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Carlo Ancelotti has revelaed an injury blow for Everton ahead of their game away at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Monday.

The Italian has confirmed that the former Barcelona ace is not available to play against Graham Potter’s men as he has sustained a ‘small problem’.

Everton could miss Gomes

Gomes is a solid player in the middle of the park for Everton and more often than not keeps things ticking over in the heart of the midfield.

The 27-year-old, currently earning £140,000 per week at the Toffees, averaged no fewer than 45 touches of the ball per game in the Premier League so far in the 2020/21 term, roughly one every two minutes, and is also able to move with the ball well, having averaged 1.3 successful dribbles a match (Sofascore).

Former Premier League striker Darren Bent even went as far as to describe Gomes as a ‘Rolls Royce’ on the ball when speaking in December of last year.

The Portugal ace also does his bit to help out the Merseysiders defensively, winning 3.9 of his duels per match and also averaging 1.3 tackles a game (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, the Blues will have try and find a way to win against the Seagulls without the stricken 27-year-old.

In other news, find out why Alex Iwobi was ‘shocked’ at what one Everton star did against Crystal Palace!

Celtic loanee Jack Hendry has landed Sport Voetbal Magazine’s player of the year award for the Belgian top flight.

Hendry was loaned out to Belgian club Oostende in the summer and appears to be absolutely thriving away from Glasgow.

Hendry lauded on loan spell

The 25-year-old defender has been named as the Player of the Year in the Belgian top flight by the Sport Voetbal magazine, ever so slightly beating out Genk star Junya Ito (via The Scotsman).

Hendry made it clear that he’s incredibly proud of the achievement, hailing it as a ‘great honor’ for himself. He also said that he doesn’t know what the future holds for him, as he thanked Oostende for giving him the platform to impress (via The Scottish Sun).

He said: “I know as much about that as you do: nothing.  I thank KVO for being able to show my talent. Ostend has a purchase option and they want to activate it.

“The matter now is to reach an agreement. My wish is to play at the highest level, that is clear. And that can be in any competition.”

According to Whoscored, Hendry has picked up a rating of 6.87 in the Belgian league and a total of three other Oostende players have actually picked up a better rating than him.

Celtic should fight off loan clause

Celtic should be glad that Hendry is doing well in his loan spell, not just because his previous loan spell in Australia was hampered by injuries, but because the Hoops should be looking to give him one last chance next season.

Shane Duffy’s loan stint expires in the summer and Kristoffer Ajer has been linked with a move away. Christopher Jullien is currently still injured as well. Those are warning signs for the Hoops and Hendry’s form can help them shore up the backline at least temporarily in the upcoming campaign, if they can stave off the options on his loan deal that could force a permanent exit.

In other news, ‘We’ve heard’ – Sky Sports pundit drops massive Celtic ESL claim live on air – read more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who scored 34 goals in the Premier League, believes Dean Henderson replacing David De Gea would make little difference to Manchester United so the Red Devils should sell the Spaniard.

De Gea was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 for £22.5 million from Athletico Madrid and has gone on to win the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, as well as playing under five different permanent managers. However, it now being reported that Man United are looking to cash in on the shot-stopper to generate some transfer funds for this summer.

However, with Henderson desperate to get some game time as he attempts to dislodge Jordan Pickford as England’s number one, it may mean that Man United are forced into selling one of their keepers.

Speaking on what the future holds for De Gea and if it would make that much of a difference to the team if Henderson started, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“Man United have got David De Gea there and I think I would sell him. If they can get anywhere near the prices they’re quoting, so around the £50-80 million mark, then I would.

“They’ve got Henderson there who is gagging to get in the team and I think you can spend the money in better areas of the squad than on a goalkeeper.

“He’s been a great keeper but is it going to make that much difference if Henderson goes in and De Gea comes out? I don’t think so.”

De Gea has missed the last few matches for Man United after being in Spain for the birth of his child and thus, had to isolate on his return to the UK.

The Spaniard has 434 appearances for the Red Devils and keeping 153 clean sheets in that time.

After signing him back in the January transfer window, it’s been a rather slow start to life at Aston Villa for Morgan Sanson.

The Frenchman has played just the 33 minutes of Premier League football since joining, with Dean Smith understandably cautious of throwing him straight into the deep end.

But with momentum stalling after two games without a win, including a defeat to Leicester last time out, it’s surely time for Smith to cast off the shackles and unleash Sanson – starting with today’s clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Speaking after his signing, Smith raved about the kind of qualities the midfielder could bring, saying: “He has got a big game mentality, he has played at the top of the French league for the last five years, played in the Champions League.

“He is a great technician and has great tactical awareness. He can play in a number of positions, can set up goals and can score goals. He has a bit of everything in his game so we’re really pleased with the acquisition.”

The £18m-rated Frenchman, dubbed as a “warrior” by himself, showed he’s able to be a really effective box-to-box presence in his time at Marseille. Before his move to the Midlands, he had averaged an impressive 1.8 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game in Ligue 1, both of which ranks him favourably compared to the rest of Villa’s squad.

Only two other players have averaged more tackles per match than him, while again, only two other have averaged more key passes too. That dynamism could bring some much-needed energy into the Villa engine room, and offer them a bit more guile going forward, especially when you consider they’ve actually only scored four goals in their past five league matches.

With Villa not tasting victory in their past couple of Premier League games, and suffering from crucial injuries to the likes of Jack Grealish and Matty Cash, bringing in someone like Sanson into the starting line-up could be the kind of breath of fresh air that kicks things back into gear for Smith.

Steve Bruce may have to call on Jacob Murphy to feature at right-back when Newcastle United visit relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion after an injury to Emil Krafth.

The Toon boss revealed on Friday that Krafth will have to undergo late assessments on a “nasty” shin injury ahead of Sunday’s trip to The Hawthorns, having been forced off with the issue during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Krafth underwent scans at the start of the week to assess the severity of his injury alongside Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, who have been ruled out until April with knee and groin problems respectively, and is now a potential doubt to face Sam Allardyce’s Baggies.

The Wolves match marked Krafth’s seventh start of the Premier League season and third in a row, having enjoyed his longest run in the side all term after falling out of favour following back-to-back appearances in October.

Outings against Burnley and Manchester United earlier in the campaign had proven to be the Sweden international’s only successive top-flight appearances until Newcastle visited Old Trafford following a 2-0 loss at Chelsea last month.

However, Krafth’s run in the side could come to an end this weekend, with Bruce unsure on his availability while speaking to the media on Friday.

“Krafth has got a nasty shin injury so we’ll see how they are today and tomorrow,” the Toon boss said.

Being without Krafth on Sunday could leave Bruce without a recognised right-back as he continues to await the return of Javier Manquillo, with the Spaniard only recently taking up light training sessions following his ankle injury sustained against Southampton in February.

Should Krafth be ruled unavailable for Sunday’s trip to West Brom, Murphy may emerge as Newcastle’s stand-in option after being called on in the role by Bruce previously this season.

Murphy has been given four of his eight Premier League starts during the 2020/21 campaign in a full-back role, while making the remaining seven of his appearances from the bench.

His performance at right-back against Wolves in October returned the 26-year-old’s best WhoScored match rating of the season so far at 7.74, while penning his second and third best grades against Leeds United (7.08) and Everton (7.01) in the role as well.

Those performances return an average 7.27 rating, compared to his overall seasonal score of 6.52.

The £25,000-per-week outcast, who has only played 40 minutes of an available 540 in the top-flight since 30 January, also averages a higher number of passes blocked (1.3) and successful dribbles (1.6) per league game compared to Krafth (0.2 and 0.2 respectively) and Manquillo (0.4 and 0 respectively), per WhoScored.

He may not have featured in the role recently, but should carry enough stock to warrant consideration for a long-awaited recall if Krafth is not passed fit in time.

AND in other news, some Newcastle players want a “very good organiser” lauded by those he’s worked with to replace Steve Bruce…

Roy Keane has the ‘personality’ required to lead Celtic going forward, according to former Hoops manager Martin O’Neill.

O’Neill, who led Celtic to three Scottish titles and a UEFA Cup final over five years in Glasgow, was speaking to BBC Scotland Sportsound.

Betting was suspended on Keane’s potential appointment on Friday, but The Times reported two days later that the Manchester United legend was ‘unlikely’ to take up the post.

O’Neill seems to fear that it would be a mistake to overlook the 49-year-old, who has worked under the ex-Hoops boss as assistant manager in the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest setups.

£30m Champions League prize on the line for Celtic

“Next season is really big because it’s automatic qualification for the Champions League,” O’Neill said.

“That’s a massive extra prize. It’s the 30 million. Maybe it bolsters the argument that Celtic are taking their time – that whoever is in there is able and capable of facing Rangers in the big contest.

“Roy Keane’s got the personality, for a start. A massive player, iconic figure in the game. He’s also very strong-willed. But he’s got the capacity to motivate the players.

“Roy’s learned a great deal over the years. Dermot [Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder] is a strong-willed man himself. He’ll know what is necessary.”

Keane has been out of the managerial hotseat since 2011, when he left Ipswich Town.

Whoever succeeds Neil Lennon at Celtic Park faces a daunting task. The Hoops trail their arch-rivals Rangers by a full 20 points in the table, and Steven Gerrard’s men have not lost a league game all season.

Transfer Tavern verdict

With £30m potentially on the line as O’Neill has outlined, Celtic probably shouldn’t be taking this big a gamble on their next manager.

Eddie Howe, who did a remarkable job at Bournemouth and is now the favourite for the job, would appear a more sensible appointment, given his impressive track record at Premier League level in recent times.

In other news, what will the new boss have to say about this potential transfer?

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United man has been speaking about Tottenham Hotspur and their reported interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus.

Spurs have been linked with the German international in recent weeks, and he has been touted as someone who could potentially replace Dele Alli at the North London club, should he complete a loan move to PSG before next Monday’s deadline.

The 23-year-old has been solid in the Bundesliga so far this season, having contributed three goals and four assists in 17 appearances, which has seen him average a 6.94 rating.

He was also superb in Marco Rose’s side’s Champions League group stage matches, averaging a 7.28 rating across his six appearances in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, so it is no surprise that sides such as Spurs, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are taking an interest in the young midfielder.

Here’s what Lee had to say about Neuhaus when speaking exclusively to FFC:

“He’s a great player. He gets forward and scores goals. Maybe Dele’s going to go in the summer, which he probably should do. Maybe he could be a replacement for Alli.”

As Lee suggests, Neuhaus is developing a reputation for scoring goals from midfield, having now scored five goals in all competitions this season.

He has also managed six assists in that time, which means he is closing in on the nine goals and six assists Alli managed in all competitions last season, despite Neuhaus playing much more as a box-to-box midfielder.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-and-rumours” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, injury latest and more!”]

Should Alli join PSG on loan this month, or leave in the summer, Spurs may need to bring in a goalscoring threat to replace him, with only Tanguy Ndombele having scored more than once in the Premier League of Mourinho’s central midfield options this season.

Therefore, it seems as if the £25.2 million-rated man would be a strong addition to Mourinho’s side both now and for the long-term future, although Daniel Levy will have to see off some serious competition if he wants to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And, in other news… Forget Di Maria: Levy can sign Jose a goalscoring winger; he won’t cost a penny

Celtic are currently looking to bring Bright Osayi-Samuel to Parkhead as he enters the last six months of his contract. The winger has attracted a lot of attention thanks to his pace and ability on the ball, which is extremely hard for defenders to deal with.

However, a pre-contract next month to bring him to the club in the summer is not soon enough for Neil Lennon. The boss is reportedly looking to rush through a deal and sign him immediately in January. Considering the Irishman’s future at the club could potentially hang in the balance of Celtic’s transfer window, it’s no wonder he wants to recruit such a strong attacking player straight away.

Osayi-Samuel would be ideal Lennon signing

The Hoops have endured a wretched season compared to their usual standards. Their up and down results mean that they will likely lose out on a tenth consecutive Premiership title to the hands of arch rivals Rangers. Steven Gerrard and his men are still yet to lose a league match this term and Celtic have simply been unable to match their tenacity.

It’s also a worrying thought that Mohamed Elyounoussi, their top scorer of the season, is due to return from his loan spell in the summer. Unless they arrange a deal to keep him permanently, the Bhoys will lose a massive part of their attack.

But even with Elyounoussi’s departure, the club has academy graduate Mikey Johnston waiting in the wings for his big chance in the senior team. However, Lennon does not have a recognised right-winger on his books and he has been forced to deploy the likes of Ryan Christie and David Turnbull in this position.

Whilst they have both done a solid job, a club of Celtic’s calibre needs to sign a natural wide-man. Bringing £6,500 per week Osayi-Samuel to Parkhead would fit a huge gap in the roster.

QPR boss Mark Warburton has sung the praises of the “outstanding” attacker, who tallied six goals and nine assists last season (via Transfermarkt).

In other news, Signing Mark McKenzie would be huge move from Lawwell…

Everton can sign their dream Richarlison heir in Leicester City’s in-demand winger Demarai Gray amid reports Carlo Ancelotti’s side are eying a potential free transfer this summer.

What’s the word?

A Premier League scout has told Le Phoceen that the Toffees are one of several English sides likely to move for Gray at the end of the season when his £55,000-per-week contract expires.

Gray and his representatives are understood to have already held discussions with Olympique de Marseille over a move to the Ligue 1 side, with the 24-year-old free to negotiate with clubs from abroad.

SL Benfica, AS Monaco and Bundesliga outfits have also been linked, while Southampton have now come forward to register their interest after Leeds were claimed to be leading the race for the Tottenham Hotspur target’s signature (Mirror, 5/1, p. 47).

Gray has been shunned to the fringes at the King Power Stadium this term due to his reluctance to sign a new contract, with Brendan Rodgers calling on the former U21 international to play just 18 minutes of Premier League football.

Yet there appears to be no shortage of admirers, with Gray seen to be standing out as an exciting player set to be available for free this summer.

“He’s a very good player who keeps an excellent rating in England,” a Premier League scout told Le Phoceen. “He is still one of the very good wingers of his generation, even if his contractual situation at Leicester means that he is dismissed by Rodgers and the leaders.

“He is very quick and skilled at eliminating his opponent in the middle of the race, as well as against goalkeepers with a tendency to open his foot to find the opposite side of the net. There will surely be competition, because I think that good English clubs will move, like Everton, Tottenham or Southampton.”

Dream Richarlison heir

Marcel Brands moving to place Everton at the front of the queue for Gray’s services would see the Dutchman hand Ancelotti a dream heir to Richarlison, with the Italian tactician well-aware of the Brazilian’s importance to how his side operates.

Rodgers may be reluctant to field Gray this season with the Birmingham-born forward refusing to commit his future to Leicester, but the Foxes boss is a firm believer in the 24-year-old’s potential and had wished to see him pen a new deal.

“He’s obviously a player we want to keep,” Rodgers said, via quotes by the Leicester Mercury, last summer. “He’s got wonderful talent. He can dribble, he can do everything. With Demarai, it’s always been about that end product, creating goals and assisting goals on a regular basis, and then working with an intensity to fit in with the structure of the team.”

Gray has provided three goals and an assist in four Premier League 2 appearances this season as he looks to maintain his match fitness, and has previously found the back of the net 13 times and created 17 goals in 169 first-team outings.

Ancelotti would likely love to work with a player with the potential and proven skill as the Foxes’ speed demon, who registered 0.8 shots and 0.8 key passes a game in the top-flight last term despite playing just 29 minutes in each appearance, on average, per SofaScore.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands can atone for his £18m summer mistake with an Everton raid for a relentless gem.

According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Leeds United winger Raphinha after his arrival in English football.

The Reds are finding life difficult without attacking players like Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota and are looking to pad out their attacking roster with a player of Raphinha’s calibre.

Their attention has turned to the 24-year-old who has taken to life in the Premier League expertly.

Leeds must keep hold of Raphinha

A lot of the pressure falls on Patrick Bamford when it comes to scoring Leeds’ goals, the Englishman scoring 11 goals and tallying up five assists. Behind him is winger Jack Harrison with five goals and four assists, followed by Raphinha with four goals and four assists, as per BBC Sport.

The winger’s input is highly important to the Whites, who are making it their priority to avoid facing a trip back to the Championship.

Liverpool are looking at new recruits to support superstars Mane and Mohamed Salah. Raphinha is one of their main interests ahead of the summer transfer window with the £60k-per-week wide-man featuring in all but one Premier League tie since he arrived at Elland Road, showing how vital he is to Bielsa’s set-up.

Further to this, Noel Whelan also waxed lyrical while speaking to Football Insider about the flying winger, hailing him for his quick feet and eye for goal. The former Leeds ace also hailed the Brazilian’s blistering pace on the flanks.

According to stats-based website WhoScored, Raphinha averages more shots towards goal per match and completes the highest amount of dribbles compared to attacking teammates Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich. That’s certainly an indication of just how much intent and directness he has played with.

The Liverpool target also has the highest overall rating thanks to his impressive performances on the wing, even despite scoring fewer goals than Harrison. As a result, Victor Orta can’t afford to let the £17m summer signing leave just one year after starting his Leeds journey.

It’s exactly why the Spanish director should do everything in his power to stop Liverpool from getting their hands on him. Bielsa’s only just beginning to work with the summer signing, and it would be a real shame if he was allowed to go so soon.