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Everton have a new manager at the helm but their transfer strategy doesn’t look as though it’ll differ from years gone by.

The Toffees hierarchy are set to back Rafa Benitez but there has been no sign of any incomings just yet.

What’s the word?

The Merseyside outfit have been linked with a number of high profile players from Isco and Philippe Coutinho to Denzel Dumfries.

However, one of the latest rumours revolves around a goalkeeper; Pierluigi Gollini.

TuttoAtalanta (via Sport Witness) claims that Everton have taken information on the Italian stopper and are now considering a bid for him this summer.

Gollini is expected to be pushed down the pecking order at Atalanta and the Toffees could offer him an escape route.

The ‘keeper is currently valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt.

Pickford in trouble?

There is no doubting just how good Jordan Pickford is when it comes to England duty.

He has very rarely put a foot wrong under Gareth Southgate and has shown as much on his way to helping the Three Lions reach the final of the European Championships.

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Pickford kept five clean sheets in his opening five matches but began to look a little shakier in the semi-final win over Denmark.

The Everton stopper was poor with his distribution as some of the flaws we’ve seen during his performances for the Toffees reared their ugly head.

During recent campaigns, the 26-year-old has been questionable between the sticks, being described by many, including journalist Phil McNulty, as a “liability.”

It’s easy to see why. Throughout 176 Premier League appearances, the stopper has made 15 individual errors directly leading to a goal. Seven of those errors have come in the last two years which make him the most error-prone ‘keeper in the top-flight over that time frame.

Everton have been linked with a few goalkeepers including Barcelona’s Neto but considering Gollini is a first choice, this could finally give them an excuse to axe Pickford.

His form this summer has been near impeccable but that might not matter if he continues to perform under par for his club.

Standing at 6 foot 4, Gollini is a giant frame between the posts and is particularly highly rated in Italy.

Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny once claimed that he’s “performed miracles.”

The 26-year-old ranks in the 62nd percentile for post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed. For those who may be confused, the higher your percentage in this department, the better you are at stopping shots.

Gollini ranks higher in this regard with Pickford falling into the 54th percentile.

One of the biggest things to notice about the Everton target is his ability to sweep. He ranks in the 85th percentile for defensive actions outside of the penalty area. Pickford is only in the 40th percentile for this department.

On that evidence, it would appear that Gollini is a completely different type of goalkeeper.

Either way, Benitez will be hoping that he brings greater stability than Pickford has done in recent campaigns.

AND in other news, Everton eye move for £34m gem with “incredible finishing qualities”, DCL surely scared…

Leeds United are set to miss out on Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud as another Premier League side swoops in.

What’s the story?

According to previous reports from The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Whites were eyeing a summer transfer move for the 23-year-old, before The Mirror’s David Anderson poured cold water on that suggestion by claiming recently that Bielsa’s side had actually moved on from their chase of Perraud, and that the Yorkshire club were “no longer trying to sign” him.

Then, according to French publication L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), it was suggested the Whites were actually in talks with Brest over a deal for Perraud, but that they were set to face significant competition from the likes of Newcastle and Southampton.

Now, The Athletic have claimed that it’s the Saints who are closing in on the signing of Perraud and that “Ralph Hasenhuttl has met with the left-back and it’s understood that Perraud has made it clear he wants to sign for the south-coast side”.

Bielsa will be gutted

Given reports had suggested that Leeds had identified Perraud as their “leading target” to replace Gjanni Alioski at left-back this summer, and that this decision had come after recruitment meetings between Bielsa and Victor Orta, it’s surely a major blow for the Whites to miss out on the Frenchman

Writing a profile piece for The Athletic, Hay previously said: “Perraud, 23, played for France up to under-20s level and his performance data shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively.”

And, as per WhoScored, Perraud outshone Gjanni Alioski in numerous key categories both offensively and defensively last season, averaging more interceptions, key passes, shots, dribbles and crosses, while also being dribbled past only half as often as the Leeds full-back.

While Junior Firpo’s arrival would offset Perraud moving to Southampton, Bielsa will surely be gutted at missing out one of his prime targets this summer.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

تقدم مصطفى هدهود نائب رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك باستقاله على خلفية أزمة ميداليات نهائي بطولة كأس مصر لكرة اليد.

وظهر مقطع فيديو لـ مصطفى هدهود وهو يخفي ميدالية في (جيبه) خلال مراسم تتويج نادي سبورتنج ببطولة كأس مصر لكرة اليد أمس بعد الفوز على الزمالك.

طالع |بعد واقعة نائب رئيس الزمالك.. اتحاد اليد لـ بطولات: لا يوجد عجز في الميداليات

وعلم “بطولات”، أن مصطفى هدهود طلب قبول استقالته من منصبه كنائب رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك على خلفية الواقعة الخاصة بالميدالية.

وكان مجلس إدارة الزمالك برئاسة مرتضى منصور قد طلب عقد اجتماع عاجل لمجلس الإدارة لبحث موقف النادي بعد الواقعة.

يُذكر أن سبورتنج انتصر على الزمالك في نهائي كأس مصر لكرة اليد، أمس الجمعة، بنتيجة (33- 30)، ليتوج باللقب لأول مرة في تاريخه.

A major update has emerged on Preston striker Jayden Stockley, one which will impact Portsmouth’s transfer plans this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Hampshire Live, Portsmouth are set to miss out on a deal to sign Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley this summer. Pompey had agreed a fee with Preston for Stockley, but League One rivals Charlton are now the favourites to land his signature as that is the player’s preferred destination.

The report claims that Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley was a keen admirer of Stockley and was eager to add him to his squad ahead of next season. Pompey are not the only League One team to be hit by this blow, as Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Ipswich have also been named being interested in Stockley.

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard lavished praise on the “prolific” forward upon his arrival at The Valley in January. He told London News Online:

“It’s great we have been able to bring in another prolific striker to the club. Jayden has shown he can score goals and gives us more options going forwards.

“Interest in Jayden was high, so I am delighted we have been able to bring him to Charlton. We have a strikeforce that will be the envy of many teams in our division, so I’m looking forward to seeing them in action.”

Cowley will be devastated

Portsmouth head coach Cowley will be devastated by this update. It had appeared as though Portsmouth were on course to win the race for Stockley, due to a prior report from Hampshire Live, but now, they have been dealt a cruel blow with Charlton pushing past them to snap him up.

After agreeing a fee with Preston, they will now watch Stockley join one of their League One rivals and potentially help them get promoted to the Championship next season if all goes well for Nigel Adkins.

The English dynamo was directly involved in 10 goals for Charlton in League One. He managed eight goals and two assists in 20 starts for the Addicks and was previously prolific for Exeter in the Football League, scoring an impressive 49 goals in 98 games whilst also providing seven assists. This shows that he has a proven track record of performing in the EFL and that he could have been an added goal threat for Cowley’s team, which is why the Pompey boss was keen to sign him from Preston.

Goalscoring is not his only strength as a striker. Stockley’s target man play for Charlton was exceptional last season as he averaged 9.8 aerial battles won per game. He was also dispossessed just 0.8 times per game, which shows that he was able to hold on to the ball well without defenders taking it off him – offering a valuable outlet for teams who need to clear the ball away and get up the pitch.

Cowley will be devastated that he has missed out on a deal for Stockley at the last minute, given how good a player he’s proven to be at the League One level.

AND in other news, Get it done: Pompey must seal deal for “great” £2.2k-p/w ace after Cowley’s comments…

On-loan St. Johnstone goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal believes the racism row involving Glasgow Rangers’ Glen Kamara was “great” for the Gers.

The Lowdown: Kamara racially abused at Ibrox

During Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague at Ibrox in the Europa League, Kamara was racially abused by opponent Ondrej Kudela towards the end of the game.

Kudela has since received a 10-game ban, while Kamara was given a three-game suspension after assaulting Kudela in the tunnel (The Guardian).

The Latest: Zlamal makes astonishing claim

35-year-old Zlamal, however, has not only questioned the validity of the judgement, but also suggested the race row was good for Rangers. He told idnes.cz:

“We had a lot of discussion about the match at my club. There are a lot of guys at Hearts who are die-hard Rangers fans.

“Only the racism was discussed. They saw it differently than I did. The subject was quite hot and explosive, now it is calmer.

“No one in Scotland spoke about the tackles, only the racism. I pointed out how the match was played. Aggressive football is standard for Scots, but this went too far.

“Kemar Roofe kicked Ondrej Kolar in the head. It was a clear intention from him because strikers can peripherally see where the goalkeeper is. The apology was nothing.

“The racism was great for Rangers because it covered up all their shortcomings as Slavia beat them. Rangers players are definitely no saints.

“The whole thing annoys me because no one has presented any evidence. Innocent until proved guilty is supposed to be a big thing in the west, but that has not happened. I hope that Ondrej will be able to play in the Euros.

“If he said something racist, I agree with the maximum punishment, but there is no evidence.”

The Verdict: Outrageous

It is hard to know where to start with these comments. A player was racially abused during a football match, and now someone is saying it was something Rangers wanted? That is an absolutely outrageous claim. While Kemar Roofe’s challenge on Ondrej Kolar was awful – he received a four-match ban himself for it (Sky Sports) – it does not excuse the comments for which Kudela has been prosecuted. There was no need for Zlamal, who has career 276 appearances to his name (Transfermarkt), to share this opinion.

For some reason, it feels as though Czech figures are taking the punishment personally, as if the whole country was on trial for Kudela’s words. That, quite obviously, is not the case, nor should it be. Kudela is the man clearly in the wrong here, and is the one taking the heat for it, not the whole Czech Republic.

In other news, Danny Mills slams the Gers’ treatment of this midfielder.

Calmore Sports are off the mark in the Southern Electric ECB Premier League, but they had to overcome a top-order batting collapse before clinching a last-ball victory over Bournemouth at Loperwood Park

Mike Vimpany03-Jun-2001Calmore Sports are off the mark in the Southern Electric ECB Premier League, but they had to overcome a top-order batting collapse before clinching a last-ball victory over Bournemouth at Loperwood Park.Chasing Bournemouth’s 201-4, Calmore appeared set for an easy win after a century opening partnership between Tom Pegler and Paul Draper.But, having reached 143-1, they collapsed – and ended up scrambling in by three wickets off the very last ball.Earlier, Bournemouth teenager Chris Park carried his bat for an undefeated 90 and Geoff Warrington smashed 57 runs off 33 balls.Park, 17, batted sedately, but lacked any significant support until Warrington’s arrived at the crease to tuck greedily into the left-arm spin of Paul Draper, whose ten overs cost 84 runs.Draper (50) soon got his revenge, sharing a century opening partnership with Tom Pegler (65), who had Jez Goode (22) in support as Calmore reached 143-1.But Pegler’s dismissal prompted chaotic scenes in the Calmore camp – five wickets falling for only five runs, three of them in quick succession to Australian medium-pacer Peter Waite (3-20) – as the reply lurched to 148-6.James Hibberd (20) departed at 182-7, leaving teenager Paul Cass (26 not out) to guide Calmore to victory – Wilson’s penultimate over, which cost 12 runs, effectively ending Bournemouth’s prospects.Russell Rowe cracked his second consecutive century as South Wilts piled up a massive 298-4 before beating strugglers Hungerford by 135 runs.Rowe (103) and Rob Wade (74) shared a 178-run start for South Wilts, who profited further when Tim Lamb (50) and Tom Caines (40) came together.Hampshire’s Jason Laney (45) top scored as Hungerford sank to 163 all out.South Australian batsman Andy Loader was to the fore again as Bashley (Rydal) comfortably defeated Burridge by 112 runs at Bashley Common Road.The Adelaide right-hander hit 83 and shared a significant second-wicket partnership with Hampshire’s Andy Sexton (61) as Bashley took charge.Richard Knowles thumped 57 as Bashley moved to an unassailable 240-6 (Paul Jenkins 3-32).Dave Jackson (41) and Neil Cunningham (25) responded but got little support as, initially, Neil Taylor (3-14) and latterly John Whiting (3-16) created inroads as Burridge slipped to 128 all out.Title holders Havant stretched their lead at the top with a comfortable seven-wicket success at Andover, who plunged to a second consecutive defeat.The Miller brothers, Roger (33) and Mark (26) propelled Andover to 52-1 off ten overs, but the later batting gave away against Shawn Gillies (4-34) and Mark Copping (3-27).Andover’s 134 all out was never likely to test Havant, whose victory was based around second-wicket pair Andy Perry (64) and Richard Hindley (38).Second-placed BAT Sports slumped to a five-wicket defeat against Liphook & Ripsley after New Zealander Ben Jansen and Duncan Berry turned things around.BAT posted a handy 230-7 through Damien Shirazi (86) and Dave Banks (48) and looked set for victory as Liphook slipped to 135-5.But Kiwi Jansen hit 83 not out and skipper Berry an unbeaten 53 to guide Liphook home.

West Ham United star Declan Rice and 2020/2021 loanee Jesse Lingard have been included in England’s 33-man provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2020 – with many Hammers fans erupting as this ‘amazing news’ was confirmed this week.

Both men were arguable standouts for West Ham over a campaign which saw them qualify for the 2021/2022 Europa League.

Indeed, David Moyes’ men smashed expectations by securing sixth spot just one season after finishing a lowly 16th in 2019/2020.

Both Rice and Lingard were crucial cogs in that achievement, with the former starting 32 top flight matches and averaging the most interceptions per 90 out of any Irons player with more than 15 appearances (WhoScored).

Meanwhile, Lingard signed on loan from parent club Manchester United in January and racked up an incredible nine goals and four assists in just 16 starts for West Ham (WhoScored).

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As a result, both men have been rewarded with a shot of making Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the Euros which will be announced on 1 June.

West Ham fans, flocking to this update, had their say on the ‘amazing news’ – find all of their best verdicts from a social media down below.

West Ham fans praise Rice and Lingard provisional squad inclusion

“That is amazing news! Congratulations Declan and Jesse a well deserved honour to play for your country yet again”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“No brainer”

Credit: @Richard59824563

“IRONSSSS”

Credit: @lozza3man

“Great to see Rice & Lingard in the provisional England squad”

Credit: @supersonic_mark

“Fair play to both of the boys. Fully deserved”

Credit: @MarshyBoy26

“Lingard through David Moyes showing faith in him makes the Euros, lets hope he returns the favour and shows faith in West Ham for the next chapter in his career, could be a very interesting match and maybe keep Rice on board.”

Credit: @WHUFCpubtalk

“Rice and JLingz to carry us to the final, inject it”

Credit: @T_Roberts99

“The boys”

Credit: @TomFrase10

In other news: BBC pundit thrilled by this ‘brilliant news’ for West Ham, find out more here.

Liverpool may make Naby Keita available for transfer this summer, according to Sunday World journalist Kevin Palmer.

Keita started the first leg of the Reds’ Champions League quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid, but he was substituted off before half-time as his side fell two goals behind.

The Guinean hasn’t played a single minute since, and now his future is in doubt.

Palmer reports that a sale may be sanctioned to boost Jurgen Klopp’s transfer funds – Keita joined for an initial £48million ahead of the 2018/19 season.

But they may have to accept a loss on the injury-riddled midfielder, now valued at £34.2million by Transfermarkt.

He could follow Georginio Wijnaldum out the exit door, with the report noting that the out-of-contract Dutchman is nearing an agreement with FC Barcelona.

Liverpool in £35million Bissouma talks

One of the ‘interesting transfer noises coming out of Liverpool’, according to Palmer, is that Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has been identified as a ‘top target’ to replace the outgoing pair.

Talks over a £35million deal for the 24-year-old are said to be underway.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher said after Brighton’s goalless draw with Everton last month that Bissouma was ‘head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch’, claiming that the Mali international ‘really does look like a top quality player’.

Transfer Tavern verdict

For the most part, Keita’s performances have been reasonably good when fit.

But it’s hard to escape the sense that the early substitution against Real was the final damning indictment of his Liverpool career.

Curtis Jones will probably take on a greater role if Keita does leave, with the impressive Bissouma a direct replacement for Wijnaldum.

In other news, fans have called for this defender to be retained.

Everton will allow Theo Walcott to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider on Tuesday.

The lowdown

Southampton brought Walcott back to St Mary’s on loan at the end of the summer transfer window and it’s been a fairly successful spell at St Mary’s.

Walcott has made 20 appearances in red and white, scoring two goals and providing three assists (via Transfermarkt)

According to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, the club have been ‘blown away’ by the professionalism he’s displayed.

He’s been reporting to the training ground on days off, staying late and offering advice to young players.

Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse hailed him as a ‘great addition’ and said he was an ‘inspiring’ figure for the academy players.

The latest

Football Insider’s report states that Ancelotti has given the green light for Walcott, who’s made 47 England appearances, to leave permanently this time.

A club source has indicated that they won’t look to extend his deal and Everton are looking to replenish their ranks with a signing of a ‘top-class’ right-winger.

The verdict

Southampton want to sign Walcott permanently, and the 32-year-old seems perfectly at home on the South Coast – the extra effort he is putting in around the training ground is surely reflective of a player who sees his long-term future there.

It’s no surprise, then, that Everton won’t look to stand in his way.

The Toffees shelled out more than £20million to bring him in from Arsenal and, in truth, haven’t had much return on their investment.

In other news, this Premier League veteran has been tipped to succeed at Everton if he makes the move.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder believes Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic is very similar to Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Kalajdzic has been a revelation in the Bundesliga this season, ranking among the top scorers in the division.

The 6 ft 7 forward is now being linked with a move to the Premier League, with Everton just one club said to be interested in his services.

According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, the Toffees and Newcastle United are both keen on the player, while Juventus are his admirers from Italy.

For Pinder, Kalajdzic is an individual who could bring a lot to Goodison Park and shares some similarities with Calvert-Lewin.

When asked whether the two could play alongside each other, the editor-in-chief at Get German Football News told FFC:

“I think they’re quite similar in terms of goal threat, but Kalajdzic can drop deep and play as a central attacking midfielder or as a false nine, so he can offer a lot to Everton.”

As well as Everton and Newcastle, West Ham are also said to be interested in the Austria international’s signature.

It means the Merseyside club could have a real battle on their hands should Kalajdzic decide he wants to move to England, especially if West Ham manage to qualify for the Champions League.