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Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has one enormous job on his hands this summer as he looks to rebuild the Toffees into a side that can challenge for a place in Europe.

There were signs of promise early in the Italian’s spell but after lockdown struck, the Merseyside outfit sunk to 12th place, some ten points adrift of the top seven.

The 61-year-old pretty much needs additions across the board, so if Farhad Moshiri backs him, there could be plenty of new faces lining up at Goodison Park next season.

Here’s how the side could look after the window slams shut…

England number one Jordan Pickford is very safe between the sticks, but with Maarten Stekelenburg departing Merseyside, there’s room for a back-up.

There could be one alteration to the backline in front of him as Ancelotti gets his man, thought to be one of their top targets this summer as he swoops in for Lille colossus Gabriel. Him and Mason Holgate could become a duo for years to come in the heart of the defence. Perhaps this will become a bargain at a reported £30m.

Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne continue to operate on either side.

Ancelotti also lands another one of his key targets in his former powerhouse Allan from Napoli, meaning that Idrissa Gueye void is finally filled at long last – the Brazillian defensive midfielder could cost €38m (£34m) after Marcel Brands’ reported bid.

Whilst ahead of him Andre Gomes may remain, but with a new partner.

We predict that Tom Davies will be given a loan spell, so a new central midfielder is needed and Schalke 04’s Weston McKennie could fill that spot as a result. Lots of Premier League teams are keen on him and believe they could clinch him for as little as €20m (£18m).

On the wings, there’s another addition with the Italian raiding the Serie A once again, this time for former Chelsea starlet Jeremie Boga, who has impressed at Sassuolo. The 23-year-old is currently valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt.

Richarlison takes his place on the other side whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin is restricted to a back-up role.

That’s because the Toffees clinch Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile, thought to be one player that Ancelotti has personally requested, per 90min. He’ll cost a whopping £60m.

AND in other news, Everton must swoop for “underrated” Pogba-like enforcer

Key information about DW Stadium

DW Stadium was built in 1999 and now houses both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors the rugby club. The ground is located in Robin Park, within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan in Greater Manchester.

Its maximum capacity stands at 25,133 and the pitch measures 105m by 68m. The surface is covered with grass with undersoil heating installed and no running track surrounding it.

In 2008, the DW stadium recorded its highest attendance of 25,133 for a clash against Manchester United.

A history of DW Stadium

The DW Stadium was designed by Alfred McAlpine and then ultimately opened in August 1999 to be used by both Wigan Athletic football club and Wigan Warriors the rugby league club. Before they moved to their new safe haven, the club played their football at Springfield Park.

Upon completion, the first-ever game to be played at DW Stadium, then called JJB Stadium, was a friendly clash against Morecambe, just before the grand opening. Following that, Wigan Athletic staged another friendly, this time against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United who officially opened the ground. The first competitive game, however, was on 7 August 1999 as the hosts beat the visiting Scunthorpe United 3-0 in a Second Division match.

The club would then enjoy enormous success at their new home, even reaching the top of the mountain and getting promoted into the Premier League by 2005. But that same year, Wigan had some issues with DW Stadium’s safety certificate as Greater Manchester police announced that they would stop policing their matches.

This effectively forced the club to play their games behind closed doors as part of an ongoing dispute between them and Dave Whelan, the former owner of the club, that included some unpaid policing costs. Still, that was temporarily resolved in March until the club reluctantly agreed to pay their debts to avoid playing without their crowd in the Premier League.

Interestingly, later on they took the police to court, eventually winning the case and damages from their opponent. With the club’s rise following the relocation to DW Stadium, the attendance was soaring year upon year, reaching a peak of 25,133 for a clash against Manchester United in 2008. That also ended up being the game that crowned the Red Devils champions of England.

In 2009, Whelan set up a new venture, DWSportsfitness, changing the name of the stadium from JJB Stadium to its current one. That same year, he also announced that the ownership would be passed from him to the club. Now, the stadium is both owned and managed by Wigan Football Company Limited, which is 85% owned by the club and 15% by the town’s local authority.

Tickets to watch Wigan Athletic at DW Stadium

All tickets to watch Wigan Athletic play at DW Stadium can be found on the club’s official website. The average cost of an adult ticket is around £39 but the price will vary depending on the age group and the location in the stands.

Wigan Athletic also offer season tickets, the cost of which for adults is £299. But once again, the price will vary on both the location in the stands and the age group of the buyer.

Related links

https://wiganathletic.com/ – Official website of Wigan Athletic

https://wigan-athletic.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/home/home.aspx – Wigan Athletic Ticket Office

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is keen to reunite with Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma in the summer. 

According to The Mirror, Spurs will need to spend £25m on Zouma if they want to bring him to north London.

Last week The Daily Star claimed Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the centre-back, which could pave the way for the Lilywhites to make a move.

Mourinho is adamant he wants to add to his defensive options before the start of next season, as Jan Vertonghen could leave the club in a matter of weeks, and Zouma may be the ideal solution to his problems.

The Portuguese signed the Frenchman from St Etienne for £12m back in 2014. He has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Blues, winning the Premier League twice, the League Cup and French League Cup, amid loans to St Etienne, Stoke City and Everton.

Zouma has played 22 games in the Premier League for Frank Lampard’s side this season, making 1 tackle per game, averaging 1.9 interceptions, and completing 4 clearances on average (WhoScored).

Last year he received plenty of high praise from the former Chelsea boss, who previously described him as a “champion of England.”

Meanwhile, Vertonghen has struggled for consistency so far. He was notably substituted after a disastrous display against Southampton in the FA Cup earlier this year.

The 33-year-old has made 19 appearances in the English top flight at the time of writing, registering 2.1 tackles on average, attempting 1.6 interceptions, and completing 2.9 clearances per game (WhoScored).

Mourinho is now interested in a reunion with his former player as the Belgian has fallen out of favour with the head coach.

As it stands, Zouma could be the perfect replacement for Vertonghen next season. Indeed, he is clearly an upgrade on the wantaway veteran, as he has earned a higher WhoScored rating of 6.9 for his performances this season.

Given his young age, the 25-year-old may turn out to be a shrewd investment, as he surely still has a long career ahead of him. Moreover, his experience at the top levels of the game could prove vital as Spurs resume their hunt for silverware in the future.

Furthermore, he has worked with Mourinho before, so he will already have an understanding of the coach’s methodology and tactics.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Kurt Zouma in the summer? Let us know down below!

One of the undoubted bright sparks of Rangers’ campaign this year, Ianis Hagi has finally joined the club on a permanent deal.The starlet joined the club on loan from Belgian outfit KRC Genk, and had been in inspired form for Steven Gerrard’s side in the short time he has been at Ibrox, netting three times and providing two assists in 12 games.

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Speaking after the confirmation of his permanent arrival, Gerrard said: “Ianis is recognised throughout Europe as a young, exciting player so to have him join Rangers on a permanent basis is great news.

“I was able to develop a relationship with Ianis very quickly, he is a pleasure to coach as he is willing to learn and become better every training session. He has already experienced the pressure and expectation of Ibrox, I know he is ready for next season.”

And judging by the reaction of most Rangers fans, they have been left buzzing by the news too.

Some Gers supporters were quick to thank sporting director Ross Wilson for getting the deal over the line, with reports suggesting that Hagi will only cost around £3.5m.

One Rangers fan in particular appeared to poke fun at Michael Stewart, who was particularly critical of the club going after Hagi on a permanent deal in recent days.

Already a ten-cap Romania international at just 21, Hagi could be the kind of player Gerrard builds the side around at Rangers for the years to come.

And for the reported low cost that they appear to have signed him for, he promises to surely at least make a hefty profit for the club if he does leave later.

Plenty of Newcastle United fans have discussed takeover advice given to the prospective new owners by Sir John Hall, who owned the Tyneside club before selling it to Mike Ashley.

Hall has called on PCP Capital Partners, run by Amanda Staveley, to rebuild the Magpies properly and hopes that the takeover will be the start of better times at the Toon, he told Sky Sports News.

The 87-year old sold NUFC to Ashley for £135 million back in 2007 and any deal to sell the club this time around will be closer to £300 million, as per the report.

The former Newcastle owner warned the potential new owners to take in the city and the community, and referenced Liverpool as an example. He added that he would not like the money to be spent irresponsibly, but would like to see a team built with some superstars as well as local lads to challenge the top five over the next few years.

Hall also claims that his relationship with Ashley was not an issue and that the CEO of Sports Direct was fine to deal with.

These supporters discussed the advice from their ex-owner on Twitter:

Missing football!? There’s still plenty of Newcastle discussion going on in the Vital Newcastle Forum! Click here to get involved!

Manuel Pellegrini is a man under pressure, especially after the poor performance his West Ham United side put in for the majority of their 3-2 loss against Tottenham Hotspur.

This has begun leading to conversations around who would replace the Chilean if he was to be sacked, with The Athletic hinting that it could be Chris Hughton.

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ExWHUEmployee has also offered an update that indicates Sean Dyche could also be in the hat:

While there are some West Ham fans who don’t want him due to the perceived style of football his side plays, many are thrilled by the thought of having him in the dugout at London Stadium.

He has already beaten the Hammers this season, his Burnley side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table and he has taken them to the Europa League in the past.

A selection of Twitter reaction to the update, including posts from thrilled West Ham fans, can be seen below:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Virgil van Dijk has cemented himself as one of, if not the best defender in the world in the past year or so.

The Netherlands international had a fantastic term last time out, helping Liverpool win the Champions League whilst also contributing to their second-place Premier League finish as the Reds pushed eventual champions Manchester City all the way. The Anfield outfit conceded just 22 goals in 38 games, the lowest in the division, and the 28-year-old was paramount to that success. As such, he as been recognised by Goal, who have awarded him top spot in their Goal 50 ranking.

However, he wasn’t the only player to impress for the European champions last season. Sadio Mane, along with Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, topped the Premier League’s goalscoring charts with 22 strikes. Not only that, but he bagged four goals in that European run, whilst also providing three assists.

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He also helped Senegal to the final of the African Cup of Nations, scoring three times before they eventually lost to Algeria. Van Dijk, too, helped his side to a showpiece, but the Netherlands were beaten 1-0 by Portugal in the final of the UEFA Nations League.

Had the award been given out just for last term, then van Dijk would have rightly pipped the former Southampton man to the top prize, albeit only just. However, it has been given for the entirety of the 2019 calendar year, and this term Mane has stolen a march on the 28-year-old.

Liverpool may be top of the Premier League, but they have not not always performed fantastically as the previous term, especially defensively. In the 17 games van Dijk has started, Jurgen Klopp’s side have failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 of them. He has had nowhere near the same influence on the side, and it has often been the attack that has won Liverpool matches rather than their sturdy backline.

£108m-rated Mane – as per Transfermarkt – though, has arguably hit new heights this campaign. In his first 16 matches of the season, he has 11 goals and has also contributed four assists. Such has been his form, Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the game’s history, voted for him for FIFA’s The Best award recently.

No-one is suggesting that van Dijk is not a star player, but Mane can be a little underwhelmed by the fact he has not been ranked higher than not only him, but also Salah, who finished third.

Hopefully, he will soon receive the recognition he deserves.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Tottenham Hotspur’s mentality has shifted.

Back in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, this was a team that never stopped, that consistently refused to give up, that went until the final whistle.

Per Understat, they scored 14 goals after the 76th minute in the former and 21 in the 16/17 season. In 2016/17, they rescued a draw against West Brom in the 89th minute, scored in the 89th and 91st minutes against West Ham in a 3-2 victory, beat Everton in injury-time, and scored all three of their goals in a 3-1 victory over Swansea City after the 85th minute.

This was a team that were absolutely relentless. Since then, it’s been slipping. They scored 14 goals after the 76th minute the season following and 13 in 2018/19. Okay, everyone might point to that game against Ajax, that incredible last-minute goal from Lucas Moura, but it was the exception to the rule.

This season, they have scored three goals after the 76th minute. Two of those goals came on the opening day as Spurs beat Aston Villa 3-1; the other came in the 1-1 draw with bottom-place Watford, Dele Alli prodding home in the 86th minute to earn his side a point.

Another problem has reared its head too: seeing out leads. Spurs were 2-0 up against Arsenal but drew 2-2; they were 2-0 up against Olympiacos in the Champions League but drew 2-2; Mauricio Pochettino’s men led against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium but lost; they even took the lead against Bayern Munich in north London in the Champions League but were beaten 7-2. And on Sunday, having gone ahead through Alli’s goal, Spurs conceded a 97th-minute equaliser against Everton to drop two points.

Now they lie 11th, with 13 points from 11 games. They are five points clear of 18th-placed Southampton and 10 behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

It is a troubling, depressing equation for a club that have suddenly reverted to type, that sit marooned in mid-table and already face a major fight to even be in the conversation to qualify for the Champions League.

One thing that absolutely needs to change, though, is the belief.

On Sunday, Spurs were, admittedly, unfortunately reduced to 10 men after Heung-Min Son was wrongly sent off for his role in Andre Gomes’ horrific injury. The red card has since been rescinded.

The problem is the inevitability that came with it. It wasn’t a question of whether or not Everton were going to equalise, it was when they were going to equalise. On 97 minutes is the answer and, given 12 were added on, Spurs could well have lost the game had the Toffees not run out of time.

Indeed, this season, Spurs have scored the majority of their goals between the 16th minute and the half-hour mark; if they are to improve, they need to start hitting the back of the net with regularity in the closing stages. If not for the sheer value of potentially decisive goals, then for proof of a mindset change.

As it is, they are just another mid-table team with no stand-out characteristics; they do not go to the end, they are not unbeatable, they are not pressing their opposition to the point of paralysis, they are not keeping it tight at the back and they are not ruthless going forward. They are just… well, average.

It remains to be seen if Pochettino can turn it around.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been one of Manchester City’s most underrated talents over the past year. The Ukrainian signed for the club for just £1.7m, which is more or less the equivalent of a free transfer in the context of the Sheikh Mansour era.

For example, the likes of Benjamin Mendy – whom Zinchenko replaced during his injury – signed for the club for £53m. However, at £51.3m less, the former FC Ufa man has proven to be one of the bargains of the past few years.

Last season, Zinchenko started 14 Premier League games for City at left-back and his three assists helped win the club another Premier League title. In those 14 games, the 22-year-old averaged an impressive 7.19 rating for the Citizens.

Back in February, Guardiola said on Zinchenko: “Incredible is the only thing I can say.

“Oleks has showed me the importance and value of being a good guy.

“At the beginning of the season he was close to making a transfer, and I never saw him have one bad face or had a bad training session from him.

“Some players want to show me how disappointed they are, but Zinchenko is the complete opposite. When this happens, you are always going to play good.”

Also, it is not just the likes of Guardiola who are huge admirers of the versatile man, it’s the fans. Supporters showed their love for him in the recent documentary ‘Fight ’til The End’, and fans praised him throughout last year’s domestic dominance.

Following his exponential rise from fringe and untested youngster to prominent senior star, Zinchenko has seen his Transfermarkt valuation skyrocket to the point in which he is now regarded as the most valuable player in the Ukrainian national side, with a valuation of £27m. Furthermore, the youngster continues to play in central midfielder for his country, which further underlines his versatile brilliance.

His arrival at the Etihad Stadium went under the radar, but his compatriot Andriy Voronin still weighed in with a verdict that looks foolish in retrospect, per BBC.

“Zinchenko is talented, but he must be realistic. He must get experience and game practice. He can only play for Manchester City on PlayStation.”

That prophecy has fallen flat.

In truth, it is not often City spend so little on players with the money they have. However, the story with Zinchenko is one that will go down in club folklore as a unique and truly inspiring story.

The Ukrainian has become a cult hero at the Etihad and a valuable asset to the team, and the fact he is now his country’s most valuable player attests to the scale of his development.

In the past on FFC we’ve spoken about the goalkeeping position at St Andrew’s a number of times before.

Whether it be about Lee Camp making mistakes, David Stockdale and his slump down the ladder or the possibility of Connal Trueman and Moha Ramos earning their keep, they seem to be figures of the squad that draw natural debate.

So when Birmingham Live posted a story in which they discussed the goalkeepers that Blues manager Pep Clotet could be tempted to go for in the January transfer window, it naturally grabbed our attention as well as a few Bluenoses.

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However, it seems as if the article didn’t go down well with them, as many supporters were quite happy with the options they had at the club – that’s despite some of the clangers Camp has dropped this season.

They suggested they’d rather the club spend their money in other areas rather than the person who’s standing between the sticks each week.

Taking to Twitter, they gave their thoughts on the current situation that’s playing out regarding their ‘keepers, urging Clotet to stick with the dilemma he has, rather than invest in new faces.

There was one fan though who thought there should be some change at the club, although they could have used some slightly nicer words.