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Everton have been name-checked in a potential race to sign Club Brugge winger Noa Lang in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Winger wanted

Having recently been linked with the likes of Wolves’ Daniel Podence and Sporting Lisbon’s Fatawu Issahaku, it is clear that the Goodison Park outfit want to bring in a new winger come January.

They currently have four wide options in the senior squad at the moment, but Andros Townsend is out with a long-term injury, while Anthony Gordon has been consistently linked with a move away.

The Latest: Lang interest?

As per Belgian news outlet Voetbal Belgie, the Merseyside club are ‘looking for new forces for the attack’, with Lang name-checked as a player they could possibly go for in January.

However, they may face competition from a host of Premier League rivals.

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The Verdict: Great option

Lang would offer Frank Lampard another great option for his squad, providing he makes the transition from Belgian football to the Premier League smoothly.

Although not as prolific this season so far, the 23-year-old has still managed 22 goals and 22 assists in 66 games in the Belgian top flight (five senior caps.

Describing himself as an ‘entertainer’, Lang is somewhat of a flamboyant character; his Dutch team-mates have even called him ‘trouble’ in the past (talkSPORT).

Nonetheless, he has the potential to light up the Premier League, should the Toffees make their move.

Sunderland return to action in the Championship this afternoon as they take on fellow newly-promoted side Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light.

Tony Mowbray’s side are on a run of four games without a win in the division and are currently sitting 13th in the table after 13 matches.

The Black Cats lost 2-1 away to Swansea last time out and have only scored once in their last three games, whilst having to deal without having a natural number nine available due to the injuries to Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms.

They now come up against a Wigan side who are two points and four places ahead of them in the table but will be without captain Corry Evans for the game after he picked up his fifth booking of the campaign against the Swans.

His suspension leaves a position in the middle of the park up for grabs and Mowbray could spark Sunderland into life by unleashing Edouard Michut from the start.

The Frenchman arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and the manager recently praised him after a performance for the U21s, saying: 

“My dilemmas really are around, do we replace Corry with a real technician? So if you saw the U21 games on Monday night against Leeds United, Edouard Michut showed what a lovely footballer is, passing the ball between the lines. He was competitive in the game and I think he covered 13 kilometres as well.”

These comments indicate that the Black Cats boss is a fan of the 19-year-old and Evans’ absence provides him with an opportunity to unleash the young gem.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously claimed that the dynamo has “natural football IQ” and once described him as being “highly technical and creative”. This suggests that he has the vision and intelligence to open up opposition defences, which is something Evans – who has created 0.3 chances per game – is not adept at.

On the other side of the game, Michut is not a lightweight who will be easily bullied by the opposition. He made his Championship debut against Blackpool earlier this month and made four tackles and interceptions combined in 14 minutes, whilst also winning 100% (1/1) of his aerial battles.

Therefore, the Frenchman – who provided one assist in 70 minutes of Ligue 1 action for PSG last term – could spark life into Sunderland’s recently dim attack by getting on the ball and making things happen in midfield, whilst remaining strong out of possession and not being a liability from a physical point of view.

Arsenal are a side who have reaped the benefits of possessing an impressive academy set up in recent years, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka having all graduated from the Gunners’ youth ranks before establishing themselves as regulars in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.

However, arguably one of the club’s most talented academy prospects in recent memory, Reiss Nelson, is yet to fulfil his undoubted potential at The Emirates. And, with a matter of months remaining on his current contract in north London, time is running out for the 22-year-old to prove he has what it takes to make it at the club.

Indeed, former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, previously stated his belief that Nelson “has shown that he can dribble, go past people and he isn’t fazed by the occasion,” while legendary Gunners centre-back Martin Keown claimed that the winger “showed the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player.”

There has been evidence of these claims on the pitch, with the £5.85m-rated talent having impressed during a loan spell at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2018/19, scoring seven goals and registering one assist over his 23 Bundesliga appearances, with Julian Nagelsmann going as far as to compare the attacker to another of Arsenal’s former academy graduates, Serge Gnabry.

Regarding Nelson, the former Hoffenheim manager said: “Reiss is a player whose qualities can be compared to those of Serge Gnabry, but just not so well developed.”

And, considering the fact that Gnabry now boasts a market valuation of £72m – having scored 67 goals and registered 43 assists over 182 appearances for Bayern Munich – just eight years after he left Arsenal for a measly £4.5m, it would appear extremely wise for the Gunners to learn their lesson from the 27-year-old’s rise and hand Nelson one more chance to impress before the end of his current deal.

Indeed, it is undeniable that the academy prospect possesses the potential to be a massive success in the professional game, perhaps even going on to match the level of the Germany international, but whether or not this development occurs at The Emirates looks to solely depend on whether or not Arteta affords the £15k-per-week starlet a final opportunity in an Arsenal shirt.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch will have some big decisions to make on a number of his first-team players in the next year or so as the club have a host of contracts expiring in 2024.

The Whites have four senior centre-backs with their deals set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, and Diego Llorente all in that bracket.

Llorente and Cooper will both be in their 30s by that point and Marsch may decide that moving them on and replacing them with youngster options may be the way to go, or the players themselves – including Koch and Struijk – may decide that they do not want to stay.

Either way, Leeds could find themselves needing to sign another centre-back either next summer, if they opt to cash in on one of them instead of allowing them to leave for nothing, or in 2024.

However, Marsch could prevent Victor Orta from needing to spend millions in the transfer market if he is able to unearth 18-year-old talent Kris Moore from the academy side.

The teenage gem does not turn 19 until November and has already racked up 31 appearances for the under-23 side, after featuring in 27 matches for the U18s.

U23 head coach Mark Jackson revealed that he and his staff never doubted the youngster’s quality and backed him to make the step up to the U23 side at the age of 17, saying:

“He’s been training with the group now since the start of pre-season, and last season as well. We had no doubts in Kris’ ability to deal with the situation and the step up and he did fantastically well against a tough opponent in Street up top, who was physical and good in the air. I thought we coped well with it.”

These quotes show that the staff at Elland Road have a lot of faith in his maturity and ability, which bodes well for a potential step up to the first-team in the future.

Whites journalist Joe Donnohue previously described him as “solid” at the back and the reporter hailed his performance against Mansfield earlier this year, writing:

“Encouraging display, leading the team from centre-back. Moore maintained his positioning well through the game, snuffing out danger by simply ensuring he was in the right place at the right time.”

The gem also caught the eye in a 3-2 win over Oldham in the EFL Trophy last season. He earned a SofaScore rating of 7.00 as he won three of his four individual duels, made five clearances, and completed 86% of his passes.

Moore, who was named on the bench in the Premier League during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, is a promising young player who has shown signs of having the potential to make the step up to the first team, with his accelerated progress at youth level.

Therefore, Marsch could save Orta millions by bringing the youngster through to the senior side and offering him a chance to prove that he can be a viable option for many years to come.

West Ham United took four games of the new Premier League season to score their first goal of the campaign, which came during their recent 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

The player that managed to get the east London club their first goal and opening win was Pablo Fornals.

While the Hammers have already brought in a couple of attacking players during the current summer transfer window in the shape of Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet, the remaining days of the window may give them an ideal opportunity to bring in an upgrade on Fornals.

One figure that could be that is West Ham-linked Adnan Januzaj.

The former Manchester United winger is currently a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad at the end of last season.

During his time with the Spanish club, the Belgian scored 23 goals and provided 21 assists in 168 appearances across all competitions.

To compare his previous domestic season with Fornal’s last league campaign with West Ham, Januzaj trumps the Spaniard in a number of metrics. For starters, the Belgian managed a great deal more shots on target per 90 minutes at 0.72 to 0.35.

Meanwhile, the former United man produced more shot-creating actions per 90 with 3.66 to 2.80 and was successful with more dribbles – 2.38 vs 0.80. This statistic is similarly backed up by the number of progressive carries with Januzaj registering 8.12 per 90 to Fornals’ 4.95.

Previously touted to become an “unbelievable” player by David Cotterill, the former United player has certainly shown he has what it takes to be a top player at one of Europe’s big clubs.

Having made 60 appearances under the management of Moyes during the duo’s time at United and Sunderland, this experience would make it easier for the winger to hit the ground running at West Ham and know what the Scotsman expects from his players.

Taking all of this into account, securing a deal for the attacker as a free agent before the summer transfer window shuts should be a no-brainer for the Hammers.

As for the player, a move back to England to play in the Premier League again under a manager he has knowledge of could be a very tempting prospect for him, particularly if there is the potential for him to leapfrog Fornals in the pecking order.

West Ham United are still pressing on with their bid to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star, Filip Kostic, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per club insider ExWHUemployee – via the West Ham Way Patreon page – the Hammers are hoping that the Serbian international’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, can tempt the 29-year-old into making the switch, with the player currently said to be “indecisive” about the deal.

The respected source stated: “It is believed that Lucci is trying his best to convince the player to be open to a move to West Ham if the Italian move does not happen and that a new improved financial offer has been made to him as of today to try and persuade him to sacrifice the Bosman option,” he wrote.

“It is expected that we will be clearer in the next few days although the player is very indecisive at the moment and as a result, no one in the club knows definitively whether we have a chance or not.”

The 48-cap gem – who has spent the past four seasons in Frankfurt – is reportedly set to be available for a cut-price fee of around €20m (£17m), with just a year remaining on his existing deal with the German outfit.

Unreal signing

It would appear then that a decision over the former Hamburg man’s future could well be imminent, with supporters likely praying that the east Londoners are able to make what would undoubtedly be an unreal signing for the club.

Comfortable anywhere down the left flank, the £43k-per-week sensation would offer a real potent attacking threat to David Moyes’ side, having been in truly sparkling form both domestically and in European competition in recent seasons.

The 2021/22 campaign saw the £21.6m-rated menace register an impressive tally of seven goals and 15 assists in all competitions, notably recording three goals and six assists in just 11 appearances during the Bundesliga side’s triumphant Europa League run – beating the Irons en route to the showpiece.

That haul also ensures his overall record at his current side now stands at 33 goals and 63 assists in 169 games across all fronts, with that stunning form unsurprisingly seeing him dubbed an “assist machine'” by journalist Ronan Murphy.

The one-time Stuttgart man also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues in a number of metrics, ranking in the top 2% for progressive passes received, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Having largely featured in a wing-back berth at the Waldstadion, it remains to be seen just where the 6 foot wizard would line up at the London Stadium were he to be plucked in the coming weeks, although his versatility could potentially see him usurp Aaron Cresswell at left-back or feature ahead of the Englishman in midfield.

With his cliched wand of a left boot, there is no telling as to the damage that West Ham can inflict with Kostic swinging in inch-perfect deliveries to 6 foot 5 summer arrival Gianluca Scamacca, with that attacking threat a truly mouthwatering prospect.

AND in other news, Moyes can now form “unreal” duo as West Ham given green light for “limitless” £13m signing…

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Burnley midfielder Dwight McNeil, according to Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: In demand

A product of the youth system at Manchester United, McNeil cut his teeth in senior football in the Premier League and has racked up 134 appearances in the top-flight over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and supplying 17 assists.

After suffering the indignity of relegation from the division with Burnley last season, the 22-year-old former England youth international is seemingly a wanted man with multiple suitors already in the mix.

Previously linked with a move to Everton, Tottenham, Brentford and newly promoted Fulham, an emerging report has claimed McNeil is now on the radar at Selhurst Park…

The latest: ‘Approach’ made

As per Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and West Ham have both made an ‘approach’ to sign the 10-cap England Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that McNeil is ‘keen to return to the Premier League’ and is currently ‘considering a number of options’ regarding his future.

The report also states that Burnley are ‘likely to demand a fee in excess of £15million’ for the youngster who was dubbed a ‘sensational player’ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones back in June 2020.

The verdict: Strength in numbers

Eagles boss Patrick Vieira already has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in wide areas with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Jeffrey Schlupp and Malcolm Ebiowei all capable of operating on both wings.

Furthermore, despite the incessant links to a move away from South East London, including this summer with AS Roma touted as potential suitors, talismanic winger Wilfried Zaha remains in situ in the Palace squad.

However, still just 22, McNeil has already proven to be a capable operator at the elite level and would therefore be a superb addition to the ranks ahead of what looks certain to be a long campaign with a World Cup thrown into the mix.

Although the Englishman supplied only £16.2million valued ace still managed to outperform Zaha when it comes to what many would say is the Ivorian’s forte by completing 2.4 successful dribbles per outing compared to the Palace favourite’s 2.3 completed attempts.

All told, at the suggested price, McNeil would be an impressive signing for the South East Londoners.

Liverpool have made three signings so far in the transfer window with Calvin Ramsey, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho all joining the Anfield outfit, but they have in an equal measure lost a number of players this summer.

Divock Origi, Taki Minamino and Sadio Mane have all left the club to take on new challenges elsewhere, with Mane’s unexpected exit the most likely to cause disruption in the team following his fantastic number of goal contributions.

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The Senegalese winger made the decision to leave the Reds just 12 months before his contract was due to expire with Mane joining Bayern Munich on a permanent move. Now, Liverpool could ask a favour of the Bundesliga champions in return.

The Merseyside club has been linked with a move for Serge Gnabry this summer, and despite playing predominantly as a right winger he can offer the goal contributions and attacking capabilities needed to replace Mane.

Gnabry has scored 64 times and delivered 40 assists in 171 appearances, impressively with a goal contribution every 105 minutes for Bayern, but it’s not just his goals and assists that have been attracting the attention of the powers at Anfield over the last season.

The £34m dynamo created a whopping 17 big chances, making 1.4 key passes, 1.4 tackles and taking two shots on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (51%) and being successful in the majority of his dribbles (61%) over 34 Bundesliga appearances.

This season Gnabry ranked ninth for G/A contributions, shot-creating actions, and ranked seventh in the entire top five European leagues for key passes completed.

The Germany international has been the recipient of high praise, with Rio Ferdinand branding Gnabry “world class” on BT Sport (via Daily Mail);

“His stats are phenomenal. He’s sitting in the top level, world class.

“He’s come to Germany and set the place on fire, he was absolutely stunning tonight. His decision making has been extraordinary.”

With all considered, the former Arsenal man would be a great addition and a valuable asset to the team, especially if Mohamed Salah leaves next summer as he plays mostly on the right wing so it could be a win win situation for FSG ahead of next term.

AND in other news: Offer made: FSG closing in on Liverpool deal for “special” £35m gem, he’s Coutinho 2.0

Everton have been linked with a move for Billy Gilmour this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law, Everton are interested in signing Billy Gilmour this summer.

In Law’s latest article for the publication, the journalist details that the Toffees are still interested in signing both Gilmour and fellow Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher during the current transfer window.

Delph replacement

Everton have midfield outgoings in the squad this summer with Donny Van de Beek returning to Manchester United following his loan deal and Fabian Delph leaving next week due to the expiration of his contract, so Gilmour will surely be welcomed with open arms to replace the latter at Goodison Park.

Gilmour is no stranger to Frank Lampard, as the Everton boss gave the Scottish youngster his Premier League debut at Chelsea when he was managing the team at Stamford Bridge when he was just 18 years old, so Lampard will have no trouble knowing how to deploy Gilmour effectively in the team.

The £10.8m-rated gem most recently went on a season-long loan deal to Norwich City and despite the side being relegated, Gilmour gave glimpses of his talents and continued development whilst playing with the Canaries last season.

In the Premier League, the Scotsman delivered one assist and created one big chance, making 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 3.8 duels on average per game, whilst being successful in the majority of his dribble attempts (68%) and tallied up a pass accuracy of 91% in his own half over 24 appearances.

Since the 21-year-old’s debut back in 2019, the young midfielder has been the recipient of high praise, with former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness hailing the player “exceptional” during an ITV Sport pundit analysis of his performance for Scotland against England in 2019;

“He doesn’t give the ball away. He’s got that fantastic habit for a midfield player of passing the ball to the same colour shirt. He keeps the ball in tight spaces and kept Scotland ticking over.

“For a 20-year-old to come in and play in that atmosphere with very few games under his belt this year, I thought it was an exceptional performance. He was the best player on the pitch (against England).”

Ultimately, Thelwell could secure a great signing and replacement for Delph this summer if he can seal the deal for Gilmour and the player will surely be tempted by the move to be given the opportunity to work under his former boss again.

AND in other news, Lampard could land his own Jude Bellingham in Everton swoop for “special” £50m dynamo

Liverpool are willing to trigger Gavi’s €50million (£42.5m) release clause at Barcelona this summer, according to an exciting transfer report from Spain.

The Lowdown: Gavi’s future not yet decided

The 17-year-old is considered one of the most prodigiously gifted young players in world football, having been described as a ‘spectacular’ talent by Xavi.

Gavi is already featuring regularly for both Barcelona and Spain, registering six assists in 46 appearances for the former and winning nine caps for the latter.

The midfielder is yet to sign a new deal at Barca however and his current contract expires next summer, with Liverpool linked with a move in the recent past and Fabrizio Romano revealing on Friday there is still no agreement over a new deal just yet.

The Latest: Liverpool still keen on move

According to Spanish outlet Beteve, the Reds are still interested in signing Gavi this summer and are happy to pay his £42.5million release clause.

It is thought that his preference is still to remain a Barcelona player, but he is yet to be impressed with their contract offers and the Reds would be willing to give him €9m a year, which equates to about £147k-per-week.

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The Verdict: Feels unlikely

While the idea of seeing Liverpool sign Gavi is hugely exciting, it is a move that feels unlikely, given his ties to Barca and the loyalty he will likely show to his boyhood club.

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In Xavi, he has a legendary figure to learn from as manager and he and his representatives will surely feel that it is best for his development to stay put and mature at the Camp Nou.

It is great to see Liverpool even in the conversation for such a special talent, however, further highlighting the force Jurgen Klopp has turned them into.

In other news, one player is set for a Liverpool medical. Find out who it is here.