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Everton centre-back Yerry Mina could be sold between now and the end of the summer window, according to reliable journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Mina out injured for Everton

The Blues have made a disappointing start to their Premier League season, losing their opening two matches to Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Mina picked up an ankle ligament injury in the opening game against the former, with the Colombian expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks.

It could even be that he has played his last game for Everton, however, if a new update is to be believed.

The Latest: Defender could be sold

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown claimed that Mina could be sold before the transfer cutoff on September 1:

“It wouldn’t surprise me. He is expected to be out for eight weeks, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Everton try to sell Mina before the end of the window.

“His contract is coming down and I’d be surprised if they offered him a new one, personally.”

The Verdict: Right time to sell?

There is no denying Mina’s quality as a centre-back when he is fully fit, with the 27-year-old winning 39 caps for Colombia and being hailed as a ‘monster’ by Michael Ball.

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Injuries have continually hampered his time at the club, though, and with James Tarkowski and Conor Coady arriving this summer, there could finally be enough depth to get by without him.

Selling Mina would also allow Everton to generate some much-needed transfer funds, with his current deal expiring next summer and a healthy fee potentially coming the Blues’ way for his services, rather than losing him for free in a year.

Journalist Alex Crook has revealed an exciting West Ham United update which will give manager David Moyes a real boost heading into the last two weeks of the transfer window.

What’s the news?

The talkSPORT correspondent was referring to reports that the Irons are eyeing up two more signings, with Crook saying: “West Ham are going to be busy in the next couple of weeks, the owners are committed this summer to trying to give David Moyes all the resources to have another tilt at European football.

“We know they are interested in Hans Vanaken, a central midfielder currently playing for Club Brugge in Belgium. They are still looking at a potential left-back as well. West Ham’s business is far from done.”

Boost for Moyes

This update from Crook will surely give Moyes and the West Ham faithful a spring in their step heading to the last fortnight of the transfer window.

They need to add more depth to the midfield and attacking areas, where they are discernibly short on options, so a move for Vanaken makes sense. He has scored 102 goals and registered 73 assists during his seven seasons at Club Brugge, an excellent return from the attacking midfielder.

His second in the West Ham scoring charts, just behind Jarrod Bowen (18), and his goalscoring capabilities could be what Moyes requires.

A potential left-back signing also seems to be on the cards and this is an area which could do with some rejuvenation at the London Stadium. Aaron Cresswell will be 33 in December, and it’s time that Moyes brought in someone new to boost his team’s defence on that flank.

Crook has also stated that West Ham are interested in Burnley left-back Charlie Taylor, who could be an upgrade on Cresswell.

The 28-year-old made 1.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 2.3 clearances per Premier League match last season compared to Cresswell’s 1.1 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, and 2.1 clearances per game in the same division.

Moyes might be able to prise Taylor from Burnley for a moderate fee due to the club’s relegation last season, and it’s a move which could work wonders for his team.

With not long left to go until the transfer window slams shut, the excitement over who Moyes will sign will be bubbling right up until the deadline, particularly after this encouraging claim from Crook.

If West Ham can achieve both, or even one, of those reported transfer missions, it would come as a significant boost for the manager ahead of another campaign with European commitments.

West Ham United could be set to bolster their midfield ranks before the end of the window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reliable source stated that the Hammers could well pursue a new defensive midfield recruit as deadline day approaches, having been left somewhat short in that department following the retirement of one-club hero, Mark Noble, as well as the departure of loan flop, Alex Kral.

Jones stated: “Midfield does look short for me for West Ham. So, I think that we might even end up seeing a defensive midfielder being looked at as well in the late stages.”

The east Londoners notably missed out on a deal for Belgian starlet Amadou Onana following the 20-year-old’s move to Everton earlier this summer, albeit while adding boyhood fan Flynn Downes to their ranks from Swansea City.

Replace Soucek

The addition of Downes – as well as the return of young Conor Coventry from his loan stint at MK Dons – has somewhat bolstered David Moyes’ ranks at the base of the midfield, albeit with the former Toffees boss still largely dependant on the first-choice pairing of skipper Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

That reliance has proven something of an issue in what’s been a frustrating start to the new season so far domestically, with the latter man, in particular, having been a hugely disappointing presence in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The most recent defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion saw the £67k-per-week come in for intense criticism, with broadcaster Tom Rennie labelling his display “awful”, while Football London reporter Jonty Colman – in his post-match player ratings – stated that the 6 foot 4 menace produced a ‘quiet’ performance having left Rice to do ‘much of the dirty work’.

Having by his own admission spurned a handful of key chances a week earlier in the loss to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, it has been a particularly dismal spell for the former Slavia Prague man and a far cry from his early impact in English football.

Having arrived on an initial loan deal back in January 2020, the £40.5m-rated colossus went on to score ten league goals in his first full campaign with the Irons during the 2020/21 season, proving himself an instant cult figure among the club’s support.

Last season, however, saw him register just six goals across all fronts despite the Hammers’ lengthy Europa League run, with that drop-off in form leading to reports that he could be moved on earlier this summer, amid suggestion of a potential contractual dispute.

The Czech Republic international appears unlikely to move on with just a week or so left in the window, although his regular role in the side is potentially under threat, particularly if Jones’ claim is to be believed.

While not naming names, Moyes has recently suggested that some members of his squad are “maybe not quite the same as they were even a year ago/a year and a half ago”, with the ongoing “big transition” this summer potentially set to see some notable casualties.

In truth, it would be no surprise if Soucek is one of those to be replaced, with the 27-year-old failing to replicate his previous stunning form.

Adama Traore wants to join Tottenham Hotspur but Premier League rivals Wolves may deny him the move, according to 90min. 

The lowdown

As 90min note, the Spain winger has been a ‘long-term target’ for Antonio Conte and Spurs, who wanted to sign him in January before he sealed a loan move to Barcelona instead.

Traore made just four starts for the Catalan giants in La Liga, and they decided not to exercise their £29m purchase option at the end of the season. As such, he has returned to Molineux, where opportunities also appear limited.

The 26-year-old has played only 30 Premier League minutes so far this term and was an unused substitute in Wolves’ draw against Newcastle on Sunday. Significantly, his £43,000-per-week contract is due to expire at the end of June 2023.

The latest

‘Sources have confirmed’ to 90min that Wolves are presently ‘pricing Traore out of a deal’.

The Spaniard ‘still wants a transfer to north London’ but it seems that the Midlands outfit must lower their demands if a move is to materialise this summer.

If necessary, the Spain international is ‘willing to wait until next summer’ and join on a free transfer.

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The verdict

Conte is seemingly in the market for another option at right-wing back.

According to Jason Burt, Spurs have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal for Yannick Carrasco, while that was the role that Conte wanted Traore to play when he targeted him at the start of the year.

It stands to reason, then, that the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa speedster is viewed as an alternative to the Belgium international.

Traore has won some rave reviews during his Premier League career, with Andy Townsend calling him ‘devastating’ on his day and Jurgen Klopp hailing him as ‘unplayable’.

That could make him an exciting late addition for Spurs, if they can make a breakthrough with Wolves.

Everton are reportedly eyeing a late move for Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus, with manager Frank Lampard keen to bolster his ranks before Thursday’s deadline.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Alan Myers, who revealed on Twitter: “The club would still like to bring in Kudus from Ajax but the Dutch side are undecided whether they’ll let him leave.”

Reports earlier this month suggested that the Toffees were in talks to sign the 22-year-old, albeit with the Eredivisie outfit seemingly keen to keep hold of the Ghana international having already seen a host of talent depart the Johan Cruff Arena this summer.

The latest indication is that the highly-rated menace has even gone on strike to potentially force through a move to Goodison Park before the window slams shut.

Young Clarence Seedorf

Previously dubbed a player of “incredible potential” by current Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, the £9m-rated starlet has caught the eye during his time in Holland thus far, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The Accra-born machine had previously scored 14 goals in just 57 games during his time at former club Nordsjaelland, having also scored five goals and registered three assists in just 16 outings for his country.

A dynamic and versatile attacking player who can feature in a playmaking role; on the flanks or even in a centre-forward berth, Kudus would no doubt help to strengthen an attack that has been depleted on Merseyside by the departure of former talisman Richarlison.

Although a potentially unknown quantity to some, it will pique the interest of Lampard and co to learn that the 5 foot 10 prospect has even been likened to a “young Clarence Seedorf” by scout John Steen Olsen.

That is some praise considering the glittering career that the legendary Dutchman enjoyed at the elite level, with the now-retired ace turning out for the likes of AC Milan, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and also, Ajax.

A powerful yet classy midfield player, the imposing gem racked up 867 club appearances in total, as well as 87 caps for his country, winning the Champions League with three different clubs – the only man to have pulled off that feat in the competition’s history.

To think the Toffees could well have a Seedord-esque talent on their hands would no doubt be a hugely exciting prospect for both the club and supporters, with it easy to understand why his current side are so reluctant to sell.

Tottenham are interested in signing Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in the January transfer window, according to a new claim that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Maddison a bright spark

The Foxes have made a dreadful start to their Premier League season, sitting bottom of the table and looking like a team past its best under Brendan Rodgers.

Maddison has been a rare positive, however, scoring three goals and registering one assist in six league starts in 2022/23 to date, with Danny Murphy describing him as a ‘Champions League player’.

The 25-year-old’s Leicester future is up in the air – his current deal expires in 2024 – and a fresh update suggests that north London could be his next destination.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing up move

According to Football Insider, sharing news from a ‘source’, Spurs are ‘keeping tabs’ on Maddison’s current situation ahead of a possible January move.

Discussing the situation, club insider John Wenham further talked up Tottenham’s chance of signing the Englishman:

“Maddison is a very, very good player. I loved his finish against us. No goalkeeper in the world is saving that, no doubt about it. To get it so far into that other corner so quickly, fantastic.

“Another good performance and he always seems to do very well against Tottenham. I’m sure he will be someone who is looking to move on if Leicester continue to struggle.

“I don’t need to say again how much of a fan I am.”

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The Verdict: Great potential signing

Maddison is a top-quality footballer who feels like he has outgrown Leicester and Spurs looks like a perfect destination for him to go up another gear.

At 25, he should be coming into the prime years of his career and he has already scored 36 goals and registered 26 assists in the Premier League, as well as winning one cap for England.

Maddison could provide some extra guile in attacking midfield areas that can occasionally be lacking in tight games, making the difference with his creativity and eye for goal.

However, Spurs hierarchy will have to significantly invest given his reported £60 million price tag.

Everton have not had an easy ride with injuries over the last 12 months which has translated in their performances in the Premier League, and now Frank Lampard has been dealt another setback ahead of the Southampton clash.

What’s the latest?

According to The Times’ Northern football correspondent Paul Joyce, Nathan Patterson could be out for up to six weeks after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty with Scotland.

As per the report written by Joyce, the Toffees defender will see a specialist to further determine the seriousness of his injury and confirm an accurate timeframe of absence after being given an initial diagnosis.

Lampard will be gutted

There is no doubt that Lampard will be absolutely gutted to lose such a key player to his ever-improving Everton team over the first seven games of the season. Indeed, losing Patterson for over a month could contribute to a loss of momentum after going unbeaten in their last five outings.

The talented right-back, who Danny Murphy dubbed “terrific”, has stepped into and excelled in the role that had been held by club captain Seamus Coleman for over a decade, fitting seamlessly into the manager’s philosophy and thriving as a guaranteed starter at Goodison Park.

Over seven appearances so far, Patterson has been superb from an attacking point of view and in possession of the ball.

He has delivered one assist, tallied up a 96% pass accuracy in his own half, completed 100% of his long balls, won the majority of his duels combined (67%) and successfully completed the majority of his dribbles too (67%), proving that he is becoming a consistent and reliable mainstay in the team.

As a result of his breakthrough with the Merseysiders, the 20-year-old Scotsman has been the recipient of high praise with Lampard hailing Patterson when assessing the right-back’s performances in the team earlier this month:

“He has shown character. People say he’s a really good offensive full back, but his defensive game has been excellent.

“It is hard on the full backs when we switched to a back four, because there are a lot more questions asked. But he has done great, and he’s a young player so he’s only going to get better.”

With that being said, the Everton boss will be hoping that the follow-up assessment of Patterson’s injury comes back positive and the full-back will be able to return to action sooner than initially expected.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Manuel Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Italian media outlet CalcioMercato, who claim that, despite turning down an offer for the midfielder from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, Juventus could still be tempted into parting with the 24-year-old this January, should they receive an offer too good to turn down – with his asking price reported to be in the region of €40m (£35m).

The report goes on to state that, having been linked with Locatelli in the past, Arsenal have now made contact with the Italy international and Juventus in order to determine whether or not the player would be interested in a move to north London this winter, although negotiations between the Serie A side and the Gunners are not believed to have started just yet.

Fabregas 2.0

With holding midfield being something of a weak point in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad – as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are the Spaniard’s only available options in the position at present – it is not difficult to understand why the 40-year-old would be interested in a deal to bring Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

Indeed, the £52m-rated playmaker looks to be a player very much in the mould of Arteta’s particular brand of football, with WhoScored listing two of the 24-year-old’s primary strengths as his blocking of the ball – demonstrating his ability to win possession back for his side – and his range of passing – proving his ability to help his side control the tempo of games.

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These traits are evident in the breakdown of his statistics, with FBref ranking the Italian in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for progressive passes per 90, in addition to the top 16% for passes completed, the top 30% for passes attempted and the top 16% for blocks over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, the £96k-per-week earner has earned praise for his ability to play line-breaking passes, with journalist Raj Chohan stating of the midfielder following his display in a 2-1 victory over Belgium in October of last year:

“Italy played Locatelli at the base instead of Jorginho vs Belgium in the Nations League third-place play-off and looked unreal. He’s got way more line-breaking passes in his locker.”

And, with Arsenal having lacked a player in the mould of a true deep-lying playmaker ever since their £35m sale of Cesc Fabregas back in 2011 – who was known for his ability to “dictate the tempo” and get his team “dominating games through the middle” – the signing of a player with the capability to perform such a role could well prove transformative for Arteta’s side.

As such, not only would Locatelli appear to be a prime candidate to take up this mantle, but should the Italian go on to seal a move to north London this winter, he could well become the Gunners’ next Fabregas-esque dictator in the middle of the park – a prospect that is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for both Arteta and supporters of the club alike.

Liverpool are renowned for their amazing recruitment strategies whilst Michael Edwards occupied the position of sporting director at Anfield for many years, playing a huge part in building the squad that finally won the Premier League title for the first time in 2020.

Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker, Andy Robertson and Fabinho are all products of Edwards’ vision for the club, but it’s not just incomings that the club have struck gold on.

The Reds have ruthlessly sold any player that doesn’t fit the profile, matched the high standards in quality or simply were not in the mindset to take the team forward, and have rarely got it wrong when sending players packing.

Not only that, the players that are deemed no longer a good fit for the team are more often than not sold on for a good profit and one player that Edwards made the right call on was Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Ward who has been dubbed “awful” by journalist Ade Adeayo, only made three senior appearances for the Merseysiders before the decision was made to sell up in 2018, making £12.5m on the keeper who joined the club in 2012 at just 19 years old from Wrexham for a fee of only £100k.

That is a staggering return for the club, who ultimately sold the Welshman on for 12400% more than their initial investment.

Since then, the 29-year-old had been in the shadow of Kasper Schmeichel at the King Power Stadium until this summer when the Leicester number one decided to make a move to Ligue 1 side Nice, giving Ward the golden opportunity to prove his worth by stepping into the Danish ‘keeper’s shoes.

However, it’s safe to say it isn’t going well for the Foxes gloveman since being given the responsibility to protect the Leicester City goal, conceding the most goals in the entire Premier League (22) so far in just eight games, which has contributed to Brendan Rodgers’ men falling into the relegation zone.

Ward has conceded 2.8 goals per game, with one error leading to a shot and another error leading to a goal, completing just 33% of his long balls.

In fact, the stopper is currently the second lowest-rated player in the entire Premier League, as per WhoScored, with a rating of 5.99 only second to Emmanuel Dennis (5.93) who has played only 88 minutes so far for Nottingham Forest.

It appears that Ward is completely out of his depth at Leicester and is making his name in the Premier League for all the wrong reasons, something Edwards clearly foresaw four years ago when he was sold on by Liverpool.

West Brom have allegedly made an approach to talk to Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.

The Lowdown: Schumacher links

Schumacher helped Plymouth pick up another League One victory on Saturday to take them four points clear at the top of the table.

Less than 24 hours later, the 38-year-old was the latest man to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. Reliable reporter Alan Nixon suggested that Schumacher was on West Brom’s managerial wishlist, and it looks as if they may have firmed up that interest.

The Latest: Approach made

Journalist Owen O’Brien took to Twitter in the last 48 hours, claiming that the Baggies ‘have made an official approach’ and want to talk with Schumacher.

He adds that Schumacher ‘would consider the opportunity, with a compensation fee unlikely to be an issue’.

The Verdict: Interesting…

Both West Brom and Argyle are in action this evening, so it’ll be interesting to see what Schumacher has to say about the rumours.

He has clearly excelled after taking over from Ryan Lowe last year in what is his first managerial role, so a swoop cold prove to be an inspired one by chief executive Ron Gourlay.

Plymouth look like the team to beat in the third tier, so should Schumacher arrive at The Hawthorns, he will surely look to implement his impressive three-at-the-back formation fairly swiftly after making it work in the south west.