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Everton could now make a risky deadline day transfer to solve their striker issue…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to 90min, who just last night reported that the Toffees were one of several Premier League clubs showing interest in Ghana striker Andre Ayew.

The 33-year-old had featured at the most recent World Cup and had formerly earned success in England with Swansea City.

Whilst options are limited for Sean Dyche, this deal has worrying shades of Rafa Benitez’s decision to sign Salomon Rondon on a free in 2021.

Rondon repeat

In a desperate search to find cover for the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Benitez sought out the Venezuelan who had spent his recent years just like him, in Chinese football.

As such, his fitness was incredibly poor, and it took him months to get back up to speed with the English game. Then, even when he had done, his physique and age failed him on every occasion.

Despite making 31 appearances for the Merseyside outfit he would score only three times, with two of those goals coming against Boreham Wood in the cup.

His presence at Goodison Park was a constant reminder of the miserable regime that nearly saw them relegated, and offered an indicator as to just how far this great club had fallen.

Ayew, having recently seen his contract in Saudi Arabia terminated, would likely only exacerbate this claim.

Having once been dubbed “explosive” by writer Mohammed Ali, it is unlikely he has retained this sharpness that made him a once impressive footballer for this division. It must be remembered that Rondon once shone for West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.

The ageing marksman also boasted just three goals this campaign in the Stars League, but admittedly had notched 15 in 21 last campaign.

Despite this, having left England to play in a league with far less quality for a few years now, he is sure to be way off the pace. Dyche cannot afford any passengers in his journey to avoid relegation, and with the huge fee just received for Anthony Gordon he must aim much higher.

The worrying similarities between that description of Ayew’s recent career path and that of Rondon before he joined should be enough to ward off Everton from this deal.

Chelsea are reportedly one of the clubs who are keen on a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, with the Spaniard facing something of an uncertain future at his current side.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Jacob Steinberg, via Twitter, the Blues are said to be “interested” in signing the 27-year-old during the summer, with the experienced asset currently having just 18 months remaining on his existing deal with the Bees.

In the attached piece for the Guardian, the report suggests that both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the former Blackburn Rovers man at present.

The report notes that Graham Potter’s side could well be looking to bolster their goalkeeping department with Edouard Mendy having yet to extend his contract and with Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place in the side still said to be ‘uncertain’ in the long-term.

If the west Londoners are to prise the Barcelona-born sensation from his current surroundings, they could well be able to strike a deal for a rather measly fee of just £15m-£20m, as per the Telegraph.

‘Next level’ signing

A new recruit in the sticks has become something of a necessity of late due to Kepa’s current woes, with the former Athletic Bilbao man having been somewhat culpable in the Premier League defeat to Manchester City after failing to cut out Jack Grealish’s pullback, before then going walkabout for Fulham’s second goal in the 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage last week.

Those struggles have seen pundit Ian Wright describe the £150k-per-week dud as “nervy” and a player who simply makes “too many mistakes”, hence the need to find a suitable, long-term replacement in the coming months.

Turning to the aforementioned Raya could well prove a dream scenario for the Stamford Bridge outfit, with the 6 foot ace having been described as “next level” with the ball at his feet by journalist Dan Bardell.

That strength in possession is evidenced by the fact that the two-cap machine ranks in the top 6% for touches made among those in his position in Europe, having also been praised by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp last season for his distribution, with the German stating:

“Their goalie should have number 10 on his shirt with the balls that he played.”

That quality on the ball does not appear to come at a cost with regard to his brilliance at keeping the ball out of the back of the net, with the one-time Southport loanee having made 81 saves in 19 games in the top-flight this season – the most in the division.

Kepa, by contrast, has made only 38 saves in the top tier so far this term from his 11 outings, while also ranking in just the top 47% for touches made to illustrate that he is arguably not as comfortable in possession.

While the Brentford man may not be a potential glamour name for Potter and co to pursue, his ability to both prevent goals and help to offer an added threat creatively should well ensure that he can help take Chelsea to that ‘next level’.

Arsenal have made contact and are currently in pole position to sign Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Opportunity to strengthen

The Premier League giants are flying high at the top of the table after an excellent start to the season, and the winter market will present the Gunners with the chance to bolster their ranks further in a bid to maintain their leading place.

The Serbian still has 18 months remaining on his deal at the Olympic Stadium so it’s likely that a reasonable sum will be needed to prise him away from Serie A, one that Edu could be open to paying following a fresh update.

The Latest: Arsenal make enquiry

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Arsenal, alongside another unnamed top-flight club, have ‘been in contact’ with Milinkovic-Savic’s agent, Mateja Kezman, regarding a potential move.

Mikel Arteta’s side are reportedly ‘at the front of the queue’ to secure his services, and whilst Lazio have ‘no sense of panic’ in relation to his contract situation, any kind of ‘big move’ away is likely to take place ‘in the summer’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Milinkovic-Savic has been described as being ‘on the same level’ as Kevin De Bruyne by Ciro Immobile, and the Gunners should complete a deal for him as soon as they possibly can.

The Lleida native is an attacking midfielder and loves to contribute in the final third, having posted ten goal contributions in just 15 league starts this term alongside averaging 1.6 shots per game (WhoScored).

Lazio’s valuation of the 27-year-old yet remains to be seen, but the north London outfit should almost certainly splash the cash should the opportunity to sign him arise later this year.

Sunderland’s signing of Danny Batth on a free transfer has proven to be a masterstroke by Kristjaan Speakman, as the centre-back has been instrumental to the Black Cats’ impressive start to the season.

The experienced defender had spent much of his career in the Championship with the likes of Wolves, Middlesbrough and Stoke City, so he was always going to be a valuable addition at the Stadium of Light when he joined the Wearsiders last January.

Batth came to the north east on a free transfer from Stoke, having turned out just 11 times in the Championship for the Potters last season, and he featured 12 times for the Black Cats as they earned promotion back to the second tier via the League One play-offs.

So far this term, only seven players have earned a higher average rating from WhoScored than Batth, with his strong 6.74 rating a testament to his impressive start to life back in the Championship.

The 32-year-old also ranks first for clearances and second for aerial duels won in Sunderland’s squad, which emphasises how important he is to Tony Mowbray and why he has earned a reputation as a “colossal” defender, as Josh Bunting called him.

The Sunderland-supporting journalist was full of praise for the former Wolves man at the weekend when an injury forced him off in the 1-1 draw with Hull City.

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Bunting tweeted: “Hopefully that injury for Danny Batth isn’t serious, hope it’s just a minor one or a precaution and he’s back for Boxing Day. Has been our best player this season, obviously great to have Daniel Ballard back in the team and an option from the bench. Batth is the leader at the back.”

Only Anthony Patterson has also started every single game for Sunderland in the Championship this season, which shows how highly Batth is valued by Mowbray at the Stadium of Light.

Therefore, Speakman deserves a huge amount of praise for prising the defender away from Stoke on a free transfer earlier this year, as it seems likely that he will be hugely important in any push for the play-offs again this season.

Aston Villa will undoubtedly be watching Mehdi Taremi’s performances for Iran through a veritably bitter lens after missing out on the prolific forward a few years ago. 

Indeed, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has seen several stars rise to the forefront of footballing conversation thus far, with Iran talisman Taremi succeeding in netting two goals and serving one assist across tough fixtures against Wales and England.

And the FC Porto striker has the chance to continue his dynamic performance on the biggest stage with the forthcoming decider against USA, with victory cementing a place in the first knockout phase of the competition. 

Notably, the 30-year-old created a tournament-best eight chances against Wales last Friday as the Asian outfit snatched a stunning late victory over their dismayed opposition.

The Villans will indeed rue the missed opportunity to bring the forward to the Midlands of England, with Sky Sports confirming that the club held concrete interest in the player in 2020 when they were under the management of Dean Smith.

For Porto this season, the “ridiculous” – as lauded by Rio Ferdinand – maestro has 13 goals and eight assists in just 19 outings, including a stunning five goals in as many matches during the Champions League group phase. 

Any strike in club football’s most coveted competition is worth treasuring, but none more so than a remarkably audacious overhead effort against Chelsea in last season’s Champions League quarter-final stage, which consequently won the UEFA Goal of the Season. 

In fact, since signing for Porto in August 2020, the €25m-valued (£21.5m) phenom has netted a total of 62 goals for the Portuguese giants, eclipsing the totals of Villa’s current forward options. 

In Qatar, the attacking threat has provided a rounded, polished presence, and without him Iran wouldn’t have performed as they did against the Welsh.

As per Sofascore, the 61-cap ace holds a stunning average rating of 7.43, a thorn in the opposing backline’s side with two shots per match and an orchestrator with three key passes. 

While the forward is now 30 years old, he clearly has enough gas left in the tank to be a menace for even the sturdiest of defences for years to come, and if the Villans were to revise a deal in the near future he could certainly offer a different dimension to their attack, possibly even adopting the role as their definitive focal point.

Bearing fruit domestically, continentally, and on the international stage, Taremi is the real deal. Villa should lament the missed opportunity. Indeed, his versatile, multi-faceted approach play would be a fine addition to their team, and he would fit right into the system, bringing goals, assists and knitting the forward flow together without seam.

An update has emerged on Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray and his plans for the upcoming January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Black Cats boss is interested in snapping up central midfielder Bradley Dack from Blackburn Rovers to bolster his squad.

The pair worked together at Blackburn and Mowbray is now eyeing a reunion with the playmaker to improve his options in the attacking areas.

It is stated that the Lancashire side may be willing to allow him to depart on a free transfer in January as he is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Alex Pritchard 2.0

Sunderland could repeat the masterclass they played with Alex Pritchard by securing a deal for Dack. Kristjaan Speakman signed the former Norwich man last summer after he was released by Championship side Huddersfield and he has been a great success on Wearside.

The attacking midfielder produced four goals and nine assists in 28 League One starts as the club secured promotion to the second tier and has managed one goal and three assists in 19 matches this term – creating 2.1 chances per game.

Pritchard kickstarted his career at the Stadium of Light after contributing just one assist in 36 Championship appearances across his final two seasons with the Terriers, failing to score a single goal in that time.

Dack is in a similar situation in the sense that he has not found his best form in the last couple of years. Since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, he has scored four times and provided one assist in 36 league outings for Blackburn.

The £11k-per-week gem had plundered 24 goals and eight assists in the two Championship seasons prior to that and 18 goals and nine assists in League One in his first campaign with the club.

This shows that the quality is there for the 28-year-old to be an outstanding performer in the second tier as he has proven himself in the past. Therefore, he has the potential to be another Pritchard as he could reignite his career at Sunderland whilst working with his former manager.

Mowbray previously described Dack’s enthusiasm for the game as being “amazing to watch” and the midfielder has captained Rovers at times, which suggests that he has the scope to be another leader on the pitch for Sunderland.

Therefore, he could be an excellent signing for the Black Cats and, on a free transfer, is a gamble worth taking to see if he can be the next Pritchard on Wearside.

West Ham United were able to secure top spot in their Europa Conference League group on Thursday evening as they earned a 1-0 win over Silkeborg at the London Stadium.

It was a promising night for the Hammers, as David Moyes was able to rotate his side and introduce some youngsters, as well as more experienced players who were coming back to fitness.

One of those players was Nayef Aguerd, who was making his competitive debut for the club having joined in the summer from Rennes in a deal worth £30m.

The Morocco international injured his ankle in pre-season but looked well assured on his debut, albeit against inferior opposition, completing 94% of his passes and enjoying 98 touches of the ball under the London Stadium lights.

There was also an impressive performance from Angelo Ogbonna at centre-back, which will leave Moyes with a selection headache ahead of this weekend’s game against Manchester United.

Last season saw the Irons endure a defensive crisis which left Craig Dawson as the only fit centre-back at the club but somewhat ironically, the Englishman is now the only one sidelined through injury, which gives Moyes some big decisions to make about his preferred partnership in the heart of the Irons defence.

Thilo Kehrer has been solid since his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain, while Kurt Zouma has picked up where he left off last season, with WhoScored ranking him as the fifth-best performer in Moyes’ side so far this season.

After that £30m investment in the summer, you would expect Aguerd to soon establish himself as a starter now that he is back fit and while Ogbonna is 34, Moyes spoke recently about his importance to the side, saying:

“At the time when we lost Angelo [to injury] last season, we were in the top two or three in the league. Angelo was in great form playing alongside Kurt and probably if we’re honest, we were maybe in our best form in that period.”

With Dawson also still to come back, after he emphasised just how reliable he can be with some recent performances, Moyes will soon find himself in a situation where he has five or six quality centre-backs to choose from, with Ben Johnson also more than capable of filling in there.

It will be interesting to see who he selects at Old Trafford this weekend after Aguerd and Ogbonna both showed their qualities on Thursday night.

Time is running out for special purpose acquisitions firm LAMF to complete a partial takeover of Everton, according to football finance guru Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Financial Fair Play

In recent years, with the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium build ongoing, the Toffees have struggled to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Consequently, this has led owner Farhad Moshiri to seek external investment for the Merseyside club.

Understood to be in talks with club officials with a view to a deal is LAMF; a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) co-fronted by Jeffrey Soros, nephew of George Soros, one of the richest men in the world.

The Liverpool Echo recently reported that an 18-24 month deadline for a takeover was set when the group raised £226m in funds last November.

The Latest: Maguire’s claim

Maguire believes that a deal will go through before the deadline is reached, although time is rapidly running out for Everton.

Speaking with Football Insider, the finance guru claimed: “We have seen a rise in SPACs in recent years.

“They have become the darling of Wall Street. These are special companies which are set up to make acquisitions in particular industries. If they fail to make an acquisition, the money tends to go back to the investors.

“The sands of time are starting to disappear as far as this particular SPAC is concerned.

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“Everton does tick a lot of boxes in the sense that it is a very vibrant and iconic city. Football is seen by American investors as an industry which is undervalued by the traditional markets.

“I think the new owners want to develop the game in ways that might challenge the traditional fanbase. But there is certainly an opportunity and there is no reason why they can’t get a deal over the line. When lawyers and accountants have to work quickly, they are capable of putting in 24-hour shifts.

“The deal could easily be mid-season. We saw Newcastle acquired just over 12 months ago. The timings from an investment perspective don’t have to be aligned with the football season itself.”

The Verdict: Everton need investment

Having accumulated a net spend of £18.2m this summer despite an initial £52.2m coming in from the departure of Richarlison to Tottenham, Everton need outside investment if they are to continue investing in building a squad capable of finishing in the top half of the Premier League table without breaching FFP regulations.

Everton made some shrewd signings this summer with the free transfer of James Tarkowski and the season-long loan of Conor Coady from Wolves, illustrating better habits in the transfer market as opposed to previous years.

However, if the club did not receive and sanction a big-money offer for Richarlison, they would have been under huge financial pressure.

Therefore, Toffees fans will surely be hoping for a partial takeover to go through as soon as possible, as strict penalties continue to loom over the club’s head.

Newcastle United defender Sven Botman has pulled out of the Netherlands’ Under-21 squad to focus on his club duties. 

The lowdown

Botman is in the early knockings of his career at St James’ Park after making a £33.3million summer switch from Lille.

He’s started four of the Magpies’ first seven Premier League matches, but was left on the bench for the game against Bournemouth at the weekend as Eddie Howe favoured Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.

After Louis van Gaal overlooked Botman for the senior squad, he was due to face Belgium and Romania in a pair of Under-21 friendlies.

The latest

The Chronicle shared a video report on Twitter from Lee Ryder, who confirmed that Botman has voluntarily withdrawn from the squad.

He called it ‘great news’ for the Magpies because it reduces the chances of the defender picking up an injury.

But he also explained that the new signing is ‘taking a big risk’ because the decision might anger Van Gaal and harm his senior chances going forward.

He said: “His chances of going to the World Cup are pretty low, unless there’s a spate of injuries.

“The big risk now for Botman will be whether this has irked Van Gaal.

“In that event, if there was injuries, would he recall him because he’s walked away?

“We don’t know the full story as things stand, but the reality is Van Gaal is a tricky customer and possibly may not look kindly at this.”

The verdict

You can definitely understand Botman’s decision.

It’s a show of commitment from the 22-year-old, who wants to establish himself as a starter for the Magpies after failing to fully convince Howe in the first few weeks of the season.

Perhaps if the Under-21s were trying to qualify for a major tournament, then his outlook would have been different, but there’s very little riding on their games this month.

And even if there is a chance that Van Gaal is ‘irked’, Botman knows he’s still young and has plenty of time to improve his international prospects.

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Newcastle United to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

The Lowdown: Antony in the building

The Red Devils are finally making inroads in the transfer window late on, with Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony set to follow countryman Casemiro to Old Trafford.

United have agreed on an £85m deal to sign the forward, who is already at Carrington after footage leaked on social media. The 22-year-old looks like he’ll become the club’s fifth summer signing, and a sixth isn’t far off either, seemingly.

The Latest: Dubravka next…

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter in the last 24 hours that United have reached a “full agreement” with Newcastle for Dubravka.

The transfer expert stated that the goalkeeper will join on an initial loan deal with a £5m option to buy next summer, with the Slovakian set to undergo a medical today.

The Verdict: Needed

Although a move for Dubravka might not get United fans as excited compared to a mega-money deal for Antony, it still appears to be a shrewd piece of business.

The 33-year-old, who has been labelled as ‘top class’ by journalist Josh Bunting and dubbed a leader by The Chronicle’s Mick Quinn, has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt during his four-year stay at St James’ Park.

Therefore, he should provide adequate cover for David de Gea, with Erik ten Hag’s side also having Europa League football in their schedule this season.

Failing to bring in another goalkeeper would have left Tom Heaton as the only senior alternative to De Gea, so this transfer is definitely needed.