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According to Bild, via Sports Witness, Everton are keen on signing Chelsea youngster Daishawn Redan in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Redan joined Chelsea from Ajax in the summer of 2017.

A right-footed forward, the 18-year-old has managed 11 goals in 28 appearances for Chelsea’s Under-18 and Under-23 team during the 2018-19 campaign.

According to Bild, via Sports Witness, Redan feels that he has ‘no chance’ of making it into the first team at Stamford Bridge, which could lead to a summer exit.

The same report has claimed that Everton are interested in the teenager, but the Toffees will face competition from the likes of Leicester City, West Ham United, AC Milan and Roma.

Chelsea have 43 players currently out on loan, which is an incredible statistic.

It appears that Redan does not want to become another youngster sent away from the club to continue his development, which could lead to a permanent summer exit.

Where would Redan fit in at Everton?

There is no getting away from the fact that Everton have had problems in the final third throughout the 2018-19 campaign.

Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been in decent form, but the likes of Theo Walcott, Cenk Tosun and Ademola Lookman have struggled.

Redan is, of course, untested at the top level, but his statistics at Under-18 and Under-23 level this season are very impressive indeed.

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He will not actually turn 19 until next February, meanwhile, suggesting that there is plenty of time for the Dutchman to develop into a top player.

Chelsea’s official website have described the teenager as ‘a versatile forward who can also play wide-left or as a number 10’.

And his arrival would certainly boost an Everton side needing an injection of something different in the final third of the field.

[ad_pod ]West Ham United fans on Twitter have seen the lighter side after Academy of Football product Conor Coventry received his maiden call-up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad.Hammers fans have ripped into the Ireland U21 team that the 18-year-old central midfielder has broken into for a 2021 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier at home to Luxembourg, taking no prisoners.Unsurprisingly, the bulk of the comments centre around Coventry’s teammate and close friend Declan Rice, who famously progressed through the youth ranks of the ROI team and into the senior side, before switching his international allegiance to England.Rice was included in his first Three Lions squad this week meaning the wound is still very tender for the Irish FA and they will be keen to tie the English-raised Coventry down as soon as possible.

As satirical as the reaction from West Ham fans is, with the Claret & Blue Army not holding anything back in their trolling, there is still the very real possibility that the youngster could follow in his comrade’s footsteps.

Remarks such as “can’t wait till his first England cap” and “he’ll be English before you know it” have been flying around Twitter since the announcement.

Check out the pick of them, below…

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Leighton Baines started at left-back the last time Everton tasted victory in a Merseyside derby but, despite the fact he remains at the club more than eight years later, Lucas Digne looks the most likely candidate to line up on the left side of the back-four when the sides go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon.

If ever there was a time for the Toffees to end their derby-day hoodoo.

A victory for Manchester City against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon will put the current champions above Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp’s side kick-off on Sunday. The added incentive of denting the title ambitions of their local-rivals certainly adds an extra dimension to the fixture for the Evertonians.

For Digne, this will be his first taste of derby-day action at Goodison. The reverse fixture at Anfield lacked the bite and intensity which one would expect to see from a clash between two historic rivals, but it only takes a thundering challenge in the opening moments of the game to bring the home crowd into play.

Rugged challenges are not what Digne is renowned for, nor are they something which has been expected of him in the past; his repertoire is built around a relentless endeavour to stomp into opposition territory, where he can utilise his textbook technique, whipping crosses into dangerous areas and picking the defensive lock with quick one-twos.

But the Frenchman needs only to take a brief look into the past to acknowledge that he must broaden his pallet in order to suffocate Mo Salah’s influence. In Liverpool’s last game against Manchester United, Luke Shaw, who signed for £27 million in 2014, bossed the Egyptian and delivered the type of big-game performance which is needed to keep the superstar forward at bay.

If the former Barcelona talent can emulate Shaw then Everton will have a fantastic opportunity to keep a clean sheet and claim the bragging rights which have eluded them for the best part of a decade.

There is another aspect to the fixture, though, which suggests Digne could be of paramount importance. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the starting XI against Watford in midweek with a game-changing bang: he provided assists for three of Liverpool’s five goals.

Not only will Digne need to communicate effectively with Everton’s left-winger to ensure the marauding full-back is tracked effectively and consistently throughout, he will also need to test Alexander-Anrold’s resolve in the final-third by overlapping and restricting the right-back’s movement into the final-third.

It would be a gross exaggeration to describe Alexander-Arnold as defensively suspect, but there are certainly holes within his game to be exploited and, considering he is not fully match fit after a spell on the sidelines, Digne could use a potential frailty to his advantage.

Marcel Brands’ decision to bring the left-back from Catalonia to Merseyside has been relatively popular so far. There are, however, plenty of sceptics who struggle to share the opinion of those who laud Digne’s quality.

Starring in a rare Merseyside derby victory would be the perfect way for the full-back to announce himself to the Goodison Park faithful.

Coutinho was always going to a tough player to replace, and the calamitous flop of playmaker Naby Keita would attest to that; however, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to have another crack of the whip with unsettled Real Madrid player Isco the reported target – according to Tuttosport.

Isco is a quality player who has, for one reason or another, fallen out of favour at Real Madrid under new boss Santiago Solari.

With only five starts in La Liga this season, and a single league goal to his name, there has been scant opportunity for the playmaking maestro to prove his worth.

Not that he should need to.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are desperately missing the presence of a decent playmaker since they lost their disgruntled Brazilian to Barcelona a year ago.

But could that long wait be over?

We believe so. In fact, we would we would go as far to say the Spaniard is better than Coutinho – and here are two reasons why…

Technical ability

In terms of technical ability, Isco is one of the best in the world.

Coutinho is a gifted player, no doubt. But anyone who has seen Isco play will understand why he comes out on top in this sense.

The Madrid maestro is a magician on the ball; boasting a familiarity of its physics and movement is so defined you would not be surprised if you heard he sleeps, drives, walks and runs with it glued to his feet.

Then there is his passing. Isco’s constant awareness of his surroundings, daring and confident approach, and pinpoint accuracy makes him a nightmare for opposing players.

His style is very well-suited to quick attacking Spanish football – something we dare say Liverpool have adopted, with a slightly German influence, and mastered.

Winner

A simple one but very important given Liverpool’s circumstances.

Isco has won it all at Real Madrid – with four Champions League winning medals, one Spanish Cup, one Spanish Super Cup and one La Liga title to his name.

The closest Liverpool have been to that kind of success is playing on the same pitch as Real Madrid.

It is desperately obvious that they need a winner in their squad; someone who can settle the players with their collectiveness and experience of getting the job done under pressure

Isco is not a leader. Not in the traditional sense anyway.

Rather he is an example for others to follow. A player who operates with such confidence that conservative football does not cross his mind at any point; that flair and entertainment above all else is valued to help his team across the line.

Liverpool desperately need that now. They have lost their spark and daring ingenuity in the title race and the season still have a fair distance to go.

Coutinho offers a similar package but could not apply his skills when it really mattered.

Advantage Isco.

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After leaving West Brom to rejoin Crystal Palace on a free transfer (as per the BBC), Bakary Sako mustn’t have expected to make his debut from the first whistle having appeared to be a signing made to strengthen the Eagles’ depth.

However, following Wilfried Zaha’s red card against Southampton, the 30-year-old may have to step in sooner than expected…

What’s the word, then?

Ivory Coast international Zaha received his marching orders late on against the Saints after being wound up by James Ward-Prowse, and then clapping sarcastically in the face of referee Andre Marriner, which has left Palace in a spot of bother.

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The Eagles were already thin in attack, especially on the wings, and will be gutted to have lost Zaha for what is a crucial game against Fulham this weekend – things could get worse for Palace and Zaha, as the FA have charged him for improper conduct.

Andros Townsend already plays every game, whilst Jeffrey Schlupp – who can be used on the wing – is preferred in central midfield or as an impact sub by Roy Hodgson, so the attack-minded Sako could get an early debut.

What can Sako bring to the table?

This debut won’t be one that the Selhurst Park faithful keep a close eye on, as they already know what the Malian international can do.

Sako is a powerful, bullish forward, although his size does tend to make him appear sluggish at times. What he is good at, however, is shooting on sight and to some effect. Both Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham are fit again now, and one of them must play if Sako is to have an effective debut.

He lacks aerial prowess and the ability to hold the ball up himself, but performs best when hanging close to the target man and picking the ball up in little pockets of space vacated by defenders who have been drawn to the ball.

If Palace can get him in those areas, against what is statistically the worst defence in the Premier League so far this season (Fulham have shipped 53 goals), then Zaha’s absence won’t hit the south Londoners so hard.

Leeds may be ready to plan for life in the Premier League soon but according to Phil Hay they are yet to sit down with Gaetano Berardi to discuss his future.

What’s been said?

The 31-year-old is the only senior player permanently at the club whose current contract expires at the end of the season, but currently, it is unclear whether the Whites’ are keen to keep ahold of him.

Of course much of that could depend on which division the club will be playing in, as there could be doubts about Berardi’s ability to step up a division, but there may be other factors at play also.

Phil Hay has responded to a fan’s question in a Q&A for the Athletic regarding Berardi’s contract situation and the actions, or lack thereof, that the club has undertaken.

Here is what the journalist had to say on the matter:

“The last time I asked (which was recently), there had been no talks with him about an extension.

“A while back I was told that he and his partner were quite keen to return to Italy so this might not all be on Leeds’ terms but given the way Bielsa spoke about him after the Huddersfield win, you’d think that Bielsa would like him to stick around next season.”

That admission shows the player could also hold a decisive card in deciding whether he stays beyond this season.

A lack of game time with 11 league starts this term may mean that Berardi wants a move to play more often, while the appeal of his native Italy could be difficult to turn down, even if Leeds are promoted.

Need for more quality

Leeds are in a prime position to return to the Premier League but even if they fail to obtain that goal they will need to regroup in the summer and look to strengthen once again.

Berardi has played his part this season but he has also come under significant criticism at times, while his limited starts show Bielsa has preferred other options over him.

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He is also the wrong side of 30, which makes this summer the ideal time to thank the defender for his service and let him leave, as his mistakes in the Championship may become even worse in the top division, and Leeds could suffer as a result.

The Whites may need multiple defensive additions due to the fact Ben White’s loan expires at the end of the season, but Bielsa would be placing a lot of trust in a player who has five red cards for the club if he renewed his contract – perhaps too much trust.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.

Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren has confirmed he has a hamstring problem after coming off against RB Salzburg.

What’s the story?

Following Joel Matip’s injury, the Croatia international has stepped into the breach and become Virgil van Dijk’s number one central-defensive partner – he has started each of the last seven matches in the Premier League, and the last two in Europe as well.

However, he went down with a hamstring issue as the Reds were 2-0 up against their Austrian opponents on Tuesday evening. There is no confirmation yet as to how long he will be unavailable for, but it is unlikely we will see him in the next match at least.

Swings and roundabouts for Gomez

It has been a difficult few weeks for Jurgen Klopp at centre-back. First, Matip picked up a problem after he had appeared to establish himself as a regular starter – he has not played since October 27 – and now he has lost the 30-year-old former Southampton man as well.

However, he has not yet run out of options – he still has Joe Gomez available to him. It has not been the best of campaigns for the 22-year-old so far – he has started just eight matches for his club, been booed by the fans of his country, and has even been linked with a move to Arsenal – but this is his perfect opportunity to shine.

There was a time when Gomez was almost a guaranteed started for the 52-year-old boss. He started 21 matches in the Premier League during the 2017/18 season, and he was included in the first XI for 12 of the first 15 matches last term as well. But he was then forced to have ankle surgery, meaning he missed 23 games overall. By the time he returned, his place in the side had been lost.

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Although Klopp is unlikely to see it that way, it is fitting that £31.5m-valued Gomez – as per Transfermarkt – now has a chance to guarantee himself a starting spot once again due to injuries. The former Charlton man has come full circle, and he has now been handed an opportunity to make himself undroppable. It is down to him whether he takes it.

Meanwhile, one Liverpool man adds danger and solidity against RB Salzburg.

While Everton were able to take a point away from their Premier League encounter with Chelsea on Sunday, it was a game where they did not create much due to the home side’s dominance when it came to ball possession. 

As a result, summer signing Richarlison failed to make much of an impact up front having been reduced to playing off scraps.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian has still been an amazing addition to Everton’s squad and has since been tipped by team-mate Seamus Coleman to make it to the very top.

The Breakdown

Speaking on the Toffees’ summer arrival, Coleman told the Liverpool Echo: “His [Richarlison] quality to score goals is amazing and his work-rate is second-to-none so that’s impressive. For him to put in a shift and get two goals [against Brighton] we are all very excited about him.

“The manger has signed really good guys, the lads we have brought in this season have been unbelievable around the place. He’s a top player and we are lucky to have him. He won’t get big-headed by his performances. He’s a great lad, he’s had a tough time to get here and I can see him going to the very top.”

It is still early days, of course, but Richarlison has shown he has all the tools needed to become an elite forward — as alluded to by Coleman.

The 21-year-old has pace to run in behind, can dribble, use both his feet, is a threat in the air and, most importantly, is starting to become a real goal threat.

This campaign, Richarlison has already scored six goals in 10 Premier League appearances, which is more than what he managed in 35 games last season at his previous club Watford.

Be it out wide or up front, the Brazil international is quickly developing into a quality forward.

Leeds United have emerged as early title contenders following a blistering start to life under Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites were handed a difficult start to the new Championship season with a visit from Stoke City before a trip to Derby County. However, Leeds made it look easy, scooping a 3-1 win against the Potters before handing Frank Lampard his first defeat as Derby boss by winning 4-1 at Pride Park. Bielsa will look to continue his winning start against Rotherham on Saturday.

It’s remarkable how quickly the Leeds squad have adapted to the Argentine’s methods, and the Elland Road faithful will definitely consider promotion to the Premier League a realistic target following their great start. Despite the transfer window slamming shut, EFL clubs can still sign players on loan and Bielsa should cement his title ambitions by bolstering his ranks further.

Therefore, Leeds should dip back into the free agent market to sign former Genoa defender – Diego Polenta. Valued at £2.48m by Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old is available for nothing after leaving Nacional following the expiration of his contract. Reports suggested Leeds initially made a move for the defender back in July. However, the Whites were unsuccessful in their efforts according to a Uruguayan publication. Still without a club, now could be the perfect time to revive the move.

Polenta is comfortable at centre-back or left-back meaning he would be a useful option for Bielsa to have at his disposal. He would have no trouble adapting to the Argentine’s style of play as he is able to play the ball out from the back. At just 26, his best years are ahead of him, and Leeds would be wise to bag a bargain this month.

Leeds fans, thoughts?

As reported by The Evening Times, former Rangers defender Clint Hill has opened up on his exit from the club at the end of last season.

What’s the story?

Hill was one of the surprise successes at the Light Blues last season, performing consistently in the Scottish Premiership and becoming a favourite with fans due to his committed performances and robust defensive play.

However, he left at the end of the season and he’s revealed that while he wanted to stay, he was axed by manager Pedro Caixinha.

As quoted by The Evening Times, the defender said:

It was very respectful in the way he spoke to me about it. There were no text messages or phone calls, it was face-to-face and we were looking at each other explaining our reasons. I have got a lot of respect for that. That is the way I want to be handled as a player so there were no complaints or any animosity from me. Obviously I would have loved to have stayed at that club because once you leave you realise how special a place it is. But there is absolutely no animosity towards the manager and I just want Rangers to do well now.

Caixinha wasted no time in bringing in replacements with the likes of Bruno Avles and Fabio Cardoso arriving to becomg regular starters in his first team.

However, could Hill have still played a role at the club this season?

Lack of depth

While those two players have embedded themselves into Caixinha’s starting eleven, there are still depth problems in the Rangers defence, with the manager having to rely on inexperienced youth to fill in for the likes of Alves and Danny Wilson when injured.

Retaining Clint Hill for another year could have solved that issue and provided more competition in the position, with Cardoso not exactly winning over Rangers fans so far.

Hill was trusted by his teammates and supporters and getting rid of him so quickly was perhaps one of the transfer decisions the Portuguese got wrong this summer.