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According to the Daily Star, Tottenham are interested in signing Yves Bissouma from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton.

Spurs eye Bissouma

Spurs are among a number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old, with Arsenal, West Ham and Everton also mentioned as potential suitors.

The Gunners are believed to be confident in getting a deal done for the £15.3m-valued Mali international (Transfermarkt), with the Seagulls demanding £30m for his signature.

Interesting option

Bissouma has been a key player for Brighton this season, playing in all but two of their 34 Premier League matches to date (Transfermarkt). Given the interest from other clubs, it is clear he has plenty of talent and could have a big future in the game.

The former Lille man is an all-round midfielder. For example, he has managed more tackles per game (2.8) than Tottenham enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.6) this season, while he has also averaged more dribbles per match (1.5) than Son Heung-Min (1.2).

With him in the middle of the park, Spurs would have a real driving force. If Daniel Levy were able to beat Arsenal to his signature, that would make his signing all the sweeter.

In other news, this Champions League winner is interested in managing Tottenham.

Carlo Ancelotti must immediately usher Dominic Calvert-Lewin back into the Everton starting line-up for Friday night’s trip to Arsenal.

The Toffees boss has confirmed that Calvert-Lewin will be available for selection at the Emirates Stadium after recovering from an abductor problem, in a quintuple injury boost.

Calvert-Lewin’s issue had kept the 24-year-old out of his side’s last two Premier League games, as the Goodison Park natives were held to draws with Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

Everton are set to be with Yerry Mina at Arsenal, as well, after a similar abductor problem, while Andre Gomes (hamstring), Fabian Delph (tendon) and Bernard are also due to return after spells on the sidelines.

Ancelotti will still be without Abdoulaye Doucoure in north London as the Frenchman continues his recovery from a small fracture on his foot, while Jean-Philippe Gbamin remains out alongside the £20m summer signing due to the knee injury he sustained in training earlier this month.

“We have a lot of players available – almost all the squad, apart from Doucoure and Gbamin who are out,” the Blues boss said on Thursday. “The others are in good condition.

“We are ready to fight for this final part of the season. The squad is now much, much better and I have a lot of options, so I am pleased and confident.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-everton-news%2c-views-and-gossip” title=”Latest Everton news, views and gossip!”]

Everton travel to Arsenal three points better off than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League table and having played a game less, but are without a win in any of their last five league games.

The Toffees also last beat the Gunners in north London in January 1996, losing 22 of the following 26 encounters across all competitions including each of their last seven visits.

Ancelotti will no doubt be loath to see his side’s torrid record continue having already brought one lengthy drought to an end, by orchestrating Everton’s first win at Anfield since 1999 when they beat Liverpool 2-0 in February’s Merseyside derby.

Clinching a first Everton win at the Emirates would catapult the Blues back into the European conversation, as well, with the Goodison Park natives losing ground in the race for the top-four after three-straight draws.

Everton cannot overtake any side by winning their game in hand, but will move one point behind Tottenham – who have played two games more – and Liverpool by beating Arsenal, while edging to within a win of fifth-placed West Ham United.

Calvert-Lewin represents Everton’s best chance of a rare result away to the Gunners, with the 24-year-old not only their top-scorer with 14 goals in 25 Premier League games but also key to how Ancelotti’s offence operates.

Everton are rarely the same unit going forward without having Calvert-Lewin to target and his off-the-ball runs, which create space for Richarlison to push up the pitch and James Rodriguez to find pockets of space to pick out defence-splitting passes.

Ancelotti, then, must instantly unleash Calvert-Lewin – who Noel Whelan believes has “exceeded every expectation possible” this season – now that he has been declared fit, in a huge boost for the Blues’ European ambitions, let alone being one of five returning players.

AND in other news, Everton have been told to pay £34.5m for a 23-year-old that Carlo Ancelotti would welcome at Goodison Park…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sergio Aguero could join Marcelo Bielsa’s side in what would be an astonishing summer move.

The Manchester City striker is set to leave the Etihad at the end of the season when his contract expires and, according to 90min, Leeds are keen on bringing him to Elland Road.

The same outlet reports that Chelsea are also interested in signing Aguero, meaning the Whites could face some serious competition for the 32-year-old’s signature.

Palmer, however, still thinks Aguero to Leeds is a possibility, though he believes the Argentina international’s wages could be a potential stumbling block.

On the rumours that Leeds could move for Aguero in the summer, the ex-Whites player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I was thinking about this today; it could be a possibility because Sergio wouldn’t have to move – obviously he lives in Manchester. I think at Sergio’s age, he wouldn’t want to go anywhere and be a bit-part.

“So, you know, when they’re talking about top clubs like Chelsea and whatever, if he’s not guaranteed of playing every week, which I think he’s going to fall into that category now with his injuries and with his age, Leeds could be a good shout. The problem that would be, I would assume, would be his salary.”

Outside of England, Aguero, who managed to score 23 goals in all competitions last season, is said to be attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Kevin Campbell has claimed that Everton will pursue a deal for Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Goodison News, the former Toffees striker claimed that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the club were to try and sign the AC Milan ace given that Moise Kean could be sold and Ellis Simms is still inexperienced at senior level.

Everton should sign Leao

The Toffees should seriously consider trying to sign Leao in the summer if Milan make him available fpr sale.

The 21-year-old is certainly a rising talent and has previously been compared to both Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

To merely be named in the same breath as these two is very high praise, and if he turns out nearly as good as either of them, Carlo Ancelotti’s team must snap him up first before any other clubs move in for the kill.

Leao has scored seven goals and supplied a further five assists in 34 games across all competitions so far in 2020/21 (attacking resources.

Nonetheless, the Portuguese youngster is certainly a player who Everton should strongly consider signing.

In other news, find out which Everton loanee has been slammed for his most recent performance!

Joe Rodon will return to Tottenham Hotspur this week a hero.

The 23-year-old defender made quite the statement for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

Rob Page’s side looked poised to throw away all three points in an agonising way but the Spurs colossus was in the right place at the right time to snuff out the danger, putting in a last-ditch and fearless block to deny the visitors at the Cardiff City Stadium.

It was not only brave but intelligent too as Rodon made ground to put his 6 foot 4 frame in between Ondrej Celustka and Danny Ward in front of the sticks. His monstrous lunge denied a very likely goal.

That one moment late in the game capped off an impressive night for the Spurs gem.

During the commentary, former Wales defender Danny Gabidon dubbed it a “match-winning block” and claimed it was “unbelievable defending” from Rodon (via Wales Online), whilst another ex-international James Collins said it was “incredible,” adding: “Me as an old, rugged centre-back, I love to see stuff like this. All the centre forwards over the years getting the plaudits for their goals, but this is as good as a goal,” he said on Sky Sports (30/3, 21:51).

In what was his 12th senior cap for the Welsh side, Rodon arguably picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award too.

As per SofaScore, he also managed a match-high seven clearances and recorded the second-highest touches (50) for the home outfit, meaning he was more involved in the game than the likes of Spurs teammate Gareth Bale (31) and the goal-scorer Dan James (33).

Rodon has now played more times for Wales than he has all season for Spurs. After joining for what now seems like a bargain £11m from Swansea City, the defender has only featured in ten matches in all competitions.

Missing out on the Europa League squad registration earlier in the campaign has certainly hindered his game time but after this latest international display, he’s certainly sent a huge message to Jose Mourinho that he should be starting more.

His most recent start before the break – a 2-0 win over Aston Villa – saw him excel in the absence of Toby Alderweireld, so the Spurs boss now must carefully consider who he selects this weekend, with them due to return to action on Sunday afternoon against a struggling Newcastle United side.

You’d imagine after that big display, it would be a hard call to axe Rodon from the starting XI.

It’s time to let Spurs’ future finish out the season as a first-choice.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kane: Levy must sanction £36m swoop for “remarkable” beast…

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s baffled as to why Ezri Konsa wasn’t named in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.

Konsa, whose won seven caps for the Under-21s, has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders since lockdown, but wasn’t included in Southgate’s 26-man party for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.

His Villa teammate Tyrone Mings was selected, along with Harry Maguire, John Stones, Conor Coady and Tottenham’s Eric Dier as England centre-backs.

Konsa has started all but three of Aston Villa’s 28 Premier League matches this season, and Hendrie, who was capped once against Czech Republic in 1998, cannot believe that the 23-year-old was overlooked.

Hendrie told Football FanCast: “Konsa has been excellent. The times that Mings hasn’t performed, Konsa has been an outstanding defender.

“Do I feel like he was due to get an England call-up? I feel like the squad that was selected, I totally do. He’s the kind of defender that puts his body on the line.

“And I feel why he wasn’t in the current England squad, I am a bit baffled. He has been possibly one of the top performers over recent weeks, so why shouldn’t he be granted a chance of being involved with the England set-up.

“If you’re comparing him to [Eric] Dier, I think Konsa has been far better.”

This does feel like a case of big team favouritism. Konsa has been outstanding this term, whilst Dier has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, making a host of errors, which has led to him being dropped by Jose Mourinho.

If Konsa keeps performing at his current level, surely Southgate won’t continue to ignore him ahead of the Euro’s.

Many Everton fans have been left to speculate on the future of Alex Iwobi as Carlo Ancelotti commented on his recent controversial Instagram post.

The former Arsenal man posted a subtle dig at the Italian boss on one of his latest stories: “Always an honour to get a call up for my national team, hopefully I get to play in my preferred position”.

Ancelotti was asked about this post in his pre-game press conference ahead of their home game against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday evening, to which he said (via The Toffee Blues): “I read the post that he did. I would like to know his preferred position because usually I want to put players on the pitch where they are comfortable to play. If he has an idea of where he prefers to play, I have to know. I want to know.”

The Nigeria international suggested that Ancelotti is not playing him where he wants to play, and several members of the Goodison Park faithful took his response as having a dark undertone to it.

As such, some speculation arose on Twitter over whether this means the end for Iwobi at the Merseyside club under Ancelotti, given the subtle dig and the manager’s reply.

Everton fan reaction to Ancelotti comments

These Toffees supporters speculated on Twitter after reading the comments that were made by Ancelotti:

“Well, Alex? You may have just put the last nail in your own coffin. Well done, sir.”

Credit: @joshwilbert1

“Taxi for Iwobi”

Credit: @Stevewalmo1

“If a manager of Ancelotti’s standing doesn’t know your best position then you’re in trouble…”

Credit: @SK21878

“There’s something to this.”

Credit: @Wayno____

“Time to start packing your baked beans, and head to the bus stop.”

Credit: @blackfoot231

“Well he’s off in the summer then isn’t he”

Credit: @shaunbrennan82

In other news, find out what injury update relayed by Paul Joyce has left EFC fans fuming here!

Many Wolves fans reacted in their droves to a report that concerned defender Max Kilman.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that the Black County club are considering selling Kilman despite the fact he just signed a new five-year contract at Molineux in October, leading one fan to call it a ‘ludicrous decision’.

Kilman has been a bit-part figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side during the 2020/21 campaign, providing one assist, averaging 1.3 tackles and 2.2 clearances per game (Whoscored).

This tops any other Wolves player that has featured in a similar amount of games or less – including Romain Saiss who has been lauded by segments of the Molineux faithful this season. Indeed, the youngster had an impressive stint when he first broke into the side early in the season, showing the type of potential that earned him his bumper contract.

Because of this, supporters were against the idea of Kilman being offloaded with some suggesting that the Englishman has been their best defender so far.

Kilman report didn’t amuse these fans

“What message does this send to our academy..and players out on loan. Nuno always said He likes to improve players. Kilman is definitely a rough diamond”

Credit: @StPaul197173

“This better be a joke. Easily our best defender this season. What a ludicrous decision this would be.”

Credit: @TonyWilde99

“Madness.”

Credit: @IrishWolvesFans

“Would not like this at all definitely think he is first choice but Is unlucky right now he should be given more games to show his talent”

Credit: @AltonDills

“Hope this isn’t true, never felt like the right move when Bennett left, he’s developing and if not a starter each week a great back up option when we have injuries/suspensions”

Credit: @Ry4nH07

“Don’t think that’s a good idea great player Kilman”

Credit: @bashagas

In other news, Wolves star who is ‘hard to stop’ on brink of setback amid exit rumours – Report.

Steve Bruce must not unleash Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in his search for Callum Wilson’s replacement.

The Toon boss has now tackled two Premier League games without the ex-AFC Bournemouth star due to injury, but is yet to settle on the £20m summer signing’s stand-in.

Wilson sustained a deep hamstring tear during the Magpies’ 3-2 win over Southampton earlier this month and was replaced by Joelinton, who opened the action last time out against Manchester United.

Dwight Gayle had been favoured away to Chelsea before Newcastle’s trip to Old Trafford, earning his first and only start of the season so far in any competition, but only played the final 11 minutes in last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to the Red Devils.

That’s despite Bruce losing Joelinton early in the second half due to a groin issue, and it remains to be seen if the Brazilian will be passed fit to face Wolves. If not, Gayle could return, though there have been calls for Carroll to be given his chance at leading the line.

Liam Kennedy of The Shields Gazette believes Carroll has been “unlucky” to not get much game time in Wilson’s absence, having produced a “solid” run of performances in January. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder also feels the 32-year-old should be given more of a look-in.

“Carroll, I know he’s got his critics, but he’s a presence in both boxes and he’s probably what they are going to need,” Ryder said on the Everything is Black and White podcast. “They’re in a fight, they need fighters on the pitch like him. While he’s fit, I’d have him on the field.”

But Bruce must ignore the suggestions to start Carroll against Wolves on Saturday night, as the nine-cap former England international is not the one to answer Newcastle’s search.

Carroll has played just 12 minutes over Newcastle’s last six Premier League games, after earning the last of his four top-flight starts for the season in United’s dismal 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month.

The £3m-rated flop lacked sharpness when it mattered most at Villa Park and was hauled off for Ryan Fraser with 20 minutes still to play, as Bruce tried desperately to flip the script as the Toon were humbled on his latest return to the Birmingham-based outfit.

Carroll momentarily looked like he could spark a comeback whilst Villa were only a goal to the good, but could not do anything of worth with Javier Manquillo’s crosses before Jack Grealish guided his effort in off the underside of the crossbar.

Both of Carroll’s two shots against the Villans were marked as being on target, yet he never looked likely to add to his only goal scored since returning to St. James’ Park in August 2019.

Bruce would be taking a massive gamble to now hope that Carroll can double that record against a buoyant Wolves side fresh off back-to-back wins, while also taking away the energy that Joelinton brough to Newcastle’s attack against Manchester United.

Joelinton was an ever-willing runner at Old Trafford before his injury as he tried to harry the Red Devils, which is something that Carroll would not be expected to match.

AND in other news, Newcastle eye free-transfer of electric live-wire chased by several Premier League sides…

BeIN Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray have tipped West Ham United to complete the permanent signing of Craig Dawson.

Hammers should sign Dawson permanently

Dawson made the move to the London Stadium on loan from Watford during the summer transfer window. So far this term, he has made eight appearances in the Premier League, scoring two goals (Transfermarkt).

Despite not being a regular starter, both Keys and Gray believe that David Moyes will want to keep him at the club. Keys said (via HITC):

“They bought Benrahma. They haven’t yet turned Dawson into a full-time signing but I’m sure they will.”

Gray added:

“He’s a centre-back. He looks a fit kid so would you give him another 12 months after this? You bet you would. He’s the right sort as well.”

Makes sense

While Dawson has not been one of the first names on the teamsheet throughout the campaign, he has grown into an important player in recent weeks. He has started each of the last eight matches in the top flight – during that run, West Ham have won five matches and lost just one.

Currently valued at £3.6m (Transfermarkt), it should not be too hard for the Hammers to prise him away permanently from Vicarage Road. Whether the board and the directors will be looking at more glamorous options come the end of the term remains to be seen.

In other news, West Ham fans are delighted by this Jesse Lingard update.