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Everton have developed a reputation for transfer disasters over the years since Farhad Moshiri became the majority stakeholder at Goodison Park, but whilst the club have often got it wrong, sometimes they have exercised immaculate judgement.

Indeed, this season in the Premier League it is looking like the nine new signings have improved and enhanced the squad under Frank Lampard, with Everton 12th in the league table after a promising start to the campaign.

The Toffees have the joint-best defensive record in the division, conceding just nine goals alongside Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, something that nobody could have predicted following their relegation scrap over the 2021/22 campaign.

Last season, only Watford, Norwich City, Leeds United and Southampton conceded more goals than the Toffees, which ultimately contributed to their struggle for survival in the top flight as their Premier League status wasn’t secured until the penultimate game of the season.

Lampard’s current first-choice back four of Vitaliy Mykolenko, James Tarkowski, Conor Coady and Nathan Patterson or Seamus Coleman would have exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic Everton supporters this season, and has proven that the club doesn’t always get it wrong on the transfer front.

One decision which caused huge controversy at Goodison Park last season was the decision to part ways with former Toffees left-back Lucas Digne, who was sold to Aston Villa in January for £25m.

The Frenchman had become a fan favourite during his time at the club, tallying 127 appearances, six goals and 20 assists in three-and-a-half years on Merseyside, but the breakdown of his relationship with Lampard’s unpopular predecessor Rafael Benitez was beyond repair and the player was sold.

At the time, it was considered a bad move for Everton, but hindsight is a wonderful thing now that Digne is struggling with injury problems and inconsistent performances at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old, who was previously dubbed a “nightmare” by Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchliffe, has sustained a suspected stress fracture to his ankle whilst on international duty. His recovery time is currently unknown, and had he remained at Goodison Park, that would have been a headache for Everton, who have struggled with injuries non-stop over the last 12 months.

Furthermore, Digne hasn’t been a standout performer in Aston Villa’s team since joining in January and has contributed to their struggles, with Steven Gerrard’s side currently 16th in the Premier League.

Across seven appearances this season, the full-back has offered no goal contributions or chance creation, has lost possession of the ball once every 4.2 touches per game, has made zero dribble attempts, given away one penalty through foul play and committed 1.3 fouls per game.

With that in mind, it is now clear that Moshiri struck gold by selling Digne in January, as the 29-year-old is now worth up to just €15m (£13.1m) according to CIES Football Observatory, 47.6% less than what Everton sold him for just nine months ago.

Manchester City’s record signing Jack Grealish does not expect to be at the club next season, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Record signing

In the summer of 2021, it was announced that City had signed the Aston Villa captain for £100m, the biggest transfer dee in British football history.

However, since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, the England international has faced criticism for a number of his performances, which were seen to be below-par for the club’s record signing.

In his first season with the Sky Blues, the winger made 26 top-flight appearances for Pep Guardiola, contributing just three goals and three assists for the Premier League champions.

The Latest: Grealish could be going

According to Football Insider, Grealish has told friends that he does not expect to be at Man City next season.

The 27-year-old apparently believes that Guardiola’s tactical setup is failing to extract the best of his individual qualities, and he fears that he made a big mistake joining a team with such strict passing routines.

It is said that the former Villa playmaker has complained that he does not get enough of the ball at City.

The Verdict: Underrated at Man City

When looking at Grealish’s underlying statistics, it could be argued that his tenure with the Premier League champions has been severely underrated.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the England international ranks in the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 3% for pass completion.

Hailed by Guardiola for his ‘incredible’ debut at City, Grealish has joined a team of superstars – a stark contrast to life at Villa Park – so things were always going to be different at the Etihad.

However, he is definitely contributing positively to the Sky Blues, so the harsh criticism that he often receives can be unfair.

Sky Sports pundit Adam Smith has heaped praise on Tottenham Hotspur summer signing Destiny Udogie after an incredible start to the season on loan at Udinese.

The Lowdown: Udogie joins Spurs

Last month, it was announced that Spurs had captured the £15m signing of the 19-year-old from the Serie A club.

Despite completing a permanent move to north London, the Italy under-21 international returned to his former club on loan for the remainder of the season and will join up with the squad at Hotspur Way in the summer of 2023.

Since returning to the Italian top flight, the left-back has played in all four of Udinese’s opening league fixtures, impressively netting two goals, his latest coming in their sensation 4-0 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma on Sunday.

The Latest: Smith’s praise for Udogie

Smith, who works as a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports, has been amazed with Udogie’s form since he signed for Tottenham this summer, clearly excited at the prospect’s massive potential.

Taking to Twitter, he hailed the 19-year-old’s praises, giving his verdict on the defender’s upcoming move to the Premier League as he exclaimed: “Destiny Udogie’s last 10 Serie A games for Udinese from WING BACK: 5 Goals, 3 Assists. He’s 19 years old! Serious talent who is tailor made for Conte’s system #Udogie #Spurs”

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The Verdict: Huge talent

When looking at Udogie’s underlying statistics, it is obvious as to why Antonio Conte wanted to sign him as soon as possible – so that he could beat inevitable suitors to his signature.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Italian ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals, and in the 88th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and pressures made.

Going off these figures alone, Udogie’s attacking skillset matches up perfectly with Conte’s desired profile for a full-back, which entails bombing down the wing and starting the attack from the defensive third, with cover being provided from the three central defenders.

With the teenager in flying form back at Udinese, the Spurs boss will be hoping that Udogie can bring this sort of form to Tottenham when he arrives in N17 next year.

Nottingham Forest are plotting a move to sign Villarreal defender Pervis Estupinan, according to reports in Europe.

The Lowdown: Facing competition

The left-back will already be familiar with Premier League football having been at Watford before joining the Yellow Submarine back in 2020, but after just two years in La Liga, Unai Emery is believed to be willing to let his man leave.

Steve Cooper’s newly-promoted side were first credited with an interest in the 24-year-old last month, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Lyon and Nice, and following a fresh update from overseas, the Reds seem confident that they can entice their target to the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest target Estupinan

French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) claim that Forest ‘wish to sign the Ecuador international and hope to close the deal for less than €20m’ (£17m).

The source states that Real Betis star Alex Moreno ‘was their first choice’ for that wing-back role, but he supposedly ‘made it clear’ that he wished to stay put, with the report being able to ‘confirm’ the Midlands outfit’s interest in Estupinan.

The Verdict: Alongside Dennis

Omar Richards is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a hairline leg fracture in pre-season, leaving Harry Toffolo as the main available option on the left, so Steve Cooper needs to sign a new addition in that area, and Estupinan would be the perfect candidate.

The former Hornets man, hailed ‘one of the best left-backs in La Liga’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, would bring a wealth of experience to the Reds backline having made 231 senior career appearances, and he recently helped the Spanish giants win the Europa League in 2020/21.

Forest are said to be closing in on Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis, and Estupinan could be the next to follow in his footsteps and walk through the doors at the City Ground in the weeks ahead.

Despite signing a new deal at PSV Eindhoven, transfer journalist Santi Aouna has claimed that West Ham United are still pursuing midfield star Ibrahim Sangare.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye more signings…

The Premier League club are said to be eyeing a host of other transfer targets despite having sealed five first-team signings already this summer.

Indeed, it appears that David Moyes isn’t done yet, regardless of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola (loan made permanent), Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet putting pen to paper at the London Stadium.

West Ham currently have a central defensive shortage, with the likes of Attila Szalai being targeted, while it is also believed that head of recruitment Rob Newman has his eye on central midfield signings.

The Latest: West Ham still want Sangare…

Aouna claims that West Ham are looking at PSV midfielder Sangare as an alternative to Amadou Onana.

Expanding on the 24-year-old’s recent new contract, the transfer reporter claims that Moyes’ side are unfazed by this development and remain in the running to sign the Eredivisie star (Foot Mercato).

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Sealing a move for the midfield titan, who has also been targeted by Liverpool, would be quite the feat for West Ham, judging by his exploits over 2021/22.

As per WhoScored, Sangare – who has been called ‘extraordinary’ by former PSV manager Aad de Mos – was one of the Dutch top flight’s standout performers last term, making the second-most tackles (3.3) and interceptions (2.6) per 90 out of any player in the division.

He also finished last season as the league’s seventh-highest rated player overall, with it being clear as to why he is a target for West Ham and Moyes.

Depending on his price tag, which could be quite high after his contract extension, it will be interesting to see if the Irons keep chasing him.

West Brom are among a number of clubs interested in signing Manchester United Hannibal Mejbri on loan, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: More summer incomings?

Steve Bruce is hoping to mastermind the Baggies’ promotion from the Championship this season following a bitterly disappointing 2021/22 campaign.

For that to happen, it could be that more signings are needed, with the likes of John Swift and Jed Wallace already brought in during the summer.

An intriguing update has emerged which suggests West Brom could acquire the services of an exciting young prospect from the Premier League.

The Latest: West Brom keen on Hannibal

According to Sky Sports News over the weekend [via Birmingham Mail], United are willing to send Mejbri out on loan for the 2022/23 season, with the Baggies one of the clubs keen on signing him.

Birmingham City, Millwall and Middlesbrough are also mentioned as potential suitors for the 19-year-old, who has made three first-team appearances for the Red Devils.

The Verdict: Good for squad depth

Mejbri is a huge talent who is highly regarded at United – he has even been hailed for his ‘world-class’ passing by Red Devils underage coach Paul McShane – so West Brom snapping him up would be exciting.

A tenacious midfielder with strong technical ability, the teenager could provide Bruce with extra options in the middle of the park, not to mention the fearlessness and unpredictability which often comes with young players.

He notably drew praise from Gary Neville on Sky Sports for a crunching tackle he put in on Naby Keita during a cameo appearance in United’s 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool in April.

Mejbri might not come in as a reliable starter for Albion given his age, but it could be a perfect opportunity for him to prove his quality and help the Baggies achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Aston Villa transfer target Gabriel Barbosa could be a ‘really good’ acquisition for the club, in the view of transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown

According to a recent report from 90min, the striker was a target for Villa during the January transfer window, and NSWE are still thought to be ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation with a view to a potential move.

Nicknamed ‘Gabigol’, Barbosa currently plays for Brazilian giants Flamengo after making a £15.75m move from Inter Milan in January 2020.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has already written that Steven Gerrard wants to add another centre-forward to his ranks in the coming weeks.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones pointed out that Barbosa has been representing Brazil, the world’s top-ranked international team. The 25-year-old made Tite’s squads in September and October 2021 and January 2022, scoring against Venezuela and Uruguay.

Jones said of the Flamengo marksman’s links with Villa: “I think Gabigol could be [good enough], to be honest. I mean, he’s a Brazilian No.9. If he’s good enough to get into that set-up, he’s got to be good enough to play for Aston Villa, surely.

“We don’t obviously know yet if he’s Champions League class, but he’s kind of proven that he’s world-class on an international basis, so I feel Gabigol might be a really good get for a club like Aston Villa.”

The verdict

Barbosa’s record for Flamengo is sensational – 158 games, 131 goal involvements (103 goals, 28 assists).

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that he was named in the IFFHS South American Team of the Year in 2021, alongside Neymar, Lionel Messi and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

However, it would still be a gamble to move for the £23.4m-rated marksman, who struggled during his previous stints in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica. He made just 15 appearances combined across those two spells, netting only two goals.

Therefore, you might wonder whether he can deliver in the Premier League, the top-ranked division on the continent.

Journalist Patrick Berger has now revealed who Newcastle United’s ‘top target’ is after Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Botman deal agreed

It has been reported that a deal has now been agreed for Botman to move to St. James’ Park from Lille, making him their third summer signing after Matt Targett and Nick Pope, assuming he agrees personal terms.

With a central defender, left-back and goalkeeper already signed, the North East club can now focus on strengthening in other areas of the pitch ahead of the new season.

The Latest: Diaby the ‘top target’

Taking to Twitter, Berger of SPORT1 has revealed that Diaby is now the ‘top target’ for the Tynesiders after Botman, although he has ‘no intention’ of moving to the Magpies:

“Moussa Diaby is the top target for Newcastle United. NUFC set to pay €35-40m for the Frenchman. Leverkusen demanding way more then €60m. I am told player is open for a move but has no intention to go to Newcastle. The winger is also on the list of Paris Saint-Germain.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that Diaby does not seem to want to move to the Toon, despite them registering their interest.

In a similar mould to Allan Saint-Maximin, the French winger has been praised by German media for his ‘amazing’ dribbling, ‘irresistible’ pace and ‘astonishing’ speed of thought, and he was even called ‘unstoppable’ after scoring one goal and setting up another in a 4-0 thrashing of Borussia Monchengladbach last season (Bundesliga).

Diaby scored no fewer than 17 goals and supplied a further 14 assists in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and would give Eddie Howe’s team another dimension in attack, should they be able to persuade him to join.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a significant claim regarding Crystal Palace and the possible return of Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. 

The lowdown: Difficult switch

Having risen to prominence at Selhurst Park, the 24-year-old right-back made a £50m move to Manchester United in 2019 (BBC).

Since then, the Englishman has struggled to recapture his best form in 126 outings for the Old Trafford club and failed to appear in any of the last five Premier League fixtures in 2021/22.

Links with a move back to south London have emerged recently, and it appears that an Eagles return could well be a possibility…

The latest: ‘Palace are interested’ in Wan-Bissaka

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones stated that Palace would be keen to bring Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park to work under Patrick Vieira.

The journalist said: “It’s going to be a massive six weeks for him once Ten Hag gets all of the players back in, because it will determine very quickly whether he will stay or not. Then they’ve got to figure out where he can go.

“Crystal Palace are interested, but financially, they have to find something to work for them. It would be a massive step back if he ends up back at Crystal Palace next season.”

The verdict: Problem solved

Despite Palace enjoying a positive first campaign under Vieira as they finished 12th in the Premier League, having beaten United on the final day, there remains room for improvement in the squad.

The right-back incumbents are Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward and Martin Kelly. The former ranked a lowly 16th in WhoScored’s ratings of the Eagles’ squad this season, while the latter didn’t feature at all in the top flight, so it’s little surprise that the club might want to reinforce their options in this part of the pitch.

Despite enduring a difficult season in which he has received plenty of criticism, Wan-Bissaka has also been hailed by Harry Maguire for his ‘brilliant’ attributes. Also, at just 24, he still has plenty of time to revitalise his career with a return to Selhurst Park, just like Wilfried Zaha did after an abortive spell at Old Trafford.

In other news, Crystal Place are eyeing Premier League ‘freak’ for summer move. Read more here

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has delivered his verdict on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni…

What’s the word?

The north London outfit are said to be in the market for a new left-sided central defender to provide competition with Ben Davies and sporting director Fabio Paratici is thought to be a huge admirer of the 23-year-old, who worked under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.

He could cost in the region of £50m.

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Speaking about Bastoni during an interview with Football FanCast, the journalist claimed:

“He’s the best Italian centre-back around.

“He’s a phenomenon.

“He is going to be the next generation of Italian defence himself.”

Conte’s colossus

A backline of Bastoni, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero would certainly elevate the Lilywhites’ defence into being one of the best around, particularly in the Premier League.

Given Conte’s past experience with the 6 foot 3 colossus, there won’t be many better signings for the club to make in the off-season.

Under the 52-year-old, Bastoni started 33 of their 38 games on their way to Inter’s first Scudetto in 11 years last season, and he continues to be an major player under his successor Simone Inzaghi.

His ball-playing ability is something that stands out amongst the rest, having also earned comparisons to fellow Italian defensive greats Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Nesta.

As per The Athletic in April 2022, the Inter centre-back ranked inside the top five of all Serie A defenders for attempted passes per 90, whilst also ranking in the top 6% for intensity and top 14% for ball retention.

Also lauded as “complete” “dominant” and a “tenacious tackler” by scout Jacek Kulig, Bastoni outranks every single one of Conte’s current defensive options in terms of passing, registering an accuracy rate of 89.6%, which is vastly superior to Spurs’ best of 88.1% by Eric Dier.

The £60m-rated titan would be an excellent signing indeed, going by the above evidence, and Clancy’s words only add further excitement into the mix.

Just imagine Bastoni and Romero bullying the Premier League for many years to come.

AND in other news, Gold drops Cristian Romero injury update ahead of Norwich clash…