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Everton are on the hunt for their next manager after a nightmare season so far that has left the side sitting 16th in the Premier League, just four points off the relegation zone and Moshiri has been interviewing managers over the last week to replace Rafa Benitez, with a new update emerging on the next manager to open talks for a move to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

Popular transfer insider, Fabrizio Romano, has taken to social media to reveal that a new prospective manager is on their way to the club to interview for the highly anticipated role as the next Everton head coach.

Romano tweeted: “Vitor Pereira will be in England in the coming hours to meet with Everton board. Contract, staff and details to be discussed in order to make the final decision.”

“Key hours/days ahead to find out new Everton permanent manager.”

Fans won’t be happy

The situation that Everton have found themselves in has left fans furious, and this update on Vitor Pereira is not going to better the situation, as many have already taken to the replies of Romano’s update on Twitter to share their thoughts on the Portuguese native becoming their new manager.

One fan tweeted in response:

“Disaster, what a sad day for EFC. The final nail in the coffin.”

Another tweeted: “Since we last interviewed Pereira in 2013 he has managed 6 clubs. Doesn’t strike me as the man we need to bring stability and a long term vision.”

Despite the concern from fans, Pereira has won eight trophies during his managerial career so far, and a winning mentality is something Everton really need to be injecting into the side after just five wins from their 20 Premier League games so far, however, it’s clear where the concern comes from with Toffees fans.

The 53-year-old was sacked just before Christmas during his second stint at Fenerbahce after only winning one of the last five games he was in charge at the club, leading the side to trail 17 points behind league leaders Trabzonspor at the top of the table when he was relieved of his duties in December.

Everton are in dire need of stability and a manager who can come in and impact the club instantly to inspire a huge U-turn in the Toffees season, and rightfully, supporters don’t think that Pereira is the man who is capable of doing that job.

Farhad Moshiri and his team will interview the former Porto manager today, and the right decision will need to be made fast as Everton are in no position to continue losing games and further damaging their season. As far as we’re concerned, though, the Toffees need to be looking elsewhere.

In other news: Moshiri must sign Omar Colley

Mark Douglas has revealed what Eddie Howe has now told him about an injury to Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Saint-Maximin did come off for Callum Wilson in the 79th minute of their 3-1 loss away at Liverpool in the Premier League in midweek because of an injury scare.

Of course, there is no denying the fact that he is such an important player to the team, as underlined by being their second-top scorer in the top flight with three goals, and has averaged the joint-most shots (two) and the most dribbles (4.1) per game, with WhoScored rating him as their best player (7.14) overall.

Nonetheless, with a game at home to the reigning champions Manchester City to come on Sunday afternoon, it will be interesting to see if he is deemed fit enough to play.

The Latest: What Howe has said…

Speaking to journalist Douglas for the inews newspaper, Howe has now revealed that he is ‘not sure’ whether the injury Saint-Maximin suffered is related to the ‘nasty’ tackle on him against the Reds or whether it is more muscular.

He did try to speak to the Frenchman about it, but did not get any clarification.

Howe now has his ‘fingers crossed’ for someone who he described is a ‘big player’ for the St. James’ Park faithful.

The Verdict: Big blow

It is a big, big blow if the North East club are without Saint-Maximin for any prolonged period of time.

He has already shown this season how key he is to the side, and with them currently fighting a relegation battle, they simply need their best players on the pitch.

That is no different for their clash against City tomorrow, and if the winger is confirmed to be out, then it is even more of an uphill task for them to take any points.

In other news, find out who looks certain to miss the City clash here!

Celtic could sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Hannes Wolf on loan, according to German outlet Kicker, relayed by reporter Sacha Pisani.

The Lowdown: Two midfielders signed

The Hoops have already added to their midfield ranks this year with the signings of Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.

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The pair were announced on New Year’s Eve alongside forward Daizen Maeda, putting pen to paper on four-and-a-half-year deals at Parkhead.

Links to Wolf emerged at the beginning and end of December, with Bhoys Analytics recently stating that a move for the 22-year-old would ‘really separate’ Michael Nicholson from Peter Lawwell.

The Latest: Loan move possible

Pisani relayed the ‘latest’ reports from Kicker on Twitter on Monday afternoon, suggesting a loan deal is still in the works for Celtic.

“Latest report via Kicker says a loan deal is possible for Wolf as Celtic circle,” the journalist said.

Rapid Wien have also been credited with an interest in Wolf, who has made just two Bundesliga starts all season.

The Verdict: Interesting…

Wolf, valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, is primarily an attacking midfielder whereas Hatate and Ideguchi play in deeper central positions.

David Turnbull could miss two months of action with a hamstring injury, so bringing Wolf in on loan with a possible option to buy, as they have done with Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, may well be a shrewd move for the second half of the season.

Wolf has struggled in Germany this season, however, he’s proven back in his native country with RB Salzburg that he has an eye for a goal and an assist, so a loan move could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Celtic close to another ‘clinical’ signing after Kenny; Ange is a big fan. 

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in January, with a loan move potentially in the offing.

The Lowdown: Ramsey struggling at Juve

The 71-time capped Wales international has not had the happiest time of things at Juve of late, starting just once in Serie A so far this season.

It has led to rumours linking him with a move away from the Italian giants, with Ramsey struggling to settle there ever since joining from Arsenal in 2019.

With Leeds potentially eyeing up new midfield signings in January, it appears as though the 30-year-old is considered a target.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that a loan move to Elland Road could take place next month.

It is stated that Everton and Newcastle United are also seen as possible suitors and that paths to both them and the Whites ‘remain valid’ currently.

The report also claims that Leeds could possibly sign Ramsey permanently in the summer if he joined on loan initially.

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The Verdict: Proven top-level pedigree

At 30, Ramsey doesn’t necessarily represent the long-term future for Leeds, but if a player of his quality is available they would be wise to make a move for him.

The former Arsenal man has been described as ‘world class’ by Wales teammate and Tottenham defender Ben Davies and he has a Serie A title and three FA Cup winners’ medals to show for that quality.

Ramsey’s ability to score goals from midfield would give Leeds a different option in the middle of the park – 20 goals for Wales speaks volumes – with Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas yet to net once between them in the Premier League this season.

In other news, a journalist has backed Leeds to sign one specific player in January. Read more here.

As per ESPN, an update has emerged involving Steven Bergwijn as Tottenham Hotspur weigh who may or may not be leaving in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Conte makes evaluations…

Antonio Conte recently confirmed to the press that he will be making ‘evaluations’ on his squad ahead of January in a stern message to Spurs players.

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As per reports, there are some players he has already made a decision on, with Football Insider claiming that the Italian has instructed Spurs chiefs to find a buyer for club record signing Tanguy Ndombele.

Bergwijn is another player to have been linked with a possible move away as Ajax make their interest known (The Times), and a report from ESPN states that Conte and Spurs could now green light another January exit after Ndombele.

The Latest: Conte stance revealed…

According to the American outlet, Tottenham’s boss is now ‘unconvinced’ Bergwijn will be part of his plans as he makes a behind-the-scenes call.

As a result, the Netherlands international could be ‘made available’ for transfer in the winter window – especially since Tottenham are eyeing a busy January.

The Verdict: Bad move?

If Tottenham do decide to green light a Bergwijn exit, it may well be a bad move given their hectic calendar and the fact Conte could turn to him as a makeshift centre-forward for emergencies.

Former Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made clear he’s an admirer in the past, calling him a ‘very talented’ and ‘unique’ player inside the Spurs squad (TEAMtalk), and we believe Conte should give him a chance to impress.

Bergwijn actually started the season off well under Nuno before his injury on international duty, with Paul Robinson calling him a ‘top player’, and there may still be time for him under shine under Tottenham’s new boss.

In other news: Paratici boost as Spurs have chance to sign ‘world class’ £157,000-per-week man for Conte, find out more here.

Antonio Conte will be in the dugout to take charge of his first game as Tottenham Hotspur boss after being appointed on a one-and-a-half-year deal on Tuesday afternoon.

The Italian’s work permit has come through just in time to lead out his new side later this evening when they welcome Dutch outfit Vitesse to north London in the Europa Conference League.

He will need to spark an instant reaction with Spurs sat third in Group G, having been defeated 1-0 in the Netherlands two weeks ago.

Conte has barely had time to properly implement his own ideas and philosophy, so it will be interesting to see what sort of formation and lineup he opts for.

With that in mind, here’s the XI we’re predicting tonight…

The 52-year-old will want to kickstart his reign with a bang, so we could see much of his first-team squad feature – there could be just three changes from the side that were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester United on Sunday.

That will also include a change in system as Conte’s famed 3-5-2 gets a run out for the very first time.

Spurs club captain and no.1 Hugo Lloris is set to remain between the sticks despite Pierluigi Gollini often being the choice in the competition, whilst we could see a three-man defence of Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Davinson Sanchez.

On either flank in a new and exciting advanced wing-back role, we’re expecting Sergio Reguilon to come back into the side over Ben Davies, with Emerson Royal continuing on the right.

There are plenty of decisions to be made in the engine room but it’s 21-year-old academy gem Oliver Skipp who is likely to be an unfortunate casualty as Conte may prefer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg occupying a deeper role on his own, allowing Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso freedom further forward.

They will need to get up and down and be industrious in the middle in order to support the two-pronged frontline of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, who should thrive off each other in the final third.

This change in formation means the £18m-rated Lucas Moura is ruthlessly axed as the Italian is unlikely to utilise wingers in their natural form.

AND in other news, Paratici could transform Conte’s Spurs by signing “special” £63m-rated “absolute gem”…

Leeds United have entered the final international break of 2021 15th in the Premier League after 11 matches played this season.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have only won two of their 11 league games, but have avoided heading into the break in the bottom three.

The Lillywhite have 11 points and are three points ahead of 18th-placed Burnley, whilst they are four points behind 10th-placed Crystal Palace.

Liability

One player who has let Bielsa down with his performances this season is Welsh international winger Daniel James, who joined the club from Manchester United for a reported £30m in the summer window.

Since making the switch, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.57 in the Premier League for the Lillywhites – ranking him 19th in the squad. Jack Harrison (6.48) is the only senior player below him in the list, with Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Cresswell and Cody Drameh the others making up the bottom five along with Harrison and James.

The 24-year-old summer signing has been a liability on the pitch. Whilst he puts in the hard work and tries to make things happen, his quality lets him down at the end of the day and his lack of end product will surely frustrate Marcelo Bielsa.

In 10 league outings for Leeds, James has registered zero goals and one assist, whilst he has created a measly five chances in that time.

Former Premier League forward Darren Bent once criticised the attacker’s decision-making in the final third and branded him as ‘headless’. He told Football Insider:

“The only thing about Dan James at times, for me, he’s a little bit headless.

“He’s shown great potential, when he first went to United he played really well, scored a few goals but at times he for me he’s fouled or he shoots sometimes when he should pass it, he’ll pass when he should shoot.

“He’s got great pace and I think he’d be a great addition in anyone’s squad but when we talk about someone coming in and making a real difference and adding a lot of quality to whatever they’ve already got, I’m not quite sure.”

Per SofaScore, James has also been a liability in terms of keeping the ball, with 103 losses of possession in 10 top-flight games.

Whilst his end product in scoring and creating goals has been lacking, the main concern may be how often he gifts the ball back to the opposition throughout matches. He has also lost 62% of his duels, proving himself to be a lightweight in the defensive side of the game.

This shows why James has let Bielsa down this season, as he has been poor at keeping the ball, competing in duels and delivering quality in the final third.

Paying so much for a player who has only offered running thus far does not appear to be a great piece of business, but there is plenty of time left for him to come good and, hopefully, the Argentine can get the best out of him,

AND in other news, Imagine him and Joffy: LUFC may save millions in 19y/o who can “become a household name”…

It makes “no sense” for Leeds United to entertain potential offers for star man Raphinha in the January transfer window, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha stars for Leeds

The Brazilian’s reputation is being enhanced all the time, having shone for the Whites since joining last year, registering nine goals and nine assists since coming to England.

Not only that, but Raphinha has made a flying start to life in a Brazil shirt, setting up two goals on his debut and then bagging a brace against Uruguay.

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The Latest: Hay makes key claim

Unsurprisingly, the winger has been linked with a move elsewhere, with the biggest Premier League clubs circling and a January departure even mooted.

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic before Leeds’ 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday, though, Hay claimed that he can’t see that happening. He wrote:

“Re: Raphinha – I see no sense at all in Leeds entertaining bids in January. It’s not like his value is going to diminish and you’re unsettling your squad at a key point of the season.

“Add to that the fact that the most elite clubs don’t tend to do big deals in January. If they’re doing a Grealish or a Kane for example, those offers tend to come in the summer window because there’s more time to negotiate and value for money tends to be slightly better.”

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The Verdict: Makes no sense

Leeds may have to accept that Raphinha will move on eventually – next summer is arguably looking increasingly likely given his recent form – but a January exit could be hugely damaging.

The Whites are 17th in the Premier League table after their latest setback and they will need the Brazil international for the duration of the campaign. Losing him midway through the season could increase the chances of them getting into a relegation fight, which would be a disastrous scenario after only ending their 16-year top-flight exile in 2020.

In other news, one expert has tipped Leeds to reap a huge financial gain. Read more here.

Another source has suggested that Gennaro Gattuso is a candidate for the role of Newcastle United manager. 

This time it’s Calciomercato, corroborating claims made by journalist Fabio Santini last week.

The lowdown

Speaking on Il Processo (via Sport Witness), Santini said there had been a ‘sensational twist’ in the race for the St James’ Park hotseat, with Gattuso emerging as an option. He said that the AC Milan legend would accept a short-term contract running until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Gattuso has left his last two jobs, with Milan and Napoli, after failing to secure Champions League qualification.

He held talks with Tottenham Hotspur last summer, but they opted not to appoint him amid a backlash from supporters stemming from his comments on race, women in football and same-sex marriage (via The Athletic).

The latest

The latest report from Calciomercato claimed that Newcastle are considering Gattuso in addition to Paulo Fonseca and their ‘dream’ appointment, Erik ten Hag.

After a proposal by Gattuso’s agent Jorge Mendes, the former Italy midfielder features in the Magpies’ ‘notebook’.

The verdict

It’s hard to imagine this would be a popular appointment. In a sporting sense, Gattuso has clearly failed to achieve his clubs’ objectives in each of his last two positions in Serie A.

Off the field, his aforementioned controversial standpoints would put Newcastle under further scrutiny following criticism of the Saudi regime’s human rights record.

The Magpies would probably be better off focusing their attention on Fonseca, who is also out of work and has a much better track record. That means there would be no need to pay a compensation fee for a manager whose CV appears more promising than Gattuso’s.

In other news, Craig Hope has the latest on another managerial candidate

Kevin Campbell has claimed that Leeds United “could still sign” Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien despite him recently signing a new contract with the Championship side.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer transfer window suggested O’Brien featured prominently on Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s shortlist, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline, with suggestions that the Whites’ final offer failed to meet Huddersfield’s demands.

Since then, the 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a new contract to stay with the Terriers, but Campbell has been quick to insist that it may not stop a move to Elland Road in the near future.

He said: “No, no, he could still sign for Leeds next year. He has signed a new contract to up his money and make sure that Huddersfield can get the fee that they want. If Leeds come in they are going to have to come in correct.

“At the end of the day it is easy to say he shouldn’t have signed a new contract but if Leeds really want him they will come in with a bid that satisfies Huddersfield. Listen, he has done the right thing by signing a new contract. If Leeds want him they will get him. Let’s see how it goes.”

Second time lucky for Leeds

Having refused to kowtow to Huddersfield’s asking price for O’Brien, knowledge that the midfielder has signed a new contract with the club shouldn’t be something to overly disappoint Leeds fans.

As Campbell says, if the Whites feel they need the 22-year-old, then a potential move for him could be on the cards in the January transfer window.

A new contract has simply protected O’Brien’s value from Huddersfield’s perspective, but what it doesn’t do, is make him untouchable when it comes to selling him.

Victor Orta and co will surely know what the asking price is for the midfielder given the fact they reportedly had four bids for him rejected, and it will be more a case of whether Bielsa feels he needs his club’s transfer chiefs to push the boat out a little more to strengthen his options.

It could well be second time lucky for Leeds.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered his verdict on Leeds’ transfer business…