Everton fans react to Ronald Koeman quote on Oumar Niasse

Everton manager Ronald Koeman confirmed in his pre-match press conference for the Premier League match against Bournemouth this weekend that striker Oumar Niasse is in contention to start, and Toffees fans are relieved with the news.

The outcast made his first appearance for the Merseyside outfit since the 2015/16 season when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win against Sunderland in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, and he scored his first goal for the club at the eighth attempt with a fine finish.

Koeman had told the Senegal international to find a new club last summer but with the Toffees failing to bring in a direct replacement for Romelu Lukaku and having failed to score in their four matches previous to the victory against the Black Cats, the 27-year-old looks to be back in favour.

Everton supporters were quick to have their say on their boss’ comments via social media, and while some said it was “about time”, others said it’s “what we have all been waiting for”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Leeds fans want Stuart Dallas to get his first league start of the season at Cardiff

Leeds United travel to south Wales to face Cardiff City in a top-of-the-table Championship clash at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night, and Whites fans want to see Stuart Dallas handed his first league start of the season.

Despite impressing in his appearances in the EFL Cup and scoring twice from the substitutes’ bench for the Championship leaders this term, Dallas is yet to be named in Thomas Christiansen’s starting line-up in the Yorkshire outfit’s previous nine English second-tier fixtures.

However, a trip to face Neil Warnock’s men is something of a tough task for the early pacesetters as Cardiff are only behind the Whites on goal difference.

Having lost 1-0 at Millwall in their last away match, Christiansen may be considering making changes and adding some more strength and guile to his midfield in particular.

Leeds supporters were quick to have their say on what the starting line-up should be via social media, and many are keen for Dallas to be handed a place in the XI.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Liverpool fans want to see more of £4.5m-rated midfielder

On Saturday, Liverpool posted an interview on their official Twitter page which detailed head coach Jurgen Klopp’s plans for 21-year-old midfielder Marko Grujic.

Grujic made eight first-team appearances for Liverpool during the 2016-17 season, and was also heavily involved in the club’s preparations for the new campaign.

The Serbian has only made one brief substitute appearance in the Premier League thus far this season, however, playing six minutes against Arsenal at the end of August.

Klopp revealed that the plan was for Grujic, who is valued at £4.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, to continue playing for Liverpool’s Under-23 team while the midfielder developed as a footballer.

However, there are a number of Liverpool supporters who feel that the former Red Star Belgrade midfielder should already be a regular first-team player for the Reds.

Indeed, one fan even claimed that he would prefer to see Grujic’s name on the team sheet over club captain Jordan Henderson.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below:

The top 10 FIFA 18 Career Mode wonderkids

FIFA 18 is finally here and that means its time for you to get back into Career Mode.

Whether you’re the kind of manager who aims to take his local League 2 team to glory or dominate Europe with one of the elite clubs, if you’re in it for the long run then you’ll need a few wonder kids to get you through it.

We’ve compiled a list of the best wonder kids with the highest rating potentials so you can ensure you’re targeting the very best for your team…

Overall: 75

Potential: 88

Age: 18

The 18-year-old has a massive future. He is fast, tall, strong and will fit perfectly into your defence.

The earlier you pick him up the cheaper he’ll be and with a potential improvement of 13, he’s a great investment.

Overall: 76

Potential: 88

Age: 20

The 6ft 1in striker has amazing strength, making him a beast up top. He’ll improve even more as his overall rating increases, too.

He’s only just breaking into the team at Schalke 04 so you may be able to grab him for a steal if you’re quick enough.

Overall: 78

Potential: 88

Age: 19

The Ajax star has had interest from the likes of Dortmund and Manchester United recently and as his overall improves, his finishing will become more clinical.

With a 4 star weak foot, he’s great from difficult angles.

Overall: 78

Potential: 89

Age: 19

The American winger can breeze past defenders easily with his four star skill moves and 91 pace. He has become a key part of Dortmund’s midfield and would be great signing for any team.

Overall: 77

Potential: 89

Age: 18

Securing a goalkeeper for your team can be challenging, especially if you’re at one of the Premier League clubs with a big ‘keeper retiring.

This youngster can be solid replacement with great potential, and he wont cost you much either.

Overall: 76

Potential: 89

Age: 18

Another Ajax starlet with a massive potential improvement of 13, the 6ft 2in centre-back has a medium work rate and works well in a three at the back formation

Overall: 80

Potential: 90

Age: 20

The young Belgian has recently made a big money move to Monaco so he may be difficult to obtain in the first season, but the midfield powerhouse can bring a lot to your team with his phenomenal long shots and passing ability.

Overall: 81

Potential: 92

Age: 20

The Manchester City youngster really needs no introduction; his pace and flare will have defenders beaten easily.

He may cost you a fair bit but he will undoubtedly be a worthy investment.

Overall: 82

Potential: 94

Age: 18

A young man with big shoes to fill for Italy , he’s set to take over from Buffon in the national team.

The guy is a monster between the sticks and will be sure to keep you many clean sheets throughout his career.

Overall: 83

Potential: 94

Age: 18

With 90 pace, 4 star skill moves and weak foot, the striker will tear defences to pieces. With a potential of a whopping 94, you simply can’t afford not to have this French wonderkid in your team.

In Focus: Too difficult for Manchester City to keep Sanchez and Aguero happy

Manchester City hope to sign Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, while Sergio Aguero is wanted by Real Madrid, according to Don Balon.

What’s the word?

During the summer transfer window, judging from all the media reports, Sanchez was closing in on a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Despite the interest, a deal never came to fruition and now the attacker is free to leave Arsenal for nothing at the end of the season.

Don Balon reports that the Gunners will try to sell Sanchez in January in order to get some cash, which could pave the way for Aguero to move on.

The Spanish publication claims that the Argentine is open to a move to Real Madrid, with Spain’s warmer climate being one of the attractions.

What should Man City do?

This season, Pep Guardiola has certainly got his team ticking, particularly in attack.

The North-West outfit have a five-point advantage in the Premier League title race and are unbeaten in all competitions so far.

City have been in scintillating form having scored 32 top-flight goals, and in five of their nine outings they have netted three or more.

Adding Sanchez to that forward line would make Guardiola’s side even more threatening to the opposition.

Plus, the Chile international is versatile in that he can play across the front line in various positions, which is something that Aguero has struggled with in the past.

Can they keep both?

If Sanchez was to join City, it is likely that Aguero would be the one that would have to sacrifice game time.

There is no denying that the 29-year-old is a crucial member of the team given that he has scored 129 goals in 188 league games since his 2011 switch from Atletico Madrid.

However, the striker’s fitness issues have been a concern, and as mentioned, Aguero does not possess the same level of versatility as Sanchez.

Moving to Real Madrid could end up being the right fit for the forward.

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Liverpool fans react as Luis Suarez has his say on Philippe Coutinho saga

Despite being held in high regard by almost all Liverpool fans who remember his time at the club, Luis Suarez’ latest comments may lose him some serious credibility amongst the Anfield faithful.

Speaking to ​Mundo Deportivo, Suarez was asked about Philippe Coutinho and the incessant rumours linking the Brazilian with a move to Barcelona;

“Obviously he must have wanted (to leave) because he is a player who has ambition and any player would want to come to Barcelona. He went through a difficult and very complicated moment but as a professional he has continued to show how good a player he is and the personal quality he has. Despite trying to leave Liverpool he continued helping the team and working. He is demonstrating as a professional who has the ambition to take a step further.”

After hearing what their former player had to say on the matter, Liverpool fans were not happy and took to Twitter to express their displeasure;

Three reasons Newcastle should hijack Sunderland’s bid to sign Woodburn on loan

According to reports in the Sunderland Echo, new Sunderland manager Chris Coleman wants to bring promising Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn to the Stadium of Light on loan during the January transfer window.

Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park left the Mackems rooted to the foot of the Championship table and four points from safety, and Coleman will surely be looking to add to his squad in the New Year.

The Sunderland Echo says he is keen on Woodburn if Jurgen Klopp is ready to let the 18-year-old leave on a temporary basis, and he certainly knows the attacking player well having given him his Wales debut in September, and then five more caps before he quit last week.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have made a mixed start to their Premier League campaign with four wins and six defeats in their opening 12 matches this term, and manager Rafa Benitez may be looking to add to his attacking options in January with his side scoring just 11 times.

While the business he does could depend on whether a takeover goes through before the window opens, bringing in Woodburn could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Newcastle should hijack Sunderland’s bid to sign the Welshman on loan…

Attacking depth

Rafa Benitez has primarily stuck with a front four of Joselu, Christian Atsu, Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie – although that has changed slightly in recent matches – so far this season, and it is mainly because he doesn’t have an abundance of options in those attacking areas.

While Aleksandar Mitrovic is out of favour, the likes of Jacob Murphy and Dwight Gayle are struggling to make the required impact despite their improved showings in the defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

It means that Benitez is likely to target new attackers in January and the versatile Woodburn – who usually plays on the left wing but has also featured on the right, as a central attacking midfielder and even in a deeper midfield role – could be the ideal addition.

His qualities

Woodburn is quick, good with either foot and has a keen eye for a goal and an assist – he has scored eight times and provided a further eight assists in 18 Premier League 2 appearances during his young career.

However, it is the impact he makes on the pitch and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed at any situation that is perhaps most impressive, and he scored on just his second appearance for the Reds against Leeds United in the League Cup last term, while he netted from 25 yards on his Wales debut in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Austria.

In that respect, Benitez certainly wouldn’t have any qualms about selecting the 18-year-old to perform in front of 52,000 fans at St James’ Park.

Rafa’s relationship with Liverpool

While Coleman knows Woodburn well having worked with him in the Wales setup, Benitez’s relationship with Liverpool in the past could work in his favour if the 18-year-old is made available for loan.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp may also prefer for the teenager to get some game time in the Premier League rather than in the Championship in order to aid his development, and that could see Newcastle beat their arch-rivals to the exciting young forward.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.

In Focus: Max can solve problem position at Manchester United

As reported by The Daily Mail, Manchester United are showing interest in Augsburg left-back Philipp Max ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The left-back position has been a problem for Jose Mourinho all season, failing to find a permanent solution despite the emerging form of Ashley Young. Adding competition to that area would serve the United squad well and with a transfer window just around the corner, it’s the perfect to make such a signing.

One player who could do the job for United is Augsburg defender Philipp Max, a left-back impressing in the Bundesliga this term.

The Daily Mail say he’s on Jose Mourinho’s radar, with United sending scouts to track his progress alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Who is he?

A regular for Augsburg, who are chasing a European qualification position in the German top-flight this season, Max has been in excellent form and is potentially on the brink of his first senior German national team cap.

He’s scored one and provided eight assists from left-back so far this term, an excellent contribution from a defender, clearly demonstrating he isn’t afraid to get forward and support his attacking teammates. It’s fair to say that’s a style that would go down a treat at Old Trafford.

He may not have big club experience, but producing consistently in Germany demonstrates he could be ready for such a move and with United looking for a permanent long-term solution in the position, he could be a fantastic choice.

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Southampton fans praise Soares for winning monthly award

Southampton did not have the best November in terms of results as they recorded three defeats and one victory.

However, Cedric Soares was the standout player during that run, according to voters who handed him the club’s title of Under Armour Player of the Month.

The Portuguese Euro 2016 winner played in every fixture, one of which ended in an emphatic 4-1 victory over Everton at St Mary’s.

Even though the results have not been going the Saints’ way, fans took a moment to send their congratulatory messages to Soares.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have won just four of their 15 Premier League games this season, which has left the club 11th in the table, seven points from safety.

With the players that Southampton have, a relegation battle is unlikely, but the team are in need of some more victories.

This weekend, the team face a huge battle as they take on Arsenal at St Mary’s.

The Gunners earned a 2-0 win in this fixture last season.

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Landing £16.2m-rated Brazilian would be the perfect way for Everton to bid farewell to Baines

Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern loved watching England progress to the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup against Colombia.

Toffees goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, was the hero after making a world-class save in stoppage time to keep England in front. The former Sunderland keeper then made an excellent save in the penalty shoot-out to send the Three Lions into the last eight. Our punters were delighted to watch their man do the business.

Despite England’s World Cup success, Everton are yet to make a signing this summer. Wayne Rooney and Ramiro Funes Mori have both left the club, but there have been no replacements. Left-back will be a priority for Marco Silva with Leighton Baines approaching the end of his career.

One man Silva could target is Bayer Leverkusen full-back – Wendell. Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in the division in recent years. Last season, he made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering three assists.

The Brazilian is lightning quick and is a good crosser of the ball making him the perfect replacement for Baines. He is yet to win a full cap for Brazil and may need to move to a better league to put himself on the map. Moving to Goodison Park could be perfect.

Everton fans, thoughts?

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