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Everton defender Ashley Young may be played 'in more than one position' this term as Sean Dyche seeks to maximise his 'versatility', according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest news involving Ashley Young?

Earlier this window, Young became Everton's first summer signing after joining on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Aston Villa.

Speaking to Everton's official website, Young expressed his delight at being able to join the Toffees, stating: “I'm delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club. I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me. The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none."

BBC Sport understand that Premier League newcomers Luton Town and Saudi Arabian clubs had shown interest in Young prior to his move to Everton.

Last term, Young made 32 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa and managed to notch a solitary goal in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Young scored on his debut for Everton last weekend against Wigan Athletic in a 1-0 pre-season victory at the DW Stadium and featured on the flank during the affair, which was where he operated in the earlier portion of his senior career before being converted into a full-back, as per The Daily Mail.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown reckons 38-year-old Young may 'occasionally' fill in as a winger for Everton due to his 'versatility' and crossing ability.

Brown told FFC: "He's still a great crosser of a ball. It wouldn't surprise me if occasionally we see him end up on the wing, but I do think he signed more to play as a cover full-back, possibly even to put pressure on one of the starters and play instead of one of them, but his versatility means that he could play more than one position this season."

What next for Everton?

Everton boss Dyche will hope to recruit some additional quality to add to his squad as he looks to avoid his side being dragged into yet another relegation battle.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees lead the race to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, who had impressed Dyche with his ability to function in several different positions.

Taking to Twitter X, journalist Alan Myers has delivered an update regarding Everton's pursuit of Almeria striker El Bilal Toure, stating: "Everton remain in negotiations with Almeria for El Bilal Toure' despite reports suggesting the player had already decided to join Atalanta The 21-year-old Mali striker is set to decide his future in the coming days with Everton having agreed a deal with Almeria, EFC still in it."

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been identified as a potential alternative to Toure and is admired by Goodison Park chiefs, as per FootballTransfers.

In the next few weeks, we are likely to see progress on prospective arrivals as Everton gear up for the new Premier League campaign to commence.

American international Matt Turner is a "serious candidate for Nottingham Forest" this summer, which could see the potential Dean Henderson deal collapse, per transfers expert Fabrizio Ronmano.

Is Matt Turner joining Nottingham Forest this summer?

In stark contrast to last year, Forest have only paid for two new signings so far this summer; Chris Wood from Newcastle United, who cost £15m and Anthony Elanga from Manchester United, who also cost £15m.

It looks like two could very quickly become three, however, as the Tricky Trees appear set to sign a new number one in the coming weeks.

United's Henderson has been touted for a move to the City Ground for much of the last 12 months following a loan spell last season, but in a surprising turn of events, Steve Cooper's side could be about to sign USMNT star Turner instead.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal's potential signing of Brentford's number one, David Raya, could open the door to the 29-year-old's exit, with Forest already in dialogue with him.

As with most deals, the most significant barrier to completion is the club's differing valuations. Arsenal are said to want £18m, considerably more than the Garibaldi would be willing to pay.

While there is still some way to go before a price can be agreed upon, the move certainly threatens to scupper Henderson's chance at returning to the City Ground, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Arsenal are going on David Raya because Matt Turner has a chance to go to Nottingham Forest, and this could see the Dean Henderson deal collapse.

"So, let's see who is going to win this race to be the new Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, Matt Turner or Dean Henderson.

"But at the moment, Turner is a serious candidate for Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer, so this is the idea."

How does Matt Turner compare to Dean Henderson?

With the two keepers potentially vying for the single spot at Forest this summer, who would be the better transfer?

The first thing to note is that neither player made many appearances last season. Turner started 13 games across all competitions as he struggled to dislodge Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates, whereas Henderson started just 18 games due to an injury partway through the campaign.

That said, if we just took last season, the American comes out slightly ahead with an average rating of 6.73 and passing accuracy of 72.3%, per WhoScored. On the other hand, the once-capped Englishman averaged a rating of just 6.57 and a pretty poor passing accuracy of 56.8%, also per WhoScored.

When it comes to their underlying numbers, it is a bit more even, with the "insane" United man edging it 75.4% to 73.8% for save percentage and 39.5% to 22.5% for clean sheet percentage, per FBref.

However, the former MLS star comes out on top when it comes to passing ability, averaging 21 completed passes per 90 to Henderson's 15.2, and a total passing distance of 652.9 yards per 90 compared to just 540.3, also per FBref.

Ultimately, it looks like Cooper and Forest can't really lose regardless of which keeper they opt for, but perhaps with the "phenomenal" Turner, there is slightly more upside in his ball-playing ability.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a rather interesting update involving a potential signing and a potential exit at Chelsea.

So, what is this latest news involving Chelsea?

Recently, The Guardian reported that Chelsea were weighing up a potential swap deal, with Juventus reportedly very keen on Lukaku, but are insisting that the Blues take Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic as part of the deal as well as €40m. The Blues had rejected interest earlier in the window, but the report stated that a deal could happen.

The Blues do have a plan for Lukaku this summer after ostracizing him from the first team side just two years after his £97.5m switch, with the club planning to discuss with teams around Europe for the rest of August, and should a European move not materialize, discussions will be held with Saudi Arabian sides who maintain an interest in the Belgian record goalscorer throughout the first weeks of September, as the Saudi Pro League transfer window runs for longer than the European one.

The deal doesn't seem to be on however, as Chelsea have "no intention" to proceed with the deal at Juventus' current conditions, as they don't believe they should be paying as big of a fee alongside swapping Lukaku, despite the former Inter Milan striker having agreed personal terms with the Italian side on a three-year deal.

The situation could change should the Blues decide to address the issue created by Nkunku's injury, which is set to rule him out for a number of months.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Chelsea have "no intention" to do the deal in its current conditions, and that their current focus is on finding other solutions for the Lukaku situation. "Chelsea also at this point in the market have no intention to accept any swap deal between Vlahovic and Lukaku. At the beginning of July Chelsea said no to Juventus when they proposed this kind of solution, now again because Juventus are asking for Lukaku and €40m fee. So it’s not just a swap deal, but it’s also €40m fee included and for Chelsea that is just not possible, so Chelsea are going to focus on other solutions for Lukaku. They’re going to explore other opportunities around Europe and in September in Saudi because the market in Saudi is open in the first weeks in September, so this is Chelsea’s position."

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

Is swapping Lukaku and Vlahovic the right move?

On the face of things, swapping Lukaku and €40m for Vlahovic would be a terrible move.

When comparing the two forwards previous campaign's via FBref, the Belgian striker comes out on top in a number of key categories. Lukaku managed 0.54 goals and 0.33 assists per 90 for Inter Milan last season, whilst Vlahovic could only manage 0.47 goals and 0.09 assists. The 30-year-old was also a more consistent threat in front of goal, recording a 0.49 expected goals per 90 compared to the 23-year-old's 0.45 xG per 90. Lukaku was also better at bringing his attacking partners into the game and creating opportunities, managing a 2.9 xA across the season compared to Vlahovic's measly 0.8, whilst the Belgian recorded a fantastic 3.96 shot creating actions per 90 compared to the Serbian's disappointing 2.10.

The former Fiorentina man drew a lot of criticism last campaign, with the La Viola president stating "We paid €15 million combined for Arthur Cabral and Luka Jovic and they have already scored 20 goals in the three competitions we play in. Vlahovic, on the other hand, has scored 10 goals in Turin, two of which were penalties. He has exactly half [the number of goals] of our two forwards. And amidst all of this, we earned €70m. The Cabral-Jovic deal was excellent for us, unlike the Juventus deal for Vlahovic."

With the potential value that Chelsea would have to give up in this deal, it seems like a real poor decision, and explains why the Blues are not interested at this point.

Chelsea are planning a sensational midfield overhaul that could escalate their spending to unparalleled heights.

The Blues look set to resist Liverpool’s outlandish attempt to hijack their Moises Caicedo deal as they prepare to break the record Premier League transfer fee for the South American.

Furthermore, these clubs are also battling it out for Romeo Lavia’s signature.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Chelsea?

According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea are ‘close’ to an agreement with Southampton over signing Lavia, but Liverpool retains a strong interest in the youngster.

The 2021 Champions League winners remain in direct contact with the Saints, who are holding firm with their £50m valuation.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

Chelsea submitted a £48m bid earlier this week, while Liverpool have had three separate offers – the latest of which was £45m – all rejected.

This outlet also revealed that the West Londoners are looking to welcome two midfielders in this window, and they feel that landing Lavia and Caicedo is a real possibility.

Why would Romeo Lavia be a good signing for Chelsea?

Although the Belgian has only played on 29 occasions in the Premier League, he has swiftly established himself as one of Europe’s most attractive and sought-after assets.

Last season, Lavia, who was described as “tremendous” by Rio Ferdinand, averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 84% pass accuracy in the opposition half in domestic football as per Sofascore – scoring higher than Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher for the aforementioned metrics.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a quick rise to prominence with Jean Kindermans, Anderlecht’s head of Academy, eulogizing over Lavia’s composure and bright future, saying: “His best position is as a low playmaker because he can deliver passes.

“He’s always calm on the ball. You can give him it under pressure and he will solve the problem. He is going to have a brilliant career.”

Paul Scholes has followed up this praise, feeling that Lavia is someone with “so much potential.”

A player of this calibre and defensive acumen could be a pivotal figure in aiding Reece James to recapture his best form at Stamford Bridge.

The last two seasons have been difficult for the right-back – he has missed 45 games through various injuries that have massively disrupted his rhythm and consistency.

Last campaign, Chelsea failed to win in any of his final eight outings in the Premier League, and he mustered just four goal contributions in all competitions.

Nevertheless, he is one of the world’s most effective full-backs, and as the club’s new captain, he will be an imperative figure in any Chelsea revival.

James will be looking to emulate and surpass Trent Alexander Arnold’s influence. The £180k-per-week man also endured a tricky campaign, as Liverpool unexpectedly dropped out of the top four, but he still managed to hit double-digits for assists.

Both players have built formidable reputations for their awe-inspiring technical ability. Interestingly, over the past 365 days, James comfortably outranks Alexander-Arnold for progressive carries per 90 (3.51 vs 1.41), and successful take-ons per 90 (1.8 vs 0.91). Then, the latter narrowly outperforms the former Wigan Athletic loanee for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.46 vs 3.88), and progressive passes per 90 (6.29 vs 7.31).

In summary, these figures mean that James sits within the best 10% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for the aforementioned metrics. To still possess these numbers whilst going through the toughest period in your career is a testament to his quality, which could reach even more frightening heights with Lavia’s addition.

Michael Beale has been a busy man throughout the summer transfer window as Glasgow Rangers have dipped into the market to bring in nine new players.

Who have Rangers signed this summer?

The Scottish giants have bolstered their options across the park since the end of last season. At the back, Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling, and Jack Butland have all joined to tighten up the defence.

In midfield, the Gers have snapped up Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell, and Abdallah Sima, whilst they have also added Danilo, Sam Lammers, and Cyriel Dessers to their stable of attacking players.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

However, that may not be the end of the club's splurge in the window as they have been linked with interest in Sunderland centre-forward Ross Stewart, who has rejected an improved deal with the Championship side.

How good is Ross Stewart?

Beale could land an instant upgrade on one of the Gers summer signings – Dessers – by securing a swoop for the Scotland international this summer as his form for the Black Cats suggests that he could be a fantastic striker for the English head coach.

Stewart enjoyed a phenomenal start to last season as he racked up an outstanding ten goals and three assists in 13 Championship appearances. He also averaged an eye-catching Sofascore rating of 7.40 that would have placed him third within the Rangers squad – only behind James Tavernier and Borna Barisic.

This came after the prolific hotshot, who ex-Sunderland goalkeeper David Preece hailed as "exceptional" last term, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 and plundered 26 goals across 49 League One outings throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Dessers, meanwhile, has endured a difficult start to life in the Scottish Premiership with an average Sofascore rating of 6.75 and zero goal contributions in his first two outings, although he did bundle in a goal from close range against Servette in a Champions League qualifier during the week.

The former Genk man has lost a whopping 83% of his league ground duels for the Light Blues and Stewart could be more of a physical presence in the number nine position as he won 49% of his battles for the Black Cats last season.

It would be harsh to write off the Nigerian international already but he is also coming off six goals and an average Sofascore rating of 6.75 in 26 Serie A matches for Cremonese during the 2022/23 campaign, which does not suggest that his first few displays for the Gers are out of character.

Stewart, if he can replicate his Championship form for Sunderland at Rangers, would come in as an immediate upgrade on the 28-year-old forward and provide Beale's team with a significant boost at the top end of the pitch, based on his average performance level and goalscoring record.

The 6 foot 3 titan is also a player with experience in Scotland as he scored 28 goals in 82 matches for Ross County prior to his move to England.

He has already played 41 Premiership games in his career to date and this suggests that the talented ace could hit the ground running due to his knowledge of the league and country.

Stewart is currently out with an Achilles injury and, for that reason, could be a risky signing due to the possibility of his long-term lay-off affecting his level of performance.

However, the Scottish marksman's sensational form for Sunderland suggests that it is a gamble worth taking.

Aston Villa could potentially make a move for Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho this summer, according to an update from transfer expert Dean Jones.

How old is Jadon Sancho?

The England international made the move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021, with enormous things expected of him after a superb spell in the Bundesliga.

Instead, Sancho's time at United has been hugely disappointing to date, with the 23-year-old failing to have anything close to the impact many expected him to. He is struggling to get into the starting lineup, while his overall tally of 12 goals and six assists in 81 appearances is a poor return for such an attacking player.

It could even be that the Englishman's time in Manchester comes to an end sooner than most predicted this summer, should he be frustrated with his lack of playing time. Villa have been linked with an audacious move for him before the end of the month, as the club look to complete some more key transfer business.

The likes of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby have already come in, significantly bolstering the squad, and a wide option could also be required to add an extra attacking spark to the team.

Will Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones talked up the idea of Sancho completing a move to Villa this summer, in order to reignite his stuttering career:

"Yeah, he has been heavily linked. I just think it’s a difficult deal to do. I think Aston Villa could be a good place for Jadon Sancho to consider joining. But the stance from Manchester United this summer is that they’re not keen on giving it up and I think that it would take a pretty significant sum for that to happen."

While it seems clear that United have no great desire to see Sancho leave the club in the current transfer window, no doubt still potentially seeing him as someone who could improve as the years pass, Villa should certainly do all they can to entice him to the club and get a deal over the line.

At Old Trafford, it seems clear that he isn't considered a regular starter, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony preferred to him at the moment, and once new signing Rasmus Hojlund is fit, the likelihood is that Marcus Rashford will play out wide again, further pushing Sancho down the pecking order.

In comparison, the former Dortmund man could come straight as a key player for Villa from the off, even though his time as a United player has clearly been very underwhelming. This is still someone who has been described as "incredible" by Brazil legend Neymar in the recent past, and he has so much of his career ahead of him.

It may simply be that he and United are the wrong fit, and that he needs a new challenge to reset, and it would be fascinating to see how he fared as a star man for Villa, potentially finding a new lease of lease and helping Unai Emery's side find another level.

Sunderland were dealt a blow in their pursuit of a new centre-forward option this week as one of their reported transfer targets moved to another Championship club.

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

The Sunderland Echo had claimed that the Black Cats held talks with Premier League outfit Fulham over a possible loan deal for 20-year-old marksman Jay Stansfield, who spent last season on loan at Exeter.

However, Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman were unable to get a deal over the line for the talented youngster as Birmingham City officially announced his arrival on loan on Thursday.

The club could quickly get over that disappointment, though, as they are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Ukrainian striker Nazariy Rusyn from Zorya Lugansk, who is said to be set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

How good is Nazariy Rusyn?

Mowbray could be on the verge of securing a dream alternative to Stansfield by bringing the 24-year-old marksman to Wearside after his impressive performances throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Rusyn enjoyed a terrific season with Zorya and proved himself to be capable of scoring and assisting goals from a number nine position, which could make him a fantastic addition to the squad for Sunderland.

The exciting whiz, who is reportedly valued at £2.5m by the Black Cats, racked up 13 goals and six assists in 30 Premier Liga outings last term, which means that he was directly involved in a goal every 1.88 matches on average.

Stansfield, on the other hand, produced nine goals and seven assists in 38 League One games for Exeter last season, which is an average of one goal contribution every 2.36 clashes.

These statistics show that Rusyn provided more quality at the top end of the pitch for his respective club due to his ability to score and assist goals more frequently than the 20-year-old talent.

Neither player is a proven Championship performer and this means that there would have been a risk, in terms of their adaptation to playing at this level.

Still, the Ukraine U21 international's record suggests that the potential is there for him to be an excellent player for Mowbray if he can adapt to life in England.

Rusyn, who has scored one goal in two league games this season, could be an outstanding performer for the English head coach if he can replicate his Zorya performances for Sunderland.

Last term, no current Black Cats player managed more than ten Championship goals and no striker produced more than three league assists.

This suggests that Rusyn, with his 13 goals and six assists during the 2022/23 campaign, has the scope to be a superb option for the ex-Blackburn Rovers manager at the top end of the pitch. His ability to score and assist goals could improve Sunderland's attack and help them to push up the table this season.

Therefore, the £2.5m-rated finisher could be a dream alternative to Stansfield due to his superior record in front of goal last term and the fact that he would come in on a permanent deal rather than a loan, which means that the talented marksman has room to grow over the course of several years.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will not be satisfied with his side's start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, having failed to string together a promising run of form; despite a summer of much alteration, there is a sense that the squad is not much stronger than it was last term.

And this is a concern. Last year, the Toffees found themselves moored in the depths of the division and only escaped the unthinkable threat of relegation through Abdoulaye Doucoure's thumping volley against Bournemouth on the final day, relegating Leicester City in their stead.

Finishing the campaign as the league's second-lowest scorers – behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers who, intriguingly, also avoided the drop – Dyche justifiably strove to bolster the attacking ranks this summer.

Signing Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma, Youssef Chermiti and Beto, there is a new look about the Merseyside club's forward line, but with Conor Coady, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate departing, the defensive third does not look as solid as it was last term.

And with the creative Alex Iwobi also joining divisional rivals Fulham in a £22m deal on transfer deadline day, there are genuine fears over the club's sustainability in the top flight at present.

In the relegation zone after four matches, having conceded eight goals and scored a joint-divisional low of two (alongside Luton Town, who have a game in hand), Dyche will need to utilise the imminent international break to devise a plan out of the mire of the bottom three.

To do so, he might need to consider dropping centre-back Michael Keane…

How much did Everton pay for Michael Keane?

Signed for the Toffees from a Dyche-led Burnley for £30m in 2017, Keane arrived at Goodison Park with a weight of expectation, having been hailed for his "impressive" England debut by Gary Lineker just months before making the transfer.

It was a large fee – Everton's record-equalling at the time, in fact – that was paid due to Keane's hardiness and assurance from the back, very much looking the future star for both club and country, with interest from Manchester United warded off to secure his services.

Keane led Burnley from the Championship and cemented a Claret spot among England's elite prior to his move, very much looking the astute piece of business and a veritable rock at the back for years to come.

Still only 30-years-old, Football Transfers now value the one-time Manchester United youngster at just £6m, hinting at a sizable fall from grace over the past several years.

Why has Michael Keane's form declined?

Having now chalked up 204 appearances for the Blues, scoring 12 goals and supplying nine assists, Keane played consistently in a side that clinched eighth-placed finishes in the Premier League across his first two years with the outfit, becoming a regular member of Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad.

The 12-cap England defender has not, however, donned the shirt since 2020, with a dramatic decline having left him on the periphery at Goodison Park over the past few years.

Indeed, having flattered to deceive over the past few years, Keane lost his place in the Everton team before his old manager Dyche took the reins in January, and while he played a central role in the club's travails last term, even scoring a remarkable long-range goal, he was chastised for his "amateurish defending" by the Liverpool Echo's Tony Scott.

With a match commentator also lamenting his "disgraceful defending" during Everton's recent 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park, it's clear that he is falling further and further into the abyss.

Everton supporters must feel beset with an interminable onslaught of negativity, like an unabating storm lashing down on Goodison Park.

A solution is needed, and it's needed quickly.

Dyche is a formidable manager renowned for his defensive discipline and instilling a hard-working mentality throughout his players, but with Keane continuously provided a starting berth, the sun will not paint the blue half of Merseyside any time soon.

Dyche made no mention of a fitness setback for Keane in the Sheffield United pre-match conference, but the former Burnley titan was not included in the squad, with Jarrard Branthwaite provided an opportunity in his stead.

The 21-year-old impressed, and now might be the time for a true changing of the guard.

How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?

Having spent the duration of the 2022/23 season out on loan with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite made 36 appearances and cemented his stature as one of England's most promising young defenders.

The 21-year-old completed 87% of his passes in the Eredivisie, also averaging 3.4 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game and winning 57% of his contested duels, and now looks set for a prominent role on Merseyside this year.

Manchester United were interested in signing the 6 foot 4 colossus during the summer, according to the Daily Mail, but Dyche saw the value in retaining the precocious talent's services and no concrete negotiations materialised, with Everton's stance clear.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across leagues most similar to the Eredivisie – where he was with PSV – over the past year for goals and the top 19% for interceptions made per 90, also completing an average of 86% of his passes.

Speaking in the past, former Carlisle boss Steve Pressley waxed lyrical over his former loanee's skills, saying: "The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer. And If he continues to develop, then, without doubt, he can be an England player."

Also described as a "skilful" defender by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, Branthwaite has impressed across his first two outings of the campaign in the Premier League, earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.10 after his displays against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United.

Making a remarkable 8.5 ball recoveries and two interceptions and tackles per game, he looks robust and tenacious at the back – exactly what Dyche's side need.

He also offers more composure than the error-laden efforts of Keane, with the £80k-per-week dud shambolic against Aston Villa, receiving a lowly 5.60 match score after his mistake led to the breaking of Jordan Pickford's goal.

Branthwaite could well develop even further as the season goes on, and with Keane so unreliable at the back, perhaps it's now high time to ditch him for good and allow Branthwaite to exhibit the full scale of his skill set for Everton.

Newcastle United are hoping to keep hold of key players as well as make big new signings moving forward, and a huge update has emerged regarding one current Magpies star's future.

What's happening at Newcastle?

It's fair to say that Newcastle's season hasn't got off to the greatest start, having gone into the campaign with so much confidence over what could be possible in 2023/24.

The 5-1 win over Aston Villa at St James' Park on the opening weekend only made belief further grow among the fanbase, but since then, they have suffered a major reality check. Three defeats in a row have come their way in the Premier League, away to Manchester City, at home to Liverpool and then at Brighton, and there is now real pressure to bounce back after the international break.

There is certainly no reason to panic, and it could be that new signings such as Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes are still taking time to adjust to their new surroundings. It could also be argued that certain key players aren't quite at the top of their game, particularly in midfield, where the effects of the high-octane style of play look to have worn down Brazil duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.

Now, a big update has emerged regarding one of those individuals – one that will likely give Newcastle supporters a much-needed spring in their step.

Is Bruno Guimaraes signing Newcastle contract?

Taking to Twitter, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that significant progress has been made regarding a new contract for Bruno:

"EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle make significant progress in negotiations to extend Bruno Guimarães contract, agreement now on the verge of being completed. Positive secret talks took place last 10 days — still final details to iron out then time to sign. Bruno’s new deal, close."

This is exactly what Newcastle fans will want to hear, at a time when positives feel few and far between at the club, such has been the nature of their start to the season.

Bruno certainly hasn't been on top form for the Magpies since the new campaign got underway, losing the ball in the lead-up to Darwin Nunez's winner for Liverpool at St James', but there is no doubting that he is one of the most important players at the club.

Since arriving in January 2022, the Brazilian has been a transformative figure, bringing in a mixture of pure talent and tenacious bite in the middle of the park, and so much of last season's success was down to his influence, as he started 32 league games.

At just 25 years of age still, Bruno's peak years should still be yet to come, so to nail him down to a new-and-improved contract is absolutely imperative for Newcastle, having been described as "superb" by Magpies legend Alan Shearer, even being told he has "shades of Maradona" about him by journalist Liam Kennedy, following one moment of brilliance last season.

Ensuring the Brazil international extends his stay at Newcastle is just as important as any new signing who arrives in the coming transfer windows, and him getting back to his best level could be the biggest determining factor in the side returning to form.

Everton could do with more signings in January, but they are reportedly eyeing up a former Europa League winner as an immediate reinforcement from the free agent market.

Do Everton need more signings?

The Blues survived on the final day last season, preserving their Premier League status for another year, but it was clear that significant improvements were needed within the squad.

A number of new signings have arrived in recent months, including Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma and Beto, but there is no doubt that the 2023/24 has still been a struggle to date so far.

Only one point has come their way in their opening four league matches, and while it is still early days in the campaign, there is understandable concern over the direction the team is heading in. It could be that more signings are required once the January transfer window rolls around, in order to bolster the squad during the second half of the season.

There is still a chance to sign free agents at any point, however, due to them not being tied down by another club, and it looks as though one individual is now a target for Everton.

Will Everton sign Jesse Lingard?

According to a new update from 90min, the Blues are one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, but they will have to change his mind from joining West Ham, where he has been training:

"90min understands that Everton and Burnley have also shown interest in signing Lingard, but if he stays in England it will be to join West Ham.

"He could still be tempted abroad, however, with sources confirming that more lucrative offers are on the table from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and MLS.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, two of the biggest clubs in Turkey, have held talks with Lingard's representatives, while Al Shabab and Al Ettifaq, the latter of whom are managed by Steven Gerrard, are interested in taking him to the Saudi Pro League."

Lingard's career has nosedived at a fairly rapid rate, in truth, considering he was starting for England at the 2018 World Cup, scoring in the competition and also being an important squad player at United at the same time, where he won the Europa League, among other trophies.

At 30, the Englishman's best days are arguably behind him now, as highlighted by a hugely disappointing one-year spell with Forest, where he scored and assisted just twice apiece in 20 appearances.

For that reason, Everton signing him wouldn't make a huge amount of sense, at a time when they need genuine quality brought in to improve the quality and depth that Sean Dyche can call upon.

Granted, Lingard has been described as "amazing" by ex-United and England legend Rio Ferdinand in the past, and he has scored six times in 32 caps for England, but he arguably feels like a busted flush at this level, unless he improves dramatically from last season.

If Everton did sign him, it certainly wouldn't a disaster, especially if Dyche feels he could get the best out of him – he once scored at Goodison Park during his United days – but Blues fans are unlikely to be too enamoured by it.