All posts by h716a5.icu

The former New Zealand batter has emerged as the frontrunner following the first tranche of interviews

ESPNcricinfo staff11-May-2022Brendon McCullum has emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant role as England’s Test coach following two days of interviews at Lord’s, and may be unveiled in the role this week.McCullum, who is in his third season as Kolkata Knight Riders’ coach at the IPL, has never coached a first-class game and was widely expected to be a candidate for the white-ball job, with the ECB splitting the main coaching roles down format lines due to England’s jam-packed schedule and the growing divergence between their sides.However, several British newspapers reported on Tuesday night that McCullum is now in line for the Test job following the first tranche of interviews at the start of this week. It is possible that an appointment will be ratified before the end of the week, with England’s first Test of the summer against New Zealand – McCullum’s home country – on June 2.McCullum’s coaching experience has come exclusively in the limited-overs game but as a captain, he was a key part of the leadership group that brought about New Zealand’s revival as a Test side along with coach Mike Hesson from 2012 to 2016.Rob Key, the ECB’s new managing director of men’s cricket, has led the interview process and revealed during his first press conference at Lord’s that he had sought opinions on the Test side from Eoin Morgan, McCullum’s close friend and Knight Riders’ captain last year during their run to the final.”I’ve spoken to Eoin about red-ball cricket as well,” Key said. “I asked his opinion. You want good people with good brains around you to work stuff out, so Eoin Morgan is someone I would speak to about so many different things.”McCullum’s attacking style would chime with how both Key and Ben Stokes, England’s new Test captain, play the game. After scoring 145 off 79 balls in his final Test against Australia, McCullum said he wanted to be remembered “as a good team man… a guy who played for the right reasons and who, if in doubt, was prepared to take the positive option”.Key has also previously confirmed that he would be willing to let an England head coach work in the IPL if necessary, saying: “I would much rather have the best person for 10 months of the year than someone not as good for 12.”Whether such logic applies to a Test coach as well as a white-ball coach remains to be seen, while McCullum’s job at Knight Riders may come under scrutiny after a poor season to date in which they seem highly likely to miss out on the playoffs.Other leading candidates for the Test role are understood to include Gary Kirsten, Simon Katich and Graham Ford while Paul Collingwood is among the applicants for the white-ball job.

“It’s just how we play, mate”. That’s often been the response from Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou when quizzed on the club’s current playing style.

It’s certainly entertaining. That said, Spurs have now conceded over 50 shots in their last three home matches and also conceded 13 goals in those clashes.

Now, you may well argue that the Lilywhites are without the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven but there is a lack of planning from Postecoglou when the going gets tough.

Where’s the plan B? It doesn’t look like there is one. As such, no matter the scoreline, Spurs play a high line and are repeatedly punished for doing so.

When will the penny drop? It might not be until the Aussie is relieved from his duties, not that it looks like that will happen anytime soon.

Ange is a likeable bloke, let’s get that out there. He really is. He’s been an honest voice and knows the culture of this football club has to change if they want to win trophies. However, as a team like Arsenal have shown, you need a strong defence in order to build the foundations from the ground up.

Van de Ven and Romero’s returns will be key, but so will some January recruits. Speaking of which, here’s one that may well happen in 2025…

Spurs chasing Serie A star in 2025

So, on this occasion, it’s not the defence that’s being touted with being strengthened. Instead, it’s a midfielder who would undoubtedly make the spine of this Spurs team a great deal stronger.

Indeed, according to reports from ESPN last week, it revealed a few targets that the Londoners could look towards in the new year.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One of those is Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, who the club have reportedly been scouting with a view to making a move.

Previous reports have suggested that the talented Dutch midfielder could set any suitor back a £50m fee.

So, what would Reijnders offer anyone who signs him? The answer is a great deal.

Why Spurs should sign Tijjani Reijnders

Celebrated as one of the “top five midfielders this season” in Europe by data analyst Ben Mattinson, it’s already evident that Spurs would be making quite the statement by signing Reijnders.

Aged 26-year-old, the Milan star is swiftly approaching his prime and he’s certainly playing like that at the moment.

A scorer of eight goals in 2024/25 to date, he can offer you goals but he’s a creative asset too, registering three assists this term. Those numbers are already better than what he posted last campaign when the Dutch midfielder scored four times and supplied four assists.

So, he’s getting better all the time and he also gives you versatility, capable of playing as a holding midfielder, a number 8 or as an attack-minded midfielder.

That would paint him in the James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski mould, so one might question the need for him. Well, look at how he stacks up to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Phil Foden and let us know what you think now.

Indeed, according to FBRef’s similar players tool, the three are noted as comparable assets. Reijnders might not have a 27-goal seasonal haul in him like Foden registered in 2023/24 but there are some parallels to draw.

Progressive passes

6.65

10

5.18

Key passes

1.53

2.90

2.23

Passes into final 3rd

4.92

4.70

2.29

Pass success %

89%

84%

85%

Long passes completed

2.99

2.47

2.43

Long pass success %

71%

63%

53%

Touches

62

66

66

Successful take-ons

1.24

1.18

1.35

Progressive carries

3.08

2.72

2.78

Tackles won

0.63

0.53

0.52

The numbers outlined above are particularly impressive and although Odegaard is by far the most creative of the three, making 2.90 key passes per 90 minutes, there are a number of similarities to dive into here.

Firstly, they both have a similar influence on the ball in their team, with only four touches per 90 separating the trio. Interestingly, they make a very similar number of progressive carries and successfully take on a player with a near-identical level of efficiency.

It’s perhaps unsurprising to see that Reijnders completes more long balls per 90 given he can play in a deeper role but it outlines the sheer range of his skillset here. He can play long, he can play short, he can beat opponents with his dribbling and he can score goals.

This would be a fabulous signing for Spurs and one that could take Postecoglou’s team to the next level.

As bad as Dragusin: 3/10 Spurs star doesn't deserve his £100m price tag

Tottenham Hotspur once again fell to a huge home defeat in the Premier League last night.

1 ByEthan Lamb Dec 23, 2024

Back-to-back centuries for opener keeps hosts in top spot of Division Two

ECB Reporters Network15-May-2022Sam Robson’s second successive century, combined with an afternoon downpour, denied Nottinghamshire top spot in LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two as Middlesex salvaged a draw at Lord’s.Robson’s resolute knock of 101 not out, supported by an even grittier unbeaten 18 from Max Holden, thwarted Nottinghamshire’s bowlers as they pressed for the victory that would have lifted them above their hosts at the summit.The Middlesex pair shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 101 to steer their side to 133 for three – chasing a nominal target of 516 – before rain wiped out Nottinghamshire’s hopes of forcing a third consecutive Championship win.The contest was eventually abandoned just before 5pm, leaving the visitors ruing their decision not to make Middlesex follow on after dismissing them for 195 first time around.Survival had effectively been the aim for the Seaxes ever since day two and Robson and Holden dug in again after resuming at 69 for three, adding only three runs in the first six overs.Holden had already been at the crease for more than two hours before he progressed into double figures but, although Stuart Broad beat the bat a number of times, the pair managed to see off his initial spell.James Pattinson looked the most dangerous of the Nottinghamshire seamers, unleashing a ball that reared up at Robson and brushed his glove, only to drop just short of Ben Duckett at second slip.Robson fended off another rising delivery from Pattinson through the vacant third slip area to advance to 96 – and he leg-glanced the next one to the boundary as well, bringing up his hundred from 177 balls.Broad switched to the Pavilion End for a second spell, but the Test paceman was barely into his rhythm when rain arrived and the players left the field at 12.30pm, with the situation never improving sufficiently for them to return.

Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has revealed the unusual messages that Mikel Arteta sent him last summer in order to convince him to join the Gunners.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Calafiori reveals talks with Arteta before joiningEnticed the Italian to make the switch to ArsenalCurrently playing massive part in Arteta's plansFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Calafiori joined Arsenal in the summer of 2024 from Bollogna for a reported fee of £42 million ($45.6m) after a number of discussions over the move between all three parties. The Italian defender has now revealed Arteta's unusual ways to try to convince him to join the Gunners.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT CALAFIORI SAID

Speaking to Undici, Calafiori said: "I was immediately impressed by how much he cared about getting to know me. One day on the phone he sent me some photos of my family and asked me to say what each member of the family meant to me.

"Nothing like this had ever happened to me before, I’m not saying that he convinced me with this alone but it certainly represented an important moment."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Calafiori has since become a key player in Arsenal's defence this season, as the Gunners mounted yet another title challenge in the Premier League but look likely to fall short yet again. The Italian has made 17 appearances for the Gunners so far this season and is quickly becoming a solid defender to help them out in the future.

WHAT NEXT FOR CALAFIORI?

The Italian defender is now with the Italy national team for their Nations League quarterfinal clashes against Germany. He will return to London on March 24 to prepare for the Gunners' Premier League clash against Fulham on April 2.

After spending hundreds of millions of pounds in the last few years since their takeover, Chelsea are finally reaping the rewards. The Blues have been flying so far under new manager Enzo Maresca and are already 2nd in the Premier League with 34 points to their name.

Their form has been very impressive. So far, the Blues have won ten times, lost twice, and drawn on four occasions. Indeed, those draws have not been the worst results, with two coming against Manchester United and Arsenal.

Maresca will be hoping his side can keep their momentum going, as they look to make a real push for the league title. The form of his midfielders will be crucial to any potential title battle.

The form of Chelsea’s midfield

The Blues have spent a fortune getting their midfield right, but this season it seems as though their investment is paying off. Enzo Fernandez, who cost £106.8m, Moises Caicedo who was £115m and Romeo Lavia who cost £58m, have all had a huge role to play this term.

It was a slow start to the season for Fernandez. The 2022 World Cup young player of the tournament struggled to get into the side earlier in the campaign. However, the 23-year-old won his place back in the team in the Premier League. He now has seven goal involvements in the last six top-flight games, including a goal and an assist against Leicester City.

Caicedo is another player thriving in the middle of the park for the Blues. He has been crucial at the base of their midfield, playing all 16 top-flight games so far and has scored one goal and three assists. Earlier this week, former Chelsea player turned TalkSport pundit Jason Cundy claimed he is “the best midfielder in the country right now”, which illustrates how well he is playing.

20-year-old Romeo Lavia also plays an important role in Chelsea’s midfield. He has struggled with injuries at times this term but has managed nine appearances in the top flight. Jamie Redknapp has been full of praise for him this season, explaining that he “has done ever so well” for Maresca’s side.

The impressive form of Fernandez, Caicedo, and Lavia has been a real positive for the Blues, although it has meant new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has not really had an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Dewsbury-Hall’s 2024/25 season

Chelsea did not pay as much for Dewsbury-Hall compared to their three key midfielders. He cost £30m from Leicester City, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. However, given the amount he has played, it hasn’t been the best deal.

The 26-year-old has played 15 times across all competitions in his short career at Stamford Bridge so far. He has two goals and an assist to his name, both coming in the Europa Conference League. Worryingly, the midfielder has played just 55 Premier League minutes.

Competition

Games

Minutes

G/A

Premier League

5

55

0

Conference League

6

475

3

Conference League qualifiers

2

180

0

Carabao Cup

2

147

0

That is certainly a surprise given the success he enjoyed in midfield under Maresca last season. Dewsbury-Hall was a key player for the Foxes as they won the Championship, scoring 12 times and grabbing 14 assists in 44 games.

The new Chelsea boss was full of praise for the midfielder during Leicester’s successful campaign last term. The Italian explained he can be “dangerous” in advanced areas, as his goals and assists numbers showed.

Given how much Maresca rates the midfielder, it is perhaps a surprise he has not had much chance to prove his worth in a Chelsea shirt. They are paying him a lot of money for someone who has played so little this season.

As per Capology, Dewsbury-Hall is on £80k per week, more than Noni Madueke who earns £50k each week, and Lavia who earns a weekly wage of £45k.

That does not seem like value for money when you consider that Madueke has recorded six goals and four assists in 19 appearances so far this season, which shows that the England international has offered far more to the team than Dewsbury-Hall, despite earning less.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Dewsbury-Hall, but Maresca recently admitted he could leave the club in January. The Chelsea boss must, now, ruthlessly ditch the English flop from the squad when the January transfer window opens, as he has not proven to be a value-for-money addition.

Victory for home side ensures they leapfrog visitors in final Charlotte Edwards Cup standings

ECB Reporters Network03-Jun-2022England slow left-armer Sophie Ecclestone collected 5 for 15, her maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, as Thunder ended their Charlotte Edwards Cup campaign with a five-wicket victory over Lightning at Emirates Old Trafford.The victory was completed with 28 balls to spare and ensures that Thunder do not finish bottom of their group, that unwanted honour being taken by Lightning, whose total of 103 was comfortably overhauled.But Lightning’s innings had got off to a superb start when the visitors took 27 runs off the first ten balls of the innings, 16 of them conceded by Kate Cross’s opening over. However, that early momentum was lost when Marie Kelly attempted one cross-batted swipe too many at Alex Hartley’s left-arm spin and was bowled for 17.In the third over, Ecclestone had Ella Claridge caught by Phoebe Graham at mid-on for nought and Bethany Harmer pouched at backward square leg for 7. That left Lightning on 29 off 3 after three overs and only 15 runs were scored off the remaining 18 balls of the Powerplay.Thunder struck the next blow when Sarah Bryce was neatly caught and bowled by Hannah Jones for 13 and when Bethan Ellis’s top-edged sweep off Emma Lamb was nonchalantly plucked out of the air by Graham at backward square leg on the 45, Lightning were 54 for 5 after nine overs.Kathryn Bryce and Piepa Cleary tried to stabilise the innings but their attempt foundered when non-striker Bryce called Cleary for a single but was run out for 13 by Graham’s sharp throw. Lightning’s task now was to balance steady accumulation with the priority of batting out their remaining eight overs but Cleary and Lucy Higham’s careful progress was derailed in the 16th over with the score on 86, when another bullet throw by Graham ran out Higham for 16.Ecclestone then cleaned up Sophie Munro, Grace Ballinger and Josie Groves, the last of her victims smartly stumped by Ellie Threlkeld first ball, to leave Lightning all out for 103 with two of their overs unused.Thunder’s pursuit began even more poorly than Lightning’s had. Georgie Boyce was lbw to Kelly for 1 and Cross caught at mid-off with Ballinger the successful bowler for 9, both wickets falling in the first three overs, and when Ecclestone was leg before to Kathryn Bryce for two, the home side were 25 for 3 after 4.5 overs.That, though was where the good news appeared to end for Lightning. Lamb moved carefully onto the attack and had made 42 off 35 balls when she was leg before to Kathryn Bryce. That was at the halfway stage of the Thunder innings and the home side were still well placed on 75 for 4, especially so since Kelly had been removed from the attack for bowling two beamers above waist height.Danielle Collins was leg before to Josie Groves for 12 in the next over but by that stage Thunder needed 23 runs off nine overs with five wickets in hand. That job was completed with litte fuss by Threlkeld and Daisy Mullan, skipper Threlkeld finishing unbeaten on 12. Kathryn Bryce, with 2 for 24, was the most successful Lightning bowler.

In the middle of a season to forget, Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a free deal to sign a much-needed reinforcement who Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for in the past.

Man City transfer news

Whether it’s Valencia’s Pepelu or Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, it’s clear that Manchester City must welcome midfield reinforcements in the January transfer window and during the summer. For the first time since Guardiola’s first season – in which he dropped the likes of Joe Hart – Manchester City are in need of a rebuild if they want to regain a dominant foothold on English football.

Man City preparing move to sign "outstanding" main target to replace Rodri

The Blues desperately need reinforcements…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 14, 2024

Of course, the season-ending injury to Rodri far from helped but a torrid run of form has quickly presented a number of problems that those at the Etihad must solve. That said, replacing Rodri for at least the rest of the season should remain top of their wishlist, especially if it going to be a player of Guimaraes’ calibre.

The Newcastle star remains one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League and is reportedly willing to leave St James’ Park as early as January to hand City an instant boost. And he may not be the only midfielder to arrive.

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Manchester City are now weighing up a move to sign Paul Pogba in a free transfer ahead of his return from an 18-month suspension in March. The Frenchman saw his initial four-year ban reduced to just 18 months after a successful appeal and will now be looking to return and make an instant impact to rewrite the narrative.

If he’s looking to steal headlines, then a move to Manchester City would certainly be the way to go too. Having previously been at the centre of criticism during his Manchester United days, Pogba could now get the chance to become the catalyst behind his former rivals’ rebuild to deal the Red Devils the ultimate blow.

Guardiola could finally unlock "strong" Pogba

Unlocking Pogba was, ultimately, a task that Manchester United never quite managed to achieve in what left them with plenty of transfer regret. Whilst France benefitted from the best version of the midfielder as he played a crucial part in their 2018 World Cup win, the Red Devils were stuck trying their best to figure out the impossible combination to enjoy the same benefits.

The code word they were looking for all that time may well turn out to be ‘Guardiola’, however. The Manchester City boss knows exactly how to get the best out of players and the prospect of the Spaniard getting the chance to work with Pogba – even at the latter stages of the Frenchman’s career – should be enough to intrigue those at The Etihad into a potential deal.

The City boss has been full of praise for Pogba in the past, telling reporters as relayed by The Independent during the midfielder’s first Juventus spell all those years ago: “Now, he is a Juventus player. He’s very strong and very young. He’s shown his value, but I know he’s happy at Juve and I wish him a long career. Would I like to coach him? It doesn’t depend on me, but on the club.”

With the help of data from IFFHS, GOAL runs down a list of the top goalscorers in all official competitions in the history of the beautiful game.

Getty Images15Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 561 goals | 1999-2023

Arguably the greatest Swedish footballer of all time, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly one of football’s most renowned goal scorers and most lethal strikers.

A towering figure, both mentally and physically, Ibrahimovic has bagged goals wherever he has gone, starring for some of Europe's best clubs.

His unique brand of playful arrogance earned him plenty of detractors during his career, but none can take away from his prowess as a goalscorer.

Advertisement14Glenn Ferguson | 563 goals | 1987-2011

Irish League legend Glenn Ferguson scored 563 goals during a trophy-laden career that saw him shine for Glenavon and Linfield in particular.

Getty Images13Eusebio | 578 goals | 1960-1978

Known as O Rei in Portugal, Eusebio was one of the most prolific goalscorers of the 1960s and 1970s, spearheading a Benfica side which dominated domestically and conquered Europe.

An iconic figure in Lisbon, fondly remember by fans across the world, Eusebio boasted an incredible goals-per-game ratio, with 619 goals in 639 games.

Getty12Luis Suarez | 587 goals | 2005-present

Uruguayan hot-shot Luis Suarez is one of South America's greatest goalscorers, banging them in for some of the biggest teams in the world. Suarez has been a key player for Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and decided to wind his career down at Inter Miami alongside fellow South American Lionel Messi.

Top-tier performances from Macario and Thompson, lackluster from the rest as Brazil rebound in Olympic final rematch

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The USWNT didn't waste much time getting the capacity PayPal Stadium crowd rocking Tuesday night, scoring just 34 seconds into the game thanks to a driving run from Alyssa Thompson and a follow-up tap-in finish from Catarina Macario.

Brazil later equalized with a far post finish from former NWSL MVP Kerolin, keeping the USWNT on their toes constantly with smart wide play and tricky runs in behind. However, the rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold medal game – not to mention the USWNT's 2-0 win over the same Brazil side Saturday night in Los Angeles – didn't come with the same Hollywood happy ending.

In front of a soldout stadium of 18,000, the U.S. women's national team fell 2-1 to Brazil.

In true Emma Hayes fashion, the U.S. boss completely shook up the roster on Tuesday, fielding the youngest lineup in her 20-game tenure. Captain Emily Sonnett entered the match with 106 caps, while the rest of the starting XI totaled only 81. Lily Yohannes, just 17, started as the 10, while Avery Patterson, 22, earned her first start for the senior team and second-ever cap – the first one coming on Saturday night.

Also in the starting XI was 19-year old Gisele Thompson, who joined her sister in the XI, and 19-year old Claire Hutton out of Kansas City Current. Average age of this starting goup? 22.

The game was a battle, from the first minute until the last, with Brazil finding more openings up top than they did on Saturday, and the USWNT playing a more relaxed in the midfield than usual. Just when the crowd thought that the game might end in a 1-1 result, Brazil came knocking in extra time thanks to a 90+5 minute goal from Amanda. That sealed just the second loss in Hayes' 20-game tenure with the USWNT – but also the second in the last three games.

GOAL look at the winners and losers from the USWNT's 2-1 loss to Brazil.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Cat Macario

It’s not just scoring in the first minute of play, but also what Macario continued to deliver throughout the match. Her ability to hold the ball and work off of Alyssa Thompson and Michelle Cooper is almost effortless. In particular, her combination play with Thompson was exceptional.

Macario has had to adapt into the role as the nine for the USWNT, but she’s making it look like her spot. Her goal just 34 seconds into the game came because she was following the ball, hungry in front of the net, and hunting. As the game went on, her hold-up game continued to get even better.

While she has a tendency to lay the ball off to a teammate underneath, often Lily Yohannes, she started turning and facing the defender to take them on 1v1.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: The midfield – across the board

Neither the USWNT or Brazil were particularly clean or organized in the midfield. Hayes started Claire Hutton and Korbin Albert at holding, with Yohannes in front. Her game is usually sharp and textbook passing, however she gave the ball up a few too many times and didn't have urgency during transitions.

Both Albert and Hutton struggled to work out chemistry, despite both being decent with their battles won. The midfield was missing experience, which prompted Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey to enter the match in the second half.

Brazil's side was less-than perfect, too. While Angelina attempted to connect passes throughout, Brazil resorted to knocking the ball long and wide for Gabi or Kerolin to manage. While that tactic isn't the usual Brazilian flare we see in the midfield, it did lead to the the USWNT often turning around, chasing the ball.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Alyssa Thompson

Thompson had an engine to her again on Tuesday, one that created a lot of problems for Brazil's backline. Thompson is quickly becoming the clear left forward for the USWNT, especially with her instinct to dribble central and beat players 1v1.

Thompson and Macario were the two stars at PayPal Stadium, between their combination play and work ethic.

Thompson didn't score, but she put in 70-plus minutes of hard work up top to catch the praise of Hayes. Thompson did very well when she received the ball out wide and had to just beat one player down the flank, and then drive inside. When she did, Macario and the other attacking players' movement constantly spun the Brazil defenders around.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesLOSER: The USWNT backline

What the USWNT defensive line is missing is a possession-oriented defender. Right now, there is too much reactionary playing and not enough composure and swinging of the ball. Since the USWNT hasn't had Naomi Girma in as a center back, out with injury, and then lost Tierna Davidson to another unfortunate ACL tear, it's been a toss up about as to the starting center-back pairing.

Sonnett is a no brainer. She has the most experience and more caps than the rest of the USWNT starting lineup on Tuesday night, combined. While Tara McKeown is physical and disciplined, her speed is a major question mark as the Brazil front three were often finding touches past her.

Gisele Thompson was a late addition to the roster and despite being very technical and quick, was caught out of position on a few occasions – and her physicality was tested against a forceful Brazilian front line.

While it wasn't all poor, the USWNT backline didn't offer much reassurance during moments of transition, and as the calendar year continues, it will be critical that they establish a style of play beyond just big clearances out of the back. The performance from Patterson was solid, especially in just her second cap. Patterson tracked the ball well and made some big time defensive stops during moments of panic.

Even when Hayes made changes after the half, including Alana Cook for McKeown, Cook struggled to keep up with the pace of Brazil's front line.

Everton are now looking at an “outstanding” manager to replace Sean Dyche, and he would be keen on a move to Goodison Park, according to a report.

Sean Dyche's future hanging in the balance

Following the Toffees’ 1-0 loss away at AFC Bournemouth, The Friedkin Group were believed to be reviewing Dyche’s situation at Goodison Park, with the Merseyside club now sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

The 53-year-old has admitted that the owners are correct to be assessing his future, in light of the poor results his side have suffered, saying: “We have not won enough this season, [I need to] make sure the team is operating in the right way and please everyone all of the time. That is the job, we haven’t done that enough and it comes down to me.”

Not only have results been poor, but the style of play implemented at Goodison Park isn’t exactly easy on the eye, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher recently giving an overview of how few goals they have scored from open play.

With speculation over Dyche’s future building, TEAMtalk report that Everton have now started to look at potential replacements, and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is believed to be their top target.

However, the 49-year-old is now closing in on the West Ham United job, meaning the Toffees may have to consider other options, and one manager they have in mind is David Moyes.

The Friedkins are believed to be considering Moyes as a potential target, and there are signs he would take up the role if he was offered it, as he is believed to be very interested in a return to Goodison Park.

Everton have "opened talks" to sign 22 y/o Premier League winger this month

Fabrizio Romano has provided the exciting update.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 7, 2025 Moyes could bring the good times back to Everton

Although he did not manage to win any silverware, the 61-year-old enjoyed a successful 11 years at Everton before departing for Manchester United, and he has since gone on to prove himself with a Premier League club once again.

During his time with West Ham United, the Scot led West Ham United to success in the Europa Conference League, which indicates he could be a solid appointment for the Toffees.

The Merseysiders are set to move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, which they will be hoping can be the venue for some famous European nights, and Moyes has proven he is capable of making that dream a reality.

Given that it looks like Potter could be on his way to the London Stadium, it could be a smart move for Everton to appoint the “outstanding” former West Ham boss, as they look to kick on and start competing in the upper echelons of the Premier League once again.