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Everton are having a nightmare of a season but Rafael Benitez has been trying to find opportunities to turn it around by getting thoroughly stuck into the winter transfer window.

In an attempt to win over the support of the fans and put Everton in a better position come the end of the season, a fourth January signing is rumoured to be on the horizon.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Toffees manager could already be working on securing his fourth signing of the month, with a specific position in mind.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “They were looking to possibly bring in a new centre-back, and that’s what Rafa Benitez has got his heart set on, he thinks the defence needs sorting out.”

The club has already signed two defenders in January so far, with right back Nathan Patterson joining from Rangers and left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko signing from Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev.

Fans will be buzzing

If the performance against Norwich on Saturday afternoon is anything to go by, Everton are desperate for central defenders, after Michael Keane scored an own goal and put on a poor display throughout the game as the Toffees were defeated 2-1 at Carrow Road.

Some fans may be buzzing at the prospect of a potential new centre back at the club, given some of the scathing reactions to Saturday’s horror show in Norfolk.

As for the manager, he is treading on thin ice with many fans, and the signing of a quality centre-back could salvage whatever support he has left at the club, with the team 15th in the Premier League and just six points off the relegation zone.

Despite the desire and intention to turn the season around for Everton, Benitez may have managed his last game for the Toffees as reports suggested that he could be sacked by the club imminently after the embarrassing defeat on Saturday afternoon.

If the unpopular Spaniard can land a new centre-back as a parting gift at Goodison Park, it may well represent good news on the double for the Everton faithful.

In other news: One Everton flop may just cost Benitez his job

Leeds United could be without both Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton against Leicester City this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ injury woes

The Whites have had plenty of injury issues to deal with this season and will definitely continue to be without Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch against The Foxes.

Bamford and Ayling have missed the last seven games with ankle and knee injuries respectively, whereas Koch has been absent with a pubis problem which has kept him out since the opening weekend.

Firpo returned from injury for the Under-23’s at the end of October and Shackleton hobbled off against Norwich last weekend, and it now seems as if the pair may also miss the Elland Road clash.

The Latest: Bielsa’s comments

In Bielsa’s pre-match press conference on Friday, reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post, cited by MOT Leeds News, he gave an update on the full-back duo.

The Argentine admitted he would have a ‘clearer vision’ on the weekend, however, with Bielsa so up front when it comes to injuries, it appears as if the pair may miss the match against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The Verdict: Drameh’s full Premier League debut?

Cody Drameh has been thrown into the first-team fold as a result of Leeds’ defensive injuries, making his first start for the club in the Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal.

He then replaced Shackleton against Norwich last weekend, so if Shackleton, described as ‘important’ by Bielsa, fails to make it, the 19-year-old could be in line for a full Premier League debut.

If Firpo, who was hailed as ‘incredibly fit’, misses out again, then Bielsa may have no choice but to stick with Stuart Dallas at left-back instead of using the Northern Irishman in midfield.

In other news: ‘Immense’ Leeds player reveals ‘not so good situation’ under Bielsa; not happy in Yorkshire. 

West Bromwich Albion have spent the last five years yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, with two relegations and one promotion since 2017/18.

There have been several factors behind their inability to remain a consistent force in the top-flight of English football, but arguably the most pivotal aspect is their poor record in the transfer market.

Many players have been brought into the Hawthorns for relatively large fees before failing to live up to expectations in recent years, heavily contributing to the club’s struggles at the elite level.

And one of those who has arguably flopped for the Midlands outfit is Karlan Grant. The 24-year-old striker was brought to West Brom in a £15m deal back in October 2020, making him one of their most expensive purchases.

During his unveiling, technical director Luke Dowling lauded the youngster’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net, claiming he was ready for the step-up that the Premier League would undoubtedly provide.

“We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League,” said Dowling. “He has scored goals throughout his career, including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.”

However, things have not gone to plan for Grant. The former England U18 international scored just a single goal as West Brom finished 19th last term, immediately returning to the Championship as a result.

His underwhelming performances upfront saw him fall out of favour when Sam Allardyce took over from Slaven Bilic halfway through the season, with his last league start coming at the beginning of February.

Although Grant has started the current campaign well, bagging four goals and providing two assists in 11 Championship outings, his inability to produce at the highest level has seen his market value plummet to just £7.2m, less than half the total that West Brom paid for his services just last year.

While the £30,000-per-week dud may yet come good for the Baggies, it appears the club’s hierarchy made a big mistake in placing their trust in a striker unproven in the Premier League, contributing heavily to their eventual relegation.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £1.8m: Ismael must wield axe on 27 y/o West Brom liability 

Celtic are battling their Glasgow arch-rivals in the race to sign Tottenham’s Dilan Markanday, according to The Evening Standard.

The Lowdown: Markanday profiled

Markanday is 20 years of age and is primarily a right winger who can also play on the left or in an attacking midfield role.

The left-footed youngster, described as ‘intelligent’ by Spurs academy manager Dean Rastrick, has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, mainly for the Londoners’ under-23 side.

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He has scored 11 times and registered four assists in Premier League 2, averaging a goal involvement every 70 minutes in that competition, and it seems as if the pacey winger is on Celtic’s winter window shortlist.

The Latest: Glasgow battle…

The Evening Standard shared a story on Wednesday, claiming both Celtic and Rangers are battling it out for Markanday in a possible cut-price transfer.

The youngster, who Jose Mourinho clearly rates after saying his ‘day will arrive’ back in February, is out of contract at the end of the season and could therefore discuss a possible pre-contract agreement in the New Year, with a number of English Championship clubs also keen on his services.

The Verdict: Needed?

The Hoops look set to make Jota’s loan move permanent, while it appears as if they may also bring in attacker Daizen Maeda, who can also line out on the wing.

Should that move go through, it would leave Ange Postecoglou with seven players who can operate on the wing at Celtic Park. On that basis, a move for Markanday may not exactly be necessary in January, so perhaps Celtic should look at bolstering other areas of the squad first.

That said, it appears as if the Hoops may look to pip their biggest rivals to the Spurs starlet, so it could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Nicholson ‘plans’ to sell ‘terrific’ Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal. 

Rangers took one step closer to the title with an important three points on Wednesday evening.

Steven Gerrard’s side were frustrated by David Martindale’s Livingston side for much of the match before Alfredo Morelos popped up with a late winner after Scott Arfield’s shot was blocked.

The result means that should the ‘Gers pick up three points against St Mirren on Saturday at Ibrox and if Celtic drop points the following day against Dundee United, then they will win the title for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

Whilst Morelos will steal the headlines for his late goal, it was perhaps the performance of Connor Goldson that stood out the most at the Almondvale Stadium.

As per SofaScore, the centre-back would earn an impressive 7.6 rating for his display – the best of any player on the pitch from either side.

His defensive partner Filip Helander was the closest in terms of match rating, with the Swedish international earning an excellent 7.5 rating, which emphasises just how solid Gerrard’s side were at the back against Livingston.

During the game, Goldson would superbly win 14/16 of his duels, resulting in a success rate of 88%. So far this season, the 28-year-old has averaged 4.5 aerials won per game in the Scottish Premiership but he managed nine against Livingston, which demonstrates that he was arguably even better than usual.

This total was also more than any other player on the pitch, whilst Livingston striker Scott Robinson, who came on for the injured Gavin Reilly early on, would win just 1/5 of his duels during the game and was limited to just two passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch.

This shows that Goldson and Helander were effectively able to mark Livingston’s attackers out of the game on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the season, Gerrard was full of praise for his defender, saying:

“I think Connor Goldson has been outstanding this season, showing incredible leadership alongside James on and off the pitch.”

The former Brighton man was also unfortunate that his header in the first half was ruled out for offside, as it was typically brave of the defender to beat Livingston ‘keeper Max Stryjek to the ball and power home, only for a late flag to be raised.

Therefore, whilst Morelos might be the name on a lot of Rangers’ fans lips after his late goal, it was arguably Goldson who stole the show on Wednesday evening.

And, in other news… Get it done: Gerrard should hand £18k-p/w Rangers beast a new contract

If anything summed up Wolves’ season, it would be the last couple of weeks.

Throughout February, the Old Gold were brilliant as they bounced back from some relegation talk to go through the month unbeaten.

Nuno Santo has been nominated for the Manager of the Month award while Ruben Neves is in the conversation to be crowned Player of the Month.

However, the cracks are starting to appear in Wolves’ armoury again. They are now winless in three successive outings with their performance against Aston Villa on Saturday providing very few positives.

Nuno’s men drew 0-0 as they lacked ruthlessness in front of goal. It has been the same story in their last two matches, drawing 1-1 with Newcastle and being battered 4-1 by Manchester City.

It has been a poor week for the Midlands outfit and nothing typifies that more than their ability or lack of it rather, to find the net.

Willian Jose is still yet to score in a Wolves shirt while Adama Traore’s goal drought goes on. It would seem that they’re beginning to rely on their defenders to score the goals.

Conor Coady netted in midweek, while he and Romain Saiss had their best chances against Villa on Saturday.

Pedro Neto whipped in a mean ball from the right during the second half which found its way to Coady at the back stick. He hit the post and then with the goal at his mercy, Saiss somehow missed an open goal from a matter of yards.

Tim Spiers claimed the effort “defied the laws of physics” and it’s hard to argue with that point. The Moroccan just needed to tap the ball home but instead skied it miles over the bar. It was a moment that ultimately cost Wolves the game and left every Old Gold player in the camera shot with their head in their hands.

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It was a bewildering miss, one that might just go down as the worst of the Premier League season. Though, it was an incident that just about summed up a woeful night for Saiss; a player who never got going at Villa Park.

The £22k-per-week defender has been inconsistent this term and his display on Saturday evening proved that very point. Nuno likes his defenders to be able to play out from the back but he failed in that department, achieving a pass success rate of just 70%.

That tally happened to be the worst of any Wolves outfield player. It was also a number that was 12% worse than his seasonal average of 82% this term.

The Express & Star were rather damning in their assessment of the defender at full-time, saying; “Headed the ball with authority, however, his passing was inconsistent throughout. But it’s the miss of the season that will cause the Moroccan international some sleepless nights.”

Saiss was kept busy by the likes of Trezeguet and Ollie Watkins but he often came out second best, winning just a solitary tackle in the entire match. In addition, the centre-back surrendered possession on 15 occasions.

It was an uncharacteristically poor performance from Saiss, someone who should now be wary of his place in the team.

With Willy Boly back among the substitutes, Nuno must consider wielding the axe on his place in the starting XI and replacing him with a more reliable defender. Boly is certainly that.

AND in other news, Wolves gem who made just 23 passes let Nuno down a lot, Spiers said he “offered nowt”…

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United face Crystal Palace in Monday evening’s 20:00 kick-off, with the Whites looking to take one step closer to Premier League survival by taking all three points back to Elland Road.

Indeed, a victory at Selhurst Park would see Leeds pull seven points clear of 18th placed Everton, and move to within one point of tonight’s opponent – who currently sit in 14th.

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However, with Adam Forshaw recently fracturing his knee cap in training – an injury which will keep the midfielder sidelined until the start of 2022/23 – and the match coming too soon for both centre-forward Patrick Bamford and attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts, Marsch has some tough calls to make concerning his team selection for the trip to south London.

So, will the 48-year-old make any changes to the team that started the 3-0 win over Watford 16 days ago? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Whites could line up against the Eagles…

Taking into account the absences of Forshaw, Bamford and Roberts, we predict that Marsch will make two changes to the side that lined up against the Hornets last time out.

Despite the suggestion that Junior Firpo could make a return to the XI this evening – with the left-back appearing to have recovered from his sideband injury – considering the fact that the 25-year-old has not kicked a ball in earnest since the beginning of March, we expect Leeds’ back five to remain unchanged – with Illan Meslier starting between the sticks and Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas making up the back four.

In the middle of the park, after a poor showing at Vicarage Road last time out, the £46k-per-week Robin Koch – who Danny Mills dubbed a “fish out of water” earlier this season – makes way for the returning Kalvin Phillips, with Mateusz Klich keeping his place in the midfield two.

In attack, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison start on the right, middle and left of the more advanced midfield trio, while, following a run of seven games at centre-forward without a goal, Daniel James has to make to with a spot on the bench, with Marsch springing something of a “surprise” – in the words of Phil Hay – by handing 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt a start.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”

Since joining from Bristol City, Luke Ayling has been one of Leeds United’s most consistent performers, playing well over 150 games in less than five seasons at the club.And under Marcelo Bielsa, the 29-year-old has been a beacon of reliability, figuring week-in and week-out for the Whites. This season has seen him split his game-time at both right-back and centre-back, and on Wednesday night against West Brom, he was once again used in the middle.Bielsa’s side ran riot at the Hawthorns, racing to a four-goal lead at half-time, before a Raphina strike mid-way through the second-half put the icing on the cake of an emphatic 5-0 win away from home in the Premier League.And whilst the Baggies hardly laid a glove on the visitors, there’s no questioning that Ayling looked absolutely supreme at the heart of defence, boasting a superb reading of the game and coolness in possession.As per Sofascore, he had 133 touches of the ball and made a whopping 109 passes too – both of which were team-highs. Added to that, he also won all eight of his duels on the night (four on the ground and four in the air), and completed nine of his 15 attempted long balls.His rapid progress under Bielsa has been something to behold, and a couple of Leeds fans on Twitter seemed to think so too, with one hailing his development over the past couple of years, and describing him as a “top-level” centre-back now.

Bielsa’s long and illustrious career has seen him work with some of the world’s best talents, but his coaching at Elland Road and improving Ayling in particular has been nothing short of fantastic.

Capable of playing in a back-four or a back-three, or as a full-back or as a centre-back, Ayling just seamlessly adapts to whatever his manager demands of him, and has been a consistently impressive presence for the Whites.

They may have missed out on Ben White in the summer, but Ayling is showing that they don’t really miss him at all.

Ryan Christie could agree to leave Celtic for nothing once the summer transfer window ends, according to a report in Tuesday’s edition of the Scottish Daily Mail (via Daily Record).

Burnley and newly-promoted Norwich City have been monitoring the situation and could launch a move, while there is also said to be interest from European teams.

Christie is valued at £8.1million by Transfermarkt, but his contract situation puts Celtic in a weak position.

Christie’s contract at Parkhead expires in January 2022 rather than in the summer, meaning interested parties know that they can hold off until the end of the window and strike a pre-contract agreement with the player directly.

If a deal is not struck to either extend his stay or sell him on this summer, then the Hoops face losing over £8m worth of talent for nothing in 2022, in what would be a nightmare start to Dominic McKay’s reign as CEO.

Ryan Christie’s importance to Celtic

26-year-old attacking midfielder Christie has scored seven goals and provided 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season (via Transfermarkt).

Only Rangers duo Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier have set-up more goals in the Scottish Premiership.

In all, Christie has made 140 appearances in green and white since joining from Inverness in 2015.

He’s also been influential at the international level, helping Scotland qualify for their first major tournament this century.

Chris Sutton described him as a ‘manager’s dream’ and lauded his ‘ferocious workrate’ after his display in the play-off victory over Serbia.

Nightmare for McKay

Christie would be a significant loss for Celtic, who have again been guilty of poor planning, with McKay left to pick up the pieces.

The rising talent has been allowed to reach the final stages of his contract – his value dropping all the time – without any concrete talks in place for a new deal.

Meanwhile, Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer, two other Hoops stars, are about to enter the last year of their current contracts.

Of course, you want to keep these players around as long as possible, but sometimes you have to think long-term, and allowing any of the trio to leave for free at the end of their deals would be a catastrophic – where would McKay find funds to help whoever the new manager is rebuild the team?

If they aren’t going to extend their stays in Glasgow, McKay and the club must simply get what they can and put the funds raised towards their replacements.

In other news, Kevin Campbell sent Celtic fans some pleasing assurances over their manager hunt.

West Ham are set to be handed a major boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League encounter against Everton…

What’s the latest?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on Twitter, Angelo Ogbonna “should be back” as they welcome the Toffees to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 32-year-old was a surprise absentee on Monday night for their win over Burnley, missing the clash with a hamstring problem, but it is not thought to be serious.

Ogbonna had missed more than two months of the season with ankle problems, only returning against Newcastle United three weeks ago, and is in line to feature against Everton barring any late complications.

Big boost

This comes as a massive boost for David Moyes, who will undoubtedly be desperate to see the Italian back in action as soon as possible given that he has played an important role in the Irons’ campaign so far. Ogbonna has started 25 league matches for the Irons in 2020/21, winning 2.3 headers (fourth-best in current squad) and making 4.2 clearances per game (second-best).

West Ham are firmly in the face for a top four finish but could be six points adrift of Chelsea if they manage to pull off a victory over runaway league leaders and Champions League final opponents Manchester City this evening.

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A win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side would keep the pressure on their London rivals heading into the final three matches of the season, and having Ogbonna available will certainly aid their chances substantially.

His presence will be needed against a player of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre. He has found the net 20 times in all competitions, including one against Aston Villa last time out.

However, the England international failed to score against the Hammers in their league battle earlier this campaign, and Ogbonna was partnering Craig Dawson that day.

Moyes will surely want more of the same, so he will be encouraged by the fact that he can slot the 32-year-old colossus straight back into the team, most likely in place of Issa Diop.

AND in other news, Moyes can repeat West Ham’s Lingard masterstroke by landing “exciting” £18m-rated gem…