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Everton’s social media are having a tough time of it at the moment.

In fairness, it is never easy to operate an account when the team in question is performing poorly, which is the case for Everton.

Indeed, the Toffees have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, including their last three in the Premier League.

Marco Silva should surely be getting a lot more out of the group of players.

However, it seems to be more of a collective issue.

Next up for the Merseyside outfit is a trip to Cardiff City on February 26 and a defeat in that game would lead to serious questions being asked.

Everton’s Twitter account attempted to raise the spirits of the fans with a message about Lucas Digne on Monday, but it did not go down very well.

Indeed, not too many of the supporters were pleased with the amount of smiling faces that they saw on the training ground due to the team’s current form.

A selection of the reaction can be seen below:

Newcastle United must prepare for the departure of star man Allan Saint-Maximin this summer – and may need to take a risk on his replacement.

What’s the word?

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Newcastle’s star forward is expected to be sold this summer, with the fee received expected to be pumped back into Eddie Howe’s squad.

Among the Frenchman’s mooted replacements are Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, while Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe has also been linked with a switch to St. James’ Park this season.

However, in a recent interview with Football Insider, Ex Leeds United forward Noel Whelan claimed that a move for the Gunners attacker would be something of a risk.

Speaking about the Magpies’ potential interest in the 26-year-old, Whelan said: “A loan move may be something that Newcastle might fancy. These are the sort of players they will be targeting. He could turn his career around and end up being that big-ticket player. But right now, it’s a gamble.”

Bye-bye Saint-Maximin

Saint-Maximin has yet again proved his importance this season in more ways than one.

His five goals and three assists have been imperative in Newcastle’s bid to secure Premier League survival, though it’s his dribbling and ball carrying ability that have been the biggest positive for the Magpies.

It comes as no surprise that the 25-year-old ranks top of the Newcastle squad for successful dribbles per match with 4.3. Quite simply, his ability on the ball is often the catalyst for his side’s counterattacks, with the £28.8m-rated forward by far and away being the most efficient carrier of the ball.

However, while losing a player of Saint-Maximin’s calibre would certainly come as a huge blow to the Magpies, they could employ a like-for-like replacement in Nicolas Pepe – the Arsenal winger who has struggled to live up to his enormous transfer fee since signing from Lille in 2019.

Although he has faced scrutiny, he has not exactly been a flop in England thus far. The potential has always been there, with his end product on display for all to see just last season – when he bagged an impressive 10 goals over just 29 appearances for the Gunners.

Indeed, his £72m fee has arguably been his biggest enemy during his time in England, but a move to Newcastle for a rumoured fee of £25m could release the reins for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international.

Pepe is a technical player, just like Saint-Maximin, who thrives in possession, more specifically within the attacking third. With around 35 touches in the attacking third per 90, he ranks in the 93rd percentile amongst positionally similar players within Europe’s top 5 leagues over the past 365 days.

For context, Saint-Maximin is ranked within the 81st percentile with around 23 touches in the attacking third per 90.

In this aspect, the £140k-per-week Pepe who Joe Cole claimed “makes things happen” would serve as an upgrade for his composure in the final third.

He may be a risk to some, but the underlying stats suggest that the Arsenal winger has everything it takes to replace Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United – leading us to believe that PIF must take a chance on Pepe this summer.

In other news: Fee agreed: NUFC now already set to seal 1st summer signing, Howe surely over the moon

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a late setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa this evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Birmingham Live), Steven Gerrard revealed that all three of Marvelous Nakamba, Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings will be available for selection for the visit of Spurs on Saturday, as the trio have returned to training after recovering from their respective injuries.

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Regarding the current state of his squad, the 41-year-old Villa manager said: “We’re likely to make some changes. We’re nearly at full health. Marvelous Nakamba was one we’ve been waiting for and he’s had 60 minutes in the U23s and a strong week, so he’ll come into the squad.

“Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings picked up niggles from Wolves. Tyrone trained yesterday and he’s been ok, so he’s available. Emi Buendia trained today and assuming there’s no reaction from [Friday’s] session, he’ll be available. That makes us virtually full strength.”

Conte will be gutted

Considering how important both Buendia and Mings in particular have been for Villa so far this season, the news that the duo will be fit to face Spurs this evening is sure to have left Antonio Conte gutted.

Indeed, over Buendia’s 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £31.5m-rated winger has been in excellent form for Gerrard’s side, scoring two goals, registering four assists and creating six big chances for his team-mates. These returns have seen the 25-year-old average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.95, ranking him as Villa’s joint third-best player in the top flight.

Meanwhile, over Mings’ 28 league outings, the £28.8m-rated centre-back has also been in fine form, helping his side to keep nine clean sheets, scoring one goal and registering three assists. These metrics have seen the 29-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as his club’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League.

As such, it is clear to see that the availability of the duo, in addition to the further return of Nakamba – who has not featured for Villa since December as a result of a knee injury – will come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s chances of leaving the Midlands with all three points later, with a loss undoubtedly putting a huge dent in Spurs’ top-four hopes this season.

AND in other news: Conte must ruthlessly axe “struggling” £62k-p/w Spurs liability, he “isn’t the answer”

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood cut an anonymous figure as the northeast giants secured a dramatic, last-gasp 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies’ winter signing Bruno Guimaraes headed home a fortune cross from Joe Willock in stoppage time to move further clear of the drop zone and it was his second of the game as he cancelled out Ademola Lookman’s opener on the half-hour mark.

Barring any late collapse, Eddie Howe’s side are surely safe and secure, but for all of the positives at St James’ Park, the performance from the New Zealand talisman is surely cause for concern as his barren spell in front of goal continued.

After United splashed out on his £20m release clause, the 30-year-old has scored only two goals across 13 appearances and the Foxes win was another reminder of his ineffectiveness when not playing to his strengths.

As per SofaScore, Wood registered the fewest touches of any starting member of either team, managing only 16 across 69 minutes on the pitch – even goalkeepers Martin Dubravka (31) and Kasper Schmeichel (36) managed more.

His lack of involvement as the Magpies’ lowest-rated player on the day meant that he saw just one shot all game and it was off target. By comparison, match-winner Guimaraes had four shots on target by himself.

Wood also managed only five passes from his 12 attempts, meaning he misplaced the ball 58% of this time, on top of losing possession eight times (50% of his touches), which is rather appalling.

Newcastle World described the frontman as having a “quiet afternoon” in their post-match ratings column, whilst The Sheids Gazette claimed he “failed to threaten in front of goal.”

The £72k-per-week striker, who has previously been described as “frightening” in training by former teammate Scott Malone, was anything but that against the Foxes on Sunday – Howe should be concerned.

AND in other news, Newcastle could finally axe shocking £55k-p/w liability with £40.5m-rated “tank”…

Renowned Sunderland podcasters Roker Report have been left buzzing over some news that has now emerged involving one of the club’s youth teams.

The Lowdown: U15s triumph

As shared on Twitter, the Stadium of Light faithful’s U15 team won the Northern Floodlight Cup on Thursday.

They beat Premier League outfit Manchester United in the final, in what was a big triumph for the young Black Cats.

The Latest: Podcaster reacts

Taking to Twitter, Roker Report buzzed over the news of the youngsters celebrating their trophy win:

“Sunderland celebrating a trophy win whilst Man Utd look on. Things you love to see! Haway the young Lads!”

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Wearsiders have won the Cup ahead of a club like Man Utd, with the difference in level of resources that they have available that runs through to youth level, is certainly exciting for SAFC and their supporters.

First-team manager Alex Neil will be hoping to see some of these youngsters develop over the next few years to a level that would make him consider them for the senior squad, and the fans will be eager to see more from their homegrown talents.

Nonetheless, this is a victory that the whole club can get behind, and it certainly bodes well for the future, as it seemingly looks like a promising next generation of talent is starting to come through.

In other news, find out what fresh Sunderland blow has now emerged before Cambridge United here!

Arsenal have been offered a couple of late solutions to their nightmare search for a new striker…

What’s the word?

According to CBS Sports reporter James Benge, who delivered a fresh update on the Gunners’ pressing situation ahead of the January transfer window deadline at 11pm.

‘The Gunners have also been offered several players on loan this month, including Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic and Mehdi Taremi of Porto, and are working to upgrade Arteta’s strikeforce before the transfer window closes Monday night,’ he wrote.

Late business inbound?

It appears as if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is about to stay at the club after a loan move to Barcelona fell through but his future at the club is by no means certain after he was stripped of the captaincy in early December.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract in the summer, so manager Mikel Arteta could be really light on options heading into next season.

You’d have to call into question the attitudes of all three players if they feel as if they have no future in north London, too, so the Spanish head coach desperately needs additions before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Therefore. it’s encouraging to learn that they have been offered potential solutions, especially after missing out on several key targets.

For instance, Dusan Vlavhovic opted for Juventus instead, whilst Jonathan David isn’t going anywhere until the summer. Meanwhile, a late move for Raul de Tomas appears to be way out of stretch financially.

Whether Jovic or Taremi are the answer remains to be seen but further options to this squad are definitely needed. If Aubameyang departed, then that would have been their sixth exit of the window, all without a single signing.

That’s a troubling prospect but this latest update gives some hope to the Emirates Stadium faithful.

AND in other news, David Ornstein has bad news for Arsenal fans on deadline day…

Carlton Palmer has slammed the West Brom board for allowing Sam Johnstone to leave the club as a free agent. 

The lowdown: Johnstone attracting interest

A report from the Daily Mail has claimed that the 29-year-old goalkeeper is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Southampton this summer.

Set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), Johnstone seems certain to end a four-year permanent spell at The Hawthorns at the end of the current campaign. Indeed, Steve Bruce has acknowledged that the ‘keeper will be on his way out of Albion once the season ends.

The anti-climactic ending to Johnstone’s West Brom career has been criticised by one former England international…

The latest: Palmer criticises West Brom

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Palmer – who works as a pundit for the BBC – has slammed the club’s decision to allow the England ace to leave for nothing.

He fumed: “They’re going to lose Sam Johnstone on a free, which is crazy business. Why not let Sam Johnstone go last season if you’re not going to get him to sign a new contract? Why not let him go and get £10m-£12m for him rather than let him go on a free, it’s just crazy.”

The verdict: Bang on the money

Whilst keeping the three-cap England goalkeeper was perceived as a positive having suffered relegation last year, without the prospect of an instant return to the top flight it now appears to be a major oversight from the West Brom hierarchy.

Last summer, West Ham saw a reported £10m bid for the stopper rejected by the Midlands club, money which would now go a long way towards funding a much-needed squad overhaul.

Moreover, Bruce may need to replace Johnstone as first-choice at The Hawthorns, with neither David Button nor Alex Palmer seemingly up to the task based on the concession of 20 goals in their 10 combined Albion appearances so far this season.

In other news, West Brom have been backed to sign a Premier League midfielder. Read more here.

A huge Newcastle United claim has been dropped regarding Fabian Schar’s future at St James’ Park…

What’s the talk?

According to i News reporter Mark Douglas, the centre-back is eager to put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club.

The report claimed that there have been positive talks between the two parties in the midst of interest from clubs in Serie A. It is said that the Swiss defender’s wages will not be an issue for PIF as they attempt to prevent him from leaving for nothing at the end of his current deal in the summer.

Elation

This news will surely leave Eddie Howe elated, as keeping Schar heading into the 2022/23 campaign will be a major boost to his Newcastle squad.

The Switzerland international is now in his fourth season for the Magpies and is currently a regular starter alongside Dan Burn at the back. Schar has started 10 league games in 2022 and only lost two of them, scoring one goal and setting up another whilst helping his side to record three clean sheets, which shows the impressive form he is enjoying at the moment.

In the 2018/19 campaign, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.14 as he scored four goals in 24 top-flight appearances. The centre-back averaged a whopping 5.3 tackles and interceptions per game in that campaign as he showcased his defensive prowess for the Toon.

He is a proven Premier League performer who also has the ability in possession to be a part of a progressive system moving forward. As per FBRef, he ranks in the 91st percentile for attacking touches, 81st for dribbles completed, 97th for assists and 82nd for shot-creating actions amongst centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days.

This shows that he has the quality in possession to do more than just clear danger and worry about the next attack to defend. For example, Jamaal Lascelles ranks in the 12th percentile for dribbling, 30th for assists and 12th for shot-creating actions, as per FBRef, suggesting that he is not as influential in possession in comparison to Schar.

Therefore, Howe will be buzzing to retain the 30-year-old, and this news suggests that the defender will be staying at St James’ Park beyond the end of the current season. The ex-Bournemouth coach will surely be eager to lean on him again at the heart of his defence next term, both for his out-and-out defending and his use of the ball to build attacks for Newcastle.

AND in other news, NUFC eye £49.5m-rated “phenomenon” who’s a “work of art”, he’d ignite St James’ Park…

While deadline day of the 2022 January transfer window may have been a quiet one for Aston Villa in terms of new players coming in after seeing the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, Robin Olsen and Calum Chambers make their way to Villa Park earlier in the window, the Midlands club managed to secure a loan deal for one of their current players.

Left-back Matt Targett joined fellow Premier League side Newcastle United on a temporary move until the end of the season, presumably as a result of seeing Digne take his place in the team after his arrival from Everton.

While it is just a loan deal, there’s every possibility that Newcastle would be interested in signing him on a permanent basis if he manages to impress from now until the end of the season.

If that were to happen and Villa did work out a deal with the Tyneside club in the summer to let them keep the 26-year-old permanently, Gerrard could already have an ideal replacement for the defender that wouldn’t cost the club a penny.

After joining Villa’s youth academy from Exeter City’s U18 side back in August 2020, 18-year-old left-back Ben Chrisene has gone on to make a total of 32 appearances for the Midlands club across their U18, U23 and senior sides.

He’s chipped in with two goals and three assists along the way,  showing the attacking talent he has and how highly rated he is by the coaching staff at Villa.

Back in December, the youngster was promoted to train with the first team, once again showing how highly thought of he is at Bodymoor Heath.

Last month saw the teenager, who has been described as being a “mini Gareth Barry” by Villa journalist Ashley Preece in the past, put pen to paper on a new contract at the Midlands club, with academy manager Mark Harrison saying that the deal “will hopefully give him the platform to work towards that transition of becoming a first-team player.”

With that in mind, if Targett were to end up leaving the club on a permanent basis in the summer, this could pave the way for Chrisene to make his mark in the team and eventually rival Digne for a place in Gerrard’s side in the future and become a new hero at Villa Park.

In other news: Gerrard’s £125k-p/w January transfer gamble could come back to haunt Aston Villa – opinion

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to retain the services of Francisco Trincao for the remainder of the season.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent claim made by Bruno Lage, with the Wolves manager suggesting in comments made to Birmingham Live that he expects the Barcelona loanee to remain at Molineux until at least the end of the current campaign.

Earlier reports had claimed that, following Xavi’s appointment as Ronald Koeman’s successor at Barcelona, the Spaniard wanted the 22-year-old to return to the Camp Nou ahead of the second half of the Spanish season.

However, with a matter of days now remaining in the January transfer window, and, at present, the LaLiga side having not acted upon Xavi’s apparent desire for the return of the Portugal international, it would seem as if Trincao will remain with Lage’s side beyond the end of the month.

Speaking about the future of the winger, the 45-year-old manager said: “I’m thinking about him until the end of the season.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Trincao has not exactly been in the most prolific form in front of goal this season, having so far failed to find the back of the net or provide a single assist over his 17 Premier League appearances, the fact that Barcelona look as if they will not be recalling the winger in January is nevertheless sure to leave Wolves fans buzzing.

Indeed, with Adama Traore being heavily linked with a move away from Molineux this month, the £19.8m-rated Trincao will undoubtedly be handed a much more prominent role in Lage’s first-team squad – should the Spaniard go on to seal his switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

While it is true that the £131k-per-week winger has featured regularly for Wolves since his move to the club last summer, only 12 of his total league outings have come as starts, while the 22-year-old has also completed 90 minutes of a Premier League match just once.

As such, with Traore out of the picture, Trincao will likely be handed a greater share of minutes in the Wolves side, something which should, in theory, see the forward begin to make his mark with both goals and assists for the club – something that will undoubtedly be an outcome both Lage and fans would love.

In other news: Wolves now eyeing late swoop for “special” £23.4m-rated beast, Lage would love him