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Everton boss Rafa Benitez could be heading for an unforgivable transfer howler at Goodison Park amid a damning report over Allan…

What’s the story?

According to Italian publication Il Mattino, it’s suggested that the Toffees would be willing to let the Brazilian midfielder go amid some interest from Serie A giants Lazio.

The report adds that the 31-year-old is keen to reunite with former manager Maurizio Sarri at the Italian side – the duo worked together while at Napoli – and that talks have already begun between the two clubs.

Last straw for Benitez

Having managed to ostracise Digne and see the Frenchman on his way to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, losing another key cornerstone of this Everton side in Allan would surely be the final straw for Toffees fans.

The Brazilian has been a key cog of the Everton midfield since Carlo Ancelotti brought him in a couple of years ago from Napoli, playing 43 times for the club, including featuring in every single Premier League game this campaign until early December.

It’s no surprise then that his teammates absolutely love him for the kind of dirty work that he does in midfield, with Michael Keane even saying: “He is a defender’s dream. He is always there on the striker’s toes, winning the ball back. He does a lot of running, puts in a lot of tackles.”

And, speaking during commentary for Everton’s clash against Sheffield United last season, Darren Fletcher said: “It does show these days how the role of the central midfielder has changed. He hasn’t got an assist or a goal yet this season for Everton, Allan, but nobody would tell you that he hasn’t been a vital piece of the picture for them in central midfield.”

Benitez is already in hot water with Everton fans for the club’s woeful run of form in the Premier League this season – the Toffees find currently themselves in 15th place – and his recent axing of Digne is hardly going to have made him more popular than he already was.

Signing off an exit for Allan would surely see Everton fans be completely unable to forgive him.

Meanwhile, Everton could finally axe this star by signing James Garner…

Wolves making a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in January would not be a wise decision, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Alli’s career on the slide

There was a time when Alli seemed like the golden boy of English football, but his reputation has diminished in recent years, with the midfielder making very little impact at Tottenham.

Alli has been limited to six Premier League starts and he is struggling to force his way into new manager Antonio Conte’s plans currently, leading to speculation over his next destination, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson linking him with a possible move to Wolves.

Indeed, Spurs could look to cut their losses on a player who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Ian Wright, with the 25-year-old someone who Hatfield has been quizzed about.

The Latest: Hatfield doesn’t want move to happen

Speaking to Give Me Sport, it was clear what his stance on the matter is, with the journalist urging Wolves to stay away from any possible deal:

“For the player, I could understand the move, but not for the club. I couldn’t understand Wolves making a move for Dele Alli, to be honest.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“375704”]

The Verdict: Avoid it, Wolves

Alli looked like he would be a world-beater as a youngster, scoring 18 league goals for Spurs back in 2016/17, not to mention netting in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final for England against Sweden.

Sadly, he just hasn’t kicked on, however, and while he is still only 25 years of age, it would be extremely risky for Wolves to sign him.

The fire seems to have gone out with Alli, with his impact on matches so often unnoticeable – he has only scored one league goal since 2019/20 – so he could be more of a hindrance than an effective signing.

In other news, some Wolves fans have erupted over a transfer claim. Read more here.

As per a West Ham United source, speaking to club insiders Claret & Hugh, a major behind-the-scenes contract update has emerged involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice shining…

The 22-year-old has been dazzling for West Ham this season, following on from his impressive 2020/21 campaign, but speculation over his future is mounting.

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After reportedly rejecting contract offers in the summer amid serious interest from top Premier League clubs (The Guardian), Hammers fans will surely be eager to see him commit to the club and put pen to paper on fresh terms.

Rice is apparently set to be offered another new deal as insiders Claret & Hugh share some exciting news from an Irons source involving new club shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.

The Latest: Rice claim emerges…

According to their information, West Ham’s minority shareholder is set to back the club as they prepare an offer to make Rice the highest-paid player in their history.

Indeed, with help from the Czech billionaire, the Hammers are determined to convince the England international to put pen to paper on a bumper new four-year deal at the London Stadium.

A source also told Claret & Hugh: “We will be doing everything possible on a new offer to Declan.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

To say that Rice is a key player for West Ham would be the understatement of the century.

An untouchable in David Moyes’ starting XI and one of only three men to play in every single Premier League game so far for the club this season, the midfield gem has also averaged more interceptions per 90 (1.9) over that time than any Irons player (WhoScored).

These numbers are just the start, with Premier League legend Alan Shearer calling him an ‘excellent player’ on Match of the Day (via This Is Futbol), and we aren’t the least bit surprised that a new deal for Rice is at the forefront of West Ham’s thinking.

In other news: Newman exploring West Ham offer to sign ‘underrated’ £28.8m ace who’s now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could finally fill the void left behind by Christian Eriksen after they were handed a timely January transfer boost this week.

The north Londoners have recently been linked with a move for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski, who Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici originally signed during his time at the Serie A giants.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is now likely to be allowed to leave the Turin club, with them currently valuing him at €35m (£30m).

A temporary exit in January isn’t out of the question either, as the report claims that the Sweden international is unhappy at the club and would like a ‘change of scenery.’

The most likely destination appears to be the Premier League, with arch-rivals Arsenal also keen to secure him, as the Old Lady do not want him to thrive at a league rival.

Newly-appointed Spurs boss Antonio Conte needs to find a creative fix as quickly as possible because it has been their main Achilles heel this season – no side is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1), not even the three teams in the relegation zone, and their last shot on target was nearly four hours ago, against West Ham.

There is an argument to be made that Eriksen has never been properly replaced, with neither of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele nor Giovani Lo Celso, stepping up to the mark. In two-and-a-half seasons, neither has recorded more than eight assists altogether.

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By comparison, the Dane hit double figures for assists in each of his last four full Premier League seasons at the club.

Kulusevski, who has been branded as “explosive” and compared to Mohamed Salah, could be the solution. His career average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes makes for encouraging reading as it suggests that he’s a real thorn in the final third, and evidently one who can create chances.

In 2020/21, when he was entrusted to feature regularly, the young £31.5m-rated gem registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Lo Celso has managed only 13 direct contributions since summer 2019, while Ndombele is just four contributions ahead in a longer time frame, too.

Meanwhile, football scout Jacek Kulig has previously lauded Kulusevski as an “athletic phenomenon”, an “advanced playmaker” and a “complete player”, which only bolsters the claims to sign him all that more.

Paratici knows exactly what Spurs would be getting, so he must do all he can to seal the 21-year-old’s signature in January, regardless of whether it’s on loan or on a permanent basis.

AND in other news, “Understand”: Alasdair Gold reveals major behind-scenes Spurs development…

Crystal Palace will take on Millwall at The Den in the FA Cup third round following the draw on Monday evening.

Matt Woosnam shared the news on Twitter, which duly resulted in a number of Eagles fans giving their thoughts on the all-south London tie.

Patrick Vieira’s side lost their first game of December to Manchester United on Sunday and still have five Premier League fixtures before the New Year.

However, once 2022 comes around, the Eagles will be thinking about a cup tie with the Championship side after taking on West Ham on New Year’s Day.

Palace and Millwall last met back in 2013 in the Championship, the year that the Eagles earned promotion to the Premier League. They last faced off in the FA Cup way back in January 1985 and will meet again between January 7 and 10.

Palace fans react

Here is what these Palace fans had to say in reply to Woosnam’s post regarding the draw, with one labelling it as ‘exciting’.

“Finally. A tasty cup draw.”

Credit: @IlMoniker

“Oh that’s exciting”

Credit: @GrahamMoody

“omggggggg”

Credit: @cpfcames

“Fantastic – what a draw”

Credit: @TheHistoryBloss

“I love love love that”

Credit: @AllanDLWilliams

“What league are minnows like Millwall even in now?”

Credit: @tha_paulo

In other news: Ornstein provides significant transfer update on ‘incredible’ Crystal Palace summer target

A number of Wolves supporters have been reacting to a club tweet stating that Hwang Hee-chan’s goal against Leeds United was their 300th in the Premier League.

Bruno Lage’s men were seconds away from winning a fourth league game in a row on Saturday afternoon, only to draw 1-1 away to Leeds. Rodrigo’s stoppage-time penalty ended the winning run, and while it was a hugely disappointing finish to the game, the result is still a decent one for the Midlanders.

It was Hwang who opened the scoring at Elland Road, as his impressive form continues, with the South Korean now netting four times in as many league starts this season.

On Monday, Wolves’ official Twitter account posted a tweet stating it was the 300th goal the club have scored in the Premier League since its inception in 1992.

Wolves fans react to official club tweet

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for both Hwang and the 300-goal Premier League milestone.

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @jackthenewee

“Didn’t Seol Ki-hyeon set a record when he played for us too?”

Credit: @robcross82

“A lot of love for this man”

Credit: @_PLN_7

“Better than Son”

Credit: @AdamWWFC_

“Would love to see a Wolves Premier League goals breakdown”

Credit: @JackHGrigg

“Sign him permanent then”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

In other news, some Wolves fans have hailed a brilliant moment for a loanee over the weekend. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign emerging superstar Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic on the rise

Not many football fans may have heard of Vlahovic a year or two ago, but he is really starting to emerge as a rising superstar in Serie A.

Italian media have described him as a ‘force of nature’ and have likened him to established goal machines Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku (Football Italia), and it is hard not to see why.

The Serbia international is a monster at six-foot-two-inches tall, and has already hit the 10-goal mark this season, adding to the impressive 21 that he managed in the Serie A last term (Transfermarkt).

His record for his country is no different, with six strikes in 12 games so far.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), St. James’ Park could be Vlahovic’s destination next campaign.

They have been described as being ‘submersed in Saudi dollars’, and having the ‘economic power’ to join in any auction for the Fiorentina star.

Vlahovic is seen as a ‘suitable target’ for the North East club, but they face competition from both Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus for his signature.

His deal expires in 2023, and so Fiorentina are expected to sell him for a transfer fee of between €50-60m (£42.8-51.4m).

The Verdict: Realistic?

With Fiorentina currently sitting in seventh spot in the Serie A, they are at risk of missing out on European football for next season, meaning that Vlahovic may not have too much motivation to stay.

Of course, the Tyneside outfit would need to ensure that they are not relegated first, but a move to the Premier League may appeal to him.

His goal record speaks for itself, and players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson would surely love to play with someone of his quality.

Plus, he is still just 21 years of age, and so even if a move to the Magpies does not work out for him, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium can always look to sell him on after.

In other news, find out which player who loves Eddie Howe NUFC have ‘started negotiations’ with here!

Craig Hope has now dropped an update on Newcastle United’s proposed arbitration case with the Premier League over the initially stalled takeover deal.

The Lowdown: Announcement imminent

As per Sky Sports, an announcement confirming the takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is now imminent after recent work being done behind the scenes by all of the parties involved.

It is not yet clear how this would affect the arbitration hearing, which is due to take place on January 3rd.

The Latest: Arbitration update

According to Hope, sources have of course indicated that the proposed takeover is expected to go through, but The Daily Mail journalist also gave an update on arbitration:

“Sources indicate NUFC takeover is expected to go through after settlement of piracy issues between Saudi/beIN. I’m told arbitration may not be needed now piracy is resolved.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to the Toon Army not only that it looks like that the takeover will now go through, but that the whole saga is coming to an end after years of waiting.

It is not clear whether the arbitration proceedings will still go ahead assuming an official announcement is made, but at least it looks like a deal will finally be completed soon.

Nonetheless, these are very exciting times for Magpies fans, who will no doubt want the deal to be concluded as quickly as possible.

In other news, find out when Steve Bruce could now be sacked here!

A number of Sunderland fans were left rather displeased at confirmation of the Black Cats’ opponents in today’s FA Cup first round draw.

For the second successive season, the Wearsiders will welcome Mansfield Town to the Stadium of Light in the first round, and they will be seeking to avenge last year’s shock 0-1 defeat to the Stags when the teams face off on the first weekend of November.

Mansfield were a lowly 22nd in League Two at the time and coincidentally they are in the same position in the current standings, with Lee Johnson’s Sunderland hoping that their place near the top of League One will be reflected when Nigel Clough brings his team to Wearside.

The Black Cats have exited at the second round or earlier in each of the last three seasons since dropping into League One, which brought with it the necessity to enter in the first round, two steps earlier than when they were in the Premier League and Championship.

Sunderland fans react to cup draw

Sunderland posted confirmation of their first round opponents on their official Twitter channel when the draw was made on Sunday afternoon, and these Mackems weren’t too pleased with the sense of deja vu:

“I swear we play the same handful of teams in cup competitions every season. Port Vale in the next round no doubt (assuming we reach the dizzy heights of the second round this year).”

Credit: @nathanlawsn

“This is a good draw for me on a personal level, but it’s possibly the most uninspiring tie we could have gotten from the club’s perspective. Let’s just hope it’s better than last season…”

Credit: @joey__burton__

“Oh no, not again lads”

Credit: @matty_corrie

“It’s time for the FA to give proper respect to the big team in the lower league and start heating up the balls to give us a fun tie. Consistently miserable draws”

Credit: @JusticeForCatts

“Yawn”

Credit: @spj7104

“Stags again. We stagnated against the same opponents last season”

Credit: @DanielJenks89

In other news: Many Sunderland fans raged at this Black Cats player over the weekend

Kevin Campbell believes Lewis O’Brien could still sign for Leeds United, despite the Wednesday development of signing a new deal at Huddersfield Town.

The Lowdown: No move in summer

The Huddersfield midfielder was linked with a move to Elland Road during the previous transfer window and was subject to a £13million bid by the Premier League side, but a move never materialised and he remained at Huddersfield Town.

O’Brien, 22, came through the Town academy before spending the 2018/29 campaign on loan with Bradford City, making 40 appearances before becoming a key figure at Huddersfield, with over 85 appearances.

After links with Leeds, O’Brien signed a new contract this week, but Campbell, a regular on Sky Sports, doesn’t believe this is the end of the saga.

The Latest: Orta won’t give up

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal striker has claimed that, despite extending his stay at the Terriers, O’Brien could still be on Victor Orta’s radar.

When asked if the deal had gone, he said: “No, no, he could still sign for Leeds next year.

“He has signed a new contract to up his money and make sure that Huddersfield can get the fee that they want. If Leeds come in they are going to have to come in correct.

“At the end of the day it is easy to say he shouldn’t have signed a new contract but if Leeds really want him they will come in with a bid that satisfies Huddersfield.

“Listen, he has done the right thing by signing a new contract. If Leeds want him they will get him. Let’s see how it goes.”

The Verdict: Exciting player

O’Brien’s surge onto the scene at the John Smith Stadium has warranted links with a move to the Premier League. Last season, he started 39 times, completing 77% of his passes per game, whilst making 2 tackles per game and winning over 5 duels per 90 minutes.

Huddersfield’s 2019/20 Player of the Year winner has continued his impressive form this season, scoring one and assisting one already this season for Carlos Corberan’s team.

His relentless worth ethic and energy would fit perfectly at Elland Road, so the thought of a move ‘next year’ in the words of Campbell is exciting.

In other news, Phil Hay has revealed a brilliant story about Tuesday’s game with Fulham that you may have missed. Find out more here.