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Matt Maher has dropped a promising update on the future of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish… 

What’s the talk?

According to Matt Maher of the Express & Star, Aston Villa are determined to keep hold of star player Jack Grealish this summer and will look to rebuff any interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.

The report claims that Villa are preparing to offer him a significant wage increase from the £125k-per-week he is currently earning in an attempt to stop him from completing a switch to The Etihad.

Fans will be buzzing

Villa fans will be buzzing with this update as it is a promising piece of information in regards to the hopes of Grealish remaining at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

This news comes shortly after Football Insider reported that City are lining up a £90m offer for the midfielder, which is said to have piqued his interest.

However, the club are seemingly ready to counter that by offering him fresh terms. Hopefully, awarding him a lavish new contract will change his mind and convince him to stay ahead of next season. This would leave fans on cloud nine as there is no doubting his importance to Dean Smith’s side.

Grealish averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.56 in the Premier League last season, the highest of any Villa player, as he provided six goals and 10 assists from 24 starts.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made his feelings on Grealish clear back in 2019. The Spaniard called him “incredible” and admitted that he was too expensive to sign at the time. 

He told The Mirror:

“He’s incredible.

“A top player. I’m happy he [initially] stayed in the Championship to defend his club.

“He’s a talented player who always creates something.

“An exceptional player but too expensive for Manchester.”

This shows that there has been a long-standing interest from the ex-Barcelona man in Grealish and that level of determination to sign him could be an attractive proposition for the winger.

Villa fans will be hoping, however, that this update on the club’s attempts to pin him down to an extended deal will override that and allow them to continue to enjoy watching him dazzle in the Premier League in claret and blue next season.

AND in other news, “Villa are willing to accept that” – Journalist drops verdict on AVFC star amid £60m claim…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has knocked back suggestions that Everton target Conor Coady cannot play in a back four.

Coady has mainly played in a back three during his time at Wolves, with there being a narrative that the 28-year-old would struggle in a four-man defence.

He is currently being linked with a move to Everton and Football Insider claim a bid for him could be launched this summer.

The Toffees often lined up with a back four last season, so some may question this move, but Palmer finds the idea that a central defender can only play in one specific system baffling, an idea he refuses to accept.

“I don’t understand that,” the ex-Leeds United player said. “If you’re a defender, you’re a defender. You’re a central defender; you should be able to play in a three or a back four. I don’t get it.

“If you’re a midfield player, you’re a midfield player. If you’re a striker, you play as a striker. I don’t get it. Are you a defender or not?”

According to the same Football Insider report, it was Nuno Espirito Santo who initially suggested Coady when he was the leading candidate for the Everton job. However, Rafael Benitez has also given the green light to sign the England international in talks with the club.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has identified former Toffees bosses Roberto Martinez and David Moyes as his preferences for the vacant manager’s role at Goodison Park, according to Duncan Castles. 

The Spaniard was appointed in the summer of 2013 and led Everton to fifth place in his first season, picking up 72 points. However, he was sacked at the end of the 2015/16 campaign, with some fans protesting as the team slipped into the bottom half.

He has since taken over at the Belgian national team and overseen a run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Martinez will currently be fully focused on the European Championship, with his team in action on Saturday night against Russia.

Moyes flying at West Ham but not under contract yet

Moyes spent 11 years at Goodison Park before he left to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, with Martinez duly replacing the former on Merseyside.

It’s unclear whether the 58-year-old will countenance a return to the Toffees, with his current team West Ham set to embark on a European campaign in 2020/21. Moyes’ contract expires this summer but a new deal is ‘there ready to be signed’ (via The Athletic).

Fan account Everton News Feed relayed the report about the club’s two former bosses, and here’s how supporters reacted.

Everton fans fume at Kenwright claim

These Everton fans on Twitter were far from happy with Kenwright over this report, with one even dubbing him a “Kopite” in reference to the Toffees’ rivals from across Stanley Park.

“He really epitomises everything wrong with this club.”

Credit: @exiledtoffee

“Uncle Bill still trying to set us up for more mediocrity hey”

Credit: @DoEfc

“Nostalgia merchant”

Credit: @MainManMina

“Of course he does, that’s why he should be removed from any room that decisions have to be made in”

Credit: @sootyjrw

“Yeah, let’s listen to the one constant at the club throughout all the years of suffering.”

Credit: @_TheEvertonIAN

“Of course he would. He doesn’t want success. The rumour he’s a Kopite gets truer every day.”

Credit: @ToffeeCardinal

In other news, some Everton fans fumed over reported interest in this Premier League ace. 

Leeds United are willing to pay up to £40 million for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, as reported by Eurosport.

As Bruno Lage commences life as Wolves boss, there has been no shortage of discussion surrounding potential surgery to his inherited first-team squad.

Though the West Midlands side have been linked to Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha [HITC], star men Ruben Neves and Adama Traore are said to have been put up for sale by the new manager [Sportslens].

The latter is said to be attracting the attention of Leeds United. Wolves are rumoured to value the player at around the £80 million mark, whereas the Whites would be looking to pay half that amount to secure his signature [Eurosport].

A player of supreme talent, he is probably worth a little more in the transfer market of the modern day.

As you can imagine, loads of Wolves diehards have taken to Twitter to make their voices heard upon hearing these latest developments.

Wolves fans react:

Replying to popular Wolverhampton Wanderers fans outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some supporters had to say regarding the news:

“Well they can do one then”

Credit: @WWFCJoel”Is that £40m deposit?”Credit; @DavidAs14895040″Hahaha lmao”Credit: @lewis__wwfc7″Oh no God can the transfer window just be over already , these rumours get scarier everyday”Credit: @onikhalidayo”errr no”Credit: @danwwfc11″We’ve spent 40m in baby oil for him in last 2 seasons!”Credit: @adamhartshorne_In other news, Wolves fans react to interest in a Serie A target.

Leeds United look set to break their transfer record for the second consecutive summer by signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Lowdown: Smyth not so sure

Even though the links to Nandez appear to be gathering pace abroad, Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer Graham Smyth isn’t so sure.

He replied to a Leeds fan on Twitter last weekend, insisting the Uruguayan wasn’t on the club’s shortlist the last time he checked.

Of course, things can change, and reports closer to the Serie A club clearly think the Whites are closing in on the 25-year-old, who can play as a defensive, central or right midfielder.

The Latest: Reports from Italy

According to Corriere dello Sport, Leeds have decided to pay the €36m (£31m) clause in Nandez’s contract.

The report leads with a title claiming a move for Nandez is done, however, Leeds are still hoping to pay the fee in two instalments.

The two clubs’ excellent relationship has generated a strong feeling an agreement regarding payment structure will come, but whatever way you look at it, a £31m deal would see Nandez become Leeds’ most expensive signing, eclipsing the £27m move for Rodrigo Moreno last summer.

The Verdict: A marquee addition

Should the recent report prove accurate and Nandez does indeed move to Yorkshire, he’ll be the marquee midfield addition that seems to be required at Elland Road.

Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich were regulars in the engine room last season, so bringing in Nandez will give Bielsa that extra body that could be crucial for Leeds to push on this season.

When Phillips was unavailable last term, the Whites won just two out of nine top flight matches, showing exactly how crucial some additional depth in midfield could be.

Nandez made 32 Serie A appearances in a plethora of different positions last season, so his flexibility could also prove extremely handy across the campaign, adding to the strength of multiple positions in the squad.

In other news: Junior Firpo tipped to shine under Marcelo Bielsa, find out more here. 

When Ross Barkley began to break through at Goodison Park over a decade ago, he was hailed as one of the very best talents to come through the Everton set-up.

It was easy to see why. Blessed with creativity, goals and quick feet, Barkley was everything that makes you excited about a young player.

Tim Cahill dubbed him a “special talent” back in 2011 before Martin Keown predicted the attacking midfielder to be one of the best players we’ve ever seen in this country.

It’s fair to say Barkley has never lived up to that tag. He provided the Toffees with 12 goals in all competitions during the 2015/16 campaign before eventually earning a move to Chelsea.

The 27-year-old is now at the peak of his powers but a number of injuries and a lack of game time at Stamford Bridge have halted his development.

An £11m loan spell followed at Aston Villa but after scoring just once during his time in the Midlands, it appears his career is falling away again.

That being said, a move back to Everton could revive his fortunes. The Toffees have been installed as favourites to re-sign the England international but Chelsea value him at £35m.

If they can bump the price tag down considerably he’d be a worthwhile addition. After all, he’s still fabulous when in possession of the ball.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Marcus Bent failed to rule out a move:

“Ross Barkley, for me, when he came through, and still is, an absolute talent, the problem being is that he hasn’t stabilised a spot at any team,” he began.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Bent continued: “If he were to go back to Everton, and I’ve spoken to Everton and they’re lacking that in midfield. He’s got skill on the ball, he’s like a Stevie G.

“He went to Chelsea at a young age and hasn’t done it, so going back to Everton, this is a chance to go home and get at a club that he knows well. The fans love him.”

From a creative point of view, Everton only really have Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez capable of filling that spot of the traditional number 10. That said, both players have been favoured in wide positions at various times this season.

As such, Barkley would fill a void that’s currently missing in Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

They have tough tacklers in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan but Barkley is brave in a different manner.

Speaking about Barkley during his time in Merseyside, Roberto Martinez said: “When we develop young players [in England], I don’t think we credit that sort of bravery. Sometimes you get confused that it is all about going strong in tackles and trying to win 50-50 balls. That bravery is part of the intensity of the whole game.”

Martinez added: “But the bravery that Ross has is that he will show for the ball from any angle, he’ll want it, he’ll try to be positive and make things happen for the team. When he gets in the box, when he controls the situation, that is the sign of an incredible footballer.”

In amassing two shots and 1.3 key passes per game during the course of his career, there is clearly a talented attacking player in there.

His best days were at Everton, so by moving back to Goodison we could see the best of Barkley once again. The Toffees should definitely consider a switch.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for “unpredictable” £34.5m wizard, he could be their new Deulofeu…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes a power struggle at Sheffield United is partly to blame for Chris Wilder’s Bramall Lane exit.

Wilder left the Blades in March after five years at the Yorkshire club and, while their league position was obviously a huge problem for the higher-ups, Palmer has suggested a reluctance to accept a director of football coming in is what arguably made the 53-year-old’s job untenable.

Paul Heckingbottom has since taken over on an interim basis, although the club have confirmed that the former Leeds United boss is in the running to get the gig full-time.

On Wilder’s departure, Palmer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I know the one thing that he wouldn’t have allowed is if they wanted to bring in a director of football to control football matters over him. He wouldn’t have liked that and I think there was a lot of that going on behind the scenes.”

The decision to part ways with Wilder and replace him with Heckingbottom and Jason Tindall has done very little, with Sheffield United going on to see relegation.

It will now be interesting to see how the Blades bounce back next season after an extremely disappointing 2020/21 campaign.

Many Everton fans were far from happy with the performance of Richarlison during their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Sunday.

The Toffees’ hopes of qualifying for European competition next season are hanging by a thread after this latest defeat. The Blades’ relegation to the Championship has already been confirmed, but they were able to pick up all three points thanks to a goal from Daniel Jebbison, who was making his first start for the Yorkshire side (Transfermarkt).

Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored more than Richarlison for Everton so far this season (BBC), but the Brazil international was disappointing in this game. Although he did manage four shots (SofaScore), he was unable to provide a consistent display throughout the 90 minutes, and his attitude during the clash was far from exemplary, losing possession 10 times and coming off second best in most of his duels (SofaScore).

The Everton fans were livid with the 24-year-old, who earns £110,000 per week at Goodison Park (salarysport.com), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Richarlison

“It was, they were awful tonight, especially Richarlison. Absolutely awful.”

Credit: @EFCMatt1

“Richarlison was disgustingly bad, he needs the crowd.”

Credit: @TopBalcBoy

“I miss Pienaar, Arteta, Cahill, Baines, we never won anything but least it was a proper team. Richarlison giving himself the Ronaldo haircut he can’t pass forward. Embarrassing”

Credit: @AlanTaylor4056

“if Richarlison could score we would be just fine, has been dreadful this season. afraid to take defenders on one v one, can’t finish in the box. thinking selling him is a good idea.”

Credit: @AlexZiabko

“Richarlison Delph Gomes Holgate Iwobi Sig Bernard DCL all these should be sold in the summer feel free to add”

Credit: @Hugodrax0077

“DCL is a threat in the air for any top 6 side but should not be leading the line, misses far too many with his feet. And I really don’t think Richarlison is good enough, poor decision making, woeful finisher and he’s offered absolutely zero this season.”

Credit: @LordFoxEFC

In other news, Everton are interested in this 12-goal Premier League striker.

PSG are reportedly keen on making Moise Kean’s loan stay permanent this summer, which would be a huge mistake by Everton sporting director Marcel Brands.

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG are negotiating with Everton to sign Kean on a permanent deal after his successful loan spell and Everton are open to selling him this summer.

The 21-year-old joined the Toffees from Juventus in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth £25.1m and looked to be an exciting signing, considering he had hit eight goals in just 21 appearances for the Italian giants.

However, he struggled to impress in his first season at Goodison Park, managing just four goals and two assists in 37 appearances, although the vast majority of his appearances would come from the bench.

He was subsequently sent on loan to PSG for the 2020/21 campaign, where he has been a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season, contributing 17 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals for Les Parisiens this season, which emphasises just how dangerous he can be when given regular opportunities in the first team.

Kean was only 19 when he joined Everton and had very little time to adapt to Premier League football, especially with last season being so stop-start due to the season’s suspension.

Therefore, he deserves a real chance to show what he can do in this Everton side, and it would be a mistake to let him go so early in his career, especially when he has shown what he can do with a top side PSG. Everton fans would rightly be fuming if the club sold such a star asset to another club without giving him a second chance to prove himself after his excellent season in Paris.

Former PSG star Pauleta was full of praise for Kean earlier this year, saying:

“He’s a very talented player, a very physical young player.”

Everton managed just 47 goals in the Premier League this season, with 16 of those scored by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, so you could definitely argue that they could do with another goalscoring striker in their side next season and Kean could be the ideal man to step up.

Therefore, Brands shouldn’t allow him to leave this summer, as it could prove to be a huge mistake in the future.

And, in other news… Ancelotti should end 11-year Everton association and axe £25k-p/w flop this summer

As per Foot Mercato, Southampton are interested in signing Nantes’ Randal Kolo Muani.

Saints eye Muani

Eintracht Frankfurt, Freiburg, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Watford are all said to be in pursuit of the 22-year-old, providing plenty of competition for Ralph Hasenhuttl and co.

As per this report, Southampton have already made an approach to the player’s entourage though, and he will apparently demand a fee of at least €5m (£4.3m).

Bargain

Muani has been in impressive for the Ligue 1 outfit so far this campaign, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 31 league matches so far (Transfermarkt) – he has 10 goals throughout his career. Such has been the level of his performances, he has drawn comparisons with £144m-valued superstar Kylian Mbappe (Goal.com), while he was also called “amazing” by former Nantes boss Christian Gourcuff.

Hasenhuttl has recently revealed Southampton will be looking to sign players for £10m or less this summer (via Sky Sports), meaning Muani would be the perfect transfer target. With plenty of years left ahead of him and clear talent, he has re-sale value that is important for a club in Saints’ position, whether they would like to admit it or not. There is obviously plenty of competition for his services, but perhaps the allure of Premier League football could well be enough to convince the France U21 international.

In other news, Southampton fans are livid with this man’s comments.