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Everton had many players feature for the Merseyside club during David Moyes’ lengthy period in charge of the Toffees, with some even making over 300 appearances.

One player that was linked with a move to Goodison Park during the middle stages of Moyes’ reign that the club will have undoubtedly had nightmares over not signing is midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Back in the summer of 2008, it was reported that Everton had tabled a £5m bid to Cardiff City for the Welshman after Arsenal and Manchester United had done the same.

The midfielder, who is now picking up a weekly wage of £175k-per-week, ended up choosing the north London club as his next destination after leaving the Welsh side.

With 11 years and 371 appearances to his name in an Arsenal shirt, the midfielder left in 2019 for a move to Juventus after scoring 65 goals and providing 65 assists across all competitions, winning three FA Cups along the way.

During his time in Italy, the 31-year-old found the back of the net six times and delivered six assists in 70 appearances before joining Rangers on loan back in January, where he was called “world-class” by their transfer chief, Ross Wilson.

Since arriving at Ibrox, the former Gooner has scored two goals and provided one assist in just eight appearances, showing how capable he is of being an attacking threat from midfield.

Further labelled as a “leader, a quality player and a wonderful character” by Wilson, Ramsey has racked up a total of 151 goals and assists combined in 482 senior club appearances.

On the international stage, with 72 appearances under his belt, the midfield maestro has scored 20 times, showing how important he has been for his country over the years.

Taking into account what the Wales international has done throughout his club career, particularly at Arsenal, it can now be seen as a big blow that Everton weren’t able to convince the midfielder to make a move to Goodison.

Had the Toffees and Moyes been able to snatch Ramsey from Cardiff ahead of other top-flight sides in the mix to sign him back in 2008, there’s every chance that, through his talent, he could have become a massive player for the club.

In other news: “I know for a fact..”: Insider drops big Finch Farm claim, it’s bad news for Everton

A number of Rangers supporters are pleased that John Lundstram is starting away to Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

Steven Gerrard’s men returned to Scottish Premiership action, following their midweek League Cup triumph at home to Livingston.

The Gers’ form has been a little up and down so far this season and the hope is that now is the point at which they click into top gear.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The league leaders took on a Dundee side rooted at the bottom of the table, suggesting it should be a relatively comfortable day at the office for them.

Lundstram is again named in Rangers’ starting lineup, as he looks to kick on further after his move from Sheffield United.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Rangers fans react to Lundstram start

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at the news.

“Good to see Lundstram keeping his place today. He needs a run of games in his preferred position and he will shine. This is a strong Rangers side and I fully expect us to get all three points today. Mon The Gers!!! “

Credit: @CalRobertsonA4U

“Good to see Hagi starting. Roofe and Buff getting more minutes together  Lundstram playing ahead of Davis is the correct decision. Gives Davis more of a rest, which he needs and gives Lundstram more game time to get up to speed with Scottish football”

Credit: @Eddierfc55

“Davis /Lundstram the obvious dilemma but perhaps a little break with do Davis some good. He’s played a lot of football already this season”

Credit: @AMcKellar89

“Hopefully Lundstram continues to move the ball quickly”

Credit: @Cammy26_2

“Lundstram will have a class game today”

Credit: @neilscoles_

“Lord Lundstram”

Credit: @_72alex

In other news, some Rangers fans have been loving a player’s social media post. Read more here.

David Moyes has issued an update on West Ham United’s pursuit of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, following news that he is currently undergoing a medical before joining the Hammers [Football London].

Enjoying an impressive 2020/21 campaign, the 26-year-old registered five goals in 36 appearances as he helped the Blues win the UEFA Champions League trophy [Transfermarkt].

Now, he looks set to make the switch across London following recent reports.

Speaking today to media channels in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Moyes confirmed that the Irons have had a bid accepted for Zouma, whilst he also alluded to the medical process the Frenchman is in the midst of completing, stating:

“We have had an offer accepted by Chelsea for Kurt [Zouma] but he is still completing his medical at the moment.

“I am hoping that goes through and we can get in a fourth centre-half.” [Football London]

In light of these comments, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to share their opinions on the Zouma situation – the defender did suffer a serious knee injury in 2016.

West Ham fans react:

Replying to popular fan outlet West Ham Transfers on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the development, and it’s fair to say there is plenty of concern about the length of time this saga has dragged on…

“Its taken 2 days for the medical, is there something discovered that we got to go back on? Remember what happened to Benrahma last year…”

Credit: @chingtoa

“Sullivan looking for any way possible to pull the plug or get the fee reduced no doubt.”

Credit: @RichardGSBOUT

“Any other club would have done it in one.”

Credit: @WestHam39885489

“Longest medical in history!”

Credit: @bowlessoul

“this medical has taken 2 weeks so far,is there something we should know,or are we signing YET another injury prone player?”

Credit: @boleynjohnny”What? Thought his medical was yesterday incoming it drops because of his “knee injury””Credit: @kelty_jakeIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League draw. Find out more here.

Nuno Santo is dealing with further injury woes as his Tottenham Hotspur side look to bounce back against Chelsea in the Premier League this afternoon.

The north London outfit have endured a tough week, seeing their unbeaten record in the top-flight come to an end at the hands of then-winless Crystal Palace before they had to settle for a point against Rennes in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Now they face the small matter of the Champions of Europe at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a bid to get back on track.

But what sort of XI could we see from the Portuguese head coach? Here’s what we are predicting…

Nuno has been without the services of no fewer than six first-team players this week and on Thursday, their mounting problems got worse as both Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura picked up knocks – neither could feature here.

Eric Dier is also likely to still be on the treatment table.

However, it’s expected that Heung-min Son will be able to make a much-needed return after picking up an issue during the international break, whilst the South American trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero are finally available for selection, having returned to the UK on Saturday.

We expect club captain Hugo Lloris to take up his usual spot between the sticks, replacing Pierluigi Gollini from midweek, whilst it could be an entirely different back four, with Japhet Tanganga absent through suspension.

Sergio Reguilon and Emerson should come in for both Ben Davies and Matt Doherty – the 29-year-old struggled against Rennes – on the flanks, whilst the aforementioned central defensive duo of Sanchez and Romero could well be thrown straight in, given the club’s threadbare options in the role.

In midfield, Tanguy Ndombele should keep his place after making an impressive statement on his first start of the season in France and he could be joined by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dele Alli in the engine room, meaning there is no place for Oliver Skipp.

Should Son return, then he may well have to be joined by summer signing Bryan Gil, whilst Harry Kane will undoubtedly lead the line.

Predicted Spurs XI vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Reguilon, Romero, Sanchez, Emerson; Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Alli; Son, Gil, Kane.

AND in other news, 0 dribbles, 0 key passes: £14.4m-rated Spurs passenger badly let Nuno down once again vs Rennes…

Everton have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his forward line.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Toffees are one of three sides interested in signing the highly-rated 24-year-old over the coming months, with Borussia Dortmund and Inter also listed as potential suitors.

With just two years remaining on his current contract, Thuram could be available for a reduced price next summer if Everton are prepared to wait that long.

Everton could finally replace Lukaku

After arriving on German shores back in 2019, Thuram has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young stars.

In his 40 appearances for Monchengladbach last season, the £25.2m-rated gem bagged 11 goals and provided a further 12 assists in all competitions, but his contributions didn’t stop there.

He also created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw teammate Denis Zakaria brand Thuram a “phenomenal” talent and earned him a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Monchengladbach’s tenth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The versatile striker also impressed during his brief appearance for France at Euro 2020, making one key pass, completing one dribble and winning one duel in the 3-3 draw with Switzerland, with his display earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.2.

His impressive performances for club and country led to Movistar commentator Alain Valnegri telling El Pais that Thuram reminded him of Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, saying: “He can be dominant and allow him to act as an offensive terminal, Lukaku style.”

A serious knee injury has limited Thuram to just 46 minutes of action in the current campaign, though, and he’s set to be sidelined until the new year, making a January move a potentially risky one.

Nevertheless, Everton’s hierarchy must sanction a move for the youngster, adding some much-needed strength in depth to Benitez’s attacking options and potentially finding their next Lukaku in the process.

And, in other news…Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing 

Kevin Phillips has expressed surprise at Everton’s reported interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. 

The former Premier League Golden Boot winner was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The Liverpool Echo’s Phil Kirkbride reported last week that new Everton manager Rafael Benitez was keen on a reunion with Longstaff at Goodison Park.

The midfielder made his breakthrough under Benitez during the 2018/19 season. Within weeks of his Premier League debut against Liverpool, he earned a run of eight straight starts which was only halted by injury.

Benitez left the club at the end of that campaign but ‘preliminary discussions’ have now taken place over a possible swoop for the 23-year-old.

Longstaff made 15 league starts under Steve Bruce last season, averaging 2.3 accurate long balls, 1.4 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game (via WhoScored).

With less than 12 months remaining on his contract at St James’ Park, he is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Phillips pointed out that Benitez has already rekindled one relationship at Everton, having brought in former Magpies winger Andros Townsend.

However, even though the Spaniard ‘obviously likes’ Longstaff, the ex-Sunderland striker cast doubt on the wisdom of pursuing the deal.

Phillips told Football Insider: “Do I think Everton need him? Possibly not. Benitez is going down that route though, he’s already signed Andros Townsend and he had him at Newcastle.

“Longstaff hasn’t played loads of Premier League games but he does have that experience.

“I’m surprised Benitez is in for him but he obviously likes him and Longstaff played well under him,” he continued.

“It’s a surprising one, I’m not sure Everton need him.”

The verdict

In Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton already have an excellent midfield.

Clearly, they also need depth: a pair of muscle injuries befell Allan last season and the Blues looked considerably weaker in his absence.

However, Jean-Phillipe Gbamin has now returned from his long injury absence, and he may be a more natural replacement for Allan than Longstaff. Tom Davies can also be called upon in that role.

You can therefore understand why Phillips would question the decision to spend potentially more than £10m to sign another central midfielder, particularly when Everton are under such tight financial constraints this summer.

In other news, some Everton fans react to reported interest in this Euro 2020 star.

Newcastle United have suffered a major injury blow over Federico Fernandez ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool on Thursday night.

What’s the story?

Eddie Howe’s side take on the Reds at Anfield looking to bounce back from their resounding 4-0 defeat against Leicester last weekend, but will have to do so without the services of Fernandez.

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie said: “Federico Fernandez has a thigh injury and will miss the next couple of weeks for Newcastle. Eddie Howe doesn’t expect to be able to to select the defender over the festive period.”

Big miss for Newcastle

The Argentine has played just the seven times for the Magpies in the Premier League this season, and was named only on the bench against Leicester in the Tyneside club’s previous outing.

Last season, as per Whoscored, Fernandez was the club’s best performing centre-back via average match rating, and it was no surprise that he earned rave reviews for his performances.

Naming him as his player of the year for Newcastle in December 2020, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh said: “Federico Fernandez, the immovable object at the heart of Newcastle’s defence, deserves this accolade due to his consistent excellence. He is never flashy, but the 31-year-old is one of the few dependable performers – goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow also made this imaginary shortlist – and embodies the admirable resilience of this side.

“He may not offer a highlight reel of pyrotechnics like Saint-Maximin, but Newcastle fans take just as much pleasure out of watching compilations of Fernandez’s tackles, headers, interceptions and blocks as they do their forwards’ goals.”

With the Christmas schedule set to take its toll, Fernandez picking up a muscle injury is a very bad sign of what could potentially happen to the Magpies – even more so when you consider the fact they’re in a perilous relegation battle.

The last thing Howe needs is players dropping out with injuries just when he needs them, and with games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all before the New Year, he can’t afford to lose any more.

Magpies fans will surely be gutted with the latest injury news on Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have made an enquiry for this star…

Celtic are closing in on a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that, despite the increased interest in the centre-back’s signing – with the likes of Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City all believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old – Celtic are now in pole position to land the Tottenham Hotspur defender at the end of the season.

The report goes on to state that Ange Postecoglou’s transfer team are currently locked in negotiations with the Premier League side concerning the activation of their £6m option to buy clause for the USA international – a deal which could eventually rise to £10m with add-ons.

Finally, it is claimed that, with Champions League football all but secured ahead of next season, people close to Carter-Vickers believe that Celtic Park is the best place for the American to continue his progression in the game.

Huge coup for Celtic

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers have been for Celtic since his season-long loan switch to Glasgow last summer, it is unsurprising to learn that a number of Premier League sides, as well as the Hoops, are keen to secure the centre-back’s signature at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 27 Premiership appearances this season, the £2.7m-rated defender has been flawless in the Celtic backline, helping his side keep 14 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 4.4 clearances and winning six duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The £22k-per-week American has also chipped in for the Bhoys in an attacking capacity, bagging four goals – one of which was the winner against Rangers on Sunday – and registering one assist, as well as taking an average of 0.6 shots and making 0.3 key passes per fixture.

These returns have seen the 24-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.36, ranking him as the fifth-best player in the top flight of Scottish football in the current campaign.

As such, it is clear for all to see why there is so much interest in Carter-Vickers this summer, as well as why sealing his permanent switch to Parkhead would be something of a major coup for the runaway Premiership leaders.

AND in other news: Postecoglou drops huge behind the scenes update, it’s great news for Celtic

Wolverhampton Wanderers could sell Conor Coady for as little as £17m in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield, who claimed in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, following Newcastle United’s reported interest in the centre-back ahead of the winter market, Jeff Shi could decide to cash in on the 28-year-old for a figure as low as £17m.

Speaking about the Magpies’ interest in Coady, Hatfield said: “If an offer of between £17m and £20m came in, I think a lot of Wolves fans would probably look at that and say it might be worth doing.”

Fans would be fuming

Considering just how important a part of the Wolves team Coady has proven himself to be in recent years, in addition to the fact that Bruno Lage is already extremely short of options in the heart of his defence, should the club indeed part with the England international for a figure as low as Hatfield states, fans would surely be fuming.

Indeed, over his 10 Premier League appearances this season, the £22.5m-rated defender has helped his side keep two clean sheets and has chipped in with one goal, as well as making an average of one interception, 0.9 tackles, 2.7 clearances and winning 2.1 duels per game.

These returns have seen the player who Fabio Silva dubbed an “amazing guy” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.95, ranking him as Wolves’ eighth-best performer in the league.

Furthermore, with both Willy Boly and Romain Saiss looking unlikely to be unavailable for Wolves in January as a result of their potential involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, in addition to summer signing Yerson Mosquera suffering a high-grade hamstring injury towards the end of September, Coady could very realistically be one of only two options Bruno Lage could call upon at centre-back come the turn of the year.

As such, considering the sheer turmoil Coady’s departure would cause, £17m appears to be an extremely low valuation of the defender – with £30m, at the very least, sounding an amount that is much more likely begin temping Shi into the sale of the £62k-per-week club captain.

In other news: Shi plotting Jan bid for “irresistible” £51k-p/w gem who’d solve Wolves’ biggest issue

Newcastle United have seen many players join the Tyneside club over the years on permanent transfers or loan deals.

The previous January transfer window showed just how capable the Magpies and their new owners are when it comes to spending significant amounts of money to bring in new faces to try and strengthen their squad and push the team forward.

Taking a look back down the years, one figure that the club were supposedly pursuing on two different occasions that they will undoubtedly regret not buying is Luka Modric.

According to Planet Football, former Toon boss Kevin Keegan was eager to sign the midfielder back in 2008 when Modric was at Dinamo Zagreb. They also claimed that Sam Allardyce wanted to sign the Croatian a year prior during his tenure at St James’ Park.

The former Magpies and Everton manager said: “I was then on the way to getting Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb, but by then, Mike saw the scale of the full debut and put the clamps on, so I had to make do with Geremi from Chelsea.”

After scoring 22 goals and providing 21 assists in 73 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb, the midfielder did end up making a move to England, but it was Tottenham Hotspur who secured his signature in the summer of 2008 rather than Newcastle for a fee of around £20m.

Having played in 160 games for the Lilywhites across all competitions, finding the net 17 times and delivering 26 assists, the midfielder found himself on the move again, this time to his current club Real Madrid in 2012.

During his time in Spain, the 36-year-old has scored 31 goals and provided 69 assists in 427 appearances, winning four Champions League titles among many other trophies including numerous individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or and UEFA’s Best Player in Europe, both in 2018.

Labelled an “extraordinary” player by Carlo Ancelotti and a “mental monster” by journalist Dermot Corrigan, Modric has been sold for a combined total of just over £51m throughout his time in football according to Transfermarkt and racked up 186 goals and assists throughout what has been a shining career.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Keegan and Allardyce both had howlers over not convincing the hierarchy at Newcastle to launch a substantial move for the midfield maestro when they were pursuing him before his move to Spurs.

In other news – NUFC dealt yet another crushing injury setback; it’s bad news for Howe