Leeds handed huge boost ahead of Brentford

Leeds United have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brentford on Sunday.

What’s the talk?

That’s to Adam Pope’s recent post on Twitter, with the BBC journalist relaying comments made by Thomas Frank in his pre-match press conference, in which the Brentford boss revealed that he will have the same team available as the 3-2 victory over Everton last weekend – something which means Ethan Pinnocks will remain sidelined this weekend.

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In his post, Pope said: “Brentford boss Thomas Frank says the same squad that won at Everton is available to face Leeds United on Sunday. Defender Ethan Pinnock remains out.”

Marsch will be buzzing

When considering the fact that Leeds simply must secure all three points at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation to the Championship this season, the news that a player as important as Pinnock has now been ruled out of the fixture is sure to have left Jesse Marsch buzzing.

Indeed, over his 32 Premier League appearances this term, the £9m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of the Bees’ defence, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 4.6 clearances and winning 6.8 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The defender has also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £27k-per-week talent average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Brentford’s sixth-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, the fact the Jamaica international will not be lining up against the Whites this weekend will undoubtedly provide Marsch’s chances of leaving west London with all three points with a huge boost – with a victory over the Bees’ potentially being enough to keep Leeds in the top flight heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news: Big Leeds United 49ers takeover development emerges, supporters will be fuming

Leeds: Frank McAvennie makes Marsch claim

Former Scotland striker Frank McAevnnie has made a claim involving Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch’s future beyond the end of the current campaign. 

The lowdown: A tough act to follow

Appointed in February following the departure of Elland Road favourite Marcelo Bielsa, the American was always swimming against the tide somewhat in Yorkshire.

The 48-year-old has taken charge of 11 matches since arriving at the club, picking up three wins and an average points per game ratio of 1.09, better than his predecessor’s 0.88 during the 2021/22 season.

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Despite the slight upturn in fortunes since his arrival, Marsch is still under extreme pressure as Leeds stare down the barrel of relegation, with just one point separating the Whites and 18th-placed Burnley.

The latest: Writing on the wall?

Speaking to Football Insider, former West Ham United and Celtic striker McAvennie claimed that Marsch won’t be at the club next term.

The 62-year-old said: “It’s not looking good, is it? Burnley and Everton look like they have turned a corner and Leeds are getting worse.

“They are pretty much going down in my opinion. The manager has done absolutely nothing. The whole thing about him coming in was that he was meant to stop Leeds conceding loads of goals, that hasn’t happened.

“I don’t think it’s worked out for him and it seems like the fans have turned on him. I don’t expect he will be there next season either way, it hasn’t worked.”

The verdict: Stay of execution needed

Having been handed a late lifeline by Pascal Struijk’s last-gasp equaliser against Brighton over the weekend, the Whites’ survival hopes have been lifted heading into the final week of a testing campaign.

However, regardless of whether or not Leeds preserve their top-flight status, Marsch will surely be granted the opportunity to oversee a rebuild in the summer.

Both Bielsa and the former RB Leipzig boss have had to cope with squads decimated by injuries to key players and more recently suspensions, making the job almost impossible with such a small pool of Premier League-ready players available.

Whilst it would be a bitter pill to swallow should Leeds make an untimely return to the Championship, Marsch wouldn’t wholly be to blame and therefore would be deserving of the chance to bring the Whites straight back, and he certainly must stay in situ should the drop be avoided.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Liverpool: Jota let Klopp down vs Villa

Liverpool survived an early scare to bounce back to winning ways against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday night, having been held to a draw by Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side just a few days prior.

Manager Jurgen Klopp had been critical of Spurs’ defensive showing in that clash at Anfield, although the same could not be said of Steven Gerrard’s outfit, with the Midlands side netting inside just three minutes in what was a breathless start to proceedings.

After recovering quickly to strike back soon after through Joel Matip, the Reds completed the comeback midway through the second half through Sadio Mane, the Senegal international’s strike moving the Merseysiders level on points with Manchester City at the summit, albeit with the reigning champions having played a game less.

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The headlines will no doubt go to that man Mane for his crucial late effort – which keeps the club’s title hopes alive – although one man who endured an uncharacteristically anonymous showing was former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota, with the Portuguese sensation suffering a rare off day.

The £54m-rated man has enjoyed a fine second campaign under Klopp’s tutelage, having netted 21 times in all competitions so far this term prior to the midweek clash, although rarely looked like adding to that tally following a limp display in attack.

In his 90-minute outing, the £120k-per-week star lost possession 14 times from just 42 touches – a dismal ratio of losing the ball once every three touches – ensuring he finished with just a 72% pass completion rate as a result.

The 25-year-old also won just two of his total duels and failed to register a single shot on target, eventually ending the match with just a 6.6 match rating, as per SofaScore – the second-worst among his teammates in the starting lineup.

Furthermore, he also made fewer passes (23) than substitute Jordan Henderson who played just an hour after Fabinho’s withdrawal through injury.

The Express writer Archie Griggs was also critical of the one-time Porto man’s performance, handing the player a 5/10 rating in his post-match analysis and stating of his display that: “Often managed to get himself into some promising areas and played a role for his team in attack but, like so many of his team-mates, appeared to lack the required end product over the course of the contest. Pressed well in the early stages of the match but ended up faltering away and did not exert as great an influence as he would have liked at Villa Park.”

A poor night in what’s largely been an otherwise fruitful stint at Liverpool – with 34 goals and nine assists to his name in 80 appearances across all fronts since joining in the summer of 2020 – the 24-cap international will likely be hoping he hasn’t played himself out of contention for Saturday’s FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea.

With Mo Salah set to return after earning a rest on Tuesday night – and with Roberto Firmino back in contention after his recent injury layoff – there is simply too much competition for places to allow for any passengers.

Jota seemingly was a passenger against Gerrard’s men and will be fortunate not to be dropped to the bench at Wembley.

IN other news, “Met his agent…”: Sky Sports journo drops big Liverpool update, Klopp will be fuming

Liverpool eye up new deal for Joe Gomez

Liverpool want to offer out-of-favour centre-back Joe Gomez a new deal at the end of the season, according to a key update on Saturday morning.

The Lowdown: Gomez struggling for minutes

The 24-year-old has found himself down the pecking order for much of this season, struggling to oust the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

In fact, Gomez has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League and it has led to speculation over his future, with Aston Villa linked with a summer move.

The defender’s current Liverpool deal expires in 2024 but a big update is now doing the rounds with regards to his Reds future.

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The Latest: Contract claim emerges

According to The Liverpool Echo, sharing news in the early hours before Saturday’s clash with Spurs, the Reds will offer Gomez a new contract this summer.

It is stated that the club have ‘tasked Julian Ward with looking to tie down the defender’, with Jurgen Klopp still seeing him as an important part of his plans.

The boss has described Gomez as a ‘sensational’ footballer in the past.

The Verdict: Big decision for defender

This is great news from a Liverpool perspective, although Gomez will need to decide whether or not to extend his stay, having become a squad player these days.

With the World Cup approaching, he may feel he needs regular minutes in order to make England’s squad, and he could also want to be a key starter somewhere well beyond this winter’s competition.

If Gomez is content with his current role, however, slotting in at both centre-back and right-back from time to time, it is a no-brainer to keep hold of him and it would be a huge positive seeing him stay.

In other news, a key Liverpool injury update has emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Man City: Guardiola could join race for £354k-per-week star

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could also join the race to sign a £354,000-per-week star amid the plethora of transfer rumours in recent days, according to reports.

The Lowdown: City set to be busy?

Coming after the Sky Blues’ heart-breaking defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, an arguably undeserved loss when taking into account their performances over the two legs, City could be set for a busy few months.

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Guardiola is now tasked with re-grouping his side and gearing them up for a crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday as they continue to chase the title.

Following on from this season, an entertaining summer transfer window should lie in store, with City reliably believed to have already secured a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

They’re not finished there though as Guardiola and Etihad Stadium officials allegedly cast their eye on a new midfield signing after the Norwegian.

Fernandinho’s summer exit from Eastlands will prompt City chiefs to hunt for his replacement with West Ham star Declan Rice and, shockingly, Man United outcast Paul Pogba on their radar.

The Latest: Guardiola could join de Jong race…

Now, according to what has been collected by Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan, a supremely reliable source for City news, Guardiola could also ‘reignite interest’ in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

This comes after the former Ajax sensation was ‘close to the Etihad Stadium’ in 2019 with his family even viewing houses in the North West.

After de Jong eventually decided on a move to Barca, it is believed Guardiola could try to tempt him to Eastlands again this year.

The Verdict: No-brainer…

The £354,000-per-week star comes as a real no-brainer in terms of quality.

According to WhoScored, only forward Memphis Depay has matched de Jong in terms of La Liga Man of the Match awards for Barcelona over 2021/2022.

The Netherlands international has also played the fourth-most minutes in Spain’s top flight under Xavi, coming as a real untouchable in their first team alongside Catalan veterans Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique (WhoScored).

Averaging the same pass accuracy as City mainstay and defensive midfield star Rodri (91.4%), de Jong would come as the perfect like-for-like alternative to Guardiola’s figurehead.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, we believe he is a far more credible potential signing than the likes of Pogba.

In other news: Man City take pre-summer steps to sign ‘absolutely unplayable’ forward alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

GVB sent Sakala warning ahead of Leipzig

Giovanni van Bronckhorst must not play Fashion Sakala as the ‘lone frontman’ against RB Leipzig on Thursday, journalist Andy Newport has warned.

The lowdown

Van Bronckhorst deployed Sakala in a right-sided berth in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Celtic on Sunday.

With Alfredo Morelos out for the season and Kemar Roofe also missing through injury, it was Joe Aribo who stepped in as a no. 9.

The £3.6million-rated Zambian came under fire during the first 45 minutes at Parkhead, with The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell tweeting that he wasn’t ‘keeping the ball well enough’ and Sky Sports commentator Ally McCoist branding him ‘really poor’.

However, it was his goal that salvaged a draw for Rangers midway through the second half.

The Gers have now turned their attention to the second leg of their Europa League semifinal against Leipzig as they look to turn the tie around after a 1-0 defeat last week.

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The latest

Asked as part of The Daily Record’s Monday Jury whether Sakala should start against Leipzig, Newport replied: “Perhaps, but certainly not as the lone frontman.”

Sakala ‘proved again’ during what was a ‘pretty rotten first half’ display on Sunday that he’s currently ill-equipped to ‘play with his back to goal’.

On the other hand, ‘he can be a threat’ if he’s ‘given space from the wide areas’.

The verdict

Sakala was named on the bench for the first leg in Germany, coming on for the final 21 minutes.

He failed to make much of an impact in his cameo, losing possession five times despite only recording eight touches.

It’s difficult to know where the £8,300-per-week man stands after the Old Firm. Was his goal enough to paper over the cracks that were visible in the first half?

Sakala has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in his first season at the club but clearly there are concerns over his all-round forward play.

If Rangers fail to make it through on Thursday, they may be left wondering what might have been had Morelos, their top scorer, stayed fit.

In other news, read this former Gers boss’ verdict on Josh McPake. 

Fewer touches than Vicario: Frank must instantly drop Spurs' 4/10 UCL flop

Tottenham Hotspur maintained their unbeaten record in the Champions League this season after securing a 0-0 draw against Monaco in France last night.

Thomas Frank’s side failed to capitalise on any of the chances that fell their way within the final third, subsequently only registering two shots on target within the 90 minutes.

However, they may have been lucky to walk away with just a point, as the hosts racked up a total of 23 shots, with eight of the attempts being placed on Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.

The Lilywhites’ display will no doubt have disappointed the manager, with his side showing no real bounce back after Sunday’s defeat against Aston Villa.

After such a showing, there’s no disputing that the Dane desperately needs to make changes to his squad ahead of the weekend’s clash against David Moyes’ Everton.

Spurs’ poor performers against Monaco last night

Rodrigo Bentancur was kept within the Spurs midfield last night, but such a decision proved to be the wrong one, given his lack of impact in the South of France.

The Uruguayan international failed to win a single tackle against the Ligue 1 outfit, whilst also losing 100% of the ground duels he entered – showcasing he was often dominated by the opposition.

Other stats, such as one foul committed and seven times possession lost, further highlight his inability to make a positive impact on the European encounter.

However, he wasn’t alone in being disappointing against Sebastien Pogognoli’s men, with Lucas Bergvall also producing a rare disappointing performance.

The Swede was subsequently replaced after an hour, after completing just six passes – subsequently finding a teammate just once every ten minutes.

He also failed to win a single tackle and was even dribbled past twice, with the Lilywhites’ midfield often being overran and leading to their inability to claim all three points.

Despite the showing of the aforementioned duo, one other player once again struggled to prove why the manager has stuck by him throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Monaco

Even though Spurs have only lost two games across all competitions since Frank’s arrival, they have struggled to impose themselves in numerous outings.

Last night’s showing was another one to forget for the Lilywhites, leaving the side with five points from a possible nine in this season’s edition of the Champions League.

Whilst the side have kept two clean sheets in their three matches, the frontline has massively disappointed – scoring just three goals, two of which were own goals.

Micky van de Ven is currently the only Lilywhites player to find the back of the net in Europe – further showcasing the issue Frank currently has in that department.

One of the players in that area of the pitch that has massively struggled is centre-forward Richarlison, with the Brazilian unable to match his early-season form.

The 28-year-old has now gone six games without a goal across all competitions, with his last effort coming in the draw with Brighton & Hove Albion over a month ago.

His showing against Monaco last night was yet another to forget for the £60m addition, subsequently putting his starting role into serious question.

Minutes played

70

Touches

20

Passes completed

6

Shots taken

1

Dribbles completed

0

Possession lost

8x

Duels lost

4

Fouls committed

1

Richarlison featured for 70 minutes last night, but like Bergvall, he only completed a total of six passes and registered a solitary effort on the opposition goal.

He only managed a total of 20 touches during his performance – a tally fewer than goalkeeper Vicario, who notched 49 – whilst also failing to complete any of his attempted dribbles.

The Brazilian subsequently gifted possession back to the hosts on eight separate occasions, leading to one analyst labelling his showing against the Ligue 1 side as “shocking”.

As a result of his showing, the striker was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by The Standard’s Matt Verri – further showcasing his lack of positive impact against the French outfit.

Frank has been lenient with his centre-forward over the last couple of weeks, but it’s desperately clear the 28-year-old needs to be dropped from the starting eleven.

Richarlison has constantly struggled to match the expectations placed upon him over the last couple of months, with Mathys Tel deserving of a recall against Everton this weekend.

Spurs' "generational talent" is now becoming their best teenager since Dele

Tottenham Hotspur have hit the jackpot on one star who is following in the footsteps of a former talent.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 22, 2025

Newcastle's "monster" duo are becoming their best pairing since Gordon & Isak

Eddie Howe said he doesn’t have “a rabbit I can pull out of the hat” when quizzed on Newcastle United’s early-season injury problems.

Newcastle are enduring their perennial teething problems during the first months of the campaign, but there are certainly signs of new life stretching sunward from the squad, who have been rattled and turned during the summer transfer window but are coming off the back of big performances in the Champions League and Premier League as we pause for the October international break.

Nick Woltemade, in particular, is the talk of the town after his fast start to life at number nine. Four goals from seven games and a penalty to behold during Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

There’s work to be done, but the 23-year-old is showing signs of significant potential. And while Alexander Isak has left for Liverpool, this talented frontman could be a dream partner for Anthony Gordon over the coming years.

Gordon's new Isak

Gordon and Isak formed quite the partnership over the past two years at Newcastle. The England winger even described Isak as being “the best in Europe” back in January, with the striker having scored nine in seven in the Premier League.

Isak is undoubtedly an elite goalscorer, having notched 27 in all competitions last year. His pace and potency and intelligence worked wonderfully with Gordon’s own rip-roaring style, with the duo each dominating the headlines across the past two Toon terms.

For Gordon, this is a striker who might even surpass his connection with Isak – and what a duo that was. The 24-year-old even remarked after Sunday’s victory, “My style suits playing with that style of striker because I can run off them.”

Woltemade’s rise coincides with Yoane Wissa’s injury-ruined start to life on Tyneside, and now, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento face extended spells on the sidelines themselves.

There’s a blow to Newcastle’s flanks and transitional play. Still, Howe’s system has many times overcome obstacles of similar shapes and sizes, and the manager has crafted a new partnership to ease any defensive issues.

They might even be the best since Isak and Gordon were at their best.

Newcastle's new Isak & Gordon

The beauty of Howe’s Newcastle tactics is the stability of it, the way it roots players down and allows them to grow into top talents capable of challenging at the higher end of the Premier League and compete for silverware.

And that’s not restrictive to any one position or personality. Flashy forwards like Isak and Gordon can achieve big things, but so can those at the other side of the field.

Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw bear testament to that.

While the full-back injuries have pulled Dan Burn back into his wide berth, this flowering connection between two terrific centre-backs has led captain Bruno Guimaraes to hail them as “the future of this club”.

Sven Botman for Newcastle

Since joining in 2022, Botman has been widely regarded as Newcastle’s most talented centre-half, but he’s been blighted by injuries.

Burn and Fabian Schar formed a strong alliance at the rear last season, but the £35m signing of Thiaw from AC Milan speaks of evolution. Hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, the German is also confident and high-quality when on the ball, and athletic besides.

Across the past three top-flight fixtures, Botman and Thiaw have kept two clean sheets, only foiled during that exasperating defeat by Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

Indeed, Botman has now completed three successive 90s in the Premier League, a feat he achieved not once last season. As his fitness improves and his partnership with Thiaw develops, Newcastle fans truly might be in for a return to sustained iron-clad protection but with a technical flair added in.

25/26

5 (4)

340′

24/25

8 (6)

415′

23/24

17 (15)

1,378′

22/23

36 (35)

3,129′

Journalist Mark Douglas has noted that Thiaw is “a Rolls-Royce driving one of the best defences in the Premier League.” It is understood that the summer acquisition was the culmination of two years of scouting.

Newcastle, time and time again, have their wits about them in the transfer market. They know when to pounce on an earmarked target, and Howe knows how to develop them.

Newcastle have a few fitness problems at this early-season stage. But they are adapting, and they are evolving. Woltemade is he new attacking poster boy, but in Botman and Thiaw, there is a budding partnership fit to rival Isak and Gordon as the finest Tyneside has seen in modern years.

Not Woltemade: Newcastle star is "one of the signings of the summer"

Nick Woltemade may not be Newcastle’s best signing of the summer.

ByWill Miller Oct 7, 2025

Better than Aarons: Rangers star may have just saved Russell Martin's job

Glasgow Rangers finally got their first win of the season in the Scottish Premiership to alleviate some of the pressure on head coach Russell Martin.

The Light Blues had failed to win any of their first five matches in the division, their worst start to a league campaign in 47 years, but finally got three points on the board on Sunday.

Max Aarons scored in the 94th minute to win the match for the Ibrox giants after coming off the bench to strike, scoring his first goal for the club since his loan move in the summer.

How Max Aarons won the game for Rangers

The former England U21 international popped up with a crucial goal that was desperately needed, because the Grs were staring down the face of six games without a win to start the season.

As heard in the clip above, Martin needed a goal from that corner and that is exactly what he got when Aarons evaded his marker to smash home a brilliant finish on the spin.

It was a goal that a striker would have been proud of. The way he moved to get away from his marker and then the finish to find the bottom corner was textbook centre-forward play, but it came from a right-back.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst Aarons was the player who scored the winner, it may have been Nicolas Raskin who just saved Martin’s job at Ibrox with his performance against Livingston.

How Nicolas Raskin may have saved Russell Martin's job

Ironically, after being left out of the matchday squad for games against Celtic and Hearts by the manager, the Belgium international may have saved his job by heavily contributing to the 2-1 win for the Light Blues.

Martin is under a lot of pressure from some supporters, who protested against him before during the recent League Cup win over Hibernian, due to the nature of the results and performances this season.

A sixth game without a league win, after losing 1-0 to Genk on Thursday night, could have put the manager’s position into major doubt, at least from the outside looking in, which is why beating Livingston feels like a big moment for Martin.

It was a win that was largely orchestrated by the quality of Raskin in the middle of the park, because he showcased his ability in and out of possession throughout the game.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

3

Big chances created

1

Penalties won

1

Duels won

8/14

Dribbled past

0x

As you can see in the table above, the former Standard Liege star won the majority of his defensive duels and was not dribbled past a single time, which shows that he was incredibly reliable and solid defensively.

On top of that, Raskin won the penalty that James Tavernier missed in the first half and created three chances for his teammates in total, the last of which was his excellent delivery from the corner that Aarons scored from.

The 23-year-old star, who earned an 8/10 player rating from IbroxNews, never stopped running from the first whistle to the last, closing down opposition players, making unselfish runs to stretch the game, bursting beyond his man to spark attacks.

It was a terrific performance that was full of energy, grit, determination, and quality. Things that the team’s overall performances this season have been lacking.

Not Dyche or Gerrard: Rangers should axe Martin for future "elite manager"

With Russell Martin under intense pressure as Rangers boss, the 49ers should make a future “elite manager” their top target to replace him at Ibrox.

Sep 25, 2025

If Martin keeps his job and goes on to be a success at Ibrox, he may have Raskin to thank for his match-winning performance in midfield against Livingston in this game.

Friedkin could spend big: Everton battling to sign £50m+ "King of Lisbon"

With a new era on its way at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, The Friedkin Group and Everton are reportedly looking to sign fresh stars to match their new ground, which could yet see a £50m+ winger arrive.

Everton eyeing attacking reinforcements

It’s not the first time that the Toffees have been linked with attacking additions so far this summer and their plan of attack is clear. Looking to make a statement ahead of their first full season at the helm, Friedkin’s priority, based on recent rumours, is to add much-needed star power to David Moyes’ frontline.

That plan should come as no surprise, either. Whilst Everton improved their attacking numbers last season, they still lacked a consistent threat within their frontline even after Beto’s form picked up under Moyes. And with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still on course to leave the club as a free agent this summer, the Merseyside club must invest up front.

2024/25

42

2023/24

40

2022/23

34

The main factor behind their struggle is clear for all to see. Last season, although improved, was still not a campaign full of goals to savour and only the bottom three managed to score less than Everton.

That stat, alone, may have been enough to send Everton marching towards the transfer market with rumours coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.

Already, names such as Jack Grealish have already threatened to steal the headlines in what would certainly be a statement move by Friedkin. The Premier League-winner is on his way out of Manchester City, having been left out of their Club World Cup squad, and Everton could take full advantage.

He’s not the only name on their radar, however. Reports are also indicating that those in Merseyside have also set their sights on the “king of Lisbon”.

Everton battling to sign Geny Catamo

If not Grealish, then Friedkin could spend big on a talented alternative. According to Caught Offside, Everton are now battling to sign Geny Catamo from Sporting Club this summer. They are reportedly joined by Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Aston Villa and others in a hectic race to welcome the 24-year-old in the coming months, but the deal won’t come cheap.

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The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…

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As reported, Catamo has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£51m) in Portugal and Sporting Club look likely to demand that in full if they are to sell their winger this summer. Of course, that verdict should not come as a surprise, given that the Everton target was dubbed the “King of Lisbon” by scout Jacek Kulig after he scored the winning goal against Benfica last year.

Whether Friedkin and Everton deem Catamo a player who is worth over £50m will be the big question in their pursuit. The winger himself, meanwhile, could yet decide to rescind his crown in Portugal this summer amid several interested parties.

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