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West Ham recorded a crucial 2-1 victory over Everton in the Premier League this afternoon as goals from Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen secured three points for the Hammers in the quest for European qualification.

The left-back scored an excellent free-kick to give David Moyes’ side the lead going into half-time before defender Mason Holgate volleyed a deflected equaliser past Lukasz Fabianski in the second half.

However, Bowen, on return from a month-long injury layoff, scored the decisive goal, tapping into an empty net after Michail Antonio’s strike was parried by Jordan Pickford.

To make matters even worse for Frank Lampard’s relegation-threatened side, captain Michael Keane was shown a second yellow card, the third consecutive league game in which Everton have seen a man sent off.

Although the English duo scored the goals, fellow countryman and midfielder Declan Rice was a rock in the middle of the park for the East London outfit at the London Stadium.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman recorded a 7.2 match rating after making 95 touches and enjoying a 94% passing accuracy against the Merseyside outfit.

Moreover, the 23-year-old won half of his ground duels whilst contributing one key pass, losing possession just nine times, an average of every 10.6 touches.

From a defensive point of view, the colossus showed just why he’s been dubbed an “explosion” and a “revelation” by his manager, contributing three interceptions as well as two blocks and one tackle.

It’s no surprise that West Ham’s prize asset was impressive, particularly against one of the top-flight’s biggest strugglers in Everton.

Rice has been repeatedly subject to a potential big-money move away from East London this summer, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labelling the 23-year-old as “an exceptional player.”

However, Moyes has recently stated that the midfielder isn’t for sale and that a fee north of £150m would be the minimum asking price if he is to depart.

The Irons are now back into the Premier League’s top six after their important league victory, however, seventh-placed Manchester United are level on points and have a game in hand.

Next up for the Hammers is the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, another crucial game that Moyes will need all of his players to step up for. A performance similar to that of today’s from Rice certainly won’t be objected to by those associated with the Stratford side.

AND in other news: Moyes can finally axe “shocking” WHU dud as claim emerges, supporters surely buzzing

Newcastle are expected to sign a number of players in the summer according to Sky correspondent Keith Downie.

What’s the story?

He said when speaking to This Is Futbol that he expects the Toon to be extremely busy when it comes to adding new faces to the squad ahead of next season.

He said: “I still expect four or five players to arrive, and that’s without me talking about anyone leaving. If players leave then it could lead to even more arriving.”

Despite still not having secured their Premier League status, the Magpies seem confident of their survival and seem to be planning ahead of next season already.

Who’s on their list?

It will be interesting to see who Newcastle are able to attract but it’s likely they will want to target some of Europe’s best players.

They have recently been linked with a move for West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen who has been their top scorer this season and is highly rated at only 25-years old.

A move for him would also see them weaken potential rivals next season when they’ll be looking to finish as high as possible.

Reports in the Daily Mirror also say that the club have already set their list of targets which includes Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kalvin Phillips.

With Everton and Leeds both struggling this season, if either of them were to be relegated it would make it far easier for Newcastle to make these signings.

Targeting an English contingent of players may be a strategic move. They may be more willing to move to the North East due to recognising Newcastle’s stature and history perhaps more than players on the continent.

However, if they do go down this route then they will have to be willing to pay more for English talent. History has shown players from home tend to fetch higher transfer fees.

Ever since the takeover, it’s been expected that Newcastle would spend big to try and compete with the best in the league. Time will tell just how much they will spend but if you’re a fan of the Magpies then it should be an exciting summer ahead. This is certainly great news for the Toon Army.

IN other news: NUFC plot bid to sign £31.5m-rated star who’s on “fire”, he could be their own “Salah” – opinion

West Ham United are interested in a move to bring David Hancko to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way Podcast that the Hammers are keeping a close eye on the situation of the Sparta Prague centre-back ahead of a potential move for the 24-year-old late in the winter market.

Speaking about the Irons’ interest in the Slovakia international, the club insider said: “A new name that I’ve not mentioned before, but someone who could possibly be considered is David Hancko of Sparta Prague. Again, [a Daniel] Kretinsky link there. He’s not actually Czech, he’s Slovakian. He can play left-back and the left side of centre-back.”

Fans should be excited

With Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, and both Craig Dawson and Issa Diop having done little to suggest they are of the standard required for a side chasing Champions League football in the absence of the Italian, centre-back is very much a priority position for David Moyes over what remains of the January transfer window.

And, considering just how well Hancko has performed for Sparta Prague in the current campaign, the £3.6m-rated defender would appear to make an excellent addition to the 58-year-old manager’s options in the heart of his defence.

Indeed, over his six Europa League appearances this term, the 24-year-old helped his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of two interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 2.3 clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

The versatile centre-back also chipped in for his side in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots and making one key pass per fixture.

These returns saw the Slovakian average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Sparta’s second-best performer in the European competition.

Furthermore, with West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky also being the co-owner of Sparta Prague, it would very much appear that, should Moyes indeed wish to make a late move for the defender this January, a deal between the two clubs would be an easy one to strike.

As such, considering his clear ability at the back as well as going forwards, it would appear that a move for Hancko would be a very intelligent one for West Ham to make this winter – as the signing of the 24-year-old would undoubtedly be one that will excite the London Stadium faithful.

In other news: Moyes can seal dream West Ham signing in £82k-p/w gem whose “skills are outstanding”

Frank Lampard tasted his first defeat as Everton manager as they lost 3-1 away to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

The Goodison Park faithful actually went in front thanks to an own goal from Jamaal Lascelles, but a Mason Holgate own goal levelled the playing field just a minute later, before Ryan Fraser and Kieran Trippier ensured the hosts went home with all three points.

With the games coming thick and fast, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the Blues’ three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were on the night – could these Toffees be looking over their shoulders if Lampard makes changes against Leeds?

Andros Townsend

Admittedly joint-third bottom of the list with both Andre Gomes and Jarrad Branthwaite in terms of rating (6.1), Townsend was totally ineffective across the 90 minutes.

In the unfamiliar left wing-back position, the former Magpie lost out on seven of his duels in total, and also failed to make any clearances or block any shots.

He was unsuccessful with all five of his crosses, and gave the ball away on no fewer than on 17 separate occasions in the match, the joint-second most out of any of his teammates.

Michael Keane

Keane was ranked as the Toffees’ second-worst player on the night with a six overall rating.

The central defender lost a team-high total of 12 duels, and also didn’t block any shots at Jordan Pickford’s goal, while he recorded no interceptions and lost the ball 11 times.

With Yerry Mina now joining Ben Godfrey on the treatment table, Lampard may have no choice but to stick with Keane despite his perilous display.

Mason Holgate

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Holgate was given the worst rating (5.5) after his own goal and what can only be described as some comical defending at times.

The Englishman was unsuccessful in eight of his duels, and also failed to block any shots or make any interceptions, while he, like Townsend, was guilty of losing possession 17 times.

In other news, find out which ‘elite’ talent the Blues are now ‘tracking’ here!

Lacking in home-grown talents in their squad, Tottenham Hotspur must start targeting some English players in the summer.

Indeed, they need to fulfil their Premier League as well as Champions League home-grown quotas and are targeting Che Adams as their next coup from the championship in the summer, according to Daily Mirror via HITC.

Having spent nothing last summer, Daniel Levy will be under pressure to shell out cash to bulk up Spurs squad this time around. Adams could be a really clever signing, as Birmingham could sell him for relatively cheap and hand them a real talent. The Birmingham star’s been on a roll this season, having scored 19 goals in 32 appearances (stats via WhoScored).

Not only is he a potential goal-scorer, but a delight to watch, as the youngster loves to run with the ball and possesses commendable dribbling ability. Adams’ shooting ability from distance is promising, as his impressive link-up play means he can fit right into Mauricio Pochettino’s system.

Under the tutelage of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, Adams can slowly unleash his utmost potential at Spurs. His ability to play as a striker or even as an attacking midfielder means Pochettino can revolve him around in different positions.

The 22-year-old’s hunger for goals can help him thrive at Spurs, where the biggest requirement is to go forward and score goals. He can blend into their fast-paced, incisive system pretty well and considering how big a hit Dele Alli’s been, Adams can also blow up at Spurs.

Leeds United have handed a boost in their bid to bring Ryan Kent to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Pete O’Rourke, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that the Rangers winger has a release clause written into his contract with the Scottish Premiership side – reported to be somewhere around the £20m mark.

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Speaking about Leeds’ interest in the 25-year-old, O’Rourke said: “The Ryan Kent one is interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League there were links with Ryan Kent.

“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”

Kent can replace Harrison

Considering the fact that Jack Harrison has recently been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why Victor Orta would once again be considering a move for Kent at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, while Kent has not quite hit the heights of 2020/21 over his 24 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £12.6m-rated winger has still been one of Rangers’ better performers, scoring two goals, registering seven assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £52k-per-week forward who Leon Balogun dubbed a “magician” and Andrew Dickson labelled “completely unplayable” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s sixth-best player in the Scottish top flight – not bad for an off season.

As such, should the £60k-per-week Harrison – a player who has scored seven goals and provided one assist over his 29 Premier League appearances this term, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.70 – indeed move on to pastures new this summer, Kent would very much appear to be an excellent replacement for the 25-year-old Leeds attacker.

AND in other news: Orta can finally axe “horrible” £46k-p/w Leeds flop with “significant” £25m signing

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has admitted Tottenham Hotspur may have the advantage in the race for the Premier League top four. 

The lowdown: Forgettable weekend

Having seemingly moved into the box seat to clinch the all-important final UEFA Champions League place, Spurs succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend.

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That slip by Antonio Conte’s men left the door ajar for north London rivals before they themselves were beaten by Southampton to leave Tottenham three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and sixth-place Arsenal.

Despite the precarious situation, one ex-Gunner has suggested that Conte’s side still hold the edge…

The latest: NLD showdown?

Speaking to FI, Sky Sports pundit Campbell tipped Tottenham’s counter-attacking flair combined with solidity at the back as ‘key’ to firing Spurs over the line and past rivals Arsenal in the top four race.

“That could be the difference, of course, it could be. Let’s be honest, we all know what Tottenham’s strength is. Their strength is their attack. The key for them is trying to keep it tight at the back and hitting teams on the counter. They are so good at that from what I’ve seen.

“The front three are all very good players who have clever movement. They will score goals. Kulusevski has been a revelation. He has helped them move on.

“It is not a surprise that they are doing well. This is where it matters most. Arsenal do not have as much firepower or have the experience of Spurs. Arteta is putting his faith in the youth.

“It will be tough for Arsenal to dislodge them. It may come down to the north London derby.”

The verdict: Attack attack attack

Despite Conte being a renowned master of the defensive arts, even the 52-year-old coach has struggled to transform the current Spurs side into an impenetrable unit in his favoured 3-5-2 formation.

Since taking up the Tottenham hot seat, the Lilywhites have conceded 32 and scored 59 times in 36 matches under the Italian – underpinning Campbell’s suggestion.

Furthermore, in Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, Spurs boast a 20 and 17 goal threat whilst Arsenal have both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe tied on 10 strikes apiece across all competitions at the top of their scoring charts.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing summer move for La Liga defender! Find out more here.

Barcelona have reportedly agreed a five-year deal for Leeds United winger Raphinha as his time at Elland Road seemingly nears its conclusion.

The Lowdown: Raphinha on the move?

There have been numerous reports focusing on the Brazilian in recent weeks, with a summer exit from Leeds appearing to be on the cards.

There is no denying that Barcelona have emerged as the strong favourites to snap up Raphinha at the end of the season as Xavi eyes up attacking reinforcements at Camp Nou.

Now, arguably the biggest update yet has emerged regarding the matter.

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The Latest: Barcelona deal agreed

According to Spanish media outlet Sport, Raphinha has agreed terms with Barcelona over a five-year deal, despite competition from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

His salary and bonuses are thought to be decided already and he has ‘given his word’ to the Catalan giants that he will join them in the summer.

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The Verdict: Matter of time

If true, this update comes as no great surprise, with Raphinha’s future increasingly looking like it belongs away from Leeds as the weeks and months have passed.

On the plus side, the Whites should earn a substantial fee for the Brazil international – Phil Hay has claimed that it will take considerably more than £30m for a deal to be done – allowing Jesse Marsch the opportunity to bring in top players of his choosing over the summer.

The main thing now is that Raphinha knuckles down and produces big performances until May, helping Leeds to stay in the Premier League and ensuring that his legacy at Elland Road is very much a positive one.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a loan move for one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic’s Tom Rogic is available for selection this afternoon against Motherwell, Jo Hendry reports.

The Lowdown: Glasgow Derby absence

Rogic, who can play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or right-winger, has been a key man for Ange Postecoglou this season.

He’s made 31 appearances in total, contributing to 12 goals, with the manager labelling his fellow countryman as ‘special’ earlier in the season.

Rogic missed the 3-0 win over Rangers in the week due to international commitments, despite the fact Postecoglou was initially hopeful he could feature. However, he now looks set to return to the matchday squad at Fir Park.

The Latest: Hendry’s post

Journalist Hendry took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to relay comments from Postecoglou prior to Motherwell.

He confirmed that Nir Bitton will return from suspension and Daizen Maeda is fully available, and when it came to Rogic, he said:

“We don’t do breaks during the year. He’ll get a break at the end of the year like everyone else. He’s back and he’s ready to play.”

The Verdict: Good news

Maeda and James Forrest were Celtic’s only senior attacking options from the bench on Wednesday, so having Rogic back in the mix can only come as a big boost.

It may well be the same side from the off following the impressive display in the week, however, being able to call upon Rogic, who has registered more assists than any Celtic player this season, is huge.

Postecoglou might not get the same dominant display as he did against Rangers, and if he doesn’t, you’d expect Rogic to feature in some capacity.

In other news: Kieran Devlin drops scary Reo Hatate claim from sources close to Celtic dressing room. 

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt yet another injury setback concerning midfielder Oliver Skipp.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas revealed that Antonio Conte and Spurs remain unaware of when the 21-year-old will make a return from injury, with the England U21 international believed to still be suffering from the after-effects of an infection around his hip and groin.

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Thomas goes on to state that the defensive midfielder was expected to return to training at Hotspur Way earlier this month, however, the academy graduate suffered a setback in his recovery – with it now looking increasingly unlikely Skipp will feature again for Tottenham this season.

In his post, Thomas said: “Tottenham and Antonio Conte still in dark about when Oliver Skipp will be able to return. Understand he is still struggling with the after-effects of an infection in the pubis area of his hip and groin. Was close to returning earlier this month but suffered a setback.”

Conte will be fuming

Considering that, upon Skipp sustaining his initial injury back in January, Conte stated his hope that the midfielder would be back playing first-team football within seven to ten days at most, the fact that the Italian remains without the 21-year-old nearly four months on is sure to have left him fuming.

Indeed, the £18m-rated youngster appeared to be a big part of Conte’s first-team plans following the manager’s arrival in north London last November – with the 52-year-old playing Skipp in all but one of the 14 fixtures in which the Englishman was available for selection.

And, with Tottenham being involved in an almighty scrap for a top-four finish over the remaining six games of their 2021/22 campaign, the continued absence of one of Spurs’ most promising up and coming talents will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Conte – as Skipp’s unavailability severely limits the options the Italian can choose from in the middle of the park.

However, with the £50k-per-week youngster appearing no closer to a return, the 52-year-old simply must find a way to make do without the England youth international for the foreseeable – starting with what will certainly be a challenging trip to Brentford this Saturday.

AND in other news: “100%” – Fabrizio Romano drops Spurs transfer claim that will leave supporters buzzing