Crystal Palace Could Sign ‘Special’ £20k-p/w Sensation

Crystal Palace’s transfer window has finally been sparked into life in recent days as the Selhurst Park outfit prepare for the upcoming season.

What’s the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

It has been confirmed that the Eagles are on the verge of signing 19-year-old wonderkid Matheus Franca in a deal worth up to £26m.

This will be welcome news in what has been an extremely challenging window for the south London outfit. Wilfried Zaha rejected a £200k-per-week deal to join Galatasaray last week, while Michael Olise is attracting interest from Chelsea.

Palace’s other prize assets are also under siege, with Cheick Doucoure, Joachim Andersen, and Marc Guehi also being tracked by other Premier League clubs.

But, in what would follow Franca as another exciting signing brimming with untapped potential, would be the acquisition of Wilfried Gnonto.

According to Football Insider, Roy Hodgson is currently dissatisfied with his attacking options and the club has identified Gnonto as a possibility.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Last season never gave any Leeds United player the chance to thrive. A scattergun transfer policy and a managerial merry-go-round contributed to a complete lack of stability.

Nevertheless, the winger, who only arrived in the Premier League last September, displayed his brilliance in flashes with just limited minutes.

In only 14 top-flight starts, the former Inter Milan academy graduate registered six goal involvements. The £20k-per-week sensation developed a respectable reputation for directness, pace, and agility.

Leeds United forwardWilfried Gnonto.

This was recognised by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who showered the Italian in praise, saying: “I've seen a special young talent. Honestly, sometimes you see potential and talent and you are excited but I watched him so closely, and his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, his choice of when to run with it, his awareness of his teammates, really, really good.”

This sentiment was echoed by his former manager Michael Skubala, who described Gnonto as a “credit” to Leeds.

His profile as a tricky and fearless forward mean that FBref has likened his play style to Dejan Kulusevski, as both rank similarly in several attacking metrics.

This includes shots per 90 (1.46 vs 1.83), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.32 vs 4.25), progressive passes per 90 (2.33 vs 2.86), progressive carries per 90 (4.39 vs 3.77), and successful take-ons per 90 (1.40 vs 2.06).

Dejan Kulusevski

Much like how Gnonto suffered due to Leeds’ fragmented nature, the Swede was also a victim of conditions outside his control. The rigid and restrictive tactics of Antonio Conte, labelled as "survival football" often shunned the influence of more creative assets.

Nevertheless, Conte still acknowledged Kulusevski’s quality, saying: “I think he is showing that he is a fantastic player for the present but also he if he continues in this way he can become a really important player. He is strong physically, good technically, he has no fear of the opponent or the tackle.”

Under the fresh management of Ange Postecoglou, his output could be elevated to new heights, where his skills are more viciously channelled.

Gnonto, now laced with a year of Premier League football under his belt would be a shrewd capture for Palace, one who with his tricky and direct nature could emulate the feats of Kulusevski in English football.

Chelsea: Fabrizio Romano reveals club "really appreciate" £50m star

Romeo Lavia is a player Chelsea "really appreciate" and are actively "following" in the transfer market, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Lavia joining Chelsea?

Chelsea's transfer business has been extensive in the summer window so far and shows no signs of slowing down in the coming weeks.

Mauricio Pochettino has been working around the clock to prepare himself for his first season at Stamford Bridge, having signed four players and let 13 go on a permanent basis already.

Some big names have departed such as Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, while there have been some exciting arrivals in the form of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson – both of whom have got off to a flying start in pre-season.

However, Pochettino is yet to be fully satisfied with his current crop, with suggestions that midfield is the priority area for reinforcement and improvement.

Chelsea's admiration of Moises Caicedo has been well-documented and a deal appears to be slowly edging towards the final stages, but Southampton's Lavia has also emerged as a significant target for the Blues.

According to Romano, a deal for Lavia is possible and would have no impact on Chelsea's ability to sign number one target Caicedo.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "Chelsea are following the situation of Romeo Lavia. It's not linked to Moises Caicedo, he's a player they really appreciate.

"I told you many times about Joe Shields having a special connection. Joe Shields who is at Chelsea as one of the directors having a special connection with the player. He had the player at Southampton, at Man City, so there is a very good feeling, but at the moment for Chelsea the priority remains Caicedo."

Romano suggests that Lavia would likely cost in the region of £50m and also cites Liverpool as having a strong interest in the player and "actively working" on the deal. Therefore, with Caicedo's deal taking priority, Chelsea could be pipped to the post by the Reds in their pursuit of the 19-year-old.

Lavia featured 34 times in all competitions for the Saints last season contributing a goal and an assist across the season, albeit his primary focus is to shield the back four not offer a goal threat.

The one-cap Belgian international has a high ceiling and huge potential, something he exhibited repeatedly during his debut senior season in the Premier League.

Who are Chelsea signing?

As Romano mentions, Caicedo is undoubtedly the number one target for Pochettino who is looking to replace the departing Mount, Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Caicedo would most closely resemble a Kante replacement and would offer some much-needed defensive solidity and awareness for the Blues, while also offering Enzo Fernandez more freedom in midfield.

However, a £100m asking price has been the stumbling block between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion so far, with the Blues eager to reduce that fee significantly.

The priority after Caicedo may not actually be another signing but instead ensuring that young centre-back Levi Colwill stays at the club amid interest from Brighton and Liverpool, the former being where he spent last season on loan.

Colwill featured in Chelsea's 4-3 win over Brighton in pre-season with Pochettino adamant that the England U21 European Championship winner is not for sale.

Aston Villa: Emery has to pay above "odds" to sign "breakthrough" star

Aston Villa will need to pay 'over the odds' to land Nottingham Forest striker Brennan Johnson in this transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Brennan Johnson swapping Nottingham Forest for Aston Villa?

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa are 'exploring' a move for Wales international Johnson this summer and his current employers would be open to selling him in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

The report states that a figure of £40 million could be enough to land the £30k-a-week earner; however, Brentford are also keen on striking a deal to bring Johnson to west London.

Last term, the 22-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign for the Tricky Trees as they staved off the threat of relegation from the English top flight, notching ten goals and three assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Of course, Johnson is not the only player that Unai Emery is keen on to bolster his ranks in the final third, with Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby being another name that is set to join the Villans.

Taking to Twitter, Romano delivered an update regarding the state of play surrounding Diaby, with him stating:

"Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa, here we go! French winger has just said yes to Villa, he wants to join Unai Emery’s project — PL football as priority."

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has detailed that Aston Villa may have to part ways with a significant sum of cash if they are to secure Johnson's signature this window.

Jones stated: "It's obviously Premier League tax that sticks Johnson in that same bracket. But at the same time, you've got a player that's just had his first big breakthrough season. He's done extremely well, he's come on to the radar of three or four other Premier League clubs and as a result of that, you're also going to be made to pay a bit over the odds."

Who else could Aston Villa target this summer?

Aston Villa boss Emery will have several potential additions in his sights as he prepares his side for the challenge of juggling both Premier League and Europa Conference League football this term.

Football Insider report that Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has emerged as a target for the Villans this window; however, they will face competition from the likes of Everton and other English top flight sides.

AC Milan'sCharlesDeKetelaere

The Daily Mail cite that Aston Villa have been offered the opportunity to sign AC Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere less than a year after he joined the Serie A giants and it is believed that the Belgium international would be available for around £25 million.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT earlier this month, journalist Jones revealed that Aston Villa are keen on Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, as he said: “There's definite interest there, and they feel he could be a really good player for their system. Getting the two Torres players could be a real good make-up for Aston Villa going forward next season.”

Over the next few weeks, we will begin to get an idea of how Emery plans to shape his squad as the 2023/24 campaign edges nearer to getting underway competitively.

Newcastle Could Sign "Dream" £120m Almiron Upgrade

Newcastle United are reportedly edging closer in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, as Eddie Howe seeks star talent this summer.

The Magpies have already made a statement this transfer window in capturing Sandro Tonali in a deal worth £55m from AC Milan, however the big names aren’t due to stop there.

How much is Joao Felix worth?

Financial backing isn’t due to be an issue for Newcastle this summer, with the support of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) behind them.

A lucrative offer is exactly what Howe’s side will need to produce in order to pry Felix away from Madrid, who expect a figure of €140m (£120m) for the Portuguese whizz.

While a sum of that amount seems ludicrous, the North East side could negotiate a compromised offer for the forward, who is valued by FootballTransfers around €45m (£39m).

Could Newcastle United sign Joao Felix?

According to Spanish outlet ABC, relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are one of the clubs to have ‘rang’ Atleti over the availability of Felix.

The context implies that the Magpies have made contact with the Spanish side over the player, with Manchester United and Aston Villa also named as potential suitors.

Howe’s side have the upper hand over the Villans, with the player wanting Champions League football next term, however with a reported salary of £195k-per-week, it would be a statement to bring the 23-year-old to St James’.

Hailed as being a “dream” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the former Chelsea loan player could be an electrifying addition to Howe’s squad, in a move that could prove the clubs’ ambition going forward.

A difficult loan spell in west London hasn’t caused Premier League sides to divert away from the attacker, who has established himself as one of the best in Europe for his rise in the game.

Rising through the ranks at Benfica, the Portuguese gem sparkled in his homeland, seeing him snatched by Atletico after a magnificent first senior season for the Eagles, in which he made 24 goal contributions in 26 Liga Portugal appearances.

A complete player in terms of his passing, finishing and quality in possession, the 23-year-old made 39 goal contributions in 96 La Liga appearances before endeavouring on his Premier League journey.

Ranking in the top 5% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year in terms of his progressive passing (4.12 per 90), Felix has seen himself compared to the likes of Lionel Messi based on his statistics over a per 90 average, via FBref.

Deployable anywhere along the front line, the potential introduction of Felix could cause some worry for Miguel Almiron, who could see his place in the squad jeopardised by the 23-year-old marvel.

Putting his past glory aside, the former Chelsea man performed at a higher level than the Paraguayan in a number of attributes last season.

As per FBref comparisons, the 29-year-old averaged 2.49 shots per 90, as well as 2.78 progressive carries and 1.23 successful take ons per 90, lesser averages than Felix who averaged 4.40 shots, 3.25 progressive carries and 2.10 successful take-ons per 90.

The Viseu-born ace also averaged better in his distribution to cause threat in the final third, recording an average of 4.50 progressive passes and 2.77 passes into the final third per 90, to Almiron’s 4.48 progressive passes and 1.63 final third passes per 90.

In signing Felix, Howe could boldly ditch the 29-year-old in place of the forward, who has the capabilities to take the Magpies to the next level.

Leeds United’s £40k-p/w "Leader" Set For Medical With New Club

Leeds United defender Robin Koch is “ready to fly” to the Bundesliga to complete his temporary move to Eintracht Frankfurt, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When did Robin Koch join Leeds?

The Whites centre-back has spent the past three years at Elland Road having first joined from SC Freiburg back in August 2020. Across the reigns of Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, he’s been a regular feature of the first-team, having started 36 from 38 top-flight games last season.

However, the 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the next campaign meaning that the ongoing window will be Daniel Farke’s only chance to cash in should he not want to risk losing him for free, but despite this possibility, it sounds as if he is happy to take a short-term chance.

The Athletic have reported that the Championship outfit would be willing to get the German off their wage bill as a result of him earning £40k-per-week in order to secure a loan fee as part of a deal to send him out for 12 months, and he isn’t the only one to have been linked with an exit.

According to reports, Brenden Aaronson is close to sealing a temporary move to Union Berlin and Marc Roca is also on the verge of linking up with Real Betis, with the latter’s respective switch believed to hold an option to buy, and the defender could soon be following in their footsteps.

Is Koch leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Plettenberg revealed that Koch is all set to hop on a plane overseas to finalise his imminent move to Eintracht Frankfurt. He wrote:

“No doubts, Robin #Koch will join @Eintracht! Confirmed again: It’s a one-year loan! Regardless of the fact that his contract expires in 2024! Koch, ready to fly to Germany. The medical check could take place in the next 48 hours. Been told: Krosche was a crucial factor in this deal!”

Leeds United defender Robin Koch.

Is Farke right to sell Koch?

Leeds will be aware that Koch isn’t one to get involved with the action in the final third having recorded zero goals or assists during his three years at the club, but being strong in the natural defensive aspect of his game and more importantly a “real leader”, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, Farke and the 49ers are making a mistake by letting him go.

The 11 Wins client last season averaged 4.1 clearances, 3.1 aerial wins and 1.5 tackles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, so he was a real rock at the heart of the backline despite the group’s collective efforts not being enough to save them from suffering relegation.

The Kaiserslautern native is also a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions since the start of his career, including all across the backline and even two roles in the midfield, so he would have been a fantastic option to have available given the relentless fixtures in the second tier, but this is a quality that the boss will have to be without next season.

Man United: "Sensational" name keeps "coming up" says Sky Sports reporter

Manchester United target Diogo Costa's name 'keeps coming up' at Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news involving Diogo Costa?

According to The Daily Mail, Porto goalkeeper Costa and Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana are among the favourites to replace David De Gea at Old Trafford.

The report states that Manchester United's budget won't be able to cover bringing in both a goalkeeper and a striker, so a compromise of some sort will need to be found within their recruitment process.

Football Insider claim that it looks likely that De Gea won't return to Manchester United amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation and the fact he is now a free agent while he isn't keen to play second fiddle at the Premier League giants.

In terms of the Red Devils' attraction towards Costa, A Bola via The Sun have revealed that he has a clause of around £65 million in his current contract at Porto.

As per The Athletic, Manchester United have also contacted Feyenoord over the availability of goalkeeper Justin Bijlow as they step up their transfer proactivity.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth has detailed that Costa is a name that carries on getting mentioned in conversations at Old Trafford.

Sheth said: "United will be looking at other keepers. Diogo Costa from Porto is a name that keeps coming up.

"David Raya from Brentford, possibly a little bit too expensive for what United believe, with him only having a year left on his contract and making it clear that he wants to leave."

Would Costa be a good signing and who else had been linked with the Red Devils?

Costa, who has been hailed as "sensational", has earned a reputation as a reliable stopper between the sticks and could help Manchester United to reach a new gear in 2023/24.

Last term, the 23-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for Porto and managed to keep 20 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Costa also achieved a save percentage of 77.2% in the Primeira Liga and 81.6% in the Champions League, respectively, demonstrating his capacity to keep the majority of strikes he faces away from the target.

Sofascore illustrate that Costa earned an average match rating of 6.95/10 for his exploits on the pitch in the Portuguese top-flight last campaign.

In other news, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has completed his medical ahead of a move to Manchester United. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the state of play surrounding the England international on Twitter, stating: "Mason Mount’s medical was fine and successfully completed — waiting for Manchester United announcement. Mount’s expected to share his ‘goodbye’ message to Chelsea — then Manchester United will unveil Mount as their first summer signing."

The Daily Mail have reported that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is another target for Manchester United, with talks continuing between both parties, indicating a busy summer window ahead at Old Trafford regarding incomings.

Arsenal: Arteta interested in signing another exciting midfielder

Arsenal are still very interested in Southampton's Romeo Lavia and he "remains" on their shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Are Arsenal going to sign Lavia?

Having invested all their time and resources into securing deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's recruitment team have barely been able to catch their breath over the past few weeks.

The Gunners want to build a team capable of going a step further and toppling Manchester City next season, and Mikel Arteta will need significant reinforcements to catch the champions, especially with the added pressure of Champions League football.

While Rice remains their midfield priority, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey's seemingly inevitable Emirates exits means that a second midfielder will be required as well. That midfielder very well could be 19-year-old Romeo Lavia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lavia remains firmly on the Gunners shortlist, despite interest from Liverpool ramping up.

"We already told you last week that Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, that Arsenal had some positive conversations on club and player's side, but still no official bid," said the Italian.

"We know the priority is to resolve other stuff, like Timber, Rice and many others. Of course, Havertz will be official, but, guys, it is important to say that Romeo Lavia remains in Arsenal's list as one of the players they appreciate."

"So, Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, but from what I understand, also Liverpool have opened talks to sign Romeo Lavia."

Romano also suggests that the Gunners may have to wait for Partey's future to be decided before they can act on their Lavia interest. However, by this time they could be behind other clubs in the queue.

Last season's Premier League runners-up had also shown a significant interest in midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who could have followed the path of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to north London, but the German has since joined Barcelona.

What could Arsenal expect from Lavia?

The fact that Lavia has taken inspiration from former Manchester City teammate Fernandinho can only be a positive thing for potential suitors, with the Belgian sharing some key characteristics with the 53-cap Brazilian international.

Lavia has great defensive awareness and reads the game well, being described as "head and shoulders" above any of Southampton's other players this season – albeit that is a very low bar – and being praised for his "professionalism" and "consistency".

Valued at more than £40m by the Saints per Romano, that could well prove to be a steal in an inflated transfer market, especially for a player who is just 19 with a year of top-flight experience under his belt already.

Lavia could provide Arsenal with significant defensive stability in the absence of Partey, as well as being a cheaper alternative should Declan Rice join Man City.

Aston Villa could sign "monster" in £25m swoop

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a Premier League ace, as the Villans bid to take the squad to the next level this summer.

It’s expected to be a busy transfer window for Unai Emery and newly appointed president of football operations Monchi, who have experienced successful business escapades together while at Sevilla.

The latest link could pose to be a significant upgrade to the squad and become the second signing snatched from a newly relegated side, with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans in agreement to join the club at the expiration of his contract.

Leeds United could be forced to sell one of their stars this summer, after suffering relegation to the Championship, as Villa eye midfielder Tyler Adams.

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, the American international’s future has been ‘enquired’ about by the Midlands side, with Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest all interested.

The report states that Leeds have valued the 24-year-old at £25m with interested clubs said to be weighing up bids.

What could Tyler Adams offer to Aston Villa?

Lauded as a “monster” by ex-defender Alexi Lalas, the former RB Leipzig ace made a huge impact in his debut Premier League season, after signing for Leeds from the Bundesliga side last summer.

Despite his best efforts, the New York-born talent was unable to steer the Whites away from relegation, and with Championship football confirmed for next term, the end of his time at Elland Road already looks in sight.

While Leeds’ relegation is upsetting for most in Yorkshire, the timing comes as good news for Villa, who could snatch a true destroyer in midfield by swiping the talent.

The 24-year-old could pose to be a shining light in Emery’s set-up, posing similar attributes to a fellow defensive midfielder already at the club.

Douglas Luiz ranked as Villa’s top performer this campaign via Sofascore, maintaining an average match rating of 7.10 acting as the Villans colossus in midfield.

douglas-luiz-aston-villa-premier-league

Emery could repeat the success of the Brazilian at Villa Park by signing Adams, who has performed at a similar level in the engine room this campaign.

As per Sofascore, the £57k-per-week gem averaged a monstrous 3.7 tackles per game with a win rate of 57% of his total duels, cementing his claim to being the controller in deep midfield.

Luiz showed strengths in mirrored attributes to the 24-year-old, averaging two tackles per game and a 52% win rate of his total duels as the enforcer in Emery’s side.

The two fared almost identically in terms of their rate of interceptions with Adams averaging 1.5 to Luiz’s 1.1 per game, with both players also providing a positive outlet going forward, with the Brazilian averaging 1.2 key passes to the Leeds ace’s one per match.

Emery could have the recipe to create the perfect duo of midfield operators, in adding a Premier League-proven whizz in the engine room to his squad. Indeed, it would perhaps be a signing that could prove to be a replica of his middle of the park general.

Liverpool Could Forget Thuram With Swoop For £25m Saviour

Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is hoping to bolster their midfield with Bayern Munich ace Ryan Gravenberch this summer after failing in their seasonal goals and missing out on Champions League qualification.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?

That's according to prominent German outlet BILD, who claim that reports of the Reds' interest indeed ring true and manager Jurgen Klopp has maintained his interest with the summer transfer window now officially open.

There are reports that the ace is available for just £25m after failing to cement a regular starting berth with the German champions this season, signing from Ajax for €24m (£20m) one year ago.

A prospective transfer is complicated by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel's unwillingness to allow his budding midfield machine to leave despite his lack of minutes, but if the Reds can put forth a compelling offer he could yet leave the Allianz Arena to play a central role in Liverpool's revival.

Should Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?

As the adage goes: if it rains at eleven it will last til seven. Liverpool's spluttering season resulted in a failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons, and was exacerbated by the unwanted news of Jude Bellingham's magnetising to Real Madrid after heavy speculation surrounding his future at Borussia Dortmund – speculation that pointed largely towards Merseyside.

It wasn't to be and the Kop have made a shrewd early move to rectify the woes by signing Alexis Mac Allister for a bargain £35m earlier this month, and considering the fact that Gravenberch has been described to be "better than Jude Bellingham" by ex-Tottenham Hotspur gem Rafael van der Vaart, Liverpool could be plying the astute work necessary to return to the top.

Having also been praised as "dominant" by his former coach, Gravenberch only started three times in the German top flight and will expect an upturn in playing time next term if he does remain with Bayern.

ryan-gravenberch-transfer-liverpool-opinion-premier-league

The 11-cap star, despite his inactivity, still ranks among the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 23% for progressive passes, the top 26% for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90 as per FBref.

And provided the platform to cement a position of salience at Anfield, Gravenberch would surely only see such metrics skyrocket, becoming the club's saviour after a lacklustre year for Klopp's side.

He could be the dream alternative to Khephren Thuram, who has been of heavy attention to the Anfield side this summer, with the likes of Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Nice ace is on the shortlist as a physical presence to strengthen the robustness of the club.

Comparatively, the Frenchman ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, which is unequivocally impressive.

Thuram is indeed a "monster" of a midfielder – as stated by Sam McGuire – but he is allegedly available for around €60m (£51m), and considering this, Gravenberch is surely the more auspicious option.

Evidently just as talented and available at a far cheaper rate, Schmadtke and co must consider such a player to bolster their ranks.

Everton "Informed" On Deal For £51k-p/w Drogba-Esque Striker

Everton are “informed” on the situation of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Moussa Dembele leaving Lyon?

The Frenchman first arrived at the Groupama Stadium from Celtic back in 2018 and since joining, he’s gone on to make a total of 172 appearances under Laurent Blanc, but he’s now on the lookout for his next destination after it was confirmed that he would be leaving upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this month.

The Ligue 1 centre-forward is no stranger to the English top-flight having carried out a spell at Fulham between 2012-2016, and after making himself available on the market, there’s a chance that he could be set to return having caught the eye of Sean Dyche, but not for the first time.

Back in January, The Mirror (via Goodison News) reported that the Toffees were in talks to sign the 26-year-old but a deal failed to come to fruition, though with him now set to cost nothing to recruit, the boss has been put on alert once again as he weighs up whether to make a second attempt at bringing him to Merseyside.

Are Everton signing Dembele?

Taking to Twitter, Romano name-checked Everton as one of the clubs interested in striking a deal for Dembele following his departure from Lyon. He wrote:

“Moussa Dembele has been approached by several clubs after leaving OL as free agent. Understand Everton and Galatasaray are both informed on conditions of the deal, while Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on Moussa's situation.”

Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

Should Dyche make another move for Dembele?

Everton are clearly serious about signing Dembele to be considering another approach and it’s no surprise given Dyche's penchant for playing with a classic number nine. Dembele was previously dubbed the “New Didier Drogba” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so with the centre-forward being free, it would be an absolute bargain of a deal and one that Dyche should 100% revisit.

The Adidas-sponsored star, who pockets £51k-per-week, clocked up 89 goal contributions (70 goals and 19 assists) in 172 Lyon appearances and standing at 6 foot tall, makes an ideal target man, averaging 1.3 aerial wins per league game last season, a number that rises to 3 if you take it per 90 minutes.

Finally, Dembele, who has the versatility to operate as a second striker alongside his natural role up top, already knows what it takes to compete and be successful having secured ten trophies at club level throughout his career, so would be able to instill a much-need positive mindset and winning mentality to the squad at Goodison Park.

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