell in South Wales, it is undeniable that permanently losing the services of the young defender this summer would be something of a disaster for Jesse Marsch and his side.

Indeed, over his 18 Championship appearances since linking up with the Bluebirds in January, the £900k-rated full-back has been a revelation on the right of Steve Morison’s backline, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week defender has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of one interception, four tackles – the most of any player in the league – 1.9 clearances and winning 7.6 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Morison claimed is “like a Duracell Bunny” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as Cardiff’s fourth-best player in the English second tier.

As such, considering his tender age, it is clear to see the sheer amount of potential Drameh possesses, something which leads us to believe that Marsch must not only retain the 20-year-old this summer but also give him a shot in the first team.

Indeed, with Luke Ayling turning 31 later this year, as well as the £3.6m-rated defender having something of a season to forget in 2021/22, Leeds have been linked with moves for a number of right-backs in the summer transfer window in a bid to strengthen the position ahead of 2022/23.

However, following Drameh’s sensational campaign with Cardiff, the player who Glen Williams dubbed “such an exciting prospect” would appear more than worth a chance in the first-team – while also being a talent who could well save Andrea Radrizzani and Leeds millions of pounds in transfer fees.

AND in other news: Leeds handed big injury boost as Thorp Arch image emerges, Marsch will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to continue their rich vein of form when they head to Championship outfit Wycombe Wanderers in an FA Cup fourth round clash later this evening.

After playing three times in seven days, Jose Mourinho’s side were gifted an eight-day rest ahead of their encounter, so barring those that are injured, the Portuguese has a full squad to choose from.

But given they are playing lower league opposition, there could be a chance to see some of the club’s future stars in action.

Indeed, against non-league Marine last time out, Mourinho fielded the likes of Harvey White (who is now at Portsmouth on loan), Alfie Devine and Jack Clarke (who has gone to Stoke City on loan).

According to The Sunday Times’ Duncan Castles, Mourinho would like a new pacey central defender in the transfer market before deadline day on February 1st, but it may be worth seeing what Japhet Tanganga can do as he could save Daniel Levy millions this month.

The 21-year-old gem has only featured for a total of 388 minutes this campaign, including a 45-minute cameo at Marine as well as two clean sheets in the Europa League, per Transfermarkt.

He’s a player that has been tipped for big things in the past.

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Former Spurs man Darren Bent lauded Tanganga a “very exciting prospect” to Football Insider, whilst club legend and current first-team coach Ledley King has always been a fan. He told talkSPORT:

“I’ve been able to have a few conversations with him actually sit down to show him a few bits and pieces. He’s a kid that is hungry to play, enjoys defending which is great. His main position is centre-back and he’s slotted in at right-back brilliantly.”

Both Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty are doubts for this tie, so Tanganga could slot right in there whilst it would be wise to keep the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier fresh for the upcoming schedule – the Europa League returns next month, for example.

At 6-foot he should have no problem filling in centrally plus many Spurs fans have seen what he’s had to offer in the past. Aside from the aforementioned matches, Tanganga has also kept clean sheets against Man City and Watford in the top-flight last season.

Having conquered Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero once, the £25k-per-week colossus should have no problem against the rock-bottom Championship strugglers.

So forget Rodon or Devine, it’s Tanganga’s time to shine.

AND in other news, Imagine him & PEH: Spurs could create a formidable spine by signing £22.5m “beast”…

If football was played on the tea-stained piece of paper sitting on your desk, then last night’s game between Everton and Sheffield United will have been a foregone conclusion.

It will have resulted in the home side coming away with all three points, presumably from a couple of clinically taken Dominic Calvert-Lewin goals.

However, this is the Premier League, a division that so often captivates and lures us in even when there’s nothing to play for.

The Blades may be sitting rock bottom of the top-flight and already relegated but that didn’t stop Paul Heckingbottom’s men from putting up a spirited fight.

Courtesy of 17-year-old Daniel Jebbison, Sheffield United managed to beat the Toffees 1-0.

It was a disastrous and embarrassing result for Carlo Ancelotti, one that’s seen his team lose vital ground in the race for European football next season.

Mason Holgate was again at fault during the game and left his manager raging as he dragged him off at half time. Though, another player who will have the manager cursing his team is Richarlison.

On his day, the Brazilian is an effervescent character, someone who can change the game in an instant with a piece of trickery. However, those moments have been few and far between for the spritely attacker of late.

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Richarlison now hasn’t scored since 4th March, nor has he assisted a goal since 5th December.

His creativity and instinct inside the area has completely deserted him and he’s now running down blind alleys.

His performance at Goodison on Sunday was a concern. Even against the third-worst defence in the league he looked toothless, spurning a glorious opportunity to score late inside the opening period.

James Rodriguez played the ball in but the forward’s header was straight at Aaron Ramsdale, a goalkeeper who made six saves during one of his best days of the season.

Richarlison was fortunate to last the 90 minutes given his performance. He made just 15 passes and lost the ball every 3.5 touches.

He lost 60% of his defensive duels, played just one key pass and didn’t complete a single dribble either.

For a player with so much flair in his locker, this was a particularly disappointing night.

So often one of the most vibrant players in this Everton squad, Ancelotti can only carry him so far. At the moment Richarlison is fortunate they have a lack of depth in attack.

Ahead of the summer window he needs to improve or be wary of finally being replaced in the starting XI.

AND in other news, Everton could find their very own TAA by signing £3.5k-p/w gem with “enormous ability”…

The curtain will come down on a wonderful four years in charge for Nuno Santo on Sunday.

He has changed the face of Wolverhampton Wanderers, turning them into an established Premier League outfit.

Unfortunately, their clash with Manchester United this afternoon will represent his final in the Molineux dugout.

He surprisingly announced the decision to resign on Friday, leaving the Old Gold’s future well and truly up in the air.

Wolves will be aiming to send Nuno off with an almighty bang but it won’t be easy against one of the best sides in the top-flight.

Though, with nothing to play for, the Midlands outfit can kick back and relax on the final day of the season.

Thus, how will their final ever team selection under the Portuguese look? Here’s what we’re predicting…

We’re tipping Nuno to make three changes from the team that lost to Everton last time out.

John Ruddy continues in goal but there are changes to the backline in front of him with Max Kilman dropping out.

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The Englishman is replaced by 18-year-old Christian Marques, someone we’ve raved about on Football FanCast this weekend.

The centre-back has never been seen in the first-team but with nothing riding on the match, this feels like as good a time as any to hand him his Premier League debut.

Another change is at right wing-back where Ki-Jana Hoever is given a chance ahead of Nelson Semedo, something that occurred in the 2-1 win over Brighton.

The third and final change is in the middle of the park where Joao Moutinho is axed from the starting XI in favour of the young Vitinha.

If Wolves don’t exercise the option to buy clause in his loan contract then this could be the 21-year-old’s final outing in the Old Gold.

There is no room for Willian Jose while Raul Jimenez won’t be fit to play despite his promising recovery from a fractured skull.

Marcal has returned from injury but Rayan Ait-Nouri gets the nod on the left-hand side.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Silva: Wolves should replace Nuno with “spectacular” 44y/o Mendes client…