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Everton will host Leicester City at Goodison Park this evening following a ten-day break to continue their pursuit for safety in the Premier League this season.

Frank Lampard will surely be hoping the much-needed rest for his team ahead of their remaining fixtures will give his team an advantage against their opponents this evening, and taking all three points from the game would put them even further ahead in their relegation battle.

The squad has seen another huge boost as two players will return from injury issues, with the Toffees boss confirming that Donny Van de Beek and Yerry Mina will be in contention to feature in the clash with the Foxes this evening.

With that being said, Lampard must unleash Van de Beek, putting the midfielder straight back into the starting line-up following his absence, to put pressure on Leicester’s defence.

The £22.5m-rated star who was hailed “unselfish” by Owen Hargreaves, sustained a small grade thigh injury in the warm-up in the game against West Ham last month and was also ineligible to play in the victory over his parent club Manchester United last weekend, so he has had a lengthy break to get back to fitness ahead of tonight’s game.

There is no doubt that the Dutch midfielder will be up for the challenge at Goodison Park, especially with the news that his former manager Erik ten Hag will be imminently announced as the new manager at Old Trafford this summer, so he will likely want to take the opportunity to impress to ensure when he returns to Manchester he will be in with a better chance of game-time.

Lampard can deploy Van de Beek in the attacking midfield role he once thrived in for Ajax thanks to the return of Fabian Delph, who could be part of the defensive partnership with Allan in tonight’s game, allowing the 25-year-old more freedom to be creative and focus on imposing a threat on Leicester, where he can terrify their defence.

Playing a huge part in Everton’s potential survival in the Premier League this season will be a great boost in the midfielder’s opportunities when his loan ends and ultimately can hugely benefit his current club, who are just three points clear of the relegation zone with eight games to go.

AND in other news: Patrick Boyland relays huge Everton injury boost, it’s great news for Lampard

Glasgow Rangers earned all three points in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime to set themselves up nicely for their UEFA Europa League clash.

Scott Wright and James Tavernier ensured of the win in the end, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team did make it hard for themselves, as Leon Balogun was given a straight red card just shy of the half-hour mark, as they conceded to Ross Tierney just a few minutes later.

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As such, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the visitors on the day, with these three perhaps looking over their shoulders regarding their places in the XI on Thursday:

Glen Kamara

With a 6.6 overall rating, Kamara ranks in third here as both Balogun and Amad Diallo did not play 45 minutes.

Criticised for his role in Motherwell’s goal, the Finland international lost the ball cheaply eight times in total, while he also lost three of his duels, made no clearances and did not block any shots on his goal.

Calvin Bassey

Coming on for Diallo in a defensive change after Balogun’s sending off, Bassey did not shower himself in glory with a 6.5 rating.

The 22-year-old lost one of his two duels, made no interceptions or tackles, blocked no shots and gave the ball away twice, making one foul in the process.

Borna Barisic

Barisic ranked as the Teddy Bears’ worst performer with a 6.3 rating given.

The left-back was unsuccessful in six of his duels, while he also failed to block any shots, was dribbled past twice and lost possession a mammoth 27 times, the second-most of any player on the pitch.

In other news, find out what ‘huge blow’ for the Gers has now emerged here!

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Marco Asensio in the summer.

The Lowdown: Madrid frustration

Asensio has been struggling with a lack of game time at Real Madrid this season, as he has only managed to complete the full 90 minutes in five matches.

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He was limited to just a 2023, his long-term future at the Bernabeu is now under question.

The Latest: Newcastle contact

As per Spanish news outlet Cuatro, the St. James’ Park faithful, as well as Juventus, have ‘already asked’ about Asensio ahead of a potential move this summer, but AC Milan seem to be the favourites for his signature.

The Italian giants are set to join the Tynesiders ‘soon’ in terms of having new owners from the Middle East, and so it looks as if they will face tough competition to land him.

The Verdict: Risky

Given Asensio’s lack of playing time, a big-money move for him this summer does seem risky – his rather remarkable £442million release clause would have to be whittled down exponentially.

Once hailed as ‘world-class’ by former Madrid and Spain international manager Vincente del Bosque and likened to Lionel Messi by Zinedine Zidane, the winger has had an illustrious career already, with two Champions League titles the standout in his trophy cabinet.

Despite his titles with Los Blancos though, Asensio has arguably fallen behind in the shadows of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, with just 71 goal contributions over six seasons, and often shuffled around in a number of different positions across the pitch (Transfermarkt).

At 26 years of age, he still has a lot to offer, but this feels like a signing that would have to pay off straight away for the Magpies to be worth the money.

In other news, find out which ‘special’ Mbappe-like star NUFC could now sign this summer here!

Liverpool are through to the Champions League final after being Villarreal at El Madrigal on Tuesday evening, and to say the game was one of two halves is an understatement.

Jurgen Klopp’s side conceded two goals in the first half after Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin found the back of the net to put the two teams back on a level playing field on aggregate going into the second half.

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Despite Unai Emery’s team showing overwhelming character and quality in the first half against Liverpool matching them for possession (50%), it wasn’t enough to hold off their opponents with Luis Diaz completely changing the game when he was brought on to give his team a fresh attacking perspective.

Liverpool instantly improved on their shocking first-half performance and eventually found a way to break down their opponent’s defence and goalkeeper when Fabinho found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, closely followed by a goal-hungry Diaz just five minutes later and inevitably Sadio Mane killed the game completely with a third second-half goal in the 74th minute.

Yet again, Mane proved he is worth his weight in gold to Liverpool with the Senegalese winger securing his third Champions League final in an exceptional all-round performance that ultimately rescued his team in the second half of the game.

The 30-year-old who was once dubbed a “wild animal” by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, made two key passes and two tackles as well as winning 14 of his 19 duels combined to complete a phenomenal performance that has led him to his fourth final for club and country in just five months.

Mane not only proved how incredibly integral he is for his team, but also matched Chelsea legend Frank Lampard’s record for goals scored in the knock-out stages of the Champions League with 15 strikes in the competition, and has now become the highest scoring African player in the knock-out stages of the competition by surpassing Didier Drogba with his finish on Tuesday.

Liverpool have now earned themselves a spot in a third final this season, after winning the Carabao Cup and securing a spot in both the FA Cup final and the Champions League final in Paris.

Klopp, however, still has a huge job on his hands to keep the quadruple dreams alive for the Merseyside club.

AND in other news: “I’m told…”: Romano drops major LFC transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Manchester United have submitted an offer for Barcelona’s 24-year-old French winger Ousmane Dembele.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via The Mirror, who claim that the Red Devils have offered the Blaugrana’s No.7 a contract worth €8.4m-€12.6m (£7m-£10.6m).

United have been able to approach the player directly, with his contract expiring this summer.

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With Xavi reported to reject the chance to sign Adama Traore permanently, it has been reported by Marca that the Barcelona coach will prioritise the re-signing of Dembele, who was signed for £135.5m.

A big risk

Since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, Dembele has not lived up to hype that arrived with his inflated transfer fee.

In what is now his fifth season for Barca, Dembele has managed to turn a corner under Xavi and has registered 11 assists in 18 appearances. The arrival of Traore, signed on loan, seemed to provide an element of competition that has seen the 24-year-old raise his game at Camp Nou.

Though, having been with the Catalan side since 2017, he may well fancy a change of scenery.

His form this season is enough to understand why Manchester United would be willing to take on his huge wages, with Ten Hag’s possession-based system suiting him nicely.

The £287k-per week player who has been dubbed a “phenomenon” by former teammate Lionel Messi, poses a constant threat up top and it is no wonder why he has achieved 11 assists in just 18 appearances in La Liga this season.

Barca president Joan Laporta has described the forward as “better than Mbappe”, and with a match average of 5.23 shot-creating actions, he is indeed better in this metric than the PSG star who registers an average of 4.64 shot-creating actions per 90.

Whilst Man United have not exactly struggled to create chances this season, there is still a lot of room for improvement compared to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. United have created 64 big chances this season, whilst Liverpool have created 93.

Dembele’s threat in the opponent’s final third and penalty area would help to bridge the gap between the two sides, with his match average of 48.71 touches in the attacking third and average of 6.65 touches in the attacking penalty area much higher than the likes of Jadon Sancho who has started to find his feet at Old Trafford.

The wages of Dembele would present a risk, though a player of his potential who still has so much to give would appeal to Ten Hag and Rangnick.

In other news: Sources: Man Utd in pole position to sign £150m “revelation”, he’s the next Paul Ince

A major Rangers decision has been made on Glasgow gem Glen Kamara ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Ibrox sources have revealed that Ross Wilson is now set to field offers for the Finland international over the coming months.

The report claims that the two sides have come to an agreement which will see the 26-year-old leave the club ahead of next season if the right bid comes in.

He is under contract until 2025 and Football Insider claimed that his former club Arsenal attempted to sign him in the summer of 2021, but it remains to be seen who will be in for him this time around.

Van Bronckhorst will be infuriated

This update will surely leave Light Blues manager Gio van Bronckhorst infuriated, as he will no doubt want to keep his best players heading into next season.

The Gers will be competing in the Champions League later this year if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the final of the Europa League next week. This means that the club may be competing at the top level in Europe next term, so the Dutch head coach will surely want the best squad possible to avoid being outclassed by the best teams on the continent.

Kamara is one of the players that he will surely want to keep, as the 26-year-old has proven his quality across multiple competitions for Rangers this season.

In the Premiership, the Finland midfielder has played 31 times for the Gers and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.01. He has completed an impressive 91% of his attempted passes in the top flight and created 1.3 chances per game, often being able to showcase his ability on the ball.

Kamara has the quality to recycle possession efficiently and rarely gifts the ball back to the opposition. This allows him to dictate the pace of matches and assert control of the game.

Meanwhile, he has played 13 times in the club’s extraordinary Europa League run, which shows that Van Bronckhorst has relied upon him in the competition. He put in a sensational display in the semi-final second leg against Leipzig, scoring one of the Gers’ three goals that night to secure a place in the final as he proved that he can step up for the big occasion.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be fuming by the prospect of Kamara being sold ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and will be hoping that a move fails to materialise.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kent: Van Bronckhorst can form scary Rangers duo by signing this gem “who never gives up”…

According to reports out of Spain, an interesting West Ham United transfer development has now come to light involving Barcelona forward Memphis Depay.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes reinforcements…

Hammers boss David Moyes has reportedly set his sights on upgrading his side’s options for the 2022/2023 Premier League season with a new defender, midfielder and forward on the agenda (The Times).

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There’s been no shortage of rumours with Wolfsburg forward and current Torino loanee Josip Brekalo becoming linked over the last few days, as well as Watford star Emmanuel Dennis.

West Ham are allegedly busy ahead of the looming transfer window and now more news has come out on their search for new attackers courtesy of ABC (via Sport Witness).

The Latest: West Ham make move…

According to their information, the Irons are one of a few clubs to have initiated contact with Barcelona over Depay as the east Londoners, and by extension Moyes, make a pre-summer move.

This comes as the Catalans green-light his sale next window with Barca now transfer-listing their winger.

The Verdict: Promising?

Depay, despite his club’s need to sell, has actually enjoyed a brilliant campaign going by the numbers.

According to WhoScored, the Netherlands international is Xavi’s third-best performer in La Liga going by average match rating per 90 (7.14) and has even racked up the joint-most goals and assists combined for them domestically (12G, 2A).

Called a ‘phenomenal all-round forward’ by BBC Sport writer and football analyst Premier League Panel last year, he’s certainly maintained that tag over 2021/2022.

Depay’s club apparently value him at around €40 million (£34m) and that is an arguable bargain given his form and the fact Lyon’s former star is still very much in his prime at 28-years-old.

In other news: talkSPORT journalist: West Ham eyeing ‘perfect’ signing in marquee man Moyes personally wants! Find out more here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that PIF want to bring the £80k-per-week dynamo to St James’ Park if they can work out a way to afford his wages.

The England international reportedly met with Ralf Rangnick in an attempt to secure a switch to the Toon and was unsuccessful in his attempts as he remained at Old Trafford. However, he is now out of contract this year and will be available on a free transfer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m not convinced about Newcastle not being able to afford his wages. I’m sure they could find a way around that, they’re desperate to sign Jesse Lingard. I think it’s really a tug of war between the two.”

Eddie Howe would love him

The Magpies head coach would love Lingard at St. James’ Park as he is a proven Premier League performer who can slot straight into the team at the start of next season.

Throughout his career in the top flight, the 29-year-old has racked up 165 appearances and produced 29 goals and 17 assists. Nine of those goals and five of those assists came in a six-month loan spell with West Ham in 2020/21 as he showcased what he can do with regular minutes on the pitch.

He has also caught the eye of ex-players, with former Manchester United coach Michael Carrick previously hailing the midfielder, saying: “I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

These comments illustrate how important Lingard can be to the team. He is willing to put the work in out of possession to benefit himself and his teammates, which means that he is not a player who would come in and be selfish and a detriment to the performances in order to shine as an individual.

That is why, along with his potential to score and assist goals, Howe would love him at Newcastle as he is a, proven, talented dynamo with a good work ethic to rely upon in matches.

AND in other news, “He’s expected..”: Fabrizio Romano drops transfer claim that’ll excite NUFC supporters…

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, West Ham United look set to ‘make an offer’ for Jesse Lingard during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: West Ham set to face competition for Lingard

The 29-year-old is a Manchester United academy product and has been at the club since the age of seven, having since gone on to make 232 senior appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

The 32-cap England international joined the Irons on loan in January 2021 and hugely impressed during his time at the London Stadium.

With his current contract in Manchester set to expire at the end of June, it looks as though David Moyes has reignited his interest in the midfielder after it was revealed earlier this week that West Ham have made initial enquiries about the possibility of re-signing Lingard in the summer.

The Hammers are set to face competition for his signature, though, as Serie A trio Roma, AC Milan and Juventus are all believed to be keen on offering the Warrington native a route out of the Premier League, with the player reportedly demanding a £150k-per-week contract wherever his next destination is.

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The Latest: Jones makes Lingard ‘offer’ claim

Jones understands that West Ham are preparing to present an offer for Lingard and thinks that they will still have a go at making a proposal despite the 29-year-old’s hopes of landing a big-money move.

He told GiveMeSport: “They are going to make an offer to Jesse Lingard. They haven’t got around to it just yet, but there is going to be something happening on that front. We’ll just have to wait and see what that Lingard proposal is, first of all.”

The Verdict: Europa temptation?

Lingard was in scintillating form during his half-season at the London Stadium last year, so it comes as no surprise to see that the West Ham hierarchy are now trying to bring him to the club on a permanent basis.

The £18m-rated maestro scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 16 appearances under Moyes (as per Transfermarkt) and played a crucial part in helping the Irons to secure a club-record Premier League points tally and a crack at the Europa League, in which they went all the way to the semi-finals.

West Ham will now be looking forward to yet another season of European football next term after claiming a seventh-place finish in the league table, albeit in the Europa Conference League instead.

Nonetheless, the opportunity of playing regularly on the European stage may be a huge deciding factor when it comes to Lingard choosing where the next chapter of his career will take him.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped this ‘big’ West Ham transfer twist

Celtic are reportedly set to rekindle their interest in Japanese defender Ko Itakura, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per Sky Sports, the 25-year-old – who is on the books at Manchester City – is one of the players that the Scottish Champions are ‘monitoring’, having previously been linked with the versatile centre-back last year.

The report suggests that no contact has been made as yet regarding a potential deal, although the Old Firm outfit are keen to bolster their defensive ranks, even if Cameron Carter-Vickers signs on a permanent deal.

The report goes on to add that Schalke – where the eight-cap international spent the most recent campaign – have an option to buy the Yokohama-born ace, although are said to be ‘struggling’ to meet the £6m asking price.

Imagine him and Carter-Vickers

The German outfit are no doubt keen to secure his services permanently following his key role in the club’s return to the Bundesliga, although their inability to pay the required fee may work in Postecoglou’s favour, with both he – and the Glasgow-based side – having strong links with the City Football Group.

Should Itakura make the move to Parkhead in the upcoming window, the club would be gaining a real hidden gem, with Dutch pundit Haans Kray naming him as “one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie” following an impressive 18-month loan stint at Groningen.

The £3.15m-rated ace is yet to feature for his parent club – despite arriving at the Etihad in January 2019 – with Kray believing that Pep Guardiola and co “don’t see anything in him.”

Their loss could well be Celtic’s gain then, with the club potentially able to form a mouthwatering duo of the £10k-per-week sensation and the aforementioned Carter-Vickers, should the USA international see his loan move made permanent.

The 24-year-old has formed what has been dubbed an “immense” partnership by pundit Chris Sutton with Carl Starfelt this term, although there are doubts over the latter man’s quality, with the Swede coming in for criticism from pundit Michael Stewart.

In Itakura then, Postecoglou could well have the ideal player to fill in alongside Carter-Vickers, having been praised for his “calm” manner by former Schalke coach Dimitrios Grammozis – a trait that could well prove useful in what is an at times hectic team at Celtic Park.

IN other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem