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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 

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 

West Ham fans are ecstatic at the news that Armstrong Okoflex scored a hat-trick for the U23s in the young Hammers’ 4-2 win over Crystal Palace, putting them top of the Premier League 2 table.

Irish teenager Okoflex won and converted the penalty that saw West Ham bring back the lead after initially going 2-1 down to Palace, rounding off his hat-trick early on in the second half.

Kamarai Swyer then put the game to bed after left-back Jayden Fevrier fed the ball through to the attacking midfielder, who was able to lash in a near-post finish.

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West Ham fans have been extremely impressed with Okoflex this season, who has totalled 10 goals and one assist in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

This wasn’t even his first hat-trick of the 2021/22 campaign, as the left winger netted three times in the U23’s 6-1 victory against Arsenal.

Okoflex has proved that he can perform at the senior level too, as he scored in West Ham U23’s EFL Trophy tie against Ipswich, which they won 2-1.

Fans erupt at Okoflex’s hat-trick

Fans have flocked to West Ham’s tweet, which announces the teenager’s third goal, with amazement. They even call for him to be promoted to the first-team, following his fine form.

“Get him on the bench for Thursday – the kid clearly has talent!”

Credit: @KDGAMING1996

“put him innnnnn Moyes”

Credit: @wideasIeep

“this man is a beast”

Credit: @IdkWhat51466692

“serious baller”

Credit: @Big_Ety

“The future is bright”

Credit: @LewisDowling7

“Literally sell Yarmo put this man on the bench”

Credit: @baphap01

West Ham boss David Moyes risks making a massive blunder if emerging claims are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, the Irons do hold some interest in Liverpool striker Divock Origi but any potential move for him isn’t likely to happen until the end of the transfer window.

He tweeted:

“He is someone I’ve reported interest on before but I don’t think a move is close at this point but could be towards [the] end of [the] window.”

Last month, 90min listed the East London outfit among the sides that were monitoring his situation, with the likes of Southampton, Crystal Palace, Rangers and Celtic mooted too.

Moyes mistake

The Hammers have been linked to several strikers throughout the summer but Origi would arguably be the most underwhelming of the lot.

It’s thought that Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham was the first-choice target for Moyes but it appears that he is against a move to the London Stadium, as revealed by ExWHUemployee last week.

Another more exciting name linked with the club in recent months is Danny Ings, but he has since signed for Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

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Barring his involvement in Liverpool’s Champions League-winning run, a brace in their come-from-behind win over Barcelona and another goal in the final against Spurs, Origi has done very little to warrant his whopping £77k-per-week wages at Anfield.

As per Transfermarkt, the Belgian forward played only 537 minutes across all competitions last season and that was even despite Diogo Jota suffering an injury and the indifferent form of Roberto Firmino.

In total, Origi, who was once dubbed a “monster” by former Man City captain Vincent Kompany, has only scored 35 goals in a far from impressive 157 appearances, averaging a goal every 4.4 matches.

That’s hardly prolific.

If Moyes is to find someone capable of providing the perfect foil to injury-prone Michail Antonio, then he simply must look elsewhere.

Origi has already proven to be a massive flop in the Premier League and that’s the last thing they need heading into a Europa League campaign. It would be one massive mistake.

AND in other news, Moyes could land West Ham another Antonio in 22-goal “machine” once likened to Mbappe…

Lee Ryder has dropped some enticing insight from the Premier League on the potential takeover of Newcastle United ahead of their arbitration case.

The Lowdown: Arbitration soon

The arbitration hearing between the Magpies and the Premier League over the failed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group is set to take place in the coming months.

The chief executive of Sports Direct has also launched a separate anti-competition claim against the division with regards to their decision-making process in nixing the bid.

The Latest: Premier League insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that the Premier League are set to deny that they blocked the proposed takeover on Tyneside by the KSA consortium last summer.

This is a big claim by the Premier League ahead of arbitration, and it’s a topic which is set to be discussed ahead of the final verdict.

The Verdict: Enticing

The fact that the Premier League are set to deny blocking the proposed deal is certainly enticing going into the arbitration case, as it seems that neither side is backing down.

The results of the hearing should paint a much clearer picture over whether or not the potential takeover can be revived, but it would require full cooperation from all parties involved.

Nonetheless, Newcastle will be hoping that the results go in their favour. If so, the takeover process could be accelerated in what is not an ideal period for them in the middle of the summer transfer window and with the new 2021/22 season set to start in August.

In other news, find out what potential transfer blow NUFC have been dealt in pursuit of this ‘outstanding’ target

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has lavished praise on Tottenham Hotspur chief Daniel Levy following an exciting development.

The Lowdown: Levy news dropped…

Coming out in the last two days, some big news has emerged in regards to the Spurs chief.

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Indeed, as officially announced, he has now been voted on to the European Club Association board to represent Premier League football – reportedly beating Manchester City executive Ferran Soriano to the post (The Athletic).

The 59-year-old is set to replace Manchester United’s Ed Woodward in the role.

The Latest: Hutton hails Levy…

Speaking to FI, former Lilywhites defender Hutton has had his say and believes the appointment is ‘something that could work’.

The ex-Scotland international also branded Levy a ‘shrewd’ and ‘fantastic’ businessman.

“I think everybody knows Daniel Levy, how shrewd a businessman he is,” explained Hutton.

“Sometimes it can be his way or the highway and he sticks to his guns. That’s always been the way that he is.

“He doesn’t back down for anybody and obviously, they like what they see. I totally understand it. He’s a fantastic businessman and he probably ticks all the boxes.

“Sometimes it’s good for a change, a fresh face in there with new ideas and different opinions.

“So I think that’s something that could work and I’m sure he will relish the task.”

The Verdict: Big moment for Levy?

While he is controversial and a split figure among Spurs supporters, this comes as a big moment for Levy personally just five months after the European Super League scandal.

Now gifted a major new role at the pinnacle of European football, the Tottenham supremo has dealt with club protests, real financial concerns and a rocky few months on the pitch with one of their longest ever searches for a new manager.

Levy must now make the most of his new position of power as he also aims to help Spurs steadily grow into a football powerhouse.

In other news: ‘So excited’, ‘Start him against Palace’…Many Tottenham fans raving over ‘generational’ talent, find out more here.

West Ham United ended the summer transfer window with a bang but perhaps it could’ve been even better had they secured that elusive new forward to bolster David Moyes’ frontline.And already, the Irons have caught a glimpse of what could’ve been after mooted target Roman Yaremchuk continued his fine form for Ukraine earlier this week.Back in June, the Express first linked the prolific 6 foot 3 talisman with a move to the London Stadium, following an impressive campaign for Gent in the Belgian top-flight.After bagging 23 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt, Yaremchuk scored two goals at Euro 2020 to put more clubs on high alert.Eventually, it would be Portuguese giants Benfica that took the punt on him and after his wonder-strike against Kazakhstan.Just 90 seconds into the match, the 30-time Ukraine centre-forward received the ball on his chest some 35 yards out from goal, before chesting it down again and unleashing a sublime dipping volley over the goalkeeper and into the net.

You can’t help but feel that the Hammers missed a trick here, especially as he’d offer a vastly different presence to Michail Antonio, who is certainly in need of a rotational option behind him, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon.

Speaking about his form this summer, journalist Zach Lowry said: “Roman Yaremchuk has had a phenomenal tournament so far. Definitely going to get a move to a top 5 league soon.”

And he wasn’t the only one to wax lyrical about the £15.75m-rated forward.

When Yaremchuk faced England in the knockout stages, former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge described him as a “problem” to Gareth Southgate’s backline.

Moyes now heads into the next few months with only one senior striker, an injury-prone 31-year-old that has not started over 24 league games in any of the previous four seasons.

Yes, he’s undoubtedly one of the best and most lethal attackers in the Premier League right now but it’s still early days and the lack of a true backup should be a major cause for concern.

Seeing Yaremchuk score just an outrageous goal will surely have the Scotsman rueing his big mistake to not sign another frontman this summer.

AND in other news,ÂExWHUemployee drops exciting behind-the-scenes West Ham claim, fans will be buzzing…

Everton were shocked to the core when it emerged that Carlo Ancelotti would be leaving Goodison Park after just one season at the helm and football finance expert, Kieran Maguire believes that they must sell a lot of players before they even think of signing anyone.

Since Farhad Moshiri entered the frame at Goodison Park back in 2016, the Toffees have spent an astonishing £526.38 million on players but have still failed to get anywhere near the European qualification spots.

In the last financial year Everton reported mesmerizing losses of £139.9 million so with talk of Richarlison being wanted by Ancelotti at Real Madrid, they may do worse than to sell one of their top assets.

The Toffees will want to back their new manager in the transfer market as they once again, look to break into the top six, however, that may not be possible his summer, according to Maguire who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I think Everton have got a financial fair play challenge to deal with but they’ve already got rid of Walcott and there’ll still be some other players who are out of contract so on the back of that they’re going to have to recruit.

“However, to a certain extent, they need to either sell or loan out players to get some money in to absorb some of the wages before they can start to spend big.”

Everton have long wanted to be challenging at the top of the Premier League however, poor recruitment has cost them massively with the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Davy Klaassen, Alex Iwobi and Jean-Philippe Gbamin all costing over £20 million.

It appeared that this season may have been the one for them as they started strongly in September and October, however their form fell off a cliff from January as they ultimately finished 10th.

Ashley Preece has corroborated reports of Aston Villa being interested in Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. 

The lowdown

Jonathan Northcroft of The Times claimed in March that Villa were ‘leading the race’ to sign Phillips.

And transfer insider Dean Jones has since described him as Steven Gerrard’s ‘number one target in that area of the field’.

Phillips is approaching the final two years of his contract with The Whites, the only senior side he’s played for.

Manchester United could compete with Villa with his signature, with the MEN reporting that they’ve already begun working on a move.

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The latest

A supporter asked Preece in a Birmingham Live Q & A whether there is ‘any truth’ in the links.

The journalist replied that ‘Villa’s interest in real’ and that ‘they have been quoted £60million’ by Leeds.

His personal prediction is that Phillips will remain at Elland Road ‘for at least another season’, but it remains to be seen as and when The Villans test the waters with a bid.

The verdict

To emphasise just how a big signing this could be, let’s look at Villa’s existing transfer record.

The most they’ve ever paid to sign a player is £34.6million. That’s what it took to sign Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City last summer.

If Villa cave to Leeds’ demands here, and they might have to given the competition, they could nearly double that benchmark.

It’s clear that Gerrard wants to sign a midfielder this summer, with Preece noting that the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Boubacar Kamara and Geoffrey Kondogbia have all been considered too. But Phillips, an ‘extraordinary’ talent in the eyes of former England boss Fabio Capello, has the advantage of Premier League experience.

In other news, read this journalist’s reaction to a big Villa transfer update.