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Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that it’s the right time for Everton to cash in on Andre Gomes.

The 28-year-old joined from Barcelona in 2018, initially on loan before signing permanently 12 months later, but hasn’t been able to live up to expectations despite arriving with a huge reputation.

Whilst a serious ankle injury following a tackle from Heung-Min Son in November 2019 saw the midfielder miss more than nine months, his record with the Toffees has been less than inspiring.

In 81 appearances, Gomes has scored just once and provided only five assists despite generally being a regular during his three seasons at Goodison Park.

Gomes, who reportedly earns around £110,000 per-week, which makes him Everton’s highest-paid player, has several years remaining on his contract, but is already attracting interest from Benfica and looks set to be one of many to leave Merseyside this summer.

Palmer exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s not lived up to the hype and he’s earning an awful lot of money.

“So, I think it’s one of those, if they can get him out of the building, recoup some money, get him off the wage bill and use that wage bill more productively then it’s a good time to cash-in.”

Celtic’s summer is wrapped in uncertainty as they desperately try to improve upon a disastrous 2020/21 campaign.

They face the prospect of star striker Odsonne Edouard departing, which would leave the Hoops severely light in attack.

On the chalkboard

In the eventuality that Edouard moves on, their primary options in a centre-forward position would be Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths.

The Swiss international only scored six times last term and has found the net just once for Celtic since last September, while Griffiths can find himself fortunate to still be at the club.

As the calendar flicked over into July, it looked as though the Scot was heading out of Parkhead on a free transfer. However, in a surprising announcement, the club revealed that he had signed a one-year contract extension on Thursday morning.

Fans were divided on the matter but the vast majority of supporters were perplexed at why a rebuild included someone who has already been given numerous opportunities at Celtic.

The solution

Everyone is right to be given a clean slate under new manager Ange Postecoglou, but one player they should consider forgetting is Griffiths.

That’s because they have a menacing striker waiting in the wings for his own second opportunity at Paradise.

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That happens to be Vakoun Issouf Bayo. The Ivorian has only ever played 17 times for the Bhoys but caught the eye during his loan spell with Toulouse last season.

The 24-year-old found the back of the net on 13 occasions for the French Ligue 2 side, also providing four assists. It wasn’t the most outstanding of tallies but crucially he possesses similar qualities to Edouard, who could be heading for the departures lounge.

Speaking about Bayo during his first campaign with Celtic, Chris Sutton was impressed with what he saw, remarking: “He has some really good raw attributes. I think he’s powerful, and he is good in the air.”

The 24-year-old has beaten the goalkeeper just twice in a Hoops shirt, but if Griffiths is being handed a chance under Postecoglou, Bayo deserves one too.

The attacker has one year left on his current terms in Glasgow which could be problematic, but there would be no harm in providing a small extension to that contract. He certainly deserves an opportunity to prove his worth in pre-season at the very least.

AND in other news, Celtic told to sign 28y/o who’s been “outstanding” at Euro 2020, he’d be a big upgrade…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to an update linking Villa with a move for Watford midfielder Will Hughes.

According to The Athletic’s Adam Levanthal, several Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old.

Levanthal name-checked Villa as a club with interest in the central midfielder, who is in talks over a new five-year deal at Vicarage Road.

Hughes, who currently has just 12 months left on his current contract, helped the Hornets back to the Premier League last season. He made 31 appearances in all competitions, mainly as a central midfielder, scoring twice.

It seems as if Dean Smith likes what he sees in the Englishman, but it remains to be seen if Villa will firm up their interest with an official bid.

Villa fans react

Well-known Villa fan feed @villareport shared Levanthal’s claims on Hughes on social media on Thursday evening.

These Villa supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the links, though, with more than one preferring a deal for Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, who has also been linked with a move to the Midlands.

“Surely not. Miles off what we require in that area of the park.”Credit: @UpTheDeano”Don’t believe this in the slightest, he’s no where near good enough – rather stick with Ramsey & Chuck on the bench than buy Hughes to sit on the bench”Credit: @stikkki”Are we stupid seriously”Credit: @ViIlaI_”No I want Sarr”Credit: @BarronAVFC1″I rather have Sarr from Metz he’s quality player”Credit: @firebundem”What is our obsession with championship players seriously”Credit: @euanavfc

In other news: Villa linked with move for Chelsea teenager, fans react, find out more here. 

Many West Ham United fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Aaron Ramsey.

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the East London club, as well as a number of other teams in the Premier League, are interested in signing the Juventus man in the summer window.

The London Stadium faithful are one of the frontrunners for his signature along with Crystal Palace, but his €7m (£6m) a year wages may prove to be a stumbling block.

Coupled up with the fact that he is now 30 years of age and has had a lot of injury problems throughout his footballing career so far, it is not a surprise to see so many Hammers supporters opposed to a potential deal for the former Arsenal central midfield player.

David Moyes’ team do need to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Mark Noble the only real senior options for the Scotsman at the moment, but Ramsey should not be the answer given his fitness troubles.

West Ham fans on Ramsey transfer update

These Irons fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“As much as I love the bloke, I’m done with the club signing injury prone players”

Credit: @hammer_welsh

“Surely not we don’t need a past his best, overpriced Prima donna I would like young hungry players”

Credit: @dav_dickson

“Please no”

Credit: @jjscoyi

“No he is average and his wages are massive”

Credit: @oliver76329318

“Noooo please”

Credit: @Johnath03607801

“Hope not”

Credit: @7697236f9edf41f

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ striker WHU are battling to sign here!

Everton are spoilt for choice at centre back with Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate all at the club, which means bringing in someone like Chris Smalling would not improve them, according to former striker Marcus Bent.

With the Toffees set to appoint Rafa Benitez as their new manager, he will likely look to build from the back and ensure that they are solid defensively, much like during his time with Newcastle United, so links with new centre backs may be expected.

Smalling fell out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which saw him seal a move to Roma where he excelled during his initial loan spell with a 7.00 WhoScored rating, before seeing performances slightly dip last season with a 6.65 rating. However, that has not put off reports suggesting a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards.

Everton had the worst goal difference of any side in the top half of the Premier League last season but bringing in the 6 ft 4 former Red Devil would not add anything that they don’t already have, according to Bent who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s no better than Keane, Mina or Godfrey so I don’t think they will replace any of them with him as I think they’re very happy with Keane, Godfrey and Mina.”

Despite spending £448.98 million in the last four seasons, it is likely that Everton will be looking to spend big against his summer to try and eventually crack into the top six, something West Ham achieved as they shopped smart in the transfer market.

The Toffees started last season like a train, losing just one of their opening eight fixtures but it was to be a false dawn as they ended the season in a disappointing 10th, behind teams such as Leeds United and West Ham.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could sign his new Pablo Hernandez in Reading starlet Michael Olise.

What’s the story?

Reports back in January suggested that the Whites were very much interested in bringing the 19-year-old to the Premier League, and now it appears they are set to face significant competition in the race to sign him.

According to TEAMtalk, Ligue 1 champions Lille have put their name into the hat to take the teenager back to his native France, and with Jonathan Ikone poised for a departure, Olise features prominently on their shortlist.

The report adds that Lille hope to beat the likes of Leeds to the signing of the 19-year-old as they look to freshen their squad to try and defend their title next season.

Leeds’ new Pablo Hernandez

With seven goals and 12 assists, Olise was an absolute revelation in the Championship for Reading last term, and it’s no surprise that he has earned so many reviews for both his performances and incredible technical ability.

His Reading team-mate Sam Baldock said early last year: “Michael is a real talent, he’ll get on the ball in any situation. He’s fearless, if you ask him today I’ll guarantee that he had no nerves. He’s a lively character and one who I’ve noticed a real change in the last couple of months.”

Hailed as “super talented” by Reading boss Veljko Paunović, Olise’s former Royals manager Jose Gomes added: “Michael is really special. He can see, even before receiving the ball, more options than regular players. His technical ability and speed, decision capacity is really, really good.”

His tally of 12 assists is significantly higher than anything that any of Leeds’ players produced last season, and given his ability to play as a number 10 or even out wide, he could be exactly the kind of Hernandez replacement Bielsa would love, given the manager’s penchant for putting players in a variety of roles.

Young, “fearless”, and with a real creative brain with the ability to take players on, Olise fits the bill to being a real star for Leeds just like Hernandez was at Elland Road. In fact, the young Frenchman’s 1.9 key passes were game only second behind that of Norwich City’s Emi Buendia in the entire Championship.

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If Bielsa is looking for someone to be the long-term heir to Leeds’ little Spaniard, then Olise could be the man for that mission.

Meanwhile, Leeds are making a major howler over this first-team star…

Football Insider pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that Eddie Howe will have to keep John Kennedy at Celtic Park if the former becomes the Hoops’ new manager.

The Lowdown: Howe closing in on Parkhead switch

The 43-year-old appears to be closing in on a move to Glasgow almost 10 months on from leaving Bournemouth. Reports have suggested that the Englishman has agreed on a deal to become Neil Lennon’s permanent successor and will take charge ahead of the 2021/22 season.

He is now thought to be putting his backroom team together, with some members of staff expected to join him coming from his previous employers.

However, Agbonlahor believes that Celtic’s interim boss Kennedy will have to be a part of the furniture in Glasgow.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

A Celtic source recently admitted that Kennedy has been kept in the dark over off-field developments and is even unsure over his future at the club.

Talking to Football Insider about Kennedy’s position going forward, 34-year-old Agbonlahor said:

“At Celtic, I’ve heard this from sources, someone like Kennedy, the new manager won’t have a choice on keeping him.

“Managers that come in can’t bring in four, five or six coaches. They can bring in maybe two and the club decides whether Kennedy stays. They can’t change the whole coaching staff like most clubs do.

“I do think they’ll keep him around because he’s been there with a lot of managers, he knows the club inside out.

“That might be the reason that Eddie Howe doesn’t favour the job so we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Verdict: Howe happy to work with Kennedy?

Should Howe not have a choice in regards to working with Kennedy, we don’t think that will be a deal-breaker over a move to Celtic.

Reports at the beginning of April suggested Howe was happy to work with both the 37-year-old and Gavin Strachan, and we feel the reason for delaying his appointment is actually due to Bournemouth.

It looks as if he wants some members of the Cherries staff to join him, but they’re currently busy with the Championship play-offs, which could keep them occupied until the end of the month.

The Parkhead faithful may have to remain patient on an official announcement, but it appears as if Howe will be the next man in charge, and Kennedy could well be with him.

In other news: ‘He doesn’t want to do it’ – Frank McAvennie ‘gutted’ at recent Celtic development, find out more here.

Celtic will terminate Olivier Ntcham’s contract ahead of the summer window, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Ntcham’s struggles

Ntcham made the move to Ligue 1 side Marseille during the winter window. The central midfielder initially joined on loan with the option of making a deal permanent for around £4.5m in the summer.

He’s made just six appearances back in France and hasn’t done enough to convince Marseille to splash the cash on his full-time services.

That’s left the Hoops in a tricky position, and it seems as if they have now taken a huge decision on the player’s future.

The Latest: Celtic source shares update

A Celtic source informed Football Insider that the Hoops have no plans to welcome the midfielder back to Parkhead.

Ntcham has been told that he will be a free agent as of next month, just over four months on from the club wanting £7m for his services.

The 25-year-old made 147 appearances in green and white, scoring 24 goals and registering 13 assists.

The Verdict: McKay seems to have exploited a loophole

With no first-team manager or director of football in place, new CEO Dominic McKay may have been at the heart of this decision.

Ntcham signed a four-year deal back in 2018, however, it seems as if Celtic and McKay have exploited a loophole in that contract.

Football Insider claim that the Hoops always had the option to terminate the last year on his deal and aren’t required to pay his wages.

Ntcham is thought to be on around £15,000-a-week at Parkhead, so although the club won’t be receiving a fee for his services, at least they’ll be getting a player who earns more than the likes of Kris Ajer, Ismaila Soro and Vasilis Barkas off the books.

In other news: Odsonne Edouard sell-on clause revealed, find out more here. 

Manchester City are being linked with Sassuolo ace Manuel Locatelli, and the Italian could prove to be the ideal heir to Fernandinho in Pep Guardiola’s side.

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Manchester City, PSG and Juventus are all set to make an approach for the midfielder this summer, with Sassuolo willing to sell.

However, the report also suggests that he would prefer a move to the Old Lady ahead of next season, which suggests that Guardiola and City sporting director Txiki Begiristain will have to make a convincing offer if they want to ensure that the 23-year-old plies his trade at the Etihad Stadium next term.

Fernandinho’s heir?

Manchester City were forced to exclude Fernandinho from their Premier League retained list earlier this week, as the experienced Brazilian is yet to commit to a new deal with the Citizens ahead of next season.

It has been widely reported that the 36-year-old will sign a new one-year deal with Guardiola’s side after an impressive end to the season, but the club are running out of time to finalise the negotiations as his contract will officially expire at the end of the month.

Even if he does stay on, it seems likely that next season will be his last as a Manchester City player, and City will surely have to bring in a replacement for him to compete with Rodri in the defensive midfield role.

Locatelli could prove to be the ideal man, as he has seriously impressed with both Sassuolo and the Italian national side in recent years.

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Last season saw the 23-year-old make 34 appearances in Serie A, in which he contributed four goals and two assists, averaging a solid 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances, whilst his 7.32 average rating for Italy in the World Cup qualifying fixtures also emphasises his quality.

The young midfielder averaged an impressive 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per match in Serie A last season, whilst his nine yellow cards demonstrate his willingness to get stuck in, a trait for which Fernandinho has been renowned during his time at the Etihad.

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Therefore, regardless of whether or not the former Shakhtar Donetsk man leaves this summer, Locatelli could prove to be the ideal long-term heir to the midfield veteran in Guardiola’s side, to Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to bring in the £31.5m-rated Italian.

In other news… Man City suffer huge blow with £90m-rated beast, Pep dubbed him “world-class”

Steven Gerrard has suffered a blow at Rangers this week as the club’s appeal to the SFA regarding the bans handed to Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear has been rejected, meaning that all five will be suspended for the next four domestic fixtures.

The Rangers quintet were found guilty of breaching lockdown guidelines as they attended a house party in February and although Rangers’ appeal meant that they could feature in recent fixtures, they will now face a spell on the sidelines after a final decision was made.

Whilst Mebude and Kinnear’s absences won’t affect Rangers too much, as they are on loan at Queen of the South and Annan Athletic respectively, losing Patterson, Zungu and Bassey leaves Gerrard with a worrying lack of squad depth at Ibrox.

Patterson will be especially missed by the Light Blues, as the 19-year-old has been in superb form in recent fixtures and proved himself to be a more than capable replacement for James Tavernier during his injury absence.

Fortunately for Gerrard, the captain made his return to the starting XI in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone in midweek, but the manager would surely have wanted to have Patterson available to ensure that the returning captain wouldn’t have to feature in every game until the end of the season.

Patterson could end up missing the rest of the campaign through suspension as, if Rangers were to lose in the Scottish Cup against St Johnstone this weekend, then they would only have another three league games to negotiate before the season’s end.

The Scottish under-21 international has won many plaudits with his performances in recent weeks, with Gerrard labelling him “outstanding” and claiming that: “If there’s a better right back in the country on current form I’d like to see it.”

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Therefore, to lose Patterson when he is in such good form is undoubtedly a huge blow for Gerrard, and it would be a massive shame if he doesn’t feature again this season.

And, in other news… Douglas Park could be set for huge blow as PL giants eye “amazing” Rangers gem