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Journalist Paul Brown has admitted he would be stunned to see Everton make a move for their former midfielder James Rodriguez over the coming months.

Could Everton resign Rodriguez?

It has been a difficult campaign for the Toffees who continue to fight relegation for the second season running with just a handful of games remaining in their season.

Victory on Monday against Brighton & Hove Albion has provided Sean Dyche's men with some breathing room going into their game on the weekend against Manchester City.

However, results elsewhere could potentially see them fall back into the bottom three as they look to take more points off the side top of the league.

Looking ahead to the summer, there have been reports suggesting the Blues have been one of the sides to get in touch with the representatives of the Colombian playmaker.

They are not believed to be the only side from the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Brighton all credited with an interest.

Having heard the reports surrounding the 31-year-old free agent, Brown shared his concerns over a potential deal as he spoke to Football FanCast:

"I'd be absolutely amazed if James Rodriguez ever returned to Everton partly because his time there ended in quite a lot of acrimony. And he spoke out several times about what he felt was unfair treatment and the club briefed several times against him as well.

"He's also a couple of years removed from a season when, okay, he played and he was mostly brilliant, but his body just could not cope with the demands of a full Premier League season."

Should Everton give Rodriguez another chance?

If Everton are able to survive, it is certainly an option which could come under consideration given the pedigree the Colombian has from his previous clubs.

However, there are an awful lot of potential negatives surrounding this possible deal which could cause the Toffees some issues.

The first one being the salary of the 31-year-old who will have free rein over who his next club is as he is currently without a club.

With no transfer fee involved, it means the potential suitors could be forced into stumping up a higher salary than what they may have wanted to pay initially.

There are two possible concerns over this at Everton. The first one being the obvious in that they are struggling financially.

However, perhaps just as concerning could be the message it could send to the other players at Everton if he was to return and earn considerably high wages.

Although his statistics would suggest he could potentially provide Everton with some much-needed quality, his time on Merseyside did not end well after his stay was cut short.

And all of this does not even touch upon whether Dyche would be open to the possibility of the Colombian playing for his side.

A lot has gone on at Everton over the last two years. Stability is needed at the club and would bringing back Rodriguez contribute towards that?

Arsenal have "sounded out" West Ham star Declan Rice, but he is also a target for their Premier League title rivals, according to reports.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners are said to be prioritising central midfield additions this summer, even despite the signing of former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho in January, with Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Rice high on their agendas.

Manager Mikel Arteta is also believed to be chasing additions further forward, especially with Reiss Nelson out of contract this summer – leading to interest in the likes of Jonathan David (Lille) and Lois Openda (Lens) from Ligue 1.

Central defensive signings aren't ruled out, either, with star man William Saliba's injury problems arguably exposing some real frailties in the Arsenal back line this season.

The Gunners went four league games without a win in April – a run which may well have cost them their first domestic crown in 20 years if City can keep up their near-perfect winning run of late.

Sporting director Edu will have one eye on next campaign and how he can reinforce Arteta's squad for a potential fresh challenge in 2023/2024.

Going back to Rice, a report by Football Insider has shared some news on Arsenal's pursuit of the 24-year-old.

They've apparently "sounded out" the England international over a move to the Emirates Stadium and remain in pole position for his signing, but they could face competition from title rivals Man City.

Pep Guardiola is also reportedly targeting Rice, alongside fellow rivals Chelsea, but the midfielder's eagerness over potentially working with Arteta could work in their favour.

Rice is believed to be really impressed with the job he has done at Arsenal and is excited over the prospect of playing under him, not to mention he is keen to remain in London.

What could Rice bring to Arsenal?

As per WhoScored, the Irons star is a colossal presence for David Moyes, having registered more interceptions per 90 than any other West Ham player whilst standing out as their best-performer overall.

Rice has also been called "utterly sensational" by members of the press like 90min reporter Toby Cudworth, while Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith said this on him recently (via The Boot Room):

“Declan Rice, He’s like two players for West Ham. He’s unbelievable, world-class and he is starting to add goals to his game as well.”

He could inject both quality and enthusiasm into Arteta's midfield, yet he won't be cheap, with reports claiming he could cost up to £120 million.

Arsenal are expected to make a bid for Galatasaray's Sacha Boey, with the defender now set to leave in the summer, according to reports from Turkey.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Journalist David Ornstein has previously claimed that Arsenal will target a centre-back this summer, in order to provide William Saliba with some additional support, and they have their eye on several up-and-coming prospects from abroad.

The Gunners are now said to be "looking closely" at Dinamo Zagreb's Josip Sutalo, who could be available for around £17m this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, with RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan also emerging as an option.

It was recently reported that the north London club are "seriously interested" in signing Boey, and they could now be set to formalise that interest with an offer, according to a new report from Turkey.

As per Fotomac (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are also keen on strengthening at right-back this summer, and they are expected to make an official offer for the Galatasaray defender, but they are not the only team likely to do so.

Wolfsburg and Crystal Palace are also set to launch bids for the 22-year-old, who could be brought in to replace Ben White at right-back, with the Englishman set to revert back to the more familar role of centre-back next season.

The report makes it clear the Frenchman will leave Galatasaray this summer, and he is expected to cost potential suitors at least €15m (£13m), plus bonuses.

Should Arsenal sign Sacha Boey?

It makes sense for Mikel Arteta to bring in a new right-back this summer, and move White back to centre-back, as his side have struggled since William Saliba suffered a back injury, indicating the manager needs to reshuffle his backline.

Described as an "intriguing prospect" by members of the media, the full-back has recorded the best defensive statistics at Galatasaray this season, averaging 2.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per game in the Super Lig.

With an average WhoScored match rating of 7.26 in the league, the former Rennes man is ranked as the second-best performing player for the Turkish side this season, playing a major role in their push for the title.

Former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna believes Boey would "fit perfectly" into the Gunners defence, and they should definitely pursue a deal for him this summer, particularly considering he will be available for such a low fee.

Arsenal have held talks with the agents of Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount as they scour the market for midfield additions, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Mikel Arteta's side, after missing out on the Premier League title to champions Man City, will now be looking to build upon this campaign by strengthening this summer.

Guaranteed Champions League football for next season, Arsenal could view this season as a real success considering they didn't even finish in the top four last year, having been pipped there by Spurs at the end of 2021/2022.

Now, however, their pull in the transfer market could be far greater given their serious challenge for the league this season and European football secured for 22/23 – with Gunners transfer chief Edu now getting to work.

He's already confirmed that plans for new signings are well and truly underway, explaining to ESPN via 90min recently:

"Our planning has already been done. It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

As well as the likes of West Ham star Declan Rice, who is reliably believed to be a top target, those Arsenal plans could apparently include Chelsea's Mount as well.

According to a report by The Daily Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Arsenal have been in contact with the represenatives of the England international.

Indeed, the north Londoners have apparently "held talks" with Mount's entourage as they look to shore up Arteta's midfield, both defensively and further forward.

The 24-year-old's contract at Chelsea is due to expire in 2024, giving the Stamford Bridge side and owner Todd Boehly limited time to sell him on.

Who is Mason Mount?

The west Londoners have reportedly placed a £70 million price tag on Mount's head despite his contract situation, but if past form and praise is anything to go by, he could be a great option for Arsenal.

The Three Lions ace registered an impressive 21 goal contributions in the league alone last season (11 goals, 10 assists), and those numbers highlight an excellent playmaker when at this very best (WhoScored).

Mount has been called a "quality" player by pundit Gabriel Agonlahor, with fellow ex-professional Rio Ferdinand also saying this on his podcast 'Vibe with FIVE' (via The Sun):

"Mount is a mad player. On and off the ball, that’s what I love about him. He gives you both sides of the game.”

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has urged Leeds United to now get rid of Sam Allardyce as manager after the club were relegated this weekend.

Will Leeds hire a new manager?

After a season of turmoil, which has seen both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia loses their jobs at Elland Road, the Whites needed a miracle to avoid the drop on the final day of the season.

Indeed, they first needed to beat Tottenham Hotspur at home and then hope Everton lost and Leicester City dropped points.

In the end, none of those things came to pass with Leeds not even able to hold up their end of the bargain, losing 4-1 at home to Spurs.

Jack Harrison netted a consolation but Tottenham always looked in control as a brace from Harry Kane and goals from Pedro Porro and Lucas Moura relegated the home team at Elland Road.

Manager Allardyce arrived with just four games to go so isn't purely to blame but McGilligan feels as though he's not done enough to earn himself the job of getting Leeds back up next season.

Indeed, he told the One Leeds Fan Channel (3:18): "In terms of squad selection, listen, Big Sam got it wrong. There's no chance he should ever get the Leeds job."

He later added (3:36): ”The fact that they gave him the job with four games to go and there were people telling me that: Oh yeah, it's a good appointment. He's going to keep us up. He was never…

"Like, come on, the guy was never going to keep us up. Four games, four games they gave him and the positivity was everywhere. And I don't know why.”

Does Allardyce want to stay at Leeds?

After the defeat, Allardyce actually spoke about potentially wanting to remain in the job. Indeed, he told Leeds Live: "I’ll have the discussion next week at some stage. There's lots of opportunity when we can sit down and when we get over the disappointment of getting relegated.

"The last thing I wanted is to be the man that took Leeds United down. I tried all we possibly could try to get the players to do and get better results me and Karl and Robbie, particularly who came alongside me and short period of notice, very grateful for that."

He also said if he's going to stay in management at this stage of his career, Leeds would be the only club for him.

He explained: "I think if I'm going to do anything it's going to be here, but like I said those discussions will have to happen in the next few days. We'd love to have a sit down for a couple of days and thrash it out, for both sides to be comfortable. The last thing I'd want to do is walk into the football club and it not go in the direction we both agreed to."

However, the 68-year-old – dubbed a "dinosaur" by Richard Keys – only signed a short-term contract until the end of the season when he arrived four games ago, so he is now technically a free agent and it remains unclear if he will be offered the chance to stay on.

Chelsea are 'discussing' a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte as Mauricio Pochettino gets down to work at Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving Manuel Ugarte?

As per Football Insider, Chelsea are said to be in the 'driving seat' to bring in Ugarte this summer and personal terms have been 'verbally agreed' ahead of a potential move.

The report states that the 22-year-old has a release clause of £52 million that Chelsea will pay and Ugarte is believed to be excited by the prospect of plying his trade in the Premier League.

Record via The Daily Express claim that Paris Saint-Germain also have a firm interest in the Uruguay international and it is thought that Chelsea have held discussions over including young striker David Datro Fofana in any prospective deal, who would head to the Jose Alvalade Stadium on a loan basis.

According to The Guardian, Pochettino is looking to find a midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez and the Blues will also face competition from Liverpool to land the Sporting Lisbon man.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia, Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana and Brighton pair Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo all appear on a shortlist of midfield targets in west London.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Romano has stated that Chelsea are embroiled in talks to try and acquire Ugarte at present surrounding the terms of a deal.

Romano said: “It’s a negotiation, but it’s a negotiation going on between Chelsea and Sporting. While we are speaking, they are discussing the terms of the deal.”

Would Manuel Ugarte be a good signing for Chelsea?

Ugarte has been a mainstay for Sporting Lisbon this term and has impressed with his consistent displays, which in turn has attracted interest from around Europe in his services.

In 2022/23, the 22-year-old made 47 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, registering one assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored notes that Ugarte has been strong in the tackle in the Primeira Liga, successfully winning 3.9 challenges per match over the course of this season.

FBRef also shows that Ugarte has excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's eight divisions beyond the top five leagues in the art of pass completion, having managed to maintain an average of 91.6% per 90 minutes over the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Chelsea need competence in the engine room looking ahead to next campaign and Ugarte would be a sensible signing to help Pochettino hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

Khephren Thuram's representatives are favouring a move to Liverpool over other interested clubs, transfer insider Jacque Talbot has revealed.

What's the latest on Thuram?

The OCG Nice midfielder has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, including Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain, following a strong campaign in which he contributed to ten goals and assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

The central midfielder may have a number of options available to him this summer, and his representatives are now pushing for the 22-year-old to join Jurgen Klopp's side.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Talbot revealed that despite missing out on Champions League football, Anfield is the ideal destination for the midfielder.

"I certainly think with Thuram it's three clubs, PSG, Newcastle and Liverpool," he stated.

"We hear that his father and his representatives are pushing towards Liverpool. We hear that Newcastle do like him and have been some talks but of Newcastle they are looking towards the Premier League.

"PSG are another one who are linked to Thuram, but they want to get him in instalments."

What could Thuram bring to Liverpool?

Klopp is aiming to completely rebuild the Liverpool midfield after a disappointing season, and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister looks set to become the first through the door this summer.

Thuram could join to play alongside him, either as the defensive midfielder or next to him as a box-to-box option, having played a significant number of games in both roles this season.

His teammate Aaron Ramsey recently praised him, describing the Frenchman as "very dangerous," and he is held in high regard in Ligue 1.

Thuram ranks highly for progressive carries as per FBref, indicating that he could be useful for his strength and skill on the ball as Liverpool aim to add more energy back to their side.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all leaving the club, and younger alternatives to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are being targeted.

Liverpool challenged for the quadruple last year, but have suffered a dramatic drop-off in performances and results, having been eliminated early on in all the cup competitions, and a late resurgence in form wasn't enough to secure Champions League qualification.

Klopp will hope to land his ideal transfer targets this summer, and should they secure the signing of Thuram, he could become a mainstay in their midifeld for years to come.

An update has emerged on Celtic as they speed up their plans to replace manager Ange Postecoglou this summer…

What's the latest on David Moyes to Celtic?

According to Football Insider, the Hoops have made West Ham United head coach David Moyes their number one target to take over at Parkhead next season.

The report claims that the club are preparing a swoop to snap the Scotsman up after their last boss moved down south to join Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is now looking for the Australian's heir and has identified the Hammers chief as an option, as the Scottish giants want someone who can make an impact in Europe after Brendan Rodgers and Postecoglou both struggled in continental competitions.

What is David Moyes' record in Europe?

The 60-year-old has an impressive record in European matches in recent seasons and secured his name in his history books by winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham last week.

Moyes, who reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Manchester United in 2013/14, made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2021/22 with the Hammers before going all the way to win a trophy this term.

He has won an impressive 18 of his 25 European games in charge of the London-based club, losing four in that time, suggesting that the tactician, who won eight of his 14 UEFA Cup outings with Everton, knows how to get results outside of domestic action.

The Scottish tinkerer, who was once dubbed a "fantastic" coach by ex-United forward Robin van Persie, has proven that he can excel in European competitions and take teams into the latter stages, which is something that has eluded the Hoops for some time.

Celtic have not reached the quarter-finals of any tournament outside of Scotland since they reached the last eight of the UEFA Cup in the 2003/04 campaign.

Postecoglou won three of his 12 Europa League and Champions League group-stage matches combined and did not win a single knockout match during his two years at the club.

Rodgers won one of his 12 games in the Champions League with the Hoops and these statistics suggest that Moyes has the potential to come in and achieve a level of success in Europe for the Scottish giants that their most recent managers have failed to get anywhere near.

Therefore, Desmond could get Celtic firing again on the continent by pulling off this ambitious swoop for the Premier League head coach to replace Postecoglou.

Arsenal have 'serious' interest in bringing Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz to the Emirates Stadium in the summer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kai Havertz?

As per The Daily Mail, Arsenal have opened discussions over a move for Havertz; however, he is likely to become more of a priority once the Gunners conclude a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

The report adds that the Germany international would be keen on a move across London, though Chelsea want around £70 million to sanction a Stamford Bridge exit for the £150k-a-week ace.

Real Madrid are also keen on Havertz as a potential replacement for their departed legend Karim Benzema and it is said that Chelsea would be open to selling the versatile 25-year-old, who has two years left on his deal in west London, according to The Guardian.

Chelsea look to have already started contingency plans in the event that Havertz does leave, as they have identified Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson as a striker target.

Havertz joined Chelsea back in 2020 for a fee in the region of £75.8 million from Bayer Leverkusen and has spent three years on the books at Stamford Bridge, as per Sky Sports.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Gunners have had a bid rejected already.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indeed confirmed that Arsenal's interest in Havertz this window is genuine.

Jacobs told FFC: "Well, the interest in Kai Havertz from Arsenal is serious and Mikel Arteta really feels that he can get the best out of the player. Chelsea's valuation is very high, though it's around £75 million pounds and Arsenal feel that a deal can be struck for lower."

Would Kai Havertz be a good signing for Arsenal?

Havertz has extreme talent; however, securing a move away from Chelsea may be the best option for the 24-year-old as he looks to deliver on promise showed earlier in his career.

In 2022/23, Havertz made 47 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering nine goals and one assist in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored shows that Havertz can lead the line instinctively despite not being a natural striker by trade, as the former Bayer Leverkusen man averaged around two shots and 1.1 key passes per match in the Premier League during the campaign.

One area of concern for Arsenal fans will be trying to figure out where Havertz functions best on the field positionally. In an interview from last year quoted by The Mirror, Havertz commented on which role he favours, stating: "Everyone asks this question and after three years, everyone should know by now what I can do – that I'm flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions. Of course, sometimes it's good to play in different positions and sometimes it's bad, but in general, I'm an offensive player. I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don't care if I'm there as a No.9 or a No.10. If I'm in the box, I'm there to score goals – and that's it."

Looking forward, Arteta will have a plan to maximise his capabilities as he aims to close in on bringing the Aachen-born star to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their efforts to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Charlie Cresswell to Rangers?

According to Football League World, the Light Blues have had an offer turned down by English Championship side Leeds United for centre-back Charlie Cresswell.

The report claims that the Gers made a bid for the Millwall loanee's services, although the fee remains undisclosed at this time, and it was not enough to tempt the Whites into cashing in on the young talent.

It states that Michael Beale is interested in signing the 20-year-old enforcer, whose contract at Elland Road runs until 2025, and it now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will return with a second proposal.

Rangers have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they have already confirmed four new arrivals ahead of next season; including Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, and Sam Lammers.

Three of those players, with Lammers being the exception, are coming up from England, and Cresswell is the latest gem from Beale's home country to be targeted.

Who is Charlie Cresswell?

The central defender, who was once hailed as "unbelievable" by Leeds presenter Joe Wainman, is a talented young player who is coming off the back of an impressive campaign in the Championship on loan at Millwall.

Despite his young age, Cresswell, whose heading ability was lauded as "powerful" by journalist Josh Bunting, proved himself to be capable of delivering consistently excellent performances in the second tier of English football.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 across 28 league appearances for the Lions and used his strength to win 60% of his individual duels, which shows that the towering 6 foot 3 colossus was able to dominate opposition forwards on a regular basis and that his youthful inexperience did not make him a liability from a physical perspective.

Connor Goldson, meanwhile, (7.29) was the only Rangers centre-back to average a higher average Sofascore rating than the English machine in the Scottish Premiership last term. This indicates that the Whites prospect is already performing at a level that could be an upgrade on Beale's other defensive options outside of Goldson.

The 20-year-old titan, who made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, also has Premier League experience. Cresswell won 65% of his contests across five top-flight outings for Leeds in 21/22 as a teenager, which highlights how highly rated he is within the walls at Elland Road.

Therefore, this bid being rejected by the Championship side is a blow for Beale as the young battler has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Light Blues.