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Everton could sign their ideal heir to James Rodriguez over the coming months after being linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

What’s the story?

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract with the La Liga giants, meaning a January exit is on the cards.

And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Goodison Park is a potential destination for Isco as he searches for regular game time away from the Bernabeu.

Deportivo’s report states that there are several sides contemplating making a move for the Spaniard’s services over the winter window, although Everton are leading the race for his signature.

“One that is more likely to do so is the Everton of Rafa Benitez. The Liverpool team, which also just let James Rodríguez go to Qatar, could be reinforced this winter with the figure of the Malaga player as long as the player is satisfied with leaving Real Madrid,” the report reads.

“Especially since his contract ends in 2022 and the option to sell him this coming January is the only one of the scenarios in which Real Madrid would receive some money for the transaction.”

Heir to James Rodriguez

Everton manager Rafa Benitez knows Isco’s qualities well, having worked with the creative talent at Madrid when he was manager of the capital club between 2015 and 2016.

And it’s no wonder the 61-year-old tactician is reportedly keen to bring his compatriot to Merseyside in January. Isco has played a pivotal part in Los Blancos’ success over the last few years, scoring 51 goals and providing 56 assists in 366 appearances for the club.

His impressive exploits helped Real Madrid claim four Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey during his time at the club, earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including former international teammate Andres Iniesta.

“He is a fantastic player, with an incredible talent,” Iniesta told reporters back in 2017. “For many years, he has been doing things very well, and he is playing for one of the best teams in the world.

“He is an important player not just in the national team but in his club. He is young and has many years to grow and improve.”

However, Isco has struggled to live up to his early promise in recent years. After starting just 25 league fixtures since the start of 2019/20, the £16.2m-rated gem appears to be surplus to requirements in Madrid, and Everton could offer him an ideal escape route from his ordeal at present.

Famed for his incredible dribbling ability, eye for a pass and outstanding technical ability, Isco could prove to be the perfect replacement for the recently departed Rodriguez, bringing a sense of imagination back into Benitez’s pragmatic setup.

And, in other news…Benitez plots swoop for “scary” £27m-rated magician, Everton fans will be buzzing 

West Ham United may have seen an approach for Jesse Lingard rebuffed in the summer but they could well revisit their interest at the turn of the year, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser claims that there have been suggestions of a fresh approach for the England international during the January transfer window should he not get the game time he wants at Manchester United.

It’s thought that the 28-year-old midfielder has rejected the Red Devils’ latest offer of a new contract, despite himself turning down a return to the London Stadium before deadline day.

Lingard is now into the final year of his £100k-per-week deal and will be free to leave the club for nothing next summer if no agreement is found.

He is yet to start a match for United this season but played a starring role in England’s win over Andorra last week as he seeks to prove his worth to Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer at his boyhood club.

Go get him in January

Of course, many supporters were desperate to see Lingard return to east London after a fruitful loan spell saw him provide nine goals and five assists but you can’t really begrudge him for trying to make an impact at the team he’s been at for 21 years of his life.

Assistant manager Stuart Pearce even reiterated their desire to sign him permanently to talkSPORT but as evident above, his chances of coming back were always going to be slim.

“The ball is in Manchester United’s court. He is contracted to them. We would like him with us, there is no doubt about that,” he said. “He’s a special lad and was very good around the players – the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad. You never know, but at this moment in time it looks like he is fighting for a place in the United line-up.”

However, it’s a move that cannot be ruled out in the long term.

Lingard could actually be making a very smart decision as the ball is firmly in his court. If he gets minutes, he can sign a new deal. If he doesn’t, then surely he will be eager for another crack at redemption with the Irons.

Hammers boss David Moyes has signed a replacement in former Everton flop Nikola Vlasic, something that needed to happen considering the void that would’ve been left behind and the Croatian playmaker does look like a good alternative, having delivered 12 goals and six assists in all competitions in 2020/21.

Although, that shouldn’t put the Scotsman off from doubling up in the role, particularly as Lingard can also play out wide and in deeper midfield, thus giving him plenty of options in the future.

The £19.8m-rated dynamo, who has now been capped 31 times by England, would be the sort of signing in January – or next summer – that would keep the east Londoners competing at the top, which is the next task after last season’s sixth-place finish.

If the opportunity arises in the future, then Moyes and co would be foolish to not bring Lingard back to the club. Their chances of doing so have certainly been bolstered by this latest contract update and it’s a move that would go down very well with the Irons’ fanbase.

AND in other news, West Ham receive huge transfer boost as exciting report emerges behind-the-scenes…

A number of Rangers supporters have been reacting to Ianis Hagi’s social media post after his much-needed return to first-team action.

Steven Gerrard’s side haven’t had things all their own way this season, with plenty of good results achieved but also a few more clouds than last term’s resounding success, particularly in Europe.

The Gers clinched a 2-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish League Cup in midweek, however, with Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos scoring the goals.

It was Hagi who helped change the game, coming on at half-time and producing an influential performance, having been missing through illness in recent weeks.

The Romanian took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal his happiness at being back in the fold and he is sure to be a key player for Gerrard in the coming weeks and months.

Rangers fans react to Hagi post

These Rangers fans reacted to Hagi’s update on Twitter, with supporters ‘delighted’ by his return.

“My boy back balling man, what a feeling”

Credit: @PipoSilvia

“Well played Ianis. You made the difference”

Credit: @Roderic49819096

“The man”

Credit: @AndrewGrimshaw_

“King”

Credit: @JAndersonRFC

“Fantastic display last night . Got to be in that starting 11 from now on”

Credit: @kilcoyne_brian

“Delighted that you are back”

Credit: @AlanC_44

“Superb Ianis just shows how integral you are too the team , keep it going young man”

Credit: @Aldolees1872

“Hagi you will always be my favourite player”

Credit: @WeirThom

In other news, Rangers have suffered a potential big injury setback. Read more here.

Southampton have been credited with an interest in Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car recently, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

Southampton will be keen to add a new centre-back to their ranks following Jannik Vestergaard’s move to Leicester City earlier this week, and Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach has named some of the defenders that could be available to the Saints in a recent article, writing:

“Former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak, free agent Gary Cahill and Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car are amongst the players thought to be available to the club this summer – but it is expected that Caleta-Car may command a fee outside of the club’s price range.

“The Croatian defender, who first made a name for himself playing for Red Bull Salzburg, has been tipped to land a move this summer amid interest from West Ham United.”

Would Caleta-Car be a good signing?

Whilst Leach suggests that Caleta-Car could be outside of the club’s price range this summer, they have raised over £50m in player sales so far this summer, whilst also getting deadwood such as Mario Lemina and Wesley Hoedt off the wage bill at St Mary’s.

Although some of that income was spent on signing Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers, there should be plenty left in the bank as Southampton consider a new centre-back this summer, and Caleta-Car certainly looks to fit the bill.

At 24-years-old, the £22.5m-rated defender would align with Hasenhuttl’s process of signing younger players to develop, and could potentially be sold for a big profit in the future.

The Croatian is highly rated by former Saints man Dejan Lovren, with the defender suggesting last year that:

Serge Aurier appears set to leave Tottenham Hotspur before next week’s deadline, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Speaking on his YouTube channel earlier this week, football.london’s ever-reliable Alasdair Gold provided an update on the future of the 28-year-old, who is yet to feature under Nuno Santo this season.

“There seems to be a belief from Aurier, and I’m told his agent as well that they have something ready for him,” he claimed. “I just hope it’s not going to be a last minute, here’s my bid for Aurier, you’ve got to take it now otherwise you’ll have nothing.”

Back in May, the Ivory Coast international revealed to French outlet L’Equipe of his intentions to depart the north London outfit, four years after a £23m move from Paris Saint-Germain, who have been one team linked to his signature in recent months.

“Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I’d have already done so,” said the Spurs right-back. “I’m not going to do that in six months’ time. I’ve experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.”

He now has less than seven days to seal that move.

Bye-bye liability

This latest update from Gold should have much of the Lilywhites fanbase absolutely buzzing – you’d imagine a fair few supporters will be thinking ‘good riddance’ over this one.

Aurier has always been a polarising figure since his arrival from Ligue 1 several seasons ago and much of his time in north London has been marred by controversy off the pitch and major inconsistencies on it.

For example, the £18m-rated defender was fined three times last year for breaching the country’s lockdown regulations. Meanwhile, the word “liability” is often used to describe his performances.

Over two years ago, former Spurs striker Darren Bent pondered to Sky Sports whether ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino rued the departure of Kieran Trippier due to Aurier’s calamitous ways, whilst after the Carabao Cup final defeat, Jamie Carragher dubbed him “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football” and one that would “put you off management with the amount of crazy decision he makes.”

And it’s not just pundits and media that have reacted in this manner, the fans have too, which only further shows why they’d be delighted by the prospect of the right-back leaving this week.

In fact, when Aurier has been linked with an exit in recent weeks, some were claiming that it was ‘music to their ears’, even pleading for him to go, as relayed by This is Futbol.

But unlike what Gold says, Nuno does have options in the role – Japhet Tanganga has been preferred thus far and he also has his former Wolves star Matt Doherty at his disposal.

Whether he actually finds that move in time remains to be seen, though his continued absence since the return of the Premier League speaks volumes.

Evidently, there’s no future for him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Alli: Spurs must secure £22.5m-rated prodigy who’s “like a young Pogba”…

West Ham have missed out on signing West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira, first reported by ExWHUemployee. 

The midfielder chipped in with 12 goals and six assists from his 34 appearances for the Baggies last term, although his efforts weren’t quite enough to avoid relegation into the Championship.

West Ham were interested in a deal to sign Pereira, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and find a suitable alternative to Jesse Lingard.

But they have now missed out on the Brazilian’s signature as he has penned a deal with Saudi-Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Ex-WHUemployee first shared to Hammers fans that they were no longer pushing to sign the 25-year-old, and it’s fair to say they didn’t take it well.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below, where Irons supporters are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of transfer activity this summer…

Hammers fans react

“This club is such a joke. Until we get no ownership there is no point is us being excited. Our best season ever is followed with the areola signing I love and sales and nothing else. Can’t wait for them to sell rice for a cheap fee also because they just see $$$ coming in.”

Credit: @HubVikings

“We are actually embarrassing at times.”

Credit: @Borzenii

“What are we doing.”

Credit: @RB_Younger

“At this point…… Who is going to join us, we have become a club that people don’t want to join, and who can blame them with the chuckle brothers and girl blunder at the helm.”

Credit: @DrTWarley

“I believe in the squad, I think we will have a good season, it just could have been better, westham will never be a consistent top table team with the poor investments!”

Credit: @RossFright

“Why do we always leave things so late, I’d of taken Danny Ings in a heartbeat.”

Credit: @gavin_stanley

“I think we are in some serious trouble. Can’t maintain presence in two competitions with our paper-thin squad.”

Credit: @MrshllClrke

“This club is so embarrassing.”

Credit: @AnthonyDRegan1

Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy insists that there is no point discussing replacements for Steve Bruce, because the club are more than happy with his performance following a 4-2 defeat against West Ham on the opening day of the Premier League season.

A number of pundits have suggested potential alternatives to Bruce in recent weeks and months.

Newcastle endured a mixed season last term and ultimately finished the campaign in 12th, although their results left a lot to be desired at points throughout the campaign.

Between December 16th and April 11th, Newcastle played 20 games and won just three; they lost 11 and drew six. That included a run of losses that saw them score just twice in five games and concede 10.

However, Kennedy believes that those within the club are quite satisfied with the way the former Manchester United defender is operating in the job, and believes that is a damning indictment of Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club.

He said: “All this talk, all the pundits out there can name names all they want but I just believe the feeling from those at the top of the club, the people who gave him the job, I think they’re quite happy with Steve Bruce’s performance.

“But that’s a symptom of Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United, that mediocrity is celebrated.”

Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend against West Ham United.

Liverpool are reportedly still undecided as to whether to make a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his forward line, although German giants Borussia Dortmund appeared to have won the race for his signature.

However, according to the ECHO, Malen is still admired by the Liverpool recruitment team, and they could still place a bid for the highly-rated striker this summer.

Any move will have to be made quickly, though, with Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness) reporting Dortmund want to sign Malen as Jadon Sancho’s replacement.

The report states that BVB’s official offer for the Dutch international is expected imminently as they look to replace the Manchester United-bound winger.

Michael Edwards must swoop

After being released by Arsenal without ever making a first-team appearance for the north London outfit, Malen has rebuilt his career at Eindhoven.

Big things were expected of the pacey forward during his time in England, with his agent Mino Raiola stating: “I think he can be a revelation,” as his client continued to impress for the capital clubs Under-18’s side.

Things didn’t work out at Arsenal, though, but back in his homeland, Malen has cultivated a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards following a string of impressive performances for PSV.

In 116 appearances for the Eredivisie heavyweights, the youngster has bagged 55 goals and provided a further 24 assists, catching the eye of some of the continent’s top clubs.

With Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both enduring hugely underwhelming seasons for Liverpool last time out, Klopp is expected to bolster his attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.

And in the £27m-rated Malen, the Anfield outfit may have found the perfect candidate. Renowned for his pace, dribbling, finishing ability and eye for a pass, the PSV ace appears to be the ideal fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing system.

Indeed, he has also been described as a “very quick” and “explosive” forward by talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell. Both phrases could be coined to describe the German’s current options on both flanks.

The sales of Marko Grujic and Taiwo Awoniyi, respectively, have given director of football Michael Edwards some funds to play with in the transfer market, and he’d be wise to use them on the prolific Malen.

And, in other news…Liverpool could be set for huge boost after Anfield news emerges, fans will be excited 

Tony Haggerty has offered his thoughts on what Celtic should do with Olivier Ntcham this summer… 

What’s the talk?

Celtic reporter Tony Haggerty has suggested that the club should part ways with Olivier Ntcham this summer as his career is in “freefall”. He has said that the midfielder needs a fresh challenge and should try to find a new club where he can settle and start playing football again.

He told This is Futbol:

“I feel sorry for Ntcham in the sense that his career has gone into freefall and sometimes, you can’t stop the spiral and it might better for Ntcham to go elsewhere, just get his head right and play somewhere else, a fresh challenge.

“Maybe if Ange can work his managerial magic and get a tune out of him, then Celtic might see the best of him again, but I’m of the opinion that it’s better for both parties if they part ways.”

His time’s up

Celtic must ruthlessly axe Ntcham this summer and move him on because it appears to be the best option for everyone involved.

As Haggerty says, the Frenchman is stuck in a spiral and there is seemingly no way for him to get out of it in Scotland, which means that he needs to move on to a different club to get his career back on track.

He still has plenty of years left of his career at the age of 25, but he should be in the prime of his career and, instead, he’s stuck at a crossroads.

The ex-Man City prospect struggled during his loan spell in Ligue 1, playing four times for Marseille, including two starts. He averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.13, suggesting that he was not able to showcase his quality at that level.

Perhaps he was unable to fully focus as it was only a short-term loan to get him out of the Scottish Premiership and a permanent deal could allow him to get his head down and work hard to improve.

Celtic must axe him this summer and find a new home for the midfielder, so he can get on his with his career and Ange Postecoglou can rake in some money that could allow him to develop other areas of his squad.

Back in 2019, Ntcham openly admitted that playing in Scotland was stunting his progress and that he wanted to leave the club. He said:

“Celtic has given me a lot but leaving is the best solution for my development. We can do as many matches as we want but, with all due respect for my opponents, if the level in front is not high, you do not progress,” the Frenchman said back in 2019.

This shows that the £14k-per-week beast is not overly interested in playing for Celtic and is more concerned about his personal growth.

Whilst that is completely understandable, the Hoops cannot afford to have players who are not committed to the cause and that is why he should be sold.

AND in other news, Celtic must seal deal for 6ft 2 gem who made one error last season, fans would love it…

Aston Villa could sign their new Gareth Southgate in Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the centre-back could be set for a reunion with Dean Smith, having, of course, played under the Villa boss during their time in the Championship.

And now, Football Insider have delivered an update on the £50k-a-week earning defender’s situation, saying that: “A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club have been given encouragement that United are planning to let Tuanzebe go in the current window. The 20-times champions have been sounded out by Villa over a potential deal and they will listen to offers if they can secure a replacement.”

Villa’s new Southgate

Ranked by Aston Villa’s official club website as their 15th best ever player back in 2011, the current England boss and EURO 2020 hero Southgate may not be the most popular man at Villa Park given the way things ended, but there’s no questioning the quality he brought to the table as a centre-back.

That profile piece said: “Very much the thinking man’s footballer, he was one of the most cultured defenders every to wear a Villa shirt, giving the club superb service over a six-year period. And even after he had asked for a transfer in the summer of 2000, he still performed immaculately the following season before finally moving to Middlesbrough.

“He immediately struck up a fine understanding alongside Paul McGrath and Ugo Ehiogu in a three-man defence, and that trio provided the backbone to his successful debut campaign, in which Villa finished fourth in the Premiership, reached the FA cup semi-finals and won the League Cup with an emphatic 3-0 Wembley victory over Leeds United.

“Appointed club captain following Andy Townsend’s departure to Middlesbrough, Southgate led Villa to the 2000 FA Cup final, the last at the old Wembley Stadium, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. His transfer request on the eve of Euro 2000 made him unpopular with Villa fans but he continued to produce excellent performances before heading for Teesside.”

And in Tuanzebe, Villa could find someone who also has the leadership skills to become a real force at Villa Park, but also have the technical ability to be very much a modern-day centre-half.

The £7.2m-rated ace came in for some big praise from United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier last season after helping to PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, who lauded both his ability and his character.

He said: “Axel’s a tremendous defender, a great leader. He’s come through the academy and we’ve known for years that he’s going to be a top player for us and he’s got the character and the attitude that a Man United player should have. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities, he’s a top defender.”

While he may not have had too many minutes in the Premier League last year, Tuanzebe showed exactly why Villa are after him, averaging 1.4 tackles per game and boasting an impressive 88.6% pass accuracy – as per Whoscored, both of those stats are actually better than Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

While Southgate may be in the manager’s dugout now as England take on Italy in the final of EURO 2020 on Sunday, Tuanzebe could well arrive at Villa Park aiming to replicate the success the former centre-back had at the club.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa could wreak havoc with this signing…