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Manchester United winger Antony has been pictured getting a tattoo of himself on his back to add to his hefty body-art collection.

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• Antony well-known for his tattoos
• Gets one of himself on his back
• Doesn't distract from his poor season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian international is well known for getting tattoos but now he has taken it to another level by getting artist Bruno Lopes to put a likeness of himself on his back. In the design, the winger can be seen celebrating a goal for United.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Eye-catching tattoos aside, Antony has been an underwhelming signing since joining from Ajax in 2022 for £86 million ($102.7m). The Brazilian has scored just three goals and bagged a paltry two assists this season; a regression from 11 goal contributions last term. Unless something drastically changes, he will likely go down as a transfer flop.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony got a tattoo on himself that said 'favela', in reference to a working-class area of Brazil where he grew up. He also has body art showing off his gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and more will likely be on the way.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Antony will hope to feature this Sunday for eighth-placed United when they take on Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal at Old Trafford, followed by the visit of Europe-chasing Newcastle United next Wednesday night.

That 1-0 win against Manchester United last weekend seems like a long time ago now for Newcastle United supporters. In what was a dismal week for the Magpies, the Toon suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier League and are slowly losing footing in the race for the top four.

They say clubs are always three games from a crisis and Newcastle have epitomised that over the past week. Failure to beat AC Milan on Wednesday and qualify for the Champions League could mount serious pressure on head coach Eddie Howe.

Newcastle were comfortably battered in the injury-crisis derby against Tottenham Hotspur but there were several key underperformers during the match, including one star who was arguably the worst player on the pitch.

Alexander Isak's game in numbers

On the balance of play, Spurs deserved to come away with all three points. The hosts had 57% of the ball and peppered 23 shots at Martin Dubravka's goal, creating seven big chances in the process.

Additionally, Spurs' 23 opportunities at goal led to an expected goals total of 3.88 during the match, according to FotMob. In contrast, the Geordie outfit boasted an xG of 1.69 from nine opportunities but converted just one.

Alexander Isak was starving throughout the match and was left isolated for lengthy periods before Howe decided to bring Callum Wilson back into the fray after the hour mark. The latter managed to grab an assist for Joelinton's late consolation goal.

The Sweden international had a glorious opportunity nine minutes into the game to open the scoring for the visitors. This chance registered an xG of 0.77 alone which was 46% of Newcastle's total xG for the game. Incidentally, this was Isak's first and only opportunity of the match, having had merely one touch in the opposition's box and failing to win a single aerial duel from three attempts.

Nevertheless, Isak wasn't the only player on the pitch in a black and white shirt that should hang their heads in shame.

Jamaal Lascelles' game in numbers

Newcastle United's right side was exposed time and time again. Kieran Trippier put in a nightmare shift on Thursday away at Goodison Park against Everton but this time, it was the centre-back on his side that will want to forget this result as quickly as possible.

Newcastle in talks to sign £13m Lascelles downgrade in January

Newcastle United are hoping to sign this £13 million titan who is performing worse than Jamaal Lascelles this season.

By
Adam Scully

Nov 28, 2023

Having limped off late in the game against Everton in midweek, Howe decided that skipper Jamaal Lascelles was fit enough to partner Fabian Schar once more at the heart of the defence. The duo have now conceded seven goals in the last two matches.

Lascelles, in particular, struggled to defend his own penalty area at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, losing 100% of his aerial duels, 50% of his tackles and 33% of his ground duels, as per FotMob.

Furthermore, the ex-Nottingham Forest defender lost possession of the ball six times throughout the match and was the lowest-rated player across all 22 that started the game, earning a Sofascore match rating of merely 6.2. Sofascore seemed to be generous, though, as The Shields Gazette docked Lascelles' display down as a woeful 3/10 after he was caught ball-watching for all of Tottenham's first three goals.

For a player with the experience that Lascelles has, Howe will have wanted a much finer showing than the one the captain put on. The Newcastle boss has a lot of thinking to do ahead of Wednesday's bout at home to Milan, with Paul Dummett champing at the bit for his first-ever European start.

After enduring yet another afternoon to forget, this time losing against Nottingham Forest at St James' Park, Newcastle United's hopes of reaching the Premier League's top four for a second consecutive campaign look all but lost. The Magpies sit eighth and could be as many as ten points adrift of fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur if the North London side win their game in hand.

It's clear that Eddie Howe's squad is not in a position to compete on all fronts as things stand, meaning that 2024 could be a crucial year of changes. And that could see PIF make some ruthless decisions when it comes to reshaping the squad.

Newcastle transfer news

Despite securing a number of arrivals since their takeover, PIF still have some deadwood to clear out for Howe next year. If the Magpies want to become a team capable of consistently qualifying for the Champions League and then progressing out of the group stage all whilst balancing all competitions, then the transfer market will be the key.

First and foremost, however, Newcastle could sanction some surprise sales next year to make room for arrivals who could take them up to a new level on a permanent basis.

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle could sell Matt Targett in 2024 after the left-back has fallen down the pecking order under Howe. The former Aston Villa man is reportedly not part of Howe's plans, who has often opted for Dan Burn or summer arrival Tino Livramento down the left-hand side instead.

Given Targett's injury history too, a move could be the best solution. And whilst the Magpies have suffered the consequences for their lack of squad depth in the current campaign, they have more than enough left-back cover without Targett in the form of Burn, Livramento and Lewis Hall, meaning that they can sanction the sale of the former.

"Reliable" Targett needs Newcastle exit

Following the emergence of Livramento, it now seems a long way back for Targett at Newcastle, given that he was already behind Burn in the pecking order at left-back. With plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, the former Villa man now needs a move to earn the crucial minutes that he is unlikely to get at St James' Park. It must be said though, that Targett's stats show exactly why he is behind both Livramento and Burn.

Whilst his position at Newcastle is that of an out-of-favour player, that doesn't mean that Targett couldn't find a starting place elsewhere in the Premier League, given how he's impressed in the past. Previously named in Alan Shearer's Premier League Team of the Week, the Newcastle legend described the left-back as "utterly reliable at the back and gave everything for the Newcastle United shirt".

As his time at St James' Park looks increasingly likely to come to an end, Targett will certainly be one to keep an eye on in both January and the summer transfer window.

Kieran McKenna edged out Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta to the top LMA award amid rumours he is in line to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.

• McKenna fired Ipswich to the Premier League
• Beat Guardiola & Arteta to prestigious individual accolade
• Chelsea want him as their new manager

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McKenna has achieved remarkable success with Ipswich, leading them back to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. Under his guidance, Ipswich finished second in the Championship, just one point behind Leicester City, securing back-to-back promotions. This season, Everton's Sean Dyche, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, and Portsmouth's John Mousinho were also shortlisted for the LMA's Manager of the Year prize. Although Guardiola lost out in the overall category, he bagged the Premier League Manager of the Season award, while Liverpool's Matt Beard received the Women's Super League Manager of the Season prize.

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  WHAT MCKENNA SAID

  "This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life," McKenna said after winning the award.

  "It's the best thing in the world and I've had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can't wait for."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKenna's reputation has grown rapidly amid his incredible stint with the Tractor Boys. According to Chelsea are keen to secure McKenna’s services after they parted ways with Pochettino by mutual consent. Since being acquired by Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital group two years ago, Chelsea has aimed to operate collaboratively, seeking a young, progressive coach who aligns with their vision. McKenna fits this profile, and Chelsea have been in talks with his representatives for several weeks. Brighton are also interested in McKenna to replace Roberto De Zerbi, but have seen their negotiations slow due to Chelsea’s involvement.

  report further mentions that despite the initial promise of stability under Pochettino, Chelsea had concerns about his tactical approach, with some sources describing his training methods as outdated. Furthermore, Pochettino’s desire for greater control over signings was not to be accommodated.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  While McKenna is a leading candidate, Chelsea are considering other options as well. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Girona’s Míchel, Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness are all on their shortlist. Vincent Kompany, despite Burnley’s relegation, is also being viewed as a potential dark horse.

Diogo Dalot has admitted he has had to play through the pain barrier to help Manchester United through their many injury problems this season.

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• United suffered endless injuries this season
• Dalot admitted he played through pain
• Cited Fernandes as an example for everyone

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United have suffered more than 60 injuries this season, leading to players missing a combined total of more than 350 matches. The injury crisis contributed to the Red Devils ending the season in eighth, their lowest finish in the Premier League era, while losing a record 14 matches. And Dalot said the crisis meant he had to keep playing in matches while hurting.

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• WHAT DALOT SAID

  Dalot told reporters: "Yeah a few obviously but that’s part of being a football player. Are you ready to cope with it? Are you ready to make an extra mile for the team? Especially this season. And there are games that you have to forget a little bit of the pain. The problems that you are having. Because the team needs you, because there are no players. That obviously happened sometimes this season, but for me it’s just… In my head it’s normal."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dalot played the most Premier League minutes of any United outfield player this season, with Bruno Fernandes just trailing him. The United captain has been praised by Erik ten Hag on repeated occasions for always being available. Indeed, the game with Crystal Palace in May was the first match he has ever missed in his entire career due to injury.

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• FERNANDES 'DOES EVERYTHING' TO PLAY

  "He’s been one of the cases that obviously… he is showing that he’s doing everything that he can to play for the club and to help the club," Dalot said of Fernandes. "He’s been available every game and it shows that if you are available, you are closest to play games. This is the kind of way that I think every club, every squad should go because if you have 70-80 percent of the players available every season, I think it’s going to be a lot easier than if you have 10-15%."

Tottenham Hotspur could strike a pretty cheap move for a defender who's been starring for his country this year, according to reports this week.

Postecoglou demands early Spurs signings in January

Following a series of injuries and suspensions this season, manager Ange Postecoglou has told Spurs to make early signings in January.

Tottenham "working" as Ange eyes "special" centre-back alongside Todibo

The Lilywhites have more than one defender on their radar.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 26, 2023

Defence is a particular weak spot, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both out injured. Indeed, manager Postecoglou's continued lack of faith in Eric Dier has forced the Australian to use makeshift pair Emerson Royal and Ben Davies once again.

Spurs' winning streak came to an end on Thursday night, losing 4-2 to Brighton, and it was their first match without Romero since Postecoglou ruled him out for five to five weeks.

"It's another challenge for us, with two games in a short space of time and a smallish squad available," said Postecoglou on Romero's injury, later insisting Spurs need to seal early January signings amid their squad shortage (via The Mail).

"Obviously if we can do business early it's great, not just because of losing Romero, but there's a whole month there – why waste it?

"Even if they don't play, you can bed them into training and our style of football, because it's not like we're going to sign somebody and they'll hit the ground running. Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it's potentially not until the middle or end of February when they get up to speed, depending on the league they're coming from.

'I'd love to do something early, but even me saying that puts a challenge on us. Other clubs know we want to do something early, but I'm hopeful it will be much earlier than the end of the window before we bring someone in."

Tottenham have been linked with a host of centre-backs as we approach the winter transfer market's reopening, and one of them is Club America defender Sebastian Caceres.

Spurs could strike really cheap Caceres move

The Uruguay international has been a star for his country under former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa this year, with Caceres attracting serious interest from Spurs as a result.

His Club America contract expires in December 2024, meaning the Mexican side either have to agree a new deal for Caceres or sell him sooner rather than later.

Now, according to journalist Jonatan Pena, Tottenham and other interested sides could strike a deal for Caceres at under £8 million – which would come as a pretty affordable fee where chairman Daniel Levy is concerned.

Caceres has been praised by members of the media in his homeland as an "untouchable" star of his national team, making that fee seem like a price worth paying.

The winger, for all of his talents, is an often puzzling omission from the conversation around the game's best

In recent months, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been repeatedly pestered about the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the Spanish capital. And on every occasion, the great Italian manager has pivoted, avoided the question, and insisted that he already has the best player in the world at his disposal in Vinicius Jr.

This is, of course, partially manager's jargon. Ancelotti has dubbed Thibaut Courtois the greatest goalkeeper in the world (potentially true). He has also insisted that he has the remainder of the top six behind Vinicius in Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos.

Accurate or not, it is a coach's job to talk up the achievements of his players. While his claims about Rodrygo, Camavinga, Kroos and Valverde might be hyperbolic, Ancelotti could just have a point when it comes to Vinicius.

The Brazilian, for all of his quality, is somehow regarded as a step under the game's greats – short of the prestige saved for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. But on the evidence of his last three years of work – including some crucial Champions League performances that have carried this Madrid side to European silverware – he belongs only at the top.

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  Finding his feet in Madrid

  This has hardly been a simple journey for the Brazilian. For a long time, Vinicius was the talented player who couldn't quite figure it out. Thrown into the Madrid XI perhaps before he was ready, the winger made countless mistakes in key areas, and developed an unfortunate reputation for missing big chances. He drew the ire of not only Madrid fans but also his teammates, with Karim Benzema infamously discouraging Ferland Mendy from passing the ball to him for fear that he was "playing against us."

  It didn't help that he came into a Madrid side that was undergoing a transition in attacking areas. The midfield trio behind him of Luka Modric, Kroos and Casemiro was long established as the best in the world. However, things were less certain in attacking areas.

  Benzema was a bonafide superstar, but Madrid faced uncertainty on the wings. Eden Hazard turned out to be an expensive waste of money, while Gareth Bale's constant injuries and apparent disinterest left Los Blancos struggling in wide areas. This forced a teenage Vinicius into the starting XI, charged with carrying some of the attacking load for a Madrid side short of their best. His six goals and four assists in La Liga across his first two seasons in the Spanish capital hardly inspired confidence.

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  The new Galactico

  But something changed with the onset of the 2021-22 campaign. Madrid were different that year, with Ancelotti returning to the helm after six seasons away. He stripped down Los Blancos' playing style, asking his creative players to operate in moments of individual inspiration, rather than follow the sort of choreographed attacking systems that have consumed European football in recent years. Benzema was at the centre of it all, the forward allowed to roam in and out of space, collecting the ball deep, while offering gaps for others.

  And although Benzema scored the bulk of the goals – and claimed the Ballon d'Or that season – Vinicius was perhaps the primary beneficiary. No longer constrained to the whites of the left touchline, the Brazilian scampered all over the pitch, encouraged to take on his man or run in behind. His understanding with Benzema – the same player who once disparaged his footballing abilities, turned into something resembling telepathy.

  The Brazilian's numbers made for tidy reading: 17 goals in La Liga, four in the Champions League. He threw in 16 assists in all competitions for good measure. Still just 21, Vinicius had arrived for good.

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  Constant big goals

  Perhaps the biggest moment of that season was his final act. Madrid turned in a typical Champions League performance against Liverpool in May 2022. Los Blancos spent the majority of the contest under immense pressure, and often lent on the brilliance of Courtois – who made 12 saves on the night – to stay in the game. In the end, they had just one clear chance, a well-constructed counter-attack. And Vinicius was the one who finished it.

  It was his most important contribution in Madrid white to date, and started a streak of important European goals on the biggest of stages. He bagged two against Liverpool the following year at Anfield, and one against Manchester City in that year's semi-final. This season, he's only been more impactful. Vinicius tore up Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory. And against Bayern Munich last month, he was even better. Vinicius scored a fine goal to give Madrid the lead at the Allianz Arena, and found the net again from the penalty spot to secure a hard-fought 2-2 first-leg draw in Munich. He then backed that up by scoring the second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

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  Becoming the main man

  All of this has happened in the midst of the growth of Vinicius as a brand. He has always caught the eye with his array of tricks, flicks and cuts. Even when he was missing chances, the Brazilian was must-see TV, if only for the way in which he did it, and the highlight-reel skills that filled the gaps in between. And as his footballing quality has developed, his star power has only grown.

  These days, Vinicius is a Galactico in the traditional sense. He makes playing the game look fun, and has a persona that spreads beyond the football pitch. He has an immense social media following, spends time hanging out with Neymar, and has championed countless on-and-off field causes for the game and beyond.

  There is also the unfortunate way in which he has been thrust into the spotlight. It is no secret that Spanish football – and the sport in general – has a racism problem. Vinicius, unfortunately, has been at the centre of that debate. So often chided and chanted at by rival fans, the winger has been forced into the conversation as a voice against the vitriol and anti-blackness he has faced his whole career.

  There is no good way for a young man, at just 23, to be able to manage that pressure. Vinicius is, after all, an elite footballer – not a full time civil rights activist. Still, he has taken on the systemic hatred in football, and become a crucial voice against the kind of abuse he, and countless other black players have been subject to. Greatness in sport goes beyond what happens on the pitch, and Vinicius – under enforced circumstances or not – has achieved it.

Aston Villa are enjoying a fantastic campaign and could be able to improve their prospects of a lofty finish in the Premier League table after it emerged that they are now keen on a teen sensation, according to a report.

Aston Villa looking for January reinforcements

Positivity is the main overriding feeling at Aston Villa as they continue to sustain their consistent form in the Premier League under Unai Emery, which the Spaniard will hope to continue by bringing in further reinforcements in January.

According to Football Transfers, the Villans are in the market for options on the flanks this month and they are now said to have made approaches for Galatasaray man Wilfried Zaha and Lazio's Brazilian star Felipe Anderson.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

The outlet claim that Emery is a huge admirer of Zaha and tried to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in 2018 when he was in charge of Arsenal; nevertheless, the Ivory Coast international is happy in Turkey and isn't expected to move on this month.

Roma playmaker Paulo Dybala is the talk of European football right now due to his low release clause of about €13 million (£11.2m) that is set to expire on January 15th, and reports in Italy, via Birmingham Live, indicate that the Villans have spoken to his entourage over a potential move to Villa Park.

Nevertheless, one man who won't be coming to join Aston Villa this window is Dybala's teammate Leonardo Spinazzolla, as confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Now, there is cause for excitement in the West Midlands after latest reports, which suggest that Aston Villa are keen on one of Europe's finest rising stars this month.

Aston Villa keen on Roony Bardghji

According to HITC, Aston Villa are among a clutch of sides keen on Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji and contact is believed to have taken place over the availability of the Sweden international. His current employers would demand at least £20 million before considering a sale, though they would prefer to keep him for the rest of the season.

The outlet claim that Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli are also showing interest in the 18-year-old, who has burst onto the scene this term and spent time in England over Christmas, where his future was discussed with intermediares.

Labelled "superb" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Kuwait City-born winger has shown a clinical edge in front of goal this term, registering 11 strikes in 30 appearances across all competitions (Bardghji statistics – Transfermarkt).

Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been linked with a swoop for the youngster, indicating that there will be a tense battle for his services over the course of the next few weeks. Aston Villa are clearly in the hunt for a winger though and could make a major statement by fending off competition to bring Bardghji to Villa Park.

Newcastle United are looking for midfielders to help fill the void left by Joelinton after his injury blow, with a "very good footballer" being lined up as an option.

Newcastle suffer Joelinton injury blow

The Magpies had big dreams going into the 2023/24 season, with hopes of another top-four finish in the Premier League, not to mention looking to go far in the Champions League. Instead, their campaign has turned into a huge disappointment, and while performances and results have often been nowhere near good enough, a constant stream of injuries haven't helped.

Newcastle have had so many important players missing for long periods of time, including Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes – Sandro Tonali's 10-month suspension hasn't helped matters, too – and they are now having to make do without another key individual in Joelinton.

The Brazilian could even miss the rest of the season after suffering a groin issue, and his physicality and quality are set to be a massive loss in the coming months. In order to cover his absence, Howe may wish to delve into the transfer market, and one new potential target has emerged.

Newcastle eyeing Philip Billing move

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in signing Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing, as they look to make up for the big loss of Joelinton.

"Howe, who has transformed Joelinton into a Brazil international, rates him as one of his most influential players and his loss this season has seen Newcastle draw up a shortlist of midfield replacements. Mail Sport understands that includes Bournemouth’s Philip Billing, who Howe signed for the Cherries for £15m from Huddersfield in 2019. The Denmark midfielder, 27, scored seven times last season and is enjoying another fine campaign."

There are certainly similarities between Billing and Joelinton, given their tall stature and ability to dominate midfield battles in a physical sense, so he could be a shrewd addition by Newcastle in the January transfer window. The 27-year-old has been hailed by former Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil, with the now Wolves boss calling him a "very good footballer".

This season, the Dane has two goals and assists apiece to his name in the Premier League, showing that he can chip in with end product, but he has also averaged 1.5 tackles per game, highlighting his ability off the ball, too.

Billing may feel that this is the right time in his career to move to a bigger club, testing himself at a club like Newcastle, and it is easy to envisage him playing a similar role to Joelinton, possibly making him a tailor-made replacement.

At 27, he could well be experienced enough not to be fazed by such a move, but he also has enough time on his side to make an impact at St James' Park for a number of years, making this one to watch.

Everton midfielder Dele Alli has flown out to Japan after the end of the season but his future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire.

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• Dele takes trip to Japan
• Everton contract to expire shortly
• Midfielder's future remains uncertain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The midfielder has shared photographs of a trip to Japan with girlfriend Cindy Kimberly after a Premier League season which has seen him sidelined for the entire campaign due to injury. Dele's future is currently unclear as his contract with Everton is set to expire at the end of the month.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Everton said in May that Dele would stay with the club to continue his recovery from a groin injury even though he will be out of contract at the end of June. Dele has not played at all since February 2023 and has only managed 13 appearances in all competitions since joining the Toffees. The 28-year-old has been advised to "step down a league or two" to get his career back on track but it still remains to be seen when he will be ready to resume playing.

• WHAT EVERTON HAVE SAID

  Director of football Kevin Thelwell said in May: "Dele’s contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him while he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.

  "Both Sean and I agree it is important we ensure Dele’s rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DELE

  Dele may well generate plenty of interest if he does move on from Everton as a free agent in the summer. The midfielder has previously said he wants to stay in the Premier League and has even set himself a personal goal of trying to make the England squad for World Cup 2026.