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West Ham United are ready to move for Everton centre-back Michael Keane if the Blues are relegated. 

That’s according to Daily Star sports reporter Harry Pratt.

The lowdown

Keane, Pratt notes, was ‘rising through the Manchester United ranks’ when David Moyes in charge during the 2013/14 season.

Everton later paid £25.7million to sign Keane in 2017 after he’d spent two and a half years at Burnley.

The Englishman has gone on to rack up 181 appearances for The Toffees, including 33 in all competitions so far this season (via Transfermarkt).

His £65,000-per-week contract still has more than three years left to run.

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The latest

Pratt writes that Moyes remains a ‘big admirer’ of Keane and could look to capitalise on the ‘major exodus’ that’s anticipated at Goodison Park if the Toffees drop.

The Scot and West Ham would be ready to offer him ‘an immediate route back to the Premier League’.

Moyes wants to more centre-back available ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Keane would apparently cost the Hammers as much as £20million even after a potential relegation.

The verdict

Everton supporters may be somewhat surprised at the prospect of a lucrative sale.

Indeed, a £20million exit would be the ninth-biggest in the history of the club.

Keane has come in for heavy criticism at times this season, with Paul Robinson accusing him of frequent ‘lapses in concentration’ and The I’s James Gray pondering if he’d endured the ‘worst half ever’ in the 5-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

But Moyes has been undeterred, and he could hand his former club a significant financial boost, helping to absorb the possible blow of demotion.

In other news, Everton also risk losing another mainstay.

Everton podcaster Lee McClean has been left slamming Jonjoe Kenny after they lost 2-1 away at West Ham United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Damaging defeat

It was yet another damaging defeat for the Goodison Park faithful, after Mason Holgate’s equaliser was cancelled out by Jarrod Bowen.

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Aaron Cresswell gave the hosts the lead in the first half with a stunning free-kick, and when the Merseyside club had some hope after Holgate scored, it was very quickly taken away from them as Bowen’s goal was followed by a second yellow card for Michael Keane.

The Latest: McClean slams Kenny

Taking to Twitter, McClean, founding member and co-host of renowned Toffees podcast A View From The Bullens, took aim at Kenny in particular after his performance with a brutally simple summary: “Kenny isn’t very good at football.”

The Verdict: Very poor

Kenny was beyond poor against the Hammers, losing out on all three of his duels, while he also failed to record any successful dribbles, tackles or accurate long balls (SofaScore).

The right-back was also guilty of giving possession away no fewer than 13 times, the joint-most out of any of his teammates, and may now be looking over his shoulder for a consistent starting place under Frank Lampard.

Seamus Coleman (illness) and Nathan Patterson (injury) both missed out this afternoon, but will be looking to hold the right-back spot ahead of Kenny for the relegation battle ahead.

In other news, find out what ‘staggering’ Blues update has now left this former BBC man stunned here!

Rangers have confirmed their fourth summer signing, with midfielder Juninho Bacuna joining Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox from Huddersfield Town.

What’s the word?

The 24-year-old was confirmed as a Rangers player surely before the Europa League play-off fixture against Alashkert on Thursday night, which the Gers won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alfredo Morelos.

Gerrard made it clear earlier in the week that Rangers were looking to add a central midfielder to the squad, suggesting that he felt they were light on options in the middle of the park.

He said: “We have a couple of players who are capable of dropping down and playing as hybrids, if you like.

“But it is an area where, last year, come the end of the season with the volume of games, we felt we were a bit short at times.

“We did ask Glen Kamara, Steven Davis and Joe Aribo to go above and beyond and they did that. But I don’t want to be as vulnerable as I was at the back end of the season.

“I want to have options and I do like to have two players in each position.”

The 41-year-old was quickly able to get his man, and given the way John Lundstram has started life in a Rangers shirt, it might not be too long until we see Bacuna starting in the Gers midfield.

The 24-year-old Curacao international was highly rated during his time at Groningen and had been a regular with the Terriers during his time in Yorkshire, making 107 appearances, in which he contributed 12 goals and nine assists.

Former Groningen ace Jan Mennega was full of praise for Bacuna after his transfer was made official, saying: “He is a dynamic player but not a big creator on the pitch.

“He can play in all sorts of positions. In Groningen, he would be used in many different roles, a lot like his brother Leandro, who plays for Cardiff now.”

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Therefore, it seems as if the £4.5m-rated Bacuna will be an excellent utility player for Gerrard to have in his squad due to his versatility, which will surely delight the Liverpool legend as he looks to get Rangers back on track after a disappointing start to the new season.

In other news… Forget Morelos: “Top drawer” Rangers beast was Gerrard’s real hero vs Alashkert

Many Everton fans have been left happy by the latest transfer news on James Rodriguez.

Speaking to Radyospor (via Fotomac), Turkish football agent Ahmet Bulut has now claimed that there ‘was a chance’ that the former Real Madrid star would move to Turkey, but he had no intention to go.

Rodriguez thought that he ‘might get a chance’ in England again, amid strong interest from Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Colombia international was a key player for the Goodison Park faithful when fit last season, scoring six goals and making a further nine assists in 26 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

With that in mind, if the player is serious about knuckling down and ‘getting a chance’ again on Merseyside, then it would no doubt be a boost to the attacking talent at Rafael Benitez’s disposal.

Nonetheless, Rodriguez will now be hoping that he can kick on and prove to the Toffees fans that a controversial last few weeks can be put firmly in the rear view mirror.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer news

These Toffees supporters were happy as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“James masterclass incoming”

Credit: @BJonesEFCx

“Play him”

Credit: @JackEFC95

“Hopefully Rafa won’t cut off his nose to spite his face. His biggest objective this season is to win games and get the fans onside, and James can win him games.”

Credit: @LazyHeartParade

“Last season he scored 6 goals and created numerous chances so in this season’s more organised and balanced team a fit and motivated James could even more effective. At £200k-a-week we cannot afford not to find out.”

Credit: @brundellfilimou

“Good. Give it your all and get into that team. Still easily the best creative player we have.”

Credit: @craigw1878

“If he wants to prove himself and play I see no problem”

Credit: @pickfordsburner

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

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been left reacting to a post from the club’s official Twitter page.

As many as 12 Light Blues are playing for their respective national teams over the course of the next few days during the international break.

They are: Jon McLaughlin, Nathan Patterson, Steven Davis, Glen Kamara, Fashion Jr, Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe, Juninho Bacuna, Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Borna Barisic.

Of course, it is always an honour for any player to represent their country, but some Bears supporters are understandably worried that they may pick up an injury or have to go into self-isolation upon their return, and thus would not be able to return back to club football.

Nonetheless, Steven Gerrard will no doubt be hoping that his squad comes back to Ibrox unscathed.

Rangers fans on international news

These Gers gave their reactions as the news was shared in a club post on Twitter:

“No Morelos to Colombia is encouraging”

Credit: @auldco

“Good luck to each and everyone of you. Take care and come back injury free.”

Credit: @ElsieMcCready5

“Hopefully all return back Covid free.”

Credit: @chunkylover25

“Bring them home”

Credit: @Coplandbear1872

“Come back unscathed please team”

Credit: @lennyrfc

“Will they need to isolate on return?”

Credit: @R55Loyal

In other news, find out what Gerrard claim has Gers raging here!

Journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Newcastle United to ramp up their interest in Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury as they close in on a deal for Joe Willock.

Willock, who is set to join Newcastle from Arsenal for around £20m, and Choudhury are both midfielders manager Steve Bruce wants in his squad.

According to The Athletic, Choudhury is a player prominent in Bruce’s thoughts and was targeted by the Magpies back in January.

Ultimately, with the Willock saga coming to an end, Kennedy believes Newcastle will now turn their attention to another midfielder like Choudhury. The Shields Gazette reporter said to TT in a chat:

“When Newcastle United are freed of the burden of Joe Willock, then I think you’ll see the likes of Hamza Choudhury and others, with the meagre budget that they have but loan spots to play with as well, I think you’ll see Newcastle United ramp up their business in that department.

“Choudhury will be in that conversation, no doubt.”

Choudhury certainly does look like a realistic option for Newcastle as they look to add some more energy and tenacity to their midfield.

The 23-year-old was barely used by manager Brendan Rodgers in the Premier League last season, so a move to St. James’ Park, in search of more game time, may be something that interests him.

Leeds United and Southampton have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Nyambe, The 72 report.

The Lowdown: Nyambe profiled

Nyambe, described as a player with ‘great acceleration’, is 24 years of age and has progressed through the academy at Ewood Park.

The Namibia international is primarily a right-back who can also turn out at centre-back and has made 190 appearances for the club – 21 of which have come this season.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of June, with Nyambe sharing the same agency as Leeds duo Adam Forshaw and Charlie Cresswell.

The Latest: Leeds keen

The 72 shared a story on Wednesday afternoon, revealing Rovers could cash in on Nyambe this month, with Elland Road and St Mary’s named as possible destinations.

Rovers would want £3m for the defender, a fee surely affordable to Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group, while Leeds are also linked with a move for striker Ben Brereton-Diaz.

The Verdict: Not needed

Marcelo Bielsa has Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, youngster Cody Drameh and even Jamie Shackleton as right-back options at Elland Road, so a fifth choice doesn’t seem pivotal this month.

Leeds have other transfer issues to address more urgently too, with Victor Orta after two midfielders over the coming weeks following Kalvin Phillips’ long-term hamstring injury.

Should they get two in, then perhaps a cut-price move for the versatile Nyambe could be looked at, but for now, Radrizzani and co have bigger fish to fry in order to bolster their chances of Premier League survival.

In other news: Orta now eyeing Leeds move for 6 ft 3 beast who stopped Ronaldo; he’s keen on a January switch.

Interest in Celtic centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi should come as no surprise to Ange Postecoglou.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to commentator and journalist Stuart Hodge, who claimed in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that the 26-year-old’s links with a move to Southampton in the January transfer window will not come as a shock to those at Parkhead, as the Japan international has been something of a revelation since joining the Bhoys this summer.

Speaking about whether the interest in the striker is surprising, Hodge said: “Absolutely not. Look at his productivity since he came to Scotland. The age he is as well is a good age. Japanese players tend to mature a bit later in their careers.

“Normally you would say, for a Premier League player, by the time they hit 23 you’ve got a good idea of the level of player they’re going to be. In Japan, it can sometimes happen a bit later because of various things.”

Fans would be fuming

Hodge is correct to point out Kyogo’s impressive productivity since his arrival at Parkhead, as the forward has arguably been one of Postecoglou’s stand out players in the current campaign.

Indeed, over his nine Scottish Premiership fixtures so far this season, the £1.8m-rated man has scored five goals, registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns have seen the player Postecoglou dubbed a “positive character” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Celtic’s joint 14th-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football.

The Japan striker has also bagged three goals over four Europa League qualifying fixtures, one goal over two Europa League proper matches and one goal in one Scottish League Cup appearance – taking his total haul of goals to 10 in 16 games played for the club.

As such, while the interest in Kyogo’s services should come as no surprise to the Parkhead faithful, if the Hoops were to cash in on the 26-year-old this winter, it would undoubtedly be a decision that would leave fans fuming – as the forward clearly has the ability to play a major role in Celtic’s bid to reclaim their Premiership crown come next May.

In other news: Major blow: Celtic handed big injury setback ahead of Thursday, fans will be gutted

Crystal Palace make the mighty 298 mile trip to St James’ Park tonight, as they take on fellow mid-table settlers Newcastle United.

Although both sides are believed to be safe from relegation obscurity, they share the mutual ambition of reaching the traditional safe haven that is the 40 points mark.

A win for either side tonight would allow them to achieve that very ambition, though only one side can prevail.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Vieira revealed that the Eagles’ recent loss to Chelsea was a “massive disappointment” and ordered his side to answer questions raised.

In the same press conference, Vieira gave some succinct team news over his side’s injury status heading into this clash with the Magpies:

“Our captain Luka [Milivojevic] will not be part of the group. He felt something in his hamstring so he won’t be part of the team. Nathan [Ferguson] is still injured. Outside of those two, everybody is good.”

With that update, we at Football FanCast anticipate two changes from Palace’s loss against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Crystal Palace predicted XI: Guaita (GK) Clyne (RB) Andersen (RCB) Guehi (LCB) Mitchell (LB) Gallagher (RCM) Kouyate (DM) Schlupp (LCM) Eze (RW) Mateta (ST) Zaha (LW).

A return back to the 4-3-3 system after two games, and two losses without it makes sense for Patrick Vieira.

Perhaps the biggest boost is the return of 22-year-old Eagles loanee Conor Gallagher who has been dubbed a “sensation” by Zach Lowy. He comes in for the £1.4m-rated James McArthur, with Gallagher proving to be one of Vieira’s biggest creative threats this season having bagged eight goals and three assists.

Our predicted line-up also sees Nathaniel Clyne restored in place of Joel Ward, who started the FA Cup semi-final last time out.

The return of Eberechi Eze will be welcomed too, after the 23-year-old completed his first full 90 minutes against Chelsea in the last game, with the player who has been dubbed “special” by CoachesVoice now over his achilles tendon problem.

Jordan Ayew, a player described as “magic” is also an unfortunate drop-out with Vieira hoping to secure victory.

In other news: Vieira could terrify Newcastle by unleashing CPFC’s “special” £37k-p/w livewire…

Tottenham have allegedly reached an agreement with Fiorentina for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

The Lowdown: Amrabat profiled

Amrabat is a Morocco international who is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play in a central role.

The 25-year-old is valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt and has made 45 appearances for the Serie A side after joining back in 2020.

He’s been missing in Fiorentina’s last four league outings and is yet to contribute to a goal for his current employers, with a move to Antonio Conte’s side now looking likely before Monday’s deadline.

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The Latest: Agreement reached

According to Corriere Fiorentino, relayed by Sports Witness, Amrabat is ‘more than happy’ to move to Spurs and it will happen ‘barring surprises’.

Conte and Fabio Paratici both ‘rate’ the midfielder, with an ‘agreement reached’ between the two clubs.

It seems as if Tanguy Ndombele has to leave the club first, though, with the report claiming the Frenchman is ‘blocking’ a transfer being finalised.

The Verdict: Needed

Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements in the final days of the window and have ultimately wasted a lot of time on pursuing Adama Traore, who is in Barcelona ahead of a loan move.

They also look set to miss out on Luis Diaz, so it’s good news that a move for Amrabat is all but sealed, providing Ndombele can seal a move away from north London.

He now looks set to become the club’s third defensive midfielder on the books alongside Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks, so it’ll be interesting to see how Conte uses Amrabat in the second half of the season.

In other news: Spurs now preparing last-gasp bid to sign ‘special’ player who could leave for just £14m.