It’s no secret that Everton are in desperate need of a goalscorer. Birmingham front-man Che Adams can be just that player if Marco Silva is willing to take the gamble.
The 22-year-old has been tearing up the Championship, scoring 22 goals and making four assists in 40 games this season. He’s on fire and Football Insider 247 believe he’s caught the eye of the Toffees this season.
To challenge for a place in the top six next term, Everton need more goals than top scorers Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson are providing, that’s 13 each. Neither of those are out-and-out strikers and that’s what the Goodison faithful have wanted since the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Che Adams is the perfect fit to take over that role, and the fact he’s playing in the Championship shouldn’t put the Toffees off. He’s valued at just £6.3m on Transfermarkt and that’s a bargain compared to the amount they’d be spending on a player of a similar age at a top-level club.
The signing wouldn’t come with any pressure to perform right away, considering his low price tag and lack of world-class reputation. Any impact he has would be seen positively, and then he could fit himself into Marco Silva’s team gradually and become the main man they so desperately need.
It’s time Everton stopped buying 15-goals-per-season strikers and finally brought in a natural finisher to take them onto the next step of their regeneration project.
The fans’ patience is running out, so the board had better get negotiating.
Everton fans, who do you think should start up top for your club next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Lee Bowyer has established himself as one of the top young managers the EFL has to offer this season, with his Charlton side on an unbelievable run in 2019 and pushing for automatic promotion.
The former midfielder is ready and willing to bring youth players through to the first team if they have earned it and the likes of George Lapslie, who has made 25 league appearances this campaign, have benefited greatly.
With Roland Duchatelet likely to be reluctant to provide Bowyer with much in the way of funding this summer, the Addicks boss may be forced to comb the academy for his next first team star: that could well be Alfie Doughty.
The left-sider was in sensational form for the Addicks Under-23’s on Tuesday as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Burnley and will surely have caught Bowyer’s eye at The Valley.
The 19-year-old opened the scoring after the returning Jake Forster-Caskey pinged a free-kick over to the left, allowing him to get his knee over the ball and unleash a howitzer of a half-volley past Aiden Stone in net for the Clarets, who had absolutely no chance.
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Mere moments later, the teenager nearly had his second but fired wide, although his excellent all-round showing would see him get the brace he deserved in the latter stages, with yet another left-footed half-volley.
Clearly he has a knack for scoring special goals; some Charlton fans may remember the 60-yard, first-time strike he score for the Addicks Under-18’s in the FA Youth Cup in December 2017.
The former Kingstonian loanee was heavily involved in his side’s creation on Tuesday and was a constant threat down the left wing with his trickery and vision. Despite being listed as a defender on Charlton’s official website, his two-goal performance in a more advanced position suggests the youngster has a lot more to offer on the front foot.
One thing is for certain, if he can keep registering displays of that calibre, it will only be a matter of time before he makes his first team bow.
Crystal Palace host Manchester City this weekend in a clash that doesn’t look too promising for Roy Hodgson’s side – their visitors are strolling through games at the moment without getting out of second gear, while the Eagles’ woeful home record this campaign speaks for itself.
Despite the shocking result at the Etihad Stadium in December, this game looks more or less like a write-off for Palace, but it could give Hodgson the epiphany he needs to turn Palace’s Selhurst Park fortunes around.
On the chalkboard
Pep Guardiola’s side are masters of ball retention and pinning their opponents’ backs to the wall for the full 90 minutes and are confident enough to do it wherever they go, SE25 included.
Palace will likely be forced to sit back and soak up pressure, denying all the intricate runs and passes made by their opposition for much of the game, despite it being on their own ground.
It will most likely be damage limitation for the Eagles, who will look to keep the score down and get some joy on the counter – sound familiar? It’s what they’ve been doing on the road all season and it has yielded results.
Hodgson’s epiphany
No matter how much Hodgson tries to turn Palace into an attractive footballing side, the Eagles are a counter-attacking outfit – they were much better under Sam Allardyce and even Alan Pardew at times when they played direct.
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At home, Palace tend to be the aggressors and they always get caught out on the counter – the roles will be reversed on Sunday though, and the Eagles can turn it into an away game.
They have the pace – and Wilfried Zaha – to cause the Premier League champions all sorts of problems on the counter and, should they get anything close to their Boxing Day result, then Hodgson might finally realise where his side’s true quality lies.
The Croydon outfit desperately need to improve their home form if they are to avoid another relegation battle next year, and this could be the game after which the turnaround begins.
Liverpool fans on Twitter have been reacting to the news that club legend Robbie Fowler is to be appointed the next new manager of Hyundai A-League side Brisbane Roar.
Many of them first learnt of the news through Liverpool Echo journalist James Pearce as he revealed that an announcement was to be made on Tuesday – it duly was.
And members of the Anfield faithful were left delighted by the update about the man who scored 163 goals in 344 appearances in all competitions in the famous red.
One mused that Brisbane now have a better boss than the Reds’ bitter rivals Manchester United do in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while others wished him good luck, expressed how happy they are for the 44-year-old and called him names such as “legend” and “god.”
Fowler will be taking over a team that currently sit ninth and second from bottom in the table of Australia’s top flight – here’s a selection of the best reactive Tweets from gleeful Liverpool supporters…
Rekeem Harper is just another player in a long line of fantastic talents to come through West Brom’s youth academy. It’s a flourishing system but down the years they’ve seen too many leave.
The same could be about to happen to Harper, with the central midfielder’s contract running out this summer.
Attempts have been made by the Baggies board to tie him down, but as the season goes on it may be becoming a concern that he’s yet to sign a new deal.
In February the Express & Star reported that a new contract for the 19-year-old was moving a ‘step closer’ and then in March, the same publication reported that there had been ‘good’ talks between both parties.
But there hasn’t been an update since so it remains a real possibility he could depart the Hawthorns for nothing in a few months time.
With this in mind, what would the potential consequences be if he were to leave?
Field flourishes
Playing two inexperienced midfielders together is a gamble and, although West Brom kept a clean sheet with the pair of them in midfield on Easter Monday, it’s unlikely that they’d both be able to play in the same side.
Therefore, if Harper left then it would give a perfect opportunity for Field to come in and takes his place.
The 20-year-old is a more defensive minded player than his fellow teammate but the fact he’s a more disciplined individual may work in his favour going forward.
He’s only started four times this season in the league but made his first outing under James Shan this week. The academy graduate will be well known to the new manager due to his previous work with the U23s so they will already have a great natural understanding of each other.
Field is a calming influence and his emergence in the first team would be the perfect way to soften the blow of Harper leaving.
More academy frustration
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A reoccurring theme over the years has seen West Brom lose a host of their brightest academy prospects. Izzy Brown moved on to Chelsea whilst the likes of Kemar Roofe and Tyler Roberts also fled the nest at the Hawthorns.
Although Field, another academy graduate, would benefit as a result of Harper leaving, it would bring yet more frustration upon the club’s wonderful youth set up.
Albion’s inability to keep their best young players at the club hasn’t appeared to be too much of a hindrance down the years, but you can only wonder what they’d be like had Brown stayed.
He was a wonderful talent and ever since leaving the Baggies he hasn’t shown too many signs of progression.
Perhaps Harper ought to look at his example and sign a new contract with the club. Either way, it’ll be hugely concerning for West Brom supporters that another of their most promising players is so close to the exit door.
If the club wants to be taken seriously when it comes to developing young footballers then they have to try and keep him.
West Brom can focus on what really matters
No one wants a player at their club who doesn’t actually want to be there and if recent performances are anything to go by it’s clear to see that this contract talk could be affecting Harper’s game.
His attitude and disinterest in recent matches has been alarming, particularly against Hull, as he was one of few negatives from the victory.
As we’ve seen in days gone by, contract talks can affect not only the player but the team too. In some senses, if Harper was to leave then it would likely be beneficial for everyone. There’d be improved morale and West Brom would be able to focus on matters on the pitch, rather than off it.
At 19-years-of-age he’s still young, but an attitude problem can be hard to fix and it may actually be a blessing in disguise if he failed to agree to new terms with the West Midlands club.
After all, Harper won’t be the last academy graduate West Brom have the opportunity to develop and, with players like Finn Azaz also waiting in the wings, Baggies supporters shouldn’t feel as worried.
[ad_pod ]Chris Sutton was quick to praise Celtic winger James Forrest after he was voted PFA Scotland’s Player of the Year, beating teammate Callum McGregor and Rangers duo Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos.
The Scottish international, who has been at Celtic for his entire career, has had a superb season as the Bhoys secured their eighth consecutive league title.
Sutton, a Celtic legend, has probably summed up most Celts fans’ feelings on the 27-year-old.
Forrest’s season has seen him score 11 whilst providing 12 assists for his teammates.
The Scottish international has always had pace but this season he has added some serious end product to his game and must now be considered one of the best players in the league.
Sutton certainly seems to think so and so do many of his opponents. The question for Forrest then is whether or not he can continue his fine form next season.
Newcastle have been brilliant at times this season and if Rafa Benitez does decide to stay, the fans truly believe in a very bright future for the club. Yes, it really is the hope that kills you when it comes to supporting the Toon, isn’t it?
Frustratingly, the foundations at Newcastle United are there for all to see. With the right backing, it wouldn’t be unthinkable to see the Magpies fighting for a place in Europe but important steps must be taken to reach that stage.
Firstly, either Mike Ashley must leave, or stump up the required funds to make brilliance happen. Secondly, Rafa Benitez has to stay, then real hope can ensue. With that in mind, this summer is essential for their progression as a club. With the right players brought it, not only will they likely remain a Premier League side, they could really kick-on as well.
As much as fans would love to see big name players arrive at St James’ Park, sometimes the acquisition of squad players is also vital. One player previously linked with a move to Newcastle was Andreas Samaris, and that is someone they should look to rekindle an interest in.
Samaris, who was signed for £9 million back in 2014 (as per Transfermarkt), is a talented midfielder that is set to leave Benfica on a free this summer, in search of a new challenge.
The 29-year-old is most definitely experienced, having been capped by Greece 35 times during his career thus far.
Not only that, he has also been a regular in Portugal still this season, despite the brilliant young talent Benfica have breaking through. If he can make 25 appearances, score two goals and assist another two as well, the impact he could make at Newcastle is unthinkable.
Thought to be close to a move to Tyneside in January before a late collapse, the Magpies should relaunch a move, given the state of their current midfielder.
Of course, it would make perfect sense to sign Samaris with Isaac Hayden reportedly (as per Telegraph) determined to leave St James’ Park this summer. He’d be the perfect replacement for the Englishman as he can produce goals and assists in the final third, as well as using his passing ability and defensive qualities to good effect.
Think a much, much better Mo Diame.
In a deep-lying role, Samaris would be well used by Newcastle to sit and protect their defensive line and who knows, he could be a right bargain if it works out.
Toon fans, still keen on Samaris? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Tottenham Hotspur have again been linked with a move for old flame Gareth Bale, per Marca via Sport Witness.
Spurs, of course, sold the Wales international to Real Madrid in 2013, receiving a then-world record fee of £85million in exchange.
He has not truly adapted to life in Spain, however, and there is a claim that the La Liga giants could look to move the 29-year-old when the transfer window reopens.
Should Spurs be eyeing such a move, though, having instituted a strict wage policy under chairman Daniel Levy?
Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below!
Billy Meyers
“Absolutely not. If Tottenham had any sense about them, they would put sentiment aside and steer well clear of this inevitable failure. Gareth Bale is still a world-class talent, but an umimpressive tally of goals and assists this season, for a player of his calibre, plus a whole barrage of fitness problems, suggest that he is a player in decline who is approaching his 30th birthday. Mauricio Pochettino has been starved of support from Daniel Levy in the market, and he wouldn’t help himself if he made this huge transfer gaffe.”
Matt Dawson
“Signing Gareth Bale this summer would be a remarkable statement of intent from Spurs. I feel that the club are still lacking that ‘star’ in their squad that a number of the top teams have, and although Harry Kane is there to provide the goals, Bale is someone who’d be able to change things in an instant. If Tottenham have serious ambition both domestically and in Europe then they should do absolutely everything in their power to bring him back to north London.”
James Beavis
“In my opinion, Tottenham should avoid Bale at all costs. Yes, he was a hero for the north London outfit previously, but for the price tag and likely wages he would command, he would be a bad investment. His injury issues are hugely concerning, and Spurs could buy 2 or 3 quality players for the same money. In short, they don’t need a ‘Galactico’ in their squad.”
Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer was in the headlines last Tuesday as he was the hero for the Villans after they prevailed on penalties in their play-off semi-final with West Brom.
Steer made two saves during that shoot-out, and now it appears as though he’s on the radar of the Scottish national team.
According to a report in The Scottish Sun, the SFA have been alerted to the fact he’s eligible to represent them at international level.
As a result, Villa fans took to Twitter to respond to the claims and it provoked a very mixed reaction.
One supporter claimed that Steer deserved a possible call-up whilst another fan suggested he’d be able to help save them.
Other members of the Villa Park faithful left far more sarcastic comments. One tweet suggested John McGinn had been sweet-talking the 26-year-old goalkeeper. A further individual amusingly added that it was harsh on him.
Steer spent the first half of the season on loan at Charlton after falling out of favour with Steve Bruce. However, Dean Smith recalled him in January and he’s since played a monumental role in Villa claiming a place in the play-off final.
The stopper has played 18 times for the Villans this term, keeping six clean sheets.
Let’s be honest, who was that bothered about Sunday’s final game week in the Scottish Premiership? Rangers certainly didn’t seem to be as Kilmarnock ensured Steven Gerrard ended the season in defeat, although taking the positives from the clash, the Gers got to see 17-year-old Dapo Mebude get a run out in the senior side.
Ultimately, the youngster couldn’t mark his appearances with a goal or a win, but he still did enough to impress the supporters with his neat touch on the ball and willingness to put in the hard yards in his time on the pitch. There now must be thoughts amongst the Bluenoses that Mebude is more ready than they thought, and he’ll be expected to get more minutes in next season’s title push.
The weekend’s action may have been the last time which the Gers witness Alfredo Morelos bag for the Gers, and if he does find himself packing his bags and leaving Glasgow this summer then it will be up to Steven Gerrard to either recruit a replacement or source one from the youth sides. If he opts for the latter, Mebude is the obvious candidate to step up and try and add goals.
Jermain Defoe, Kyle Lafferty and Dapo Mebude have enough goals in their boots between them to replace Morelos, it’s just whether the fans, and Steven Gerrard, can put their combined faith into the strikeforce. It obviously helps that Stevie G has added goalscoring wingers in the form of Jordan Jones and Jake Hastie for next season, but without a doubt, Mebude will be the mystery element for the Gers.
The 17-year-old is blatantly being looked at as a star of the future as he was rewarded with a new contract back in January, tying him down to Ibrox until 2021. That’s a much longer deal that most players of the youngster’s age get at the famous Glasgow club, and you simply cannot rule out the youngster playing his part next season as Rangers target Celtic’s Scottish Premier League crown.
Rangers fans, do you want to see more of Dapo next season? Let us know, comment below!