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The David Moyes revival has already taken Everton so far; Goodison Park is unrecognisable from the tumbledown slump that the Scotsman inherited, confidence at a low ebb after colourless football under Sean Dyche’s wing.

Dyche did a good job, all told, but he couldn’t take the Toffees any further and rightly parted ways when The Friedkin Group looked to christen their ownership with an uplifting appointment.

Moyes has done very well indeed, losing just four of his 16 Premier League games at the helm. However, he needs new recruits this summer, especially at the front of the ship.

With Everton stepping into a new home at the Bramley-Moore dock, it feels the right time to replace the ailing Dominic Calvert-Lewin with a new number nine.

Everton's search for a new striker

Calvert-Lewin has been a stalwart for Everton, playing 270 matches across nine seasons, scoring 71 goals. He’s out of contract this summer, though, with brittle fitness levels and consequent struggles for form suggesting he should be allowed to leave.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Beto’s resurgent as a focal frontman, but Everton want more, with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst identified as the perfect player to join Moyes’ project.

According to Caught Offside, TFG are ready to pay the €35m (£30m) asking price for the powerful striker, though the same could be said for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Further interest from overseas complicates matters, but Everton’s willingness to place a bid suggests that Moyes and the owners are driven toward making improvements during the off-season.

Why Everton want Tim Kleindienst

Time was when Everton would cede swift defeat in a jam-packed race for a talented striker, Goodison Park devolving into something of a hotbed for disappointment in recent years.

But this is a new era, and Moyes has restored the feel-good factor. Kleindienst, 29, could make this new feeling even better still, with a clinical track record in Germany denoting his capacity to confidently take Calvert-Lewin’s place in the squad.

The Germany international has scored 16 goals and added ten assists across 32 matches for Gladbach this season, arriving from Heidenheim last summer.

Standing at 6 foot 4, he carries the imposing physicality that Moyes has made such good use of throughout his managerial career, and with Kleindienst winning 4.7 aerial duels per Bundesliga match this season, he has what it takes to flourish in the area Calvert-Lewin so expertly excels.

Matches (starts)*

23 (19)

30 (30)

Goals

3

16

Assists

1

7

Big chances missed

1

14

Pass completion

64%

62%

Big chances created

1

11

Key passes*

0.3

0.9

Dribbles*

0.4

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.3

Total duels won*

5.5

6.9

The two strikers have a lot in common. Both strong and tall, they win many duels through their focal role in the air; each forward dribbles infrequently, with neither proving the most accurate in his passing.

However, therein lies the disparity. Kleindienst is far more fruitful in his passing, so creative and intelligent with his knock-ons, his lay-offs. Indeed, as per The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor, the German is “an exquisite one-touch player”.

Defensively, there’s a lot to admire too. FBref record Kleindienst ranks among the top 19% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions and the top 1% for both blocks and clearances made per 90.

To be sure, signing a striker on the brink of their thirties would be something of a risk, but Kleinsdienst’s athleticism, power and dynamism would be perfect for an Everton side on the up.

Profiled in a similar way to Calvert-Lewin and coveted by divisional rivals, Everton will want to make this statement of intent.

An amazing Rooney repeat: Everton open to signing "world-class" PL star

Everton are at an important juncture as they prepare to reinforce David Moyes’ squad this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been immensely successful throughout his time with the Scottish giants, in his second spell now with the club.

The Northern Irish boss won seven trophies in just over two-and-a-half years at Parkhead between 2016 and 2019 in his first go at it with the Hoops, before joining Premier League side Leicester City.

Rodgers won two trophies in his first year back at Celtic last term, securing the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup, and is currently on course to land the domestic treble.

The Hoops beat Rangers on penalties to win the League Cup in the first half of the season, they are one game away from winning the league title, and they are in the SFA Cup final against Aberdeen.

This means that the former Leicester and Liverpool head coach could have won 12 trophies in his career with Celtic to date by the end of this season.

The Northern Irish tactician has clearly been hugely successful for the Scottish giants, but that does not mean he has been perfect throughout that time. In fact, there have been some question marks over his centre-back selections of late, with Liam Scales getting the nod at the weekend.

Celtic's centre-back debate

The Hoops started the 2024/25 campaign with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Welsh as the two first-choice options in the right centre-back role and Auston Trusty and Liam Scales as the two first-choice options on the left side of the pairing.

Rodgers recently revealed that he prefers to play a left-footed player on the left side of the defence because it “allows you to get through the pitch quicker”, but he has had problems in that position this season.

Scales and Trusty have both dropped out of the team at times, with neither able to definitively say that they are the number one option, and thay may be because of the mistakes that they have made in the Premiership.

Appearances

22

20

Starts

17

20

Error led to shot

1

4

Error led to goal

0

1

Penalties committed

1

0

Dribbled past

4x

10x

As you can see in the table above, they have both started a similar number of matches and have combined for five errors that led to shots, one error that led to a goal, and one penalty conceded. Trusty has also been dribbled past twice as much as the Irishman, as opposition forwards have found it too easy to get the better of him.

These statistics show that the two naturally left-footed defenders in the squad have not been particularly reliable at the back, because of the errors that they have made in the Premiership.

Scales started the 5-0 win over St. Johnstone in the SFA Cup and the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Premiership, suggesting that he is currently ahead of Trusty in the pecking order.

That is despite Scales (£3m) being worth significantly less than Trusty (£6.4m), as per Transfermarkt, who joined the club from Sheffield United last summer.

The Irish defender’s value may have been higher, however, if he had more game time on the pitch because he has only started 17 times in the Premiership, which means that the centre-back has not had as many starts to showcase his quality as Trusty has had.

But Scales is not the only central defender who falls into that category. Rodgers has also messed up with Polish stopper Maik Nawrocki, whose value has plummeted during his time at Celtic.

Why Maik Nawrocki's value has plummeted at Celtic

The Hoops were in the market for a replacement for Carl Starfelt in the summer of 2023 and decided to splash a reported fee of £4.3m on the Legia Warsaw squad to bolster their options in that position.

That was a significant outlay, given it was the most expensive signing of the summer as per Transfermarkt, for Celtic and that suggests that they expected him to play a key role on the pitch.

That was not what happened, though, as Nawrocki went on to play just ten times, starting seven of those outings, in the Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign.

He won 57% of his duels and did not make a single error that led to a shot, goal, or penalty in those ten matches, but that was not enough to earn him a regular place in the team.

Carter-Vickers has nailed down the right-sided centre-back role and that has left Nawrocki fighting for a place on the left, which leaves him at an immediate disadvantage as a right-footer.

Chalkboard

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

He did not make a single appearance in the league until March of this season, when injuries to Trusty and Scales presented him with a chance to shine against Rangers and Hearts.

Nawrocki took his chance to impress in both of those matches, as you can see in the table below, by dominating opposition attackers in duels and being reliable in possession.

Minutes

90

90

Clearances

7

9

Blocks

0

3

Tackles + interceptions

5

1

Duels won

7/10

8/9

Dribbled past

0x

0x

Pass accuracy

93%

98%

Error led to shot/goal

0

0

These performances from the £12k-per-week star were not enough to keep his place in the side, however, as he has been an unused substitute for the last two Premiership matches and did not make the matchday squad against St. Johnstone in the SFA Cup.

As a result of his lack of minutes on the pitch in the last two seasons, Nawrocki’s Transfermarkt value has plummeted millions down to just £1.7m, making him worth even less than Scales and Trusty.

This shows that Rodgers has messed up with the defender because Nawrocki was brought in for a whopping £4.3m and has rarely been used by the manager, despite his impressive performances, and the club now have a depreciating asset because of it.

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ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

It will now be interesting to see what Celtic do with Nawrocki in the summer because he is not worth anywhere near as much as the fee they paid for him due to Rodgers’ reluctance to use him, and he does not seem likely to be a key player moving forward due to his lack of minutes.

Chelsea reached out to the representatives of another transfer target this week, alongside Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with BlueCo already getting busy ahead of the looming first summer window on June 1st.

Chelsea identify Dean Huijsen as top target with discussions held

Huijsen, following a very impressive debut Premier League campaign on the south coast, is attracting serious attention from England’s elite and further abroad.

Chelsea hold "very positive" Thursday talks with "sensational" £50m player

They were in discussions before losing to Legia Warsaw.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 18, 2025

Bayern Munich have registered a serious interest in the 20-year-old following Vincent Kompany’s recommendation (Pete O’Rourke), while reliable journalist David Ornstein shared that Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea have all held discussions with Huijsen’s camp recently.

The centre-back’s form at Bournemouth over 2024/2025 has earned him opening senior call-ups to the Spain national team squad, and he is seen as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

Huijsen is also available for around £50 million this summer, thanks to a tempting release clause in his contract which has also prompted Real Madrid to reportedly sit up and take notice.

“I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s a big team,” said Huijsen on Real Madrid’s interest, in an interview with El Chiringuito TV.

“Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible.”

The competition for his signature will be ferocious, but according to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea held “very positive” talks with Huijsen again this week.

Following these negotiations, which took place on Thursday, Enzo Maresca’s side are said to be more confident they can strike a deal for the ex-Juventus starlet.

However, as per Phillips again, Huijsen isn’t the only defender they’ve approached in the last few days.

Chelsea hold talks with Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato's representatives

The reporter, writing via his Substack, claims Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato has also been subject to talks with Chelsea this week.

Phillips claims that Chelsea also held talks with Hato’s representatives on Thursday, alongside Huijsen, following another exceptional campaign in the Eredivisie for the £40 million Dutchman.

“Chelsea also spoke with the agents of Jorrel Hato of Ajax yesterday, as we reported today in our earlier sourced article on centre backs,” said Phillips on Thursday.

“Sources are saying that there is a chance that two defenders arrive at Chelsea this summer, with Marc Guehi also very much on the cards as well. Chelsea are pretty active in conversations for all three at the moment but Hato appeals due to the fact he can provide left back cover as well as centre back.”

The 19-year-old has already earned six international caps in a star-studded Netherlands side, and none of his Ajax teammates have played more top flight minutes than Hato this term, highlighting just how indispensable he is to Francesco Farioli despite being just a teenager.

Over his Eredivisie appearances, Hato has also racked up six assists, showcasing his ability to contribute further forward as an attack-minded full-back as well as defensively.

He could be a snip for Chelsea, but they’ll have to be aware of competition from Arsenal, who’ve scouted him since he was 16 (Graeme Bailey).

Tottenham Hotspur have been tipped to appoint a “perfect” replacement for under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou, but it isn’t their rumoured top managerial target Andoni Iraola.

Ange Postecoglou relying on Europa League to save Tottenham job

Following a dismal Premier League campaign, with Postecoglou on course to become Spurs’ worst-ever head coach in the competition’s history, the Australian is seriously under the cosh.

Tottenham plan "surprise" move for Chelsea star as Maresca sanctions exit

The Lilywhites are big fans.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

A 3-1 win over relegated Southampton on Sunday provided a rare break from the pressure surrounding Postecoglou’s position, with the 59-year-old now fully focused on getting past Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday.

It is widely believed that Postecoglou is relying on a good run in the Europa League to keep his job at Tottenham, and this is echoed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

“It’s not over yet, but it’s a dangerous situation, the one of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham,” said Romano on his YouTube channel last week.

“I know Spurs fans are not happy with the current situation. It’s really poor in terms of points. In the Europa League, it’s a different story. Now, there is an important clash with Eintracht [Frankfurt]. So the Europa League is saving the season at the moment for Tottenham and Postecoglou.

“If Tottenham win the Europa League, this could change the whole sense of the project. Next year, they would be in the Champions League finally, so it would be really important. Otherwise, the expectation is that there is a very concrete and strong chance for Tottenham to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season.”

The Lilywhites have already been drawing up potential replacements for Postecoglou, including Iraola, who is believed to be their leading candidate for the job (The Athletic).

However, the 42-year-old isn’t Spurs’ only option, with links also surrounding Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Some reports even suggest that Tottenham have already made an apporach for Silva, following another impressive campaign at Craven Cottage for the Portuguese. European football is very much still alive for the Whites, and they’re fresh off the back of a thrilling 3-2 win over Premier League title frontrunners Liverpool.

Tottenham tipped to appoint Marco Silva instead of Andoni Iraola

Now, TalkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney has explained why Silva would be the “perfect” appointment for Tottenham, with the ex-Watford striker tipping him to transform Spurs in just three months.

“The biggest compliment you could take for Marco Silva is that, if you look at all the people that are around him – his staff – they’ve been poached, because they (other clubs) want Marco Silva but they go and get the people off his branches,” said Deeney on air (via West London Sport).

“He’s ready for a big team. I think he’d be perfect for Spurs if they would allow him to just go and take over and not get involved too much from up above.

“I think he’d change the culture of that place within three months. Marco is definitely ready. Fulham are on a good trajectory, but I think they’ll struggle to keep him long term.”

It’s set to be all change this year in terms of left-backs at Celtic for Brendan Rodgers.

Neither of the Hoops’ current players in that position are contracted to the club beyond 30 June, more on both shortly, while a local hero is poised to return to Parkhead.

However, did Celtic let go the best left-back of them all for just £39k, after he never made a competitive appearance for the club?

The latest on Greg Taylor's future at Celtic

Following Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hearts, manager Rodgers admitted that left-back Greg Taylor is likely to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract in June, stating “it’s probably more likely now that Greg will move on than stay”.

Rodgers added “we know we’ll need to have someone else if Greg moves on… which is a big shame for me because I love him”.

Davorin Olivari of Croatian outlet Jutarnji List has previously reported that GNK Dinamo Zagreb have ‘sent an offer’ to Taylor, seeking to snap him up on a free transfer, with this his most-likely destination at the moment.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Schlupp has usurped Taylor in the pecking order, starting the last four Premiership matches, as well as the away leg in Munich, albeit the Ghanian international’s future is up in the air too, given that he’s only on loan from Crystal Palace.

Regardless, Kieran Tierney is set to commence next season as Celtic’s first choice, having reportedly agreed to rejoin his boyhood club on a Bosman from Arsenal.

Of course, Tierney is undeniably a fans’ favourite in Glasgow, and his return will bring with it much fanfare once it is announced, but did Celtic sell an even more impressive left-back for just £39k?

Celtic's forgotten former left-back on fire in MLS

Back in January 2019, Celtic signed a 22-year-old defender by the name of Andrew Gutman from Indiana Hoosiers, after the American had been on trial at fierce rivals Rangers.

Gutman said he was “really honoured” to make the move, adding “I can’t wait to join Celtic and be part of such a storied institution.”

Well, unfortunately for Gutman, he did not play much of a part, never making a competitive appearance in hoops, loaned out to both Charlotte Independence of USL League One and then FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, before moving permanently to MLS outfit Atlanta United for only $50,000 (£39k) in General Allocation Money in March 2021.

Since then, Gutman has rather bounced around MLS, spending time at both New York Red Bulls and then Colorado Rapids, before joining the Chicago Fire ahead of the start of the 2024 season.

Back in his home state of Illinois, Gutman has really looked at home under Gregg Berhalter this season, scoring during victories over both FC Dallas and Toronto, earning rave reviews, including from Felipe Cárdenas of the Athletic, who labels him ‘incredible’.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Taylor.

Appearances

22

19

Minutes

1,598

1,257

Goals

0

3

Assists

6

1

Chances created

29

10

Passing Accuracy %

88.1%

76%

Tackles

34

32

Interceptions

13

17

Clearances

37

52

Blocks

1

16

As the table outlines, during a similarly sized sample size, Gutman’s performances in MLS are similar to those of Taylor in the Premiership, with the American actually coming out on top when it comes to most defensive metrics.

Also worth noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, Major League Soccer is the ninth strongest division on the planet, with the Premiership down in 34th place.

So, perhaps letting Gutman leave for a small fee was a mistake, as he could’ve been an upgrade on Taylor had he been given an opportunity, especially considering Transfermakt believe his current market value to be around £586k, around 15 times more than he was sold for.

Cost £3m, now worth more than Jota: Celtic hit gold on inspirational star

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth even more than Jota.

ByDan Emery Mar 31, 2025

Rangers are now reportedly in ongoing talks to sign David Watson from Kilmarnock as early as the January transfer window, as they look to fend off competition from Scotland and the Championship.

The Gers are slowly but surely turning things around on the pitch, with new manager Danny Rohl aiming to make it four wins from four in the Scottish Premiership this weekend. And that progress must be matched off the pitch when the January transfer window arrives. It’s repeat or redemption for sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who has come under fire for his decisions in his first few months at Ibrox.

The former Everton man recently spoke about the club’s January plans, sharing that Rangers have given Rohl the chance to evaluate the players already at his disposal ahead of the winter window.

A number of names have already emerged as potential targets for the Gers ahead of 2026, too. According to recent reports, the Scottish giants have set their sights on signing Shea Charles from Southampton.

The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder starred previously starred on loan under Rohl and could now reunite with the manager at Rangers. But he’s not the only name on their list of targets. Reports have also name-dropped Watson in recent weeks and it now looks as though Rangers’ move is advancing.

Rangers now in talks to sign Watson

As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now in ongoing talks to sign Watson from Kilmarnock in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old is out of contract next summer, but the Gers could fend off competition from the Championship and Scotland by securing his signature for a cut-price this winter.

Rohl is also reportedly a big fan of the young midfielder and believes that his energy, tenacity and technical ability would improve his current Rangers side when 2026 arrives.

One of the SPFL's 'most influential players' now can't get a game at Rangers

Rangers have a star who was one of the most influential players in the league last season, now he can’t get a game.

ByDan Emery Nov 19, 2025

The praise that Watson has received during his time at Kilmarnock only backs up the verdict that he’s one of the best young talents that Scottish football has to offer. His teammate, Robbie Deas, told reporters: “Davey’s fantastic, honestly. He’s one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet. He’s absolutely fantastic. You see that today, and he’s putting those tackles in later on.

“Davey’s got all the ability to go to the top, and I’ve no doubt he does, but I’m glad he’s here and he’s playing for us week in, week out, because I would hate to play against him.”

Much of Rangers’ focus was on Championship talent in the summer, but in Watson they would have someone who knows exactly what it takes to thrive in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers can avoid Gilmour repeat by playing teen who's a "heck of a player"

Real Madrid have now set their sights on signing Dominik Szoboszlai in another blow for Liverpool, with the Reds working to set up obstacles to prevent the move.

It’s been a disastrous season for those at Anfield. After spending over £400m and breaking their transfer record twice to welcome Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the Premier League champions have looked a shadow of their best. Sat as low as eighth as the November international break begins, the pressure is growing on Arne Slot for the first time in his Liverpool tenure.

Last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at the Etihad against Manchester City was another game in which Liverpool were physically outmatched, and that’s a major concern. That’s the one thing that they could never be accused of under Jurgen Klopp, but Slot’s technical side simply haven’t been able to compete out of possession.

Club legend Jamie Carragher shared a similar view on the Overlap Fan Debate, claiming that Slot’s attempts to build a more entertaining side have come just when the tide is changing in the Premier League.

It’s difficult to pick out many players who have still thrived for the Reds in recent months, but Szoboszlai is certainly one of them. He has had no trouble adjusting to this so-called new version of the Premier League and his form has not gone unnoticed.

Real Madrid now targeting Dominik Szoboszlai

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now targeting Szoboszlai in a move that could cost them as much as €80m (£71m). Given that they’re already linked with a move for Ibrahima Konate, it would be a major blow for the Reds if they lost their star midfielder alongside the Frenchman in 2026.

After Isak: Liverpool's "next Michael Owen" is destined to be the club's #9

Arne Slot has an emerging 17-year-old star at Liverpool who could take Isak’s number nine shirt off him.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 12, 2025

Unlike in Konate’s case, however, Liverpool have handed Real Madrid an obstacle in the way of Szoboszlai’s signature in the form of his contract, which doesn’t expire until 2028, and have already opened talks over a new deal with the Hungary international.

Those at Anfield know more than most just how much the Spanish giants love a free deal, but it looks as though they’ll have no choice but to offer a premium fee if they want to sign the midfield star.

That said, after Slot dubbed Szoboszlai “unbelievable” back in August, it seems unlikely that he will be going anywhere anytime soon.

Liverpool star is quickly becoming their biggest "disaster" since Keita

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has been hailed for his incredible defensive form after shutting down Bournemouth winger

Antoine Semenyo on Sunday.

Villa cruised to a fourth straight home Premier League victory, brushing Bournemouth aside 4-0 at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side had only scored nine goals in the league coming into the match but put their goalscoring woes to bed to dispatch Andoni Iraola’s below-par Cherries with ease.

Emiliano Buendia’s sublime free-kick put them on track for a fifth win from six before Amadou Onana’s cracker from range doubled their lead. Villa had to withstand a spell of Bournemouth pressure but Emiliano Martinez produced a string of fine saves to keep their lead intact, including a one-handed stop to deny Semenyo from the penalty spot after Morgan Rogers handled the ball.

Villa then made the match safe as substitutes Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen struck to wrap up victory and deliver a first four-goal haul of the campaign. During the game, though he didn’t get onto the scoresheet, one Villa player had a stellar performance.

Cash shone in dominant win over Bournemouth

Writing on X, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic was full of praise for Cash, touching on his contributions over the 2025/26 season which rank him amongst the best defenders in the English top flight.

Cash, along with his Villa teammates, endured a slow start to the current campaign, far from a norm under Emery’s tenure at Villa Park. Picking up their first win of the season only in late September against Bologna, Villa have since lost just two of their last 10 matches, a run to which Cash has been a major contributor.

Interceptions per Game

0.8

Tackles per Game

1.6

Clearances per Game

2.8

Blocked Shots per Game

0.7

Errors Leading to Goals

0

(All stats are from SofaScore)

In what has been a thunderous start to the season for Bournemouth, Semenyo has shone as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Premier League. As Tanswell noted, Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola wanted the Ghanian international to be charging at Lucas Digne rather than Cash, given his form.

Semenyo was limited to a quiet game in a thrashing win, with Cash maintaining the exceptional standards he has had across the campaign as Villa look to, once again, qualify for European football under Emery.

Villa exploring deal for exciting striker