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Journalist Paul Brown claims that Everton central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is ‘way, way below his best’.

The Lowdown: Resurgence

Doucoure is enjoying a resurgence under new manager Sean Dyche, as he has started and played the full 90 minutes in Everton’s last three Premier League games under him.

Before that, he had only started twice in the league, and had only made 12 appearances in total over all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Dyche is clearly seeing something in Doucoure to bring him back into the fold, after he was linked with a move to Fulham in the January transfer window.

The Latest: ‘Below his best’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown claims that Doucoure is still ‘way, way below his best’, citing a golden opportunity he had to score in Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 win at home to Leeds United in the Premier League:

“He is still way, way below his best in my opinion. There was a point in their last game when he was clean through on goal and couldn’t even get a shot away before that chance was snuffed out.

“If you look at replays of that carefully, his foot did slip as he plants it. Maybe that was just misfortune, but I can’t help thinking that the Doucoure of two seasons ago would have buried that immediately.”

The Verdict: Needs a run of games

Doucoure needs a run of games to get back to his best at Goodison Park, and Dyche seems to have full faith in him to excel in his midfield until the end of the season.

Despite his miss last weekend, he was one of the best players on the pitch, winning six of his duels and recording two successful dribbles, one clearance, two interceptions, four tackles, two key passes and one accurate long ball (SofaScore).

Doucoure also recorded the highest pass accuracy (88%) in the entire Toffees squad, showing the overall influence he had on the match.

Being the joint-highest earner in the squad on £120,000-per-week, he needs to show consistency now, which will only come if Dyche keeps giving him starts.

Glasgow Rangers during the 1990s were an unstoppable force, winning nine out of the ten titles available to them during the decade, while also adding countless domestic trophies.

David Murray spent vast sums of money – at times, too much – in order to create a side that could not only dominate Scotland but also conquer Europe. Unfortunately, this idea didn’t exactly come to fruition.

Despite some wonderful players joining the club while Murray was chairman such as Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne, and Jorg Albertz, there were of course, many who didn’t quite live up to the exceedingly high expectations at the Ibrox side.

Was Stephane Guivarc’h David Murray’s biggest flop at Rangers?

Dick Advocaat took over from Walter Smith in the summer of 1998 following the club’s first trophyless season in 13 years and he was expected to succeed where the Scot had failed – in Europe.

Just before Christmas, the Dutchman signed Frenchman Stephane Guivarc’h from Newcastle United for a fee of £3.5m, and having won the World Cup just a few months before, playing in the final against Brazil, it initially looked like an excellent move.

His credentials were further enhanced with the fact he netted a staggering 46 goals during the 1997/1998 campaign for AJ Auxerre and this effectively sealed his spot in the French squad for the 1998 World Cup on home soil.

He failed to score during the tournament and a move to Newcastle following the event ended disastrously, scoring once in four matches before moving to the Gers in November of the same year.

Despite a solid enough start which saw him score in the League Cup final against St Johnstone as the club secured the first part of an eventual treble, the 14-cap striker scored just seven times in total before moving on at the end of the season.

He re-joined his former club Auxerre yet his brief spell at Rangers has gone down amongst the Ibrox faithful as one of the club’s worst-ever transfers, especially for the fee paid compared to goals scored.

Murray had a massive howler with Guivarc’h and although the treble was sealed at the end of the season, flops like the Frenchman won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Former Tottenham defender Jason Cundy has claimed that Davinson Sanchez is ‘not interested’ after his display against Sheffield United.

The Lowdown: Spurs suffer FA Cup heartache…

Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup in midweek after a 1-0 fifth round defeat to Sheffield United, ending the club’s hopes of domestic silverware for yet another season.

The Championship high-flyers sailed through after a brilliant solo goal from Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye, a goal which Sanchez was criticised for in terms of positioning.

Spurs struggled to exert their authority in all areas and squandered any chances they did have to score – with both Richarlison and Harry Kane missing good opportunities in either half.

The Latest: Sanchez slammed…

Speaking live on talkSPORT (via The Boot Room), Cundy has slammed Sanchez in particular and claims he is ‘not interested’.

He said:

“For the goal it’s like he’s moving in quicksand. He’s not interested. He’s terrible.” 

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The Verdict: Flop?

Tthe Colombia international has displayed moments of brilliance when consistently playing, but they have been few and far between.

Sanchez is a curious case, having signed from Ajax in 2017 for a then club-record fee, and chairman Daniel Levy will feel his price tag quite simply hasn’t been justified.

The 26-year-old has now entered the final two years of his deal, which is set to expire in 2024, and all signs point towards an unceremonious exit.

Out-of-favour under Antonio Conte, Sanchez has started just six Premier League games this season and now could be the time to call it a day.

Erik ten Hag managed to lure some serious talent to Manchester United last summer, with the likes of Antony, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen all joining the revolution at Old Trafford.

It marks a change from the signings his predecessor made, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managing to secure deals for players who couldn’t quite cut it at United (Daniel James) or who were massively overpriced (Harry Maguire) yet it was a move for Donny van de Beek that has represented the worst value for money.

The Dutchman was signed for a fee of around £39m and with the 23-year-old enjoying a sparkling beginning to his career at Ajax, the outlay seemed like it could one day turn into a bargain for the club.

It hasn’t quite turned out like that, with van de Beek struggling to live up to the lofty expectations in Manchester while struggling for game time which has seen his value plummet in the process.

How much is Donny van de Beek worth now?

The £120k-per-week midfielder has played just 60 times during his spell at United, while his tally of two goals and two assists paints a picture of how poorly he has played in that time, failing to add the spark the club required when they signed him.

When Ten Hag took over last summer, the 25-year-old must have thought his appointment could rejuvenate him, especially considering the fact they worked together for two years at Ajax, yet he has featured just ten times in all competitions this term.

The midfielder has started just two matches in the Premier League this season, averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.49/10 across his seven appearances in total. He has failed to score or register an assist, averaged just 11.1 touches, and completed only 6.6 passes per game, hardly the quality that Ten Hag is demanding from his players.

Journalist Steven Railston was particularly vocal in his criticism of the player back in November following a loss to Aston Villa, saying:

“#mufc never recovered after conceding two early goals and they were second-best all over the pitch. A really disappointing performance. Donny van de Beek was anonymous again and he shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting XI. Bruno Fernandes couldn’t return quick enough.”

Having signed for £39m, the player is now worth just €20.5m (£18m) according to Football Transfers and this represents a decrease of 54%, with the likelihood that United won’t even recoup half of the fee they splashed out on the Dutchman should he leave in the summer.

It has been a woefully misjudged transfer and his performances on the pitch have failed to live up to expectations, hopefully, Ten Hag will be able to move him on sooner rather than later, at a significant cost to the club.

Everton's academy has a unique talent for producing a steady stream of undeniable quality, yet it seems like in recent years there has been a reluctance to truly allow all of them to shine on the senior stage.

Whether it be due to their relegation battles or just a lack of faith, various managers have snubbed youngsters who were tearing it up in the youth setup.

Ellis Simms was one such name, who boasted 41 goals in 45 games for the U18s and a further 17 goals in 40 games for the U21s. However, now 22 years old and still yet to be used regularly, it is expected that he might not be at the level required.

However, one name who certainly is still in with a chance is Tom Cannon. The 20-year-old is currently enjoying his first loan spell away from Goodison Park at Preston North End, where he has finally started to find his form.

Both of these youngsters are likely vying for a spot beside Dominic Calvert-Lewin next season in Sean Dyche's more classic 4-4-2, depending on the English forward's fitness. Given how the younger of the two will be enjoying regular football until the end of this season, whilst Simms will likely occupy the bench, there is cause to believe that Cannon will be the favourite to start next season.

Who is Tom Cannon?

Having been at the club since the age of 10, the Republic of Ireland youth international already boasts three senior appearances for the Toffees having scored 22 times for the U21s across 55 appearances.

With sharp movement and a keen eye for a goal, he cuts a far more slender figure to the hulking Simms. This could actually work in his favour despite what many might expect from a Dyche centre forward, as his athleticism to run off Calvert-Lewin's flick-ons could prove imperative in their link-up.

In his short time at Deepdale, he has already captured the attention there too, as Hull City boss Liam Rosenior spoke out about how difficult the youngster was to play against. He noted: "I thought Tom Cannon was outstanding, one of the best we've played against by far."

Should he continue his goalscoring form into the run-in, where he has two in his last three Championship matches, he would return to Merseyside ready to feature next to a hopefully fully fit Calvert-Lewin, thus usurping Simms.

Newcastle United are reportedly in a fight with a number of other clubs in the Premier League to sign Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

Newcastle have recently been linked with summer moves for Bristol City’s Alex Scott and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister, suggesting that they would like to sign a new midfielder in the next transfer window.

Both Matty Longstaff and Matt Ritchie are out of contract in the summer, while they allowed Jonjo Shelvey to move to Nottingham Forest in January, so there will be a space in the squad for Eddie Howe to add a midfielder come next season.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

According to German news outlet SportBILD (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park outfit are in a Premier League battle to sign Khedira, who is out of contract at Union Berlin in the summer.

This means that he can sign as a free agent, so there is sure to be plenty of interest come the end of the season.

However, if the North East club want to sign him, they will face competition from the likes of Leicester City and Wolves for his signature.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for the Tynesiders to sign Khedira on a free transfer, especially considering their need for a midfielder.

The six-foot-two colossus has been a standout performer for a Union Berlin side surprisingly challenging at the top of the Bundesliga, as no other player in this squad has averaged more interceptions per game than he has, while he also ranks highly in terms of average aerial duels won, tackles, blocks and passes per match (WhoScored).

Khedira would also offer the Magpies leadership qualities off the pitch, having captained Union Berlin on a number of occasions already so far this term, and would offer extra stability in a midfield with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton already in it.

The Toon Army will be able to catch a glimpse of the 29-year-old in action tonight, as Union Berlin travel to Union Saint Gilloise for the second leg of their year UEFA Europa League last-16 tie, after drawing 3-3 in the first leg.

Nonetheless, Khedira will be looking to make an impact, as the Germans aim to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition, where they could have Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester United waiting for them if they get through.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Hugo Lloris stand-in Fraser Forster, calling him ‘fantastic’ and ‘reliable’.

The Lowdown: Forster called…

The former Celtic star, signed on a free transfer from Southampton last summer, has been forced to stand-in for the injured Lloris recently.

The France international suffered a knee problem last month, ruling him out of action for around six to eight weeks and forcing Spurs to cope without one of their figureheads.

Lloris has been out of form this Premier League season but his presence as a veteran with real experience is invaluable, making Forster’s job to replace the 36-year-old a great one.

The Englishman, however, appears to have earned the respect of Conte for his temporary job as Spurs’ number one.

The Latest: Conte praises Forster…

Speaking to the media on Thursday, via reporter Alasdair Gold, Conte heaped praised on Forster for his reliability – calling him a ‘fantastic signing’ for the club.

The Italian stated:

“For sure Fraser is playing very well. He’s showing to be a reliable player. He’s showing to be a really good guy.

“I remembered him well from in the Champions League when we played Celtic with Juventus. He impressed me and the way to be a keeper.

“At the same time, He’s a really good person, a positive person for this dressing room. I think it was a fantastic signing for the club and he’s showing he deserves credit.

“For sure Hugo is our keeper but before to come back he has to stay well. We won’t force the situation because he needs to be right and Fraser deserves credit. We are really happy with Fraser but when Hugo will be ready he is our first choice.”

The Verdict: Great player…

The 6 foot 6 keeper has been a brilliant stand-in for Lloris, but ahead of this summer, Spurs still need to contemplate the Frenchman’s long-term replacement.

It is believed that Spurs are looking for an heir with the north Londoners targeting Illan Meslier and Robert Sanchez from the English top flight.

Elsewhere, the Lilywhites have also been looking at Diogo Costa from FC Porto and Mike Maignan from AC Milan – so the club aren’t exactly short of options.

Whoever they opt to make their top target, it is perhaps one of sporting director Fabio Paratici’s most crucial decisions of the summer window, if he is in fact there for that long amid Juve’s financial scandal.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has suggested that Tottenham could well tempt out-of-work boss Julian Nagelsmann to join the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs seek Conte replacement…

Spurs have reportedly been seeking an heir to current head coach Antonio Conte after his outburst against Southampton last weekend.

The Italian had been linked with a departure from north London at the end of this Premier League season but an astonishing post-match rant last Saturday could push his exit forward.

Conte questioned the very culture of the club and lack of silverware in a thinly-veiled dig towards the Tottenham hierarchy, all the while questioning his squad’s overall desire.

“They are used to it here, they are used to it. They don’t play for something important yeah. They don’t want to play under pressure, they don’t want to play under stress,” exclaimed a furious Conte.

“It is easy in this way. Tottenham’s story is this. Twenty years there is the owner and they never won something but why? The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stays here. I have seen the managers that Tottenham had on the bench.”

Spurs are still pushing for a top four Premier League finish and their next move will be a crucial one, yet the newly-found availability of Nagelsmann presents a real opportunity.

The Latest: Nagelsmann could be tempted by Spurs…

The north Londoners have been heavily linked with Bayern’s former boss in the last 24 hours and ever since his surprise departure from the Allianz Arena.

Gold, writing in a piece for football.london and on Twitter, claims he is a manager Spurs have contemplated hiring twice before.

The journalist says that Spurs ‘might be able to quickly tempt’ Nagelsmann into joining, especially when factoring in he ‘developed real affection for the club’ during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.

The 35-year-old apparently forged a real connection with Spurs while Pochettino was in charge and became a big fan of their playing style.

The Verdict: Boost for Spurs?

Bayern’s surprise decision to sack Nagelsmann has presented the north Londoners with a chance to sway him for the third time of asking.

Third-time lucky is the age-old saying and RB Leipzig’s former boss would come with both pedigree and the status of being Europe’s most exciting young coach.

Already boasting a league title on his CV at such a young age, Nagelsmann’s brand of intense, high-pressing football could also excite Spurs supporters.

Called a ‘sensational manager’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, it’s safe to say the German would come as a brilliant Conte replacement given his free agent status.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago is "close" to making a return from a lengthy injury absence, as relayed on Twitter by journalist James Pearce.

Is Thiago having an injury-plagued season?

So much has gone wrong for the Reds overall this season, from poor form to bad luck at times, but injuries have again been a major problem. Jurgen Klopp has constantly had to make do without key players, with the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konate all out for long periods at various points.

One player who has found himself in and out of the team is Thiago, whose reputation for being an injury-prone figure has continued in 2022/23. The Spaniard has only made 14 appearances in the Premier League and his last outing came in the 3-0 defeat away to Wolves in early February, having picked up a hip problem.

Liverpool are now in a season-defining period, as they look to clinch an unlikely top-four finish, and they need as many pivotal players available as possible. Fortunately, it looks as though Thiago may be on the verge of return, following a key update.

Is midfielder set for a return?

Taking to Twitter, Pearce relayed news from Klopp's press conference before City that the 31-year-old is nearing a comeback after a two-month absence from the team, hopefully joining Diaz in being back next week:

He explained:

"Thiago close to a return."

This is fantastic news for Liverpool, with Thiago the most gifted midfielder in the squad and someone whose influence in the middle of the park is arguably unrivalled when he is fit and firing. This season, he has averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the league, which is more than any other Reds player, as well as enjoying an 89% pass completion rate in the Champions League.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man is capable of playing passes few others can pull off, while his ability to dictate a midfield battle can give Klopp's men so much more control in games. He has been hailed as both "outstanding" and "sensational" by his manager and he can have a major say in the top-four race between now and the end of the season.

Moving forward, Thiago needs to be treated as something of a luxury player, however, with his constant injury absences unlikely to change. He is out of contract at the end of next season, at which point it could make sense to let him leave on a free transfer, rather than extend his stay at Anfield.

Fresh from their weekend win at St James' Park, Newcastle United continue their push for Champions League qualification by taking on relegation strugglers West Ham United later today, with Eddie Howe's men having the chance to strengthen their place in the top four.

Sunday's 2-0 triumph over rivals Manchester United has moved the Magpies into third with just over ten Premier League games left to play, with the hope being that the northeast side can maintain this momentum over the coming weeks.

If the Tynesiders are to remain at their rampant best, however, Howe may need to make notable alterations and tweaks amid this hectic fixture schedule, with the depths of the Englishman's squad likely to be well and truly tested.

With Miguel Almiron currently sidelined with injury and with Ryan Fraser having been banished to the U21s, it does appear that options are rather limited on the flanks, in particular, with rotation likely required to avoid further injury setbacks moving forward.

One man who will likely be chomping at the bit to start this evening is January arrival, Anthony Gordon, with the £45m man having returned off the bench against the Red Devils, following a brief spell out with an ankle issue.

With the former Everton sensation having produced a lively cameo after entering the fray in the closing stages – having enjoyed 'some dangerous moments' according to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder – the 22-year-old may well have justified a starting berth for the trip to the London Stadium.

Will Gordon play against West Ham?

With Allan Saint-Maximin looking "back to his best" against Erik ten Hag's men – as per Northern Echo's Scott Wilson – it is likely that it would have to be Jacob Murphy who makes way for Gordon on the right wing, despite the 28-year-old having "impressed" in flashes at the weekend, according to journalist Dominic Scurr.

Hailed as "outstanding" by his manager following the win last time out, Murphy did offer a relentless presence down the flank after contributing three key passes on the day, albeit while winning just one of his five total duels in that 68-minute outing.

The former Norwich City man was hardly given a glowing endorsement for his performance by the aforementioned Ryder, who stated that the winger 'gave it his best shot', while the Independent's Jamie Braidwood wrote that the Englishman was 'quite limited in his final product'.

That has been a theme throughout Murphy's time at the club as he has just six goals and ten assists to his name in 140 appearances across all fronts, having rarely been able to offer that killer pass or clinical finish when it matters most.

As such, it could be time for young Gordon to be unleashed this time around, with the "fearless" ace – as per club legend Alan Shearer – having offered his side 'more energy' after his introduction on Sunday, according to Braidwood.

The Liverpool-born menace certainly made his mark in that 22-minute appearance as he won four of his five ground duels as a marker of his tenacious nature in attack, with it easy to see why the £10k-per-week man ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for tackles made.

Equally, while Murphy has just one league goal to his name this season, Gordon scored three times in the first half of the campaign for the Toffees, showcasing that a run in the side could see him begin to replicate that form in his new home.

Having invested heavily in plucking the player from Goodison Park just a few months ago, Howe needs to begin to put faith in dynamic forward and give him a chance to shine from the start, even if it comes at Murphy's expense.