According to a recent report from The Sun, Everton are interested in a summer move for defender Chris Smalling. The England international currently plays his football at Premier League giants Manchester United and has done so since leaving Fulham back in 2010, but with his contract up at the end of the current season, his future at Old Trafford is far from certain.

And reports suggest that Marco Silva’s Everton are keen on luring the £16.2 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) to Goodison Park, but doing so would represent something of a Marcel Brands disasterclass given just how inconsistent and unreliable the centre back has been over the years.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Dutchman Brands took over as the club’s director of football earlier this year and oversaw what many deemed to be a highly successful summer transfer window at Goodison Park, with several shrewd additions made to help Silva in his quest to take the Toffees to the next level.

Brands was able to convince the likes of Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina, and Lucas Digne to leave Barcelona for the blue half of Merseyside, while the additions of Kurt Zouma and big-money man Richarlison are looking even more like Brands masterclasses with every passing day.

Thus, Brands has performed brilliantly for the club so far and shown genuine ambition in the transfer window to try and take Everton towards the top six in the Premier League – yet a move for Smalling, even if it would be on a free, doesn’t smack of that ambition.

The 28-year-old made the move to United back in 2010 after impressing at fellow top-flight side Fulham, with the Englishman going on to appear over 300 times for the Red Devils in the last eight years, helping them win two Premier League titles as well as the Europa League back in 2017.

And while there have been occasions whereby the England international has shone for the North West giants, there have been too many times whereby he simply hasn’t convinced in the heart of the United backline – there’s a reason manager Jose Mourinho wanted centre backs during the most recent summer transfer window.

And while Everton themselves aren’t blessed with too many options in that area of the field, especially with Phil Jagielka likely to leave at the expiration of his contract, it’s a signing which wouldn’t smack of the same level of ambition as those over the summer – for example, Smalling hasn’t proven to be any better than Michael Keane in recent times.

Yes, with Jagielka likely to leave and Zouma only on loan until the summer, it’s unsurprising that Silva is in the market for a centre back, but he shouldn’t be in the market for the unconvincing Smalling – it’s a move which would represent something of a deviation from the masterclass Brands produced over the summer.

Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Liverpool supporters have been reasonably upbeat in recent times after seeing their side enter the current two-week break for internationals off the back of a win.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their Premier League encounter with bottom side Fulham unbeaten in their opening 11 matches of the campaign, and going in search of a ninth win to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City. And the Reds did just that as goals from Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri sealed a routine 2-0 success for the Merseyside giants, thus keeping them just two points behind Pep Guardiola’s City.

Thus, there have been many thrilled Liverpudlians up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter recently to leap to the defence of striker Dominic Solanke, with plenty convinced that he will come good at Anfield.

But given how little game time he has had in recent times and the lack of impact he has made when on the pitch, those Liverpool fans’s optimism is astonishing and as such they must be prepared for disappointment, as it looks as though the striker simply isn’t good enough for Klopp’s team.

Ultimately, the 22-year-old made the somewhat surprising move to Liverpool back in the summer of 2017 after leaving fellow Premier League giants Chelsea – this all despite the Reds possessing a great deal of options in the final third of the pitch, all of which appearing to be much better than the one-time England international.

And so it proved last season given the striker failed to register his first goal for the club until the final day of the Premier League campaign, what with the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane producing the goods expertly and repeatedly for Klopp’s team.

Yes, many players would have struggled to get into the Liverpool team ahead of that trio last term given they scored over 90 goals between them in all competitions, but even when called upon to make a difference off the bench on those 16 occasions in the Premier League, he failed to do so – his five starts weren’t exactly memorable either.

And with no appearances at all this term, in fact no appearances in any of Klopp’s league matchday squads so far, that is probably the most damning indictment of exactly where the 21-year-old is currently at – he’s nowhere near good enough for the Reds.

And while with Daniel Sturridge, the other striker seeking to dispose the aforementioned trio in Klopp’s side, you know what you are going to get when he comes off the bench, one is still wondering what Solanke’s biggest strengths and traits are – he’s scored goals for fun in youth football, but hasn’t translated that onto the senior stage yet.

Yes, the Englishman is still very young and has plenty of time to develop into an asset to manager Klopp, but things don’t look particularly good for the striker as of now – he simply isn’t good enough for the Reds.

Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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One of Everton’s main problems this season has been having a lack of strikers to call upon.

Manager Marco Silva has often used winger Richarlison in a more advanced position to help with the goal effort.

At the moment, the Merseyside outfit are unbeaten in their last three matches having defeated Brighton & Hove Albion and Cardiff City, as well as securing a draw against Chelsea.

It is unclear what Everton’s January transfer plans are, if they have any at all, but it would not be a surprise if they move for a new attacker.

In the summer of 2017, the Toffees secured a deal to sign Henry Onyekuru from Eupen, but he is yet to set foot on Merseyside.

The 21-year-old forward has had a loan spell at Anderlecht and he is currently plying his trade at Galatasaray on a temporary deal.

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This season, the 5ft 9in forward has made 11 Super Lig appearances, scoring four goals in the process.

Onyekuru has also had three Champions League outings, but it is unknown if the youngster has a future at Everton.

Rather than buy a new striker, should the Toffees give the Nigerian a chance next season?

Let us know by voting below.

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After their 4-2 loss to local rivals Aston Villa, Birmingham fans on Twitter managed to reserve some praise for their 29-year-old striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

The 6ft 1in front man opened the scoring at Villa Park just before the hour-mark as he ghosted in at the back post from a corner and controlled a left-footed volley into the back of the net.

The goal was Jutkiewicz’s 10th of the season so far in just 18 Championship games as the Englishman continues what is surely his best ever run of form.

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Unfortunately for the Blues that was about as good as it would get in the Second City derby though, and two goals in two minutes from Jonathan Kodija and Jack Grealish ensured that the home side went into the break ahead.

In the second-half, Tammy Abraham put Villa 3-1 up from the penalty spot before Birmingham left-back Kristian Pedersen scored his first goal for the club to make it 3-2 with over half-an-hour to go.

It was Villa though who pushed on and Alan Hutton’s fine solo goal secured victory for Dean Smith’s side.

Birmingham fans were still clearly impressed with Jutkiewicz though. Check out some of the best reaction below.

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Idrissa Sylla has not been seen in a Queens Park Rangers shirt since August 21.

Indeed, the 28-year-old played the final 14 minutes of QPR’s 3-0 defeat to Bristol City in the Championship towards the end of August, and has not featured since.

It was the forward’s 28th birthday on Monday, however, and QPR’s official Twitter account was on hand with a message, which the R’s fans responded to on social media.

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It would be fair to say that the majority of messages were centred around Sylla’s absence over the last few months.

Indeed, there were supporters who claimed that they had forgotten that the 6ft 2in centre-forward even represented them because he has been on the sidelines for so long.

Sylla signed a three-year contract with QPR upon his arrival from Anderlecht in August 2016, and he actually scored 10 Championship goals during his first season at the club.

In total, a record of 17 goals in 64 appearances for the R’s is not too bad, but he is not in the plans of head coach Steve McClaren this season.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the QPR fans can be seen below:

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Loads of Everton fans have been reflecting on Wednesday’s draw against Newcastle, and they’re starting to wonder if Idrissa Gueye is a weak spot in Marco Silva’s side.

Gueye has been one of Everton’s most consistent performers over the last couple of years, averaging at least 3.5 tackles per game in every season he has played for the Toffees.

However, there have always been question marks about his ability on the ball, and those concerns are now growing due to the demands of playing for Marco Silva.

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The performance at Anfield showed just how far Everton have come under the new boss, but Gueye isn’t exactly tailor-made for this free-flowing, possession-based football.

The 29 year-old is best when the other team has the majority of the ball, exemplified by his monstrous display at Arsenal earlier this season, but he made just one tackle against Newcastle on Wednesday.

The Senegalese international doesn’t have a creative bone in his body, and plenty of fans are singling him out as a weak spot when they play against defensive teams.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, look away now Idriss…

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According to The Chronicle, Newcastle are considering an approach for FC Groningen’s Ritsu Doan in January with Rafa Benitez keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the second half of the season – the exciting 20-year-old would be a good alternative for long-term target Miguel Almiron, who may prove too costly for the Tyneside club.

What’s the word?

Well, The Chronicle claims that United have been scouting the Japanese youngster for the past few months as he plies his trade in the Eredivisie – the versatile midfielder was previously scouted by Manchester City but may find a move to St James Park more attractive as his game-time would surely be greater.

Meanwhile, The Daily Star has reported that a move for Atlanta’s Almiron could be off as speculation surrounding a club takeover continues. Rafa Benitez may not get his dream signing if Mike Ashley does not manage to get a deal across the line before January as Atlanta’s president, Darren Eales, values the Paraguayan at £30m – a figure far too pricey for tight-pocketed Ashley, who is notorious for his lack of financial backing.

Therefore, £1.7m man Doan could be a (very) cut-price alternative with a huge scope for growth and many similar qualities to the MLS star.

Mini magician

Capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, the former Gamba Osaka man has chalked up four goals and two assists this season, while also completing 1 key pass and taking on 2.6 shots per game – impressive numbers.

Almiron’s game is all about pace, taking on his man before finding a lethal finish and Doan’s style is not too dissimilar – WhoScored lists ‘dribbling’ among both of their strengths and labels both as a  ‘counter attack threat’.

Indeed, potency on the counter is limited in the Magpies squad who only have DeAndre Yedlin and Kenedy to call upon for a burst of pace but, while Almiron should of course remain first preference, Doan would add another dimension to the attack.

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Slavisa Jokanovic led Fulham from the Championship to the Premier League but his tactics were not enough to keep him in control.

To help your pursuit of glory in FIFA 19’s Career Mode, Football FanCast have scouted the club from top to bottom so follow these tips and they’ll build you a statue outside the ground.

The board’s expectations

Take on the Craven Cottage job and the board’s main priority is that you develop youth players. It is your only critical task, and the Fulham executives ask that you grow two academy players by at least ten overall points and hand the prospects a minimum of five matches once they become eligible for senior action.

Additionally, you are requested to scout at least three future stars, aged no higher than 20, whose potential must be greater than the average rating of those already contesting the spots.

As for general results, the board would like you to finish in the middle of the Premier League pack, but class this as a very low priority. Certainly, at Fulham, future stars should be your focus over short-term success.

The transfer kitty

The Cottagers give a more than modest war chest to go to work with, when you take into consideration they would rather you develop your own players than buy new recruits.

At first, you are handed £39.9million to play with, with £101,000 set for wages, but the best way to spend the first few mil is on scouts. The higher the star rating for their experience and judgment, the higher the costs, meaning you could burn through close to £10m before a player is even signed.

Three players to buy

Karim Rekik

Fulham recruited heavily in the summer with Alfie Mawson, Maxime Le Marchand and Calum Chambers joining, but to get the most out of your squad, you’ll want to play Chambers as a holding midfielder.

The other two walk straight into the starting XI, as 30-year-old Tim Ream is the next best, meaning you’ll want at least one more central defender in your ranks.

Should you push for a first choice centre-back, Hertha Berlin’s Karim Rekik would be the perfect addition, but will cost you £20.5million and the Bundesliga side are fixed on that.

Allan Saint-Maximin

Right-wing is another position in your side where an on-loan player can fill, but for £15.4million OGC Nice’s Allan Saint-Maximin would be a great addition.

The rapid French winger is supreme with the ball at his feet and has insane potential.

Kieran Tierney

Should you push for another centre-back, you can always shift Le Marchand over to the left full-back slot to cover for Joe Bryan, but a better alternative would be to sign Kieran Tierney.

The 21-year-old has incredible stats for a 76 rated defender, but can also develop into an 86 rated wing-back, wide-mid and centre-half. For such a talent, the Scottish side will push for £15million, yet should settle for closer to £14m.

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Three players to sell

Kevin McDonald

Fulham’s defensive and midfield ranks are packed to the rafters and one option to sell is 29-year-old Kevin McDonald.

The defensive midfielder will not challenge Andre Franck Zambo Anguissa for a spot as the starting defensive midfielder alongside Jean Michael Seri, nor would he be a threat to Chambers for the role, yet carries a nice £4.3million valuation.

Floyd Ayite

Another 29-year-old worth selling is Floyd Ayite. The Togo international is the third choice left-winger behind Ryan Sessegnon and Neeskens Kebano, who both have greater potential to match their current stature.

Moritz Jenz

In contrast to McDonald and Ayite, Moritz Jenz is a youngster but still demands to be sold. The 19-year-old is just 54 rated, so won’t make you much money, but will never get near your team and instead saps one of the spots in your squad.

Three for the future

Ryan Sessegnon

18-year-old Ryan Sessegnon is a bit of a cheat when it comes to the term ‘for the future’ as the teenager is already a must-have fixture in your starting XI.

He will start life as a 75 rated left-winger, who is just at home at left-back, but monsters on to an 88 rating – a leap of 13 tiers – and ranks inside the top 25 wonderkids on FIFA 19.

Steven Sessegnon

The brother to Ryan, Steven Sessegnon is another one of Fulham’s youngsters to keep an eye on. He’ll never match his brother’s heights inside the top 25 wonderkids, but the 18-year-old will grow into a solid right-back one day.

Matt O’Riley

It would be fair to say you’re better off scouting your own future stars in FIFA 19 than relying on Fulham’s youth ranks to serve up the hidden gems.

Matt O’Riley joins Steven Sessegnon with the second-highest potential at 77, but it would be a grind to get the 17-year-old up the 20 ratings necessary just to be a squad player.

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Leeds United pulled off an astonishing comeback at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon to overcome a 2-0 half-time deficit and emerge victorious at the final whistle. Aston Villa will be rueing their costly defensive errors that saw them squander a healthy lead, but Marcelo Bielsa will be delighted with the endeavour and character his players showed.

Second half strikes from Jack Clarke and Pontus Jansson levelled the tie, but it was a Kemar Roofe goal, scored deep into stoppage time, that snatched victory for the Whites.

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Leeds United will now be top of the Championship table at Christmas and fans will be believing that the time for them to return to the top table of English football has finally come.

At the end of the campaign, this result could be looked back upon as a huge moment and Leeds have Roofe to thank for delivering it. The 25-year-old has been in fine form so far this season and showed his quality once again at Villa Park.

After the game, plenty of Leeds fans took to Twitter to praise the forward…

According to The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are on the brink of finalising a move for Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke and, while the honchos at Selhurst Park will be hoping his biggest impact will be to get right amongst the goals, the 21-year-old could be key in determining whether Wilfried Zaha remains at the club.

On the chalkboard

The Daily Mail has reported that striker Solanke has completed a medical with the Croydon outfit and, as he now looks set to become a Palace player as soon as the window opens, fans are surely ecstatic that the club have immediately moved to bring in a new hitman – none of their orthodox striking options have netted in the league this season.

In the absence of a conventional centre-forward, Roy Hodgson has opted for a partnership of Andros Townsend and Zaha in a classic 4-4-2, with both natural wingers given license to drift out wide and create for runners into the box – except there are no runners into the box as there is no striker.

With loanee Jordan Ayew flopping spectacularly; Alexander Sorloth looking sub-standard; Christian Benteke out with a knee injury and Connor Wickham only just returning to fitness, it is surely a massive relief to have a fresh face up front – however, what Hodgson does now they’ve secured Solanke could be enormous for Zaha’s future.

Not a striker

Despite being perennially linked with a move away, the Ivorian has stuck with the Eagles through thick and thin and has become their talisman since returning in 2015 after a dismal time at Manchester United – before a 1-0 win over Leicester earlier this month, Palace had lost their last 12 without him.

However, when deployed down the middle, the 26-year-old is wasted as he is rarely given an opportunity to run at his man – he is one of the best at doing so in the league – and has thus not scored in his last 15 appearances.

With the signing of Solanke, one assumes that either he or Townsend will return to their comfort zone on the wing but, should the latter be shifted back out wide instead, Zaha’s frustration will surely continue and it could be this which eventually pushes him out the door – a disaster for the club, who have fought tirelessly to keep him on the books.

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