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Marcel Brands should repeat his genius Ben Godfrey move to replace Everton defender Seamus Coleman with Norwich City’s sought-after Max Aarons.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees are interested in a swoop for the 5 ft 10 gem at the end of the season with boss Carlo Ancelotti on the look-out for a new right-sided full-back.

The Goodison Park natives are building a list of possible candidates, following prior reports that Ancelotti wishes to find his long-term successor to Coleman and could rival Manchester United for the Canaries star.

Romano also names Old Trafford as a potential destination for Aarons should he leave Carrow Road in the summer, while Bayern Munich have begun negotiations with his Championship side as well.

The Bundesliga giants are thought to have been slapped with a £30-35m valuation to strike a deal for the 21-year-old, per Sky Sports, having scouted Aarons for the past two years.

Mikel Arteta’s struggling Arsenal are keen on Aarons, too, with the Gunners said to consider him as a potential option to replace Paris Saint-Germain target Hector Bellerin at the Emirates Stadium, per CBS Sports.

Aarons has been a mainstay of Daniel Farke’s Norwich side this season having remained in Norfolk despite an expectancy that he would follow Jamal Lewis and Godfrey in sealing moves away from Carrow Road, with the defender starting all 32 second-tier fixtures so far.

Should Everton sign Aarons?

Ancelotti is clearly on the hunt for his long-term option in the position given the regular links connecting Everton with possible new right-backs over the past few months, including another Arsenal target in Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion.

It remains to be seen who, if anyone, the Toffees opt to target in the summer, but the need for a new full-back could become increasingly clear over the second half of the season with Coleman only starting 10 of his 15 Premier League appearances thus far this term.

The 32-year-old is still able to offer the Blues a suitable option for the time being, having been praised for his performance in shutting down Liverpool ace Andrew Robertson during Saturday’s 2-0 Merseyside derby win at Anfield.

“I loved the way Seamus Coleman sacrificed his game to just take Andy Robertson. I think Andy Robertson got one cross in which led to a header, and that was it during the game. It’s not easy to subdue somebody like him because he is just non-stop,” Jim Beglin told Football Pass.

But with Ancelotti looking long-term, Everton’s Director of Football Brands could repeat his successful efforts to sign Godfrey and bring Aarons to Goodison Park to answer the Italian’s search.

Ancelotti has confirmed that Godfrey was a signing sourced and supported by Brands and his team, but has been impressed by how the defender has proven a hit in royal blue since ditching the Canaries.

“He has surprised me because I didn’t know him so well,” the Everton boss said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “The signing from the club, from our scouts has been good. He has been able to adapt very quickly to different positions.”

That would suggest Brands also led the negotiations with the player and his agent to convince Godfrey of life at Goodison Park, and should now repeat those talks with Aarons to reunite the pair on Merseyside.

AND in other news, Everton face widespread PL competition for the transfer of an £18k-p/w beast this summer…

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta is the right man to take Arsenal back in the Champions League.

The former Gunners captain won the FA Cup in his first season back at the Emirates, but his Arsenal side are some way behind the top-four places following 11 Premier League defeats already this term and are facing the prospect of their worst league finish since 1994-1995.

Arsenal have finished outside the Champions League places in each of the previous four seasons – and know their best route back into the competition is by winning the Europa League.

Arteta’s team have improved of late, and backed up their comeback win against Benfica by beating Leicester last Saturday in one of their best result of the campaign.

Despite those two impressive victories, Windass still isn’t convinced by Arteta.

He told Football FanCast:

“I don’t think he is for Arsenal. I think he’s turned a corner, but I don’t actually think he’s the right man for Arsenal to go on to be a Champions League or Premier League winner.

“I have always said that Brendon Rodgers is a great fit for Arsenal. He’s an English manager, knows the Premier League, I’m not saying Arteta doesn’t, but he’s just come from being Pep’s understudy and it’s his first job. 

“I don’t think he will go on and take Arsenal into the Champions League and push for the Premier League title.”

Arsenal might well go and win the Europa League which would mark their best season for some time, but their Premier League form under Arteta has been less than inspiring.

As a result, it’s no great surprise that Windass thinks the Gunners should look elsewhere.

Steve Bruce can look to unleash Andy Carroll on West Bromwich Albion this Sunday after losing Newcastle United duo Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin to long-term injuries.

Almiron was forced off at half-time during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers after being left in distress with an issue with his knee, and is now sidelined until April.

Saint-Maximin will also miss the entirety of March with a groin injury, joining top-scorer Callum Wilson in the treatment room as the ex-AFC Bournemouth frontman continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring tear.

Having neither of Saint-Maximin, Almiron or Wilson available to face West Brom will hand Bruce a chance to reset his tactics, in hopes of finding a new solution that can potentially keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

United are currently winless in three games having failed to avoid defeat in each fixture played without Wilson leading the attack, during which Almiron had acted as a false nine from kick-off on each occasion.

Joelinton took over central honours against Wolves once Almiron was forced off, having been tasked with providing the width from the right-wing at St. James’ Park and in the Toon’s prior 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

The Brazilian’s role was occupied by Dwight Gayle against Chelsea during the Magpies’ first match without 10-goal striker Wilson, but the London-born attacker has only featured for 11 minutes of Premier League action since earning his sole start of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Gayle and Joelinton will be pushing for a start on Sunday in the absence of Almiron, but the additional loss of Saint-Maximin can afford Bruce the chance to reset his tactics and begin the relegation six-pointer using a new system with two starting strikers.

Newcastle have only opened two top-flight fixtures with two centre-forwards in the opening XI this calendar year, when Carroll partnered Wilson in the frontline against both Arsenal and Aston Villa in January.

Carroll has played just 12 minutes since losing 2-0 at Villa Park, while he’s been left as an unused substitute on five occasions including in the Magpies’ last two matches. His opening roles against the Villans and Gunners also remain his only starts of 2021 so far.

Bruce can now look to change the picture with a recall for the £75,000-per-week target man, who has been open in his frustrations at being a mere spectator in recent weeks.

“I’ve been waiting. I’d like to say I can see myself in the starting line-up at the weekend, but it’s the gaffer’s choice at the end of the day,” the 32-year-old told NUFC TV. “I’ve been working hard, I’m fit and if it comes, I’m hopefully going to take it and get on the scoresheet and get us a win.”

Carroll has only scored once in all competitions since returning to Newcastle in 2019, coming against Leicester City in January.

He took nine shots in 105 minutes during the Toon’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal – Wilson averages the most (1.76) per game by a Newcastle player in the Premier League – but also missed two big chances to score.

Bruce would have to see that Carroll’s glaring misses are not repeated if the forward is recalled at West Brom, but a return to a two-strong frontline may be worth considering while he’s without the Toon’s main driving forces.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” titan has been tipped to quit Newcastle this summer…

Celtic’s season has been a diabolical, error-prone affair. Whether it be Scott Brown being sent off after five minutes of his introduction against Livingston or Shane Duffy’s baffling cameo in the Old Firm, it has been full of mind-boggling moments.

Over the last decade, very rarely have the Hoops made mistakes. They’ve recruited well, ably replacing players like Virgil van Dijk and Moussa Dembele, and they’ve won an unprecedented number of trophies.

Unfortunately, they’ve now surrendered their grasp on the Premiership title to their biggest rivals. They have eradicated one part of the problem with the much-maligned Neil Lennon departing a fortnight ago but issues remain on the pitch.

Their 0-0 draw with Dundee United last weekend typified their inability to score goals on a regular basis as they were given a classic case of ‘what if’.

What if Celtic had signed Benjamin Siegrist in January was the query. The Dundee United stopper was in inspired form, making a grand total of 12 saves at Tannadice on Sunday afternoon.

The 29-year-old was linked with a move to the club a few months ago after his agent revealed that the Hoops had been scouting him. Indeed, they were shown firsthand his qualities last weekend in what was a remarkable performance by the Swiss stopper.

Celtic troubled Siegrist’s goal on numerous occasions but couldn’t break his resolve. The Bhoys lacked a cutting edge but it showed the benefit of having an adequate ‘keeper between the sticks.

Time and again this term, their goalkeepers have been the Hoops’ biggest problem. Celtic have conceded 14 more goals in the league than Rangers and shipped a grand total of 19 in just six Europa League outings.

It was in Europe where their goalkeepers really let them down. Vasilis Barkas, signed for £4.5m last summer, somehow let in a free kick against AC Milan which was fired towards his part of the goal.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-transfer-news-onuachu-edouard-dembele-turnbull” title=”The latest Celtic news and views!”]

Then, in Prague, it was Scott Bain running a mockery. Two of the goals were his fault as he let the ball across the box for one of the strikes before racing out of his area for another and failing to clear.

Even Conor Hazard was full of errors in the Scottish Cup final; that was despite saving Celtic’s bacon in the penalty shootout.

One of a few defensive players who has looked capable this season is Kristoffer Ajer. John Hartson dubbed him a “credit to the rest of the players”, suggesting he was the glue which binds this team together. As he demonstrated with his winning kick against Hearts in the aforementioned final, he is the man for the big occasion.

Thus, just imagine what a defender of his calibre could do with someone like Siegrist in the defence.

Ajer has lacked a competent goalkeeper behind him all season long. By signing the 6 foot 4 star in the summer, it could go a long way to fixing some of the issues which have plagued Celtic’s season.

Siegrist has been described as a “monster” by Dundee United manager Micky Mellon this season. That not only typifies his display a few days ago, but also his season as a whole.

AND in other news, 108 aerials won: Celtic could replace Edouard with “special” 6 ft 7 colossus…

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reiterated her Old Firm derby cancellation threat if Glasgow Rangers and their rivals do not continue to do all they can to stop large groups of fans gathering.

Sturgeon reiterates Old Firm threat

Sturgeon had already suggested the match could be called off after thousands of Rangers fans took to the street less than 10 days ago to celebrate their first Premiership title win in 10 years (The Times).

Since then, both Rangers (via The Glasgow Times) and Celtic (via The Scotsman) have asked fans to stay at home for the clash between the two this coming weekend, but Sturgeon does not yet appear to be satisfied. She said (via The Daily Express):

“No final decision has been made yet. I welcome the statements made by both Rangers and Celtic.

“Of course it was Rangers fans who were gathering a week ago.

“I hope the clubs will continue that over the next couple of days. It can’t just be one statement and then it’s done. As we know, from our experience of the last year, these communications are really important on an ongoing basis.

“I spoke to the chief constable last week about his views on what might transpire if the Old Firm match goes ahead. The Justice Secretary has been in contact with the police and we will be in further contact with the police as this week goes on.

“They will have intelligence of their own about whether it appears to them that fans in the main are following the advice of the clubs and staying at home, or whether there’s a significant risk of fans coming out to gather.

“On the basis of all of that we will have to make a judgement.”

Trying too hard

Usually, this fixture has the potential to be a dangerous one. The Old Firm derby is one of the biggest rivalries in world football, and when something is on the line it can provide a hostile and tense atmosphere. However, this time around, it is likely to be at its most subdued.

After all, the Gers’ status as Scottish champions has already been confirmed with six games left to spare (BBC), while Celtic are destined to finish in a distant second place behind the Ibrox outfit. Why would Rangers fans risk the reputation of their club when the hard work has already been done? Any supporter who does should take a long hard look at themselves, especially in this current climate.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.

After signing from Manchester City for a reported fee of around £15m back in the summer of 2019, it’s fair to say Douglas Luiz has really come on leaps and bounds at Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old has been a permanent fixture in Dean Smith’s side since making the switch to Villa Park, already making 67 appearances for the first-team.

His form has even earned him international honours, picking up his first couple of senior caps for Brazil. It’s been no surprise then that his market value has absolutely sky-rocketed, more than doubling in value.

According to Transfermarkt, it now stands at £31.5m, and that’s a real testament to just how much his own play has improved, and how much Smith himself has helped him develop under his wing.

Speaking earlier in the summer, The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, said of him: “He’s an absolute joy to watch now and I never thought I would be saying that. Villa have got a fantastic player in Douglas Luiz now, he looks like an absolute star, he could have played in that Man United team.

“He was better than (Paul) Pogba, I thought. I thought he was brilliant, hardly did anything wrong, hardly put a foot wrong. He won so many interceptions and made so many important blocks. When he gets the ball, he passes it nicely. He’s the best player in that Villa team at the moment because it’s just not working for John McGinn.”

Make no mistake about it, given how Luiz has developed at Villa Park since his move to the Midlands, Johan Lange played an absolute blinder in signing the Brazilian for the club.

If Villa ever contemplate selling him, or if rival clubs start showing some genuine interest in signing him, they know they could bring in a massive fee.

Meanwhile, this Villa man was shocking in the defeat to Spurs…

Many England fans were left slamming the display of Raheem Sterling despite their 5-0 home win over San Marino in World Cup qualifying on Thursday night.

Two goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well as further strikes from James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins and Sterling himself gave Gareth Southgate’s men all three points on the night, but several Three Lions supporters were left frustrated at Sterling’s overall performance.

Even though he did eventually score, albeit by a deflection that helped him out, the 26-year-old was guilty of missing a number of glorious opportunities, as he recorded no fewer than six shots off target in total, three times as many as any other player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

He also lost out on four of his duels, the second-most lost out of his teammates, and failed to put in a single cross or long ball, all while losing possession on five different occasions (Sofascore).

England fan reaction to Sterling display

These England fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the winger is ’embarrassing’:

“For me Chilwell & Foden make a case for starting XI. Mount did Mount things and Ward-Prowse for me is on the plane, if for nothing else then for his dead ball ability. The rest were pedestrian, Lingard and Sterling playing selfish #ENGSMR #EngSan”

Credit: @JynZ0

“Sterling wouldn’t be near my starting 11 for the euros. #EngSan”

Credit: @JCoffen17

“Take Sterling off, replace him with a garden gnome, instant goal fest #EngSan”

Credit: @oldimagestore

“Sterling has to have the worst 1st touch & finishing ability in world football, the man is embarrassing #poorplayer #EngSan #football #internationalfootball”

Credit: @PaulWellsC

“Sterling isn’t good enough #engsan #england”

Credit: @alfie_dobbo

“Sterling is possibly one of the most overrated footballers on earth. #EngSan”

Credit: @bornbold4

In other news, find out what FFP development has been flocked to by MCFC fans here!

Wolves have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their clash with West Ham, with Rui Patricio expected to be fit for the game.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are back in Premier League action on Monday night, with the Hammers making the trip to Molineux.

It will be Wolves’ first game for three weeks, with the FA Cup quarter-finals and an international break both taking place since then.

In their last outing, Patricio suffered a horrible head injury late on in the 1-0 defeat to home to Liverpool, with play stopped for a number of minutes.

Patricio available for West Ham clash

Although it looked as though the goalkeeper had a serious problem at the time, he appears to have made a full recovery in the three weeks since.

In quotes provided by the Express & Star, Nuno has confirmed that Patricio is back to full health and ready to play on Monday, saying:

“After the incident he had some days being assessed by the doctor. The decision was made for him not to join the national team.

“So, he was here, he had time to recover and now he’s fully in training sessions, he’s completely recovered and ready to go.”

Transfer Tavern take

This is a massive boost for Wolves, with the 33-year-old such a consistent, experienced performer for them over the past three seasons.

West Ham are a team in good form and have top four aspirations, so Patricio may be a busy figure at Molineux.

In other news, Wolves legend Steve Bull believes the club blew a chance to sign one current Premier League superstar. Find out who it is here.

Writing on Patreon, reliable club insider and West Ham United source ExWHUemployee has shared news that Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has become the first choice striker signing for David Moyes.

Abraham, who has been linked with the Irons before, was thought to be on the merely on the list of possible targets alongside the likes of Ivan Toney, Adam Armstrong and Youssef En-Nesyri (ExWHUemployee).

ExWHUemployee reveals first choice striker signing

Sharing an update on the club’s striker pursuit, Ex now believes that Abraham is the first choice striker signing for Moyes – coming amid his contract dispute at Chelsea.

The Athletic first reported that the Englishman is not interested in penning a new deal at Stamford Bridge, and it now seems like West Ham are prepared to take full advantage this summer.

Abraham is arguably a proven goal scorer in the Premier League, having netted 21 goals in his last 37 starts for Chelsea over the last two seasons (WhoScored).

Transfer Tavern take

West Ham have also been touted as the perfect destination by former Scotland boss Alex McLeish, who hailed him as a ‘phenomenal player’ when speaking to Football Insider last month.

Still young at 23-years-old and a formidable physical presence at 6 foot 2, GSB may have to invest heavily for his signature.

Transfermarkt value him at around £36 million, but if West Ham do launch a summer bid, it remains to be seen what Chelsea may demand.

In other news: West Ham insiders dropped a Declan Rice claim, find out more here.