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Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in their attacking threat when the January transfer window opens later this week, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s plans.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Everton reporter Patrick Boyland, the Toffees will be in the market for a striker in the new year but it could be challenging for the club to secure one of their top targets.

As per the report, Boyland claims that Everton cannot compete financially to secure permanent deals for players due to financial constraints, and it seems more plausible to focus on the loan market.

Lampard will be worried

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be worried about the current situation at Goodison Park and will be hoping that the January transfer window will allow for vital improvements ahead of the second half of the season.

Everton are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone in 17th after suffering their third consecutive Premier League defeat on Boxing Day to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park – remaining just one point clear of the bottom three.

The Toffees have scored just 12 league goals this season so far which is the third worst goal-scoring record for any club in the top flight, which has been contributed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s constant injury struggles and Richarlison’s exit in the summer.

As a result, the signing of a prolific and natural finisher could be the difference between a comfortable finish in the top flight and another difficult relegation scrap at the bottom of the table that could lead to much worse circumstances than their previous campaign.

Indeed, with the financial concerns plaguing the club, the powers at Goodison Park will need to be smart to ensure they can find the right profile of forward that can improve the front line for the right price.

With that being said, Lampard will need to do everything he can to pull Everton through their upcoming fixtures ahead of the transfer window and will need to hope that Kevin Thelwell can provide the team with a quality striker at the beginning of 2023.

Reported Everton transfer target Sasa Lukic could be beyond the Toffees’ price range, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Everton linked with Lukic

The Serbia midfielder, who started all three of his country’s games at the World Cup in Qatar, has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club in recent weeks.

Reports from Italy stated that Everton are in a direct fight with Premier League rivals Leeds in the race to lure the 26-year-old away from Torino, with his departure from the Serie A club in January deemed probable.

However, according to O’Rourke, it won’t be Goodison Park to which the Serbian makes tracks in the winter transfer window.

The Latest: Lukic too expensive for Everton

The journalist told Football FanCast that Torino will likely demand £30m for Lukic, which he feels could be just beyond reach for Everton next month.

O’Rourke said: “The only problem for Everton right now is probably the transfer fee, I think it might be out of their reach for January for Lukic. I don’t think Torino will be willing to sell for anything less than £30m and I don’t think Everton could go to that right now.”

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The Verdict: Could’ve been an ideal option

Having spent £33m to sign another central midfielder in Amadou Onana over the summer, it’s a pity that a similar outlay on Lukic appears to be beyond Everton’s January budget, judging by O’Rourke’s claim.

The Serbian, who has been dubbed “excellent” by former Torino team-mate Gleison Bremer, could offer something different from the middle of the park in comparison to Onana and Idrissa Gueye.

As per FBRef, Lukic has averaged 3.4 shot-creating actions per game, far more than Onana (1.04) and Gueye (1.59), while he has also made more key passes this season (12) than the Everton midfield pair combined (nine).

His skill set could have nicely complemented those of the Toffees duo, in particular the industrious Gueye, but it looks like Everton will need to turn their attention elsewhere if they want to bolster their midfield next month.

Liverpool appear to have been boosted in their efforts to sign Declan Rice, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the midfielder will leave West Ham next summer following recent comments from the player.

The Lowdown: Rice impressing at World Cup

The 23-year-old has developed into a top-class footballer already, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet for both West Ham and England.

Rice has started all three of his country’s matches at the World Cup so far, impressing in front of the defence and averaging a 94.1% pass completion rate.

The midfielder has been linked with a move Liverpool of late, as Jurgen Klopp eyes reinforcements in that area, and a fresh update regarding the player’s future seems promising for the Reds and other prospective suitors.

The Latest: Romano makes Rice exit claim

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared quotes from Rice hinting that he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with the reporter adding that he believes that will be the case.

The Italian tweeted a clip from Football Daily and stated:

“Declan Rice: ‘I see my friends who play in the Champions League, winning the big trophies. You only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look at what you’ve won’. 

“Expectation is for Rice to leave West Ham in 2023.”

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The Verdict: Would he cost too much?

There can be few question marks over Rice’s worth as a player now, with the England international still so young but such a formidable presence in the middle of the park.

He doesn’t turn 24 until next month, but he has already won 37 international caps, started in the Euro 2020 final and lined out 215 times for West Ham.

Stuart Pearce has described him as a ‘dynamic’ player, and that attribute is something which has been sorely lacking in Liverpool’s midfield so far this season.

Whether or not Rice’s price tag ends up being too high for the Reds is a potential stumbling block, though – a fee of £100m has been mooted – and it could be that a similarly talented player is available for less than the English premium which can often come into play.

Crystal Palace made the bold decision in the summer to release Cheick Kouyate and Patrick Vieira may be regretting that call after the 32-year-old’s impressive start at the 2022 World Cup.

The experienced midfielder started for Senegal in their Group A opener against the Netherlands and played a huge part in the African side frustrating the Oranje on Monday afternoon.

It was only when Kouyate was replaced through injury that Louis van Gaal’s side would be able to find the breakthrough, with late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen earning them a 2-0 win.

The former West Ham man was one of Senegal’s best players in Qatar, earning a strong 7.1/10 rating from SofaScore for his performance, with only Ismaila Sarr and Youssouf Sabaly (both 7.2) rated higher.

During his time on the pitch, the versatile star would complete 18/21 of his passes, including one key pass, in what was an assured midfield display.

His physicality also came to the fore against a technically-gifted Netherlands midfield, as he won 50% of his duels and completed his one dribble attempt.

He was also a key reason for the scores being level when he was forced off after an unfortunate injury, as he contributed four clearances and two interceptions, with no player on the pitch completing more interceptions.

Considering Palace’s lack of defensive options in midfield, with namesake Cheick Doucoure often the only natural midfielder in Vieira’s recent starting lineups, the French manager may be regretting the experienced Kouyate depart.

During his time at Selhurst Park, the Senegal international would make 141 appearances, in which he contributed three goals and five assists, which included 27 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Scott Dann was full of praise for Kouyate after a strong performance against Southampton in 2020, saying:

“He [Kouyate] is a top player; he can play midfield and he showed what he is capable of in the back four. He’s been playing like that since the end of last season.”

It is no surprise that the 32-year-old has been a regular with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest since his Palace departure and after his superb start to the World Cup, Vieira may well be ruing his decision to let him leave on a free transfer.

Peter Silverstone’s appointment as Newcastle United’s new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) has been praised by journalist Charlie Bennett.

The Lowdown: Silverstone’s appointment

On Monday, the Magpies took to their official club website to announce the behind-the-scenes appointment of Silverstone at St James’ Park.

Prior to his arrival on Tyneside, Silverstone spent seven years at Arsenal – four of which were working as the Gunners’ Commercial Director and as their Chief Commercial Officer.

Following this, he joined football media organisation OneFootball, where he was Senior Vice President of Global Development.

The Latest: Bennett’s reaction

Alongside the arrival of Darren Eales as the club’s latest Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dan Ashworth as their new Sporting Director, Bennett is also extremely impressed by PIF’s appointment of Silverstone.

Taking to Twitter, the Chronicle Live journalist fired a cheeky dig at the much maligned Lee Charnley:

“Just a CEO, DoF and CCO appointed on Tyneside in recent months to join five existing board members.

“Who remembers when Newcastle were run like a local handyman? Lee Charnley – the jack of all trades – spinning plates on a shoestring budget.

“Seems like a lifetime ago.”

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The Verdict: Times have changed

With stark behind-the-scenes changes at St James’ Park starting to show on the pitch, Newcastle are only on an upward trajectory from here.

After ten games played this season, the Magpies sit sixth in the Premier League table. Prior to Eddie Howe, the north-east outfit hadn’t finished above 12th place since Rafa Benitez’s first season back in the top-flight, when the club finished tenth in 2017/18.

However, with the investment made with PIF’s takeover, Newcastle now look well on their way to achieving European qualification, if not this season then in the very near future.

The arrivals of the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes at St James’ Park illustrate the owners’ ambitions on the pitch, and the appointments of experienced industry leaders shows exactly how smart they are off it.

Leeds United remain interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to Elland Road next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo, who claim that, after being heavily linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward in the summer transfer window, Victor Orta remains keen on a deal to bring the 23-year-old to LS11 at the end of the current campaign – when the Chile international could be available on a free transfer.

However, the report goes on to state that a host of European sides are also tracking the forward, with UD Almeria, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Sevilla and AC Milan all believed to be keeping a very close eye on the situation of the attacker ahead of a potential move of their own, while Everton are set to offer the Whites competition from the Premier League in the race for the striker.

Absolute bargain

Considering just how impressive Brereton Diaz has been for Blackburn in recent seasons, in addition to the fact that the forward had a reported asking price of £20m last summer, should Orta be able to beat off a number of Champions League competitors in the race for the 23-year-old’s signature on a free, it would not only represent a huge coup for the Whites but also an absolute bargain.

Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £14.4m-rated talent was in sensational form, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game – with these returns seeing him average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94.

It has been a similar story over his 14 second-tier fixtures so far this season, with the £6.5k-per-week attacker having already bagged seven goals, provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.2 shots – 1.1 of which have hit the target – making 0.7 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These metrics have seen the player who Tony Mowbray dubbed “extraordinary” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.84, currently ranking him as Rovers’ eighth-best performer in the Championship this term.

Furthermore, with Brereton Diaz being able to operate from the left wing or as an out-and-out centre-forward, aside from his clinical nature in the final third, the 14-cap international’s impressive positional versatility also makes him an extremely attractive prospect for potential new suitors – particularly the Whites.

As such, it would appear extremely wise for Orta to do everything in his power to win the race for the Chilean sensation next summer, as it is clear to see that landing a player of Brereton Diaz’s ability for nothing would represent an absolute steal.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has dropped a Newcastle United transfer update on reported winter target James Maddison.

The Lowdown: Newcastle ‘confident’ over Maddison

The St James’ Park club are reportedly ‘confident’ that they can secure a deal for the 25-year-old in the January transfer window, after missing out on him during the summer.

The attacking midfielder has rejected another contract offer from Leicester City, so he appears to be seeking a move elsewhere.

The Latest: Maddison snub?

However, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs has said that Maddison does not think that a move to Newcastle in January for him is the best option, as the Foxes star wants to play Champions League football.

The reporter said of the 25-year-old in relation to the Magpies: “From talking to sources close to him, I’m not sure that he thinks that’s the best move in January.

“It becomes quite important for Newcastle to show that they’re on course, suddenly, for European football. Otherwise, I think Maddison won’t go to Newcastle in January. I think he will wait and say, ‘let’s see where you are at Newcastle in the summer’ because he’s that confident that his form is deserving of European football and, specifically, Champions League football.

“That puts Newcastle in quite a tough position with Maddison, much like Mudryk. They’re not going to have that lure in January and, at the moment, they’re in mid-table mediocrity.”

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The Verdict: Understandable

As much as it will pain Newcastle supporters, it is understandable that Maddison seemingly does not want to move to Tyneside at this moment in time.

Hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Toon and Leicester defender Danny Simpson, the 25-year-old has scored three goals and supplied one assist in the current Premier League campaign in a struggling Foxes team, and he currently ranks as their best-performing player in the top flight (WhoScored).

Eddie Howe’s side will be able to catch another glimpse of what Maddison can offer when Leicester play Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium tonight, but it will likely take a lot of persuading to get the playmaker on board with a move to Newcastle unless they show discernible progress quickly.

Aston Villa hosted reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Villa Park on Saturday evening, and Steven Gerrard can breathe a sigh of relief with his team coming away from the clash with a 1-1 draw.

Despite having only 28% possession, 10 fewer shots and completing much fewer passes, the Villa boss can be proud of his team for holding off Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten powerhouse. Indeed, they may have been robbed of an opportunity to take all three points.

A controversial decision saw Philippe Coutinho’s second-half goal ruled out after the linesman flagged for offside, and the whistle was blown before the Brazilian pulled the trigger. However, upon second viewing, the former Liverpool midfielder was quite clearly in an onside position, yet the linesman’s original call was not reviewed by VAR.

Aside from this, Gerrard can be proud of the solid performance of his team who took their few opportunities to take a point from the game. However, there was one player who failed to make an impact throughout the match, with Villa captain John McGinn remaining anonymous throughout.

The 27-year-old newly-appointed skipper had fewer touches than Emiliano Martínez (24 v 60), made just eight accurate passes, failed to win any of his duels (0/2) and lost possession of the ball every 2.4 touches, before finally being hooked by the manager in the 65th minute.

In fact, the side finally scored their equaliser less than ten minutes after McGinn was subbed off for Coutinho, proving that the tactical change was a success.

It will be disappointing for Gerrard considering the Villa boss made the decision to put his confidence and trust into the player to lead by example when he gave the captain’s armband to the midfielder at the beginning of this season, as McGinn was one of the worst performers in the team over the course of the game.

Aston Villa had lost three games in a row ahead of their draw with Man City and now sit 17th in the Premier League table, something that must drastically improve over the coming weeks and months if they don’t want to be dragged into a relegation scrap over the final stages of the season.

With that being said, Gerrard must continue working to find a solution to Villa’s struggles and find the best way to deploy his team to achieve a positive outcome, which could put McGinn’s inclusion under question over the next few fixtures.

Following a rather unspectacular start to the campaign for Glasgow Rangers which included a nervy win away at Livingston and an uninspired Champions League defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, it appears Giovanni van Bronckhorst has settled things rather well.

Yesterday’s 4-0 victory over St Johnstone was the Ibrox side’s third win on the bounce and it allows the team to carry momentum into what is a crucial Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday evening.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst decided to make some changes to the team and freshen things up. Out went James Sands, Tom Lawrence, Scott Arfield and Ryan Kent, who were replaced by Ben Davies, Ryan Jack, Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright.

Man of the moment Malik Tillman opened the scoring in the 32nd minute following a slow start at Ibrox.

Antonio Colak netted his third goal in as many matches, ensuring he is a more than able replacement for Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian still working hard on his match fitness. Two goals in the final ten minutes from Arfield and Lawrence made sure the Ibrox faithful went home happy.

Borna Barisic was the unsung hero

The Croatian is very much a player who thrives on confidence and despite the Dutchman signing Turkish left-back Ridvan Yilmaz, it’s clear that Barisic is still hungry for the starting spot.

His cross to set up Tillman’s crucial goal on Tuesday against USG is what the Ibrox crowd are used to seeing from Barisic, pushing up the pitch to constantly deliver teasing crosses into the box and he was excellent against St Johnstone.

The Croatian international earned a rating of 8.1 as per SofaScore, just behind Tavernier and Matondo as the club’s highest-rated player and he won 78% of his total duels during the encounter.

His proficiency at free kicks almost saw him score his first goal of the season, with a “great” effort sailing inches over the bar and this is another key strength in his all-around game.

The left-back also had 97 touches, made two key passes and his passing accuracy was an excellent 93% over the course of the match.

This is an opinion the Rangers Review also appeared to agree with, with the website affording the Croat a six in their own player ratings, as well as stating of the defender: “Linked up with Matondo well in patches and seemed to play with confidence, particularly after the break. Hit the top of the net with a dipping free-kick as Rangers chased a second.”

Ridvan may have been brought in as a potential long-term successor to Barisic, when the 29-year-old is in this form, it might be hard to displace him from the starting XI.

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is ‘open’ to signing a new deal at Molineux in a potentially huge boost for the club, according to journalist Johnny Phillips.

The Lowdown: Neves’ stance changing?

For much of this summer, the Portuguese’s exit from Wanderers has felt like a given, with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United linked with moves for him.

The current situation appears to be improving, however, with recent claims hinting that he could now stay put beyond the summer transfer window and Liam Keen reporting this weekend a stay is ‘increasingly likely’.

A new update is even more positive, as Wolves desperately try to keep hold of arguably their star player.

The Latest: Key update emerges

Writing for The Express & Star on Saturday, Sky Sports reporter Phillips claimed that Neves is ‘open’ to the idea of a new deal.

He does add however that the player wants a release clause to be included, as well as the promise of a ‘clean departure’ in the future.

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The Verdict: Bigger than any signing

Should Neves sign a new contract and commit his future to Wolves, it would be an enormous moment in the club’s summer – arguably more important than any other signing coming in.

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Jose Sa has hailed his teammate as an ‘amazing’ player and Bruno Lage’s side would remain far more formidable with the Portugal international in their ranks, having helped them earn promotion to the Premier League in 2017/18 and cleaned up at the end-of-season awards that year.

Of course, it would be unrealistic to assume that Neves will stay at Wolves forever but even getting another season or two of his services would be far better than losing him this summer, while a new deal will preserve his massive transfer value for any future move.