Everton’s Cenk Tosun could reignite his career against Norwich City

Everton have struggled for goals in recent times and Marco Silva will be desperate for one of his attackers to turn up against Norwich City on Saturday.

The game is set to be a huge clash between two sides who have been dragged into an early relegation scrap, and with a win potentially rocketing Everton up the league, the forward men will be essential at Goodison Park.

Players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have had topsy-turvy seasons so far, with just six league goals between them.

It is for this reason that Everton fans should keep their eyes peeled for Cenk Tosun this weekend. The Turkey international was slowly been making his way back into the side prior to the international break, with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur and his first start against Southampton.

Now, the 28-year-old could be pushing for another start and the Goodison Park faithful should be excited to see what he can bring on Saturday to a dismal Norwich defence.

The Canaries have let in an almighty 28 goals in the Premier League thus far, which is the second-most in the division.

Plus, with Tosun’s history in goal-getting prior to his move to Merseyside, he will surely be chomping at the bit to step out this weekend. For Besiktas, the striker scored 64 goals as he made a name for himself as one of the stars back in his homeland.

This impressive goal tally also includes the 20 league goals he bagged in the 2016/17 season, which ended up helping Besiktas to the league title. On Saturday, Everton fans should watch their recently-seen man up top, as he has shown signs of rekindling the type of form that convinced the club to sign him in the first place.

Tosun is still only 28 and if his time in Turkey is anything to go by, he still has years of goals to offer.

Now, up against one of the Premier League’s weakest defences, he has the perfect chance to justify the £27m price tag.

Sunderland fans react to Phil Parkinson’s comments about Benji Kimpioka

Benji Kimpioka has found game time diffiuclt to come by this season but his impact against Coventry, and scoring the equaliser, means he could be in line to play more often.

Phil Parkinson has remarked on the winger’s minutes on the pitch so far, and although he is impressed with how he has been training he issued a stern warning to the 19-year-old that he has to be ready to make an impression when he gets the call again.

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It seems that the Black Cats’ manager is setting high standards for the Swede, yet with other players in the squad underperforming – such as Chris Maguire – his approach is a little harsh. He failed to produce a single key pass or dribble last weekend.

Some fans certainly feel a similar way, and think that Kimpioka deserves to play more often after sparing Parkinson’s blushes on Saturday.

They have questioned the decision-making of the Sunderland boss because they feel the youngster provides something which the team lacks – pace and an ability to score goals.

Here is how supporters have been reacting to Parkinson’s comments.

Kimpioka proved on Saturday he has what it takes to perform in this Sunderland team, read here in more detail about why he has proved Parkinson has been making the wrong decisions since taking over.

Rangers fans react to potential boost in title hopes

Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to news that could keep their title hopes alive, with a little help from their arch-rivals.

Steven Gerrard’s side currently sit 13 points off the pace in the Premiership, but the Gers do have a game in hand, and the latest update from The Daily Record could hand the Ibrox outfit a golden chance to get back in the race.

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According to the report, Celtic will actually support calls to keep the season alive by delaying any decision the SFA make until at least the end of the month.

Reports last week had suggested that SPFL chiefs were set for crisis talks following the news that the Belgian Jupiler League has concluded their season – results will stand as they are in Belgium, meaning Club Brugge will be crowned as champions.

It appears as though that won’t happen in Scotland though – the Record’s update states that Rangers were angered by suggestions the campaign could be ended early, and UEFA have also threatened to “blackball” all Belgian clubs from European competition in light of their decision.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions from Ibrox down below, where one fan suspects UEFA laying down the gauntlet in Belgium has backed their rivals into a corner…

Have you seen Rangers’ shambolic list of potential Morelos replacements?

Liverpool: Reds target Thuram and Zakaria

As per German outlet Express, Liverpool are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach duo Marcus Thuram and Denis Zakaria.

The Reds have been linked with the duo, with it being said they will cost over €100m (£87.7m) combined – Zakaria has a value of €45m (£39.5m), and Thuram could cost over €50m (£43.8m).

The current pandemic causing havoc across the planet is likely to impact plenty of planned transfer business this summer, but the report says that Manchester United – another side said to be pursuing Switzerland international Zakaria – and the Anfield outfit will not be overly affected.

The Merseyside club have been linked with a number of big names in recent months – Jadon Sancho, Kai Havertz and Kylian Mbappe are just three who spring to mind. However, looking at Jurgen Klopp’s transfer business during his time in the hot-seat, those arrivals would be out of character.

Many of the main stars in this current Liverpool side have only become household names since joining the club. Sadio Mane, for example, was plying his trade at Southampton, whilst Mohamed Salah was beginning to restore his reputation after failing to make the grade at Chelsea. As Jamie Carragher has said in the past, Liverpool make stars rather than buy the finished article.

Both Zakaria and Thuram have enjoyed impressive campaigns in the Bundesliga. They have managed average WhoScored ratings of 7.15 and 7.33 in the German top flight respectively, whilst they also have eight goals and 10 assists between them so far. However, despite those eye-catching stats, neither of them are universally known – if you asked the average football fan in the UK who either of them are, it is unlikely the majority would be able to answer.

Yes, the combined price is not cheap but, considering Sancho, Havertz and Mbappe have all had quoted prices of well over £80m, Zakaria and Thuram could represent value for money. They look to be the the perfect fit for Klopp’s philosophy.

Would you like the Reds to sign the Monchengladbach pair? Let us know in the comments below.

Man Utd fans react to major Jude Bellingham update

One of the big emerging stories during the January transfer window at Manchester United, was their developing interest in Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham.

A report from The Evening Standard claimed that the Red Devils were very keen on luring him to Old Trafford in the summer, and there were later suggestions that Sir Alex Ferguson had shown him around the club’s training ground.

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Now, Bleacher Report claim that whilst no decision has yet been made about where Bellingham will be playing next season, Ferguson’s “involvement in talks…has helped United’s cause”.

After hearing about their former manager’s potential influence in the club hoping to sign the English prodigy, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

One United fan in particular meanwhile, even suggested that Bellingham should be the club’s priority after the signing of Jadon Sancho.

If United do end up managing to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford, then it seems they will have a lot to thank Ferguson for.

Such is the world-renowned reputation and respect that he has, a personal call or intervention can turn the tide in United’s favour when it comes to potential transfer targets.

Bellingham could be one to fall under that category this summer.

Meanwhile, Man Utd fans react to this update on Dean Henderson.

Newcastle fans fume over Luke Edwards’ Bruce comments

Newcastle United fans have been left fuming by the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards after his recent article on their manager Steve Bruce.

The Magpies scribe claims that the 59-year-old has silenced his critics with an impressive first season in charge and has also delivered the one thing that supporters have always wanted – new owners.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…

But several members of the St James’ Park faithful have been replying to him on Twitter with an opposing viewpoint.

Bruce took the reigns in the summer after Rafa Benitez jumped ship to go manage in the lucrative Chinese Super League and the former Sunderland boss has managed a win percentage of 34.3% from 35 matches at an average of 1.31 points per game, via Transfermarkt.

Newcastle are sat in 13th position under his stewardship, some eight points away from the dreaded relegation zone.

Yet it’s clear to see that many in the northeast aren’t pleased with the veteran’s management style as some have blasted his tactics and thus, have subsequently questioned Edwards’ train of thought.

Here’s the general reaction so far…

AND in other news, Newcastle move for La Liga STAR would be give shades of Yanga-Mbiwa…

Spurs fans react to Eberechi Eze’s admission about Dele Alli

Amidst suggestions Tottenham are keeping an eye on Eberechi Eze ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, the QPR starlet himself has admitted to being a big fan of one Spurs player in particular: Dele Alli.

Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast (Episode 80), the 21-year-old opened up on how Alli has inspired him.

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He said (as quoted by Football.London): “He’s shown that it’s possible to go from lower league and fit right in and even become more than what people expected you to be. When you look at guys like that, just like Raheem (Sterling) and (Jadon) Sancho, you appreciate what they’ve done and you look at them and it’s a round of applause to you because they’ve actually done it.”

And after hearing what Eze had to say, Spurs fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on their rumoured transfer target’s admission.

A couple of fans compared Eze to former Spurs midfielder Adel Taarabt, with one supporter in particular suggesting that the QPR prodigy has “more drive and work-rate”.

Just as Eze himself says, he could be the kind of shrewd signing Spurs make in terms of bringing in a player from a lower league and watching him flourish like Alli has done.

It’s a move that certainly makes a lot of sense.

Man Utd could rue letting Angel Gomes leave

Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Brighton, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Angel Gomes is set to leave the club.

What’s the word?

The academy starlet’s future has been up in the air for many months now, with speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford once his contract had expired.

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And with Gomes’ deal coming to an end on June 30, Solskjaer has delivered a worrying update on the situation. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I’ve not heard from him last night or this morning so it seems like they haven’t managed to agree anything. The answer is probably short – yes (he will be leaving).”

Pogba deja vu

As United themselves have seen before, watching a talented youngster leave the club on a free could come back to haunt them big time. The Red Devils saw Paul Pogba make his departure from Old Trafford a few years ago, before turning into a world-renowned star at Serie A giants Juventus.

Whilst Gomes has seen the likes of Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams overtake him in terms of first-team progression, there’s no question that he is still very highly-rated by those in and around the club. Head of first-team development Nicky Butt even insisted that his “talent is unbelievable”, and that “if it all comes together then we’ve got one hell of a player on our hands”.

With Chelsea reported to be one of the clubs interested in snapping Gomes up, United are in major danger of seeing one of their own prodigious prospects going on to join a direct rival and potentially developing into a star there. And in a couple of years time, Ed Woodward and co may look back at this moment and rue the fact they didn’t try harder to get him to stay.

Tottenham Hotspur: Pundit tips Pochettino favourite to sign new deal

Alex Bruce believes Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will be a ‘big player’ for Spurs and has tipped him to sign a new deal in order to see out the season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League ace insists Vertonghen will not allow speculation to affect his performances.

Earlier this week, Jose Mourinho confirmed to Sky Sports that the Lilywhites have been unable to reach an agreement with his representatives so far, but he will be available to play against Manchester United on Friday.

Football Insider recently revealed the centre-back has received two rival offers but Spurs expect him to sign an extension.

Bruce told assistant editor Russell Edge “I think he’s one of those very, very good professionals that will just get on with it and play.

“I think he’ll give something to the team, he’s a steady-eddie and that’s what Tottenham need at the back.

“Their consistency levels haven’t been there before the lockdown. That’s one thing that Jose Mourinho will be looking to improve – the consistency levels of their performances.

“I think somebody who knows the Premier League inside out like Vertonghen, he’ll be a big player for Spurs in the next nine games.”

It is hard to argue with Bruce here, as Vertonghen has been a loyal servant of the club for many years.

The 33-year-old was a favourite of Mauricio Pochettino, appearing in over 200 games for the Argentine, but he has fallen out of favour with Pochettino’s successor.

Despite the setback, the Belgian has stayed defiant, as he has played 19 games in the Premier League season, winning 2.1 tackles per game, averaging 1.6 interceptions and completing 5 clearances on average (via WhoScored).

Furthermore, Vertonghen has not ruled out staying in north London, even though he is no longer a first-choice starter under the Portuguese.

Moreover, it is unlikely he will play in every game anyway, and it is inconceivable to imagine he will put the club in a difficult position.

Indeed, Mourinho is acutely aware his budget has been slashed, and it is unlikely he will be able to find a suitable replacement in such a short amount of time if the Belgium international quits.

Spurs may benefit from his presence in the dressing room, as he could use his experience to advise some of his younger teammates in the busy schedule ahead.

Tottenham fans, do you think Daniel Levy should let Jan Vertonghen leave? Let us know down below!

Spurs must land Allan Saint-Maximin this summer

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham are interested in signing Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.

What’s the word?

As Jose Mourinho heads into his first summer transfer window in charge of Spurs, all eyes will who the Portuguese man will look to bring to strengthen a squad that is having an incredibly difficult season – ahead of their clash against Everton on Monday night, the Lilywhites find themselves in tenth place in the Premier League.

But as per The Daily Mail, Spurs have joined French giants PSG in the growing list of clubs to show an interest in signing Saint-Maximin, and quite crucially, they may have an advantage the Ligue 1 side don’t.

Can you name every one of Spurs’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

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The report claims that whilst Spurs don’t have the biggest budget, they “would be willing to offer players such as Danny Rose and Juan Foyth plus cash”.

Game-changer

In what has been an impressive debut campaign in English football for Saint-Maximin, the Frenchman has been one of the shining lights of Newcastle’s season.

The winger has scored four times and provided a further seven assists, and has at times been unstoppable. Speaking after his performance against West Ham earlier in the season, former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: “Saint-Maximin, he was unplayable. I don’t know how you defend against players like that. He doesn’t look like he knows what he’s going to do so I don’t know how defenders feel when he’s getting at them.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope too, who described him as “unplayable” and the Premier League’s “most enjoyable star to watch”. That directness and quick feet – Saint-Maximin has averaged a ridiculous 4.6 dribbles per game this season – is far unlike anyone else in the current Spurs squad, with first-ranked Heung-min Son averaging exactly half that.

Even in Gareth Bale’s most prolific season at the club back in the 2012/2013 campaign, the Welshman only averaged 1.8 dribbles per game. Having someone like Saint-Maximin who can commit defenders, and draw double teams, can open up space for the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli to wreak havoc. It’s the kind of move that could transform the Spurs attack for next season.

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