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Some Everton fans have been left fuming as the Goodison Park faithful confirmed the signing of Andros Townsend on their official Twitter page.

The Merseyside club advertised the signing of the former Crystal Palace winger in an announcement video, as he was pictured wearing the new home kit.

As per their website, Townsend has signed on a two-year deal on a free transfer after his contract expired at Selhurst Park.

While he is an experienced Premier League player, having played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as well as the Eagles in the past, the signing has not impressed some Toffees supporters.

Townsend scored just one goal in 36 games in total over all competitions across the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), and at 30 years of age, is already past his peak.

Everton fans on Townsend news

These Blues fumed as the signing was confirmed on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is ‘garbage’:

“Could not be more underwhelmed. Average at best signing #efc”

Credit: @sicurrie

“I’m sorry but that is an embarrassing signing, absolutely embarrassing. Our club is broken beyond all repair – a slow motion tragedy that just continues to unfold before your eyes.”

Credit: @bradburynick

“Joke of a club”

Credit: @EFCJosh7

“Since 1987 Everton have sunk without a trace”

Credit: @DavidFo38145364

“Absolute garbage”

Credit: @efceddie1878

“We aren’t serious”

Credit: @chris8marlow

In other news, find out what Paul Joyce transfer update has Evertonians talking here!

According to a report by Calciomercato Web, the future of West Ham United forward Andriy Yarmolenko is ‘already decided’ as a major contract claim emerges.

The Lowdown: Yarmo and the Hammers…

The Ukraine international has been dazzling at Euro 2020, but the same certainly cannot be said at club level for West Ham.

Suffering from a variety of injury issues combined with lack of chances under manager David Moyes, reports have surfaced in recent weeks speculating over his future in east London.

Now, Calciomercato Web claim to have some answers.

The Latest: Future at West Ham ‘already decided’

As per the outlet, Yarmolenko’s future as a West Ham player is ‘already decided’.

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Indeed, they explain that the 31-year-old has now firmly decided not to renew his contract at the London Stadium but it’s not clear whether he will seek an exit this summer or leave as a free agent at the end of next season.

His great tournament at the Euros so far, however, could attract suitors this window and present the player with an ‘opportunity to be seized’.

The Verdict: Time is up…

Given his brilliant few games for Ukraine, Yarmolenko’s market value could indeed soar and make it easier for West Ham to recuperate a sizeable fee for him this summer.

We believe that’s exactly what West Ham should do, especially if Moyes wants three positions filled in a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, new striker and a centre-back (Claret & Hugh).

West Ham are set for a busy 2021/2022 campaign after their Europa League qualification and the club arguably need a small overhaul in key areas of the pitch, shifting out players like Yarmolenko to make room for new additions.

In other news: West Ham now frontrunners to sign ‘top class’ £115,000-per-week ace for Moyes, find out more here.

Andy Carroll is set to leave the club as a free agent this summer and despite managing to score just one goal in two seasons on Tyneside, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey wants to see the academy graduate remain at the club.

After managing to finish the season in an unexpected, yet very respectable 12th in the Premier League, Steve Bruce will be looking to improve his squad this summer, despite reports suggesting he has just £12 million to spend.

If Bruce’s budget is set to be extremely limited and he still wants to sign Joe Willock, then he may look to offer extensions to several players who are set to become free agents when their current deals expire this summer.

Carroll has managed to keep himself relatively fit this season having missed just 19 days through injury, and Howey believes that Newcastle could do worse than offering him a new deal, he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I’m surprised that Carroll will be out of contract because me personally, I would keep him for another year, I really would. He’s been fit this season but just hasn’t been given the opportunity to play so that’s not his fault.

“It’s not his fault that he’s not played, that’s the manager’s fault because all Carroll can do is be fit. I still think he’s a threat and that centre backs still won’t like playing against him.”

The striker has experienced a frustrating season on Tyneside having been handed just four Premier League starts as well as an embarrassing 30-second cameo appearance against West Brom earlier in the year.

The Magpies are set to lose both Dwight Gayle and Carroll this summer which would leave Bruce with just Callum Wilson and Joelinton as options in the strikers’ department heading into next season.

Former Everton star Michael Ball says that the next manager has to get along with Marcel Brands if he is to be a success at Goodison Park.

The Toffees are on the hunt for a new boss since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who shockingly left his job to join Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane left his role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is unclear who will be chosen to come in and replace the Italian but ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo appeared to be the frontrunner prior to developments seeing him touted as the top target for Crystal Palace, though there is also said to be interest in David Moyes, who is under contract at West Ham United.

Brands is staying at Goodison Park as the club’s Director of Football, and he is leading the chase for Ancelotti’s successor.

As a result, Ball believes that whoever comes into the club must agree to work alongside the Dutchman, and give him the power to strengthen the squad, instead of disagreeing over pursuits of players et al.

He also believes that owner Farhad Moshiri cannot be at the forefront of the chase for a new boss, given his track record of mistakes in the market.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Ball said: “It’s a huge decision for Moshiri and he’s got it wrong quite a few times. He’s spent a lot of money so I understand why he wants his input but you’re paying a guy there, Marcel Brands, to have a relationship with the manager, you want them to be on the same page.

“You don’t want them to be hammer and tongs, you know, ‘this is my player, this is my player’ and have two or three people on recruitment, which we have in the past, and it hasn’t worked.”

Leicester City have completed a deal to sign RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka and are now working to get moves for Boubakary Soumare and a new left-back across the line.

What’s the story?

That’s according to well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the paperwork and personal terms have been agreed with Daka. Romano also claimed that an announcement confirming the 22-year-old’s arrival at the King Power Stadium will be made soon, allowing Leicester to focus on their next transfer targets.

He tweeted: “Patson Daka to Leicester, done deal. Paperworks completed between #LCFC and RB Salzburg in the last hours. Personal terms already agreed. Just a matter of time then it’s gonna be announced soon.

“Soumaré will be joining Leicester too – new left back also in the list.”

Rudkin and Rodgers will be delighted

After prioritising a move for Daka over Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard, the Foxes’ director of football Jon Rudkin and manager Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted to secure the signature of the Zambia international.

The pacey forward was in incredible form for Salzburg last season, bagging an incredible 34 goals in 42 appearances for Jesse Marsch’s men as they secured a domestic double.

Daka combines blistering natural pace with clever runs and movement before relying on his quality finishing to guide the ball into the opposition’s net.

His addition to the FA Cup holders’ squad should make them a daunting prospect for their Premier League rivals next term, and Rodgers will be hoping that the youngster can fire Leicester into the top four.

Daka looks set to be the first arrival at the King Power Stadium this summer, but he’s unlikely to be the last. Lille midfielder Soumare has long been linked with the Foxes and it seems that his arrival is also imminent.

After helping Les Dogues to the Ligue 1 title and ending Paris Saint-Germain’s three-year dominance of French football, the 22-year-old box-to-box dynamo looks set to cross the English Channel this summer.

Leicester’s transfer business won’t be done there, either. With James Justin set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and Christian Fuchs departing on a free transfer, the full-back positions suddenly look rather bare.

Several names have been linked with a move to the 2016 Premier League champions in recent weeks, such as Robin Gosens, Nuno Mendes and Ryan Bertrand, although it remains to be seen who else Rodgers targets over the coming months.

In other news… Leicester must land “ferocious” £6.3m-rated gem with more key passes than Maddison 

Amid the ongoing Harry Kane exit saga, Football Insider have lifted the lid on Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and his possible exit from north London this summer, with news emerging that Daniel Levy will have ‘no qualms’ in selling him if the price is right.

The Lowdown: Spurs exodus?

Announced by the media that Kane wants to leave Tottenham, the Englishman hasn’t been the only one linked with a departure from N17.

Indeed, The Sun recently revealed that the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Serge Aurier are considering their futures in north London.

Football Insider also reported that former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for Hojbjerg, with the same outlet now bringing a development on the story.

The Latest: Levy will have ‘no qualms’ selling Hojbjerg

As per Football Insider, Tottenham chairman Levy will have ‘no qualms’ selling the Danish midfield colossus if any suitors submit a large enough offer for him.

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Playing every minute of the Premier League campaign under both Mourinho and interim boss Ryan Mason (WhoScored), Hojbjerg is one of the only Spurs players who have enjoyed a reputation-boosting season, meaning that Spurs could profit if they were to entertain large offers for the 25-year-old.

Football Insider claimed that Levy allegedly won’t have an issue selling if the price is right, and Hojbjerg is said to be valued by the Lilywhites at double his £15m transfer fee from Southampton. He is also one of the few players who could command a £25m-plus fee in the Tottenham squad.

Spurs apparently need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer to fund marquee additions, especially after losing around £150m in stadium revenue from the lack of supporters in attendance during lockdown.

The Verdict: Take this with a pinch of salt…

Given Hojbjerg’s outstanding contribution for Spurs this season, we highly doubt that Levy is opening to selling the Dane for around £30m, especially with the Kane exit saga dominating discussion.

Having just signed him from Southampton last year, Hojbjerg has been an arguable shining light and Spurs’ best signing of last summer, completing the most successful passes (88.5%) out of any Tottenham player over 2020/21 (WhoScored).

He has also proved himself a brick wall in front of the back four, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match in the Premier League (WhoScored). His former boss Mourinho was a very public admirer, lauding him a ‘phenomenal player’ with a ‘genius’ to his game (Goal).

Therefore, we believe that Spurs selling Hojbjerg is too farfetched a prospect for this year at least.

In other news: 47 y/o dubbed ‘one of the best coaches in Europe’ now listening to Spurs offer, find out more here.

Leeds United favourite Stuart Dallas is worthy of earning a “big, big money” contract, according to former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Whites have been superb back in the top-flight this season, with so many individuals standing out for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Illan Meslier has been a model of consistency in goal, Kalvin Phillips has starred in midfield and Raphinha has been a great addition to the attack.

It is Dallas who has arguably been Leeds’ Player of the Year, however, scoring seven goals in the league, including both efforts in the famous 2-1 win away to Manchester City.

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Agbonlahor call for Dallas to get big-money deal

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor heaped praise on Dallas, saying it is only right that he is offered a new big-money contract at Elland Road, which is reportedly in the works:

“If there’s one player in the Premier League who deserves the big, big money of the Premier League it’s Dallas.

“Mr Reliable. He looks like he’s not the sort of player who would down tools when they sign a new contract. He looks like he’ll be exactly the same player.

“I’m sure the club will reward him the way he deserves because he’s been outstanding this season. Again at the weekend, he was outstanding.

“He’s just Mr Reliable. A player that every manager in the league would want because you can play him in so many positions.

“A very good player and a great addition to the league.”

Transfer Tavern take

Dallas has been a priceless performer for Leeds all season, and while others sometimes make headlines before him, he is one of the first names on Bielsa’s team-sheet.

The Northern Ireland international does so much selfless work for the team, highlighted by an average of 2.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the league this season, impressive defensive stats considering his contributions on the attacking side.

Dallas has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by ex-Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher and a new deal will surely come his way in the coming weeks. Leeds would be mad not to offer him one.

In other news, Leeds have been urged to make a stunning summer signing – find out who it is here.

Crysencio Summerville is ‘pushing for a place in the matchday squad’ for Leeds’ Saturday lunchtime Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope reported this morning.

The lowdown

Leeds signed teenage right-winger Summerville from Eredivisie giants Feyenoord last summer on a three-year contract.

And he’s contributed six goals and six assists in 12 appearances for the Leeds Under-23 side that took the Premier League 2 Division 2 title – he’s averaged a goal or assist every 71 minutes at that level.

Summerville was called-up to the senior squad for the visit of Manchester United at the end of April.

He watched on from the bench as the sides played out a 0-0 draw.

The latest

Pope reports just hours before the match (via BBC, 08:32) that Summerville is in contention once again given his strong form at under-23 level and the injuries to those further up the pecking order.

Senior right-winger Raphinha is ‘still a doubt’ and the same can be said for midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Raphinha has missed the last two matches after hobbling off late on against Manchester City, while Phillips was sidelined for the trip to Brighton with a knee complaint.

The verdict

The final few games seem to give Bielsa an ideal opportunity to hand first-team minutes to the likes of Summerville and striker Joe Gelhardt, also 19, given that Leeds are sat so comfortably in mid-table.

He’s erred on the side of caution with youngsters so far this season, with Gelhardt also waiting for his first minutes and 21-year-old Ian Poveda still always featuring as a substitute.

Leeds finish the season against Southampton, Burnley and West Brom – all teams in the bottom five. Perhaps those games are more realistic targets for Summerville and co. than Saturday’s demanding clash with European chasers Spurs.

In other news, read this incredible stat about Luke Ayling.

Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move away from Crystal Palace ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Goal, both Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are interested in the 28-year-old after the forward revealed he’s open to the idea of a new challenge in his career.

The two Premier League sides reportedly believe Zaha could be available for less than £40 million this summer, with the Ivory Coast international almost certain to not extend his contract, which expires in 2023.

Fans will be gutted

Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. The Toffees failed to agree a deal with Palace for their talisman back in 2019 after they offered £70m plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy before eventually bringing in Alex Iwobi on deadline day.

After appearing to initially struggle to get over the disappointment of his failed transfer, the former Manchester United man used it as motivation throughout 2020/21, recording his highest ever Premier League goals tally.

It seems as though Zaha’s return to top form has once again attracted the attention of some of England’s more ambitious and affluent clubs and the technically gifted attacker outlined his aspirations in a recent interview.

“I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams because my dream is to win things. I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best”, he told The Face.

“If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids: ​’This is what Daddy won’.”

Whether Palace would be prepared to let Zaha leave, though, remains to be seen. The south London outfit have a huge task on their hands over the coming months as the search for Hodgson’s successor steps up, and the rebuilding job required regarding the first-team squad is already significant.

Serious injuries to Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson have already complicated chairman Steve Parish’s sizeable task, and adding in the departure of Zaha could have considerable consequences.

News that Tottenham and Everton are interested in their star man will undoubtedly leave Palace fans gutted, especially after his latest comments and it would be a massive blow for everyone connected with the Eagles if Zaha does push for a transfer.

It’s set to be an eventful summer for all involved with the capital club.

And, in other news…Huge CPFC contract update emerges on “fearless” £7.2m-rated star, fans will be gutted 

Celtic have made contact with former Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, with a Hoops source informing them the club has put the feelers out to the 63-year-old over possibly taking on the vacant post.

This comes after Eddie Howe’s representative revealed that the former Bournemouth boss isn’t planning to return to management until the summer.

Favre has been out of work since December and is considered a genuine contender to replace Neil Lennon.

The Swiss coach, who has had four managerial positions in the last 10 years, prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation – the same system as Lennon.

Transfer Tavern take

When it comes to both Favre and Howe, we think there is a standout contender for the Hoops.

Howe has had previous experience of leading a successful rebuild, with the Englishman taking Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League in the space of six seasons.

He’s also 20 years Favre’s junior, so in the long run, could be the smarter option.

Finally, when it comes to the pair’s wage packets, Howe is the cheaper option. Favre picked up €7.5 million at Dortmund, whereas Howe collected £3 million a year on the south coast.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on £14k-p/w Celtic ace who has sights set on Hoops exit; not Edouard, find out who it is here.