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Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham would bring both experience and quality to Goodison Park, says former Everton defender Michael Ball.

Everton are one club who are currently being linked with Abraham, with 90min recently reporting that the Toffees are interested in signing him this summer.

He is currently with the Chelsea squad in Ireland for pre-season, but his future at Stamford Bridge still looks far from certain.

Under Thomas Tuchel last term, 6 ft 3 Abraham made just three league starts, firmly out of the German’s first-team plans.

It means a move could now be on the cards for the forward, and a transfer to Everton is something Ball can easily get behind.

Speaking exclusively to TT, the retired full-back said:

“I think Tammy’s got that experience already as a young kid. I think he’s only 23.

“He’s getting properly touted about, different swap deals for [Erling] Haaland, and Arsenal are looking at him. So it shows you the quality he has when top teams like that are showing interest in you.”

Indeed, at 23, Abraham already has a lot of experience. He has made close to 90 appearances in the Premier League, as well as just under 80 in the Championship, so that is definitely one thing he would bring to this Everton side.

Arsenal have rejected another bid for academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s ever-reliable David Ornstein, who claims the Midlands side returned with a £30m offer after having had a £25m bid rejected the first time around.

The Gunners are said to be refusing to entertain interest in Smith Rowe’s signature and are adamant that he’s remaining at the Emirates Stadium.

Smith Rowe has two years to run on his current £20k-per-week contract but has been in talks over a long-term extension, though there has been no breakthrough so far.

Here to stay?

This latest claim from one of the most reliable sources around should  not just come as promising news but it should leave many excited too as it seems as if the 20-year-old England youth international is set to remain an Arsenal player.

The Croydon-born dynamo, who is currently valued at around £45m by CIES Football Observatory, originally joined the North London giants at the age of ten and has progressed into the first team under Mikel Arteta, who has often turned to the youngster for creativity in attack.

After successful loan spells away at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe provided the Gunners with four goals and seven assists across both domestic and European competitions in 2020/21, whilst he ranked first for chances created having averaged 1.4 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

In total, the youngster has provided 14 direct goal contributions in his 45 senior appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 6-foot midfielder has also displayed crucial versatility in being able to play through the middle, on the left and up top and that only helps Arteta more in terms of fitting him in as he’s able to play pretty much anywhere in the attack.

It’s clear that the Spaniard is a huge fan of Smith Rowe, describing him as “extraordinary” to Sky Sports (via the Independent) back in January this year.

The fact that the Gunners’ hierarchy are remaining firm in their stance over their talented youth product is hugely encouraging and goes to show how much faith Arteta and co have in him.

As a result, this should leave the Emirates faithful absolutely delighted as it means they should keep hold of their potential star of the future going into the new campaign.

Currently without a no.10, the midfield sensation could easily cement his name down as Arteta’s first-choice option in the near future.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Xhaka: Edu could land Arsenal their next Vieira in £49.5m-rated “huge talent”…

Liverpool may have suffered a blow in their quest to sign Ryan Gravenberch next summer, with Manchester United linked with snapping him up.

The Lowdown: Reds linked with Gravenberch move

The Reds are eyeing up new signings ahead of next season, with exciting centre-back Ibrahima Konate already joining from RB Leipzig.

One player who has been linked with a move after the 2021/22 campaign is Gravenberch, with the 19-year-old catching the eye for Ajax and being seen as one of Europe’s most exciting young players.

The £29.7million-rated midfielder scored three goals and chipped in with five assists in the Eredivisie last season, making 32 appearances in the competition.

The Latest: Man United could scupper deal

According to Anfield Central, United are also interested in signing Gravenberch, with Liverpool’s bitter rivals keen to talk to his agent, Mino Raiola.

It is stated that the youngster would hopefully prefer working under Jurgen Klopp than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though.

The Verdict: Potential big blow

Gravenberch is a player of immense potential, so Liverpool should do all they can to pip United to the Dutchman’s signature.

With Jordan Henderson and Thiago both 30, and Fabinho also not getting any younger at 27, Klopp needs to plan for the long-term in midfield.

Curtis Jones looks a likely regular well into the future and Gravenberch could be a great foil for him, averaging 2.2 tackles and interceptions apiece in the Europa League last season, showing how effective he is off the ball.

To lose such a prospect, and to a direct rival no less, would be a big blow to the Reds.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy after an update on the Reds’ transfer business. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have erupted in response to club insider Claret & Hugh’s financial claim – with the club apparently subject to a ‘major’ multi-million pound investment.

Indeed, as per their source, there is now an opportunity for a new investor to join the existing West Ham shareholders with co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan long making it clear they would welcome other parties to ‘share the financial strain’.

C&H have also been told that agents are acting on behalf of ‘certain third parties’ who are willing to invest and are currently looking at opportunities to do so.

Sullivan, however, would remain the majority shareholder – with this not being a takeover update and more akin to another party investing in a small percentage of the club.

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It is claimed that while the Irons are the subject of this possible cash injection, it may still be ‘some weeks away’.

Flocking to this update in response to Twitter account West Ham Central, there were a fair few mixed responses from supporters.

Find all of their best ones down below.

West Ham fans erupt as insider claim emerges…

“Huhhhhhhhhhh”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“If this is true”

Credit: @eplmad

“Wait what……”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“200M warchest this season you say?”

Credit: @_ghzst

“Ronaldo and Messi at the bowl”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Gold & Sullivan have realised that if they want to keep the clubs value & even raise it, they need to spend a lot more!

Strong outside investment could take us from a club that might worry about relegation, to consistently pushing top 6 – making us worth over £1billion!”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

In other news: West Ham in talks to sign this ‘very fast’ 42-cap forward who is now ‘likely’ to leave, find out more here.

Paul Robinson has made an Everton transfer claim involving goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The Lowdown: Romero leaves Manchester United

The 34-year-old is now a free agent after letting his contract run down at Manchester United.

As reported by Football Insider last month, the Goodison Park outfit have offered the Argentina international a lucrative deal in order to try to win the race for his signature.

The Latest: Romero claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson – who is now a pundit after playing for the likes of Tottenham, Leeds and Blackburn – has claimed that Romero will not want to move to the Toffees if he is to be a backup for Jordan Pickford, and would not be able to force himself into becoming first choice under Rafa Benitez.

The 41-year-old commented:

“I cannot see anyone taking the gloves off Jordan Pickford at the moment. He has been exceptional at the Euros.

“I don’t think Romero wants to be in a situation when he is number two again. He has wasted enough time on the bench and I think he will want to go and play now.

“It would be very frustrating for him if he went to a club like Everton and did not play.

“He has done his time as an understudy. His next move has to be to a club where he is the number one.

“He is a good keeper who has brilliant distribution. He has been unfortunate at United.”

The Verdict: Competition does not hurt

Even though Pickford may well be the established number one at Goodison Park, it would not hurt for the England international to have some healthy competition in between the posts.

Romero would be perfect for that, given that he is already highly experienced in English football and would perhaps offer a calmer head than the 21-year-old Joao Virginia.

The 34-year-old has also won a fair share of accolades in his long footballing career, and he could be a good character to have off the pitch as well as on it.

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Given that Romero would not cost a penny in transfer fees either, it would be a deal which the Toffees would be silly not to at least try to make.

In other news, find out what recent news has left these Everton fans fuming

There is a considerable sell-on clause in Sam Johnstone’s West Bromwich Albion contract.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a post on Twitter that the Baggies’ steep asking price for the 28-year-old shot-stopper is likely down to the fact that Manchester United have a sizeable sell-on clause in the £7.2m-rated man’s deal.

Nixon said: “There’s a sell on. But that’s probably why West Brom are pricing him high.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have recently been linked with a move to bring their former player back to Old Trafford this summer, while West Ham United are also believed to be keen on the ‘keeper, although David Moyes is thought to have been put off by the £20m asking price.

Fans will be gutted

While the West Brom faithful will undoubtedly be disappointed by the prospect of losing their first-choice shot-stopper this summer – especially when considering how important he has been within his side in recent seasons – this latest update will surely leave them even more gutted.

Despite the fact that the Baggies suffered relegation to the Championship, Johnstone nonetheless impressed for Sam Allardyce’s side over his 37 Premier League appearances this season, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 4.5 saves and 0.4 successful runs out per game, in addition to making a total of 166 saves in the league.

These metrics saw the £28k-per-week ‘keeper – whom Allardyce dubbed a “magnificent” player – earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking the 28-year-old as the club’s second-best performer in the top flight.

As such, it is no wonder why a number of clubs are believed to be interested in the former Manchester United man this summer, and why West Brom are asking for a considerably large amount for the goalkeeper.

However, this will not change the fact that West Brom fans will be devastated about Johnstone’s sell-on clause, as, if Man United were to offer the £20m asking price for the shot-stopper and the clause was, for example, 20%, the Baggies would be losing out on a whopping £4m for one of their star players – meaning less money for the club to reinvest on incoming signings.

In other news: Dowling could rock West Brom’s squad by hiring “aggressive” 45 y/o with 56.8% win rate

A number of Celtic fans slammed Ryan Christie on social media for his performance against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon.

Interim boss John Kennedy made two changes from the side which hammered St Johnstone 4-0 on Wednesday, with Christie keeping his place in the team.

It could be the 37-year-old’s final game in temporary charge of the Hoops, with reports claiming that former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is in line to become Neil Lennon’s permanent successor at Parkhead.

The Hoops ended their campaign with a 0-0 stalemate at Easter Road in what was Scott Brown’s final appearance as a Celtic player, but many fans couldn’t help but talk about Christie’s performance for the final time of this troubled season.

Christie, who has been linked with a move away from the Hoops, was making his 46th appearance in all competitions this term and started alongside David Turnbull and Mohamed Elyounoussi in behind Odsonne Edouard.

The attacking midfielder was replaced just after the hour mark, coming off for James Forrest. He failed to complete a key pass and lost possession nine times, as per Sofascore, while he rarely threatened Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.

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Celtic fans react to Christie’s display

Here is what these Celtic supporters had to say about Christie, with one going as far as calling him a ‘donkey’.

“I’m watching this Celtic game in the hope that it’ll be Christie’s last. Was a big fan of his prior to last summer but he’s worn out my goodwill completely this year.”

Credit: @AnDeoraiRua

“Ryan Christie. What’s the point”

Credit: @DavidPa55539859

“I’d take £5 and a bag of footballs for Ryan Christie just now.”

Credit: @Plac1dCasual

“Hopefully this is the last time I see Ryan Christie in a Celtic top”

Credit: @Jamie_D94

“100% can’t stand Ryan Christie”

Credit: @FR14LLL

“Canny wait to see the back of Ryan Christie and Jonjoe Kenny, absolute donkeys”

Credit: @frankjnrjnr

In other news: Celtic looking at two big-money transfers; presented targets to Howe, find out more here. 

An encouraging update has emerged in West Ham United’s mooted pursuit of Patson Daka this week…

What’s the word?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Irons haven’t given up hope of securing the RB Salzburg sensation despite interest from sister club RB Leipzig.

Back in January, the East London outfit were originally linked to the 22-year-old following the departure of Sebastien Haller, who departed for Ajax in a £20m deal, as per the Mirror.

Now it appears that David Moyes seems keen to revisit the target when the transfer window reopens this summer, though any move could cost the Hammers in the region of £25m.

Perfect striker?

It’s well-known that West Ham will look to sign another forward to bolster Moyes’ frontline this summer and Daka would certainly be some statement.

The Irons have every chance of securing him now, too, having qualified for the Europa League, which will make them an instantly move attractive destination for many of their targets.

Since the turn of the year, the Scotsman has only been able to call upon the injury-prone Michail Antonio to lead his line but his profile could provide clues into the sort of striker that he wants to sign.

Daka has to be amongst the most perfect of options.

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“He is a modern centre-forward, quick, capable of working hard and making the difference because he is skilful and has good movement,” suggested ex-Zambia head coach Herve Renard.

Whilst he has earned lofty comparisons to Premier League great, Thierry Henry.

“When I saw Patson Daka, what came into my mind is this guy is the next Thierry Henry – and in no time he has proved it,” once claimed his former Power Dynamos manager Dan Kabwe before further adding: “He is an intelligent boy and full of talent.”

The £18m-rated marksman has been in electrifying form this campaign, providing a whopping 34 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

That’s one direct goal contribution every game, or once every 63 minutes.

Daka also works incredibly hard off the ball, drawing further inspiration to why he might be a perfect fit under Moyes. He averaged 1.2 tackles per game across both European competitions this term, via WhoScored. And despite it being a small sample size, it is a significant feat for a centre-forward.

By comparison, Antonio averaged 0.3 tackles per league game this term, and he’s considered to be a big workhorse in this current side, so Daka’s returns speak volumes.

This has even been reinforced by his current boss Jesse Marsch, who claimed: “He is a great lad on and off the pitch, he is hardworking and he is a little fast. It’s a just lot of fun working with him and I hope he continues with this development he has a lot of potential, he is just a fantastic player.”

A player of this calibre would surely have no problem in adapting to the fast pace of the Premier League and in beating Leipzig, Sullivan and co could land themselves a masterclass.

They must sanction a £25m move for the prolific marksman this summer.

AND in other news, David Moyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost, claims insider…

According to Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Erik ten Hag is one step away from becoming the new Tottenham manager.

The Lowdown: Levy’s search goes on

It is now seven weeks since Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties as Spurs boss, but Daniel Levy is yet to decide on a successor.

Antonio Conte looked set to be the Portuguese’s replacement, but talks with the former Chelsea boss collapsed (The Guardian).

The Latest: Ten Hag close

However, it seems that Spurs could now be on the verge of securing an appointment, according to Il Messaggero.

It is now being said that Ten Hag is “one step away” from taking over from Mourinho despite him recently signing a new contract with current employers Ajax (Goal.com).

The Verdict: Top choice

If Spurs were able to secure the services of the 51-year-old, it would be a fantastic coup for Levy and co. Ten Hag has done a brilliant job with Ajax – the Amsterdam club have won the last three Eredivisie titles with the Dutchman in charge, winning 74 from a possible 93 matches in the division (Transfermarkt), while they even reached the Champions League semi-finals during the 2018/19 season when they eventually lost to Tottenham.

The new contract is likely to make any deal more expensive for the Lilywhites, but given how important it is to find the right man, they cannot afford to look for the cheapest option and hope for the best. Ten Hag could be an inspired arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In other news, Tottenham have been offered this Premier League star.

Former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he would be surprised if Gareth Southgate quit England for Tottenham.

After sacking Jose Mourinho, Tottenham are on the lookout for a new manager and some reports have suggested that the England boss could emerge as a candidate for the position.

Southgate has been in charge of the Three Lions since 2016 and has done a great job in the Wembley dugout.

He has led England to semi-finals in both the World Cup and UEFA Nations League, helping his country to climb to fourth in the world rankings.

Given that success and how settled he looks in the England role, Hendrie cannot see Southgate leaving the Three Lions for Tottenham this summer.

On his former team-mate at Aston Villa, Hendrie told TT:

“I’d be very surprised if he did [leave England for Spurs]. I feel he’s quite comfortable there. People have liked what he’s done, people have liked how he’s changed the style, people have liked what he’s achieved, really.

“I don’t think he’ll be moving anywhere.”

Southgate is not the only national team manager Tottenham could target. According to The Guardian, the north London club are also admirers of Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.