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Much of the focus surrounding Everton this month has been on their second breach of the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules after already being hit with a 10-point deduction earlier this season. With the January transfer window still open, however, the Toffees could yet turn the attention towards some positive news in the form of a fresh face.

Everton's second FFP charge

The Premier League confirmed the news of Everton's breach, with those at Goodison Park now left awaiting their punishment and plotting a possible appeal. Having climbed out of the relegation zone after their 10-point deduction, another similar punishment would be heartbreaking for Sean Dyche and his players, who have enjoyed a far better season than the table represents. Not going down without a fight, Everton released a statement in response to the news.

The news hasn't put an end to the Toffees' pursuit of reinforcements either, it seems. According to TeamTalk, Everton are eyeing a move to sign Pape Gueye, who Marseille are reportedly open to selling. The Merseyside club will have to fend off interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers if they are to land the midfielder's signature, however, in what could be a tight transfer battle.

Gueye has enjoyed a very successful tournament for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations so far, helping his country into the next round after playing in all three group stage victories. Already familiar with playing alongside Senegal teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye, the Marseille man could now join up with his countryman at Goodison Park before the end of the January transfer window.

Given that his contract expires in the summer, Everton could yet get a cut-price deal for Gueye if they make their move in the next week before the January transfer window slams shut.

"Olympian" Gueye needs Marseille exit

Things haven't quite worked out for Gueye at Marseille, with just three appearances to his name in Ligue 1 representing his struggles this season. When at his best and playing consistently however, like he was during the last campaign, Gueye's stats show exactly why Everton are eyeing a move.

With Gueye's contract now coming to an end in France, there may be no better time than the present for all parties involved to part ways, leaving Everton to benefit. Prior to his move to Marseille, the midfielder was praised by Opta Jean, who posted on X: "Pape Gueye. 2165 minutes played, more than any other player born in 1999 or later (in Ligue 2). 182 duels won, 3rd best total for a midfielder. 44 interceptions, 4th best total at this position. Olympian?"

Amid the chaos of another potential FFP punishment, Everton are certainly in need of the good news that a cut price move for Gueye could provide before the end of the window.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer issued an encouraging message to "seriously ill" Alan Hansen as an emotional Graeme Souness paid tribute to the Scotsman

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• Hansen fell ill after his 69th birthday
• Has been admitted to the hospital
• Made over 600 appearances for Liverpool

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The football world has been deeply moved by the news that Hansen, a Liverpool legend and celebrated BBC pundit, is seriously ill in hospital. As tributes and messages of support pour in, prominent figures such as Lineker, Shearer, and Souness have shared their heartfelt words during the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024.

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  WHAT LINEKER & SHEARER SAID

  Lineker and Shearer began their Euro 2024 coverage with touching tributes to their former colleague. Hansen, who recently turned 69, was confirmed to be seriously ill, prompting an outpouring of support from his peers.

  "It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day with the news that Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn't it Alan?" Lineker began, setting the tone for a heartfelt segment.

  Shearer responded with deep emotion: "Oh absolutely, I mean we are great friends with Al, we know his character, we know he's a fighter, we know how tough he is. So we are thinking of you big man and we are with you, we are hoping and praying."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lineker continued by sending love and support to Hansen's family, using a golf analogy to describe Hansen's resilience: "To use an analogy of Alan's favourite pastime, golf, you might be three down with four to play – but if anyone can come back from it, it's Alan. I have never known a more competitive person in my life. We are all with you big Al."

  Souness, Hansen's former teammate at Liverpool, also paid an emotional tribute ahead of Scotland's opening match at Euro 2024. Struggling to contain his emotions, Souness praised Hansen's exceptional skills and character.

  "I had the pleasure of playing with him, he was an absolute dream for a midfielder," Souness said. "He passed the ball at the right weight at the right angle at the right time. Just a super footballer. I believe he was the best footballing centre-half ever."

  Souness's admiration for Hansen extended beyond his footballing abilities. He described Hansen as a quality performer and an outstanding human being: "You’d have to search a long, long way to find anyone who’s got a bad word to say about him and that takes some doing. His chat and banter were top-class, and he was a pleasure to be around. He’s in the fight of his life right now and we should all say a little prayer to him."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Hansen's illustrious career is a testament to his skill and dedication. Making over 600 appearances for Liverpool, Hansen helped the team secure eight league titles, three European Cups, and several domestic trophies. His calm and composed style of play, combined with his exceptional reading of the game, earned him a place among the best defenders in football history.

Southampton have made a move for a "fantastic" Premier League player as the transfer deadline looms next week, according to an update from Sky Sports presenter Mark McAdam.

Southampton transfer news

Saints have been linked with a host of different players in the January transfer window, as Russell Martin looks to bring in individuals who can give his side the best chance of being promoted from the Championship this season.

One exciting report has claimed that Southampton are looking to make an audacious move for Juventus ace Matias Soule, although a move to St Mary's would arguably be a surprise. Meanwhile, West Ham defender Ben Johnson has emerged as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker-Peters, should the Saints right-back join a Premier League club this month.

Burnley attacker Manuel Benson is another player who has been tipped to seal a switch to Saints, and the same applies to young Porto midfielder Ussumane Djalo.

It would certainly be a surprise if new faces didn't arrive between now and the end of the current transfer window, and it looks as though Southampton have made further efforts to bring in one of their aforementioned targets.

Southampton make move for Manuel Benson

According to Sky's McAdam, speaking on X, Southampton have made an approach for Burnley ace Benson, as they look to get a deal over the line before the end of the month.

"Southampton have approached Burnley over the signing of winger Manuel Benson. The Championship club are looking to add a wide forward to their squad this month and Benson has had a limited role in the Premier League this season. Leeds also keen on the player."

Benson could be a brilliant addition by Southampton in January, and if they managed to beat Leeds United to his signature it would be an added bonus, considering the Whites are promotion rivals this season. This update comes as such a relief, too, seeing as a recent report suggested the move could fall through because of a potential hijack from other clubs.

The 26-year-old has admittedly found it really tough to make an impression in the Premier League for Burnley this season, only starting once in the competition, but he has shown what a force he can be in the Championship in the past, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists in 2022/23, helping the Clarets win the title.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has praised him as well, describing him as "fantastic", and he could provide Martin with that extra bit of quality in attacking areas.

Local Italian media claim Southampton are considering huge playmaker bid

The player in question possesses “excellent dribbling” ability.

By
Henry Jackson

Jan 22, 2024

At 26 years of age, Benson is at a good point in his career to come in and make an immediate impression, remaining in and around his best for the foreseeable future. The fact that he is barely playing for Burnley also means that he will surely be desperate for a new challenge, not wanting to waste some of the best years of his career.

Manchester United are reportedly 'prepared' to bring Mason Greenwood back for pre-season training if they fail to sell him in the next fortnight.

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• Man Utd looking to sell Greenwood
• Potential suitors yet to meet asking price
• Could return to United for pre-season training

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Mirror reports the Red Devils are 'prepared to welcome Greenwood back' amid their struggles to sell the forward. United are trying to shift the one-time England international but as of yet nobody has met their asking price – which is understood to be upwards of £40 million ($50.6m).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lazio had a £30m ($38m) bid for the 22-year-old – who spent last season on loan at Getafe – rejected by United earlier this month, with Juventus and Napoli, among others, also thought to be interested in recruiting him. His contract at United runs until 2025 but it seems Greenwood may have played his last game for the Premier League giants.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood swapped United – who are said to be keen on selling their academy product and bringing in Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee as a replacement – for Getafe on loan in 2023-24 and scored 10 goals and bagged six assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United are due back for pre-season on July 8 but it remains to be seen if Greenwood – who is also wanted by Getafe but most likely on another loan deal – will head back to Carrington for then as transfer negotiations continue behind the scenes.

Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United were close to signing an international defender in January who has since moved elsewhere.

Leeds sign Connor Roberts

The Whites cut short Djed Spence’s loan spell from Tottenham last month, while also allowing Luke Ayling to head to Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season. That left Daniel Farke with hybrid right-back options in Archie Gray, Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton.

However, on deadline day, Leeds managed to secure the services of Burnley right-back Connor Roberts until the end of the season.

The Wales international already appears to have his eyes on a potential permanent Elland Road deal, with Roberts saying “Football's a funny game, so I'll be doing my very best to make a good impression on and off the pitch and maybe in the future it can change from the straight loan but yeah, at the moment it's just come here try and help on and off the pitch.

“The aim is to get promoted and whether that means me playing half the games, all the games, only a few games, it doesn't really bother me. I just want to want to be smiling with the rest of the lads come the end of the season.”

However, before Roberts arrived, it appears as if Leeds were close to signing a different defender.

Leeds were close to signing versatile defender

Hay shared a recap of Leeds’ January transfer business in a detailed round-up for The Athletic on Friday, including how Spence turned up late for the meeting where he found out his loan spell was being cut short.

In his report, the reliable Leeds journalist said that the club were close to signing Daiki Hashioka, who has since moved to England with Luton Town, with the Whites even going as far as drawing up the necessary paperwork.

“Earlier in the window, Leeds believed they were close to the signing of Japan international right-back Daiki Hashioka and had begun drawing up paperwork, only to swerve away from the 24-year-old after he picked up an ankle injury playing for Belgian side Sint-Truiden. The injury was minor but Leeds suspected there was a risk of a recurrence, clearing the way for Luton Town to take him for just under £2million ($2.5m).”

After joining Luton, manager Rob Edwards was quick to praise Hashioka, saying: “‘Hashi’ is a versatile defender who can play anywhere along the backline and, having met him I know he’s going to fit into the group really, really well.

“He’s got a great attitude and has a real desire to come and play for Luton Town. He understands we’ve got a good squad, and knows he’s got to fight for his opportunity. And he will – he’s really looking forward to the challenge of being here. He’s someone who is comfortable in possession, aggressive, and wants to defend. I’m delighted he’s with us.”

It is a case of what if for Leeds and Hashioka, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in the top-flight, especially if Leeds are up there with him next year.

Everything you need to know about the new Ajax kits for the 2024-25 season.

Ajax extended their nearly 25-year-long partnership with Adidas until 2031 in January 2024, which would become the longest-running sporting goods partnership in European football by then.

Shop Ajax 2024-25 kits at adidasBuy now

What that means is that the German sportswear manufacturer will join the club to commemorate their 125th anniversary by the end of the 2024-25 season.

The Dutch side has also activated a form on their official website that fans can fill to get notified about the new Ajax kit for the next season.

So, what will Ajax be wearing in the 2024-25 season? GOAL brings you everything we know so far, including leaks, rumours, where to buy, prices and more.

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  Ajax 2024-25 home kit, release date & price

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  Confirming the leaks, AFC Ajax launched its Adidas 24-25 home kit, which is inspired by the club's polo collar shirts of the 1990s and 2000s.

  Dominantly white, it proudly showcases the iconic broad red stripe running down the centre, complemented by a classic red polo collar.

  This refined, timeless design is a tribute to Ajax's illustrious "Super Invincibles" squad of 1995. During the 1994-95 season, Ajax clinched the Eredivisie title and triumphed in the Champions League, all without tasting defeat in a single match (losing only once in the domestic cup competition).

  The Ajax logo with the three golden stars is proudly displayed on the left chest, while the Adidas logo adorns the right. Mirroring the design of the previously launched away shirt, the three Amsterdam Saint Andrew's Crosses are featured as a neck detail on the jersey.

  In terms of prices, you will be looking to shell out around £85 (€100, $108) for the new Ajax 2024-25 home kit, similar to last year.

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  Ajax 2024-25 away kit, release date & price

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  Adidas' new Ajax 2024-25 away kit is inspired by iconic Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh’s world-famous “Starry Night” painting and was officially released on May 31.

  It is mainly "Crew Blue," with a bit of "Pulse Yellow" for the logos. "Crew Blue" is a denim-blue colour, while "Pulse Yellow" is a very light fluo-yellow. There is also a touch of green on the shoulders.

  The Ajax 2024-25 away kit that is based on the new Tiro 24 template and also used for all 2024 national team kits will cost in the region of £80 ($100).

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  Ajax 2024-25 third kit, release date & price

  Shop Ajax 2024-25 kits at adidasBuy now

  As per the alleged design of Ajax's new third kit for 2024-25, Adidas will employ a geometric pattern on both the front and the back.

  The three crosses that will appear on the back of the neck are taken right out of the Amsterdam flag.

  However, unlike the Adidas 2024-25 'Elite' third kits, the new Ajax third kit would not get the classic Trefoil logo and instead see the contemporary Adidas mark.

  Third kits tend to be officially launched in August and the price range will be the same as the home and away jerseys.

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  Ajax 2024-25 goalkeeper kit, release date & price

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  Ajax will most likely have three different goalkeeper kits, to complement each of their kits as well as being available in the event of colour clashes.

  It is not yet clear what the likes of Geronimo Rulli, Jay Gorter and Diant Ramaj will be wearing for de Joden in 2024-25, but last year light green was their main colour.

  The new Ajax goalkeeper kit could cost around £100 ($125).

Manchester United are "very interested" in securing the signing of a highly-rated attacking "weapon" this summer, according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Man Utd transfer & ownership news

The Red Devils do feel like a club on the mend at the moment, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment finally confirmed and results improving on the pitch. His 25% ownership has been approved, which is fantastic news for anyone of a United persuasion, as they look to kick on after such a disappointing period in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

There seems to be a real focus on bringing in a sporting director, with Newcastle United ace Dan Ashworth a strong target, and new players are also being linked with moves.

United are believed to have been in contact with Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini over a summer switch to Old Trafford, as Erik ten Hag looks to improve an ageing back-line that includes Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. He isn't the only centre-back being looked at, however, and move for Bayern Munich ace Matthijs de Ligt doesn't appear to be out of the question.

In terms of attacking players who could come in, Lille star Jonathan David is reportedly as an option for the Red Devils, having scored 26 goals in just 45 caps for Canada, with a replacement for Anthony Martial required this summer.

Man Utd make contact for Bayern starlet Mathys Tel

Taking to X, Plettenberg claimed that Manchester United have opened talks with young Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel over a move to Old Trafford, but it may not be easy for them to get their man.

"Excl. News Tel: Manchester United have made contact for the first time and are very interested to sign him in summer! Two more clubs from England have also inquired about him in the last weeks.

"Been told: Even though it's not easy for him right now, he still doesn’t want to give up as he wants to become a legend for Bayern. But: If he don’t receive the feeling, that Bayern believe in him in the future, he will consider his options – but a loan is not one of them."

Tel, who can also play through the middle up front, is a player with so much potential, and for that reason it is encouraging to see United looking to snap him up, with a clear emphasis on signing big young talent.

The 18-year-old has scored twice and assisted once in seven Bundesliga games this season – he has only started once in the competition – and Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel has lauded his influence from the substitutes' bench, saying: "Mathys has a high impact off the bench. He is a weapon for us at the moment, we know what he can give us. He will also start games this season. He is currently showing that he can assist and score goals. We’re taking it step by step with him. He’s on the right track. We’re happy that he’s here and he’s happy about it too."

Ashworth has already made up his mind on Ten Hag as he seeks Man Utd move

Ashworth is the would-be sporting director at Old Trafford.

By
David Comerford

Feb 17, 2024

United could admittedly find it hard to persuade Tel to leave Bayern, given his ties with the club, but if they could entice him to come to Manchester, it could be a special piece of business as the years pass, bolstering their wide attacking options in the process.

Jurgen Klopp's teenage strikeforce secured victory for Liverpool in the FA Cup to continue a remarkable season that has already secured the Carabao Cup trophy in tough circumstances, with wasteful Southampton beaten 3-0 at Anfield.

The second-tier outfit took advantage of some understandable discordancy from the hosts to find a host of promising goalscoring chances but couldn't make it count, with 18-year-old debutant Lewis Koumas weaving and scoring with a deflected effort just before the break.

In the second half, Liverpool started to assert their control despite further squandered efforts from the travelling Saints, with Jayden Danns cementing himself as one of English football's brightest teenage talents to net an emphatic brace off the bench and set up a quarter-final tie away against Manchester United.

Jayden Danns takes his chance vs Southampton

Danns has made quite the impression since his second-half introduction against Luton Town in the Premier League one week ago, also enjoying a cameo against Chelsea in Sunday's final to test Djordje Petrovic and lift the first major honour of his career.

But against Southampton, he proved his innate striking ability with an expertly dinked attempt over Joe Lumley's goal when placed through by Harvey Elliott to quell the visitors' hopes of a fightback and set Anfield rocking.

Not quite done, the 18-year-old marksman exhibited his anticipation to latch on to a well-saved rebound from Conor Bradley's shot and rifle into the net, bagging a delightful brace before receiving his first professional starting appearance.

As per Sofascore, the rangy forward only took six touches in an efficient striker's performance to leave Erling Haaland taking notes, very much deserving the effusion of chatter to bring his name into the limelight.

While Danns' display was exciting, and rightly took the headlines due to his attacking prowess, he wasn't the only young gun to have saved the day for Klopp's injury-hit Liverpool team, with Bobby Clark sublime in his performance in the centre of the park.

Bobby Clark's performance in numbers v Saints

Rarely have so many academy members been tasked with filling in for their sidelined senior peers in one deluge of concern, but the likes of Clark have sparkled and proved themself capable of competing for a Liverpool side searching for honours across multiple fronts.

The elegant midfielder, aged 19, signed for Liverpool from Newcastle United when he was 16 years old and has started to earn regular opportunities in recent weeks, with his starting showing against Southampton the eighth senior performance of the campaign.

The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle certainly saw the teenager's quality, handing him an 8/10 match rating and writing: 'Good run and pass to create the opener and fashioned another chance for Gakpo first half and excellent after break. What a talent this young man is.'

Indeed, Clark played the full 90 and impressed with his crisp distribution – notably completing 91% of his passes – his energy, creativity and defensive application, really starting to cement himself as one of the Reds' standout up-and-comers.

One Liverpool analyst even saw exciting similarities to former star Adam Lallana in his gliding gait, ease when in progression and effectiveness when wheeling around and driving toward goal, with the ex-Southampton man hailed for his "brilliant" quality by Klopp in the past.

It's another win in the bag and more excitement for Liverpool as this remarkable set of players move steadily toward a grand slam finish.

Will they achieve it? Who knows. But Klopp has created something truly special and his legacy transcends silverware, the emergence of players such as Clark showing just how far Liverpool have come.

Brazilian Serie A side Vasco da Gama reportedly wanted to sign Pepe this summer but the Portugal star rejected the offer.

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• Vasco wanted to sign free agent Pepe
• Defender didn't want to play in Brazil
• Brazilian side recently signed Coutinho

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 41-year-old former Real Madrid star left FC Porto at the end of the 2023-24 season after spending five seasons at the Portuguese club. The veteran defender is currently a free agent and is expected to decide on his next move soon.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  According to Globoesporte (viaOJogo), Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama were reportedly interested in signing the Portugal international this summer and had made an offer to the player. Pepe, however, turned down the offer as he refused to play in the South American nation due to the violence in their football.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Vasco da Gama recently completed the big signing of former Brazil international and Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Aston Villa.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VASCO DA GAMA?

  Vasco will next be seen in action in the Brazilian league on Wednesday when they take on Atletico Goianiense.

The progress that Aston Villa has made since the arrival of Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable.

Even with their recent mini-injury crisis, the results have shown no signs of taking a turn for the worse, with Villa winning all of their last three.

From now until the end of the season, the squad will face the challenge of balancing European action with their Premier League duties, with a top-four finish arguably being the priority.

However, Villa have a player in the pipeline who’s already played in the Champions League this season and could end up replacing Matty Cash in the near future.

Matty Cash’s 23/24 season

Polish right-back Cash has featured heavily this season for Villa, operating in his usual right-back role as well as a further forward right midfielder at times.

The 26-year-old has played in 24 Premier League matches this campaign, playing 36 times across all competitions. In fairness to Cash, he’s already shown a significant attacking improvement in the last year, picking up six goal contributions already while only registering one all last season.

However, FBref’s 23/24 Premier League scouting report suggests that Cash is actually performing at an extremely average level when compared to his positional peers in the league.

With that in mind, Emery has shown a desire to improve and strengthen the position, even dipping into the transfer market in January to sign a potential long-term replacement.

Aston Villa were rinsed of £17m by Di Matteo's "lazy" player

Aston Villa made a poor decision in 2016 to splash out on a player who rinsed them dry

By
Ross Kilvington

Mar 5, 2024

Kosta Nedeljkovic's 23/24 stats

Kosta Nedeljkovic is an 18-year-old right-back whom Villa purchased this winter for an undisclosed fee from Serbian side FK Crvena Zvezda.

The Serbian full-back only made his debut for his side in August, but by the time he had been signed by Villa, Nedeljkovic had already made four appearances in the Champions League.

The “brilliant” prospect, as described by analyst StatmanDave, returned to Crvena Zvezda on loan until the end of the season, where he will continue to gain valuable experience.

Nonetheless, the table below showing his average statistics in the Serbian top flight highlights what sort of profile Nedeljkovic has.

As you can see, it’s no surprise that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig described the youngster as a “complete” full-back, adding that some of his strengths include: “Pace, physicality, tackling and, crossing.”

That description, along with his statistics, indicates that he’s an extremely well-rounded prospect who has the potential to thrive in the Premier League given his attributes.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

In truth, it’s a very small sample size, and of course, like any developing player, they’re far from the finished product, but he can certainly become Cash’s replacement in the not-so-distant future if he continues to improve and impress.