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Everton are reportedly eyeing a double swoop for two English internationals that could completely transform their midfield.

What’s the story?

According to the Mirror, Marco Silva wants both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jack Wilshere to join Everton this summer.

Wilshere officially announced his impending departure from Arsenal last week, and Loftus-Cheek could leave Chelsea in search of more playing time.

The report claims the Toffees believe signing the duo could go a long way to helping them infiltrate the top six.

Newcastle and Crystal Palace also want Loftus-Cheek, but the Toffees are reportedly “front of the queue” to sign England’s emerging star.

Wilshere meanwhile is wanted by West Ham, but the thought of the pair linking up at Goodison is certainly an enticing prospect.

Transform the Toffees?

When it comes to Wilshere, the elephant in the room is of course his persistent injury problems. The 26 year-old started just 12 matches in the Premier League last season, and added eight appearances from the bench.

Still, the move for Wilshere would be a free transfer due to his contract situation, so providing his wage demands aren’t astronomical it could be a low risk high reward situation for the Toffees.

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The 34-cap English international is absolutely fantastic with the ball at his feet, and his eye for a pass could help garner even more production from the likes of Cenk Tosun.

Loftus-Cheek would add a little bit of everything to the Everton midfield, using his pace and power to drive forward from midfield. The 22 year-old completed three dribbles per game last season, so the cliché “good feet for a big man” certainly applies for the 6 ft 3 youngster.

He also averaged over one key pass and one shot per game, while adding nearly a tackle and interception every match.

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Adding the top six duo would bring the type of quality Everton’s midfield is sorely lacking, and a great mixture of pace, skill and physicality. If the deal for Loftus-Cheek was a season-long loan, the Toffees would essentially be adding two top quality midfielders without spending a penny.

So, Everton fans, would you like to see a double swoop for the English pair? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Striker Harry Kane was once again Spurs’ knight in shining armour yesterday as he lost his marker with two minutes remaining at Selhurst Park and nodded the ball over the outstretched arms of Wayne Hennessey in the Crystal Palace goal.

The victory moved the North London side up to fourth in the Premier League table after Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United later in the day, but their efforts were almost for nothing as they failed to turn 76% possession into a lead for the first 88 minutes of play against Palace.

Spurs almost took the lead 13 minutes before Kane’s goal, with Hennessey producing a brilliant stop to deny Ben Davies. Serge Aurier then missed an open goal but the in-form Kane, who has now retaken his position at the top of the league’s goal scoring table with 24, wasn’t to be denied.

There were a number of interesting performances of note from Spurs players – with Dele Alli tumbling into Hennessy in the second half despite no contact, and Christian Eriksen composed in the midfield as he led his side for most touches.

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But who was Spurs’ best and worst performers against the Eagles? Have your say in the poll below, by giving each player a performance rating out of ten:

Last season’s agony was one filled with positivity for Liverpool, who really announced their arrival back at the top of the English game after a period in the wilderness.

The Reds now have Champions League football to look forward to for the first time since 2009, and the added revenue/status has allowed them to get in some top players to fill problem roles and replace departed stars.

So on the whole, how did Brendan Rodgers and his transfer committee handle the big tasks facing them? We at FFC Towers have been looking at their deals to see…

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Solving defensive issues

Liverpool’s defensive woes cost them the title last term. Had they had Manchester City’s backline, chances are the Reds would have ended the 24-year wait for the big prize. But with 50 goals conceded, Brendan Rodgers’ men trailed their Sky Blue adversaries by just two points.

Since then the club have invested heavily in the backline, with Dejan Lovren the major buy. The Croatian has been tasked with commanding their rearguard and, bar a few wobbly moments, he’s done a good job. Alberto Moreno also looks to be a good purchase, while Javier Manquillo could replace Glen Johnson on a long-term basis. Rating: 6/10

Replacing Luis Suarez

Last year’s star man and pantomime villain Luis Suarez is no longer a Red, and although it looked unlikely that a high-profile striker would be brought in to replace him, Mario Balotelli was eventually snapped up.

The enigmatic Italian certainly provides the ‘x-factor’ missing without El Pistolero, but he looks unlikely to match the scoring tally the Uruguayan reached without taking penalties, which has been a big part of Super Mario’s impressive stats. Rickie Lambert is also in, but some of the pressure may be put on young Raheem Sterling, who already has two goals in three Premier League games.

Rating: 5/10

Providing Mignolet with competition

Simon Mignolet’s tendency to flap at crosses has become a worrying trend, which made getting a more able backup than Brad Jones in a conundrum for Rodgers.

Even though Sergio Romero was targeted, no alternative stopper was signed, leaving the Belgian firmly embedded as No, 1 with little competition for his role. Free agent Victor Valdes is being talked about, and should he agree a deal he could be available for the winter period, but his knee injury is a worry.

Rating: 0/10

Building for another title push

After the agony of last season, another big push for the top prize is what the fans want, but have Liverpool built for it. With more squad depth the potential is in place, but the sale of Suarez is a massive blow.

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Rodgers has started the season well with six points from three games (they lost to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium), which has created a buzz around Anfield. But the toil of the winter period will reveal much about this Liverpool side.

Rating: 6/10

Coping with Champions League commitments

With nine signings and very few high profile exits, Liverpool’s squad is considerably deeper and better rounded than it was a few months ago.

With Adam Lallana yet to make his debut and Rodgers having already had three good substitute benches to look to in his opening games, all looks pretty rosy for him in terms of rotation. When the Champions League kicks in the depth offered by the likes of Lazar Markovic and Emre Can will become a big factor, and it looks as if a slightly weakened team may be an option for at least two European group games against Ludogorets.

Rating: 9/10

Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal fans not to expect lavish spending in the coming transfer windows, despite the club agreeing a bumper £150m sponsorship deal.

Fly Emirates are the North Londoners’ main backers, having previously secured naming rights to the Premier League team’s stadium and a place as the main shirt sponsor.

This deal has now been extended, and improved, in a financially rewarding move for the Gunners.

Fans of the club want larger investment in playing staff after seeing star names such as Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabragas leave due, in part, to Wenger’s strict salary limits.

However, the Frenchman has warned supporters not to expect any marquee signings in the near future:

“If we get that amount of money from sponsors it is not charity, it is because the sponsors feel that we act in the right way and with the right values. “ He is quoted by The Metro.

“It is down to us to spend the money in the right way.”

The likes of Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud arrived during the summer for large fees, but most of the investment was offset by the sales of van Persie and other first-team squad members.

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Followers of the Emirates Stadium-based outfit have become increasingly frustrated in recent years, suggesting that Wenger’s cautious approach with the chequebook has made Arsenal a ‘selling’ club.

Fabregas, Alex Song and Thierry Henry have left to join Barcelona in recent times, whilst a number of other stars have also departed in search of greater financial rewards.

For many months, Roma goalkeeper Alisson has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

The fans have been keen on the idea of the Brazilian moving to Anfield, but it seems that the price tag could be a problem.

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Roma allowed their best player Mohamed Salah to join the Reds last summer for around £36m, so it is understandable if they are reluctant to cut another deal with the Merseyside outfit.

Given how Salah set the world alight with 44 goals last season, the Italian club cannot be judged for hiking the price up for Alisson.

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Now, though, it seems that Real Madrid could be leading the race for the shot-stopper, with Marca reporting that Los Blancos are closing in on a deal that could cost upwards of €60m (£52.3m).

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If the La Liga giants get their man, it leaves Liverpool with one less option, while Navas could lose his starting spot at the Bernabeu.

Some Reds fans believed that making a move for Navas is the solution.

Nottingham Forest’s winless streak in all competitions was stretched to six matches on Tuesday night, but their first English Championship goal in a month rescued a point late on at home to Reading.

Aitor Karanka’s side looked destined to suffer yet another defeat but Lee Tomlin popped up in the 85th minute to cancel out Omar Richards’ first half opener for the visitors.

Forest have won just once in their last 12 league matches but the point ensures they are eight points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Fans were relieved to have rescued a point and pleased to see some fighting spirit, although the performance of one player in particular was frustrating for many.

Everton loanee Kieran Dowell had an excellent end to 2017 in the Forest side, scoring six and assisting three in a span of 10 Championship matches, but his form has dipped, which is perhaps to be expected given he is just 20 years of age.

Supporters are losing patience though and after another underwhelming performance on Tuesday night are calling for him to be dropped.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Southampton fans have been put through the ringer this summer, having already seen three of their top players head for the exit. By and large, the Saints’ fans have taken the exodus with good grace, but it seems the latest man to express a desire to leave has really irked the patient fans.

Liverpool have nabbed both Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, and look set to do battle with Southampton over the signing of Dejan Lovren. The Croatian has recently made public his desire to leave the Saints, stating a lack of ambition and direction as his reasons for wanting out.

It’s fair to say the Southampton support haven’t taken his announcement with good grace, accusing Lovren of ‘disrespect’.

Southampton legend, Matt Le Tissier is less than impressed by Lovren’s actions, and has the backing of a number of Saints fans.

As is tradition, many fans took to Twitter to vent their discontent, and here is a snapshot of the reaction.

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Queens Park Rangers centre back Ryan Nelsen has sympathy for his manager Mark Hughes as Rangers are still looking for their first Premier League win of the season, as reported by talkSPORT.

Nelsen only arrived in the summer, but he claims that Hughes has done everything possible to prepare his team for matches; it’s just the players that keep letting him down.

“It’s got to be so frustrating for the manager,” Nelsen told talkSPORT.

“In preparing for games, he does the maximum he can with what he can control. It’s up to us players to stop throwing curve balls in the way we have been. I feel very sorry for him.

“We’ve shot ourselves in the foot numerous times – whether it’s sendings-off, conceding soft goals, even some of the injuries we’ve had. Getting the same team out on more than one occasion will help and we can get some consistency.”

“The owners and the board have seen what Mark and his staff have done behind the scenes with the infrastructure,” he added.

“It’s a proper Premier League club now, which not everybody can see. It’s changed dramatically from a year ago, which from the stories I hear was pretty shambolic.

“Unfortunately the results haven’t backed that up but [owner Tony Fernandes], the board and the players see the hard work that’s been put in.”

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According to a report from the Stoke Sentinel, Southampton manager Mark Hughes is interested in being reunited with Stoke City star Geoff Cameron this summer, and Saints fans have been quick to react to the rumour.

The Stoke Sentinel says that Hughes wants the 55-cap USA international and that the Potters would have no problem doing business with their former boss, as long as the offer from the south coast outfit is acceptable.

The report adds that Cameron, who can play in midfield or defence, has a release clause in his contract worth well in excess of £5m following the club’s relegation to the Championship, and that he is also attracting interest from MLS clubs.

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Southampton supporters, who hate the idea of signing a 26-year-old target following his opening 2018 World Cup display, took to social media to give their thoughts on the story, and while one said “if we ever sign Geoff Cameron then please announce the departure of Leslie Mark Hughes”, another said it’s “almost as if they want us to go down”.

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Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Manchester United bounced back from defeat against Tottenham Hotspur mid-week with a professional performance at home to Huddersfield Town in the English Premier League.

Running out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho’s side were eager to show they are better than their showing at Wembley on Wednesday night and pleased supporters with a comfortable victory.

Mourinho dropped established stars like Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial for the encounter with the likes of Scott McTominay making a rare start in the top-flight.

The 21-year-old midfielder impressed fans with an accomplished performance on just his second start in the Premier League this season, battling hard in the heart of the United midfield and standing up to the physical challenge of the Terriers.

Can he now challenge to become a consistent member of Mourinho’s starting eleven?

Time will tell, but supporters are certainly convinced he has significant talent and took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

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