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Everton’s record in the transfer market has been far from perfect during the reign of owner Farhad Moshiri, and one particular signing may have left him with more regrets than most.

What’s the story?

The Toffees brought former Porto, Monaco and Bayern Munich playmaker James Rodriguez to the club on a free transfer after he was released by Real Madrid, but things didn’t go to plan for the 30-year-old.

It was hoped that Rodriguez’s arrival would add some world-class ability to Carlo Ancelotti’s workmanlike squad, with the highly-decorated duo expected to bring European football back to Goodison Park.

However, despite making a fast start to life on Merseyside, the Colombia international soon faded as Everton finished last season in 10th position, and then quickly followed his former mentor out of the exit door after Ancelotti returned to the Spanish capital.

Moshiri endured Everton nightmare

Rodriguez’s short spell with the Blues arguably sums up their recent fortunes in the transfer market perfectly.

First, there was the big outlay on his yearly salary of £7.2m, then came the hope after a handful of outstanding displays before the inevitable disappointment resulted in false promises and an unglamorous exit.

And now, journalist Paul Brown has had his say on the latest transfer nightmare that Moshiri endured, claiming the South American gem failed to live up to expectations at Everton.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Everton shot for the stars hoping James would get them into Europe.

“James signed for Carlo Ancelotti, but then he left, and it quickly became obvious that because he hadn’t really played much towards the end of the season, he was going to be a casualty of the cost control measures.

“It’s a transfer that didn’t work, ultimately, because he was there to get them into Europe.

“They didn’t get into Europe, and he didn’t play enough towards the end of last season, so I don’t think you can say too many great things about the club on it from that point of view,” he concluded.

After scoring three goals and providing a further three assists in his first six Premier League games for Everton, Rodriguez added just a further five goal contributions in his subsequent 17 outings.

He then began Rafa Benitez’s tenure in the worst way possible, not playing and then admitting he didn’t even know who the club’s opponents were.

The £140,000-per-week gem then became the first casualty of Benitez’s new era, marking yet another failed attempt to bridge the gap to the top-flight’s ‘Big Six’.

And, in other news…Brands must sanction EFC swoop for “incredible” £19.8m-rated gem, Benitez needs him 

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a big injury blow regarding Yerson Mosquera ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by BBC Sport, the 20-year-old has been ruled out for around five months after picking up a hamstring injury just nine minutes into his Wolves debut in the club’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Tottenham Hotspur last week.

In a statement posted on the club’s official website, the Wolves medical team provided an update on the condition of the Colombia under-20 international, stating: “Unfortunately, Yerson suffered a high-grade hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup game with Tottenham Hotspur and is undergoing surgery this week in London.

“It is too early to give a return date as there is such variation in how quickly players heal and recover fitness, but as a guide 4-5 months is usual.”

Massive blow

Considering that Mosquera was Bruno Lage’s first signing as Wolves manager, in addition to the club’s technical director Scott Sellars revealing that the 45-year-old was “involved in the process” of landing the centre-back, the news that the 20-year-old looks set to be sidelined for a large part of the season is sure to have left the Portuguese boss gutted.

Indeed, in a recent interview with Give Me Sport, Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield revealed just how big of a blow Mosquera’s absence is for Wolves, stating: “It’s a big loss for the club because the squad size isn’t big and they’re working with smaller numbers than many other clubs. The timing is always a massive blow so it’s a real shame.”

As such, while it never appeared likely that Mosquera would be available for the visit of Newcastle today given the recent setback, the lengthy absence of the £1.53m-rated centre-back will nevertheless come as a huge blow to Lage. The 45-year-old now has a potential shortage of options at the back for the clash with the Magpies, particularly with Jonny Otto and Rayan Ait-Nouri also sidelined.

In other news: Lage must unleash “smooth” £19.8m-rated Wolves dynamo today, he’d terrify Newcastle

West Ham United have secured the signing of Alex Kral, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable ExWHUemployee dropped a major update to his ‘The West Ham Way’ Patreon page as the Hammers close in on their second signing of the day and fourth of the summer transfer window.

“Kral done,” he said.

“I have just spoke to one of my best sources he has told me that everything with Kral is done. All that needs to happen is for pen to go on the paper.

“The player held talks with the club (which I heavily reported) at the start of the window but they didn’t want to sign him. The player was keen to join. This loan deal gives them the option to see how good he is, following some doubts over his Euro performances before signing.  He is good friends with our current Czech mates.”

Moyes will be buzzing

This should leave Hammers boss David Moyes a very happy man as he’s got a new midfielder to bolster his engine room ahead of what could be a very busy campaign come to the end of the season.

The Irons will soon be competing in the Europa League group stages, so two matches a week will quickly become the norm and prior to this arrival, the Scot was not well-stocked in the middle.

An injury or suspension to either Tomas Soucek or Declan Rice would see the returning Mark Noble step up to the plate and considering he only started eight league games last season, that’s not the best solution.

Kral is also a player that Moyes has seemingly scouted in depth. He named the 23-year-old Czech Republic international in his ‘ones to watch’ in The Times for Euro 2020.

He wrote:

‘He is likely to start in the Czech midfield alongside Tomas Soucek and is similar in stature to Tomas, though plays in a slightly different style. He is good on the ball and looks to protect his defence and appears to have, like Tomas and Vladimir Coufal, great mentality and bags of energy.’

Having modelled his game on a player of Toni Kroos’ calibre, Moyes could well be getting a very shrewd player in Kral and one that is ultimately risk-free, thanks to the nature of the deal.

Ex believes that it’s a loan move with an option to buy for an initial £12m. That could turn out to be an absolute steal just like with his international teammates, Soucek and Coufal.

On the above evidence, Moyes will be buzzing as he nears another signing on deadline day.

AND in other news, Moyes can finally end West Ham striker search with late swoop for £18m-rated “leader”…

There is a ‘very good chance’ that Leeds United will make a move for talented Club Brugge winger Noa Lang in January, according to a fresh report from Belgium.

The Lowdown: Lang heavily linked with move

The Whites may have ended up signing Dan James from Manchester United this summer, but fellow wide man Lang was constantly linked with a move to Elland Road.

One source even claimed the player actually agreed personal terms with the Whites and at one point the talks for an agreement between the clubs were ‘progressing well’.

The 22-year-old has shone for Brugge in recent years, scoring 21 goals in 47 appearances and being hailed as the ‘best player’ in the Belgian Jupiler League by analyst Filip Joos.

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The Latest: Fresh report emerges

While Lang stayed put at Brugge for the time being, Voetbal24 [via Sport Witness] claim that there a strong possibility that an ‘offer will be made’ by Leeds.

It is stated that the transfer fee could be ‘a problem’, however, with Brugge demanding €30million (£25.6m) for his services.

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Leeds

Lang is a hugely exciting prospect who could still be years from his peak, so the thought of him in a Leeds shirt is a mouthwatering one.

The Dutchman has already scored three times and registered four assists in the league this season, despite only make seven starts to date, which highlights his quality in the final third.

Given he is just 22, James is 23 and both Raphinha and Jack Harrison are 24, a move for Lang could give Bielsa four young talents fighting for just two spots on the flanks, the type of healthy competition necessary to kick the club onto the next level and fight for European football.

In other news, a Sky Sports pundit has been discussing Leeds’ potential move for one player. Read more here.

Loads of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming as some news emerged involving a new partner.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, Sportemon Go (SGO) will now become a top tier ‘Official Club Partner’ with back of the shirt sponsor branding, digital non-fungible token (NFT) collectables, as they will also offer a significant commercial investment into the club.

They have formed sports partnerships with a number of high-profile athletes, including Premier League players Andy Robertson and Luke Shaw.

While they will bring some benefits, including innovative creative digital collectible products and fan engagement activities, a lot of Light Blues supporters are not happy with the new partner, as some feel as if they have too many already.

Others noticed the unfortunate Twitter handle that the company possesses, and so do not want to be associated with them.

Rangers fans on partnership

These Teddy Bears fumed as the partnership was announced on Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that it is ‘awful’:

“I don’t like this at all Rangers”

Credit: @Allan85200280

“No this ain’t it”

Credit: @DCRS_Boom

“Wow”

Credit: @King_Kamara18

“Called it. Shambles.”

Credit: @phil_091

“Rangers fans DO NOT put your money into this”

Credit: @kylEnsign

“Awful. Everything about it is awful”

Credit: @gordmatheson

In other news, find out whose comments have left Gers buzzing here!

Leicester City have announced that Harvey Barnes has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

What’s the story?

The rapid winger still had three years remaining on his previous deal, but his impressive performances convinced the club to offer him an extended contract with improved terms.

After the Foxes revealed Barnes’ decision to commit his future to his boyhood club, the highly-rated 23-year-old stated it was an easy call for him to put pen to paper.

“I’ve been here for so many years now; it feels like home. For me, it was a no-brainer. Of course, I wanted to extend my stay here,” Barnes told LCFC TV.

“It’s been something that’s been going on in the background, and to sign now is great. It’s right at the start of a new season as well, which I know everyone is excited about.”

Leicester City fans will be absolutely buzzing

The Englishman was in fabulous form last term, bagging 13 goals and providing a further four assists in 35 appearances for the Foxes until a serious injury picked up in March ended his season.

His impressive displays in the early stages of the campaign earned him his first and only England cap in a friendly against Wales in October, and he was tipped to make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020 as a result.

However, his fitness issues ruled Barnes out for contention for a place in the Three Lions squad for the European Championship over the summer, leaving the youngster disappointed.

Barnes has bounced back admirably, though, putting in two solid performances at the start of 2020/21, helping Brendan Rodgers’ charges claim the Community Shield and three points against Wolves over the weekend.

The academy graduates’ show of commitment will undoubtedly have the Leicester supporters absolutely buzzing with excitement, ending any speculation over his immediate future.

Premier League giants Liverpool were said to have a “concrete interest” in Barnes this summer, but his new deal will halt talk of an imminent exit, allowing the club’s fans and Rodgers alike to breathe a sigh of relief.

And, in other news…Talks ongoing: Journo drops major Leicester update that’ll leave fans delighted 

Many Everton fans have been left flocking to a revelation involving Marcel Brands.

As per The Liverpool Echo, both Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson had been long-term targets for the Goodison Park faithful, and were identified by the recruitment department that worked under Brands.

Of course, the Dutchman has now left the Merseyside club, which begs the question as to whether he should have gone in the first place, given that he essentially helped identify the Toffees’ latest two signings.

There has not always been a good connection between supporters and the board in general, as they have taken a particular disliking to chairman Bill Kenwright, and so revelations like these really do not really help that relationship.

Nonetheless, it appears that a lot of Blues are not really shocked by the news.

Everton fans on Brands news

These EFC supporters were left flocking to the news on Brands as it was shared on Twitter:

“What a weird football club we really are.”

Credit: @eideangm

“Well now, who’d have thought it…”

Credit: @NTylerVI

“There’s a shock.”

Credit: @lewissefc

“This is the backwards way of thinking the board is stuck in at the moment. Freezes Brands out and lets him walk just to make the signings he recommended and attempt to take credit for them”

Credit: @The_Penny_Blue

“Brands getting more freedom to do his job when he’s no longer in the job has got to be the most Everton thing I’ve seen.”

Credit: @KaneVasco

“Only EFC would get rid of the DOF and then buy his recommendations. What next? Benitez fired and Brands recommendation of Potter as new manager taken up.”

Credit: @MurphyRichie

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Matt Clarke, Alex Mowatt and Andy Carroll were the standout performers as West Brom pulled off an impressive 2-0 victory at home to AFC Bournemouth. 

The Baggies kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a crucial three points at a stage of the season where only wins will suffice if Steve Bruce’s side are going to make a late dash for the Championship top six.

Two early goals were enough for the home side at The Hawthorns as Mowatt opened the scoring after eight minutes before Carroll cooly doubled the lead just four minutes later – the veteran striker’s second goal since joining the club in January.

According to Sofascore, there were three players who stood out as West Brom’s most influential on the night – could this spine drive Bruce’s side towards a sneaky play-off berth?

Clarke 7.8/10

The 25-year-old full-back was at the heart of this performance and produced a defensive masterclass to keep the automatic promotion-chasing Cherries at bay.

Clarke provided seven clearances, two blocked shots, four interceptions and three tackles – winning 6/9 (67%) of his duels overall up against Ryan Christie and Jefferson Lerma.

Mowatt 7.7/10

This was yet another strong performance from the midfielder who has so often been West Brom’s leading light this season.

Early goal aside, the 27-year-old was a key figure in the midfield and ended the match having made two key passes, winning 2/4 (50%) duels and with a pass completion tally of 20/24 (83%).

Carroll 7.8/10

So often the figure of angst, Carroll repaid the faith shown in him by Bruce in the absence of Karlan Grant with a display packed full of all the qualities needed to act as a focal point in attack.

The 33-year-old former Newcastle United star made two clearances and two interceptions in defence to add to a successful tally of 12/21 duels (57%) – winning eight in the air.

In other news, Premier League club sent scout to watch West Brom ace. Read more here.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips could be ‘tempted’ by a summer move to Liverpool or Manchester United, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Leeds’ rivals

The 25-year-old’s reputation has grown hugely in the last year or so, with the wider footballing public realising what Whites fans have known for a long time. He was the squad’s fifth-best performer last season as per WhoScored, an indication of his importance to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Phillips has also become a key player for England, being nearly ever-present in their run to the Euro 2020 final, and he has been linked with joining both Liverpool and Manchester United in recent times.

The midfielder’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, however, so a huge bid would likely be required to prise him away from Elland Road.

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The Latest: Journalist claims exit could happen

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown believes that Phillips’ head could be turned by one of the two Premier League heavyweights in order to reach another level in his career.

He told the publication: “I could see him being tempted by a move to one of those clubs.”

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The Verdict: Future up in the air

It is tough to predict what will happen with Phillips, but hard as it may be to accept, it would be difficult to begrudge him a move away next summer. Indeed, Eurosport reported last month that the club were struggling to agree a new deal for the 25-year-old, who is seeking reassurances that the Whites can be competitive at Premier League level.

Leeds are languishing near the relegation zone but the England international is someone who deserves to be playing at the very top level, testing himself against Europe’s best midfielders in the Champions League. He is England’s reigning Player of the Year, after all.

From a Whites perspective, it would clearly be fantastic if Phillips pledges his long-term future to the club, but as Brown has hinted, the midfielder may feel that a fresh challenge needs to come his way.

In other news, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on a potential Leeds signing. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Ludovic Ajorque to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato, who claimed that David Moyes and his Hammers transfer team are closely monitoring the Strasbourg centre-forward ahead of a potential swoop this month.

However, the report added that the Ligue 1 side will unlikely want to part with the 27-year-old in the current transfer window, although they could be tempted with an offer for the Frenchman at the end of the season.

Haller replacement

Since the £20m sale of Sebastien Haller last January, West Ham have been operating with only Michail Antonio as an out-and-out centre-forward, so it is clear to see that Moyes is in desperate need of a replacement for the Ivory Coast international this month.

When taking into account just how impressive Ajorque has been in France this season, in addition to the 6 foot 6 striker’s physical similarities to that of the 6 foot 3 Haller, the 27-year-old would very much appear to be a fantastic heir to the Ajax forward in the Irons’ squad.

Indeed, over his 18 Ligue 1 appearances in the current campaign, the £13.5m-rated marksman has been in exceptional form for Strasbourg, having already bagged 10 goals – with only Lille’s Jonathan David having scored more in the division – registered six assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £14k-per-week forward average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.30, not only ranking him as his club’s best performer in the league, but also as the joint 10th-best player in the whole of Ligue 1.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the player who Strasbourg boss Julien Stephan dubbed a “complete” striker would make a brilliant addition to West Ham’s current attacking options, leading us to believe that Moyes and the Hammers board must do all they can to get a deal over the line for the 27-year-old this month.

In other news: Exciting “behind the scenes” West Ham transfer update emerges; fans will be buzzing