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Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings would be a good front-line partnership for Everton, according to former Toffees defender Michael Ball. 

Southampton striker Danny Ings has less than one year left on his current deal at St Mary’s and has been linked with a move away from the south coast this summer.

While one of the main clubs to have been credited with an interest in the striker is Tottenham Hotspur, when asked if Ings and Calvert-Lewin would be a good a partnership for Everton, Ball exclusively told Transfer Tavern: “You’d think so, obviously Danny wants his opportunity to go and play for a big club again. He was unfortunate in his time at Liverpool with his injury, and he’s asking to leave Southampton for better things.”

Both Ings and Calvert-Lewin are natural goal scorers, and both had good seasons in front of goal last term, with Ings getting 21 goals.

With new manager Rafa Benitez at the helm at Goodison Park, he has started to assemble his own squad, bringing in Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend to the club already.

After rejecting a new contract with Southampton, the Saints have put a £20million price-tag on Ings, according to Eurosport, which for a proven Premier League striker would be a good bit of business if a club is able to conclude a deal this summer.

Crystal Palace remain interested in signing Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, according to reports.

What’s the story?

The Scottish Sun claim Palace are one of several sides keen on securing the highly-rated 23-year-old’s signature over the coming weeks, although fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly leading the race.

Newcastle United and Italian outfit Roma are also credited with an interest in Edouard, who only has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Celtic Park.

Imagine him and Wilfried Zaha

Since arriving on Scottish shores back in 2017, the £15.3m-rated gem has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, bagging 83 goals and providing 27 assists in 169 appearances for the Hoops.

In his last three campaigns with the Glasgow giants, Edouard has scored a minimum of 22 goals in all competitions, highlighting his natural ability to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis.

Once described as an “outstanding footballer” by former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate would be a valuable addition to Palace’s ranks and could provide the necessary firepower to steer them towards a 10th consecutive top-flight campaign.

The Eagles have already secured the signatures of several exciting, young acquisitions in the current window, but with the departure of Andros Townsend and Michy Batshuayi, further reinforcements in the final third may be required.

Although Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has been open about his desire to leave Selhurst Park once again this summer, the Ivory Coast international now looks set to stay in south London, and that could lead to a deadly duo forming next season.

Edouard is also renowned for his link-up play and eye for a pass as well as his goalscoring ability, with an average of 1.2 key passes per league game in 2020/21, and nine big chances created evidence of that.

Therefore, the combination of Zaha and Edouard would one capable of striking fear into any Premier League defence, as both men are equally comfortable being the creator or finisher.

Such fluidity is exceptionally hard to defend, and therefore, chairman Steve Parish must sanction Palace’s move for the former France Under-21 international before fierce rivals Brighton snap him up.

And, in other news…Heir to Gary Cahill: Parish must complete Palace move for £16.2m-rated “monster” 

Steve Howey expects Arsenal to baulk at Leicester City’s asking price for James Maddison and switch their attentions to other targets.

The creative midfielder has been on the Gunners’ radar all summer after seeing Martin Odegaard return to Real Madrid following a promising loan spell.

Maddison has three years remaining on his £110,000-per-week deal at Leicester, so the Foxes are in a strong negotiating position and would only entertain selling the 24-year-old for upwards of £60million.

The Gunners tested Leicester’s resolve by submitting a players-plus-cash bid which would have seen Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles head to the King Power Stadium, but the offer was turned down.

Arsenal’s interest comes after Maddison scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in 42 appearances last term.

Maddison, who has won one international cap for England, is also closing in on 100 Premier League appearances.

But former Leicester defender Howey believes Arsenal will not be willing to part with significant funds after already forking out £50million for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “I really cannot see Arsenal paying another £60million.

“Yes, he’s quality but it’s consistency they need. Consistency is what Arsenal have lacked over the last couple of years.

“I like Maddison and think he is a good player but I couldn’t justify paying £60million.”

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes that Crystal Palace have got someone in the pipeline after missing out on Adam Armstrong.  

The 24-year-old striker signed a four-year deal with Southampton earlier this month and scored on his debut, in a 3-1 defeat to Everton last weekend.

Sky Sports have reported that Crystal Palace were also interested in Armstrong but had a bid rejected, with Bridge believing that after the Eagles didn’t return with an improved offer, they must have somebody else in the pipeline.

“They were in negotiations with Adam Armstrong from Blackburn, how much they wanted him I don’t know because they didn’t go back in when Southampton made an improved bid, so that tells me that they probably got someone in the pipeline,” Bridge told Transfer Tavern.

One name that has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park is Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard. The Telegraph claim that French forward was on the radar of Patrick Vieira but there were a number of other clubs interested in him, including Leicester, West Ham, Brighton and Wolves, but no formal offers have been made so far.

Edouard has one year left on his current Celtic contract and with plenty of interest in his signature, Palace are going to have to move swiftly if they want to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a cut-price move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as the summer transfer window enters its final few days.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old maestro in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his first team squad.

According to The Express, United remain keen to secure Neves’ signature but will need a reduction on the £40m fee that Wolves have previously quoted for their prized asset.

Bruno Lage has previously opened the door to his compatriot’s exit, saying: “Ruben is happy here, and we are happy with him. We are not thinking to let anyone leave, but every player has a price.”

Manchester United fans will be excited

After arriving on English shores four years ago, Neves has played a key part in Wolves’ recent success, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists in  178 appearances for the club.

He has helped the club claim the Championship title, record two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup semi-finals and Europa League quarter-finals since his arrival.

Neves has established a reputation for scoring the odd spectacular goal, while also showcasing an impressive array of passing throughout his career, earning praise from several pundits.

“It’s a magnificent pass; he’s a terrific player,” Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports (as per Daily Mail) in July 2020.

“I’m such a fan of Neves and the way he can just control the midfield. He can defend, he can attack, he’s so talented. He can do it at Wolves, but I think he’s going right to the top of the game; it’s effortless for him.”

Therefore, his prospective arrival at Old Trafford would surely excite plenty of United supporters who are keen to see midfield reinforcements arrive during the current window.

Whether Neves is a better option than those already available to Solskjaer is up to debate, but he’s an elegant player with a sizeable reputation in English football, something which should appeal to much of the Red Devils’ fanbase.

In other news… Fewer touches than De Gea: £40.5m-rated MUFC dud who lost 60% duels cost Ole on Sunday 

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes looks set to return to former side Club Brugge on loan, according to Gregg Evans.

And as to be expected, the exit news has had plenty of Villa supporters talking on social media.

Villa brought Wesley to the Midlands from Club Brugge in 2019 in what was then a club-record fee.

However, things haven’t gone to plan in the Premier League for the Brazilian, who has netted just six times in 26 appearances under Dean Smith.

The 24-year-old has missed a whopping 57 Villa games through injury and according to Evans, Villa’s correspondent for The Athletic, is set to return to Club Brugge on a season-long loan.

Villa have loaned out nine youngsters to various clubs this summer, but Wesley looks set to become the first senior player to leave on a temporary basis.

Villa fans react

Evans shared the news regarding Wesley on Twitter shortly after the 6-0 win over Barrow on Tuesday evening.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“Actually gutted it didn’t work out for the lad. Best of luck to him. Hope he gets his career back on track.”

Credit: @everysongsung

“Oh wow! I’m happy it’s just a loan. I was hoping he’d get a solid crack somewhere to see if he’s still got it. Terrible shame his injury. I’d prefer not to sell at this point. Could still be a solid no.9. ”

Credit: @lincolnelvis

“Interesting but the best case for him I think”

Credit: @GaryBolton91

“Perfect move for him to see where he’s at. Wish him all the best after that horrible injury.”

Credit: @avfcPJR

“W move ngl”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“Good move all round. How long was his contract? A real shame how a player’s time at a club can be so strongly dictated by one bad injury”

Credit: @Yxllop

In other news: £25.6m price tag: Jose Mourinho now keen on late swoop for ‘fantastic’ Villa star. 

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Jordan Hugill will come in and lead the line for West Bromwich Albion.

Hugill signed for the Baggies on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Norwich City.

The 29-year-old has plenty of Championship experience, making 208 appearances in the division for Preston North End, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Norwich and now West Bromwich Albion.

In those 46 occasions and has provided a further seven goals for his teammates. West Brom’s newest signing made his debut for the club last weekend, as he was a second-half substitute in the Baggies 1-0 win against Peterborough United.

Hatfield believes that Hugill will lead the line for West Brom, telling Football FanCast: “Well a striker was always going to be the biggest one for Albion, but for Ismael like I said before it was about getting the right man in, with the right mentality.

“I think a lot of people are almost understating the signing of Hugill. I think he is probably the man that Ismael really wants to lead the line.

“I think Hugill is someone he’s really happy to have brought into the club. You know, with fans they’re always desperate to see a big name signing, a marquee signing, a striker and I think the one which fans probably wanted was Daryl Dike.”

West Bromwich Albion have made a fantastic start to life back in the Championship, as the Baggies have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 so far and currently sit second in the league table, with only Fulham ahead of them on goal difference as they look to make an immediate return to the promised land.

Charlton have endured a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign and currently sit 19th in the League One table during the first international break of the season.

Nigel Adkins’ side have only accrued four points from their five league games, with one win, one draw and three defeats as it stands.

They opened the season with a 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday before losing three games on the bounce to Oxford, MK Dons and Wigan, conceding six goals and scoring just two. Their first win of the campaign came in a 2-0 success against Crewe Alexandra in the final league match of the month.

Despite Charlton’s struggles, there were a few shining lights to give fans, and Adkins, some hope heading into the rest of the season. Due to the unflattering results, one player whose performances may have gone under the radar is George Dobson.

The midfielder, who arrived from Sunderland in the summer, was one of only three Charlton players to average a SofaScore rating of 7.00 or higher last month, suggesting that he was one of the club’s best performers. He was an unsung hero in his four starts, as his individual performances were wasted by his team-mates letting him down and ultimately losing, bar the draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Defensively, Dobson worked his socks off for the team and was very active in the midfield. As per SofaScore, he won an eye-catching 17 tackles in four matches, whilst also making five interceptions and two clearances. He won 63% of his duels on the pitch, six per game and 24 overall in his four appearances.

This shows that he was effective at putting his foot in and winning the ball back for Charlton. He was also secure in possession in his own half, completing 95% of his passes inside his own half of the pitch and not making many silly mistakes to gift the ball back to the opposition.

Dobson had 175 touches of the ball in the four matches combined despite Charlton failing to win any of them, showing that he was actively involved in trying to turn the game around for the Addicks. Along with his impressive passing accuracy and defensive awareness, this shows that he was one of the club’s better performers during this poor run, which is why he was their unsung hero during August – not getting the credit he deserved due to the team’s poor results.

Read more: These figures sum up one of Dobson’s best performances so far this season

Wolves tried their best to acquire some big signings in the summer window but they ultimately fell short as they ran out of time before the market closed.

It was a busy transfer deadline day for Bruno Lage without actually signing someone.

On the chalkboard

Hwang Hee-chan had arrived on loan from RB Leipzig just a few days before the window slammed shut but they weren’t able to build on that.

They pursued Lille’s Sven Botman and Renato Sanches but the former was too expensive and a future fee after a proposed loan move couldn’t be agreed for the latter.

Wolves chased Duje Caleta-Car and Kieffer Moore as well but both of those faces remained at their current club.

It’s already been claimed that Lage could revisit a move for Caleta-Car in January but we think the Molineux outfit should focus their efforts elsewhere.

Phenomenal Franck

One player that Wolves reportedly lodged a bid for in the summer of 2019 was Franck Kessie.

The powerful midfield general currently plays for AC Milan in Serie A and was the subject of a €25m (£21.3m) offer from the Midlands club when Nuno Santo was still in charge.

He is now rated at £49.5m according to Transfermarkt but they could stumble upon a bargain with the midfielder now thought to be available on the cheap.

Calciomercato reported last week that he might be available for as little as €9m (£7.5m) due to his contract expiring next summer.

With that in mind, Wolves simply have to explore another swoop for the Ivorian.

He could prove to be a huge upgrade in the middle of the park, not just because of his physicality but also because of his ability to score goals.

Last season, the 24-year-old found the net on 13 occasions, a tally that heavily eclipsed every single player at Wolves in 2020/21. For context, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves were their top scorers on just five strikes.

Kessie registered an additional four assists, proving to be a destructive asset with the ball at his feet. An intelligent box-to-box midfielder, he completed 1.2 dribbles per match but also registered 1.4 tackles.

Speaking about his game, Former Milan manager Vincenzo Montella could barely contain his excitement, saying: “He is an extraordinary player, a sublime intelligence.”

The vast majority of Wolves’ central players lack dynamism and an ability to break forward. Neves and Joao Moutinho sit as the quarterback’s in Lage’s team so Kessie could completely revamp how they play in that department.

This would clearly be an excellent signing for the club.

AND in other news, Wolves may be hit with crushing blow after behind the scenes claim, Lage surely gutted…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer believes his old side signing Ross Barkley was always going to be a difficult task.

At the end of the summer transfer window, it had looked like Burnley were Barkley’s only way out of Chelsea, with the Express reporting that the Clarets were interested in doing a deadline day deal for the player.

However, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, West Brom were also in the equation after being offered the chance to sign the attacking midfielder.

Wages, though, proved to be a stumbling block (also per Law), which comes as no surprise to Palmer.

“How do West Brom go anywhere near that?” the ex-England international said. “He’s reported to be on £110,000 a week.

“They’d have to be helped out by Chelsea an awful lot. I don’t know what’s happened to Ross, really. I mean, he’s a really talented player, but from his burst on the scene, he hasn’t really fulfilled his potential.”

Maybe a move to a team in the Championship like West Brom is something Barkley needed.

His loan spell at Aston Villa last season did not go too well, something Thomas Tuchel recently spoke about, and he is not going to play at Chelsea given the level of competition in both midfield and attack.