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Everton face a tricky dilemma over the future of defender Yerry Mina as his absence exposed their defensive frailties over the weekend.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous start to the current campaign after several injury-hit years on Merseyside, cementing his status as one of Rafa Benitez’s most important players.

However, Mina’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning Everton must soon decide whether to offer him an extension or cash in while they can still demand a high price.

And now, The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has provided an update on the centre-back’s situation, claiming a tough choice lies ahead for the club’s hierarchy.

He tweeted initially: “Everton have a decision to make over Yerry Mina. Two years left on his deal, future uncertain over the summer, but once again missed yesterday. He’s becoming increasingly important to the side’s hopes”.

Everton fans should be excited

After joining Everton in a £27.2m deal back in 2018, Mina has endured three stop-start campaigns where he’s failed to make over 25 Premier League starts in a single season.

Following the impressive form of Ben Godrey last term, the Colombia international was believed to be one of several first-team stars told they were available for transfer if a suitable bid arrived last summer, but his response to that setback has been very impressive.

As per WhoScored, Mina has averaged four clearances per league game in 2021/22, 1.5 interceptions and one tackle, highlighting his importance to the Goodison Park outfit.

Boyland’s latest report also praises the South American’s early-season showings, before stating how his absence from Sunday’s defeat could also see him be rewarded with fresh terms.

“Although fitness concerns mean he is not always able to play back-to-back games, Everton have often looked worse for his absence this season,” the piece reads.

“Quickly he has gone from bit-part figure to a potentially key cog. If there is one blessing to be had from Sunday’s defeat, it is that Everton now have their reminder as to the Colombian’s importance ahead of that all-important decision on his future.”

It remains to be seen whether Everton’s chiefs put a new deal in front of Mina over the coming months, although Boyland’s latest hint should leave the club’s supporters excited over a potential contract renewal.

And, in other news…Never mind Iwobi: EFC dud who completed just 67% passes had a game to forget vs WHU 

Tottenham are confident of securing a deal to bring Sam Johnstone to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that sources have revealed Fabio Paratici and his Tottenham transfer team are now “very confident” of landing the England international, who is set to become available on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current deal with West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season.

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A further report by Sky Sports suggested that both Manchester United and Southampton, along with a host of other clubs, are also interested in a move for the 29-year-old shot-stopper this summer, while Johnstone himself is reportedly desperate to secure a move back to the Premier League.

Paratici’s next Pirlo

Considering that Antonio Conte’s current first-choice number one Hugo Lloris will turn 36 later this year, and with it being reported that Tottenham are not planning to activate their £13m purchase option for Atalanta loanee Pierluigi Gollini this summer, it is not difficult to see why Paratici would be interested in a move for Johnstone.

While it is true that West Brom have struggled following their return to the second tier of English football after their relegation from the top flight last season – currently sitting in 12th place, eight points behind Sheffield United in sixth – Johnstone nevertheless proved his quality during the Baggies’ latest Premier League jaunt.

Indeed, over his 37 league outings last term, the £7.2m-rated stopper – who Steve Bruce dubbed a “diamond” – was one of West Brom’s standout performers, keeping six clean sheets and making 4.5 saves per match, the most of any goalkeeper in the top flight. These returns saw the £32.5k-per-week stopper average a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Albion’s second-best player in the division.

As such, it is clear to see that Paratici’s capture of Johnstone on a free transfer would be something of a masterclass by the Spurs managing director. In terms of its impact on the club, it could even go on to top his Bosman signing of Andrea Pirlo for Juventus back in 2011.

AND in other news: “I can say…”: Italian journo drops huge Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be fuming

Leeds United suffered a devastating 7-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Tuesday night, as Pep Guardiola’s side ran riot at the Etihad.

The Whites found themselves three goals down by the break, before City continued their onslaught in the second-half, and while a number of players weren’t up to scratch for Marcelo Bielsa, Junior Firpo in particular struggled more than most.

The Spaniard had the unenviable task of trying to stop the likes of Riyad Mahrez and co from wreaking havoc, and the summer signing just didn’t look at the races at all.

As per Sofascore, he won just one out of his four total duels on the night, while also making no tackles or interceptions and being dribbled past once too.

While the energy was there again, Firpo just couldn’t keep his composure at times, committing the most amount of fouls of any player on the pitch.

In possession, the former Real Betis man didn’t offer too much either, registering fewer touches even than goalkeeper Illan Meslier, and providing no crosses.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him a four, saying: “Some clumsy challenges and predictably his fifth yellow card of the season, but was at the heart of some of the best, if few, attacking moves Leeds built.”

That sentiment was echoed by The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, who gave him a three and added: “Struggled to contain Mahrez, picked up a booking and had to walk a tightrope against world class attackers.”

With that yellow card, Firpo will now be missing from action against Arsenal at the weekend, and that has given Bielsa a major headache about how he will go about replacing him, particularly with Pascal Struijk out too.

It was just a nightmare display for both player and club.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing this Uruguayan star…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Allan.

As per Il Messaggero, Lazio are now interested in signing the central midfield player in the January transfer window, as he has been made available for loan.

It seems very strange that the Merseyside club would let him go in the middle of the season, especially on loan, given that he has been a mainstay in the team under Rafa Benitez.

Allan has been a key player for the Toffees this term, averaging the most tackles (2.8) per game in the Premier League out of his teammates, while he also ranks highly in terms of average dribbles (0.9) and passes (36.9), and has supplied two assists (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, it is no surprise to see so many Blues raging after they read the news, especially considering they may already be unhappy about the departure of Lucas Digne, who is expected to agree personal terms with Aston Villa today (Sky Sports).

Everton fans on Allan transfer news

These EFC supporters fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it is ‘bizarre’:

“You cannot be serious”

Credit: @_Alxstxir_

“We really are preparing for life in the Championship”

Credit: @O__Damn

“Really? Sounds bizarre to me”

Credit: @trueblue265

“This can’t be true surely?”

Credit: @Gwyn_HughesEFC

“Whaaaat? This is insane”

Credit: @andyat80

“Has to be a joke”

Credit: @danield9898

In other news, find out who Everton are now eyeing as James Rodriguez’s replacement here!

Jordan Campbell has now revealed the latest on a potential Glasgow Rangers exit for Jack Simpson.

The Lowdown: Simpson rumours

There have been rumours going around that the Ibrox faithful have accepted a bid from QPR for Simpson, while both Middlesbrough and Swansea City have also been linked with a move for the former Bournemouth man.

He is not getting much game time at all for the Gers, having only played in five matches across all competitions so far this season, so an exit on Transfer Deadline Day does look likely at this stage.

The Latest: Campbell update

As per The Athletic journalist Campbell, reports linking Simpson with a move to QPR are ‘untrue’, and while both Swansea and Middlesbrough have made enquiries over a potential loan deal, Rangers would prefer to sell him on a permanent transfer. Campbell revealed:

“Understand that reports Jack Simpson is heading to QPR are untrue. “Swansea and Middlesbrough among the teams to have enquired about a loan deal but it’s believed Rangers will only consider a permanent transfer.” The Verdict: Sell

If the Gers can negotiate a permanent exit for Simpson, then they must do at all costs. He is simply not playing enough and would not be a big loss to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his squad.

When he has played, he has often been criticised by both journalists and fans alike, and in truth, his move to Scottish football has not quite worked out.

Thus, given that he is 25 years of age, they could still get a decent transfer fee for him should they be able to sell.

In other news, find out what contract update has RFC supporters buzzing here!

Rafael Benitez should be lining up a new left-back when the summer transfer window opens in a few months time.

The Spaniard was desperate to bolster his options on the left flank back in January with Paul Dummett the only recognised left-sided defender at the club. After watching a move for Jordan Lukaku collapse, Newcastle eventually signed Antonio Barreca on loan from Monaco. However, recent reports from the Chronicle suggest the Italian was low on Benitez’s list of potential targets which makes a permanent move in the summer unlikely.

While Matt Ritchie has performed admirably at left wing-back, it’s clear the former Liverpool boss needs to sign a natural left defender in the summer. Staying in the Premier League will be crucial to Newcastle’s summer transfer plans. Benitez will be hoping the sale of the club is also concluded so transfer funds are made available.

One man the ex-Real Madrid manager should be keeping tabs on is Banfield wonderkid – Claudio Bravo. Valued at just £525k by Transfermarkt, the left-back has been one of the most consistent performers in the Argentina Primera Division this season after breaking into the first-team. Bravo has been ever-present during his 12 appearances this season, earning plenty of praise for his excellent showings.

First and foremost, the 21-year-old is an excellent defender who would add some much-needed stability to the Magpies’ back four. Remarkably, Bravo has averaged an incredible 5.9 tackles per game in Argentina – more than any other player in all of Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Despite his young age, Bravo also reads the game superbly, making 3.7 interceptions per game, again no player in Europe’s top five leagues has averaged more. Not only does the youngster excel defensively, he also loves to get forward to help out the attack, averaging an impressive 2.2 successful dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game (WhoScored).

Bravo has the potential to be special and could be Newcastle’s long-term solution to their left-back dilemma.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?

Antonio Conte was given a damning insight into the mess into which he’s walked at Tottenham Hotspur as he took charge of his first match in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

Spurs got revenge on Vitesse by defeating them 3-2 in north London but it wasn’t without its scary moments. Five goals, three red cards. An absolutely chaotic second-half. And 90 minutes which epitomised their struggles.

Cristian Romero saw red for a second bookable offence which left the Italian in the lurch on the hour mark but he wasn’t the only player to let his new manager down on the night.

One of those was also his defensive partner Eric Dier, who will be a lucky man to keep his place under Conte in the coming weeks and months.

As the most central of the three defenders, the 27-year-old was present on the ball more than any other Lilywhites player, registering 82 touches, but he was a little off-par with his ball-playing, managing a passing accuracy of just 86%, which was slightly below his average in the Premier League.

However, more worryingly, he failed in his defensive duties, winning only two of his five duels (40%), whilst he was dribbled past once, committed one foul and lost possession ten times, as per SofaScore.

The Englishman was also partially at fault for Jacob Rasmussen’s goal as he was well beaten by the visiting centre-back inside the penalty area to make the game 3-1.

It’s easy to see why some supporters have often dubbed him a “liability.”

Dier’s dismal display was described as “unconvincing” by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick in his post-match ratings column. It’s also rather telling that Hugo Lloris received his fair share of plaudits as the Frenchman often bailed out his defenders with some fine saves throughout the game.

The £19.8m-rated colossus, who is reportedly earning around £85k-per-week in N17, won’t have impressed the 52-year-old too much as his and the team’s defensive frailties were put on full show against the fifth-placed side in the Eredivisie.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Conte: Paratici must now deliver Spurs this £58.5m-rated “elite talent”…

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, some major Man City transfer news has emerged involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Guardiola blown away…

After Pep Guardiola’s side hammered Sporting 5-0 away in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League Round tie, one opposition player who seemingly blew away City’s boss was in fact Nunes.

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Speaking to media afterwards, the Sky Blues head coach lavished praise on Sporting’s in-demand midfielder, even going on to claim he is ‘one of the best players in the world today’.

Guardiola’s rave review of the 23-year-old has prompted links to signing him in the summer window with A Bola (via SW) now sharing a promising transfer development out of Eastlands.

The Latest: Man City hold discussions…

According to their sources, City chiefs have apparently held ‘informal’ discussions with Sporting over a transfer for Nunes.

In perhaps the most exciting part of this story, the player himself is very keen on moving to Manchester, with there even being suggestions he ‘dreams’ of signing for Guardiola.

It’s also pointed that both Sporting and City’s ‘privileged relationship’ could boost them further in an attempt to land Nunes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

The Premier League champions already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in midfield, but given they could sign him for just €40 million (£33m), it appears there is little financial risk for City.

Called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, the player’s WhoScored stats point to someone who could actually be of use in Guardiola’s unique false-nine system.

A superb ball-carrier, Nunes completes more dribbles per 90 on average domestically than any City star has in the Premier League – backing why they’re allegedly interested.

Given his quality and fairly cheap potential sum, the Sky Blues should at the very least consider a transfer this summer.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep now eyes ‘absolute beast’ alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

Napoli have been offered the chance to sign Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Lowdown: On-air Sky Sports claim

Sky Sports recently provided an on-air update regarding Tottenham’s club-record signing.

They suggested that Ndombele would ‘consider’ a move elsewhere during the January transfer window, however, they described a possible exit as ‘complex’ due to his contract situation.

Italian and Spanish clubs have held talks regarding a swoop for the 25-year-old, and it seems as if Fabio Paratici has now offered Ndombele, who Jose Mourinho labelled as ‘magnificent’, to a specific Serie A side.

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The Latest: Napoli link

Calciomercato.com shared a story on Thursday lunchtime, revealing Ndombele isn’t part of Antonio Conte’s plans.

As a result, Spurs have offered the Frenchman’s services to Napoli, however, Ndombele’s salary is ‘definitely’ out of reach for the Serie A side.

The Verdict: Sell

Ndombele was open to an exit over the summer, and his view seemingly hasn’t changed in 2022, so Paratici should be looking to sell over the coming weeks.

The central midfielder has started just ten games in all competitions this season, with just one of those coming under Conte in the Premier League.

He’s picking up a whopping £200,000-a-week in north London – the joint-most at the club – and hasn’t been a key player under Conte, and if the Italian is willing to sell, that’s what should happen before the month is out.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops ‘positive update’ as Tottenham close in on first piece of major Jan business.

Crystal Palace are expected to hand key midfielder James McArthur a new contract following his impressive performances this season, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

The 34-year-old’s current deal is set to expire next summer, meaning he would become a free agent at the end of June.

However, following a string of standout performances in Palace’s engine room in the opening weeks of 2021/22, Barclay believes new manager Patrick Vieira will sanction an offer of fresh terms over the coming months.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He won’t get the assists, he won’t score the goals, he won’t do those raking passes here and there – that highlights reel kind of player. But, there’s a reason why Vieira likes him so much, and why he’s so effective in this team.”

Barclay added: “I probably expect them, despite being 34, to give him a new contract and keep him next season.”

McArthur has been with the capital club since 2014 following his arrival from Wigan Atheltic and could extend his stay into an eighth year if he puts pen to paper on a new contract.

Crystal Palace fans will be delighted

Despite the fact that the former Scotland international is set to turn 35 next October, Palace fans will still be delighted at Barclay’s latest revelation, given his importance to Vieira’s charges.

As per WhoScored, McArthur has averaged 2.3 tackles per Premier League fixture this season, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 defensive dribbles, placing him in the top-four amongst his teammates for each metric.

His eye-catching displays in the middle of the park have caught the attention of several impressed onlookers, including his manager.

“He is valuable, he’s our captain, and so he has a responsibility to bring his leadership to the squad,” said Vieira after their recent victory over Wolves.

“He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior, he’s the benchmark for a professional. This is the same in training, he is no different.”

Injury kept McArthur out of Palace’s 3-3 draw with Burnley last time out, but the box-to-box dynamo had started every top-flight fixture prior to his fitness concerns, skippering the side on six occasions.

Therefore, news that a fresh deal could be on the horizon will please Vieira and the south London outfit’s supporters alike, providing some stability throughout the club’s transitional period.

And, in other news…Forget Gallagher: Palace monster who made 8 clearances was Vieira’s hero vs Burnley