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Everton face competition from some of their rivals in the Premier League to sign Mattias Svanberg, according to Il Resto del Carlino (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, the Goodison Park faithful have joined the race to sign the Bologna talent, whose value stands at around €15m (£12.8m) along with Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley.

The Merseyside club have reportedly appeared on the scene in the ‘last few hours’, making their interest firmly known to the Serie A club.

Svanberg’s current deal in Italy expires in June 2023 and Bologna are trying to get the central midfield player to sign a new one, but a new contract has not yet been agreed and thus his agent is looking elsewhere to see if there is any concrete interest in a transfer.

The teams mentioned in the piece, including Carlo Ancelotti’s side, would all be able to offer him a bigger wage, and so it may be possible for a deal to happen in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Everton should sign Svanberg

The Toffees should look to sign Svanberg in order to boost their current options in midfield for the start of the 2021/22 term.

The Sweden international has been lauded by his country compatriot and footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently, with the big striker reportedly advising AC Milan to buy him instead.

At just 22 years of age, Svanberg still has a lot of potential, and could certainly grow into a top, top player at the Blues.

In other news, find out what injury to one EFC ace before Manchester City has been bemoaned by fans here!

Despite their last-minute attempts on transfer deadline day, Southampton were unable to sign a full-back during the recent winter transfer window, which has undoubtedly been a big factor behind their recent poor run of form.

Yan Valery and Jake Vokins were both sent out on loan, and Kyle Walker-Peters subsequently picked up an injury, leaving Ryan Bertrand as the only fit natural full-back at the club.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have endured a torrid run of form in recent weeks, picking up just one point out of a possible 24, with their defence looking particularly vulnerable.

Therefore, it will be a cause of frustration for Southampton fans to hear that, according to The Athletic, the South Coast club were extremely close to signing left-back Junior Firpo on loan from Barcelona in January, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute due to uncertainty at the Catalan club ahead of their presidential elections.

The 24-year-old has struggled for regular game time with Barcelona since joining from Real Betis in the summer of 2019, having made just 37 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists in that time.

This season the defender has been limited to just two starts in La Liga under Ronald Koeman, although he has managed one goal and one assist in that time, averaging a solid 6.70 rating.

With Firpo perhaps struggling to usurp Jordi Alba at the Catalan club, it would have made a lot of sense for him to join the Saints where he could have challenged for a starting spot in Hasenhuttl’s side.

Considering there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Ryan Bertrand at Southampton, with his contract set to expire in the summer, signing someone such as Firpo on loan, potentially with the view to signing him permanently, would have been good business by Southampton.

Firpo’s former teammate Marc Batra was full of praise for him in 2019, saying:

“He is a player who has shown that he has a lot of potential, quality and the ability [to be] in the right place at the right time.”

Certainly, if Firpo were able to rediscover the excellent form he showed in his time with Betis, where he averaged a superb 7.12 rating in the 2016/17 season, he would have surely proved to be a solid signing for the Saints, and the club will no doubt regret not being able to bring him when you consider their recent defensive frailties and lack of squad depth in defence.

AND, in other news… Southampton beast forced out in 2017 is the leader Hasenhuttl is missing this season

Former West Ham United player Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that David Moyes has done an “unbelievable” job at West Ham United this season and deserves to be in the conversation to win Manager of the Season.

The Hammers are within touching distance of the Champions League qualification places and are in with a genuine shout of qualifying for European competition this season.

Moyes, of course, is in his second spell at the club, having kept them up in the 2017/18 campaign.

Lee, who played for the Hammers in the 2003/04 season, thinks Moyes should be lauded for the job he is doing in east London.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “David Moyes, I thought he did a good job the season he kept them up. I think his remit then would have been to keep them up, which he did, and they got rid of him.

“They’ve realised their error and got him back and he’s done an unbelievable job there. They’re good to watch, they’re exciting to watch now, they score goals, they seem to have sorted it out at the back and they’ve got half a chance of certainly getting into Europe.”

Nevertheless, Lee believes that the more likely recipient of the award is Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan boss has enjoyed a phenomenal season with City, who have won 21 games in a row.

They are currently 14 points clear at the top of the table, but Lee admits that they should be expected to win the competition, given that Guardiola is working with the biggest budget in the league.

He added: “I don’t know how they do this Manager of the Season thing but they’ll probably give it to Pep because he’s won 21 games on the trot.

“He’s a great manager, sometimes you’ve got to look at how Pep would have done if he’d have gone in at West Ham, I think he said himself he’s always had the most money to spend. He’s very honest about it. To get the best team you need the most money, that is true.”

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Wednesday night, as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s side cruised through to the FA Cup fourth round after a comfortable 3-0 win against Birmingham City at the weekend and the Spanish manager was able to rest some of his key players ahead of the game against Graham Potter’s side.

City are also beginning to welcome back some of the individuals that tested positive for the current viral outbreak but the likes of Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are injured, whilst Sergio Aguero is self-isolating.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up against Brighton on Wednesday evening, with five changes from the starting team that beat Birmingham…

Ederson reclaims his place in between the sticks, although Zack Steffen showed himself to be a reliable back up in his recent appearances for the Citizens.

There are two changes in defence, as Kyle Walker moves back out to right-back, having started at centre-back at the weekend, with Joao Cancelo moving to left-back, as we saw regularly earlier in the season.

John Stones gets the start alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back, with the duo rapidly becoming the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League on current form.

Ilkay Gundogan returns in midfield, with the German international having been rested against Birmingham.

In order to accommodate the former Borussia Dortmund man, Kevin De Bruyne pushes forward into the false nine role, which he played so effectively in, in the 3-1 win against Chelsea recently, with Gabriel Jesus dropping to the bench as a result.

The Brazilian, who earns £90k per week at City, once again failed to find the back of the net at the weekend and considering this is a must-win game for the Citizens, they cannot afford to be wasteful in front of goal.

There’s one change on the wing as Raheem Sterling replaces Riyad Mahrez, with the English international missing the game at the weekend due to a lack of match fitness but he should be fine to feature against the Seagulls, whilst Bernardo Silva keeps his place after his impressive brace against Aitor Karanka’s side.

Three points against Brighton keeps the pressure on those at the top of the league, so Guardiola must select a strong lineup to ensure his side secures the win against a struggling Brighton side.

And, in other news, Guardiola must swoop for “unbelievable” £90m-rated beast; he can break Aguero’s Man City record…

Leeds United were very disappointing in their last Premier League match in which they lost 1-0 to Brighton and Noel Whelan has picked out one player in particular for criticism.

What Whelan had to say

Speaking to Football Insider about Pascal Struijk, Whelan said: “There were too many six out of 10s all over the field, in my opinion. When you’re looking for 10 out of 10s, there’s none there, they were all average performances. Yes, they upped their performances a little bit in the second half but there wasn’t enough quality.

“I think Struijk looks out of place, playing Kalvin’s role. I’ve got to say I don’t think there’s anyone that can play Kalvin’s role in the team which is worrying for me. When he’s out we don’t seem to have that flow in our game going forward and the discipline in the defensive role. There weren’t too many players out there who covered themselves in glory.”

Struijk was not at his best

The defensive midfielder picked up a match rating of 6.9 for his performance (SofaScore). He lost four aerial duels and two ground duels, whilst he also gave possession away 13 times.

Filling in for Kalvin Phillips is very hard to do as the Englishman has had a great season so far. Defensively he has managed 2.9 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game (WhoScored) and having this type of player in the starting eleven is crucial as he helps break up opposition attacks.

If Struijk does not put in the performances needed when covering for Phillips, Marcelo Bielsa might have to look for another option either in the squad or in the transfer window.

In other news, find out whose return from injury has been deemed ‘massive’ here!

Carlo Ancelotti faces several crucial decisions over his Everton line-up to face Chelsea after confirming star midfielder James Rodriguez will miss Saturday night’s encounter through injury.

The Colombian sustained a blow during last week’s 1-1 draw at Burnley that prevented him from training throughout the week, and will sit out the visit of Ancelotti’s former employer as the Italian is loath to risk the 29-year-old.

Rodriguez now joins Seamus Coleman, Lucas Digne and Fabian Delph in being sidelined through injuries, leaving Ancelotti with several gaps to plug as he bids to stop the rot that has seen Everton win just once in their last seven top-flight fixtures.

So, with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up Everton could favour when they host title-chasing Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday…

Jordan Pickford has come under criticism at times this season following blunders against Brighton and Liverpool, but the goalkeeper impressed at Burnley to prove to his doubters that he can be relied upon to keep Everton in games with a string of pivotal saves.

Ben Godfrey also stood up to the test at Turf Moor after slotting in at left-back to replace Delph when the former Manchester City midfielder limped off with a hamstring strain early into the first-half, and will be expected to be fielded in the role at home to Chelsea.

The central defender’s move to full-back will likely see Iwobi continue at right-back after an impressive showing against Burnley, featuring three successful tackles, an interception, two key balls, 10 attempted crosses and a whopping 102 touches, per SofaScore.

News of Rodriguez’s absence has forced Ancelotti into changing Everton’s system for the visit of Chelsea to Goodison Park, with the former Blues boss left searching for solutions with his side now without their two-most creative options in the Colombian and Digne who boast 25 and 16 key balls respectively.

“James is a fantastic player for us, he did really well at the beginning and had some problems after the game against Liverpool. But we have to be, and we will be, able to adapt. We have a good squad, we are going to play a little bit different,” said Ancelotti, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo’s Adam Jones.

Ancelotti’s search for answers will likely see the Italian turn back to a 4-3-3 formation with Gylfi Sigurdsson, whom he lauds as a “great professional”, joining Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the engine room.

Andre Gomes entered the action at Burnley to replace Delph as Ancelotti shifted his line-up away from its initial 3-4-3 shape, yet struggled to leave a positive impression on proceedings while Sigurdsson later came off the bench and instantly offered a more evident attacking presence.

Rodriguez’s absence will likely see Ancelotti move Richarlison to the right-wing against Chelsea with Bernard returning to the starting line-up for only the second time this season in the Premier League, having been favoured on the left at home to Manchester United.

Ancelotti is not blessed with an array of forward options and may feel the challenge of facing a title-chasing Chelsea is too big of a task for academy graduate Anthony Gordon, who has played just 32-minutes of top-flight action thus far this term.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands has landed a huge break in his bid to final rid Everton of Steve Walsh’s £42m blunder.

It may be a little late in the season, but Celtic are finally beginning to pick up some form and momentum as they head into the new year.

Neil Lennon’s side started the Scottish Premiership campaign so poorly, but have recently found their groove, winning their last five games in all competitions, including keeping three clean sheets in their last three league games.

And whilst the Hoops boss may be reluctant to make any wholesale changes ahead of the clash against Dundee United on Wednesday night, he should consider throwing in Michael Johnston into the starting line-up.

He came off the bench last time out in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Hamilton, and the 21-year-old could bring some added energy to the attack. The festive period has been a busy one for Lennon’s side, and freshening things up and giving young and fringe players the chance to shine and keep the first-team stars fully fit is key.

Johnston has shown flashes of his talent since making his debut for the Bhoys, and after scoring against Ross County in December 2019, Hoops icon Chris Sutton took to Twitter to declare him a “real talent”, with former Scotland international Billy Dodds adding to the plaudits too.

He said: “He’s special is Michael Johnston. Once he gets himself into the position he just cuts inside, bears down on goal, and my word he’s got the composure. It’s a brilliant finish from a guy who is just on the pitch.”

The youngster – valued at just £900k by Transfermarkt – may offer a bit of unpredictability and fearlessness to Lennon’s side, and with the Old Firm derby coming up on Saturday, could really stake an incredible claim to be a part of that fixture too.

Sunderland forward Chris Maguire must put his recent struggles into the past and respond against Gillingham on Saturday, after Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson opted to snub a potential recall for Aiden McGeady.

Parkinson has stated that he is yet to change his stance on McGeady’s future at the Stadium of Light, per the Sunderland Echo, having told the 34-year-old to train with the Under 23s and find a new club late last year.

McGeady has since returned to the North East after a loan spell with Charlton Athletic, raising the potential for Parkinson to go back on his word and utilise the former Republic of Ireland international after Sunderland’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end against Portsmouth before a draw at Rochdale.

A recall has yet to be offered as Parkinson has previously suggested McGeady’s exile came down to a desire to change the culture at the Stadium of Light, while protecting the pathway for young talents to breakthrough.

Parkinson intends to keep that path open for Elliot Embleton, having hinted as to why McGeady continues to be overlooked.

“Aiden at the moment has had to have an injection in his knee anyway,” Parkinson said, via quotes by the Sunderland Echo. “He had a spell of training with the U23s, but at the moment he’s in the treatment room with a similar problem to Jordan.

“He’s [Embleton] another player who I’m looking forward to seeing emerge for us. Unfortunately, we’ve had to be patient with him but if he can get through today, we’re expecting him in the run of games we have coming to get some minutes with the first-team.”

Parkinson suggesting he will continue overlooking McGeady and favour waiting for Embleton’s return should come as welcome relief for Maguire, who could have seen his place in the side come under threat otherwise.

Maguire has been struggling for form in Sunderland’s recent league fixtures following his return from the hamstring injury that prevented his involvement in the 0-0 draw at Charlton, with the £4,400-per-week forward offering just one shot on goal and no key balls in the defeat to Portsmouth before again failing to register a shot on target at Rochdale.

Parkinson even opted to haul Maguire off with 15 minutes still on the clock at the Crown Oil Arena, having lost three of his five ground duels, misplaced five of six attempted crosses, did not attempt any dribbles and lost possession 10 times, per SofaScore.

Gillingham on Saturday presents Maguire with a perfect opportunity to respond knowing that Parkinson is happy to omit McGeady in anticipation of Embleton’s return, but his slack run cannot continue for much longer.

Any further issues will surely begin to leave Parkinson considering the benefits of recalling McGeady, who former Celtic boss Neil Lennon lauded as being unplayable on his day during their time together at Parkhead.

“He’s a mercurial talent, and on his day is unstoppable,” Lennon said, via quotes by the Chronicle. “He has undoubted natural ability.”

AND in other news, Phil Parkinson has been urged to start a Sunderland star who “has a bit of everything”.

This season has been a disastrous state of affairs for Celtic, one that could well cost Neil Lennon his job.

After last weekend’s SPFL action, they fell 11 points behind their arch-rivals Rangers.

The manager’s head was called for but he received the backing of the board after their 2-2 draw with Hibernian.

However, few Celtic chiefs can defend the result that occurred on Thursday evening.

In being unceremoniously dumped out of the Europa League with two group games still to play, the Hoops were beaten 4-1.

The defending on show was abysmal as countless times the men in green left their opponents unmarked and with easy goal-scoring opportunities.

The worst performer from Lennon’s point of view was undoubtedly Kristoffer Ajer, someone who has looked a shadow of his former self this season.

It wasn’t long ago that Ajer was being linked with both Tottenham and Leicester, but any thought of claiming a high-end fee for his services now look shot.

The fact of the matter is that the centre-back has been poor this term and is doing himself no favours if he wants to earn a move to a bigger club in England or Europe.

Ajer’s display against Sparta Prague on Thursday just about summed things up. He completed one tackle and made zero interceptions. The defender also lost possession 11 times and completed just two of seven long balls attempted.

His marking was also particularly poor, especially for the first goal when he was nowhere near David Hancko who tucked the chance away from close range.

For someone who prides himself on being a ball-playing defender, Ajer was particularly poor in this phase of the game too. To highlight his poor day at the office, the Dane completed just 76% of his passes. For context, he is usually successful with 88% on average.

It speaks volumes about Ajer’s game when he’s not even on song with one of his strongest attributes.

Thus, should Celtic look to cash in on the 22-year-old in January? Undoubtedly so.

Reports from Italy this week stated that AC Milan were interested in completing a swap deal for Ajer with Diego Laxalt who is currently on loan in Glasgow.

A claim from Football Insider, meanwhile, claims that Celtic are looking to sell some of their star men – currently valued at £90m – including Ajer. That’s because of a £13m drop in turnover.

If Celtic want to get a decent fee for his services they must sell as soon as they can before his value plummets further.

He showed on Thursday he is not indispensable to the Bhoys.

Meanwhile, check out how Celtic can FORGET all about Odsonne Edouard if he leaves…

Norwich City are ‘confident’ of keeping hold of Todd Cantwell, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United.

English football’s domestic transfer window closes on 16 October and links of a move for Cantwell to Elland Road continue to be reported by Football Insider.

The young midfield talent is currently playing for Norwich City in the Championship, having been part of the Canaries side that suffered relegation from the Premier League last season.

Despite the disappointment suffered by the youngster, he managed to impress throughout the 2019/20 campaign with six goals and two assists in his 37 top-flight appearances.

Norwich hoping to fend off Leeds’ interest in Todd Cantwell

With few days remaining in the current window, Football Insider claimed that Norwich are keen to fend off any interest after receiving two bids from Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the past month.

The report added that a recruitment source claimed that Norwich fully expect the attacking midfielder to be at the club beyond the 16 October domestic transfer deadline.

Cantwell, who is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, has two years remaining on his contract at Carrow Road after renewing terms in July 2019 and is said be keen on a move to Elland Road.

Cantwell the final piece of Bielsa’s puzzle

Spending just under £100m thus far in the transfer window, Argentine tactician Bielsa is seemingly desperate to bring in a new and young midfielder to Leeds, having missed out on Michael Cuisance last week.

Cantwell, who is claimed to be dreaming of a move to Leeds, would seemingly improve his game further if he were to move to Yorkshire, potentially learning from the likes of Pablo Hernandez over the coming months.

A move for the young English midfielder would seemingly be a real coup for Bielsa, but Norwich certainly aren’t going to let him depart too easily.

Do you think Cantwell will join Leeds before the end of the domestic transfer window? Let us know your views in the comments section below…