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Everton could create a formidable attacking partnership by partnering Dele Alli with Dominic Calvert-Lewin…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Toffees have got their sights set on the Spurs star, and that Rafa Benitez’s side could well make a move for the England international later on in the January transfer window.

Imagine him and Calvert-Lewin

While Alli hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of times at Spurs in the past couple of seasons, his partnership with Harry Kane when the duo were in full flight was something to behold.

In fact, as per Transfermarkt, the duo have combined for a whopping 33 goals between them ie. directly setting each other up for goal – which is by far the highest of any teammate Alli has had in his career thus far.

His ability to break into the box and get on the end of things is what led former Spurs man Darren Anderton to previously suggest that Alli was comparable to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes in terms of his talent.

He said: “I’ve got to say that I loved Stevie G as a player and Scholesy but Dele Alli for his age is just a freak of a talent. I love his arrogance on the pitch, how clever he is in finding the positions that he does and his willingness to try everything. He is a real joy to watch.”

And, more recently, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish tipped him to enjoy a renaissance, saying: “In those days he was looking like an absolute wonderkid then all of a sudden it plateaued and then dipped. Hopefully, he’s coming back up the hill again. Back in the day, I thought he was a kid of enormous talent and was going to be an absolute superstar.

“That’s not quite happened yet but there’s still a chance for him to resurrect his career and be that superstar. His recent form with Tottenham has been excellent.”

With another leading England striker in the ranks on Merseyside in Calvert-Lewin, Alli could thrive in that support striker role that saw him flourish alongside Kane.

Calvert-Lewin and Alli could work off each other both with their ability in the air, and their movement inside the box – the kind of double act that could fire Everton up the table.

The £100k-a-week earning star could well replicate his old partnership with Kane at Spurs, by teaming up with Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, Everton are considering a swoop for this Premier League outcast…

Crystal Palace have interviewed Swansea City manager Steve Cooper and are split on whether to offer him the Selhurst Park job.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts on the off-field development on social media.

According to Football Insider, who were informed by a source, the Eagles board were impressed with the 41-year-old.

However, the report adds that the Palace hierarchy are 50/50 on whether to hand the Welshman the job. Some believe he is the perfect man to take over from Roy Hodgson, however, others want a boss with Premier League experience.

Cooper has been at the Liberty Stadium since 2019 and has taken charge of over 100 games as Swansea boss, leading them to the Championship playoff final last year.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Cooper on Wednesday evening. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with a number of fans against a deal for the Swansea boss.

“Please no anyone but him”Credit: @erictwigs”NO PLEASE NO”Credit: @Thomas01568186″Why are we going for him for why?”Credit: @cpfcjj89″Ygxchjjfdmjjcxsawhkm CXXKKZSSZ JUST DO SOMETHING PALACE”Credit: @TheEagleDC”Hopefully we never get linked with wasteman like this ever again now the penny’s dropped parish has realised there’s far better out there like Favre.”Credit: @JA9baller”Will get a Brentford season ticket if this happens”Credit: @Char_uk1

In other news: 63-year-old another Palace target, fans react, find out more here. 

A number of Liverpool supporters have got behind the idea of the Reds selling both Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi this summer.

There could be incomings and outgoings at Anfield at the end of the season, with Jurgen Klopp’s squad in need of being freshened.

The Premier League champions have suffered a horrible season, with everything seemingly going wrong, from injuries to key players losing form.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Two individuals who have contributed very little are Shaqiri and Origi, with the pair drifting further into exile as the campaign has progressed.

Shaqiri has started just five games in the league, while Origi has been limited to only 182 minutes of action in the competition.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool still ‘expect to sell’ the pair in the summer transfer window, with Klopp deeming them surplus to requirements.

Liverpool fans call for Shaqiri and Origi to leave

These Reds fans took to Twitter to call for Shaqiri and Origi to move on.

“About 4 windows late”

Credit: @NovCooper

“Very important, even though I love Shaq”

Credit: @hideesoul

“Origi finally going thank god”

Credit: @ricciardoszn

“Please do ASAP”

Credit: @TeeBillions

“Well they need to replace the pair of them simple as that”

Credit: @lathamphil1

“While on the way out, don’t forget the injury prone players that can’t play 6 straight games”

Credit: @DozieLfc

“Replace them with Raphinha and Malen”

Credit: @Anggara16126514

“That alone funds Malen/Vlahovic/Daka and then we can buy Bissouma , Kabak, Konate and Raphinha”

Credit: @tobym4353

In other news, some Liverpool fans want to keep hold of one Reds loanee this summer. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in midfield gem Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, PIF are planning a bid to sign the Denmark international from Tottenham at the end of the season.

The report claims that they want to add the defensive midfielder to their team as he is high up on their transfer wishlist and are plotting a £30m swoop for his services.

Eddie Howe must get it done

The Magpies head coach must seal a deal for the former Southampton man as he would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

He is not a flashy, skilful, player who will get fans off their seats – like Allan Saint-Maximin – but he can be as important to the team, if not more so. Hojbjerg is a player who can provide a solid base for the attack-minded players to work from and has proven his quality at Premier League level.

Jose Mourinho, who knows a thing or two about winning in England, previously lauded the Dane’s style of play as he said:

“Physically he’s very, very strong and technically he’s much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago. Simplicity is genius.

“And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he’s a phenomenal player. Congratulations, Mr. [Daniel] Levy [Spurs chairman].”

Hojbjerg, who has also been dubbed a “monster” by Morten Bisgaard, has been exceptional in the Premier League this season as he has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.16 for Spurs. The 26-year-old has made an impressive 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game whilst completing 89% of his attempted passes, showing that he is reliable on the ball and excellent at winning possession back for his team.

He has racked up 178 appearances in the top-flight for Southampton and Tottenham combined and this means that he has experience as well as quality. Hojbjerg knows what it takes to perform in the division, as shown by his statistics this season, and he still has room to improve at the age of 26.

This is why he would be an excellent, sensible, addition to bolster Howe’s midfield. The midfield destroyer would be the ideal equaliser to the panache Bruno Guimaraes shows off in the middle of the park, with his simplicity, and the Magpies must now get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, Keith Downie drops exciting £50m Newcastle transfer claim that’ll delight supporters…

Celtic are closing in on naming Manchester City man Fergal Harkin as their new director of football.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Football Insider, who shared the strong links between the two clubs on Friday morning, backing up their claim that a deal is ‘90% done’ to attain a new Hoops DoF.

Harkin a Celtic fan

A Celtic source revealed that Harkin played a key role in helping Peter Lawwell’s son, Mark, join the City Football Group eight years ago.

Harkin, who is thought to be a “massive Celtic fan”, also recommended Ronny Deila to the Hoops back in 2014.

The latest report claims that Harkin’s pending arrival may be just the start of a ‘stampede of arrivals’ at Parkhead from the Etihad.

Transfer Tavern take

With Harkin expected to fill the newly-created DoF role, attention could soon turn to the vacant managerial position.

Roy Keane is reportedly set to be offered the job, which, should he accept, could see two Irishmen working closely together in Keane and Harkin.

This summer will be crucial in the club’s bid to win back the Scottish Premiership from rivals Rangers next season.

Plenty of outgoings and incomings on the pitch could well materialise ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and it looks as if Harkin will be central to plenty of those decisions.

In other news: Keane’s possible No.2 revealed as news emerges, find out more here. 

Paddy Kenny reckons that out of contract Leeds United man Ezgjan Alioski will make a decision on his Elland Road future ‘very soon’ [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for 2021/22

As Leeds United build for 2021/22, many eyes will be cast towards how Marcelo Bielsa goes about improving and tweaking his squad in the transfer market.

Though acquiring high-calibre signings will be an important element of the next step in the club’s recent improvement, keeping together the core of the 2020/21 squad will also take precedence for the Argentinian manager.

One man whose future remains unresolved as of yet is North Macedonia international Alioski, but Kenny reckons his final choice will become a lot clearer in the coming days.

The Latest: Kenny ‘surprised’ at Aloiski’s contractual wrangle

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider about the 29-year-old, the former Whites goalkeeper claimed:

“I’m surprised this hasn’t been sorted before he went away.

“From his point of view, why not it get sorted beforehand? What’s to say he doesn’t get a 12-month injury and then that could leave him without a club and a job.

“It was quite a high risk to take. Now that they’re knocked out, he doesn’t need to concentrate on the Euros.

“It’s out of the way now and if he’s going to stay at Leeds or not, he needs to get it sorted.

“So I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard something from him very soon.”

The Verdict: Losing Alioski would be a blow to Leeds United; he has to make an imminent decision

Needing clarity on positional depth before pre-season at Thorp Arch begins, Kenny correctly points out the necessity for the left-back to swiftly determine his next steps.

Valuable to the Yorkshire club, the versatile Leeds United man made 38 appearances last season, registering six goal contributions; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Either as a regular starter or as a squad player, there is little doubt that Alioski is a positive influence who has had an impact on proceedings in the English top-flight.

Moving forward, Bielsa should look to tie a deal up for the versatile left-sider as soon as possible.

In other news, Leeds United are linked with a Premier League defender.

It would be a risk for Kalvin Phillips to leave Leeds United and join Juventus this summer, warns the club’s former midfielder David Norris.

According to TuttoJuve, Juventus are interested in signing Phillips as they look to wrestle back the Serie A title from rivals Inter Milan.

The 25-year-old had a very strong season with Leeds, making 29 league appearances and averaging 2.6 tackles per game, more than any other midfielder in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad (via WhoScored).

The above, and the fact that he is now starring at Euro 2020 with England, makes it no surprise that Phillips has caught the attention of other clubs.

Norris, however, is not too sure about a move to Italy. The ex-Leeds player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“It’s a risk. He’s still learning, he’s still developing as a player. He’s getting better and better, but it’s a totally different league, totally different environment.

“Another country, another language, another culture, it’s hard. Some tough English players have gone over there and struggled, so it’s a risk and I don’t think he needs to take it at this time.”

Interest in Phillips is something Leeds will have to get used to. Now that he is an established England player who has featured at a major international tournament, his stock is undoubtedly on the rise.

Leeds United have been linked with an incredible move for Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, in what would surely be the biggest coup of Victor Orta’s career.

The Argentine has been one of the best strikers in Premier League history, with only Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Andy Cole scoring more goals in the competition.

He has been called a ‘genius’ by Frank Lampard in the past and will go down as one of the greatest foreign imports the English game has seen.

Aguero has confirmed that he will leave City at the end of the season, alerting a number of a clubs who could look to snap him up.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Leeds linked with Aguero move

Leeds are thought to be one of those teams, with 90min claiming Marcelo Bielsa is interested in a stunning move for the world-renowned star.

It is stated that Aguero has been ‘pinpointed’ as a replacement for likely outgoing striker Rodrigo, with Marcelo Bielsa keen to link up with his fellow countryman.

He also wouldn’t have to move house, given Manchester and Leeds are in relatively close proximity, which acts as a further bonus for the player.

Transfer Tavern take

Aguero may be turning 33 this summer, but he could be a fantastic addition for Leeds, still possessing outrageous ability in the final third.

That eye for goal and match-winning instinct could take the Whites up another level next season, so at least attempting to sign him makes complete sense.

His mentality could rub off on those around him, having won four Premier League titles and being on the cusp of clinching a fifth.

Of course, a move would surely depend on Orta convincing him to take a wage-cut, but at 33 perhaps the chance to link up with his countryman Bielsa could tempt him into a short-term deal.

If the Whites’ DoF could pull it off, given he has built his reputation at Leeds off finding bargains and young talent (BBC), it would be a real show of intent and a mega coup.

In other news, one pundit believes a key Leeds player should be surprisingly dropped against Fulham. Find out who it is here.

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard appears to be closing in on a move to Leicester City, according to talkSPORT’s Jason Bourne.

The Lowdown: Edouard’s Hoops stance

It appears as if Celtic fans have now seen the last of the French forward in a Hoops shirt.

Sources close to the club admitted last month that the 23-year-old wants to leave Celtic Park over the coming months, regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon as manager.

He’ll have just 12 months left on his deal in the summer, with Edouard’s camp believing last month he could secure a Parkhead exit for just £8-10m in the upcoming transfer window.

However, it looks as if the Hoops will be receiving more than that figure for his services.

The Latest: Bourne shares Edouard latest

Bourne shared the latest on the Foxes’ summer plans on Tuesday evening, with updates on both Edouard and Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

“I understand Boubakary Soumare to Leicester City is getting closer to completion. Appears formalities just need to be sorted now. Leicester also want to wrap up Odsonne Edouard deal. Personal terms not a problem. Looking to arrange a fee now. Could be £15-20m.”

The Verdict: Fee good news for McKay

In our opinion, should a deal go through at £20m, it would be good business from the Hoops and new CEO Dominic McKay.

Celtic know that they’ll have to hand over around half of that fee to Paris Saint-Germain due to a sell-on clause, but that would still leave the Hoops with £10m – not bad for a player who could’ve discussed a potential free transfer in January 2022.

McKay should be delighted if a transfer is completed closer to the £20m mark, especially with the player’s camp believing an exit at half of that price was doable, and he would then have the funds to bring in a proven replacement for the Frenchman.

Edouard was the league’s top scorer this season and has netted an impressive 83 times in 168 appearances. Replacing those goals could be vital in the club’s bid to win back the Scottish Premiership, so McKay needs every penny he can get out of the deal.

In other news: Pundit drops John Kennedy claim, find out more here. 

Some Liverpool supporters are unhappy that Nat Phillips has signed a new deal with the Reds, with many claiming that it makes no sense.

The 24-year-old became something of a cult hero at Anfield last season, having been thrown into the team by Jurgen Klopp.

A host of long-term injuries to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip meant that Phillips was called into action more than expected, but he helped Liverpool finish third in the Premier League.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

With those key centre-backs fit again and Ibrahima Konate signed from RB Leipzig, though, Phillips now finds himself as fifth-choice in his position.

Despite this, Liverpool confirmed on Tuesday [via the club’s official Twitter account] that the Englishman has signed a new long-term deal at Anfield, with no other clubs willing to buy him on transfer deadline day despite him being linked with an exit in recent weeks.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans unhappy with Phillips update

These Reds fans took to Twitter to show their unhappiness at Phillips being given a new contract amid an absence of new signings on deadline day.

“Love you Nat but this club is gonna throw me off the edge”

Credit: @MoThiagoA6_

“Sorry, what?”

Credit: @dpgingo1

“This club is just laughing at the fans today aren’t they?”

Credit: @jayreid1987

“I’m tired of this club”

Credit: @twlsjf

“Nah I’m speechless”

Credit: @monsutaendo_

“This is the nail in the coffin”

Credit: @fcDavee

In other news, one Liverpool player is set for a deadline day exit – find out who it is here.