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Everton goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic is in negotiations to join Los Angeles FC, according to reports over the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Jakupovic out of favour

The Swiss shot-stopper arrived at Goodison Park on a short-term deal in September after leaving Premier League rivals Leicester City, but he hasn’t been able to make the impact for which he may have hoped.

Frank Lampard has understandably opted to keep the in-demand Jordan Pickford as his first choice between the sticks, and with understudy Jakupovic yet to receive any game-time, it now looks like an exit from Merseyside is set to take place before the end of the month.

The Latest: Jakupovic set to depart Everton

According to Football Insider on Wednesday evening, Los Angeles are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Jakupovic on a free transfer this month upon the expiry of his contract with the Toffees.

The 38-year-old is ‘close’ to finalising an exit, with an agreement ‘expected’ to be in place by the end of the week, having been ‘made available for sale’ by Everton.

The Verdict: Correct call

Jakupovic has been nothing more than a fringe player since his arrival at Everton, signed amid a goalkeeping injury crisis in the autumn, so it’s the right decision for the club to allow him to depart.

The 6 foot 2 colossus has only been named on the bench once in his time with the Toffees, and that was for the 1-0 victory against West Ham nearly four months ago (Transfermarkt).

Everton still have Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan available as cover for Pickford, but it’s possible that Farhad Moshiri will enter the market to sign an additional backup for the second half of the season, especially if the transfer interest in the England goalkeeper intensifies.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of several teams interested in signing Evan Ndicka and now his asking price has been revealed…

What’s the word?

According to German newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau, any outfit keen to sign the 23-year-old will need to pay Eintracht Frankfurt around €50m (£45m) this month.

The likes of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as European giants Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan have also been mentioned in the report.

It seems an awful lot to pay for someone who is out of contract in the summer, so there is a belief among some agents that they could seal his signature for as little as €15m (£13m), along with an annual salary worth €7m (£6m), which is roughly £115k-per-week.

He’s shades of Maguire

Spurs could well find their long-term left-footed centre-back in the young French titan but should perhaps approach any move with caution. They certainly shouldn’t sign him for an eye-watering £45m when he’ll cost nothing in the summer.

According to FBref, the Frankfurt colossus bears similarities to Manchester United flop and England international Harry Maguire, who is still a world-record signing for a defender (£80m).

So not only are they alike in terms stats and potentially overpaying the odds but there are some more positive comparables, such as leadership, with the Paris-born ace being dubbed a “leader” who is “enormous” by Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel to ChronicleLive in the summer.

“For a central defender, Ndicka is extremely goal-threatening. He has 10 goals and 9 assists in 135 competitive games,” he also stated before further claiming: “Ndicka brings an exciting complete package. A great defender!”

Currently, the 6 foot 4 centre-back ranks as Oliver Glasner’s 12th-best performer in the Bundesliga this term, though he leads the squad for aerial duels won (2.4) and clearances (5.3) per game, via WhoScored.

This is similar to the aptly nicknamed ‘slabhead’ – who is still the captain of the Red Devils – as the same site lists aerial duels as one of Maguire’s top strengths, whilst he has averaged four clearances per game over the course of his career.

Having never played in a top-five division outside of the German top-flight, it would certainly be a big risk to take a punt on Ndicka this month – or in the summer – but if anyone can transform a defensive player into a star, then you’d imagine it would be Antonio Conte.

Whether his striking similarities to Maguire are a good or bad thing remains to be seen but Spurs do have a desperate left-sided void to fill come the end of the season, so perhaps the Frankfurt colossus is the most cost-effective candidate out there for sporting director Fabio Paratici as he clearly admires him given the strenuous links.

AND in other news, Spurs in talks to sign Conte’s perfect Deki alternative in £52m “generational talent”…

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already moved to bolster his squad with the loan signings of Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst this month, although the indication is that the Dutchman could well be looking to strengthen even further in the near future.

According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, the Red Devils – along with Premier League rivals Arsenal – are said to be keeping a close eye on Real Betis sensation Luiz Henrique, having reportedly sent scouts to watch the winger in action on multiple occasions this season.

The 22-year-old – who has been valued at around €35m (£31m) by CIES Football Observatory – only joined the La Liga club over the summer but he has already made a big impression under Manuel Pellegrini, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 22 games across all fronts this term.

The promising Brazilian – whose existing deal in Seville is set to run until 2028 – had previously caught the eye as a result of his displays at former club Fluminense, chipping in with 14 goals and 13 assists in 118 games in all competitions.

Although evidently not prolific, the youngster does appear to pose a menacing threat from his right-wing berth. The dazzling left-footer was recently lauded for his dynamic flair by Spanish football expert Graham Hunter, who stated that Betis “have a fantastic, characterful, thrilling young winger on their hands”.

The respected journalist was writing after the forward’s stunning display in the Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, with Henrique having notably produced two assists and registered four key passes in that clash, subsequently earning a standout 7.9 match rating from Sofascore.

The 6 foot sensation also illustrated his defensive prowess after recording an impressive haul of five tackles and winning 100% of his aerial duels on the night, with such an all-round talent likely to prove attractive to those at Old Trafford.

Should Ten Hag opt to snap up the wide man any time soon, it could well allow United the chance to finally offload academy graduate Anthony Elanga, with the Sweden international having been heavily linked with a loan move to Everton of late.

Although the Red Devils may be keen to keep hold of the 20-year-old due to the lack of depth in attack, the arrival of Henrique could well help to hasten the Swede’s exit, with Elanga currently “suffering” due to his “rushed” exposure into the first-team, according to journalist Muhammad Butt.

The Malmo-born speedster has failed to score and registered just a solitary assist in his 18 appearances in all competitions this season, having last got on the scoresheet in the draw away to Atletico Madrid last February.

Those woes were laid bare in the recent Carabao Cup triumph over League One outfit Charlton Athletic, with the nine-cap dud having been rather anonymous after having just 26 touches in his 84-minute display, winning just a solitary duel and providing no key passes.

That illustrates the differing quality between the United attacker and Henrique, with Elanga struggling to impress against lower-league opposition, while the Betis dynamo appeared to thrive against the mighty Blaugrana.

Ten Hag may also be impressed by the Brazilian’s willingness to defend from the front, as he ranks in the top 1% in Europe among those in his position for tackles made over the past 12 months, while Elanga only ranks in the top 20% in that regard.

All the evidence appears to point to the argument that Henrique would be a notable upgrade on the young Swede should he arrive at the Theatre of Dreams, with it seemingly no surprise that the Red Devils are monitoring his progress so closely.

Leeds United target Diogo Monteiro is ‘keen to move on’ from Servette, according to Whites correspondent Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Elland Road interest

The Whites appear to be keen on securing Monteiro’s services in 2023, with Phil Hay stating this week that the club are lining up an offer for the teenager.

Monteiro has been ‘identified as part of the anticipating talent programme at Leeds’ and is capable of playing as a right-sided or left-sided centre-back, as per Transfermarkt.

The Latest: Donnohue’s post

Donnohue took to Twitter on Friday after he spoke to people ‘with knowledge’ of Monteiro’s situation.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter said that the teenager is ‘keen to move on as Servette can be reluctant offering first-team opportunities’ but added that Brexit may complicate a January transfer.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Victor Orta and co have been productive so far this month, bringing in Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, and it looks as if the club have an eye on a move for Monteiro.

Elland Road chiefs have had success when it comes to bringing exciting youngsters to Yorkshire, with Wilfried Gnonto being the latest example. The Italian forward has become a regular in recent weeks under Jesse Marsch, catching the eye of Gary Neville against Aston Villa and channelling his inner Paolo Di Canio with an excellent FA Cup volley against Cardiff City.

You’d expect that Monteiro would initially ply his trade at the Thorp Arch academy, should a move go through, but he could become one of the next to progress through the academy and into the first team, making this one to watch.

Arsenal are holding internal talks at the Emirates Stadium over the possibility of being able to sign Declan Rice during the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

The future of the West Ham United midfielder is seemingly up in the air ahead of the summer window with the 24-year-old believed to be unwilling to put pen to paper on a new deal.

And it has been widely reported that Chelsea could be a possible landing spot for the Englishman with three contract offers rejected at the London Stadium.

However, it appears as if the Gunners’ form this season has elevated them into the picture ahead of the summer transfer as a potential destination for the midfielder.

And speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed those at Arsenal have held talks over making a move for Rice in the coming months:

“So it’s true that Arsenal internally are discussing about Declan Rice. I’m told that right after the Mykhailo Mudryk story, they had a meeting. A meeting planning for the present – [Leandro] Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and more – and the future. And in that meeting, Declan Rice was mentioned also as a possibility, a player they really like.”

Staying in London?

It does appear as if Rice is going to be on the lookout for a new club in the summer which could potentially make two big English midfielders available for sale in the coming months.

Jude Bellingham is also expected to be open to a move away from Borussia Dortmund in the summer with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all linked with the 19-year-old.

And with this in mind, Bellingham’s potential availability could work in the favour of Arsenal if they are to pursue Rice in the summer.

Bellingham is being hailed as one of the best young talents in world football on the back of a fine spell with Dortmund and his recent displays in the World Cup.

And if those Premier League clubs are set to battle it out for Bellingham over the coming months, it could leave Arsenal with an improved chance of landing Rice.

If Arsenal are to focus solely on Rice whilst the other teams possibly look at Bellingham or even both, it could be possible the Englishman feels as if the Gunners may be the best place for him.

And when they are competing at the top of the table as they are now, it is only improving Arsenal’s chances of landing Rice – who was called a “superstar” by Sky Sports’ Bianca Westwood.

In comparison to Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, Rice has provided almost an identical number of tackles per 90 as Partey and significantly more than Xhaka (via FBref).

He also finds himself sandwiched between the current Arsenal duo for passes per 90 but is lacking slightly in his output in front of goal – albeit playing in a struggling West Ham side.

But if the Gunners are going to add the quality England midfielder, then it seems as if the Kroenke’s will need to get their chequebook opened with the Hammers looking for a serious figure of money.

Pundit and ex-footballer Tam McManus believes Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino may have reservations about staying if he’s not given the game time.

The Lowdown: Firmino’s deal is up this summer

The Brazilian’s contract at Anfield is up in June of this year, which would make him a free agent should a deal not be reached between the player and the Premier League club.

Firmino joined Liverpool in the summer of 2015 from Hoffenheim, a few months before Jurgen Klopp would be appointed as Reds boss.

In all competitions, the 31-year-old has played 348 times for Liverpool, scoring 107 goals and assisting 78 times.

The Latest: McManus gives Firmino verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus claims that the longer the contract situation drags on, the more he begins to think the player could have reservations about signing a new deal.

He said, “I feel like this Firmino thing has been going on for a while now,

“He was brilliant for Liverpool at the start of the season. He was banging them in and then unfortunately he’s got that injury that’s kept him out for a long time now.

“Klopp could do with having him back, not just because of his quality on the pitch, but he’s a leader. He’s one of the senior players there and he’s someone you look to when things aren’t going your way.

“The longer this goes on, the more you think there might be a problem. Is it game time? He’s an older player now and Liverpool have a lot of attackers.

“Maybe he wants guarantees that he will be playing because he is getting to the end of his career now and he wants to play as much as he can.

“These talks have been going on so I do think there is something wrong.

“It would have been sorted if everything was fine.”

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The Verdict: Firmino still has a lot to offer

We believe that Liverpool should offer Firmino a new deal, as he’s proven to be a strong attacking outlet for them this season.

In the 2022/23 campaign so far, he’s amassed 10 league goal contributions from 13 matches while also proving effective in Europe, with three goal contributions in the Champions League from six appearances.

The 31-year-old hasn’t featured in any of Liverpool’s last five Premier League games, with the Reds only winning twice in that time.

It’s been a disastrous campaign for Klopp’s side this season, who find themselves 10 points off the top four in ninth place, if Firmino were to hit the ground running on his return to the squad, you would think he can earn himself a new deal on his terms.

Southampton may allow Che Adams to join Everton if they manage to sign Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Southampton chasing Sulemana

The Saints have made multiple attempts to bring the Ghanaian to St Mary’s amid interest from Everton, with Nathan Jones’ side having an opening £14m bid quickly turned down earlier this week.

Southampton are now said to have tabled a £17.5m offer for the winger, entering advanced talks with Rennes, and personal terms have already been agreed with the player, who is keen on a Premier League move.

The Latest: Adams to depart?

According to Football Insider, Everton have reignited their interest in Adams, having had the forward on their radar during the summer transfer window, at which point the Saints were reluctant to sell.

However, it is noted that this stance could change if the move for Sulemana goes through, given that Jones would then have several options in attacking areas of the pitch at Southampton.

The Verdict: Tread carefully

The 26-year-old has been hailed as ‘terrific’ by Ally McCoist (via Daily Echo) and has been the most prolific player in the Southampton squad so far this season, netting eight times in all competitions.

However, the truth is that the Scotland international should have scored much more, missing a total of nine big chances in the Premier League, the joint-sixth most of any player in the top flight.

Jones will need to be cautious about selling Adams to a relegation rival in Everton, so the Saints should look to keep hold of him until the end of the season. However, Southampton could undoubtedly do with adding a more clinical striker on a long-term basis.

Arsenal have had a ‘huge single payment’ accepted for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, claims journalist Jacque Talbot, despite Sky Sports reporting the new offer has not yet gone in.

The Lowdown: Arsenal chasing Caicedo

The Gunners have been hell-bent on signing Caicedo towards the end of the January transfer window, initially having a £60m bid rejected, with his current club adamant that he is not for sale this month.

Arsenal remained undeterred, however, lodging a £70m bid for the Ecuadorian after he took to social media to make it clear that he wanted to leave

And now, despite also moving for Chelsea’s Jorginho, it looks as though Mikel Arteta could finally land Caicedo alongside the Italy international, depending on who you believe…

The Latest: Deal agreed… or not?

Taking to Twitter to provide an update on the situation earlier this morning, Talbot said: “It’s my understanding Arsenal have lodged a third bid for Moisés Caicedo, a club-record. Huge single payment as one lump sum. Deal’s been agreed.”

Sky Sports have confirmed Jorginho is not seen as an alternative to Caicedo, but Sky presenter Jim White does not believe a third bid has gone in, while colleague Dharmesh Sheth says it’s ‘very very very unlikely’ that Brighton will change their stance.

The Verdict: Fantastic news if true

It is fantastic news for Arsenal if they have finally struck a deal with the Seagulls, as the 21-year-old could be a real boost in their push for a first Premier League title since the Arsene Wenger era.

Hailed as a ‘top player’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet is best known for his well-rounded defensive attributes, ranking in the 81st percentile for tackles and 76th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, while he has also displayed his attacking prowess at times this season.

In Brighton’s resounding 4-1 win against Chelsea back in October, the midfielder created one big chance and made three key passes, indicating that his game is not limited to cutting out opposition attacks.

While shelling out a club-record fee is a risk for a player with just 26 appearances to his name in the English top flight, having strength in depth could be the difference maker in Arsenal’s attempt to bring home the title.

Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin’s first-half display against West Ham United was “hugely disappointing”, according to Jamie Redknapp.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s first half

Eddie Howe’s side flew out of the traps in the first half of their Premier League clash, with Callum Wilson opening the scoring with a well-taken finish after three minutes.

Wilson’s goal came just moments after Joe Willock thought he’d given Newcastle the lead inside a minute, but following a VAR check, the ball was correctly adjudged to have gone out of play before Miguel Almiron hooked it back into Willock’s path.

However, the Irons hit back brilliantly with Lucas Paqueta netting a deserved equaliser just after the half-hour mark, with commentator Andy Hinchcliffe saying minutes before half-time on Sky Sports: “West Ham are dominating at the moment, they are the better team.”

The Latest: Redknapp disappointed

Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports’ coverage, Redknapp singled out Saint-Maximin as one of the Magpies’ poorest performers and claimed he could be hooked off sharpishly in the second 45, saying:

“Saint-Maximin has been hugely disappointing – I think he will be Newcastle’s first change…”

The Verdict: Redknapp proved right

With Newcastle unable to wrestle control of the game back, let alone go back in front, the 25-year-old was indeed the first player to be withdrawn as he was replaced by new signing Anthony Gordon for his debut.

Saint-Maximin has struggled to get back into the Newcastle side since his injury lay-off that kept him out of eight games through September and October, and this was his first start since. However, he failed to make anything like the impact he or Howe would have hoped for.

The Frenchman had just 34 touches in the 69 minutes of action with a poor 65% pass accuracy and zero completed crosses alongside zero key passes (via Sofascore), showing how ineffective he was in unlocking any openings for the hosts.

With Gordon now arriving at St James’ Park, Saint-Maximin could well struggle for more minutes in a position he is already only being used as an impact substitute, with this outing surely not putting him further up in Howe’s plans.

Journalist Charles Watts has lamented Eddie Nketiah’s performance against Brentford in Arsenal’s tough draw at the Emirates.

How did Nketiah play against Brentford?

Arsenal laboured to a draw in a difficult game, and the league leaders will be frustrated at yet more dropped points after losing to Everton last week.

With Gabriel Jesus still absent with a long-term injury, Nketiah is now the player to lead the line, and whilst he has done well to cover for the Brazilian, he had a hard afternoon against a resilient Brentford side.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts gave Nketiah a 5/10 rating for the match, and admitted it was a poor day for the Englishman.

“Eddie Nketiah struggled again against three massive centre-backs,” he stated.

“It was just not the sort of afternoon for Eddie, he really did put a shift in but it’s just been not happening for him the last couple of weeks. I think there’s going to be a lot of people pointing their fingers towards him.

“There’s no doubt that Arsenal have missed Gabriel Jesus in these last few games. Against Everton, the way that the both Everton and Brentford have set that up, Jesus would’ve caused them an awful lot of problems, a lot more problems than Nketiah, and that’s not criticism of Nketiah, that’s just the type of player Jesus is.

“I remember the problems Jesus caused Brentford in the game earlier in the season, and there’s no doubt that in the last couple of games, he’d use his movement to pull defenders out of position.

“Arsenal could have absolutely done with him. But again, that’s not criticism of Nketiah. You can’t really compare the two very different strikers, but it was just a difficult afternoon from Nketiah today, so I gave him a five.”

Arsenal miss Jesus

The striker struggled to make an impact in what was a tough physical battle, and won just two of his eight duels as per SofaScore.

Arsenal have now dropped points to Newcastle, Everton and Brentford without Jesus, and all three games proved to be difficult in attack, with just one goal in those fixtures.

Although Nketiah has actually outscored Jesus this season, the Brazilian’s trickery and physicality upfront could have proven useful, and other players are now producing less output without him.

Granit Xhaka scored three times with Jesus in the team, but is yet to with Nketiah upfront, and the team’s overall attack is less potent without the former Man City star.