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Everton winger Anthony Gordon is already on an ‘unbelievable’ salary for his age group, but will need a pay-hike to reflect his position in the first-team, says transfer insider Dean Jones.

The lowdown

Having come through the youth ranks at Everton, Gordon has now established himself in the first team, starting all seven of their Premier League matches so far this season (via Transfermarkt).

After he attracted strong interest and a whopping £60million bid from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, Everton are now working behind the scenes to tie him down to a new contract.

His current deal runs until the end of the 2024/25 season, but new terms could ward off potential suitors for the time being.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones says that Gordon is already in a great position but is about to receive a salary hike that reflects his true value to this Everton side.

He said: “It will reward him for the time being and would reflect his value to this team. He’s earning £10,000 a week which is unbelievable compared to most 21-year-olds but it’s not a lot at all for one who is starting every week in the Premier League.”

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The verdict

It’s hard to argue that Gordon won’t deserve a substantial pay rise.

Last season, he was named the club’s Young Player and Player’s Player of the Season, underlining his key contribution to their successful survival bid.

And beyond that, this would also be a savvy, forward-thinking piece of business from Farhad Moshiri.

If Chelsea believed he was worth £60million last summer, then how much could he fetch in future windows with a longer contract and another year of development under his belt?

Fulham are looking to bolster their squad by raiding a Premier League giant…

What’s the word?

According to Ryan Taylor, writing for the Express, Arsenal are expected to offload Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the window closes.

Marco Silva is hoping to capitalise on this but faces stern competition from West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth.

The versatile Englishman has just one year left on his £48k-per-week deal, so the Gunners are looking to make any money they can before he leaves for free.

It could be a Wilson repeat

Having managed to secure the abilities of Harry Wilson from Liverpool just last summer, a £12m fee seems like a great piece of business for a special British talent.

In this potential Maitland-Niles deal, Silva could snatch another British winger with bags of ability, and a versatility that is of paramount importance to boosting out a squad.

The Welshman was instrumental in the Cottager’s Championship title win, scoring ten and assisting an astounding 20 goals in just 41 appearances. Although he had impressed in spells for Bournemouth, his move to Craven Cottage has seen his career explode.

Perhaps Maitland-Niles could do similarly, adding goals and assists in a fixed position rather than being forced to be the utility man as he was at the Emirates and for AS Roma.

It is clear that Mikel Arteta only viewed him as this, as despite labelling him a “huge talent”, he continued by claiming that “he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch.”

At the age of just 24, he should be pushing for minutes in his favoured position, to prove whether he truly is good enough to shine at this level.

He would bring a wealth of experience to Fulham, having featured 87 times in the Premier League and even in European competitions.

Whilst Wilson came with some of this experience, Maitland-Niles’ far dwarfs that and suggests that he too could be a big hit.

The two are completely different players, but both could have massive impacts on the club in completely different ways. It could mark another masterstroke in the market for Silva.

West Ham United are ‘pretty optimistic’ about their chances of signing Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Filip Kostic, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: West Ham eye double swoop

The Hammers have been extensively linked with a move for Zielinski in recent days as Rob Newman attempts to further strengthen the options available to David Moyes ahead of the new campaign. In fact, reports from Italy have claimed that the east Londoners are on the verge of striking a deal for the 28-year-old Poland international.

Meanwhile, the Irons face late competition from Inter Milan and Juventus for the capture of versatile 29-year-old left-back Kostic. Despite the issues potential issues in bringing the Serbian to the London Stadium, one well-informed insider has had his say on the current status of both transfers, delivering positive news…

The latest: ‘Pretty optimistic’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that West Ham fancy their chances of adding both players to the ranks at Rush Green before the end of the transfer window.

He said: “[They’re] pretty optimistic about Zielinski and Kostic and the way that talks have gone so far. They think that if they can get these players through the door, then they’ve had a very positive summer.”

The verdict: Hopefully

Boasting a combined 821 club career outings and 120 international appearances, adding such a wealth of top-level experience to Moyes’ squad would be a sensational piece of business to top off what has already been an impressive transfer window until now.

With West Ham having lost Mark Noble to retirement and after deciding not to retain the services of loanee Alex Kral, the central midfield department in particular looks stretched with only Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and the Premier League-unproven duo of Flynn Downes and Conor Coventry in situ as genuine senior candidates.

Predominantly utilised in an advanced role in the centre of the park, Zielinski – who shares a close stylistic likeness to the likes of Martin Odegaard, Emil Forsberg and David Silva (FBRef) – scored eight times and provided five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Napoli last season.

That form, class and experience would make the Polish ace a superb prospective addition, whilst Kostic would also provide much-needed support for Aaron Cresswell, particularly as Arthur Masuaku appears to be on his way out of the London Stadium.

Celtic have been potentially handed the green light to launch a move to sign Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, the Israeli club ‘have left the door open for a potential summer exit, admitting that they would accept a “suitable offer” for the player once they had complete their Champions League second round qualifiers.’

It was reported in June that the Hoops had their eye on the midfielder, who has spent his entire career in Israel.

A product of Haifa’s youth system, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 101 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and delivering seven assists along the way.

With 44 appearances and 12 goal contributions to his name last season across all competitions, this highlights just how useful he can be in front of goal at times.

On the international stage, Abu Fani – who is currently valued at €4m (£3.3m) – has made 46 appearances for Israel across their youth and senior teams, scoring six goals in the process.

Back in January, Sanny Rudravajhala quote-tweeted a now-deleted clip of the Haifa figure keeping possession of the ball during a game against Maccabi Tel Aviv when his side won 3-2 after being 2-0 down, with the journalist lauding Abu Fani’s efforts as a “thing of beauty”.

Bearing in mind how the Bhoys have seen the likes of Nir Bitton, Tom Rogic and Ismaila Soro leave Parkhead since the end of last season, despite seeing Aaron Mooy arrive on a free transfer, launching a move for Abu Fani should definitely be under consideration before the window closes.

Having also missed out on the chance to sign Vinicius Souza and Fausto Vera, this highlights Celtic’s eagerness to bring a new midfielder in alongside Mooy.

Now that it has been revealed that the Israeli club would be willing to entertain offers for their midfield star, this should prompt the Parkhead hierarchy to get the chequebook out and see what it would take to secure Abu Fani’s signature.

If they can pull it off and get him embedded with the rest of Postecoglou’s players, this should put to bed any concerns that some Celtic fans may have about heading into the new season without the likes of Rogic, Soro and Bitton.

AND in other news: Ange can now axe £3.6k-p/w flop in Celtic bid for £6.8m target with “great potential”

Greek journalist Georgios Sideridis has now revealed some encouraging transfer news for Glasgow Rangers on Antonio Colak.

The Lowdown: Fee agreed

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that the Gers have agreed a £1.8m fee with Greek side PAOK for Colak, who is keen on a move to Ibrox this summer.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is also keen for the deal to go ahead, and Colak has already agreed personal terms with the Light Blues, so it looks like a go-er.

The Latest: Replacement targeted

Taking to Twitter, Sideridis has now revealed that PAOK already have a target in mind to replace Colak:

“The rumoured agreement between PAOK and Rangers has not been confirmed yet by any side, both sides don’t want to rush the situation till the Greek side find Colak’s replacement.

“Although, I’ve been told that #PAOK have already a target who will be known by the end of next week.”

The Verdict: Encouraging

The fact that PAOK are already lining up a potential replacement for Colak should bring a lot of encouragement to the Ibrox faithful – it implies the deal is as good as done.

His record for them is unimpressive, with just four goals and two assists in 39 games in total over all competitions across the last two seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, while on loan at Swedish side Malmo, the Croatia international managed a much better 19 strikes and three assists in 40 matches (Transfermarkt).

It was with the Swedish top flight outfit that RFC saw what he is capable of, scoring twice at Ibrox to send Malmo through in their UEFA Champions League qualifier last term, and so signing the 28-year-old could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business if can rediscover his Malmo form in Glasgow.

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update regarding the future of out of favour Manchester United forward Anthony Martial. 

The lowdown: Flattered to deceive

Signed for £36million from AS Monaco in 2015 (BBC), Martial arrived at Old Trafford with a burgeoning reputation as being one of the brightest talents in European football.

Despite lighting up a 3-1 victory with a superb solo goal on debut against arch-rivals Liverpool, the move has ultimately proven to be a disappointing one as the Frenchman struggled for consistent form in Manchester aside from a 17-goal 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

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Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, the future of the 26-year-old remains in the balance and one informed onlooker has now suggested United would still be willing to sanction another move this summer.

The latest: ‘Open to discuss’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Romano has claimed that the Old Trafford hierarchy remains ‘open’ to the 30-cap France international leaving during the transfer window.

He said: “For Martial, at the moment, the situation is still the same.

“He’s waiting to speak with ten Hag, but Manchester United are open to discuss in case they will receive some proposals in the coming days.”

The verdict: Time to go

Ultimately, despite an occasional talismanic display and his undoubted quality, Martial has simply failed to produce the regularity of performance that is required if the Red Devils are going to compete once again under Erik ten Hag.

Last season, the versatile attacker – who was once dubbed a ‘Ferrari’ by former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves  –  scored just twice and registered one assist in 23 outings across all competitions for United and Sevilla, the kind of form that only acts to highlight a need for a fresh start for both club and player.

Valued at £14.4million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the club will almost certainly suffer a loss on Martial but with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga as well as the emergence of academy winger Alejandro Garnacho all making the attacker surplus to requirements, a move away seems the best option for all parties.

Aston Villa could use Douglas Luiz to sign Moise Kean from Juventus, Italian journalist Marcello Chirico has claimed. 

The lowdown

Last summer, Juventus signed Kean on loan from Everton with an obligation to buy him for £24million.

Kean did make 44 appearances in 2021/22 but starting opportunities proved to be limited. Max Allegri selected him from the off in just 12 Serie A matches, and one Champions League fixture.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reported in May that Steven Gerrard may look to add ‘another forward option’ to his squad during the summer transfer window.

And transfer insider Dean Jones recently suggested that Villa might look to move Luiz on.

The latest

Chirico tweeted on Monday afternoon that ‘Aston Villa is interested’ in signing Kean this summer.

They have apparently ‘offered’ midfielder Luiz to the Bianconeri as part of the deal.

The verdict

Transfermarkt value Luiz at £31.5million, £7.5million more than Juventus have agreed to pay for Kean. And given that the Italian is clearly a little way down the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium, it seems unlikely that they would demand cash in addition to Luiz.

That, then, raises the prospect of a straight swap, an ‘unusual’ occurrence in football.

Is Kean the kind of no. 9 Villa should look for?

Well, his return of six goals last season is underwhelming, but remember, he rarely started games.

And the previous season, at Paris Saint-Germain, Kean commendably bagged 17 goals, with manager Thomas Tuchel dubbing him ‘fearless’ and former PSG player Eric Rabesandratana also praising his Edinson Cavani-esque work-rate.

Signing the seven-time trophy-winner would still be a risk, though, given that he struggled in his previous stint with an English club, netting only four times in 39 outings for Everton.

In other news, one pundit thinks this £120k-p/w star may have fallen out with Villa after he was transfer listed.

Everton have held a long term interest in James Tarkowski and were previously linked to signing the defender back in January and now a new update has emerged ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, an Everton source has revealed that the club has tabled an offer of £120k-per-week for recently relegated Burnley defender Tarkowski.

As per the report, the Everton source claimed that the Toffees have put together a lucrative deal to cement their serious intent to sign Tarkowski, with Newcastle United and West Ham United named as clubs competing for his services.

The Toffees look to beat Leicester City, Aston Villa and Fulham to secure the signature of the player who will not renew his contract at his current club.

Mason Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that big improvements are needed at the club ahead of next season to ensure that Everton don’t find themselves in the same situation they have experienced this season, battling relegation down to the wire.

One huge area of improvement is the defence in the squad after the side conceded 66 goals, 23 more than they have scored in total this season, and the 5-1 loss on the final day should be ringing alarm bells in Frank Lampard’s head ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite being relegated this season with Burnley, Tarkowski has been a stand out performer and solid force for the side which clearly reflects in the amount of Premier League clubs interested in signing the defender this summer.

When you compare the 29-year-old brute who was hailed “outstanding” by Sean Dyche, to Everton’s Mason Holgate it is clear he would be a big upgrade in the defensive back-line at Goodison Park next season.

According to Squawka, Tarkowski has won more tackles, duels, interceptions, blocks and made more clearances than his position competitor in Merseyside, so if Lampard could secure the signing it would be a major coup for the Toffees next season and surely improve their defensive play.

With that being said, Everton will have to hope their attractive offer will be tempting enough to get Tarkowski to make the short move across the North West to join the club this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plot move for £10m monster who’s “solid as a rock”, Lampard needs him badly

As Tottenham continue their search for a new centre-back, one man who fans might have thought could emerge as a potential leader of their back-line several years ago, is Steven Caulker.

Speaking back in October 2012, his former team-mate William Gallas tipped him to “make it to the very top of the game in this country”, while Brendan Rodgers – who had him during his initial loan spell at Swansea – said: “He had a fantastic season for me. He has made a massive jump in his career through playing Premier League games at Swansea.

“For me, he is a young player, who the more he can play the better he will become, and I am sure he will become a great asset for Tottenham.”

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It said a lot about his impressive performances at Cardiff that just eight months after his £11m permanent move to Wales, then Spurs boss Tim Sherwood was keen on signing him for the club again.

In an interview with The Guardian back in 2017, Caulker was refreshingly honest about his issues off-the-pitch during his early years at Spurs, and how that all came to a head in a showdown meeting with Daniel Levy during a post-season trip to the Bahamas.

He revealed: “He just said: ‘The way you act is unbelievable. You either sort yourself out or go but I can assure you, if you leave, you’ll be going down, not up.’ I was young, stupid. I took it as a challenge, a chance to prove him wrong. I was so immature. So I went to Cardiff and, for six months, everything was amazing. I was captain, the manager, Malky Mackay, knew I had some issues but offered to be there for me.

“I felt wanted, so there was no gambling, no heavy binges but the second he was sacked, all the demons came back. That’s all it took. Even before we played the next game, I’d convinced myself nothing would be the same. That’s the kind of catastrophic thinking I’ve had to address.”

Now plying his trade for a relegation battling Gaziantep – they are just two places above the drop zone – the Turkish Super Lig side are the 11th club for whom Caulker has played since making his first-team debut for the Lilywhites.

Aged 30, Caulker’s career may not see a return to the Premier League anymore, and that’s a real indication of how his career has gone since seemingly looking like a future Spurs stalwart.

He may not be playing in English football’s top-flight, or the cornerstone of this Spurs defence under Antonio Conte, but it is good to see Caulker seemingly back to enjoying what he does after a tough and challenging few years.

AND in other news – “Paratici will look at him”: Spurs can strike gold with “unplayable” £50k-p/w star

BJ Watling faced 473 balls on the way to becoming the first designated New Zealand keeper to score a double in Tests

Shiva Jayaraman24-Nov-20191 – Number of Test innings by wicketkeepers longer than Watling’s 473-ball effort. Sri Lanka’s Brendon Kuruppu had faced 548 balls for his unbeaten 201 against New Zealand in 1987. Click here for a list of the longest innings by keepers in Tests.ESPNcricinfo Ltd9 – Number of double-centuries by designated keepers in Test matches before Watling’s 205. Watling is only the ninth gloveman to hit a double-century in Tests. Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has got two double hundreds as the designated keeper.ESPNcricinfo Ltd0 – Number of double-hundreds by wicketkeepers against England in Tests before this. Budhi Kunderan’s 192 at Chepauk in 1963-64 was the previous highest. Watling’s 205 is also the first double-century by a designated New Zealand keeper in Tests. Brendon McCullum’s 185 against Bangladesh in 2010 was the previous best.872 – Balls faced by Watling in his last three Test innings. The New Zealand keeper has batted out 949 deliveries in his six Test innings in 2019. Watling has faced an average of 189 deliveries per dismissal in Tests in 2019, which is the most by any batsman this year. Among batsmen who have faced at least 500 balls this year, Steven Smith is second on this list having faced 151 balls on an average per dismissal.968 – Balls faced by in total by New Zealand’s fifth-wicket pair onwards in this innings – the third most by the last six wickets in any Test innings. New Zealand’s innings lasted 201 overs after they had lost their fourth wicket as early as in the 40th over of the innings. New Zealand feature at the top of this particular list too. Their last six wickets had faced 1055 deliveries in the Wellington Test against India in 2013-14.500 – Balls faced in the stand between Watling and Santner – the fifth-longest partnership for any wicket for New Zealand in Tests. It is also the third longest for the seventh wicket or lower in Tests.2010 – The last time there was a longer innings than Santner’s 269-ball innings by a batsman at No. 8 or lower in Tests. Stuart Broad had faced 297 balls at Lord’s against Pakistan on that occasion. Santner’s innings is the tenth longest in recorded Test history by a batsman at No. 8 or lower.0 – Number of totals by New Zealand against England in Tests higher than their 615 for 9 dec in this innings. Their previous highest was 551 for 9 dec, which they posted at Lord’s back in 1973. This is New Zealand’s ninth 600-plus total in Tests, and the second this year. They had amassed a score of 715 for 6 dec against Bangladesh earlier this year in Hamilton.5 – Number of 600-plus totals conceded by England in away Tests in the last-three years – the most by any team in this period. Bangladesh are the only other team to concede more than one such total playing away.