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Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that Everton and David Moyes are a match made in heaven.

Moyes made the Toffees top-six regulars during his first spell, leading the club into the Champions League for the first time ever, although they failed to qualify before he left to become the manager of Manchester United in 2012.

He’s managed Sunderland and Real Sociedad since then, and the 58-year-old is now being strongly linked with a sensational return to Goodison Park following Carlo Ancelotti’s recent departure.

The Scot’s contract at West Ham expires later this month but he’s widely expected to pen a new long-term contract at the London Stadium, which would likely end any speculation of him going back to Everton.

Ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and Nuno Espirito Santo have both been mentioned as possible replacements for Ancelotti, but Sanchez exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that none are better suited than Moyes:

“I think having seen what he’s done at West Ham this year, it’s a match made in heaven. His record at Everton was second to none and on the back of that, got the Old Trafford job.

“That would be a good fit for him. He knows the club inside out and now I think he will have a wage bill, and the launch of a new stadium, for him, I see that as an ideal match, and he hasn’t signed for West Ham yet.”

This forms part of our Loan Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse how one club’s player is doing on loan based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: January loan

Ellis Simms was sent out on loan to Hearts by Everton in the January transfer window and has since scored six goals in 16 games across all competitions for the Scottish Premiership outfit (Transfermarkt).

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It has been reported that Farhad Moshiri is now plotting a ‘major’ overhaul of the squad in the summer, including potentially selling both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, so the majority owner at Goodison Park will now have to decide what to do with Simms once he comes back from his loan spell in Edinburgh.

The Latest: Simms scores

After coming off of the bench in the 72nd minute, Simms ended up scoring the winner for Hearts just 11 minutes later as they beat Dundee United 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in their first game after the late-season Premiership split.

The striker, who also achieved a 100% pass success rate in his short cameo, made an instant impact, and looks to be blossoming into a fine player at just 21 years of age.

The Verdict: Keep him!

If Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are sold, and Everton find themselves relegated from the Premier League, Frank Lampard’s team must be looking to keep Simms in the senior squad for next season.

The youngster made his plenty of goals already at youth level, so he has already shown his credentials to play more regularly for the club.

Nonetheless, his performances and goals for Hearts are surely giving Moshiri a headache as he weighs up whether to sell Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, which in turn would then potentially open up a pathway for Simms.

In other news, find out which Toffees duo were deemed ’embarrassing’ against Liverpool

Manchester City fans were livid with the WhoScored Champions League Team of the Week.

On Tuesday, the Citizens secured their passage to the final of Europe’s premier club competition thanks to a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain – 4-1 on aggregate – as Riyad Mahrez netted both goals. It was a controlled performance from Pep Guardiola’s men, and they will now face Chelsea in the showpiece in Istanbul on May 29th after they defeated Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate.

After the win, five City players were named in the Team of the Week, compared to six from the Blues. The likes of Fernandinho and Ederson were omitted from the team, and it is fair to say the Citizens supporters did not agree with the selection from WhoScored.

The team was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what the Man City fans had to say below

“No @fernandinho and @DeBruyneKev.!? This is a joke”

Credit: @Malosha_Esq

“@WhoScored, once again, your rating system for defenders is horrendous, rubbish, and an utter garbage. Fix it I beg!”

Credit: @ArpJann

“Joke”

Credit: @kundunduscharm

“Jorginho over Fernandinho, gundogan and Bernardo? I’m convinced these ratings make absolutely no sense”

Credit: @ollieda25587601

“Absolute nonsense .. KDB & Fernandinho had a fantastic week”

Credit: @Why_Rizmyth

“I never believe what this site post, Dias 7, when he should get 10. Rubbish!”

Credit: @nwanneka_omeche

In other news, Man City fans are livid at this Man United legend.

Tottenham Hotspur could yet move for a centre-back on deadline day…

What’s the word?

The north London outfit are closing in on the double swoop for Juventus duo Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski but it appears they may not be done just yet with hours left to go in the window.

That’s according to reliable Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who delivered an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT today. He said:

“At centre-back, I believe – effectively – we could see a rabbit out of the hat. But that could hinge on outgoings.”

Much-needed addition

Spurs manager Antonio Conte is adding some solid depth to his Spurs squad in the aforementioned signings  – the Uruguay international adds a better option in the engine room with club-record flop Tanguy Ndombele on his way out, whilst the Swede offers a hugely versatile presence in the attack.

However, that isn’t enough if he’s to truly get the north London outfit back in the top four. The Italian head coach has already worked his magic, losing only one league game since his arrival in November, so just imagine what he could do with a couple more additions.

It’s thought that he requested signings in three priority positions, whilst there has always been suggestions of a desire to bolster his backline, where the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga have struggled to look the part in recent months.

Spurs have been linked to a number of options in the role, including Conte’s ex-Inter beast Stefan de Vrij, Milan’s arch-rival captain Alessio Romagnoli and sensationally, Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, who sporting director Fabio Paratici has signed before.

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All three would be outstanding additions to Spurs’ squad but time is running out if they are to secure any one of them, if not any other central defender.

If the Lilywhites can land Conte a new colossus late on in the January transfer window, then both he and the fanbase will surely be absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Spurs eye club-record swoop BEFORE deadline, it’s Conte’s dream signing…

VfL Bochum, who are said to be interested in signing Ianis Hagi from Glasgow Rangers this summer, secured promotion to the Bundesliga on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Bochum want Hagi

The Romania international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Gers over the past few weeks, with Sevilla and Lazio in particular mentioned as potential suitors (via The Glasgow Times).

Sport recently reported that German outfit Bochum were also eager to sign the £5.4m-valued 22-year-old.

The Latest: Bochum secure promotion

Bochum have long since been on the verge of a return to the German top flight and they secured a spot in next season’s Bundesliga thanks to a 3-1 win over Sandhausen on Sunday.

As such, they may have become a more attractive destination for Hagi this summer.

The Verdict: Better chance of playing

Since making the move to Ibrox in January 2020, initially on loan before joining permanently just under a year ago, Hagi has done relatively well under Steven Gerrard. In 58 matches in all competitions, he has 11 goals and 17 assists despite not always being a guaranteed starter (Transfermarkt).

However, there have been rumours with regards to his potential departure, and there could well be more transfer interest in him over the next few months.

While Sevilla and Lazio are both attractive propositions and will be playing European football next term, Hagi will have to complete with plenty of top players at those clubs to feature on a regular basis. At Bochum, however, he could have the chance to become a star player and be the man to whom his teammates look for inspiration. It is certainly not a move to be ruled out.

In other news, some Rangers fans demand this politician’s resignation.

A big update has emerged over Tottenham target Miralem Pjanic, regarding how much Barcelona want for his services…

What’s the talk?

According to Mundo Deportivo, as transcribed by AS, Barcelona are preparing to allow Tottenham target Miralem Pjanic to leave on a free transfer. The Spanish giants are willing to part ways with the Bosnian, and Samuel Umtiti, for nothing in order to finance a contract extension for Lionel Messi.

Spurs are reportedly looking at Pjanic as a potential target as they weigh up midfield changes this summer following Nuno Santo’s arrival at the club from Wolves.

Fans will be elated

Tottenham fans will be elated after reading this update on the midfielder. Barcelona are sacrificing a transfer fee for Pjanic’s services in order to deal with their own finances and Spurs could benefit from that by swooping in and snapping him up for a bargain.

Fabio Paratici could add an experienced, quality, midfield option to Santo’s squad without paying a penny in transfer fees for him, which could be a big boost for the London club.

Fans would be delighted to see a player of his pedigree walk through the door on the cheap. Pjanic has proven his quality at the top level over the past decade or so, playing in La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A.

Across 13 campaigns in Europe’s top five leagues, the 31-year-old has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.13 – highlighting his quality. He has been able to remain consistent over the course of a number of years and that bodes well for a transfer to England, as he has been able to adapt throughout his career.

The Athletic’s Ralph Honigstein once lauded the Bosnian as “world-class” and former Roma coach Rudi Garcia labelled him as a genius for his ability from set-pieces.

He said:

“I am very happy for Adem Ljajic, and I knew at the break we’d probably struggle on set plays. Other than those, we weren’t really allowing any chances.

“How did we resolve the situation? Gave Pjanic the ball and watched him score a genius free kick.”

The £270k-per-week gem, therefore, could be an exceptional signing for Spurs this summer. He could come in and add a new dimension to the midfield dynamic, with no Tottenham midfielder able to reach a WhoScored rating of 7.00 or higher in the Premier League last term.

This is why Spurs fans would love to see the Barcelona man at the club next season, with his amazing set-pieces and metronomic play in midfield potentially improving the club’s chances of competing for a Champions League place as his recent performances have proved that he is a level above Santo’s current midfield options.

The fact that such a top player, one who Spurs are said to be interested in, is available for free should be music to the ears of Tottenham fans, now it’s up to Paratici to get a deal done.

AND in other news, Spurs submit official bid to land 16 G/A dynamo, he’s an upgrade on Steven Bergwijn…

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that Liam Kelly has left the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on a permanent basis.

What’s the latest?

In a short statement posted on the QPR website, the club confirmed that the 25-year-old goalkeeper has joined Graham Alexander’s Motherwell side on a permanent basis, following his loan spell at the Scottish club at the back end of last season.

The shot-stopper had looked set to join the Scottish Premiership side for a number of months, with Alexander revealing back in May that he and his side were in talks with the Championship club regarding the transfer of the Scot.

And, following the completion of the deal, QPR thanked the former Scotland U21 international for his service to the club, before wishing him well for the future.

Warburton will be buzzing

Having joined QPR from Livingston back in the summer of 2019, it would appear a fair statement to make that Kelly did not quite live up to expectations during his time south of the border.

Indeed, in his first season at the club, the 25-year-old featured in 19 Championship games for Mark Warburton’s side, keeping three clean sheets and conceding 29 goals, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

These appearances would turn out to be the only league games the £360k-rated ‘keeper would feature in for QPR, with Kelly falling behind both Joe Lumley and Seny Dieng last term, before being loaned out to Motherwell in January.

And, considering the fact that the man Alexander dubbed a “fantastic” shot-stopper was earning a hefty £7k-per-week in west London, as well as giving a rather frank interview regarding his desire to leave the club earlier this summer, the fact that Warburton has been able to secure the ‘keeper a move away from the Rs is sure to have left the 58-year-old buzzing as he looks to build a squad capable of pushing for promotion next season.

In other news: QPR make approach for “excellent” £4.1k-p/w beast, Warburton will be buzzing

West Brom’s correspondent for The Athletic, Steve Madeley, shared a story on Valerien Ismael’s midfield options on Monday.

And a number of West Brom fans were quick to react to his Twitter post as a result.

The Baggies ran out 3-0 winners against Bristol City on Saturday but were without central midfield regulars Jake Livermore and Alex Mowatt.

Livermore was suspended and Mowatt injured, which meant Ismael used Robert Snodgrass and Jayson Molumby. The pair impressed against The Robins, with Ismael labelling Snodgrass as man of the match.

Madeley looked into the possibility of Snodgrass and Molumby starting alongside each other again when West Brom travel to promotion rivals Fulham this weekend.

He labelled the idea of Albion going into a game without Livermore and Mowatt as ‘unthinkable’ prior to the weekend.

However, it now feels as if that might happen after the positive displays from Snodgrass and Molumby.

Baggies fans react

This is what these West Brom supporters had to say in reply to Madeley, with many hoping Livermore doesn’t return to the side.

“Livermore’s suspension was the best thing that could have happened. He doesn’t offer anything and can’t pass. Mowatt would relish playing with Molumby/Snoddy next to him.”

Credit: @Jackk_Ross

“Was only unthinkable if you hadn’t got eyes. The fact that this pairing only happened by chance and not by choice is somewhat baffling and maybe even scary.”

Credit: @wezzaboing74

“About time Livermore is phased out of the starting XI. All he does is fall to his knees when other players score. How got like 10 games for England is completely beyond me”

Credit: @JoelDMendez

“Only unthinkable to fans who don’t understand football. Its been obvious all season Livermore doesn’t offer anywhere near enough in a 2 man midfield. The fact he is constantly diving in is enough to demonstrate that.”

Credit: @AdKido44

“Always look better without Livermore”

Credit: @Jaywba1982

“I don’t know what Livermore brings to the side and can’t tell you what sort of player he is, about time he was dislodged from the side”

Credit: @RyanPGlasgow

Celtic haven’t had much fortune in the early stages of the season.

In fact, it’s been a wretched start to Ange Postecoglou’s reign as Hoops manager at Parkhead. They were beaten in their first league clash and will head to the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon licking their wounds.

That said, this has been a productive week for Celtic. They have signed James McCarthy who was a free agent while they’ve also welcomed Joe Hart through the door.

The former has been left behind in Glasgow but Postecoglou has received a massive boost with Hart among the travelling party.

It has been hinted that he could make his debut in their Europa League qualifier just days after putting pen to paper.

The boss commented: “He’s been training well with his club and he was also really keen to come in straight away.

“I gave him a little bit of an option that he could stay back in Glasgow. But Joe made it pretty clear he wanted to come across and join in training immediately.

“I’ll assess him in training and we’ll take it from there.”

If Hart does indeed start against Jablonec, then it will be huge for their chances in the match.

After all, the current goalkeeper situation at Paradise is far from fruitful. Vasilis Barkas made a huge error against Midtjylland, failing to save a free-kick that went through his hands and then found the net.

Scott Bain has also been lacking confidence. Despite becoming the club’s number 1 option between the sticks last season, he isn’t a reliable figure.

The Scot proved as much when Celtic took on Hearts last weekend. A late free-kick was hoisted into the penalty area which Bain started to move towards his back post in order to stop.

However, John Souttar rose above Bitton and headed the ball past the goalkeeper who was standing in no man’s land.

With the pair already making costly mistakes this season, Postecoglou must look to Hart from the get-go in order to hand his side the best chance of qualifying for the Europa League group stages.

The former England international is a seasoned pro with plenty of continental experience under his belt. He will know exactly what it means on Thursday evening. The manager will be elated to have him available.

AND in other news, Celtic could sign their new Henrik Larsson in “outstanding” 24-cap “animal”…

The new Premier League campaign is already three games old and Leicester City have made a solid, if not spectacular, start.

A tally of six points from a possible nine is a respectable total for Brendan Rodgers’ charges, although their performances at times have left a lot to be desired.

Victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Wolves in their top-flight curtain-raiser were followed by a humiliating 4-1 defeat by West Ham United.

Despite the Foxes bouncing back well via a narrow win over newly-promoted Norwich City, several members of Rodgers’ first-team squad need to step their game up following the international break.

One of those who has significantly underperformed for the Midlands outfit is Caglar Soyuncu.

The Turkey international gifted the Hammers possession leading directly to one of their goals before hauling Pierre Lees-Melou down in the 18-yard box to gift Norwich a penalty at Carrow Road.

As per SofaScore, the 25-year-old received an average match rating of just 6.50 out of 10 for his three Premier League appearances, the 14th lowest amongst his teammates.

And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why. Soyuncu has lost possession a whopping 39 times in just 270 minutes of action, won just 50% of his duels and made one error leading directly to a goal.

The former Freiburg defender was also underwhelming when in possession, producing only 0.7 dribbles per game and pulling off only 32% of his attempted long passes.

With Wesley Fofana and Jonny Evans out injured and Jannik Vestergaard settling into his new surroundings, Soyuncu was the senior centre-back for Rodgers throughout August.

However, his sub-par performances let the Northern Irish tactician down and both will be expected an upturn in form when the league season resumes next weekend.

And, in other news…Dreadful £60k-p/w Leicester man who made just 41 passes endured a torrid August