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David Sullivan is barking up the wrong tree with a potential West Ham United move to sign AS Monaco flop Henry Onyekuru in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Sabah, the Irons have shown an interest in launching a move to sign Galatasaray and Fenerbahce target Onyekuru and end the Nigerian’s Ligue 1 nightmare.

The 23-year-old has not trained with Niko Kovac’s first-team squad this month after holding discussions with Galatasaray over a potential return to the Turk Telekom Stadium, but is yet to receive a formal offer from the Super Lig giants.

Galatasaray would be Onyekuru’s favoured destination after winning the Turkish top-flight title with them whilst on loan during the 2018/19 season, before joining Monaco from Everton in a £12m deal without playing a single game for the Goodison Park natives.

Fenerbahce are not yet thought to have made an official approach to sign Onyekuru, who Monaco are now willing to part company with in a €1.5m (£1.3m) loan deal that carries a €5.5m (£5m) option to buy in the summer.

Onyekuru struggled to establish himself in the Principality last season, starting only two of four Ligue 1 outings, before joining Galatasaray on loan for the second half of the campaign. He returned to Monaco last summer but has again lived life on the fringes, only opening two of four French top-flight appearances.

The 11-cap international has not featured in any of Kovac’s matchday squads since November, when left an unused substitute in a 4-0 rout of FC Girondins Bordeaux, with his last appearance coming in September as an 83rd-minute substitute at Stade Rennais.

Sullivan should walk away

While Onyekuru is still young and could prove to be a cheap pick up in the January transfer window, Sullivan would be wise to walk away from any potential deal to sign the Monaco flop.

Onyekuru failed to make a single appearance for Everton during his two years as a Toffees player, as the Merseyside outfit continually failed to obtain a work permit for the forward as he was not a regular fixture of the Nigerian national side.

That picture will not have changed since with Onyekuru only earning three of his caps for the Super Eagles in the past two years, and the 23-year-old often being left on the bench.

But beyond any issues in obtaining a work permit, Onyekuru would struggle to obtain a place in David Moyes’ squad as his efforts in France are desperately underwhelming.

He is yet to score a single goal over his eight Monaco outings across all competitions, and struggled to find any consistency once on loan with Galatasaray with one strike finding the back of the net in 12 games.

Onyekuru failing to cut it at Monaco should raise serious alarm bells in east London, as Kovac has one of Ligue 1’s best offences with only Paris Saint-Germain scoring more than the Principality side.

West Ham do not boast the same honour, with Moyes’ squad scoring 27 goals in 19 games for the 10th-best record in the Premier League – lower than Aston Villa and Everton, who have played three and two fewer fixtures respectively, and Leeds United, who are nine points behind the Hammers in the table.

Moyes may need attacking reinforcements after the sale of Sebastien Haller, but Onyekuru will not be the Scottish coach’s answer.

AND in other news, West Ham are considering a £15.5m-rated striker without a goal since October to replace Seb Haller…

Leeds United have confirmed that elusive striker Rafa Mujica is set to part company with the Yorkshire club. That’s according to Radio Marca Lanzarote, who report that the 22-year-old has reached full agreement with the Whites amid advanced talks with Las Palmas.

The forgotten forward will return to his native country to represent the La Liga 2 outfit in what can only be described as an ideal move for all parties involved.

Las Palmas will gain a new attacking option, Mujica could finally be guaranteed regular first team minutes and Andrea Radrizzani no longer has to have him on his pay roll.

Leeds must have grown frustrated with the Spaniard after he joined the club back in 2019 on a free transfer from Barcelona. Eyed as a promising young up and coming talent, the Whites brought Mujica to Elland Road where he started in the youth ranks of the club.

However, he was never able to showcase his ability whilst in England. According to Transfermarkt, the striker didn’t make a single appearance for Leeds, senior or otherwise. This is hugely disappointing for a player with such potential, but with Patrick Bamford pulling the strings and the likes of Joe Geldhart vying for his opportunity in the first team, there was simply no room at the inn for the former Barca man.

Indeed, it seems Marcelo Bielsa wasn’t particularly wowed by his training performances as he never even gave him a cameo opportunity whilst at Leeds.

The forward, who was once dubbed to be a “satisfying” player by Villarreal B coach Miguel Alvarez, will now have to ply his trade with a new club. Regardless of his salary, Radrizzani will be pleased that he no longer has a deadweight player taking money from his pocket.

In other news, Phil Hay update on Alioski could turn Leeds away from transfer target…

Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Joshua King against Fulham on Sunday after the striker stated he would “love to stay” at Everton beyond the end of the season.

What’s the word?

While speaking with the Blues’ matchday programme, King admitted that he accepts a long-term deal must work for all sides after joining the club on a short-term contract on Deadline Day.

Everton paid AFC Bournemouth a nominal fee earlier in February to take over the final six-months of his £45,000-per-week contract, though hold an option to agree on a longer deal in the summer.

The Goodison Park outfit fought off competition from Fulham to sign King, who was due to become a free agent at the end of the season after five-and-a-half-years at the Vitality Stadium.

King is yet to start a fixture for Everton having made each of his two Premier League outings thus far from the bench, and was cup-tied for Wednesday night’s 5-4 extra-time win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The £10m-rated attacker now hopes to earn a long-term contract over the coming months, and is ready to get going against Fulham on Sunday with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured.

“This squad and club are reaching and climbing and building something,” he said. “I am eager to prove myself and to try to give the boss a reason to pick me.

“I feel ready and this week of training will do me good. I am focusing on working hard and trying to reach my top form as quickly as possible.

“Then we will see what happens in the summer. I am loving it and, of course, would love to stay but it has to be right for the club and for me.”

Time to unleash King

With Calvert-Lewin missing for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, Ancelotti must unleash King for his first start in Everton colours.

King has only featured for 12 minutes over two brief cameo outings against Leeds and Manchester United so far, but has a proven record for scoring in the top-flight after hitting home 48 goals in 163 games for Bournemouth.

Twice he enjoyed 10-plus goals in a single season with a 16-goal haul in 2016/17 and a 12-goal haul in 2018/19, while enjoying his most creative campaign last term with four assists.

Ancelotti should now lean on King, who former Cherries boss Eddie Howe praised for being “outstanding physically, technically and mentally”, as his experience, ability and record will be enough to cause Fulham problems.

The Italian’s only real alternative would be to field Richarlison up front on his own but while the Brazilian scored twice against Tottenham in midweek, has failed to find the back of the net once when fielded as a centre-forward this term.

Richarlison also scored all six of his goals from central positions under Ancelotti last season when playing beside Calvert-Lewin, having been unable to lead the line on his own.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring an “exciting” teen prospect Carlo Ancelotti could sign for free…

After beating Rotherham 1-0 in mid-week, Nottingham Forest are back in Championship action when they take on Derby County at Pride Park on Friday night.

Chris Hughton’s side are beginning to pick up some much-needed momentum as they really begin to pull away from the relegation places, with an impressive four wins and just one defeat in their last seven league games.

The Forest boss made a couple of changes for the victory over Rotherham, resting a few key players and bringing some old faces back into the fold – one of them, Ryan Yates, struck the all-important goal to seal three points.

Hughton is likely to go full strength for the trip to Derby, and with that in mind, below is a look at how Forest might line up.

In goal, Bryce Samba will keep his place in between the sticks, and there are unlikely to be any changes to the back-four either. Yuri Ribeiro was left out of the match-day squad for the victory over the Millers, and that may be a hint that his replacement, Gaetan Bong, will once again be the side’s starting left-back.

The midfield area gives Hughton a major headache, with Yates of course scoring the winner in mid-week. But, Manchester United loanee James Garner may be pushing for a recall to help offer Forest a bit more control with his passing.

Further ahead, Alex Mighten was dropped to the bench against Rotherham after netting the only goal of the game against Blackburn a week prior, and the 18-year-old starlet could provide the injection of pace and trickery to cause Derby problems. That could see 28-year-old Luke Freeman drop to the bench.

Predicted XI: Samba; Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall, Bong; Garner, Cafu; Knockaert, Krovinovic, Mighten; Murray.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has told Football FanCast that Danny Ings will not be moving to a top-four club this summer but he believes Arsenal could end up making a move for the Southampton forward.

Ings has been in excellent form this season, scoring eight goals in the Premier League, and has 42 in 91 appearances for the south coast outfit in total.

He has battled injury issues, having sustained a knee problem earlier this season, but remains the Saints’ key man going forward.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Windass is convinced that Southampton will stay in the top-flight but he does not believe Ings will be moving to a club in the top four when the transfer window reopens.

Ings has played for Liverpool previously, but he made just 25 appearances for the Reds, scoring four goals.

Liverpool signed the player as he came to the end of his contract at Burnley and Windass believes that his performances at Anfield may put off any potential suitors.

He told FFC: “Southampton will stay in the Premier League. Because Danny Ings went to Liverpool and it wasn’t a success, I can’t see one of the top four buying him.”

However, Windass does think that a club like Arsenal could make a move for the forward.

He has claimed that he could cost as much as £50m, but he does not believe the Gunners should be regarded as a Champions League-level team.

Windass added: “Maybe Arsenal, but I’m not talking Arsenal as a top four team.

“Arsenal will probably go and pay £30, £40, £50 million for him, whatever, but I can’t see Danny Ings going into the top four.”

According to a report by The Mirror, Aston Villa are in talks over a new deal for alleged Tottenham Hotspur target Ezri Konsa, with the Lilywhites dealt a potential blow as they reportedly contemplate a summer swoop for the defender.

Indeed, Spurs have recently been linked with the in-form 23-year-old starlet, as reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic first broke the news that Tottenham and Liverpool are eyeing Konsa as one of their summer options to bolster an arguably short backline.

Tottenham dealt potential Konsa blow

Centre-back was the only outfield position chairman Daniel Levy didn’t manage to strengthen last summer or in January, with manager Jose Mourinho having to cope with regulars Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld over a long season.

Tottenham did snap up Joe Rodon last summer, but he is reportedly considered one for the future and hasn’t seen much in the way of Premier League match action, starting just four games (WhoScored).

As a result, Spurs are allegedly in the market for a centre-half, with Ornstein recently claiming that Konsa is on their radar. However, The Mirror have now reported a development which could potentially hamper a pursuit for Tottenham, with Villa apparently in talks over a new and improved deal to fend off the likes of the north Londoners and Liverpool.

Villa manager Dean Smith is apparently determined to keep hold of the centre-back amid his links to Spurs, and this report claims that a new contract is on the table for him.

Transfer Tavern take

In a potential blow for Tottenham, Konsa putting pen to paper on a new long term deal may make him a trickier transfer option for Levy and Mourinho come the summer, with Ornstein describing him as an ‘unsung hero’ for Villa.

Aston Villa podcaster Chris Dolan, speaking to The Villa View Podcast (via This is Futbol) earlier this season, described the 23-year-old as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘outstanding’, but only time will tell whether he does indeed sign a new deal.

He has been a regular under Dean Smith throughout 2020/21, starting 23 Premier League games and is now on England manager Gareth Southgate’s radar as a result of his impressive performances.

Judging by his accolades over recent months, Spurs may be hoping he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal at Villa Park.

In other news: Tottenham are readying next step for this ace, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard has teased a transfer drive as Glasgow Rangers target more success in the future – namely playing in the Champions League.

Gerrard teases transfers

Last Sunday, Glasgow Rangers’ status as Premiership champions was confirmed as Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United. Finishing top of the league means they have a chance of reaching the Champions League group stages, and they may even qualify automatically depending on their European results for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League, Gerrard revealed the Ibrox outfit will aim to recruit ahead of the new term. He said (via The Daily Record):

“Let’s hope so. It’s obviously been the dream since day one and I’d love nothing better than to try and deliver that for the supporters.

“What’s important is there will be private conversations. Recruitment never stops here, we all understand that football is all about levels and to keep progressing and moving forward you have to keep fine tuning and adding.

“Everyone’s on the same page, top to bottom. Everyone is sharing the dream, everyone wants to continue to add to the success.

“Everyone is hungry to keep improving things here, that is the message that everyone needs to hear.”

Needed

The Gers have been in fantastic form so far this campaign. They have lost just one game in all competitions (Sky Sports) – in the League Cup against St. Mirren – and have been by far the best side north of the border. However, the Champions League is a whole different kettle of fish.

If the Gers want to be successful in that competition, they must bring in new faces during the summer. The rise in quality will be sharp, and therefore improvements must be made. Gerrard and Ross Wilson have a busy summer ahead of them.

In other news, Rangers fans react to this Sky Sports news.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood stated his belief that Frank Lampard would be the ideal candidate to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

Having been appointed Chelsea manager on a three-year deal back in the summer of 2019, in his time at Stamford Bridge, Lampard oversaw 84 games in charge of the Blues – winning 44, drawing 15 and losing 25.

However, after a run of results which saw Chelsea pick up just given his marching orders by Roman Abramovich.

Despite his rather uninspiring tenure at Chelsea, former West Ham United striker Harewood claimed that Lampard would be the ideal replacement for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, whose contract with the Eagles expires this summer.

He said: “It’d be a decent thing for Lamps to come into – if he’s ready to come back into management. That’d be a very good club to come into, [they’ve] got some great players there. I think he’d go and complement it well.

“He’s had a good experience of what he needs to do and what he didn’t do and [the chance to] reflect on how he can better himself because you always do that [after being sacked]. Yeah, it would be a good fit.”

Transfer Tavern Take

With Lampard himself stating that he wants any team he manages to “play good football” and to be “really aggressive and to win the ball back,” these are no doubt promising words to hear from the perspective of a potential new suitor for the former England international. It could also be music to the ears of Palace supporters who have taken umbrage with what they see as an overly pragmatic approach from Hodgson.

However, the 42-year-old also came under criticism for his tactical setup at Chelsea being “somewhat all over the shop”, with reports suggesting that a number of his players were “left confused by what Lampard wanted” from them.

As such, perhaps a team like Palace who typically finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table should not take the risk on Lampard just yet, as it would seem that the ex-Chelsea manager still has work to do on the tactical side of his game.

In other news: A Palace star has been linked with a move to the Eagles’ PL rivals, find out more here!

Southampton goalkeeper Harry Lewis has failed to make a single appearance under Ralph Hasenhuttl thus far and the Austrian should ensure that the 23-year-old leaves the club this summer.

Lewis is an academy graduate at Southampton and made three FA Cup appearances for the senior side in the 2016/17 season, in which he conceded seven goals, and he has not been seen in the first-team since.

His record with the Southampton B team is not overly impressive either, with the shot-stopper having shipped 64 goals in 35 appearances there, keeping just six clean sheets in the process.

Lewis is unfortunate that Hasenhuttl has both Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster available to him in his squad, meaning that his lack of experience was always likely to mean that he was going to struggle for regular game time.

Although the ‘keeper was a regular for Dundee United in the 2017/18 season, he hasn’t left the club on loan again since then and has been forced to settle for academy football in the three years since.

Considering Southampton also have Angus Gunn out on loan at Stoke City in the Championship, it is difficult to see Lewis ever making it as a regular with the South Coast club.

Fortunately, his contract is set to expire in the summer, so it seems likely that he will depart his boyhood club and, hopefully, find a side that is willing to offer him regular first-team football.

According to Sportrac, Lewis earns more than £20k per week at Southampton, which seems ridiculous when you consider he hasn’t made a single first-team appearance in Hasenhuttl’s two and a half years with the club.

Therefore, you can definitely argue that he is stealing a living with the Saints at this moment in time, and the club should make sure that he leaves when his current contract expires in the summer.

And, in other news… Southampton signing £7.2m-rated beast could be bad news for £55k-p/w Saints regular

Lots of Everton fans have welcomed an update from the club on Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

The Toffees’ official Twitter page announced that the former Mainz ace is back in training with the first team squad after a lengthy spell out with injury.

Gbamin has not been able to play for the Toffees since August 2019, and so it has come as a much welcome relief to all associated with Everton that he is back in training and may well play a part for Carlo Ancelotti’s team for the rest of the season.

The midfielder will also be a relieved man himself, as he may have been questioning whether he would ever be able to play football again following such a long spell out of action

Everton fans on Gbamin update

These Everton supporters hailed the update on Twitter, with one fan claiming that they were ‘delighted’ while others went as far as to call it ‘amazing’ and a bigger boost to the club than the recently-approved new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock:

“Amazing to see JPG back with the @Everton squad, hard work and determination will get deserved rewards and here’s hoping we can see him grace the Goodison pitch sooner rather than later, can’t wait to see what he can achieve under Ancelotti #EFC”

Credit: @efcbigdunc

“Such wholesome content, let’s go JPG”

Credit: @SmoothieJD

“Gbamin do his leg stretches leaning against the imaginary wall! Brilliant to see him training he gets some games in the run up to summer then ready and raring for next season show us what he can do! Been such a hard time for him! Made up for him!”

Credit: @toptoffeegirl

“Absolutely delighted for him”

Credit: @Richlloyd1984

“Bigger than Bramley Moore this”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“Absolutely buzzing for this lad, hope he kicks on now and stays injury free. Could be a big player for us in the run in.”

Credit: @ItsOnlyJk

In other news, find out what Alisher Usmanov news has been lauded by numerous Everton fans!