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Pundit Michael Dawson was left shocked by something that he saw the Aston Villa players doing during the first half of their game away at Wolves in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Derby to forget

It was ultimately a Midlands derby to forget for Steven Gerrard’s team, who found themselves 2-0 down within the first 36 minutes of the match, while Lucas Digne was forced off injured after only 13 minutes.

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They simply had no answer for Jonny’s early goal, while Ashley Young putting through his own net summed up their afternoon. The hosts picked them apart on the counter-attack, even despite Ollie Watkins scoring late from the spot.

The Latest: Dawson reacts

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Gillette Labs Soccer Saturday (15:50pm), former Tottenham Hotspur and England central defender Dawson was left shocked by how many men Villa were throwing forward just before half-time, with the score only at 2-0:

“You’re only 2-0 down, it’s nearly half-time, it’s ridiculous what I’m seeing.

“Gerrard looks absolutely fuming.”

The Verdict: Detrimental

The fact that Villa seemed to lack any tactical nous in the first half was ultimately detrimental on them getting any kind of result.

They should have known that while the Wanderers do not concede many goals, they do not score many either judging by the table, and so there was still a way to get back into the game in the second half without needing to play quite so last-ditch.

Instead, they almost threw it away by playing gung-ho football, and ultimately poor defending and not enough creativity going forward has ended up costing them.

In other news, find out who Villa have now been linked with in a club-record move here!

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some manager news involving Duncan Ferguson.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, he has now been appointed as the caretaker manager for the upcoming matches, after Rafa Benitez left his post following the 2-1 loss away at Norwich City in the Premier League.

Ferguson took charge of training at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday morning, as they prepare to face Aston Villa at Goodison Park at Saturday lunchtime, and he will be supported by John Ebbrell, Leighton Baines and Alan Kelly.

Of course, the Scotsman is a Toffees legend after so many years as both a player and coach, scoring 72 goals in 273 games in total. In his first stint as an interim manager, he was impressive, winning his opening fixture 3-1 at home to Chelsea back in 2019, while also picking up draws against both Manchester United and Arsenal (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, he seemingly looks to be a very popular appointment among the Blues supporters.

Everton fans on Ferguson manager news

These Evertonians buzzed as the manager news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they are ‘delighted’:

“DUNCCC SIUUUUUUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @jayefc_

“Superb. I’m a big fan of this decision.”

Credit: @HeidiInteriors

“Brilliant news @Everton sensible decision”

Credit: @RichieRowlands

“The news I have been waiting for all week”

Credit: @Babby008

“Delighted.”

Credit: @stugriff31

“Yesssss”

Credit: @_Rob1878_

In other news, find out what interesting EFC claim Benitez has now made here!

Keith Downie has revealed that Newcastle United are now eyeing other central defenders whose names have not yet been reported.

The Lowdown: Who’s been linked so far?

Following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood at St. James’ Park, it looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking at bringing in a new centre-back as their third signing in the January transfer window.

The names that have been linked the most seem to be Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile, but as the window ticks down it may be that the new owners now look at other targets to bring in, with crucial games against both Watford and Leeds United in the Premier League coming up.

The Latest: Alternatives eyed

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that the North East club are now eyeing alternative targets in the centre-half position, outside of the names already reported:

“I think they’re just juggling a few names at the moment.

“I mean, if I’m honest I was given two other names yesterday that I have not reported yet, because I’m trying to stand those up.”

The Verdict: Get one in now

Whoever the player is, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get a central defender in now.

They currently have the second-worst defensive record in the top flight, and so freshening up the backline would really help Eddie Howe and his team going forward.

Looking at their current options, Ciaran Clark is currently rated as the division’s worst centre-back (to have played at least five games) so far this season, while Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all rank inside the worst eleven (WhoScored).

It is clearly an area that needs improving, and so a new centre-half must now be the priority for the Magpies.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one ‘phenom’ NUFC are now ‘most interested’ in signing here!

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, West Ham United boss David Moyes is ‘ready’ to offload another one of his players this summer – but on one condition.

The Lowdown: West Ham exits take shape?

Recent reports out of West Ham suggest that Moyes and co have made their decisions on certain squad members as summer exits begin to shape before July.

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As per Claret & Hugh, defender Ryan Fredericks, whose contract expires at the end of 2021/2022, is almost certain to leave the club as is fellow soon-to-be free agent Andriy Yarmolenko.

GSB are unlikely to offer the latter man fresh terms despite his Aston Villa and Sevilla heroics recently and it appears Moyes could be ready to axe another in loanee midfielder Alex Kral.

The Latest: West Ham open to Kral deal…

Currently on a temporary deal from Spartak Moscow, which contains an option to buy, it is believed that the Czech Republic international ‘could land in Italy this summer’ (TMW).

While West Ham consider Kral a ‘precious’ asset, Moyes and co are ‘ready’ to offload him if they receive an ‘excellent proposal’.

This comes as pre-summer ‘contacts’ emerge with both Bologna and Atalanta reaching out to the Irons.

The Verdict: Time to go?

Unable to get a look-in past Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, who have been mainstays in the middle of the park under Moyes, it may be time to let Kral leave the London Stadium in search of more game time.

Coming to east London with a fair bit of promise, it clearly hasn’t worked out for the 23-year-old and a move away may be best for both parties.

Perhaps the only scenario which would allow Kral more chances is the departure of Rice, but that is the last thing supporters want to see.

In other news: Sky Sports say West Ham could sign £21.6m-rated star who’s set to leave this summer! Find out more here.

West Ham manager David Moyes has now made Torino star Andrea Belotti one of his side’s main transfer targets…

What’s the story?

According to WestHamFans.org, the Italy international has been identified by the Irons boss as one of his principal striker targets, and the 28-year-old has recently snubbed a move to the likes of Newcastle and Al-Hilal.

The report adds that West Ham would be able to sign him on a pre-contract deal for this summer due to his contract expiring rather than right now in this January transfer window.

Fans will be buzzing

If Hammers fans wanted a genuinely proven option up front to help compete with Michail Antonio, then Belotti certainly does fit that bill to a tee.

Vastly experienced with his time in Italian football, the forward was of course part of the Italy side that won last summer’s EUROs, and has got a phenomenal goal-scoring record, bagging 107 goals in just 238 games for Torino, and 137 goals over his senior club career.

Joe Hart, who played with Belotti in his time at Torino, praised him for his “instinct for goals”, and that kind of knack is something that you just don’t lose.

In the £25.2m-rated Belotti, they would be getting someone who has been banging in the goals in Serie A for a number of years now. The 28-year-old is the man who wears Torino’s armband, and has been hailed as a “real captain” for his performances for the club.

As well as the supply of goals that he would bring to the table, Belotti would bring some real leadership too, and fans will surely be buzzing at seeing him join.

Meanwhile, West Ham are also eyeing this “unplayable” winger…

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has tipped Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon to leave the Lilywhites in the summer and join a newly-promoted Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Rodon’s position

According to a report by Football Insider, Spurs have informed the Wales international that he is free to find himself a new club when the transfer window opens.

The 24-year-old was keen on leaving Hotspur Way in January, with the likes of Brighton and Newcastle interested in signing the defender, but a move away from north London failed to materialise.

Rodon has shone on the international stage, drawing praise as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ from journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

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The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Rodon

Whelan has claimed that if Rodon aims to stay in the Premier League, he should consider joining a newly-promoted team as the defender is not the sort of player Conte wants.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Leeds striker said of the 24-year-old: “He’s not in the category Conte wants in a centre-half. I don’t expect him to have a life at Tottenham.

“There are teams like Fulham who have already been promoted. There will be teams who look at him because of the Premier League status that he has had at Tottenham.

“Also, the fact that he’s an international and could be going to the World Cup. You never turn your nose up at a young centre-half.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if people who are promoted want to look at him as a possibility to take on.”

The Verdict: Needs a move

The Welshman has made just one appearance in the league this season, and with Conte’s desire to sign a new left-footed centre-half, it would appear that Rodon’s career with the Lilywhites is over. Therefore, if the player hopes to reinvigorate his career at the top level, a move elsewhere will be crucial in doing so.

Having enjoyed a number of strong performances with the Welsh national team, Rodon will be hoping that will be enough to secure a transfer away from N17 in the summer and reignite his career elsewhere.

In other news: Rodon isn’t the only Tottenham player being discussed over a possible exit

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On Wednesday, a message on Leeds United’s official Twitter account revealed that Hadi Sacko had moved on loan to MKE Ankaragucu for the remainder of the season.

Sacko moved to Las Palmas on loan last summer, but only made five league appearances for the Canary islanders before returning to Elland Road.

The 24-year-old joined Leeds on a permanent deal from Sporting Lisbon in 2017 and he has actually made 60 appearances for the Whites in all competitions.

Sacko has been seriously out of favour for some time now, however, and it is not a surprise to see him leave the Whites on another loan.

The 6 foot ace does have a contract with Leeds until the end of next season though and it will be interesting to see what happens at the end of the current campaign.

For now, the winger has moved on and the Leeds fans have been on social media reacting to the exit:

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

According to Portuguese source A Bola. as shared by Sport Witness, some transfer news has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Spurs in race…

As previously reported elsewhere, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are well in contention to sign one of the most in-demand attacking stars in Europe right now.

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90min shared late last month that Spurs are one of the clubs who have made contact with Nunez’s representatives with the attacker telling Benfica he is ‘ready to move this summer’.

The Daily Express also claimed this week that Tottenham officials were sent on a Benfica scouting mission to run the rule over their star striker as they faced off against Liverpool in the Champions League.

The Uruguayan, who’s scored an incredible 28 goals in 35 appearances across all contests this season, looks set to be one of the big name transfers of this summer as A Bola (via SW) now share an update.

The Latest: A Bola share Nunez update…

According to the newspaper’s sources, Tottenham, and by extension Paratici, have indeed made their first move, emerging as one of the sides who have been in touch before the summer to get more information over signing Nunez – opening a dialogue.

However, in some potentially bad news, A Bola also say that the striker’s club want a lofty €100 million (£84m) to let him go in the next transfer window.

The Verdict: Turn away?

Nunez’s quality is no secret, with Anfield Index podcaster Hari Sethi branding the South American ‘rapid quick’ and an ‘absolute beast’ of an attacker (Twitter) after their clash in mid-week.

His form and obvious ability, though, has seemingly allowed Benfica to demand huge money with Tottenham arguably not in the best financial position to smash their transfer record.

Their mounting club debt off the field could mean Spurs may have to turn elsewhere for a striking back-up to Harry Kane, unless of course they have to end up replacing the England international after receiving a big enough bid.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Aston Villa would be wise to make a move for Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez as a replacement for Azel Tuanzebe, according to Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Villa linked with Gomez move

The 24-year-old has found it difficult to get regular minutes for the Reds this season, appearing for just 14 minutes in the Premier League.

Villa have been linked with a move for Gomez in the January transfer window as Steven Gerrard looks to strengthen his squad between now and the end of the season.

With Tuanzebe set to leave Villa and join Napoli on loan, a centre-back may well be needed this month.

The Latest: Phillips talks up possible Gomez move to Villa

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips talked up the idea of Villa acquiring Gomez’s services.

After Gerrard admitted that “we would be delighted to keep [Tuanzebe]” and “we just hope we have the opportunity”, the former Sunderland striker stated: “He’ll definitely need a new centre-back. Whether Joe Gomez happens, I’m not sure. It’d be a great signing.

“But when managers speak like that, ultimately it looks like the player will be moving on. Then, it will be a priority to get a centre-half through the doors”

The Verdict: Tough to see happening

Gomez is a top-class defender who has won both the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, being hailed as ‘sensational’ by Jurgen Klopp.

He could be an exceptional signing for Villa despite some sizeable injury problems, but it is hard to see the Reds allowing the England international to leave.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both now in their 30s, Gomez will surely be viewed as a future regular if he can stay fit, and even a loan move could feel needless after the Reds’ centre-back shortage last season.

Villa may well need to look elsewhere if they intend to add to their ranks in this department during the month.

In other news, some Villa fans have reacted to reported interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Everton have made three signings during the January transfer window, however, they have not made any further additions since they sacked Rafa Benitez over a week ago.

Though, with less than a week to go they have been linked with a player who could potentially change the fate of their season.

The Toffees are struggling in the Premier League so far this term, finding themselves teetering on the edge of the relegation zone only three points clear of the drop.

Their defensive record has been shocking, with the side scoring 11 fewer goals than they have conceded and several shocking performances at the back that have cost Everton points, most recently Michael Keane’s own goal at Carrow Road which led to their tenth defeat and the firing of Benitez.

Further bolstering the defensive line is something Farhad Moshiri and Duncan Ferguson should be looking closely at in the last week of the transfer window, with Malang Sarr linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Yerry Mina has recently returned from injury and adding a high quality centre back partner could be the change that Everton need to reignite their campaign and save themselves from a relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Sarr can play both left back and left sided centre back, which would complement Mina on the right side perfectly, with the £5.4m-rated titan being hailed by his current manager Thomas Tuchel, who said:

“I have the feeling that he knows his role very clearly, he appreciates being in the team and when necessary, he steps up and shows he can be a strong teammate and a strong player.”

The 22-year-old is not currently first choice at Chelsea, making just ten appearances so far across all competitions but has clearly impressed his manager due to the praise he has received, and even his little experience playing in a competitive and successful side could be something that could add value to the Everton defence right now.

Ferguson could form a terrifying defensive duo by deploying Mina and Sarr together, with the 6 foot 3 Everton defender returning to the side.

The Colombian will offer a fresh perspective in the backline following the confidence knocks the other central defenders are likely to be rocked by after several poor performances this season.

Combine that with Sarr’s eagerness to prove he is good enough for first-team football, whilst offering experience of playing alongside some of the most pedigreed defenders in football like Thiago Silva, and it bodes well for the future of the Toffees’ backline.

There has been no official approach or bid made for the young Chelsea defender, but this could change in the last week of the window as Moshiri will surely be keen to make sure Everton have everything they need to stay in the Premier League next season.

In other news: Moshiri could cause chaos by appointing Vitor Pereira