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Everton have been linked with a number of big money centre-backs this summer but Rafa Benitez is still yet to dip his toes into the transfer market after being named their new manager.

On the chalkboard

The Toffees need to strengthen in most areas this summer but one of the biggest causes for concerns is at the back.

They conceded 48 goals in the Premier League last term which meant only two more teams in the division’s top half shipped more.

Everton let in five goals on the final day of the campaign as Mason Holgate was made to look particularly abject in the final weeks.

The young Englishman was robbed of the ball for Ollie Watkins’ goal at Goodison Park when they faced Villa and was then made to look rather foolish in that drubbing against Manchester City.

Ben Godfrey was in fine form after his move from Norwich, ultimately earning a place in England’s provisional squad for the European Championships. Yet, they could do with upgrades on other players.

The solution

Everton could make moves for Ben White and Kalidou Koulibaly this summer but another player on their radar is Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet.

Reports in Spain suggest that Benitez has asked the Toffees board to sign the £101k-per-week Frenchman to bolster their ranks.

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With Lenglet closing in on his prime at the age of 26, this could be a fabulous capture for the Merseyside outfit.

First and foremost, he is wonderfully composed in possession of the ball. Last season, the France international completed 92.1% of his passes which wasn’t only more than White and Koulibaly, but also a higher number than anyone in the Everton squad.

Furthermore, the 1.8 aerial duels won per game by Lenglet was also more than Holgate. Coincidentally, that tally was also dead level with Godfrey.

Speaking about his qualities in 2019, France manager Didier Deschamps commented: “He’s a top player. He’s got good technique, and despite his size, he’s not bothered by individual duels. He’s a player who’s improving every day.”

Barca find themselves in a situation where they drastically need to reduce their wage bill and with the centre-back on a hefty salary, he could be forced out of the door.

His performances for the Catalan giants have been solid so his exit would surely be more indicative of the club’s finances, rather than Lenglet’s displays.

Everton desperately need to add a bit of star quality to their defence and in Lenglet, they’d definitely find that.

AND in other news, Benitez can discover Everton’s dream James heir by signing “magical” 17-goal dynamo…

Celtic appear to be edging closer to the signing of Daizen Maeda in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Dan Orlowitz, with the Japan Times journalist and J League insider stating in a post on Twitter that the Yokohama F. Marinos centre-forward’s proposed move to Celtic appears to be all but done, with the 24-year-old looking set to join the Bhoys on an initial loan deal with a €2m (£1.7m) purchase option to be exercised this summer.

In his post, Orlowitz said: “Multiple Japanese outlets reporting in the last 30 minutes that Daizen Maeda is expected to join Celtic on loan with a €2m purchase option to be exercised this summer. Based on [the] variety of sources I’d say this is done.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Maeda was in Japan this season, in addition to the fact that Ange Postecoglou is rather short of strength in depth up top, the news that the club’s deal to sign the striker looks to be all but complete is sure to have left the 56-year-old buzzing.

Indeed, over his 36 J League appearances this term, the £990k-rated forward scored a highly impressive 23 goals, provided three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the Japan international earn an excellent seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as his club’s joint sixth-best performer in the league, as well as the joint top scorer in the division.

And, with all three of Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti and Giorgos Giakoumakis suffering from various injuries this season, it would very much appear as if Postecoglou could use an extra body in attack ahead of the restart of the Premiership season next month.

As such, the news that the Maeda deal is close to completion will undoubtedly come as a major boost to the 56-year-old Bhoys manager, who will certainly be hoping to deploy the 24-year-old when Hibernian visit Parkhead on January 17.

In other news: Forget Jota: Ange can land the next Eriksen with Celtic swoop for £12.5m-rated machine

Leeds United are ‘very likely’ to sign Brenden Aaronson this summer, with the Whites readying a £25m offer.

The Lowdown: January bids for Aaronson

The 21-year-old emerged as a key transfer target for Leeds in January, with the club making two offers for the attacking midfielder.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-41/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The second was thought to be worth £20m, but as we know, Aaronson remained with Red Bull Salzburg, which left Leeds with no senior signings in January.

However, it looks as if he is still a key target and could reunite with fellow countryman Jesse Marsch over the summer, having made 25 appearances under the 48-year-old during the Leeds manager’s time in Austria.

The Latest: Twitter claim on Aaronson

Leeds Radar, a Whites news feed, made a claim regarding Aaronson on Twitter. They suggested that the 21-year-old is ‘very likely’ to make the move to Elland Road, with a £25m bid to RB Salzburg now ready.

Aaronson already shares the same agent as six Leeds players – one of whom is Adam Forshaw, who penned a new deal in January – so you’d expect that they will already know Andrea Radrizzani well.

The Verdict: Aaronson is needed

Providing that Marsch steers Leeds to safety, the club need midfield reinforcements, and Aaronson appears to be a smart target.

He starred under the 48-year-old in Austria, contributing to 12 goals in 25 games and can also play in a deeper role or on the left. Aaronson ranks in the top 1% of players in terms of distance covered, so should slot right into Marsch’s pressing system and attempts to catch opponents on the break.

A £25m move would make him the club’s third most expensive sighing of all time, but this season has shown that Leeds could do with more numbers and quality in midfield, especially with Kalvin Philips sidelined for large periods of the campaign.

In other news – 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is reportedly hoping to land Belgian youth development specialist Zeb Jacobs to the club.

It has recently been claimed that the Gers are attempting to prise him away from Royal Antwerp to bolster the Dutchman’s backroom staff, with his background consisting of work with the progress of young players.

His potential appointment could indicate a desire from van Bronckhorst to integrate more academy prospects into the first-team set-up, as Jacobs could come through the door and speed up their progression.

Goldson 2.0

FFC published an article explaining why Tony Weston could be an academy player who breaks through into the first-team under the former Feyenoord coach. However, he is not the only promising talent coming through the ranks, with centre-back Leon King another who could have a bright future in Glasgow.

Gio could unearth Connor Goldson 2.0 in King, with the club potentially needing a replacement for the ex-Brighton man at the end of the season. His contract is up next summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension.

Therefore, bringing through the 17-year-old, King, in the next few months could be perfect timing for the Dutch manager. He could potentially shine in the first-team and be the natural successor to Goldson, taking his place at centre-back if he is able to show consistency and quality in the Premiership.

Ex-Gers player Mark Hateley once tipped him to be massive in the future, saying: “If you look at that [our bench at Livingston] there is only Leon King there you’ve got that question mark, but Leon King is going to be massive.”

Steven Gerrard also previously dubbed him as “superb” after handing him a first-team debut in the Premiership, showing how highly the current Aston Villa manager rated the youngster.

These quotes suggest that the potential is there for King to make his mark at first-team level for Rangers. Whether that time is now, at the age of 17, or not is a question that cannot be answered until he is given an opportunity to show what he can do by van Bronckhorst.

Therefore, the 46-year-old must offer him a chance in the first-team, whether that comes in the Premiership, Europa League or in the cup. If he is able to step in and perform, then Rangers could have their next Goldson on their hands.

AND in other news, Big boost: Gio hands Rangers massive injury lift pre-Hibs, fans will surely love it – opinion

Earlier this week an old tweet was shared from the Leeds United Twitter account from a time when Pascal Struijk was signed by the Whites.

Outrage poured out on social media as the Yorkshire side decided to spend their money on yet another U23s player, rather than on faces ready to help them achieve promotion.

As it happens, Leeds have signed plenty of young individuals in the last few years, something that has coincided by not only reaching the promised lands of the Premier League but the rapid development of Struijk.

The Dutchman is now one of the key cogs in Marcelo Bielsa’s wheel, boasting great versatility as a defender and midfielder.

He has been joined in the first-team by the likes of Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville this term, but arguably, no young player at Elland Road has more talent than Joe Gelhardt.

Affectionately known as Joffy, the teenager is a hot topic of debate at the moment, but after breaking into the senior set up in recent weeks, has sadly been dealt an injury.

That said, his progression this term has been wonderful, winning the Man of the Match award after featuring as a late substitute against Wolves and winning a decisive penalty.

Gelhardt hasn’t been seen since but there is a great sense that he’ll have a huge role to play under Bielsa in the coming years.

One player he’d surely relish linking up with at LS11 is Stuart McKinstry. Like Joffy, he was brought into the club externally and has been rapidly rising through the ranks.

He made his senior debut in the EFL Cup this term, even scoring a penalty in the second-round shoot victory over Fulham.

That appeared to be a landmark moment for the 19-year-old who the manager hailed for his “personality and character.”

Bielsa doesn’t hand opportunities out lightly and the very fact he’s not been seen since is a reflection of that.

Yet, like Gelhardt, he could save the club millions in potential transfer fees. McKinstry is capable of not only playing out on the flanks but also through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

It’s safe to say that Leeds are particularly light on options in the middle of the park with Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips their only natural central players.

However, with Klich now aged 31, a replacement will be needed before too long.

McKinstry could be their man, especially when you consider the traits at his disposal. Speaking of his qualities, Phil Hay once commented: “He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up front as well.”

A stunning review from Motherwell academy director Steven Hammel perhaps paints an even vivid picture of the young Scot.

He said: “I’m sure Stuart will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years – but I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young man!”

With that in mind, the teenager and Gelhardt very much feel like two players who could be unleashed together in the not too distant future. Providing the former delivers the goods, he could dissuade the club’s hierarchy from spending money in the window too.

AND in other news, Graham Smyth drops major 49ers claim that’ll leave Leeds fans buzzing with excitement…

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has hailed Anton McElhone’s impact at Parkhead, Celts Are Here report.

The Lowdown: McElhone’s arrival

Postecoglou highlighted the need for a Head of Sport Science addition in Glasgow and brought in McElhone back in September.

The former Morton caretaker, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, has previously worked as a fitness coach at Tottenham and with MLS side New England Revolution.

Celtic have never officially confirmed McElhone’s arrival, so some might not even know he was at Parkhead, however, Postecoglou’s first backroom staff signing appears to be settling in nicely.

The Latest: McGregor’s comments

McGregor, who has been a regular this season, was quizzed on McElhone’s impact in a press conference on Tuesday, relayed by Celts Are Here.

This is what he had to say in reply, with the Hoops regular labelling the head of sports science as ‘a great personality’.

“It was a position that we were looking for throughout the summer in terms of trying to recruit the best type of people that we could get in the building with good knowledge.

“Anton’s certainly got that. He’s been at Spurs – worked in America – and he’s come in and been a great personality. He’s just helping the good work that’s been done as well.

“There are a lot of good guys in the building that are desperate to do well and get the boys fit and hungry on the pitch.

“Anton’s certainly come in and helped on top of that with the ideas that he’s brought from Tottenham and America.”

The Verdict: Good signs

McGregor has clearly been impressed by what McElhone has brought to Lennoxtown, and results have also been on the up in recent weeks.

The Hoops are unbeaten in six domestic games, winning their last four, and hopefully, things will only get better under Postecoglou and McElhone in the background.

There seems to be a feel-good factor at Celtic Park at this moment in time, which may have a lot to do with the work the likes of McElhone and others are putting in.

In other news: Nicholson may be close to Celtic signing with electric speed and the player has now spoken. 

Lucas Digne has taken to Instagram to offer an apology to Everton fans after they were beaten at home by Watford on Saturday. 

The Toffees went down 5-2 to the Hornets at Goodison Park, having conceded four goals in the space of 18 minutes, and back-to-back defeats have seen Rafael Benitez’s side slip to eighth in the Premier League table.

Digne wrote that there was ‘no excuse’ for the loss and that all he could say was ‘sorry’, adding that Everton’s players must now ‘work hard’ and ‘show you our real face’.

How did Digne play?

If you go by SofaScore’s ratings, Digne was actually one of the Toffees’ better performers on the day.

Only Michael Keane, Richarlison (7.2 each) and Tom Davies (7.3) bettered his score of 7.1, while he won eight of his 12 ground duels and five of his seven aerial battles. Going forward, he was able to create three chances for team-mates.

However, he was also guilty of losing possession 23 times over the course of the game, and given that Watford were given just an 18% chance of winning beforehand, you can certainly understand Everton supporters’ overriding anger.

Fan feed Toffee TV relayed Digne’s post, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with one irate Toffees fan calling the Frenchman a “fraud”.

These Everton fans rip into Digne

“He was pants. Responsible for the equaliser with a daft, needless foul, was caught out of position for one of the others. Woeful. He should say sorry. Must do better. Much better.”

Credit: @petermorris1878

“Hmmm, he was really poor yesterday defensively. We have heard these sound bites before and it wont change anything”

Credit: @Byrdsman75

“Meaningless, empty words”

Credit: @TimBlueKangaroo

“Well you can’t play any worse or can you !!! But you are not alone… Keane and Rondon”

Credit: @johnsonk62

“Not seen his real face for over 18 months”

Credit: @jayjones33

“Means nothing, straight from the Phil Neville and Jags book of excuses”

Credit: @gary2monty

“Should be sorry for the last 2.5 seasons, the fraud”

Credit: @DannoJ21

In other news, the figures show that these three players were Everton’s worst performers on Saturday

Football Insider have shared the real reason why Richard O’Kelly has left his role at Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Club announcement

Villa, who have already lost John Terry this summer, confirmed last week that O’Kelly left his position as Aston Villa assistant manager.

The 64-year-old, hailed as an ‘unsung hero’, departed just days before Villa’s Premier League opener, with no real reason as to why he parted ways with the club.

Dean Smith was coy when quizzed on the announcement, with Villa now expected to appoint a new assistant to work alongside Smith and Craig Shakespeare with interviews ongoing.

The Latest: Source shares insight

Football Insider shared a story on Wednesday after being informed by an Aston Villa source.

They revealed that O’Kelly quit after the club tried to demote him to coaching Villa’s Under-23 side.

O’Kelly had no intentions to depart Bodymoor Heath prior to Villa’s U23 plans and offered his resignation after learning the news.

The Verdict: Strange

With Terry leaving earlier in the summer, you’d have thought that Smith would have relied on O’Kelly, who he has worked with for ten years, even more during the upcoming campaign.

That was obviously not the case, going off the latest report, so it’ll be interesting to see who the club bring in to replace O’Kelly – if they were planning to demote him, perhaps they already had an alternative for the first-team lined up?

Villa have already added a set-piece coach in Austin MacPhee this summer and it appears as if another backroom staff addition will materialise soon.

In other news: ‘We’ll win the league’ – Lots of AVFC fans flock to Ward-Prowse update. 

Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece thinks Steven Gerrard may swoop for Liverpool forward Divock Origi in January.

The Lowdown: Origi’s Liverpool career

Origi has been at Anfield since 2014 and is out of contract in the summer at this moment in time.

The 31-cap Belgium international has made 167 appearances for the Reds, 10 of which have come this season. He’s netted 40 goals in total, with his most recent strikes earning Jurgen Klopp’s side wins at Wolves and AC Milan.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Villa Park last year, and Preece feels Johan Lange and co could be back in for Origi over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece ran a Q&A on Birmingham Live on Wednesday, answering all things Villa-related.

One of the questions was on Origi, with a fan asking Preece if Villa should launch a loan move for the forward in January.

Here’s what the journalist had to say in reply, seemingly backing Gerrard to look at a loan-to-buy deal for the ‘fabulous’ striker, should Keinan Davis depart in the New Year.

“It’s one that Premier League clubs – and Villa – will be closely monitoring given his recent form. Still just 26 and happy to play second fiddle but will no doubt back himself to become a regular starter away from Anfield. It all depends on what he does from now until January but I expect Origi to be available and, should Keinan Davis move out, Origi would make perfect sense. A fabulous finisher. Loan to buy sounds ideal, for me.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Gerrard’s main New Year priorities are thought to be a new centre-back and defensive midfielder.

Villa already have experienced forwards Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings on the books, so perhaps a move for Origi isn’t needed at this moment in time.

If Villa are to make an attacking addition, it could be wise to look at another marquee wide addition. That’s because Gerrard is thought to be open to moving on two senior wingers in January, whereas Leon Bailey is out injured one again.

It’ll be interesting to see if Villa move for Origi, though, especially after Preece’s latest claim.

In other news: ‘Massive’ – Sky Sports pundit reacts as Lange weighs up Aston Villa swoop for £85k-p/w speedster. 

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