Sylvain Distin has told Everton’s official website that he was impressed with the performances of Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith during Sunday’s Merseyside derby. Both new signings at Goodison Park, Distin believes their significant impact against Liverpool is a sign of the Blues’ quality in depth this season.

Steven Naismith arrived from bankrupted Glasgow Rangers in the summer, and scored the equalising goal after 35 minutes which levelled the scrappy contest at 2-2. Kevin Mirallas joined Everton from Olympiacos for a fee of £6million in August, and has since made a place for himself in the Everton starting line-up.

The Belgian international was taken off at half-time after picking up a knock, but experienced centre-back Distin is pleased with the winger’s first half contribution.

“I think Kevin did great. If he stayed on the pitch for the second half, we might have had a few more chances up front. He was playing really well going forward, providing good crosses as well and he could have scored a good goal today” said the Frenchman.

Distin also stated that he was impressed with Steven Naismith’s performances from the bench this season, as well as coming in for the suspended Steven Pienaar for the Merseyside derby.

“Against QPR, he came on the pitch and did great. He carried on today [against Liverpool] and that’s what we need.

“The squad is not only the 11 players on the pitch; it’s those on the bench and those in the stand. You need a big squad if you want to have a good season.”

Naismith, 26, has told reporters he is going to be patient in regards to his Everton career, but is glad he’s netted his first goal for the club.

“At least I’m off the mark now for Everton and I can build on it,” said Naismith “This first period is about settling in and getting used to the training.

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“I never came expecting to play every week. But I work hard every day to get back to where I was before and this was just another step towards that” he added.

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Rangers have been hit with a late Ibrox injury setback ahead of their return to European action in Glasgow later today…

What’s the latest?

In his pre-match press conference, Gio van Bronckhorst revealed that the Wales international will be unavailable for selection against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League.

Ramsey was missing from the squad against Dundee United at the weekend and it was stated that he would be back in training this week. However, it has now been confirmed that he has not returned in time for this huge Europa League second leg clash.

The club Tweeted this update from the head coach: “Ramsey won’t be in the squad for tomorrow, no other fresh injury news.”

Livid

This update will surely leave Rangers fans feeling livid as Ramsey’s career at Ibrox has got off to almost the worst possible start.

He has been at the club for the best part of a month and a cup clash with a League Two outfit is the only match that he has been able to start so far.

The Juventus loanee has been used as a substitute once in the Europa League and two times in the Premiership, failing to register a goal or assist in either competition – with limited game time.

This will be particularly frustrating for the supporters as he arrived with plenty of hype due to his pedigree and experience. He has played over 400 matches for Juventus and Arsenal – two big European clubs – throughout his career and managed over 150 direct goal involvements for club and country.

Therefore, him being out is a major blow for the Gers because of what he could bring to the side, particularly against Bundesliga opposition in Dortmund. His career statistics show that he knows how to perform at the top level and his know-how could have been crucial tonight had he been available for selection, from the start or off the bench.

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Fans will be annoyed that van Bronckhorst will not be able to call upon his expertise and they may even be starting to wonder whether there was any point in signing him in January with his limited availability already creating issues.

However, there are plenty of games left in the season and he still has time on his side to get himself back to full fitness in order to then make a big impact on the side in the clutch stage of the campaign.

AND in other news, Forget Amad: Gvb must unearth “exciting” 18 y/o Rangers dynamo who impressed Murty…

A major Newcastle United transfer update has emerged on the club’s move for left-back Matt Targett… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Shields Gazette, the Magpies have agreed a fee in the region of £15m with Aston Villa to sign the defender on a permanent deal in the summer.

The Toon are not obligated to exercise the clause, which means that Eddie Howe can make a calculated decision at the end of the season based on the 26-year-old’s performances for the club between now and the end of May.

Delight

This update will surely delight supporters as it means that Newcastle will be able to sign Targett on a permanent basis heading into the 2022/23 campaign, which will come as a boost to the team after his impressive displays in recent weeks.

Howe said this of Targett upon the defender’s unveiling in January: “We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left.

“He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add him to the squad.”

The Southampton academy product has lived up to this hype from the head coach, as he has been excellent on the left side of Newcastle’s defence.

In four Premier League appearances for the Magpies, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.17 as the Magpies picked up an outstanding haul of 10 points from those matches. Kieran Trippier (7.68) is the only player who has averaged a higher score in the top flight for the club this season, which illustrates just how impressive the 26-year-old has been since joining on loan from Villa.

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This is why fans will be delighted to learn that PIF are able to sign him on a permanent deal for £15m at the end of his temporary switch. They will surely be keen to see him agree a long-term contract at St James’ Park if he is able to continue performing to a high standard at left-back between now and the end of the campaign.

Supporters will also be buzzing with the club for striking this agreement as part of the loan deal. It shows excellent planning from PIF and Howe, and hopefully it is a sign of similarly shrewd moves to come in the next transfer window.

AND in other news, Insider suggests £46m “phenomenon” is a “realistic” target for NUFC, it’ll excite Howe…

Benjamin Siegrist fits the bill for Rangers as a potential successor to Allan McGregor, according to the Daily Record’s Steven Mair. 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell wrote recently that the 40-year-old is set to leave Ibrox when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Siegrist is in a similar boat at Dundee United, with just three months left to run on his deal at Tannadice.

The Daily Mail reported in January (via Daily Record) that Rangers were eyeing up the 30-year-old Swiss stopper, who has been hailed as a “top drawer goalkeeper” by his former manager Micky Mellon.

The latest

According to Mair for the Daily Record, Dundee United sporting director Tony Ashgar apparently has ‘a job on his hands’ to persuade Siegrist to sign a new contract.

If the goalkeeper refuses to agree a contract extension, Rangers could then swoop in and pick him up on a free transfer, although Mair warned that there was thought to be interest from England in the goalkeeper during January, so the Gers might not have a free hit at trying to sign the 30-year-old.

The verdict

Siegrist has played 134 times for Dundee United, but only 55 of those appearances have come in the Premiership. Even if his experience in the Scottish top-flight is somewhat limited, though, Rangers know first-hand just how good he can be.

The Scottish Daily Express awarded Siegrist an eight out of 10 rating for his performance against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side last month, applauding him for a ‘terrific’ save to deny Joe Aribo and a ‘brave’ stop at the feet of Alfredo Morelos.

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Perhaps that performance saw the £585,000-rated ‘keeper climb up the shortlist at Ibrox, and he could be worth pursuing as the eventual successor to McGregor in Glasgow.

In other news, Mark McDougall has called this Rangers stat ‘sackable’.

Crystal Palace wide-man Michael Olise has settled in at Selhurst Park brilliantly, earning many admirers with his direct, skilful dribbling and pinpoint crosses.

After scoring twice and creating five more so far this season in the Premier League, as well as grabbing two more goals in the FA Cup, Olise has become the attention of an ‘international tug of war’ between England, France, Nigeria and Algeria.

However, there is also reportedly a battle for his services at club level too, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all keen on acquiring his signature, despite having arrived from Championship club Reading just last summer for £8.37m.

The 20-year-old, who was described as a “Rolls-Royce” by former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, has averaged an impressive 8.0 match rating over his last five home games – becoming a fan favourite.

Among wingers and attacking midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions, the youngster ranks in the top 1% for assists per 90 with 0.50 – which obliterates Wilfried Zaha in comparison who has a worse record than 99% of other players in his position, with just 0.03 assists per 90.

Olise also ranks in the top 1% for shots on target percentage per 90 (56.3%), top 3% for crosses per 90 (3.97) and top 3% for carries into the final third (3.27).

Interestingly, the forward has a fantastic record of not being caught offside this season – demonstrating his superb footballing intelligence despite his young age.

While with the Royals, Olise has been deployed all over midfield, but particularly in the last two seasons, he has transitioned really into a left-footed right-winger who can cut in onto his stronger foot.

Rated now at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, Olise is continuing to go from strength to strength under Patrick Vieira’s management, and the exposure to first team football he has received could be enough to convince him to stay for another season.

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He won’t turn 21 until next December, and so has plenty of time to eventually make the next step in his career, but should the club invest in the Summer and bring in more young talent like they are linked with, he could even help the Eagles push for a European spot next season.

In other news: Zaha 2.0: Vieira must unleash 19 y/o “fantastic talent”, could save Palace millions

As per a ‘top club insider’, speaking to Claret & Hugh, there has been a major West Ham United transfer update as David Moyes enters pole position to sign another player.

The Lowdown: Hammers favourites for Johnstone…

Over the last week, reports of West Ham leading the chase for Championship stars have surfaced.

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The Sun, sharing an update on transfer chief Rob Newman’s pursuit of goalkeeping target Sam Johnstone, claimed at the weekend that West Ham are ‘clear leaders’ in the race for West Bromwich Albion’s ace with a deal ‘way down the line’.

Moyes has been tipped to turn to England’s second tier in pursuit of talent for his squad with news now also emerging on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall.

The Latest: West Ham also in pole for Worrall…

As per C&H, it appears the Hammers are also in pole position for towering centre-back Worrall after the development involving Baggies ace Johnstone.

The insider says West Ham now ‘appear poised to win the race’ for Forest’s colossal defensive presence who is ‘very much a Moyes type player’.

Irons youngster Emmanuel Longelo could even be used in a part-exchange deal, going by what C&H have heard from a ‘top club insider’.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Nottingham Post writer Leigh Curtis, taking to Twitter, branded both Worrall and fellow Forest centre-back Scott McKenna ‘magnificent’ on Twitter last year with Steve Cooper possessing ‘some partnership’.

Drawing acclaim from the media for his performances over 2021/2022, the 25-year-old could be a very attractive option for Moyes, especially considering he is homegrown and possesses a real physicality for the top flight.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse has averaged the joint-most interceptions and joint-most blocks per 90 for Forest in the Championship this season, standing out as a colossal figure (WhoScored).

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He ranks in and among Cooper’s best performers with a solid 7/10 rating per 90 over the campaign, leaving little wonder Moyes is reportedly eyeing a move.

As West Ham enter pole, there is reason to believe Irons supporters could get excited by Worrall as a potential addition.

In other news: Journalist says Moyes could now green-light exit for West Ham player he called ‘really important’, find out more here.

West Brom’s reputation as a “yo-yo” club could have been ended if the club made different transfer decisions to improve their squad over the years.

Having spent more than £240m on transfer fees alone in the last decade, it is hugely disappointing for Baggies fans to still find themselves an unestablished Premier League side, with them even struggling to push for promotion from the Championship this year.

They have lost a number of their talismans throughout recent years, like Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira, who left at the start of this season for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £16.2m.

Albion could have made a club-transforming transfer back in 2011, as according to the Daily Mail, then-Baggies manager Roy Hodgson was targeting a move for a teenage Wilfried Zaha, who subsequently became a hero at Crystal Palace under the English coach for years to come.

He has made 420 appearances for the south London club, scoring 78 goals and providing 73 assists as he has consistently helped the team remain in the top tier of English football for nine years and counting.

Eagles assistant manager Osian Roberts praised the Ivory Coast international earlier this season for his positive influence off the pitch – something which would have greatly benefitted a “yo-yo” team in helping them secure Premier League survival.

Roberts said: “I can only go on personal experience of the last few months, and I think Wilfried is a top professional, who is hungry for success. He wants to be successful as an individual, and he wants to be successful in a team environment, and in order to do so you have to push yourself and you have to push your teammates.

“Patrick [Vieira] is always saying to our group of players ‘you must demand more from each other’ and Wilfried is one of the first to do that.”

Ranking in the top 9% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for dribbles attempted per 90 (4.86), top 11% for carries into the penalty area per 90 (1.84) and top 12% for pressures per 90 (21.75), the former Manchester United winger has proven himself to be one of the Premier League’s top forwards in recent years.

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If West Brom had signed a clinical forward like Zaha, who would have not only got The Hawthorns crowd on their feet but kept them in the top flight right up to the present day, they could have shed their status as a “yo-yo” team by now. Instead, they’re left watching on as he’s done just that with Crystal Palace.

In other news: WBA could face disaster on “accomplished” 28 y/o who’s “getting better all the time”

Leeds United have plans to sign a new centre-forward in the upcoming summer transfer window according to the latest reports…

What’s the story?

Jesse Marsch’s side of course suffered a huge blow earlier this month when it was confirmed that their one senior option up front in Patrick Bamford has been ruled out yet again with an injury, this time for a minimum of six weeks.

It’s an injury that has once again raised questions about the Whites’ lack of depth in that number nine role, and TEAMtalk’s James Marshment has indicated it’s an issue that will look to be addressed come the summer.

In replying to a fan about the need for a new striker, Marshment noted: “It’s on the agenda this summer.”

Much-needed for Marsch

Speaking earlier this month, former Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny delivered his verdict on the need for a new centre-forward this summer.

He said: “Why didn’t they sign a striker in January? We have been saying this since before January. Even if Bamford is fit he’s the only one who looks like scoring regularly.

“They need to put this right because another injury to Bamford is a big blow to them. They need to go out and spend £20million or something like that on a striker as soon as the window opens. This can’t happen again next season. If they stay up then they have to inevest in a new striker.”

In Bamford’s absence, Leeds’ attack has pretty much failed to click all season, bagging just 34 goals in their 30 Premier League games thus far – to put that into context, last year in their debut campaign back in the top-flight under Marcelo Bielsa, they managed a whopping 62, even above the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

While the Whites will be hoping the worst of Bamford’s injury woes will be behind him come the start of the new season in the summer, it is absolutely imperative that they bring in some genuine cover and competition for the England international.

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It would be a tragic mistake on the part of Victor Orta to once again go a transfer window without signing a new number nine, and one could that have disastrous consequences.

But, the fact it’s “on the agenda” and the club are seemingly actively on the look-out for a striker, is sure to have Marsch excited heading into the transfer window.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie believes it is a ‘boost’ that forward Daizen Maeda remained in Glasgow during the international break, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Fitness concerns for Celtic

The Hoops have a crucial Glasgow derby on Sunday and may well be sweating on a number of players for the trip to Ibrox.

David Turnbull made a first appearance since December from the bench before the international break, whereas there is hope that Kyogo Furuhashi could play some part against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

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Maeda remained in Scotland instead of linking up with Japan due to concerns about his fitness, while Tom Rogic pulled out of the Australia squad with an ankle problem.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments on Maeda

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie actually labelled Maeda staying at Lennoxtown during the international break as a ‘boost’ for Celtic.

He then described the possibility of Maeda, Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis all being fully fit at the start of 2022/23 as ‘magnificent’, saying:

“So Maeda’s not on international duty which is a boost for him.

“I think everyone expected a little bit more from him, not to say he hasn’t been really good.

“But here’s what I’m thinking, looking at Giakoumakis. It took him ages to settle in.

“Now he’s scoring a couple of goals in every game. Could the same thing happen to Maeda?

“He started a bit better, I know he scored on his debut. He’s not hit Kyogo levels.

“At the start of next season, after a full pre-season with the club, could we see him fully up to speed and scoring loads of goals?

“I think there’s a good argument to say it does happen. So we could be starting next season with Kyogo, Giakoumakis and Maeda all fit and firing, wow, that would be magnificent.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

With 34 goals between them already this term, the possibility of the attacking trio all being fully fit next season is an exciting prospect, as McAvennie mentions, but Celtic have bigger fish to fry before the 2022/23 campaign.

They are still on course for a domestic treble in the final stages of the current season, and having Maeda and Rogic available against Rangers on Sunday could be crucial.

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Postecoglou appears to be sweating on the condition of both players, and we should know more over the coming days in the manager’s pre-match press conference.

In other news: Update emerges for Ange on Celtic ace stretchered off during international duty

Celtic have now reportedly set their sights on signing a Championship striker who Parkhead fans already love.

Henry tells Celtic "let Nancy cook"

Whilst many around Parkhead are quickly running out of patience with Wilfried Nancy, Premier League legend Thierry Henry has urged the Bhoys to give the Frenchman time in Scotland.

The former Arsenal man worked as Nancy’s assistant at Montreal several years ago and recently told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I see people calling for him to leave the place. As a coach myself, I think it’s too early to say that. Let him work and let him cook and judge him maybe at the end of the season.”

There’s no denying that the pressure’s on Nancy, however, after he made history by becoming the first Celtic manager to lose four-straight games since 1978.

The new manager had his own say on the matter in the build-up to his fifth game in charge against Aberdeen on Sunday, saying: “On Wednesday I think that what we did was interesting, with the way we attacked. And we had many opportunities. So the idea is not to stay still, we add improvements all the time.

“I have to change certain things to see players, but also see how I can adjust a few players, how I can mix players together. And I think that every game, I did that. My job is to still do it for the next game, and again, and again, and again. So that doesn’t change.”

Related Celtic can land dream Nancy upgrade by hiring "kamikaze" 4-3-3 manager

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What should help turn things around is the January transfer window if Nancy lasts that long in Scotland. It’s then that the Hoops could turn to a familiar face to rediscover their attacking spark.

Celtic plotting move to re-sign Kyogo

As reported by Football Insider, Celtic have now registered their interest in signing Kyogo Furuhashi from Birmingham City in the January transfer window.

The Japan international has endured a tumultuous time since swapping Celtic for Stade Rennais back in January and soon found himself at Birmingham in the summer. Just like in France, however, Kyogo has failed to make his mark in the Championship. Now, one year on from leaving, he could be on his way back to Parkhead.

Kyogo Furuhashi

Celtic record

Appearances

165

Goals

85

Assists

19

The forward arguably needs a reunion with Celtic just as much as those in Scotland. The Parkhead fan favourite scored 85 goals in 165 games for the Bhoys and earned plenty of praise from former Celtic star Chris Sutton, who dubbed Kyogo “unplayable” back in 2021.

Subscribe for deeper Celtic transfer analysis and updates Get in-depth context on Kyogo, Nancy and Celtic’s transfer plans by subscribing to the newsletter. Expect expanded analysis of transfer links, squad impact and what a Kyogo return would mean for tactics — all including in-depth Celtic coverage you’ll actually read. Subscribe Subscribe for deeper Celtic transfer analysis and updates Get in-depth context on Kyogo, Nancy and Celtic’s transfer plans by subscribing to the newsletter. Expect expanded analysis of transfer links, squad impact and what a Kyogo return would mean for tactics — all including in-depth Celtic coverage you’ll actually read.

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Whether Birmingham are ready to give up on their summer signing just yet is the big question. Kyogo cost the Blues as much as £10m, but is yet to show signs of coming good in the Championship.