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Gerard Deulofeu scored a hat-trick in Watford’s 5-1 win over Cardiff City in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 18th minute, before netting twice in the space of two second-half minutes to secure the match ball.

Deulofeu now has six Premier League goals for the season and looks back to his best after missing the start of the campaign with a foot injury.

The Everton fans were closely watching what has happening in Wales and many took to social media to comment on the attacker’s treble.

Indeed, the now 24-year-old turned out for the Toffees during the 2013-14 season on loan, before joining the club on a permanent deal in July 2015.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Deulofeu scored eight times and registered 19 assists in 75 games for the Merseyside outfit and it seems that the club’s supporters still miss him.

Indeed, a selection of the Twitter reaction to his hat-trick can be seen below:

As per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge (speaking to GIVEMESPORT), Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has suffered a ‘serious strain’, rather than a tear to his hamstring, as first thought.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ injury woes

Argentine defender Romero is not the only injury Tottenham are currently dealing with. Central midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, once hailed by teammate Harry Winks as ‘a technically gifted player’, has been sidelined for a long period after suffering a knee injury, which has meant missing the last five matches.

Emerson Royal also missed the recent 3-0 win over Norwich as he was unavailable due to an unknown injury. This was a blow for Spurs, as he currently leads the team in tackles, with 3.6 per game.

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Romero sustained his injury whilst on international duty with Argentina last month. Unfortunately for Antonio Conte, this will continue to affect Tottenham’s defensive stability, as his average of 1.3 blocks per game is the highest at the club by a fair margin.

The Latest: Bridge gives Romero update

Conte had recently stated that Romero’s injury is ‘serious’, but has thus far failed to go into any details. However, Bridge has confirmed that the 23-year-old has not torn his hamstring.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I kind of thought the worst when Conte said we will know more in seven to 10 days, but I’m told it’s not a tear, it’s a serious strain. So, is that January? He did say January or February.”

The Verdict: Not as serious as first thought

To Spurs fans’ relief, Romero’s injury is not as bad as first thought. Bridge has shed light on the fact that the Argentine has not torn his hamstring – an injury that can keep a player out of action for over three months.

It is still unclear as to when he will return, but it sounds like best case will be January, a potentially massive relief to Conte and co coming off the back of the hectic Christmas fixture period.

Romero has been regularly applauded since moving to Spurs from Atalanta earlier this year, even drawing praise from Brazil legend Cafu, who admitted that he had a ‘very good game’ in the Copa America final. The Lilywhites faithful will surely be counting down the days until his return.

Everton have set their sights on Serie A striker Giovanni Simeone, according to Fichajes. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old is currently on loan from Cagliari at fellow top-flight club Hellas Verona. He’s been in prolific form so far this season, netting 11 goals in 15 Serie A appearances, scoring once every 89 minutes on average (via Transfermarkt).

In Europe’s top five leagues, only Robert Lewandowski (16), Ciro Immobile, Dusan Vlahovic, Mohamed Salah (13), Karim Benzema and Patrick Schick (12) have bagged more goals this season.

However, Simeone stands out among that group, having out-performed his xG by a whopping 6.7. That makes him the most lethal finisher in the leading divisions (via FBRef).

The latest

The report from Fichajes stated that Everton hold a keen interest in Simeone as they eye a ‘quality substitute’ for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, adding that summer signing Salomon Rondon ‘has not been in the expected form’.

The outlet also revealed that Cagliari’s current price tag is €10m (£8.5m), but that could change.

The verdict

Simeone may not be able to sustain that rate of xG overperformance, but he certainly looks like he would be an upgrade on Rondon.

The Venezuelan is yet to find the net in 10 appearances for the Blues and, as it stands, he has recorded more offsides (five) than he has shots on target (three).

Perhaps the question is whether Simeone accepts a back-up role behind Calvert-Lewin off the back of his present goalscoring exploits, as there may be better opportunities available to him elsewhere.

In other news, Marcel Brands could be followed out the door by another key figure.

Everton are plotting a move for New York City striker Valentin Castellanos as they look to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the 23-year-old is one of the Toffees’ attacking targets for this month, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of star forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

The duo have scored a combined six goals in 15 appearances during what has been an injury-hit campaign for both of them. However, The Sun have reported that the Merseyside club could be forced to sacrifice at least one of the two players.

Alongside Alexis Sanchez, Castellanos is one of Everton’s preferences for a replacement after scoring 23 goals and registering nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for New York City last season on their way to winning their first MLS Cup.

The 23-year-old has plenty of potential and was praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last month, who said: “I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe.

“What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, I know he’s a quality player and ready to make the next step to Europe and we will see where.”

Everton should swoop for Castellanos

At 23 years of age, Castellanos is still nowhere near his prime and should only improve; this would also means that his value will escalate further.

Everton haven’t particularly struggled in the final third this season, scoring 23 goals in 18 Premier League matches. However, their injury record this term has been a major issue, especially in attack, with the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Andros Townsend all facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

There may be questions regarding the level at which the Argentine striker has been prolific, although 32 goal contributions in 36 games at 23 years of age is a very impressive return.

The Toffees could do with alternatives in attack, and swooping for a young player with bags of potential and an excellent scoring record could prove to be a shrewd long-term move.

In other news, Everton have been linked with this promising midfielder…

According to reliable reporter Gary Jacob of The Times, a transfer update has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Atletico Madrid striker and Juventus loanee Alvaro Morata.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked…

As manager Antonio Conte reportedly seeks a new forward addition before this window’s closure, with Alasdair Gold revealing it is one of the Italian’s four priorities, links have emerged to ex-Chelsea striker Morata.

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Indeed, a report out of Spain from El Partidazo de COPE recently claimed that both the Lilywhite and Newcastle United are in the picture to sign him before January 31 – with the overseas source even believing there is an offer from managing director Fabio Paratici.

Eligible striker targets are waring thin at Tottenham given long-time target Dusan Vlahovic has now sealed a blockbuster move to Juventus, while links to other names have been fairly scarce.

The Latest: Jacob makes Morata claim…

In what could be an opportunity for Spurs and Paratici, they have apparently been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Conte’s former star in a late window development.

Indeed, according to Jacob, writing for The Times, the Spain international has reportedly been placed on the table and Tottenham could sign him on a loan deal.

The Verdict: Take it?

The 29-year-old has endured a mixed senior career to say the least, showing signs of real promise last season during his first year on loan in Turin.

Morata racked up 11 Serie A goals and 11 assists under ex-boss Andrea Pirlo over 2020/2021 – not even including his six goals in eight Champions League appearances that year.

However, at Chelsea, the Spaniard’s poor final season return of five in 16 Premier League outings saw him part company for Atletico.

He was perhaps most in-demand when playing for Real Madrid at the end of the 2016/2017 season – with his former club even once placing a £90 million price tag on his head (The Sun).

Morata, clearly, comes as somewhat of a mixed bag.

However, on loan, it could be a gamble worth taking given Spurs are arguably in dire need of an alternative to Harry Kane.

In other news: Spurs now preparing last minute marquee bid to sign ‘special’ forward for Conte, find out more here.

As per club insider Claret & Hugh, West Ham United and manager David Moyes may have been gifted a possible boost with their sources sharing a ‘remarkable’ behind-scenes development.

The Lowdown: Injury worries…

Moyes and his West Ham side have had to cope with mounting injury problems over the last month with the biggest absentees by far being Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

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The defensive duo were mainstays before being sidelined, prompting Moyes to look to the transfer market in search for emergency cover as many links to centre-backs emerge.

Supporters will be anxious to know the timeframe of Zouma’s return with Ogbonna set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.

ExWHUemployee recently claimed that the Frenchman is ‘ahead of schedule’ with another insider C&H now sharing more good news.

The Latest: Insider shares ‘remarkable’ Zouma development…

According to their information, Zouma has now started walking on grass for the first time since picking up his injury and ‘hopes are now high’ for a ‘much quicker’ return.

C&H go on to state, barring any setbacks which are possible, that he could even be back in action ‘as soon as mid February’.

Sharing what they’ve heard from an inside source, as quoted in the piece, Zouma’s progress behind-the-scenes is apparently ‘remarkable’.

The Verdict: Big boost…

This update should come as music to the ears of Irons supporters given Zouma’s impressive start to life at Rush Green. The France international, labelled a ‘colossus’ by Moyes, has made more clearances per 90 than any West Ham first teamer whilst proving to be a very reliable presence at the back (WhoScored).

Winning the fourth-most aerial duels out of their entire squad also (WhoScored), the 27-year-old’s return could not come sooner enough given Moyes’ lack of defensive cover.

While West Ham may well still sign a centre-half going by reports, having Zouma back as soon by mid-February would certainly come as a big boost for Moyes as the Scotsman aims to guide his side to Champions League qualification.

In other news: £45m star likened to Suarez now keen to join West Ham, find out more here.

Crystal Palace’s seven-game unbeaten run ended in disappointing fashion after they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa this afternoon.

Patrick Vieira’s charges had the chance to take charge of their latest Premier League encounter when talisman Wilfried Zaha created an opening for himself in the early stages before dragging his effort wide of the post.

The Ivory Coast international was then punished for his miss just a few minutes later when Matt Targett fired Ashley Young’s corner past a helpless Vicente Guaita in the Palace net.

Villa had the better of the opening 45 minutes, with several players guilty of missing chances, but the tide turned following the interval.

However, the home side’s attacking options were unusually blunt. The likes of Zaha, Christian Benteke and Michael Olise could only muster three shots on target all game, and it was the latter who was particularly underwhelming.

He failed to have any impact over proceedings as John McGinn’s late effort meant that Marc Guehi’s second goal in as many weeks was a mere consolation, and the summer signing from Reading will have been disappointed not to take advantage of what was only his second top-flight start of the season.

As per SofaScore, Olise was awarded a match rating of just six out of 10, the joint-worst total received by any player to feature this afternoon.

Throughout his 87 minutes on the pitch, the former France under-18 international lost nine of his 11 duels, was unsuccessful with all five of his attempted dribbles and failed to pick out a teammate with any of his nine attempted crosses.

Olise was also very wasteful when in possession of the ball, gifting it to the opposition on a whopping 23 occasions, letting his manager Patrick Vieira down in the process.

The 19-year-old has largely impressed since moving to Palace in the summer, but this was certainly a performance to forget, and he’ll be hoping to move on from today’s poor showing as soon as possible.

In other news… Palace could unearth another gem in “really smart” 20 y/o wizard who Vieira loves

Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Celtic have been dealt yet another injury blow, this time concerning Yosuke Ideguchi.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, the Bhoys boss revealed that, despite stating after the 2-1 win over Alloa Athletic last weekend that the central midfielder’s injury was not too severe, the 25-year-old is still in a considerable amount of pain from the horror challenge of Mouhamed Niang.

Speaking about the current condition of Ideguchi, Postecoglou said: “[He’s] not great. I think I said after the game that it didn’t look too serious but I didn’t really get a good look at him. It was a terrible tackle and one that should’ve been addressed by the referee on the day. He hasn’t come out of it too well and he’ll be missing for a little bit.

“He’s still pretty painful. Again, I know the kind of character he is so for him to stay down and have come off I knew it was significant. I was optimistic it wasn’t anything too bad but, as everyone saw from the footage, it was a tackle that should never have happened and should’ve been addressed on the day.”

Postecoglou will be seething

With Celtic having brought in three central midfielders this winter – in order to provide greater depth in the position ahead of the second half of the Premiership campaign – the fact that both Callum McGregor and Ideguchi have already been sidelined as a result of injury after just two games since the conclusion of the winter break is sure to have left Postecoglou seething.

Indeed, with David Turnbull still out with a hamstring injury and Tom Rogic being called up to international duty with Australia, the 56-year-old Hoops manager has been left considerably short in the middle of the park once again, with only James McCarthy, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro – none of whom have been first-team regulars under Postecoglou – in addition to winter signings Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate, currently being available for selection.

And, with some extremely challenging fixtures coming up for the Bhoys in the next 14 days, including the Old Firm clash on February 2, the fact that Celtic are still short of options in central midfield despite their transfer business this month will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the Greek-Australian manager – who must be cursing his bad luck regarding injuries.

In other news: Postecoglou drops teasing 8-word Celtic transfer hint, Nicholson must now act

Manchester United have been in the process of appointing their next manager to take charge at Old Trafford this summer, and with Erik ten Hag the favoured manager to take the role new information has emerged about his potential coaching team that will work with him at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Chief Football Writer for The Mail on Sunday, Rob Draper, ten Hag is lining up Robin van Persie to join his management team at Man United this summer.

Draper tweeted late on Saturday night:

“Van Persie being lined up as Man Utd asst – but ten Hag still in talks, no deal yet.

“Ten Hag still wants assurances over how club will be run…”

Supporters will adore him

Van Persie provided a fairy-tale during his first season at Old Trafford, with the Dutch striker scoring “goal of the century” as claimed by Sir Alex Ferguson, to guide Manchester United to their 20th Premier League title victory in 2013.

The star forward scored 58 goals and provided 21 assists during his three-year tenure with the Red Devils, so the idea that he could come back and become part of the management team to guide United back to the glory days that once were will surely delight supporters who adore him.

The two time Premier League golden boot winner has the invaluable experience earned with Arsenal and Man United that could give ten Hag a real insight into the challenges of the league and can certainly help the current squad understand what it means to win trophies at the club.

Van Persie retired from playing football in 2019 hanging up his boots at 35 years old, and has since been making an impact in his assistant manager role at Feyenoord Rotterdam after being promoted from his technical coach role last summer. Coming back to the Premier League to work alongside ten Hag would be a huge next step in his career on the sideline.

With that being said, Manchester United have not even officially reached an agreement with the Ajax boss, and until ten Hag is confirmed we don’t expect other members of the coaching team to be decided until the deal is done, but the idea of Van Persie returning to the club will surely have supporters very excited.

In other news: MUFC make “shock approach” for “cold” £50m “warrior”, it’s bye-bye Rashford

Tottenham Hotspur officials watched Valencia duo Jesus Vazquez and Cristhian Mosquera in action for Spain Under-19s on Wednesday, according to Super Deporte (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The young Spaniards played out a 2-2 draw with Austria in an Under-19 European Championship qualifier.

Mosquera, 17, lined up at centre-half, with Vazquez, 19, stationed on the left side of the back four.

Both players were apparently ‘on top form’, delivering ‘outstanding’ performances in front of their potential suitors.

Mosquera has made five appearances for Jose Bordalas’ senior Valencia side, while Vazquez has made 11, including four La Liga starts.

The latest

Tottenham were one of a whopping 18 clubs to send ‘top’ officials to run the rule over Vazquez and Mosquera.

They were impressed by the players’ physicality as well as their technical skill.

The report stresses, though, that both are ‘contractually protected’, with their deals running until 2025.

And they specify that Mosquera’s deal includes a €25million release clause (£20.8million).

The verdict

It’s going to be difficult to land either of these players given the extent of the competition.

Super Deporte remarked that it felt like ‘half of Europe’ were in attendance on Wednesday, with the likes of Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain also casting a watchful eye over proceedings.

Spurs’ recruitment team will perhaps look to capitalise on their prior relationship with counterparts at Valencia, having negotiated a loan move for Bryan Gil late in the January transfer window.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has named Mosquera among an ‘extremely talented’ crop of rising Spanish stars, but will Spurs be willing to shell out nearly £21million for a player with so little experience, or will they try to reach a compromise?

In other news, read this pundit’s take on a potential blockbuster Spurs transfer.