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Everton have struck gold by appointing Frank Lampard, a manager who has not only improved the performances of the first team but has an eye for young talent that have become superstars in their own right.

Reece James, Mason Mount, Tariq Lamptey and Marc Guehi are just some of the hottest young English prospects the former Chelsea boss gave Premier League debuts to when he was managing the squad at Stamford Bridge.

James and Mount have gone on to be regular England internationals featuring in the squad that were the first to reach an international final since 1966 last year at the Euros, and both played a crucial part in Chelsea’s Champions League victory just six months after Lampard was sacked.

As a result, the promising prospects in the Everton academy on Merseyside will surely be hoping that they can become the manager’s next big breakthrough and there is one youth player in particular who could be Lampard’s next Mount.

Everton U21 star Charlie Whitaker signed a brand new contract yesterday, agreeing a three-year deal that keeps him at the club until June 2025.

The talented attacking midfielder – who was dubbed an “undoubted talent” by Kevin Thelwell – name-dropped Lampard as one of his inspirations for the way he plays upon signing his extension on Tuesday:

“As a kid, Frank Lampard was someone I looked up to and to learn from him now has been terrific.”

Just like Mount, Whitaker is an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and a creative mindset that allows him to be a versatile threat in his advanced role on the pitch.

The 19-year-old has scored 20 goals and registered nine assists over his 64 appearances across the Everton U18s and U21s with a goal contribution every 154 minutes.

This season over his three appearances in the EFL Trophy, Whitaker has been a standout performer, scoring one goal and delivering one assist, as well as averaging 2.7 tackles, 2.3 key passes and 2.7 shots per game, proving that he is becoming a player Lampard will struggle to ignore as he continues to flourish.

Whitaker is comfortable operating in all three positions across the front three as well as the attacking midfield role and could be the perfect answer to Everton’s much-needed refresh in the forward line and has already had the opportunity to train with the first team on many occasions.

With that being said, the future is looking bright for Whitaker and if he continues to flourish in the Everton U21s and first-team training sessions, there is no doubt that the talented midfielder will catch Lampard’s eye in no time at all.

Everton will now ‘do very well’ to sign Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus having failed to land him over the summer, according to The Guardian journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Late bid rejected

The Independent have reported that the Toffees made a last-ditch £15m offer for the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window, but this was rejected by the Eredivisie giants, having already sold several of their other big-name players.

The Ghanaian later admitted that he wanted to make the move to the Premier League club in search of more game-time but was denied the opportunity, although he has since been an integral member of Alfred Schreuder’s Ajax team in Amsterdam.

The Latest: Kudus could now be unattainable

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Aarons claimed that Kudus would now be looking to join a higher-profile team than Everton given his impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign.

The journalist said: “I think Everton will do very well to get him, I’d suggest, in the future because he’s got five goals in eleven league games for Ajax so far this season. And I think he’s probably destined for a club higher up the table eventually.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

The Goodison Park outfit may have held some pulling power before, but the chances of landing Kudus now would appear even more difficult than when they tried to land him in the summer.

The ‘electric’ attacker, as he was described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already made ten goal contributions in 17 outings across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), and has been attracting interest from none other than Borussia Dortmund.

Having cemented himself as a hugely valuable player at Ajax, it’s hard to imagine that he’d want to walk away from such a good project, meaning that Everton should perhaps start turning their attention elsewhere.

West Bromwich Albion are in desperate need of something miraculous to halt their current decline, as Steve Bruce’s side are winless in their last eight Championship matches.

Leaky defensively and not lethal enough up front, the addition of a fresh, young, hungry talent might be just what they need to turn things around.

They have conceded eight and scored just five in their last four games.

With the transfer window shut, attention might have to be turned to the academy, which currently boasts a crop of exciting youngsters all raring to take their opportunity.

Perhaps for the future, or perhaps to replace him now, John Swift might soon have to make way for 19-year-old starlet Rico Richards.

The attacking midfielder is a tricky number ten who can create or score and was actually included in The Guardian’s Next Generation list back in 2020.

Within that report he is described as such by Ben Fisher: “He has a creative eye in terms of finding others but is equally capable of carving openings for himself.”

Four appearances this season for the U23s and two assists mark a solid start to the season, and with the Baggies’ poor form he will be hoping that he will be given his chance should he continue to impress.

He has made 62 appearances across both the U18s and U23s youth setup, even registering an eight-minute stint for the first team in the FA Cup.

Across this period, he has managed an impressive 13 goals and seven assists, demonstrating some immense qualities in the final third.

With Swift only boasting two goals and two assists in his 14 games for West Brom, it is not a feat that Richards will see as unattainable given his quality.

Not only this, but his versatility could make him a fine option for Bruce given how Jed Wallace and Grady Diangana are underperforming. Combined, the two wingers have only scored five and assisted four times.

He would certainly provide fine competition for all three of these attackers, whilst exposure to the first team would hopefully fast-track his development.

With their current form, there is little risk in handing Richards some added involvement. However, Bruce has everything to gain if he begins to star.

Newcastle United are reportedly in the running to sign Barcelona forward, Memphis Depay, according to reports in Italy.

What’s the word?

As per TuttoJuve, the Magpies could be said to hand the 28-year-old a ‘new opportunity’ in the near future, with a return to the Premier League potentially on the cards for the former Manchester United man.

The Netherlands international – who has just a year left on his existing deal at the Camp Nou – had been heavily linked with an exit over the summer, with the Tynesiders having been earmarked as one of those potential suitors, as well as Serie A side Juventus.

The La Liga outfit had seemingly been keen to sell the 5 foot 9 gem – who only arrived on a free transfer last summer – amid their ongoing financial woes, albeit with the player opting to stay put late in the window.

Newcastle’s own Nkunku

It would no doubt be some coup were Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth able to bring the fleet-footed forward back to England in the winter window, with Depay having proven throughout his career just what a talent he is.

While his previous stint at Old Trafford did not go to plan – as he netted just seven goals in 53 games in all competitions – the £22.5m-rated ace has since sparkled elsewhere, notably registering 76 goals and 56 assists in just 178 games during his time in France.

The dymanic “maverick” – as previously described by pundit Rio Ferdinand – has even impressed during his time in Catalonia despite the club’s desire to move him on, with a respectable haul of 14 goals in just 41 games to his name to date.

The former PSV Eindhoven man, who is currently sidelined with injury, has also dazzled on the international stage with 42 goals in just 81 games in his career thus far, with the £174k-per-week menace a truly lethal presence in attack.

Such a high-profile addition could well prove an ideal alternative for the northeast side to that of Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman seemingly on his way to fellow top-flight club Chelsea after having been linked with Eddie Howe and co over the summer.

Interestingly, Depay shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities to that of the exciting Frenchman, according to FBref, with the pair both showing great versatility to feature as a fluid forward option.

That likeness is illustrated by their ball-carrying brilliance, with the RB Leipzig man ranking in the top 10% for dribbles completed and the top 11% for progressive carries in comparison to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, while the Dutchman ranks in the top 3% and 7% for the same two metrics, respectively.

Equally, the pair are also quality assets in a creative sense when in possession, with Depay ranking in the top 9% for progressive passes, while Nkunku also ranks in the top 9% for progressive passes.

The latter man is currently hot property amid his links to Stamford Bridge, with nine goals in just 13 appearances so far this season, having previously provided 55 goal contributions in just 52 games last term.

Although the 24-year-old may now appear out of reach as far as the Magpies are concerned, it could well prove to be an astute move were Ashworth to swoop for Depay instead, particularly amid the prospect of a cut-price deal as a result of his contract situation.

Everton failed to meet Blackburn Rovers’ asking price for Ben Brereton-Diaz on deadline day, in a move which could prove to be a disaster by Kevin Thelwell.

The Toffees’ priority for much of the summer has been focused on signing a striker to replace Richarlison in Frank Lampard’s side and while Neal Maupay was signed from Brighton, the Merseyside club still look very short on attacking options following the transfer deadline.

Mike McGrath suggested that both Everton and Fulham lodged £12m bids for the Chile international but Blackburn held out for £20m and he will remain at Ewood Park until January at least.

Maupay’s form in recent seasons, when he has managed just 16 goals in his last two Premier League campaigns, does little to suggest that he can replace the talismanic Richarlison at Goodison Park, after the Brazilian’s ten goals proved vital in Everton’s survival last season.

Brereton-Diaz meanwhile, hit 22 goals in the Championship last season and has three goals to his name already this season, so could have offered a real goalscoring threat in Lampard’s side, particularly with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness issues over the last year.

He has scored just twice in the last year and is evidently a player they can no longer rely on for large portions of a campaign.

Thus, the former Nottingham Forest product could have been an inspired signing. The forward has proven himself to be a phenomenon in Chile, who he represents because of his mother’s heritage, and the national team manager Eduardo Berizzo sang his praises last season.

He said: “Brereton is very intelligent in his movement and found himself behind rival defenders several times.”

“He is a footballer with many qualities… He is a player of interesting movements. He will be an important reference for us.”

His former manager, Tony Mowbray was another to wax lyrical over his performances, hailing the Chile international as an “extraordinary” player.

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Lampard is now left with just Maupay, an injury-prone Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon as his main striking options until January, which won’t inspire much hope that the Toffees can avoid another relegation battle this season.

Therefore, it seems a risky move by Thelwell to turn down the option to sign a goalscorer in such a confident mood, as it could leave Lampard very short of attacking threat in his side until the next transfer window. If they continue their current slump, not signing such a feared prospect in front of goal will undoubtedly be considered a disaster.

At just £20m, this was an ideal and cost-effective way of improving the team.

Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner ‘seems to prefer’ a move to Elland Road over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb, according to journalist Manuel Veth.

The Lowdown: Leeds talks

The Whites have been linked with bringing in a new left-back before the deadline following Junior Firpo’s injury in pre-season.

Jesse Marsch has used centre-back Pascal Struijk at left-back for the opening two matches of the Premier League campaign but is reportedly driving a move for Wagner.

Talks are thought to be going well for the Philadelphia Union player, who has been labelled ‘very creative’ by Ben Jacobs, and Leeds chiefs have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of the German.

The Latest: Veth’s claim

Veth took to Twitter on Sunday evening to reply to Jacobs’ update on the full-back.

He claimed that Wagner’s camp ‘seems to prefer Leeds United’ over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb are in the Champions League play-offs, so Wagner’s preference for a move to Elland Road is huge for Victor Orta and co.

Veth has stated that Marsch is a ‘big fan’ of the 25-year-old, who can also play as a left midfielder, and a move appears to make sense due to the left-back situation in Yorkshire.

A transfer may not be too expensive either, as Wagner is out of contract with the MLS club at the end of 2022, so hopefully the full-back will arrive in England before the transfer deadline, alongside a new striker.

Aston Villa have opened talks over their sixth signing of the summer transfer window as sporting director Johan Lange plots a move for a mystery striker…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit are working on a secret deal to sign an ‘A-list’ forward in the final few weeks of the window and negotiations are underway over an unnamed player from the Spanish top-flight.

It’s thought that manager Steven Gerrard is keen to land a new striker who would be an upgrade on his current options of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

Villa have been linked to several players in the role throughout the summer, most notably Espanyol frontman Raul de Tomas, who scored LaLiga last season.

Exciting news

Whilst it remains to be seen exactly who this signing may be and whether it could be someone of de Tomas’ calibre, it is certainly exciting news as it appears as if the club are prepared to back the manager with one final marquee signing.

They have already splashed out £26m on Diego Carlos, sealed the permanent arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen and landed Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer but there’s still a void to be filled up top.

Villa have struggled for goals under the former Rangers boss as only Watkins surpassed the double-figure mark last season and at the weekend, they were thwarted by newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth.

The Cherries restricted Villa to only two shots on target as Gerrard opted to start Ings over Watkins.

It may have only been the opening day of the new campaign but it’s a worrying sign that even fellow newcomers Fulham managed more shots on target in their match against Champions League finalists Liverpool.

There were also reports this week that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens had pumped a further £30m into the club, so supporters around Villa Park should be rather excited heading into the final stages of the summer window.

AND in other news, Aston Villa gifted double boost ahead of Everton clash…

Arsenal are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window, journalist Aaron Catterson-Reid has claimed.

The Lowdown: Gakpo excels for PSV

The Dutchman stood out as one of the Eredivisie’s most productive attacking players last season, registering 25 goal contributions (12 goals and 13 assists) in just 27 appearances in the competition.

Gakpo has also scored two goals in seven caps for the Netherlands and will hope to play a starring role for them at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Arsenal keen on move

Taking to Twitter on Friday, football.london‘s Catterson-Reid claimed that Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of Gakpo and that a move could happen this summer:

“Understand Arsenal remain interested in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, who is one name on #afc’s potential list of wide options. Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the player.”

The Verdict: Perfect for squad depth

Gakpo could be a superb signing for Arsenal ahead of a busy 2022/23 season – one that will require lots of attacking depth across four different competitions – having been hailed as a player who ‘has everything’ by Theo Janssen.

The fact that the Netherlands international is capable of thriving on the left wing, as a No.10 or as a forward makes him ideal, in terms of versatility, while his age also means he would be a long-term acquisition.

With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli already battling for playing time in those attacking midfield and wide positions, adding Gakpo could make competition for places even more healthy.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Tom Barclay, who, in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, confirmed that Palace are indeed eager to capture the talented teenage defender.

However, Barclay goes on to state that it will not be easy for the defender to make the step up to the Premier League at this stage in his career.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “Palace are interested in him from what I’m told, but he’s someone who’s very young, only played Championship football last season but in a struggling team.

“So to expect him to come into a Premier League side, if they were playing regularly that way in a back three, could be tough, although I was told that maybe a three would suit him more, so maybe that would make sense as well.”

As mentioned in a report by The Sun, Palace boss Patrick Vieira is planning to switch to a back five when the new Premier League season gets underway in August, with new additions amongst the backline most certainly targeted.

One for the future

The signing of Edwards would be one that future-proofs the side, whilst bolstering depth options – particularly when bearing in mind Vieira’s potential switch in system ahead of the new season.

At 19 years old, he registered metrics that place him well within the top five in comparison to his teammates as per WhoScored; averaging 1.4 interceptions, 3.7 clearances and 0.6 blocks in the Championship last season, with his efforts earning him 7-caps for the England U19s squad thus far.

As such, it is not difficult to understand why the Peterborough chairman, Barry Fry, took the time to heap a considerable amount of praise on the youngster, stating of Edwards last season: “Ronnie is a Rolls Royce. We knew that when we signed him.

“I used to watch a lot of U18s football at Barnet as well as Posh and I told the gaffer about him. And when we brought him in for a game Darren watched him for 20 minutes and told me to sign him. Spurs were watching him at the time and Brentford were very keen on him. In fact Brentford were so upset when we did the deal they complained to the FA!

“It’s no secret how highly Ronnie is rated by other clubs and by the England set-up. We had 18 Premier League scouts watching him play for the under 23s at our stadium. Ronnie is money in the bank for the club. He’s a certainty to have an outstanding career in the game, but there’s no better place, and no better manager than Darren Ferguson, to help him develop quickly.

“We want to thrive and prosper in the Championship so selling our better players is not an option. A couple of good seasons in the Championship would make him worth £10m to £20m. There will become a time when we can’t stand in his way as he’d make life-changing money like Ivan Toney as a Premier League player.”

And, as per George Cannon on Twitter, the £4m “wonderkid” is still being watched by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Southampton so Vieira and co will need to act fast if they are to secure his signature – with the defender’s arrival at Selhurst Park sure to be one that would leave supporters buzzing.

AND in other news: “Set to sign..“: Fabrizio Romano drops big CPFC transfer update, Vieira surely buzzing 

As per a Turkish source, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Besiktas forward Cyle Larin.

The Lowdown: Facing competition

The Canadian first joined the Super Lig outfit in 2018 when he put pen to paper on a deal from Orlando City, but he is now set to leave the Vodafone Park Arena after failing to reach a new agreement upon the expiry of his current contract at the end of the month.

It was reported just last week that the Reds were interested in securing the 27-year-old’s services this summer, albeit with competition from Olympiacos in the race for his signature, and there has since been a fresh update which Forest fans might just want to hear.

The Latest: Forest in advanced talks for Larin

According to reports in Turkey (via Nottinghamshire Live), Larin could be ‘on the verge’ of making the move to the City Ground.

He is set to ‘sign for either’ Forest or the Greek giants, with both potential suitors named being owned by the same businessman, Evangelos Marinakis.

The source added that ‘talks between parties’ are believed to be at an ‘advanced level’, as the Ontario-born talent looks to find his future home.

The Verdict: Existing Forest connection could come in handy

If Forest manage to bring Larin to the Premier League, this would be a massive coup for Steve Cooper, who is now looking to bolster his squad with new additions as the club get ready for their first season back in the top flight after a 23-year absence.

The 50-cap Canadian, who was once praised as a “big surprise” by his former Orlando team-mate Kaka, had a standout campaign for Besiktas back in 2020/21. In that season, he netted a staggering 23 goals and provided six assists across all competitions (via Transfermarkt), which majorly contributed to them getting their hands on the Super Lig title just over a year ago.

The £9m-rated attacker already has a connection to Forest in the form of defender Richie Laryea, who is his international team-mate, so this could yet prove to be a pulling factor when it comes down to Larin deciding what his next destination will be.

In other news… a Sky Sports journalist has now revealed some ‘confirmed’ Nottingham Forest transfer news