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Everton fans are once again targetting Marco Silva for his treatment of summer signing Moise Kean. The Italian arrived from Juventus for £25.1m and has barely been given the chance to have a continuous role in the side, starting just two league games.

Kean did start the win against Watford on Tuesday, but the 19-year-old was missing throughout and once again failed to make an impact on the game. The former Juventus man had just 14 touches and made only three passes against the Hornets.

As a result of yet another poor display, Kean was brought off after 45 minutes in a match that should have been his chance to shine. However, fans have hit out at Silva after believing he needs to start as a centre-forward and not a winger.

The supporters have now expressed their desire to see him up top with one fan reminding the club that he played just “9 minutes on the wing for Juve”. Indeed, as the games recorded by Transfermarkt show, Kean started every game as a centre-forward, scoring seven goals from that role.

Some supporters are now calling for him and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to start up top, and most fans do seem to believe Kean is wasted on the wings. Here’s what a select few had to say…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Daily Mirror, Manchester City are considering a swoop for Ruben Dias in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

Pep Guardiola’s side are in the midst of a crisis at centre-back following the long-term injury suffered by France international Aymeric Laporte earlier this campaign. The Citizens lost iconic captain Vincent Kompany at the end of last season, and failed to bring in a replacement during the summer transfer window.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

Injuries have meant holding midfielder Fernandinho has had to fill in at centre-back, and the experiment hasn’t entirely been a success. Guardiola’s men lost their last Premier League game against Wolves 2-0, and now, The Daily Mirror claim City are considering a January bid for Benfica defender Dias.

The report adds the club will have to fend off competition from neighbours Manchester United, as well as suitors from abroad.

Lynchpin

Standing at 6 foot 1, Dias has been an ever-present for Benfica this season, playing every single minute in Liga NOS. The 22-year-old has helped the club register five clean sheets in seven league games, and has been a defensive rock at the heart of defence.

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The Benfica man has averaged 1.1 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Portuguese top-flight, but it is his passing numbers that truly make him a Guardiola-esque signing. He has averaged 67.3 passes per game, at an impressive accuracy of 88.7%. Dias looks comfortable with the ball at his feet, and for a City team insistent on playing out from the back, the 22-year-old would look well at home.

Whilst that would no doubt please the Etihad side’s boss, the City faithful will perhaps be more inclined to embrace his lack of kamikaze defending. Nicolas Otamendi has been a bundle of nerves all season, and has committed two errors leading to a shot or goal. Dias, on the other hand, has made none. The latter also makes less than half the fouls of the Argentine, and has proven to be a solid defender for Benfica.

After seeing Otamendi’s high-profile errors this season, it’s Dias reliability that makes a January swoop all the more appealing for the Citizens.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Looks like Nottingham Forest are finally ready to call for the cavalry.

What’s being said?

According to Greek outlet SDNA, Nottingham Forest are keeping track of Olympiacos forward Hugo Cuypers.

The 22-year-old is currently on loan at French side AC Ajaccio, but given the ‘partnership’ between Forest and Olympiacos based off the owner, bringing him to the City Ground might not be all that hard to work out.

If you take a look at his record, 32 goals in 54 career appearances he clearly knows where the goal is, even if they haven’t exactly come against the most difficult of opponents.

Low risk, potentially high reward?

With a value of just £270k according to Transfermarkt, they wouldn’t be taking too big of a risk in bringing him to the City Ground. What the key part of this transfer would be though, is that it would give them an opportunity to take some of the pressure off main centre-forward Lewis Grabban from time to time.

And at the age of just 22, they can use those brief appearances to help mould him into someone for the future as they gradually phase the 31-year-old Grabban out.

Whilst the future would represent the biggest part of this deal, it cannot be underestimated just how important it is that Grabban gets some help up top to score the goals.

Whilst they have Rafa Mir and to an extent Sammy Ameobi already on the books, if they can find a reliable backup centre-forward to help take the club forward, then they won’t have to worry about protecting their first choice as much going forward.

David Prutton spoke the other day about how Nottingham Forest’s league position come the January transfer window could be a great incentive for players to want to join the club if they find themselves so close to the Premier League. That’s something that could play a key role in landing Cuypers.

His goals in place of Grabban might be that last piece of the puzzle that pushes Sabri Lamouchi and his men over the line.

No, the Croatian wasn’t campaigning for himself to be inserted into the team despite saying last year that he was one of the best defenders in the world.

Instead, he argued that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson deserved a spot in the side.

It’s hard to disagree with Lovren’s opinion on this one. Liverpool conceded just 22 goals in the league last year, as well as winning the Champions League.

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The full-backs weren’t only brilliant at the back either, both men hit double figures in terms of assists in the league last term.

Matthijs De Ligt, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo all got in ahead of the Liverpool pair, and while the Dutchman had a very good campaign, the two Real Madrid stars can certainly consider themselves very lucky.

Despite a rather gloomy trip away to Granada last weekend, Barcelona returned to winning ways when they welcomed Villarreal to the Camp Nou.

And this in itself seems to be a big theme of their ongoing campaign.

The Catalans are a true force to be reckoned with within the confines of their own fortress of solitude but as soon as they have to travel somewhere, they are quite unrecognisable.

The last four away games they’ve played across all competitions all ended badly for them. Blaugrana tallied two draws and two defeats in the process while winning all three of their home La Liga fixtures. Clearly, there’s a pattern there and a clear issue for Ernesto Valverde’s troops.

And this weekend, they have a trip to Getafe, a team that’s currently below them in the standings and a team that’s been struggling with victories themselves.

But even though Barcelona can’t afford to underestimate any team in La Liga, especially now when the fight for every single point is so fierce across the board, they have to look ahead strategically and play their cards right.

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Valverde has already reshuffled his deck multiple times in Blaugrana’s previous fixtures, which can be seen in the total minutes the players tallied across the board, but while we have seen changes in the midfield and the forward ranks, the defence has been mostly the same at all times.

We’re talking about the centre-back pairing of Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique particularly. Both defenders are among the only four players who have played every single minute of every single game in the ongoing 2019/20 campaign.

Alongside the two central defenders, only Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Antoine Griezmann have done the same.

And while the clash against Getafe is just as important as any other game in the league, Barcelona have to look ahead because they have an extremely difficult schedule in front of them.

Next week, they will be welcoming Inter Milan to Catalonia and then, after that, hosting an always tricky opponent in the form of Sevilla just days following the big Champions League bout.

So that’s three games in less than a week and a half with all three opponents being genuine competitors. For that specific reason, rotation is a must and seeing how their defence has been quite leaky in recent times, having your centre-backs rested and fit should be a priority.

The Catalans have already been on the receiving end of ten goals in a total of six games played in La Liga so that says enough about their fragility.

Not to mention that Pique already has four yellow cards to his name, meaning that the next one will have him suspended for a game. If that were to happen against Getafe on the weekend, Barcelona would lose an important piece of their defensive jigsaw for the huge clash with Sevilla.

And seeing how we’re talking about a tricky away fixture against a team with three wins in six this term, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Pique getting a yellow card is definitely a possibility.

But not if Valverde plays his cards right and this is exactly where Jean-Clair Todibo comes in.

The 19-year-old talent has not really seen much game time ever since he arrived in Catalonia in January this year. In fact, he still doesn’t have an appearance to his name in the 2019/20 campaign and has only played a total of two official games for Barcelona as a whole.

But even though he is still young and inexperienced, there’s a lot of potential to be unearthed in him. Just recently, he’s become Barcelona’s only representative in the 40-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award.

Maybe he still hasn’t had the right chance to show what he can do at Barcelona but Valverde needs to take a gamble and roll the dice with him.

Besides, with all the big games coming up, he will definitely need Pique rested, fit and not in danger of being suspended.

Sooner or later, the Spaniard is bound to get that fifth yellow card but it would really be a shame if it happened when they need him the most.

Getafe are capable of giving Barcelona a run for their money – only four clubs have scored more La Liga goals then them this season – but that game is also the perfect opportunity for Valverde to rest and rotate the players he’ll need most next week.

Currently, Pique is definitely one of them and even though his presence on the pitch is probably going to be missed, it’s a risk worth taking for Blaugrana.

Let’s see if Valverde feels the same.

[ad_pod ]Leeds could be handed a big fitness boost in the next couple of weeks, as Phil Hay has delivered an update on the condition of Jack Clarke.Leeds have had horrific luck with injuries this season, made even worse by the fact that Marcelo Bielsa’s squad was relatively thin to begin with.Clarke became the latest man on the injury list at Middlesbrough, as the youngster was stretchered from the Leeds sideline during the 1-1 draw at the Riverside.Clarke was taken to hospital for tests, and it is now understood that he was suffering from a virus.According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay, the teenager will do indoor gym work this week and return to outdoor training next week, though not yet with the first team.

A boost before the Baggies

While Clarke still has plenty of recovery time in front of him, the fact that he is looking to shake it off and return as quickly as possible is fantastic news for Bielsa.

Kemar Roofe is out with a knee injury and Pablo Hernandez will turn 34 in April and has played a lot of games this season, so depth is absolutely crucial as the Whites look to keep pace with the teams around them.

Clarke’s ability to beat a defender and whip in a dangerous cross is matched by very few wingers in the Championship, and while next Tuesday’s clash against QPR may come too soon, he is surely eyeing the hugely important fixtue at the start of next month.

Leeds welcome West Brom to Elland Road on March 1 in a match that could ultimately decide who goes up automatically and who endures the play-off gauntlet, and Clarke’s potential return will be giving the Baggies’ full-backs nightmares.

Milner hasn’t let his head drop after losing to Napoli. The midfielder has seen this sort of thing before, as he was playing for Manchester City in the 2014/15 campaign when the club failed to win any of their opening four group games and ended up qualifying for the next round in second place.

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This type of mental strength and experience could prove invaluable for the Reds as some players could take a serious knock after losing their Champions League opener.

Liverpool are reportedly confident that Mohamed Salah will sign a new deal at the club, with Luis Diaz’s arrival not affecting the situation whatsoever.

The Lowdown: Salah’s deal expiring soon

The 29-year-old has arguably stood out as the world’s best player this season, scoring 23 goals and registering nine assists for the Reds in all competitions.

Worryingly, Salah’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, and talks regarding a new-and-improved contract at Anfield are still yet to show any real signs of progress, at least from the outside looking in.

Of course, if an agreement cannot be found, it will surely cross FSG’s mind that they are better off cashing in this summer than losing him for free in 15 months time, but a fresh update suggests that Liverpool fans’ worries could be eased soon.

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The Latest: New update emerges

According to Football Insider, a Liverpool source believes a new deal may soon be agreed for Salah, revealing the Reds are ‘confident’ and acting as an enormous boost for anyone associated with the club.

It is stated that talks could ramp up once the forward returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty, with Egypt taking on Sadio Mane’s Senegal in the final on Sunday.

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The Verdict: Simply has to be extend

The idea of Salah moving on, either this summer or when his contract runs out, simply doesn’t bear thinking about, given his vast influence at Liverpool.

He is already undoubtedly one of the all-time great Reds players – his record of 148 goals in 229 appearances is astonishing. He has been hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, and his incredible fitness levels suggest he will remain a top player well into his thirties.

Liverpool’s owners divide opinion amongst the fanbase but failing to sort a new contract for Salah would be inexcusable, potentially even defining their entire reign at the club.

In other news, Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly tracking the same player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United pair Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha could both stay put at Elland Road this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips and Raphinha on the move?

There has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of both Phillips and Raphinha in recent weeks, with the duo arguably the most important players at the club.

With Leeds floundering towards the bottom of the Premier League, it could be that both eye up moves elsewhere, in order to continue their career trajectories.

Raphinha has been strongly linked to Bayern Munich in the past and more recently Barcelona, while Phillips is reportedly a target for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

That being said, a key update has now emerged that could excite Whites supporters.

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The Latest: Jones makes big claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that there is a feeling that Phillips and Raphinha could both remain at Leeds beyond the summer, especially the former:

“Around Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, obviously all the talk has been about where are they going to end up? But the latest update is that, at this point, there is a possibility that they will stay, particularly Kalvin Phillips.”

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The Verdict: Too good to be true?

The thought of the Leeds favourites both staying put is almost too good to be true, with the Whites’ Premier League status surely vital to that.

Should Jesse Marsch’s side be relegated, it is so difficult to imagine Phillips and even more so Raphinha being willing to play in the Championship, even though they have shown loyalty to this point.

Phillips staying is certainly easier to envisage, given he is a boyhood fan, but Raphinha could feel it is time for a step up and look to join a Champions League-playing team. If they don’t leave, however, their legends will only be further enhanced at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on signing one player – find out who it is here.

Ludogorets’ Kiril Despodov is on Rangers’ list of targets, according to a report from Tema Sport. 

The lowdown

Despovodov, 25, is predominantly a right-winger, but he’s capable of playing across the frontline.

He only joined Ludogorets permanently last summer, having impressed the Bulgarian club during his loan spell from Cagliari.

Despodov has two and a half years left on his contract and is valued at £2.88million by Transfermarkt.

Rangers have only made one addition so far in January, loaning James Sands from New York City FC.

They have, though, recalled two attacking players in the form of Cedric Itten and Jake Hastie.

The latest

The report states that Despodov has attracted the interest of Rangers, as well as Super Lig outfit Istanbul Basaksehir.

But he apparently ranks only fourth in their list of priorities behind fellow right wingers Akinkunmi Amoo (Hammarby in Sweden), Brian Ocampo (Nacional Montevideo in Uruguay) and Robert Muric (Rijeka in Croatia).

The verdict

Despodov boasts an impressive record this season with nine goals and 12 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.

Two of those goal contributions have come in the Europa League, though he wasn’t able to prevent Ludogorets propping up Group F.

How does he compare to the other names under consideration?

Well all of the players appear to be in a similar price bracket – Muric and Ocampo are valued at £2.7million, with Amoo a marginally more expensive £3.6million.

It’s Despovodov who leads the way for goal contributions in the most recent season though, with Amoo next on 18 overall (13 goals, five assists), followed by Muric (eight, seven) on 15 and Ocampo on 12 (four, eight).

It feels a little harsh, then, that he’s only regarded as plan D.

In other news, this ‘powerhouse’ could soon leave Ibrox.