Leeds Could Appoint ‘Exceptional’ Rodgers Alternative

Leeds United could be set to move for a promotion specialist to fill their managerial vacancy…

What's the latest on Scott Parker to Leeds United?

That's according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, who wrote a fresh update just yesterday about the 49ers' search for a new boss after the completion of their takeover last week.

With Brendan Rodgers now out of the picture completely, as his move to Celtic seems poised, they now need to find a fine alternative who can lead them into a similarly bright future.

The first hurdle they must tackle is escaping the Championship, and there are few more qualified to do so than Scott Parker.

Having starred with Fulham and AFC Bournemouth in the second division, the Whites are now set to battle with Leicester City for his signature. He is under intense consideration by both relegated outfits.

How good is Scott Parker?

It is those two spells at this level that gives the 42-year-old his allure, as on both occasions he managed to earn promotion.

His first outing came at Craven Cottage, where his side downed Brentford in the playoff finals to regain their top-flight status. That year his side finished fourth, just two points from the automatic promotion spots.

Although they would be relegated the year following, the former West Ham United midfielder still deserves praise for the way in which he eased his side back to the top.

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Then, in the same year of his exit from West London, the Cherries took the plunge and welcomed him into their dugout. He would then earn them promotion in his first season, although once again failing to last once retaking his place in the Premier League.

Although a common theme seems to emerge with Parker's managerial ventures, it seems the young tactician remains a keen student of the game who is always learning and building on his 4-3-3 philosophy. These failures might be frequent, but he will grow with each one and at the very least, he could seal an instant promotion with Leeds.

Former Fulham player and mentor of the unemployed boss, Jim Hicks, even noted: "Scott was one of the exceptional ones and one thing that sets him apart is that he listened to that advice about always preparing.

"With everything that’s going on as a player and with his family, he was still preparing quite sophisticated and mature thoughts: how he was going to behave, what standards he expected for his players, what his pre-season would look like; what’s his style going to be? What he’s going to do on set pieces? He thought it all through."

Whilst Rodgers might have been the more attractive option, given his pedigree winning trophies with the Foxes and Celtic, plus his top-flight experience, perhaps Parker's Championship nouse could prove imperative as an alternative with the skillset to easily guide Leeds back to the promised land.

Man Utd: Romano Issues Big Mason Mount Transfer Update

Manchester United are confident that they can agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have rejected an offer of £40 million from Manchester United for Mount as a gap in valuation still continues to linger between the two clubs.

The report states that Manchester United know the limit of what they would be willing to pay internally; however, they are also prepared to abandon negotiations if they are quoted a price above their valuation of the £80k-a-week ace.

As per The Evening Standard, the Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer for Mount at some point, though Chelsea are holding out for a fee in the region of £70 million.

Due to his contract expiring in 2024, Chelsea would be willing to let Mount go to avoid losing him on a free transfer following months of deadlock in negotiations over fresh terms between player and club.

talkSPORT claimed earlier this month that Mount had agreed personal terms with Manchester United; nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the proposed move will be affected by a difference of opinion in value between the two clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Mount is very keen to move to Manchester United this summer.

Romano said: "Man United want the player. Man United are convinced that the agreement with the player is something that'll be easy to reach because Mount wants this Manchester United move, so it's on the clubs now."

Will Manchester United be able to land Mason Mount?

Chelsea seem pretty insistent on recouping a significant fee for their academy product. However, they will also be aware of the reticence prospective suitors may have with regard to bidding over the odds for a player like Mount that only has one year left on his deal.

In 2022/23, Mount made 35 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

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As per The Athletic, Liverpool did hold an interest in trying to sign Mount this summer earlier this year, though his excessive price tag put them off and they will now instead focus on alternative targets.

The Sun claim that Leicester City star James Maddison has been earmarked as a 'second option' if Mount proves to be unattainable this off-season, making it anyone's guess as to whether Manchester United will be able to land Mount this summer.

SL strike after Tharanga ton gives them 537

Having shown patience against some tight bowling in the morning, Sri Lanka enjoyed a flat surface and a tiring bowling attack to gain firm hold of the Harare Test against Zimbabwe

The Report by Nikhil Kalro30-Oct-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsUpul Tharanga anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 110•AFP

For a brief period on the second morning, Zimbabwe made run-scoring look strenuous. For the rest of the day, Sri Lanka’s batsmen enjoyed a placid Harare surface and a tiring bowling attack to pile on 537. Upul Tharanga, displaying admirable patience, reaped the most rewards on the second day to score to his second Test ton, an unbeaten 110.Tharanga milked the bowling for the majority of his innings, capitalising on anything short with cuts and dabs behind square on the off side. With legspinner Graeme Cremer blocking that option by bowling a fuller length, Tharanga chose to sweep, a lofted heave over midwicket bringing up his fifty. Once he was set, the drives came out and their timing was excellent.Tharanga was assisted by debutant Asela Gunaratne, who auditioned for a regular spot in the Test squad with 54 off 102 balls, compiled with a compact technique and an ability to manoeuvre the field. A tight channel just outside off didn’t work against him: he often opened the face to steer boundaries either side of gully.But, soon after becoming the 18th Sri Lankan batsman to score a fifty on his Test debut, Gunaratne misjudged the length of a short delivery from left-arm spinner Sean Williams. A leading edge off an attempted pull was taken at midwicket.Zimbabwe were sloppy in the field again: Peter Moor missed a stumping and dropped two more catches, in addition to his two spills on the first day. Tharanga was given a life when he checked a drive off Donald Tiripano, but Tino Mawoyo at cover could not hold on to a catch low to his left. It was a disheartening spell of play, especially considering how well Zimbabwe had bowled in the morning.Seamers Chris Mpofu and Mumba kept the ball well outside the off stump and asking overnight batsmen Tharanga and Dhananjaya de Silva to play away from their body if they wanted runs. The batsmen were content in seeing off their opening spell though and only occasionally wafted at the bowlers’ invitingly wide deliveries.In their recent Test series against New Zealand, Zimbabwe’s bowlers displayed competence in consistency but weren’t able to ‘bore’ batsmen for long enough. Newly-appointed coach Heath Streak may have already turned that around. Barring the sporadic overpitched delivery, the bowlers repeatedly hit the same lines and lengths which meant Zimbabwe conceded only 50 runs in the first 24 overs of the morning. And that led to De Silva, on 15 runs in 55 balls, to step out to Cremer. He failed to get to the pitch of the ball, went through with the stroke and ended up skewing a catch long-off.Zimbabwe had another good spell of play towards the end of the day. There were 23 overs to go for stumps but the batsmen – despite a massive deficit – were positive from the outset, shimmying down the track or sweeping hard even if they weren’t to the pitch of the ball, particularly against Rangana Herath. They finished the second day at 88 for 1, trailing by 449 runs.There wasn’t much turn for the spinners; most deliveries skidded on with the arm. One such delivery from Herath rapped opener Brian Chari on the pad in front of leg stump. Umpire Simon Fry raised the finger but it seemed the ball may have been sliding down with the angle. Sri Lanka could have added another wicket in the next over, with Suranga Lakmal inducing Hamilton Masakadza into an expansive drive. The resulting outside edge, though, was dropped by Dimuth Karunaratne at first slip. Masakadza, with 33 off 50 balls and Tino Mawoyo, with 41 off 74 balls and, took Zimbabwe to stumps.

Rivals Confident Of Signing £80k-A-Week Chelsea Hero

Manchester United are reportedly increasingly confident of signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount during the summer transfer window.

Is Mount leaving Chelsea this summer?

The 24-year-old has been one of the most heavily discussed transfer topics in recent weeks, with his future still very much up in the air. Contract discussions with the Blues appear to have completely broken down of late, and with his current deal running out next year, he could move on to a new challenge this summer.

Mount may well have played his final game for Chelsea on Sunday – he was filmed walking across the Stamford Bridge pitch and gazing longingly at the stadium after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United – and the £80,000-a-week isn't without suitors currently.

There has been lots of interest from the Blues' Premier League rivals, with United and Liverpool arguably emerging as the two front-runners to snap him up before the beginning of next season.

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Are Man Utd confident of snapping up Mount?

According to Football Insider, United are "growing in confidence about the potential signing of Chelsea’s Mason Mount this summer", even though Liverpool are "still keen on agreeing a deal". The report does go on to add that "Mount himself is yet to make up his mind on his future – despite the confidence of Old Trafford chiefs".

The latter part of the update may at least give Chelsea supporters some hope that Mount may stay put and sign a new deal at the club, although at this point, it does feel as though Mauricio Pochettino will have to do a lot of convincing.

It feels like the Englishman has decided that a fresh challenge makes sense, and the lure of playing Champions League football with United could swing his thinking, with both the Blues and Liverpool unable to offer him that next season.

The hope is that Mount signs an extension, of course, considering he has registered 70 goal contributions for the club (33 goals and 37 assists) – he has also been hailed as "unbelievable" by former Chelsea hero Joe Cole – but if he doesn't want to stay, it is a case of receiving as much money as possible for him and using the funds to bolster Pochettino's squad this summer.

At 24, losing Mount could be such a blow, with his best years likely to be ahead of him, but there is little that can be done if both parties are remaining stubborn over contract talks.

McManus stands up to Meaker's challenge

n situations like today at the Ageas Bowl, both sides go through their own toil. Surrey begin looking to whittle away 18 more chances. Hampshire’s batsmen preparing to concentrate on and forget each delivery

Vithushan Ehantharajah at the Ageas Bowl19-Jul-2016
ScorecardSurrey threw everything they could at Hampshire, but couldn’t quite break them•Getty ImagesIn situations like today at the Ageas Bowl, both sides go through their own toil. Surrey begin looking to whittle away 18 more chances. Hampshire’s batsmen preparing to concentrate on and forget each delivery. Ticking off the arrears from the start of play wouldn’t work: you can lose your way counting down from 564.But with 15 minutes gone, both overnight batsmen had perished to the part-time leg spin of Dom Sibley. With Zafar Ansari absent from the field with a back injury – Surrey are awaiting the results of the scan – and with their batsmen relaying to their spinners that turn was available from wide, Gareth Batty gave the ball to Sibley to get spin into the left-handers. Ryan McLaren was trapped with the day’s first ball before Tom Alsop drove loosely to Jason Roy at first slip.That Surrey had made early inroads was an unexpected bonus. But they had prepared for a long slog. Before they took the field, coach Michael Di Venuto implored persistence, patience and other virtues that come in handy when trench work is on the horizon. “I may have thrown in a few swear words there, too.”For a while, it looked like they might just get away with grass stains and the odd scraped joint, as wickets fell at quick enough intervals to keep them on track. Adam Wheater and Sean Ervine put on 102 for the fifth wicket – Wheater going to his fifty with three pristinely timed fours through the off side in one Stuart Meaker over – but he chipped Mark Footitt to extra cover 10 minutes before lunch, giving the Surrey attack an unexpected aperitif.They came out in good voice after lunch, reminding Hampshire keeper Lewis McManus that this is where the grown-ups play. Batty stuck himself and Aaron Finch in front of the bat to ramp up the pressure. It told.In the midst of perhaps the spell of the match from Meaker, who had started getting some reverse swing thanks to Jade Dernbach, on as 12th man, relentlessly working on the ball between deliveries, beat McManus on the outside and inside edge.McManus, with just one off 16 balls, finally managed to push into the off side for what he thought was a single. Ervine tried to tell him otherwise, but McManus called through, as Rory Burns gathered cleanly from cover point and threw down the stumps at the keeper’s end. Ervine never stood a chance.Gareth Berg came and went for an enterprising 40 which, in the grand scheme of the game, amounted to some glancing counter blows. When he was bowled by Batty, McManus still only had 14 from 49 balls and was playing like someone with five runs in his previous three innings this season.It was at that point that his innings changed. He shedded what timidness he had carried onto the field and began finding the boundary. The 50 came up in 93 balls, but as the day wore on, he embraced the challenge of seeing how far he could push the opposition. Batty was sent into the stands over wide mid-on.In July of last year, he held out against Durham, batting for more than 50 overs in the fourth innings of the match, with No. 11 Mason Crane for company. He drew on that experience when Brad Wheal came to the crease, at first shielding him and then, when satisfied that Wheal’s technique could stand the test of a now wilting Surrey attack and the fourth batting point secured, had a dip for personal glory.He was on 65 when Wheal came to the crease and evidently did not want to leave himself at the mercy of his partner. Shots were played: Sibley heaved over square leg and then dabbed fine, to the left of the keeper Ben Foakes.There was a wonder if he would make it to three figures when Meaker returned to give him a once over again. But having got right behind each delivery and with a bit of extra pluck to summon on, he rode the bounce of one behind square on the leg side to move to his maiden first-class century off his 171st ball.He walked off unbeaten, Wheal in tow, having spent more than four hours watching the overs tick down and the runs tick up. Elated post match, palms drenched from the sticky work and the hand shakes of every Surrey fielder, he could not quite remember just how many Hampshire were behind still: 239, if you’re counting.Tomorrow brings similar challenges. But as both sides showed today, neither are shy of the work required.

Howell impresses with bat and ball but Kent steal home

Gloucestershire’s run of success in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group ended with a three-run defeat by Kent in a dramatic finish at Bristol

ECB Reporters Network08-Jul-2016
ScorecardBenny Howell’s sterling efforts could not see off Kent•Getty ImagesGloucestershire’s run of success in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group ended with a three-run defeat by Kent in a dramatic finish at Bristol.The visitors posted what seemed a moderate 148 for seven after losing the toss, having been given a decent start by openers Joe Denly (51) and Tom Latham. Benny Howell claimed three for 29, while Andrew Tye conceded only 19 from his four overs.In reply, Gloucestershire could manage only 145 for eight, despite 42 from Michael Klinger and Benny Howell’s rapid 37. Kagiso Rabada (1 for 19) and David Griffiths (2 for 22) were the pick of the Kent attack.The hosts needed 16 off the last over, begun by Mitchell Claydon, but finished by Griffiths after the Australian has been ordered out of the attack for a second no-ball full toss above waist height.Kent skipper Sam Northeast said: “Mitchell Claydon was supposed to pitch the ball halfway down the pitch in the final over so I’m not sure what went wrong. It was a greasy ball, which obviously slipped out of his hand, and these things happen.”Fortunately David Griffiths had a couple of overs left so we were able to turn to him. He has been a death bowler for us so he was a good guy to have up our sleeves.”As against Somerset last night, we were slightly disappointed with our score, but the bowlers have done the business for us. Now the aim is to win our last three group games and see where it takes us.”The start of the match saw Denly help himself to early sixes off Matt Taylor’s first and second over, but Gloucestershire bowled well in the powerplay, with Liam Norwell bowling three overs for 19, to restrict their visitors to 46 without loss after six overs.Even so, Kent looked to have laid the foundation for a decent total when with the total on 57 in the eighth over Latham was caught at deep mid-wicket off Howell.Denly went on to a 33-ball half-century, with four sixes and two fours, before getting an under-edge to Tye and being bowled with the score on 94 in the 12th over.It proved a turning point as Howell, Tye and left-arm spinner Tom Smith put the squeeze on Kent. Only 17 runs were added in the next four overs, which saw the demise of Sam Northeast and Alex Blake.A brief Darren Stevens cameo of 20 off ten balls was the best the visitors could manage and their total looked below par in good batting conditions.Gloucestershire made a poor start chasing the modest target when Hamish Marshall was run out for a single by a smart piece of fielding from Kagiso Rabada off his own bowling.Ian Cockbain was struck on the helmet by Rabada before being bowled for eight by a good delivery from Mitch Claydon. At the end of the powerplay Gloucestershire were 37 for 2, but Rabada had bowled three of the six overs, clearly in an attempt to remove danger-man Klinger.The Gloucestershire captain looked well set in the 12th over when a leg-side wide from James Treadwell saw him stumped by Sam Billings. At the end of that over the hosts were 74 for 3.Howell went straight on the attack, blasting a straight six and a four off the next over from Fabian Cowdrey. With Chris Dent already going well, it was the impetus Gloucestershire needed.Dent went for 28 to an injudicious scoop shot off Griffiths that saw him glove through to Billings and at 104 for 4 in the 15th over the game was still in the balance.Kent took control when Kieran Noema-Barnett was caught at mid-on off Claydon and Gareth Roderick was bowled by a full ball from Griffiths.Rabada returned to bowl Tye with the second ball of the penultimate over, but drama ensued when Claydon’s first delivery of the last over slipped and he had to hand over to Griffiths.That drama continued as Howell, was caught off another no-ball for height, only to be run out as he tried to claim a second run. Griffiths then held his nerve and the home side fell agonisingly short.

Revealed: The odds of Wrexham signing Lionel Messi

Wrexham secured a historic promotion to the Football League for the first time in 15 years last Saturday.

It was a momentous day for the town and the club as their A-list owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were overcome with emotion at full-time after beating Boreham Wood 3-1.

Supporters dashed onto the pitch at the Racecourse Ground to celebrate with the players, among them being Ben Foster.

The former England international has undoubtedly been the Welsh side's most famous signing since the owners arrived in non-league football.

Now that their promotion to League 2 has been achieved, however, Phil Parkinson can begin thinking of new recruits, of which there are likely to be a few considering the jump in quality.

Ryan Reynolds and Ben Foster.

It's likely a fair wedge will be spent on player salaries, with star striker Paul Mullin allegedly already on Football League wages, but who else will join him in Wrexham? Lionel Messi seems farfetched, but nonetheless, the odds have been revealed.

What are the odds of Wrexham signing Lionel Messi?

It looks as though the World Cup winner will depart PSG this summer when his contract expires with a move back to Barcelona, providing they can afford it, having been mooted.

According to Betfair, he is 4/6 to head back to Catalonia with the idea of him joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia tipped at 7/1. The Argentine could even join David Beckham's Inter Miami with those odds coming in at 9/1.

Remarkably, the 35-year-old has even been priced at joining Wrexham in the summer, with those odds sitting at 250/1.

The Red Dragons' chairmen have previously revealed their admiration for Messi, claiming they'd sign him over Ronaldo if ever given a chance.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated last year, Reynolds and McElhenney were asked which they'd rather sign. The former simply said "Messi", before remarking that he "likes his size."

His Wrexham co-owner agreed with the sentiments, although was disappointed that Wales legend Gareth Bale wasn't an option.

That certainly feels like the more realistic transfer, although once again is incredibly farfetched considering he's now in retirement.

Rangers Linked With £7.5k-p/w Transfer

Commentator and football writer Derek Clark has reacted positively after hearing Rangers are linked with a summer transfer for Kieran Dowell.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

As we head towards the end of the Scottish Premiership season, it looks as though this won't be a title-winning campaign for the Ibrox outfit.

Indeed, Michael Beale and co sit 12 points off the pace in second place, but behind-the-scenes plans may well already be taking place in preparation for next season.

With that in mind, some rumours have emerged recently in the press suggesting Dowell could be on his way to Scotland.

As per Football Insider, Rangers are lining up a pre-contract offer for the Norwich City midfielder, with his current deal set to expire in the summer​​​​​​.

While talking about this on the latest edition of The Rangers Review, Clark offered his verdict on the player having seen him impress in the past.

He said: "The time he was on loan at Wigan from Everton, I was impressed every time I watched him. I know it was a few seasons ago now, but I think that would be good business if Rangers were to bring him in, especially for no transfer fee as well."

Why do Rangers want to sign Kieran Dowell from Norwich?

At the moment, Dowell currently earns a reported £7.5k per week in the Championship, and when you factor in that he won't cost a transfer fee, this could be an affordable deal for Rangers to pull off.

What's more, they seem to have a working relationship with Norwich already, having signed English midfielder Todd Cantwell in January.

Dowell has been in and out of the Canaries team this term, but having delivered five goals and three assists in just 1,115 minutes of Championship action this term (across 23 outings), Rangers could be landing a pretty good player.

He's also shown glimpses of his quality in the past, too. For example, during his loan spell at Wigan referenced by Clark, he once delivered a rare 10/10 Sofascore match rating, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in an 8-0 win over Hull City.

With that in mind, it's no wonder Clark with impressed by that loan spell. At 25 years of age, it feels as though we are still yet to see the best of the promising midfielder, and if Rangers can unlock Dowell's full potential at Ibrox, this could be a great deal.

Liverpool Could Unleash "Fantastic" Teen Robbo Heir

Liverpool's next generation is one of the most sparkling in the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp often left enamoured with the rapidity and consistency with which they produce such incredible talent.

Just last year the legendary German wrote in programme notes: "I am never short of a positive word to say about the work our Academy guys do. They help to nurture players who are exceptional young men as well as very talented athletes. Their hunger to learn is what stands out.

"The opportunity at this club is always there. I’ve referenced the outstanding football education they get in the Academy but within my first-team staff they also have amazing champions."

His record with affording them play time is equally impressive too, so all-in-all their relationship is only solidified. It felt like Klopp was crafted specifically for the Reds, and although things have been tough this season, he remains an esteemed figure around Anfield.

Currently enduring a transitional period, with plenty of his stars nearing the twilight of their careers, he has already begun transforming the squad with the additions of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. But, if the club's history is anything to go by, they will not be allowed to spend big to resolve every position.

Perhaps the 55-year-old could look to dip into that rich academy as part of this rebuild, to save some money on key positions. Notably with James Norris to soon fill the left-back spot.

Who is James Norris?

Born within the city, the 19-year-old scouser has been a mainstay for the U21 side for some time now.

With the ability to play in midfield and at left back, there are shades of Trent Alexander-Arnold in his ability on the ball and his attacking impetus.

However, it is Andrew Robertson who would be under threat, should he start to progress further into the first team. He does boast two appearances for the senior squad already and was involved in their run to win the FA Cup.

Writer Carl Clemente even outlined his outstanding moment, as he wrote on Twitter: "James Norris makes history & becomes the youngest ever Scouser to play for #LFC's first team at the age of 16 years, 8 months & 13 days old."

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The Scotsman has been a revelation since he first moved to the club, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's best offensive fullbacks with immediacy. Such is his pedigree, this season saw him surpass Leighton Baines' record as the defender with the most assists.

Across his 256 appearances for the Reds, the 29-year-old boasts eight goals and 61 assists, but Norris threatens to emulate such numbers with his form in the youth squads.

In 15 Premier League 2 games this season the teenage sensation already has five goals and one assist, as he seems poised to demolish his six goal contributions from the year prior.

His boss Barry Lewtas reserved specific praise for the 5 foot 7 maestro, for his role in their victory in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final. He noted: "But when the ball dropped and Chuck hit it, it was a fantastic goal – a great finish. It deserved to win any cup final."

With a quality far ahead that of the youth level, he will likely have to bide his time until Robertson steps away from the post. But, when he does, Norris is the perfect man to replace the impressive Scotsman.

Everton news: £41.7m transfer flop has rinsed the club dry

Everton’s business in the transfer market in recent years has arguably been one of the biggest reasons behind their fall from European hopefuls to relegation candidates.

Splashing the cash on big-money signings such as Yerry Mina (£27.2m), Theo Walcott (£20m) and Andre Gomes (£22m) has all been for nothing, with the trio just three amongst a handful of other inflated moves that just haven’t worked out for the club.

With Mina likely to leave this summer upon the expiration of his contract and Walcott having departed a few years ago following a measly record of just 11 goals in 85 appearances, it is Gomes who could still rinse the club for the next year, and his singing has been one of disappointment.

How much has Andre Gomes cost Everton?

Much was made of the Portuguese midfielder upon his arrival at Goodison Park in 2018, initially on loan before sealing a permanent deal. Here was a player who had just spent two seasons at Barcelona, winning two Spanish Cups along with a La Liga title, while he also won Euro 2016 with Portugal, proving that he could bring a winning mentality to the Toffees.

Despite his successful season on loan, scoring once in 27 Premier League matches, completing 73% of his attempted dribbles and making 1.4 tackles per game, the following campaigns have largely been underwhelming.

The 29-year-old only started seven league matches last season, averaging a Sofascore rating of just 6.35/10, managing just one assist and losing possession 7.7 times on average per match.

He was even described as a “walking red card” by The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe following a match last season and over the course of his Everton career, he has rinsed them for millions.

Indeed, since arriving permanently for £22m in 2019, Gomes has also cost the club a further £19.7m in wages during his time at the Toffees, adding up to a quite ridiculous total of £41.7m.

Former Toffees manager Frank Lampard sent him out on loan to Ligue 1 side Lille in the summer for the whole season and his form seems to have picked up slightly. In 18 league matches, he has netted once while grabbing a further two assists and also making 0.7 key passes per game.

This return to some sort of form could work well for current boss Sean Dyche, who may be able to recoup some of the £22m the club spent on him four years ago.

Whatever happens regarding his future, he has rinsed the club for way too much during his stint on Merseyside and future transfers like this will need to be avoided.

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