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Whichever way you look at it, Duncan Ferguson is a legend at Everton.

He played 272 times for the Toffees and has managed the club on four occasions, taking interim charge of the club before Carlo Ancelotti was hired.

The Italian has now left the club for a second stint at Real Madrid but Ferguson rejected the chance to move with him.

Instead, he wants the Everton job on a permanent basis as Farhad Moshiri and co bid to find Ancelotti’s replacement.

There are a number of impressive head coaches in the frame to be handed the reins with the likes of Rafa Benitez, Erik ten Hag and David Moyes all on their shortlist.

Ferguson doesn’t possess the same managerial experience but he knows the club inside out and has a great affinity with the supporters.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast last week, Dean Windass commented: “He’s a legend at the football club, he’s got blue blood running through his veins and he’s a very passionate man.

“Give Big Dunc a go, he did very well in temporary charge before Ancelotti. The fans love him, and the fans will be back next year.”

Whether or not the board view him as someone that can take Everton to the next level remains to be seen but if he does join, the club may as well bid farewell to Moise Kean.

The striker has had a troublesome spell at Goodison Park, scoring just four goals in 37 outings for the Toffees.

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However, he’s taken French football by storm this term, finishing the campaign with 19 strikes after a loan move to PSG.

Described as “fearless” by Thomas Tuchel, the £25m signing clearly has immense potential. That being said, if Ferguson becomes the permanent manager an exit may grow closer.

He’s already been tipped to leave by various outlets and he doesn’t exactly have the greatest of relationships with Ferguson.

After all, it was the 49-year-old who provided Kean with one of the most embarrassing moments of his career so far.

The youngster was substituted on against Manchester United in December 2019 but lasted just 18 minutes before he was withdrawn by the manager.

Kean cut an extremely sad figure as he trudged down the touchline without a single exchange with Ferguson.

Speaking after the match, the boss said: “I just needed to make a substitution to kill a bit of time.”

It was a decision that attracted staunch criticism. In the wake of that remarkable moment, John Arne Riise commented: “He’s destroying this young boy’s confidence.

“He doesn’t even shake his hand. Give him a hug – he’s a young boy. That is the worst thing you can do for any player but especially a young boy who doesn’t speak the language very well.”

Kean would only go on to start four more league matches that term before he was handed a loan spell with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

He’s shown what a huge talent he is away from English shores but it’s unlikely he’s going to have a future in Merseyside. Bring Ferguson into the equation and an exit looks even more inevitable.

Remaining at Everton would surely destroy him even more; he has to get out.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Nuno: Everton can form a magical duo by signing “sensational” £50m gem…

Leicester City are expected to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare this summer, acting as an undoubted blow to Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Leicester keen on Soumare

Marcelo Bielsa is expected to add to his squad in the coming months, in order bring new quality to it and ensure the Whites go up another level next season.

Soumare is a player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, having shone for Lille this season, making 30 appearances in Ligue 1.

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The Latest: Leicester set to swoop

Unfortunately, Leicester look set to swoop in ahead of Leeds, with ever-reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming as much on Twitter:

“Leicester are set to complete Boubacary Soumare deal also with last details – final fee will be around €23m to Lille. The agreement is imminent, medicals pending. Soumaré has accepted to join Leicester since February.”

The £20.7million-rated Soumare’s current deal expires in 2022, meaning this is Lille’s last chance to get a hefty fee for the 22-year-old.

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The Verdict: Undoubted blow for Leeds

Soumare is an extremely promising young defensive midfielder, so Leeds missing out on him has to be considered a blow.

Bielsa needs to sign someone who can battle Kalvin Phillips for regular starts, partly in order to give the Leeds star a rest from time to time and also to keep competition for places healthy.

Soumare’s defensive qualities in that deep-lying role could have made him an ideal addition – he has averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 this season – but Leeds must now look elsewhere to sign a similar type of player as Soumare looks to be heading to the King Power Stadium.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to shine next season – find out who the individual in question is here.

Rangers have been heavily linked with Nimes’ winger Zinedine Ferhat in recent weeks and after his asking price was cited as just €2m (£1.7m), Ross Wilson should definitely look to bring him to Ibrox this summer, as he could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

Rangers were first linked with the Algeria international by Foot Mercato earlier this month and it seems likely that the 28-year-old will be keen to depart following Nimes’ relegation to Ligue 2.

Whilst Transfermarkt values the wide man at £7.2m, a recent report from Midi Libre (via @Fleck_Scout), suggests that he would be available for as little as €2m (£1.7m) this summer.

Considering Ferhat enjoyed a superb season in the French top-flight, contributing six goals and 10 assists for Pascal Plancque’s side, it is something of a surprise that he is seemingly available for such a low fee, and therefore, he could prove to be a bargain option for Rangers this summer.

The Algerian’s performances in Ligue 1 earned him an average rating of 7.21/10 from WhoScored, which was the best of any player at Nimes, whilst it would be enough to rank him as the sixth-best performer in Gerrard’s squad if he had produced the same level of performances at Rangers this season.

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Gerrard will be very keen to add depth and Champions League quality to his squad ahead of next season and given that Ferhat managed more assists than global superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 in the most recent season, he would certainly fit the bill.

Whilst Rangers shared the goals around effectively this season and ran away with the title, only James Tavernier (20) boasts more goals and assists in the league than Ferhat this season, with the likes of Ryan Kent (15), Ianis Hagi (15) and Alfredo Morelos (14) just falling short of the Algerian’s impressive return.

Given that the 28-year-old was able to contribute those sorts of numbers in a side which managed just nine wins all year, he could prove to be devastating in a side such as Rangers who will surely be favourites to make it back-to-back title wins next season given their dominance this campaign.

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Therefore, if Ferhat is indeed available for as little as £1.7m this summer, Wilson should definitely be looking to bring him to Ibrox.

And, in other news… Forget Ferguson: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player”, he won’t cost a penny

Whoever the new manager is at Celtic next season they will not have things easy.

With a number of their best players linked with the exit door, a colossal rebuilding job will be required for the Bhoys at Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

One name linked with a fresh start is Ryan Christie. The Scot attracted interest from English Premier League teams during the winter and now his departure feels inevitable.

His contract expires in January 2022 and recent reports indicate that he could command a seven-figure fee in the summer.

Christie’s exit won’t come as a great loss to the Hoops. He may have racked up 20 goals last term but this season has been a disaster from the attacker’s perspective.

He has only found the net on seven occasions and has managed to beat the goalkeeper just once in his last 20 outings in the Premiership.

Much-maligned by various sectors of the Celtic fan base, it would come of great relief to many to see him finally walk through the door for pastures new.

Who is his replacement?

Celtic could turn to a number of players in the transfer window but one individual linked with an arrival is Egypt international Mohamed Afsha.

The 25-year-old is a rising star of Egyptian football and starred for Al-Ahly on their way to winning the African Champions League this campaign.

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A diminutive figure at 5 foot 7, Afsha lacks plenty to his physical game but his technical abilities more than make up for that.

A creative force, he has provided eight assists this team, six of which have come from only 15 league matches. Afsha also knows where the back of the net is, scoring 12 goals during the course of his career with Al-Ahly.

Like Christie, the midfielder is capable of playing on the flanks but it’s through the middle where he can really make an impact.

Speaking about Afsha back in January, his former manager Ante Cacic said: “The best player in Egypt for me is Mohamed Magdy Afsha.”

Cacic added: “I watched his goal and watched the Champions League final. He’s a great player who had a great influence on the match and linked well between the lines. He is a wonderful player and has a great influence on Al Ahly’s performances.”

Although his goal scoring nature will turn heads at Parkhead, it’s his ability to link play that should be most encouraging.

After all, Christie hasn’t been productive in that department this term. He has scored only one goal from 51 attempts outside the box, taking a shot on rather than looking for a key pass.

Afsha has his own tendencies to go for goal but as his record and Cacic’s words dictate, he is creative too.

Dominic McKay would be making a shrewd acquisition here.

AND in other news, Dominic McKay is already on the verge of his first major Celtic mistake…

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that the club are likely to appoint a new manager after the season finishes.

Jose Mourinho was sacked last month with Spurs at risk of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League for the second consecutive season.

But Daniel Levy has since missed out on appointing any of his top three targets.

Julian Nagelsmann left Leipzig, only to become the new Bayern Munich boss, Brendon Rodgers confirmed that he’ll be staying at Leicester, whilst Ajax boss Erik ten Hag ended speculation by penning a new contract in the Dutch capital.

Ryan Mason was placed in interim charge for the remaining six Premier League matches and has made a bright start with victories over Southampton and Sheffield United sandwiching the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The likes of Graham Potter, Scott Parker and Nuno Espirito Santo have also been mentioned as potential replacements for Mourinho, but Roberts doesn’t expect an announcement until the end of the campaign.

He told Football FanCast:

“Ryan Mason has been told he’s got it until the end of the season, so I’m not expecting anything before then. If we win our last four games, you got a chance of the Champions League, but you need to win all four.

“The aim is either to finish in the Champions League or Europa. They threw the last cup final away and have got four more.”

Crystal Palace came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday evening.

Substitutes Jeffrey Schlupp and Michy Batshuayi combined late on, with the on-loan Chelsea man being the player to steer home the equalising goal after James Rodriguez had initially given the hosts the lead just ten minutes after the half-time break.

Whilst it was those who were on the bench who eventually had a decisive impact on the scoreline, Wilfried Zaha, who started the game, was a constant threat to the Toffees and probably deserved more than his contribution showed.

According to WhoScored, the Ivorian winger had 73 touches, with only Eberechi Eze, Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt having more throughout the game. He also contributed 44 passes, completing them at a 79.6% success rate.

Whilst Zaha did not manage to contribute a goal or an assist throughout the 90 minutes, he went mightily close to adding to the nine Premier League goals and two assists he has already managed to plunder this term.

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The £40.5m-rated wideman produced five key crosses and a further three key passes, with no player on his team managing more. Whilst he was a creative force, Zaha was also an extremely threatening presence himself by firing in three shots – more than any player in the Eagles’ starting XI.

Eventually, Everton did find a way to stop Zaha. Having seen him complete an impressive three dribbles throughout the clash, the Palace winger was then fouled on three occasions by the home side. Only Jordan Ayew, Richarlison and Tom Davies won more free-kicks than Zaha.

Previously praised for his “excellent” performances by Palace manager Roy Hodgson, he will surely hope for a few similar displays from Zaha between now and the end of the campaign.

AND in more news, take a look at which World Cup winner Crystal Palace must sign ahead of Premier League opposition.

Many Manchester United fans have been left to fume as some early team news before their game versus Granada in the UEFA Europa League has emerged.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the La Liga side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Eric Bailly will not be available to play and has thus travelled back to England.

With Harry Maguire suspended for the second leg after picking up a yellow card in the first, it only really leaves the Red Devils with Victor Lindelof and Axel Tuanzebe at the heart of the defence.

Bailly has never been able to run away from his constant injury problems while at Old Trafford, and this is yet another setback for the Ivory Coast international in what could have been a match to really stamp his authority with Maguire out.

The update has left several MUFC supporters frustrated and growing impatient with his continued absence.

Manchester United fans on Bailly update

These Man Utd fans fumed upon reading the update on the 27-year-old central defender on Twitter:

“Oh God why ???…please buy a CB. That contract isn’t getting extended”

Credit: @ahnnyjekyll

“PAIN. #38 gonna play”

Credit: @MarwanM__

“Hahah this guy is truly made of glass”

Credit: @rahulprem7

“What at all is wrong with Bailly’s legs?”

Credit: @d_essuman

“Smh.”

Credit: @MrFemiOwoeye

“Definitely not good news”

Credit: @kent_shot_it

In other news, find out what update about the Burnley clash has left United fans fuming here!

Liverpool have been reported to be keen to add to their ranks with a big-money signing this summer.

On Jurgen Klopp’s shortlist are apparently two of the most exciting young players in world football in the form of Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund.

L’Equipe are reporting that the Reds are interested in the Frenchman, who has scored 30 goals so far this season, as his contract at the Parc des Princes continues to wind down.

Meanwhile, former Reds’ defender Glen Johnson has suggested that Liverpool could get involved in “a race to the line” for the Norwegian’s signature with Premier League rivals Manchester City.

With the Dortmund star rated at £99m at the current time, and Mbappe being valued higher at £162m, Liverpool fans have understandably been conflicted about which forward they would prefer to have at Anfield.

We asked a panel of Reds’ supporters which of the two they’d like their club to sign this summer if both were available. Here’s what they had to say:

Paul Machin – @ThePaulMachin

“I’d love Haaland, he’s the kind of bully we haven’t had up front since Luis Suarez, but Mbappe is the kind of player that we’ve never bought before. The heir apparent to the throne of the world’s best player, a one-man franchise. His signing would improve the XI, grow the brand and put the rest of football on notice that Liverpool are now at the top of the food chain.”

Ross Chandley – @rossic89

“I’d take Mbappe for all the reasons Paul stated. Unless we completely broke our wage structure to get him in, in which case, Haaland would be the preference.”

Kendra Little – @kendra_litt

“It’s Mbappe and honestly it’s really not even a discussion. I can’t believe anyone would choose Haaland over him. He’s a once in a generation talent, with huge marketability.”

Russell Wareing – @RiverboatRuss

“I would take Mbappe. But it’s a valid discussion for me. Mbappe’s marketability just pushes him ahead, though”

Sam Walker – @OneSGW

“Mbappe. He’s a bigger brand, fits the Nike and Lebron links too. He’s more versatile and has more assets to his repertoire. If Haaland stops scoring for a while, he’s not bringing other threats. Mbappe’s pace is just what’s needed to beat a man. Plus his celebrations are sound too!”

Will Woodward – @willjw

“Mbappe. Because he’s been consistently at the top level for longer and seems to be the more rounded footballer, rather than an out and out (albeit lethal) finisher.”

Emma Sanders – @em_sandy

“Mbappe. Best player in the world outside of Messi and Ronaldo and will be for years to come I expect.”

Adam Heayns – @awh24

“I would have Haaland. He’s more of a system player where Mbappe is perhaps more of a “let him do wonderful things” kind of guy. I also think that Mbappe would also keep moving on, where you’ll get more time from Haaland before you possibly look at moving him. I also imagine his wages will be lower and he’d be more likely to take a performance-related salary compared to Mbappe.”

So, the vast majority of these Liverpool fans would prefer Mbappe, time will tell if he, Haaland or any other top-class centre forward makes their way to Anfield this summer.

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Wolves legend Steve Bull has admitted that Bruno Fernandes went under their radar and he would’ve expected Jorge Mendes to get him to Wolves before his move to Man United.

Since Wolves earned promotion back to the Premier League they have had an influx of Portuguese players, with eight currently in their first-team squad as well as just selling Diogo Jota to Liverpool last summer.

Fernandes has been a revelation at Manchester United since he signed last January and his influence on the pitch with dragging them closer to Manchester City on the pitch with 35 goals and 21 assists in 67 games for the Red Devils.

Speaking on how he went under the radar at Molineux and why he hopes Fernandes doesn’t speak to Pedro Neto, Bull told Transfer Tavern:

“I think he went under the radar for [Jorge] Mendes otherwise, I think he would have definitely been on our scale and we definitely would have had him all day long.

“They say things to each other on international camps because players talk, agents talk, everyone talks, and I can’t see any reason why Neto would want to go.”

Pedro Neto has been linked with a £50 million move to Manchester United this summer, however, Bull thinks it will require a fee closer to £80 million.

It was also reported that the £180,000 per week midfielder was going to try and convince Neto to make the switch while they were on international duty with Portugal.

Rangers are one of the teams keen on signing Wigan Athletic wonderkid Kyle Joseph, according to reports.

What’s the word?

Joseph, 19, is highly rated south of the border and has caught the attention of several unnamed clubs across Europe, including Premier League giants Arsenal.

According to The Mirror, Rangers are keeping a watchful eye on the youngster, who made his first-team debut in the English League One last year.

And Steven Gerrard is believed to have expressed an interest in signing him this summer, with Celtic also closely monitoring the situation.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he could walk away for free when the transfer market re-opens in the summer. However, the Premiership rivals face a transfer battle with Arsenal also registering an interest according to the report.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson, therefore, has a big decision to make. Wait too long, and an excellent opportunity may pass him by.

Act too quickly, however, and he could accidentally trigger a bidding war that Rangers almost have no hope of winning against the financial might of Arsenal.

Ross Wilson must act now

While Rangers fans may have initially scoffed at the idea that such a talented and promising teenager could be linked with a move to Ibrox, the ball is very much in Wilson’s court.

If – and that’s a big if – Wilson can persuade Joseph that his best interests lie in Ibrox, it would be similar to the coup that saw Ianis Hagi join Rangers for £4m from Belgian club Genk on a permanent basis in the summer.

Rangers could land themselves a striker for years to come if they are able to bring him to Ibrox and he can hit the ground running. The stats show he should be able to do this, as the former Scotland U19 international has already fired home five goals and a further assist in 14 League One appearances this season thus far.

Whether or not he would adapt to the rigours of Scottish football remains to be seen, given his recent injury record, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking for one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Alfredo Morelos transfer value skyrockets as Rangers chalk up another Ross Wilson victory…