Everton Considering Bid For £11m-Rated Brazil International

An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to improve their options in the final third heading into the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

According to GOAL, the Toffees are eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Corinthians centre-forward Yuri Alberto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club are considering whether or not to make an official offer to land the Brazilian forward's signature, but there has not been any contact between the two teams as of yet.

It is stated that Everton remaining in the Premier League has helped their cause and that Sean Dyche's side has the financial power to make moves in the market.

Who is Yuri Alberto?

He is a 22-year-old Brazil international who is valued at £11m by Football Transfers and his arrival would be terrible news for Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international scored a stunning 29 Premier League goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns combined, but his form has fallen off a cliff over the last two years.

Since the start of 2021/22, Calvert-Lewin has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances in the top flight – including two in 17 this term.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In the current season, the 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across 17 appearances in the league and contributed with two goals and one assist, with a pass success rate of 61%.

Meanwhile, Alberto averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 and provided eight goals and one assist in 20 outings in the Brasileiro Serie A in 2022 and completed 68% of his attempted passes.

The former Santos man, who was hailed as "dangerous" and "powerful" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has plundered 30 goals in 94 Serie A matches throughout his career to date.

These statistics show that the ace, who is four years younger than the Everton striker, has the potential to be a reliable goalscorer for the Toffees if he can adapt to playing in English football as the finisher has proven himself in the top-flight in Brazil.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, did not make big contributions for the Toffees in the top flight in England and was a liability for the team as the striker did not score or assist enough and gave the ball away too often with his loose passes.

This indicates that Alberto has the quality to come in as an upgrade on the England international and this would, therefore, be terrible news for the ex-Sheffield United man as it could lead to him being the second-choice striker and sitting on the bench week-in-week-out.

Levy Considering Odd Managerial Target For Spurs

Journalist Alasdair Gold has expressed his confusion as to why Tottenham Hotspur are considering Luis Enrique as their next manager.

What's the latest on Luis Enrique and Spurs?

The Premier League club are in the hunt for a new head coach but the big news of late is that Julian Nagelsmann is no longer an option for Daniel Levy and co.

Indeed, as reported in The Guardian, Spurs aren't keen to bring the manager to north London – though it remains unclear if he was ever really up for the job either.

However, it seems 53-year-old former Spain boss Luis Enrique remains a person of interest to Tottenham but not everyone seems convinced that he'd be a good fit.

For instance, while speaking about this possible appointment on his YouTube channel, Gold slammed it as odd, suggesting he would be just another "glamour" appointment as seen with previous managers.

He said (50:13): “You know, there's so many candidates out there that fulfil this criteria of being a project manager for the long term. Rebuilding a club, bringing an attacking football to the club.

"I don't feel that he suits that scenario at all. But we know Luis Enrique has been considered which is one of the oddest ones for me.

"Because for me, if we think of it as a trilogy, he would be the final part of a trilogy, of glamour appointments of [Jose] Mourinho, [Antonio] Conte and then Luis Enrique.

"Big names who fit wonderfully elsewhere, but fit Tottenham, like a glove that's kind of like missing fingers."

What went wrong for Conte and Mourinho at Tottenham?

It's safe to say that hiring big-name coaches like Conte and Mourinho hasn't worked well in the past, so Spurs do need to be wary of repeating this mistake.

Indeed, Conte left the club amid an explosive interview in which he seemed to express his distant for pretty much everything about the side. While Mourinho also wasn't shy in criticising the quality of his players during his tenure.

antonio-conte-tottenham-hotspur

If Luis Enrique was to join, he'd also arrive with a reputation that proceeds him – having won numerous trophies in his career such as La Liga, the Champions League and the Club World Cup – and so Tottenham may be better off hiring a manager who perhaps hasn't yet already scaled the heights of club football.

With a little while seemingly to go before Levy must make his decision, it will be interesting to see if he takes something like this into account before finally hiring the next Spurs boss.

Transfer Close For "Brilliant" £120k-p/w Arsenal Star

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to depart the club, and a move to Bayer Leverkusen is nearly complete, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

What's the latest on Xhaka and Arsenal?

The Switzerland international has had his most productive season in an Arsenal shirt, notching up seven goals and seven assists in all competitions, but with one year left on his deal, all parties have decided to part ways.

He is closing in on a return to the Bundesliga, with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen set to complete a deal for the 30-year-old.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that the deal was nearing completion, with Arsenal set to receive around £13m for the midfielder.

"I can confirm now that talks are very advanced between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen for Granit Xhaka, so Xhaka will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, and 90% he will become a Bayer Leverkusen player," he stated.

"They're just waiting to complete some of the final details. It's a €15m deal, so Arsenal will get €15m and also the player will get a four-year contract at Bayer Leverkusen. Everything is almost ready."

How much will Arsenal miss Xhaka?

Although he has been a divisive figure at times during his seven-year spell in north London, his performances this season have made him a popular figure among the media, and he has become a crucial part of the midfield three.

He was only omitted from the starting XI twice in the league this season, and Arsenal struggled in both games. They found themselves 2-0 down at home to Bournemouth before he was substituted on, and they fell to a damaging draw against Southampton when he was absent with illness.

Granit Xhaka

The £120k-per-week star was described as "brilliant" earlier on this season, as his strong performances helped Arsenal sustain an unexpected title challenge throughout the campaign, and the club will need to replace him well.

There have been strong links with Declan Rice as well as Moises Caicedo, as two younger, robust midfielders who can replace both Xhaka's physical contributions and his leadership in the middle of the park.

Xhaka's leadership skills were praised earlier this season as he helped lead Arsenal to a derby victory away at rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and he may prove a tough figure to replace both on and off the pitch as one of the more vocal players in the squad.

Sharif's hat-trick gives Gazi the upper hand

Mohammad Sharif, the Gazi Group Cricketers’ medium pacer, recorded a hat-trick in a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League fixture against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in Mirpur

Mohammad Isam18-May-2016

Mohammad Sharif claimed figures of 8-0-43-4•RisingBD.com

Mohammad Sharif, the Gazi Group Cricketers’ medium pacer, recorded a hat-trick in a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League fixture against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in Mirpur on Wednesday. He became the third bowler after Rubel Hossain and Tapash Baisya to achieve the feat since the tournament was granted List A status in 2013.Sharif’s hat-trick lit up a leaden day and changed the course of Dhanmondi’s innings on a day when the match was forced into the reserve day. In the 34th over, Mahmudullah holed out to Saeed Anwar jnr at deep midwicket. Off the next ball, Zabid Hossain was bowled. Sharif had is third wicket when he trapped Nazmus Sadat lbw. Muktar Ali’s dismissal off the next ball made it four wickets in four balls in the over, with Sharif effecting the run out. Dhanmondi were restricted to 168 for 9, with Sharif finishing with 4 for 43 in eight overs.”I am the highest wicket-taker in first-class cricket among the pace bowlers. The culture in our country is to call a player “old” when they reach the age of 30. In other countries, a 30-year old is said to be experienced. I don’t think I am over with my career. As long as I can keep my fitness, I still dream of playing for Bangladesh,” said Sharif, who played the last of his 10 Tests in 2007.”Two years ago I was the third highest wicket-taker and had also scored some runs. I was called up and told that I will be playing for Bangladesh A, but I was dropped in the last minute. I wasn’t told the reason. I want this culture to go away from our cricket. Guys like Misbah-ul-Haq and Ashish Nehra are still playing so why can’t Bangladeshi players of the same age?”Since his last international outing, Sharif has taken 210 first-class wickets and hasn’t finished a single season without at least 15 wickets. “I don’t think I was at fault (for being dropped early in his international career). I was sent quite late to Australia after my first injury,” he said. “I would have returned to cricket three or fourth months earlier if I was sent there on time.”I couldn’t play in the 2003 World Cup. I became an example because Mashrafe was sent to Australia soon after his injury that year. I will keep performing, and my wish is to continue playing. The rest is up to the selectors. I can’t forcefully make it up there but performance speaks itself.”Sharif, who made his Test debut during Bangladesh’s first-ever Test tour, in Zimbabwe has 14 wickets in 10 Tests, and nine wickets in 10 ODIs.

Everton Can Resolve Dele Alli Drama With Academy Star

Everton rarely shy away from controversy on and off the pitch and this season has been no different with yet another managerial sacking alongside a troubling Premier League financial investigation.

If that wasn't enough drama for one club, the Toffees are currently battling a tightly contested relegation battle and with just six games left to save their season, sit 18th in the drop zone.

Sean Dyche can barely be blamed for the trouble unfolding at the club, but will be the focal point for the Goodison Park faithful when it comes to damage control on the pitch and will be expected to save the season as his predecessor Frank Lampard did just 12 months ago.

Whether the former Burnley boss manages to retain Everton's Premier League status this season or not, there is a lot of work to be done in the summer in terms of personnel in the squad and developing a better future for the Toffees, with mistakes needing to be repaired and loose ends tied before they return to action next season.

One of those loose ends is no doubt Everton attacker Dele Alli, who was sent out on loan to Besiktas at the start of the season after failing to make an impact on Merseyside.

Sadly, he has already been frozen out by the Turkish club and will recover from his season-ending injury in England.

Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton update, Everton team news, Everton analysis, Everton academy, Dele Alli, Sean Dyche, Goodison Park, Toffees

It is reported that the former England star will have his ties severed at Everton and will be free to leave Goodison this summer, which could pave the way for Dyche to bring through an academy star who could help forget the nightmare that has been Alli's tenure on the blue side of Merseyside.

That breakthrough player could be attacking midfielder and former U18s captain Sean McAllister, who has consistently impressed in the academy and could finally get his chance in the first team.

Who is Sean McAllister?

The 20-year-old talent joined the Blues from Dungannon Swifts back in 2019 and has quickly risen through the ranks of the youth set-up to become a key player for both the U21s and U23s.

This season, the midfielder put in some outstanding performances in the Football League Trophy and ended the tournament as the highest-rated player (8.05) in the entire squad – as per Sofascore.

Over two appearances in the competition, the Northern Irishman – who was dubbed a "great athlete" by Dixie Robinson – scored one goal and registered three assists as a marker of his attacking prowess.

Diving deeper into the stats, McAllister successfully completed 50% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 1.5 key passes and registering 1.5 shots on target per game.

In total, the youngster has tallied up 17 goals and delivered 17 assists in the U18s and U21s with a goal contribution every 143 minutes, further proving that he is a huge presence in the final third.

Last week, Everton's hot prospect was rewarded with a brand new contract to secure his future at the club until the summer of 2024 and he spoke out about his hopes for the future upon penning the deal:

"I have trained a few times with the senior side, and I hope to get a few more in. But I want to keep impressing with the Under-21s and maybe get a loan deal if one comes, too."

Indeed, the player may be keen to go out on loan soon, however, he could become an important player in the first-team squad to bolster the attacking threat at Goodison Park should they either be relegated or find themselves suffering further financial constraints.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for McAllister and if he continues to thrive in the academy, it won't be too long before the youngster follows in the footsteps of Tom Davies, Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms.

Chelsea: Graham Potter Must Ditch £120k-p/w Flop

Callum Hudson-Odoi looked destined for great things when he first broke into the team at Chelsea but he has sadly failed to live up to expectations with the Blues and Graham Potter should look to get rid of him in the summer.

Should Chelsea get rid of Hudson-Odoi?

Hudson-Odoi joined Chelsea 16 years ago in 2007 and would dazzle in his time in the academy, memorably scoring ten goals in seven appearances in the FA Youth Cup in the 2017/18 campaign.

His incredible form in the academy saw him earn his first four senior appearances that season, as he featured twice in the Premier League and twice in the FA Cup, despite still being a teenager.

Further appearances and his first senior goals would follow in the 2018/19 season, with an impressive four goals and two assists in nine Europa League appearances as the Blues won the trophy under Maurizio Sarri.

It was no surprise therefore that when Frank Lampard took over from the Italian he was keen to utilise one of Chelsea's most exciting young talents, and Hudson-Odoi would register one goal and five assists in 22 Premier League outings in the 2019/20 campaign but averaged a disappointing 6.56 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Soon, the England international would transition from a promising youngster to an established member of the first team, who was sadly failing to perform consistently.

Under Thomas Tuchel in the 2021/22 campaign, he enjoyed the most Premier League starts of his career with 11, but failed to make that opportunity count, with just one goal and two assists to his name.

Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were both critical of the winger, who earns £120k-per-week at Chelsea, when speaking on Premier League Productions after a particularly poor display away at Brighton in January of last year.

Shearer suggested that the 22-year-old was "really poor" while Wright blasted his failure to find Romelu Lukaku on a counterattack, saying that he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

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Following the takeover from Todd Boehly, Chelsea have seen an influx of wingers arrive at the club, with Raheem Sterling signed from Manchester City in the summer, which was perhaps a catalyst in Hudson-Odoi being loaned to Bayer Leverkusen for the 2022/23 campaign.

His return of no goals and just one assist in 13 Bundesliga appearances does not bode well for his future at Stamford Bridge, especially given the January arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.

Therefore, it seems clear now that Hudson-Odoi won't be good enough to be a regular at Chelsea and Potter should look to get rid of him in the summer before his market value drops significantly, bringing an end to his 16-year stay at the Bridge.

Liverpool monitoring Randal Kolo Muani

Liverpool are monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Firmino successor needed

Jurgen Klopp has recently confirmed that Roberto Firmino will be leaving Anfield upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, and despite having plenty of other attacking options at his disposal, he’s on the hunt to find a successor in the summer.

The French international’s deal at the Deutsche Bank Park isn’t set to run out until 2027, but being Oliver Glasner’s top-performing player, has caught the eye of the Reds boss.

FSG reportedly held an interest in the 24-year-old before he joined the Bundesliga outfit, who are expecting to receive bids from potential suitors during the upcoming window.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Kolo Muani

According to SportBild (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are ‘watching’ Kolo Muani having ‘set their sights’ on him as a potential replacement for Firmino.

Frankfurt could suffer ‘bad consequences’ but are determined to keep hold of their prized asset and have therefore demanded that any interested club will have to pay ‘over €100m’ (£87m) to secure his services in the summer.

Sporting director Markus Krosche has told the forward that it would be best for his development to stay where he is, though it’s stated that he could ‘consider a change’ if a suitor was to offer him the ‘right sporting perspective’.

English top-flight rivals Manchester United also have the talisman on their ‘agenda’.

The Verdict: Perfect candidate

Kolo Muani has been hailed a ‘top-class talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy and he would be the perfect candidate to take over Firmino’s role at Liverpool from the start of the 2023/24 term.

The Bondy native has clocked up a remarkable 30 goal contributions (16 goals and 14 assists) in just 34 Frankfurt appearances since joining, which makes him the prolific profile of player you can’t turn down.

The Adidas-sponsored star ranks in the 95th percentile for most successful take-ons and the 93rd percentile for most progressive carries per game, highlighting his desire to attack even when he’s not on the scoresheet (FBRef).

Finally, Kolo Muani is comfortable operating anywhere across a frontline so would add plenty of versatility to the squad, having previously played in five positions, which will be yet another attractive attribute to Klopp.

Man United scouts watch ‘generational talent’ live

Manchester United sent scouts to watch RB Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko on Sunday, 90min report.

The Lowdown: Hat-trick in seven minutes

Sesko, who Ryan Taylor has described as a “generational talent”, actually started the game against Rapid Vienna on the bench.

However, the 19-year-old came on for the second half and netted a hat-trick in just seven minutes to secure the three points for Salzburg. The three goals took his tally to 11 in 30 games for 2022/23, and it looks as if United are one of many tracking the Slovenia international.

The Latest: United update

90min provided an update on Sesko in the last 48 hours, where the Red Devils were named.

They claimed that United sent scouts to watch the forward in action, with those at Old Trafford still seeing the player as a potential target despite the fact Sesko will join RB Leipzig in the summer.

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The Verdict: Future signing?

Erik ten Hag could really do with a marquee attacker signed this summer due to Anthony Martial’s injury issues, but it doesn’t look as if that will be Sesko, who is set to move to Germany with Leipzig.

Therefore, he could be viewed as a future signing at Old Trafford, provided he goes from strength to strength in the Bundesliga.

Reports back in the summer claimed that United made an offer for Sesko, so hopefully, the club may get another chance to make their move for the forward, and his name will be one to keep an eye on over the year, especially with comparisons already being made to Erling Haaland.

Chelsea willing to offer £88m for Leao

Chelsea are willing to offer £88m to bring AC Milan forward Rafael Leao to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Qatar talks held

The Portuguese international has now entered the final 18 months of his contract at the San Siro, meaning that the Serie A giants could potentially be looking to cash in this summer.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg reported that the Blues held talks regarding a move for the 23-year-old during the World Cup in Qatar, though a move failed to materialise in January.

The Milan winger also briefly followed the club on social media, hinting that he’s keen to work under Graham Potter, who could be about to take a second bite of the cherry.

The Latest: Chelsea readying Leao bid

According to Spanish reports (via Sportskeeda), Chelsea are ‘willing to spend’ €100m (£88m) to sign Leao this summer.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are ‘interested’ in Stefano Pioli’s talisman but are set to face stiff competition from top-flight rivals Manchester City.

The Almada native will only be allowed to depart for a sizeable sum, with the fee above the ‘minimum’ required to sanction a sale.

The Verdict: Splash the cash

Leao has been hailed a ‘difference-maker’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and Chelsea should definitely splash the cash to secure his services this summer.

The Milan attacker has racked up 14 goal contributions (eight goals and six assists) in 22 Serie A outings this season, where he’s currently averaging 2.9 shots per game.

This form has seen him bag five man-of-the-match awards in all competitions, not forgetting his versatility having operated as a second striker and in midfield alongside his natural position out wide.

Leao ranks in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons and this kind of direct threat is exactly what the Blues need, making this a no-brainer of a deal to complete should the opportunity arise.

Pedro Porro tipped to start over Emerson

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that new Tottenham Hotspur signing Pedro Porro is ready to start this weekend – and that it would be “mad” to start Emerson Royal instead.

What’s the word?

It seems as though most of Spurs’ efforts in the winter market were spent on signing the Sporting Lisbon defender and they finally managed to land him on loan with an obligation to buy on deadline day.

However, with that deal happening so late in January, it remains to be seen just how ready he is to come into the starting XI this weekend after just a few training sessions with his new teammates.

What’s more, this Sunday’s Premier League game is against champions Manchester City. Even so, Gold has claimed that Porro is ready and should start ahead of Emerson.

Speaking on the Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast, the Football.london reporter stated his expectation for the Spaniard to come straight into the side.

He said: “He’s absolutely fit. He’s playing every game for [Sporting]. His last game was on Saturday night, eight days before this [match].

“He’ll have had a big old chunk of the week to train with the team. I think it would be mad to play Emerson Royal.”

Decision time

Seeing as Spurs were so keen to land Porro – as well as letting Matt Doherty and Djed Spence leave in the winter market – it’s clear that they feel a need for change in the right wing-back position.

Emerson has been the more trusted player in that role, starting 13 Premier League games and four Champions League matches, but he’s failed to win over critics this season. In a recent game against Fulham, pundit Danny Murphy called his defending a “joke” (via HITC).

Porro, on the other hand, has impressed in Portugal with Lisbon. Indeed, while Emerson has one goal and one assist in all competitions to go alongside his inconsistent displays, the new signing has two goals and six assists in all competitions – showing that he’s perhaps likely to be more of a threat going forward.

With that in mind, if he is fit, you can certainly see why he might be put into the starting team against City right away.

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