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With just one win in their past 13 Premier League games and a dismal 2-1 defeat against relegation strugglers Norwich City at the weekend, Rafa Benitez’s time in charge of Everton was brought to an end, leaving the Toffees in 16th place in the league table and on the hunt for a new manager.

In terms of who could come in as the next figure to try and steady the ship, it seems as though Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has one name in mind to come in and replace Benitez and try and get the Toffees’ season back on the rails.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by Everton journalist Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe, the Merseyside club have identified former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre as a potential candidate to take the reins at Goodison Park.

During his stint in charge of Dortmund between July 2018 and December 2020, Favre took charge of 110 matches across all competitions, winning 68, drawing 17 and losing 25, which is an impressive record to have.

The 64-year-old has had spells at other German clubs such as Hertha BSC and Borussia Monchengladbach as well as having a period in charge of French club OGC Nice and FC Zurich in his native country of Switzerland, highlighting the experience he has in management.

Even though he hasn’t had a job since leaving Dortmund, this would give Everton the opportunity to get him to Goodison quicker than potentially any other manager they see as a possible candidate for the job that is currently working at another club.

In his own words, Favre has said in the past that his players “have to be ready to suffer in training,” suggesting just how much he expects from them. That could be just what Everton need to get the right attitude and work ethic in the squad that can deliver strong performances and positive results on the pitch.

After all, Benitez clearly didn’t get the most from his players but a stern coach such as Favre appears to fit the bill.

Moving forward, Everton should definitely make an approach to the Swiss boss in the coming days and weeks if they haven’t already to see if he would be willing to test his managerial abilities in the Premier League with a side that need a big change in fortunes before the end of the current campaign.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football.London, who revealed that, after missing Wolves’ last three league games as a result of a calf injury, Bruno Lage is now expecting to welcome Marcal back to his matchday squad for the visit of West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Lage will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Rayan Ait-Nouri has impressed while filling in for Marcal at left-back, with the 20-year-old providing one assist and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.7 over Wolves’ last three fixtures, the return of the 32-year-old defender will nevertheless have left Lage buzzing.

Indeed, the £1.62m-rated man has been the 45-year-old’s first-choice in the position so far this season, and, considering West Ham’s rather remarkable form in the current campaign, Marcal’s availability in what is sure to be a very challenging match will come as a huge boost to the Portuguese boss.

Over his eight top-flight fixtures so far this season, the defender has helped his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.9 tackles and 1.9 clearances and winning five duels per game.

These returns have seen the £29k-per-week defender earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.86, ranking him as Wolves’ ninth-best performer in the Premier League.

As such, the return of the Brazilian will undoubtedly increase Lage’s chances of leaving Molineux with all three points on Saturday, something that the Wolves manager will be desperate for after succumbing to a lacklustre 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out.

In other news: Lage can save Fosun millions with 21 y/o Wolves prodigy who’s “wise beyond his years”

Aston Villa shared their official team photo for the 2021/22 campaign on social media on Tuesday morning.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been heaping praise on the club update on Twitter.

Dean Smith’s side are set to face Wolves when domestic action returns this weekend, looking to make it three Premier League wins in four after impressive victories over Everton and Manchester United prior to the international break.

Villa currently sit 10th in the table with 10 points from seven games, and all senior players were on show in the squad photo.

A few fans believe that winger Trezeguet, who has been out since April with a knee injury, has been photoshopped into the picture, which is available to view here.

Villa fans react

These Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the official club post on Tuesday, with a selection of responses available to view below – where one labelled it as ‘sensational’.

“Starting to feel like we have a team to be proud of not just 1 player.”

Credit: @CS_UTV

“I think I’m in love with Matthew Cash”

Credit: @JPAvfc_

“Sensational”

Credit: @ChrisEllis250

“the absolute talent in this photo”

Credit: @mxttxavxo

“So rare”

Credit: @ben_wangyan

“So much better taking team photos at VP than at BH”

Credit: @joeohara18

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a shock move for their former player Gini Wijnaldum.

The Lowdown: Developing story…

TEAMtalk reported last month that the St James’ Park oufit are eyeing a shock return for the Dutchman and are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Magpies have ‘made it clear’ that they would be interested in signing him, should he be made available in the January transfer window.

It would be a sensational swoop for a player who had a remarkable sole season on Tyneside, with 11 goals and a further five assists from midfield as he played in every single match of their 2015/16 Premier League campaign (Transfermarkt).

Unfortunately, the Netherlands international could not do enough to help his team avoid relegation to the Championship, which is ultimately a big reason why he left to join Liverpool after just one year in the northeast.

The Latest: Contact made

As per AS, Newcastle are the first club to have shown interest in signing Wijnaldum, who wants to leave Paris already, and he has made known his desire to return to the Premier League.

According to sources close to the 31-year-old, there has already been contact made with the Magpies over a potential move, meaning that the ball could already be rolling come January.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Wijnaldum has already shown what he can do in front of the Toon Army, so a deal to bring him back is surely a no-brainer.

Since moving on from Newcastle, he became a won both the Premier League and Champions League, showing that he can perform on the big stage. Indeed, Geordie legend Alan Shearer dubbed him an ‘absolutely sensational’ player back in 2018.

Signing him would be one way for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to get the fans on their side straight away, as he would certainly be a popular addition among many at St James’ Park, and he would give Eddie Howe that extra bit of experience and quality to give his Newcastle side the best possible chance of avoiding relegation.

In other news, Howe is also lining up this ‘brilliant’ EFL maestro for Newcastle

Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield on Sunday aiming to bounce back from yet another defeat at home, this time at the hands of Chelsea.

The loss was not only costly in context of the Premier League table but also on the injury front, with Ozan Kabak sustaining a knock and potentially being doubtful for this weekend’s clash.

With a long list of centre-back casualties including Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Kabak himself, as well as auxiliary defender Jordan Henderson, it is now time for Jurgen Klopp to put his faith in winter arrival Ben Davies.

The 25-year-old joined Liverpool in the January transfer window from Preston North End, having impressed in the second tier of English football.

Prior to his move, he had played every minute of the preceding 13 Championship matches, helping the Whites to six clean sheets in that time.

In fact, albeit in the second tier, Davies was outperforming Virgil van Dijk in tackles, interceptions and clearances per game, according to WhoScored.

Jurgen Klopp also made no secret of his admiration for the Englishman, saying that he loved “a lot” about his play.

However, that praise has not translated into opportunity thus far, with Davies having not yet made an appearance.

Rated at £2.16m at the current time, he is surely set to be rewarded with a Premier League debut sooner rather later.

After all, he has now had an extended period of time at Anfield, had the opportunity to get to know his teammates and adjust to the demands of his illustrious employers, all aspects which should only benefit the Reds should he take to the pitch.

One worry about his inclusion, though, could potentially be that he has never played in the top flight of English football throughout his career. That’s where the opposition could ironically help.

Coming up against Fulham, one of the lowest scorers in the league this season having netted on just 21 occasions, he also faces a side who he has faced on three occasions already in his career. It shouldn’t be too much of a baptism of fire, then, that some could maybe expect.

It’s an opportunity that Davies should be ready to take should it be afforded to him by Klopp.

AND in other news, read why we think Liverpool are making a mistake over their short-term Champions League targets…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a video of Joe Aribo scoring against Progres Niederkorn at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

The season has been a fantastic one for the Gers. Not only have they already claimed the Premiership title, they are also unbeaten both in the league and in the Europa League (Sky Sports). They have a strong chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the latter competition after drawing 1-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 clash with Slavia Prague last week.

They did rather well in European competition last year, as well, as they managed to reach the round of 16 of the Europa League before losing to Bayer Leverkusen. Their journey kicked off with a 10-0 aggregate victory over St Joseph’s before they beat Progres Niederkorn 2-0 across two legs. In the first match, Aribo scored a lovely goal to put the Gers ahead.

Their victory over the Luxembourg outfit avenged a shock defeat to the same opponents in 2017, when Pedro Caixinha oversaw a humiliating exit in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

Aribo’s strike from their 2019 clash was shared by Rangers’ official Twitter account as part of their Goal of the Day series, and these fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the goal from Aribo below

“We need a collection of top 5 European goals Mr Rangers since the gaffer came in PLEASE… We’ve scored some crackers. Rapid Wein 3rd goal to start you off Aribo’s dance No2”

Credit: @Bike_Nut69

“And he’s still doing it!”

Credit: @timcc_tw

“Reality check for progrès”

Credit: @IAmSilkyPaws

“No fear! No doubt! Relentless!!!”

Credit: @Valerie33087475

“lovely Goal”

Credit: @OyekanAribo

“That was revenge for Pedro”

Credit: @staunchdaviderc

In other news, some Rangers fans were worried by this open letter.

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes there could be a shock twist on the future of Liverpool striker Divock Origi. 

The lowdown: Italy bound?

The 27-year-old, who once again endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with another Merseyside derby goal on Sunday, is widely expected to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires.

Recently, reputable journalist James Pearce admitted that an amicable departure was imminent with Serie A giants AC Milan the favourites to sign the popular Belgian frontman, with some reports even claiming an agreement will be found in Milan this week.

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However, a fresh update has emerged claiming it’s not too late for all parties to perform a major U-turn…

The latest: Jones makes claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested there remains a possibility that Origi will still be plying his trade on Merseyside next season due to the ‘massive moments’ he produces.

“There’s loads of clubs that are a good potential fit for Origi, but I think it’s also going to depend on what he wants at this stage of his career.

“Whatever you say or think of him and whether he’s good enough to be in that Liverpool team, he has had some massive moments in a Liverpool shirt and he continues to have them.

“Jurgen Klopp absolutely loves him. If Klopp tells him he still has a role for him in that squad, I’d be surprised to see him leave.”

The verdict: Time has come

Seemingly on the brink of an exit for a number of transfer windows now, the prospect of keeping Origi and in turn offering the 32-cap Belgium ace a new deal is surely out of the question.

Albeit a man of multiple memorable moments, not least against the seven goals scored against cross-park rivals Everton, the striker who was hailed as ‘very unique’ by Jermaine Jenas has missed out on five Premier League match-day squads entirely in 2022 alone, suggesting he is not even a major option off the bench.

Despite a noteworthy return of nine direct goal contributions in 16 fleeting outings this season and well-established cult hero status on the Kop, the best option now for all parties would be a move away this summer.

In other news, a key Liverpool update has emerged regarding a superstar player. Read more here.

Steve Bruce must recall Jeff Hendrick to the Newcastle United starting line-up for their FA Cup third round trip to Arsenal on Saturday in order to give Mikel Arteta a scare.

Hendrick has not featured for the Magpies in any of their last five fixtures across all competitions, with Bruce opting against fielding the Republic of Ireland international from the bench for even a second.

Newcastle failed to win any of the matches in which Hendrick did not play a role in the action, despite the 28-year-old providing one of United’s two goals during their 5-2 mauling at Leeds United last month whilst earning his 10th and most recent start of the season so far.

Hendrick had been one of Bruce’s favoured midfield options over the opening months of the Premier League campaign with minutes in 10 of their 12 matches, but now finds himself with a point to prove all over again following his summer arrival as a free agent.

Former Burnley captain Frank Sinclair firmly believed Hendrick would prove to be a player Sean Dyche would miss at Turf Moor following his exit, feeling the £8m-rated ace had been “terrific” during his four-year spell in Lancashire.

Bruce, too, expected big things from Hendrick and described the midfielder as a “big asset” who is entering his peak, and must now turn to him once again to best-place Newcastle ahead of their FA Cup trip to Arsenal.

Arteta will not be scared of facing the Magpies should Bruce opt to name the same central midfield pairing which lost at home to Leicester City last time out, as a dual-axis pivot of Sean and Matty Longstaff was as far from ideal as it possibly could have been.

Sean Longstaff endured a horror show as he was overrun in the engine room against the Foxes, and even the second-half introduction of the experienced Jonjo Shelvey failed to turn the tide as he allowed Youri Tielemans to drift through unchallenged to score his side’s second of the day.

Bruce would risk Newcastle’s position in the FA Cup by keeping his faith in those who were exposed by Brendan Rodgers’ side last week, so must turn to Hendrick and offer the 60-cap international a recall at the Emirates Stadium.

Hendrick had been a creative and combative presence in Bruce’s plans when fielded in the Premier League prior to his festive omission, with the Derby County product providing 0.8 shots, 0.6 dribbles, 1.6 tackles and 1.0 interceptions a game, per WhoScored.

His long-range passing had also been at a higher level than seen from the likes of Isaac Hayden (1.7), Miguel Almiron (0.7) and Matty Longstaff (0.5) with 1.8 accurate attempts a game, and is the only Toon player other than Callum Wilson to have scored more than once in the top-flight this term.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce has no alternative but to perform a U-turn and tie a £4.5m-rated Newcastle star down with a new deal now…

Manchester City will reportedly consider a move for West Ham talisman Declan Rice this summer, and the England international could be the ideal replacement for Fernandinho should he depart.

According to The Times, City will consider a move for the 22-year-old midfielder if the Brazilian decides to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has put in some inspired performances of late and was superb in City’s 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain which sealed their spot in the Champions League final in midweek, which emphasises that he still has the ability to play at the very top.

However, the Brazilian, who reportedly earns £150,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium, is currently set to leave in June and it seems clear that Pep Guardiola will want a ready-made replacement for next season.

Although they already have Rodri available in that position and the Spain international has been the first-choice there for most of the season, he cannot play in every game, especially if City are in a similar position next term in competing for multiple trophies and therefore have two games a week regularly.

Therefore, a move for Rice would make a lot of sense, as he has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League in recent years and could prove to be an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

So far this season, the former Chelsea youngster has made 29 appearances in the top flight, contributing one goal and one assist and averaging a solid 7.02 WhoScored rating for his performances.

Rice has been a driving force in West Ham’s push up the league, which has left David Moyes’ side competing for a Champions League spot with just a few games of the season remaining, which is a remarkable achievement when you consider their struggles last term.

The Englishman also emphasised his class in recent World Cup qualifiers, averaging a 7.72 WhoScored rating across his two appearances against Albania and Poland.

Although he certainly wouldn’t come cheap, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £54m, his performances in recent seasons have suggested that he could definitely establish himself as a world-class midfielder in the future, especially under the tutelage of Guardiola.

Therefore, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to sign the “outstanding” Rice this summer if Fernandinho departs, as he could prove to be the ideal replacement for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man.

In other news… Man City signing beast Pep dubbed “world class” would surely be bad news for “fantastic” gem

Frank McAvennie has given his candid thoughts on the latest developments in the saga of the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: HMRC discontinue investigation

The Magpies confirmed last week that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) were discontinuing their investigation into the taxes of the club, which in turn prompted owner Mike Ashley to refer to ‘dark forces’ which were preventing the Tyneside outfit from becoming the ‘powerhouse that the fans deserve’.

The chief executive of Sports Direct also launched an anti-competition lawsuit against the Premier League with regards to their decision-making process with the failed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts

McAvennie, who is now a pundit after having a stellar footballing career playing for the likes of Celtic and West Ham, has given his thoughts to Football Insider about the investigation and the lawsuit. He claimed that the discontinuation of the former is a big boost for the potential takeover, as well as voicing his confusion over why it has not been approved already, saying:

“Mike has been wanting to sell Newcastle for years.

“Loads of people have come forward and he’s never sold it. If he’s wanting to sell it, why is he still there? 

“The powers-that-be said ‘no’. I know he’s taking the Premier League to court because they stopped someone buying it.

“That’s the biggest load of nonsense, look at the boys at Man City. They’re Saudi so I’m not sure why this wasn’t all sorted ages ago. 

“Maybe the HMRC stuff has changed something, I don’t know too much about it. But not having that going on has to be a huge boost for the takeover.” 

The Verdict: Takeover depends on legal battle

Not only has Ashley launched a legal case against the Premier League accusing them of anti-competitive behaviour, but there is also the pending arbitration hearing he has launched against them over the KSA consortium’s failed bid.

The chances of the takeover happening at St James’ Park could depend greatly on the results of these two cases, and positive outcomes for Ashley may well pave a significant pathway for it to come back onto the table.

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Whatever happens, it is clear that Ashley is trying to get as much compensation out of the failed deal as possible, with the results of his legal battle with the Premier League remaining unclear.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on the potential takeover.