An update has emerged regarding Everton’s pursuit of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil.

What’s the talk?

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Toffees remain interested in a deal for the 21-year-old and could battle it out with Aston Villa for his signature this summer.

The report claims that Burnley do not want to sell the winger but realise that he will leave to join a bigger club in the near future. Earlier in the window, a fee of £25m was touted for the England under-21 international.

Bernard’s replacement?

Everton are in the market for a left winger with Bernard leaving the club earlier this month, and McNeil could be the perfect addition to the squad. He is proven in the Premier League and still has plenty of scope to develop further, whilst he would also suit the style of play Benitez wants to employ.

Earlier this summer, the Spaniard outlined his aim for the transfer window by pointing out that Dominic Calvert-Lewin – a scorer of seven headed goals last season – requires quality crosses from out wide. The manager said: “We have to be ambitious and we have to manage the situation. It is very easy to see that we have a great centre-forward. He’s very good in the air, he can score goals. But we have to provide him with good crosses, good passes.

“So the objective is to add the players to improve. We can improve in these areas and, from the wide areas, the crosses will come. When we can do that, the team will be better.”

Farhad Moshiri could therefore land a coup for the Toffees if he is able to secure a deal for McNeil, who is adept at crossing. WhoScored lists it as his biggest strength and he has provided 16 Premier League assists in the past three seasons for Sean Dyche’s side. This means that he could be able to routinely put balls into the box like Benitez wants, which is why he could be a terrific signing for the Blues.

His current Burnley teammate Ashley Westwood hailed him as a special talent and highlighted his progression since coming into the first team. He said: “He’s really mature. I think the world of him; he’s a special talent. It’s been good to see him grow up because when he first came training with us, he was really quiet.

“He’s already racked up more than 50 games in the Premier League now, which at his age is phenomenal. He’s producing as well, so if he keeps doing that and we all keep doing what we’re doing then there will be teams circulating.”

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Therefore, he could be a superb addition to Everton’s squad and he might be exactly what Benitez needs to fulfil his ambitions of providing Calvert-Lewin with the service he requires to keep scoring goals in the Premier League. It is now down to Moshiri to get on the phone to Burnley in order to reach an agreement for the 21-year-old.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Godfrey: Benitez must seal dream Everton deal for £124k-p/w “monster”…

Everton’s transfer window hasn’t exactly been fireworks and excitement.

They’ve recruited smartly to land the likes of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend but supporters will be hoping for some marquee additions at Goodison Park in the weeks to come.

What’s the word?

Everton were interested in Leon Bailey this summer but the Jamaican has now signed for Aston Villa, handing the Toffees a crushing blow.

However, they could make up for that shortfall by signing Lazio’s Joaquin Correa instead.

The attacker has caught the eye of the Toffees in recent months and according to recent reports from Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness), they are now leading the race to acquire his signature.

It’s thought that Everton are at the front of the queue to sign Correa but will have to stump up a fee of between €30m-€35m (£25.5m-£30m).

Fans would love him

If you assess the qualities and dazzling ability of Correa then he has the potential to really light up Goodison Park and catch the imagination of supporters.

He can play in a multitude of positions, mainly out wide or through the middle as a number 10, but it’s his capability to score goals and assist teammates that stands out most.

The Argentine has scored 30 times during his Lazio career, 11 of which came during the 2020/21 season.

On top of that, the 26-year-old assisted six strikes, proving he can be a solid supply line for those around him.

Described as a “menace” in an analysis piece by Breaking the Lines, he is an incredibly tricky individual, something that would go down well with fans.

Last season, he produced 1.3 dribbles per game and was fouled on 1.9 occasions per match. For context, only Richarlison, Alex Iwobi and James Rodriguez were more successful when it came to take-ons.

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In terms of the second statistic, Correa would have been the second most fouled player in the entire Everton squad.

Now in the prime of his career, this would be an eye-catching swoop from the Toffees, one that would significantly improve their attacking ranks.

AND in other news, Benitez could discover his new Fernando Torres if Everton land 58-goal “nightmare”…

This has been an extremely busy week for Celtic in the transfer market.

The Hoops needed new bodies and Ange Postecoglou has achieved that by welcoming Joe Hart and James McCarthy to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

Those two additions are incredibly important to Celtic with problems emerging in both areas.

Ismaila Soro has endured a poor start to the season so McCarthy now stands a brilliant chance of becoming the club’s heir to Scott Brown in the middle of the park.

As for the goalkeeping position, both Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas have already made mistakes in the opening three competitive matches of the new campaign.

In fact, defensive errors as a whole have been rife as the Bhoys pick up the mantle from how they closed out the 2020/21 term.

Nir Bitton was sent off in the Champions League and then put in a torturous performance against Hearts last weekend. That said, debutant Carl Starfelt didn’t escape the negative headlines either.

A lack of match action may attribute to his poor performance, but there was no excuse for playing a dangerous back pass in the second half that nearly had shades of Jonjoe Kenny in his first Old Firm game last season.

Defenders needed

With such a disastrous start to the campaign from a defensive point of view in mind, Postecoglou desperately needs to sign Hart’s ex-teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Reports in June claimed that Celtic were interested in signing the Tottenham defender.

Talks got underway and now according to the Record, the Hoops have ramped up their plans to sign the centre-back.

That being said, with 12 months remaining on his deal in north London, Celtic will need to stump up a £5m fee rather than signing him on loan.

If Postecoglou does bring him to Paradise then it would be an excellent piece of business, even at the asking price touted.

Dubbed “incredible” by his manager Graeme Jones during a loan spell with Luton, the United States international has qualities that would suit the coaching department in Glasgow.

First and foremost, his ability to play out from the back will be vitally important. Carter-Vickers completed 91.6% of his passes in the English second tier during a stay with Swansea, the best tally of any player in the entire division.

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With that kind of passing in mind, he could form quite the partnership with Carl Starfelt, another composed ball-playing defender.

Furthermore, Carter-Vickers prevailed in 2.8 aerial battles per game last season, a number that was slightly down from the 3.8 he won with Luton Town in 2019/20.

It’s evident that he’d be a fantastic addition to the Celtic ranks; Postecoglou must make him the club’s latest signing.

AND in other news, Celtic must do everything to sign 24-cap “animal” who Rodgers dubbed “outstanding”…

Nottingham Forest have completed a deal to bring Jordi Osei-Tutu to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a story that was first broken by Daniel Taylor, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Dane Murphy was nearing the signing of the Arsenal right-back, the Garibaldi announced in their own post on Tuesday evening that a deal for the 22-year-old had been finalised, with the highly-rated youngster joining on a season-long loan deal.

In his tweet, Taylor said: “One of Arsenal’s talented young players expected to become Nottm Forest’s next arrival. Jordi Osei-Tutu, a right-back, had an impressive loan spell at VfL Bochum previously. Injuries with Cardiff last season, but well regarded in AFC set-up. NFFC proposing loan.”

Hughton will be buzzing

With right-back having been something of a problem area for Forest this summer, as Chris Hughton has informed Carl Jenkinson that he is free to leave the club, leaving Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel as the 62-year-old’s only viable option in the position, the fact that Murphy has finally got a deal over the line to bring in a new face on the right-hand side of defence is sure to have left the Reds boss buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 2.Bundesliga appearances while on loan at Bochum back in 2019/20, the £1.08m-rated man highly impressed, scoring five goals and registering two assists, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes and taking 0.9 shots per game.

The Arsenal starlet also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 0.5 clearances and winning 5.4 duels per match, with these returns seeing the £2.5k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.75.

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As such, not only will Hughton be provided with cover and competition for Lawrence-Gabriel in the signing of Osei-Tutu, he will also be getting a player who is extremely adept both going forwards and at the back – something that will undoubtedly delight the manager.

In other news: Forest dealt blow over “one of the best” ahead of Bradford tie, Hughton will be gutted

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted in response to a five-word message from the club on defender Andrew Robertson.

The Scotsman missed their opening game of the 2021/2022 Premier League season away to Norwich City after sustaining what looked to be a serious ankle injury in pre-season (Daily Star).

Robertson played in Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao last week before being taken off, with the left-back landing awkwardly and rolling his ankle after attempting to block a cross.

Kostas Tsimikas stepped in to replace the 27-year-old as Jurgen Klopp’s side ran out 3-0 winners at Carrow Road, but he endured a mixed afternoon by all accounts.

Now, sharing an update on Robertson, the club’s official account has now dropped a teasing five-word message in regards to his comeback.

Liverpool, whilst uploading an image of the Scotland international back running on the grass, simply stated: ‘On the road to recovery’ (Twitter).

This was enough to send fans wild on Twitter, with many erupting in response to the Reds’ official account whilst appearing excited they could have him back.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Liverpool fans erupt over five-word Robertson message…

“Absolute engine”

Credit: @6Thiagoat

“YESSIRRRRRR”

Credit: @LFCJaake

“Wow this is amazing!!! I saw him twist his ankle Robbo is an alien”

Credit: @james_manaja

“Woooooooohooooooo!!!!! Robbo is back”

Credit: @Dav1dLFC

“What?! That’s mental”

Credit: @anirudhkowtha

“Beautiful sight this”

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Credit: @thesmigger

“he’s actually a monster”

Credit: @moonwavez

“Good one, good news of the week”

Credit: @ozichukwuogara3

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘We are filthy rich’…Many Liverpool fans flock to ‘interesting’ bid claim, find out more here.

Juninho Bacuna became the latest player to sign for Rangers last week and former Leeds United man Noel Whelan has recently praised Steven Gerrard’s decision to bring him to Ibrox.

What’s the word?

Bacuna joined the Gers from Huddersfield Town last week and will be hoping to replicate some of the performances that he showed during his time with Groningen in the Eredivisie after a disappointing spell with the Terriers.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was quick to praise Rangers’ transfer business, saying:

“He’s a very talented player.

“Likes to produce a few different hair colours as well but you don’t mind that if the player has got some ability. He definitely has got the ability and I think that’s been seen by Steven Gerrard.

“Very quick, good on the ball, technically wise. He has got an eye for a goal as well. One of these players I feel, in time to come – he’s not even in his best years of football – will probably produce for Rangers.

“I think no better than having a man like Steven Gerrard, a midfield superstar in that position over years and years and years, to give him that guidance. To progress him to the player that, potentially, he really could be.

“I mean, wow, we saw some brilliant stuff from him at Huddersfield during the time he was there. I guess it was just finding that consistency. Plus he was in a team that was getting weaker and weaker by the season.

“He was still a standout there. I think Steven Gerrard has done some really good business there. If he can get the best out of Bacuna, he’s got a really talented midfield player on his hands.”

Will Bacuna be a good signing?

Last season saw the 24-year-old midfielder contribute just five goals and four assists in 43 Championship appearances for Huddersfield, in which he averaged a disappointing 6.53 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, you could argue that Huddersfield have been on a downward spiral in recent seasons, and Bacuna might be better able to showcase his attacking talents in a side such as Rangers, who are likely to dominate the majority of games they play in Scotland.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

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Therefore, if Bacuna can learn from Gerrard and build on his obvious talent and potential, then there is no reason why he can’t be a stellar addition to the squad at Ibrox and make a real difference this season as they look to defend their Premiership title.

If he is as good as Whelan suggests, then Ross Wilson may well have delivered another masterclass.

And, in other news… 113 touches, 92 passes: “Out of this world” Rangers ace ran the show vs Ross County

The final week of the transfer window is set to be a lively and vibrant one for Celtic.Odsonne Edouard’s future still needs to be sorted out and if he takes his leave from Parkhead, a shiny new striker could sign on the dotted line and don the famous Hoops shirt.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been busy targeting new forwards in the last few weeks with Thomas Henry thought to be on their shortlist.

However, they have now turned their attention to VVV-Venlo striker Giorgos Giakoumakis in a bid to strengthen their offensive options.

It’s understood a bid of £3m might be required in order to prise him away from Dutch football.

That being said, Werder Bremen have also been in the race to sign him.

Freelance reporter Kostas Lianos provided Celtic with a huge boost on Monday afternoon, though. He took to Twitter to report the following piece of information:

Title hopes boosted

The biggest concern with Giakoumakis undoubtedly has to be his goal record before last season.

The Greek had a mesmerising period throughout the 2020/21 campaign, scoring 29 goals on his way to being crowned the league’s top scorer.

Yet, before that, he’d never found the net on more than 11 occasions in a single term; more often than not he scored around three or four goals a season.

However, at the age of 26, Giakoumakis is now approaching his prime and will be full of confidence after a career-best year.

Described as a “very special†player by Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink the forward could be the perfect replacement for Edouard in a central role.

Consequently, it would be a huge help to their title bid if they can get a deal across the line. Kyogo Furuhashi has hit the ground running with a Paradise hat-trick to his name already but if Edouard departs, he cannot take the responsibility on himself.

Albian Ajeti scored in pre-season but his renaissance under Postecoglou didn’t last long. He hasn’t started a game since the campaign got underway for instance.

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Leigh Griffiths is not a reliable option either. The Scot bizarrely penned new terms in Glasgow but could be used in a swap deal with Hibernian for Kevin Nisbet. Sunderland have also had the attacker on their radar this summer.

As a consequence, finding more reliable figures in front of goal certainly makes sense. If Furuhashi was to get injured, it would be disastrous unless they had Giakoumakis in their ranks.

He scored a bucket load of goals in 2021/22 and his potential arrival would only aid their hopes of reclaiming the title. For that reason, supporters should be delighted that they’re so close to signing him.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kyogo: Ange must seal Celtic swoop for “dazzling” 27-goal weapon…

Derek Rae took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to provide Celtic with a boost in their attempts to sign VVV-Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old for just over a week now.

Ange Postecoglou personally called the Greece international over a Parkhead switch, with Giakoumakis impressed by the approach.

Terms have reportedly been agreed between the two clubs for the striker, and it now appears as if Werder Bremen are out of the running for Giakoumakis.

The Latest: Rae’s post

Giakoumakis held face-to-face talks with Bremen over a deal, however, the Bundesliga side struggled to finance a move.

The German side were moving on to alternative targets, with Rae revealing details of a transfer for Marvin Ducksch from Hannover, labelling it as an ‘important’ development when it comes to Giakoumakis.

“Important one here for Celtic as well as Werder Bremen fans. Bremen are on the cusp of signing Marvin Ducksch from Hannover. Medical expected tomorrow. This will have the effect of ending Bremen’s interest in Georgios Giakoumakis, as I expected”.

A move for Duksch has since been announced by Bremen.

The Verdict: Time for Celtic to wrap up a deal

With Bremen now seemingly out of the picture, it appears as if the Hoops have the perfect chance to get a transfer over the line.

The quicker the better for Dominic McKay and co, as securing Giakoumakis could then give Celtic the chance to cash in on Odsonne Edouard in the final days of the window.

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Should that materialise, Celtic may actually come out of the window with a profit, which could be viewed as a shrewd summer for the Hoops.

In other news: Celtic now looking at late swoop for ‘fantastic’ defender alongside Liam Scales move.  

Nottingham Forest have been handed a major boost in their bid to keep Brennan Johnson at the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Daniel Taylor’s report for The Athletic, with the journalist claiming that Brentford have all but ended their pursuit of the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, as the Premier League side failed to tempt Forest into parting with the youngster with a number of bids – the latest of which was thought to be worth around £7m.

Taylor went on to state that Dane Murphy was not willing to sanction the sale of the Wales international unless Thomas Frank’s side offered a package worth £12m, which was comprised of a £10m upfront fee plus £2m in add-ons.

Hughton will be delighted

Considering the sheer amount of potential Johnson appears to possess, the fact that Murphy held firm on his asking price for the Forest forward will undoubtedly have delighted Chris Hughton, whose life would have been made much more difficult if the club decided to cash in on the youngster this summer.

Indeed, while the 62-year-old has seen his side get off to a disastrous start to their 2021/22 Championship campaign – having picked up a single point over their opening five-fixture of the season, leaving the Garibaldi rooted to the foot of the table – Johnson has nevertheless impressed for the club.

Indeed, over his five appearances in the league thus far, the £360k-rated man has scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player Sabri Lamouchi dubbed an “unbelievable” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.84, ranking him as Hughton’s third-best performer in the second tier.

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As such, the fact that Brentford appear to have admitted defeat in their pursuit of the £2.5k-per-week forward not only looks to be good news for Forest’s Championship hopes this season, but also for the future of the club – as, if the 20-year-old continues at his current rate of development, the Reds will undoubtedly be able to command a much more substantial figure than the £12m they were looking for this season further down the line.

In other news: Dane Murphy has offer accepted for “rare” £14k-p/w beast, Forest fans will be buzzing

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under immense pressure to win trophies after being backed in the transfer market, according to Dean Windass.

The Red Devils made four signings during the window as they look to end their four-year major trophy drought.

While the incomings began with goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s return to Old Trafford, Jadon Sancho then arrived from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

World Cup-winning central defender Raphael Varane was the next big-name to head to the red half of Manchester as he completed a move with a reported £41million from Real Madrid.

But the signing that caught the United fans’ attention most came on deadline day, when the return of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo was sealed.

The 36-year-old, who has joined from Juventus, broke the world record for goals scored in men’s international football as he took his tally up to 111 for Portugal last week.

Former Premier League striker Windass now believes Solskjaer has to deliver silverware this season.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “On paper, they are very strong. But you don’t play football on paper.

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“Ole will be massively under pressure. He needs to win the FA Cup and get in the Champions League. He will know that and a lot of Manchester United fans will know that.

“They will be the first ones to criticise him if they start getting beaten and struggling. People will be on his back but that’s the nature of the game and Ole will know that.”