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Everton’s transfer business has come in for a lot of criticism in recent years, but it appears as if the Toffees struck gold when they signed Demarai Gray last summer.

The former Leicester City winger joined the Merseyside club in a £1.7m deal from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and was one of the star performers at Goodison Park last season as Frank Lampard’s side narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.

The 26-year-old made 34 appearances in the 2021/22 Premier League, contributing five goals and four assists, averaging an impressive 6.78 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Martin Keown was full of praise for Gray after an impressive goal against Leeds United, saying: “He puts it through the defender’s legs and spins on to his unfavoured left foot and really that’s inspirational.

“He’s just thought I’ll have a go here and unbelievably it’s squeezed in. Against the run of play I should mention as well – give him some freedom and it shows what he can do!”

This ranked him as the fourth-best performer at the club, and considering that two of those ranked higher than him have now departed (Richarlison and Lucas Digne), it seems likely that the ex-Leicester winger will have a big part to play again this season at Goodison Park.

The 26-year-old has started all six of Everton’s Premier League fixtures thus far, contributing one goal in the draw against Brentford, averaging a solid 6.61 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Now that Gray is an established top-flight player, his market value has significantly increased since his move from Leverkusen, with the CIES Football Observatory valuing him at €20m (£17.4m).

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This represents a 1,024% increase on the £1.7m that Everton paid for him only a year ago, which emphasises that they got him for a bargain fee in what is a refreshing change from some nightmarish business in recent seasons. Cenk Tosun, Davy Klassen and Yannick Bolasie are all prime examples of players who cost more than £20m but achieved very little at Goodison Park.

Although Everton fans will surely be hoping that Gray doesn’t leave any time soon, the Toffees look likely to make a big profit on the English winger should he depart Goodison Park, and the club deserves credit for bringing him in for so little.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made it through another summer transfer window filled with plenty of exciting business that saw players move in and out of the north London club.

The Lilywhites managed to bring in some serious players from their fellow Premier League clubs such as Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Fraser Forster.

A previous example of the club purchasing players from other clubs in the division is their 2020 deal for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Signed from Southampton in a deal worth around £15m, the midfielder has become a significant player for Spurs as he’s made 106 appearances for them across all competitions, chipping in with six goals and nine assists along the way.

Even though the Danish international is only 27 and still has just under three years left on his current contract at the club, Antonio Conte may already have his ideal long-term heir for the midfielder in his ranks.

Back in the 2021 summer transfer window, the Lilywhites struck a deal to sign Pape Matar Sarr from FC Metz, before immediately loaning him back to the French club for the entirety of last season.

While yet to make a senior appearance for Spurs, the 19-year-old has been on the substitutes bench for their two previous league games.

To highlight the similarities between the two players from a defensive point of view, Sarr ended his previous and final Ligue 1 campaign with Metz in the club’s top five for number of successful tackles (36), successful pressures (117), blocked passes (31) and interceptions (47).

Bearing in mind how Hojbjerg topped Spurs’ list for all of those statistics in the Premier League last year, it’s clear that the teenager has the defensive talent to grow and develop into a similar sort of midfield unit that the 27-year-old is.

When asked about the teenage talent, Fabio Paratici had this to say following his arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He said: “I think Pape is one of the most talented in Europe. Our job is not to look just at tomorrow, but maybe also past tomorrow or next year. This is our job, and I think we made a great signing. In all of Europe they speak about this, a lot of teams were interested, a lot of teams were there to sign (him), so we made a very good signing.

“He needs experience, he needs to play games, to stay in one team and play regularly – a great investment for the Club, and a great vision for the future.”

If Conte decides to give Sarr some game time this season, we will hopefully see pretty quickly if he has what it takes to be a long-term player for the club, and the numbers suggest he absolutely does.

Celtic are interested in Hajduk Split defensive midfielder Jani Atanasov, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Out of favour last term

The North Macedonia international fell out of favour at Hajduk Split towards the end of last season, starting just eight league games throughout the campaign.

However, the 22-year-old has started the current season strongly, having featured three times in the Croatian first division and three times in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Since arriving at the club in 2020, Atanasov has made 59 appearances for Hajduk, contributing five goals and two assists as a holding midfielder.

The Latest: Joseph’s news

After sharing an update on Celtic’s pursuit of Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic, Joseph revealed information about Ange Postecoglou’s next transfer target.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “@SkySportsNews understands the Hoops are also interested in Hajduk Split defensive midfielder Jani Atanasov – though, no formals talks have taken place at this stage.”

The Verdict: He’d add welcome depth

After allowing Ismaila Soro to go out on loan to Arouca, the Hoops have been looking at a number of holding midfielders to add depth to Postecoglou’s squad.

According to journalist Izak Ante Sucic (via Glasgow Times), Atansov would be allowed to leave should the two clubs agree upon a fee.

Described as a powerful, 6 foot 1 defensive midfielder, the 22-year-old would have plenty of time to adjust to life at Parkhead, given his tender years.

Therefore, his prospective arrival at Celtic would add some welcome depth to Postecoglou’s defensive midfield options as the Hoops embark upon the busy season ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Matt Doherty is facing the axe from manager Antonio Conte ahead of their crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for Newcastle battle…

Antonio Conte will be hurting after his side slumped to a 2-0 midweek defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Spurs failed to truly exert any serious control over proceedings and lacked a real threat in the final third, with Lilywhites supporters now hoping that the team can put in a much more convincing performance against Newcastle this afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s men won’t be pushovers, though, as the Magpies have conceded fewer goals than any top-flight side and travel to north London unbeaten in their last six outings.

Conte may have a few key decisions to make today, and some of them are certain to revolve around his all-important wing-back roles.

The Latest: Doherty facing Conte axe…

According to reports, it appears that Republic of Ireland international Doherty is facing the axe for Newcastle’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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The Evening Standard claim that the defender is ‘likely’ to be dropped to the bench in favour of Emerson Royal, with the Brazilian now coming back from suspension.

Indeed, it appears that the latter could actually come ‘straight back in’ for Doherty.

The Verdict: Right move?

Emerson has shown dedication, with reports suggesting he has significantly invested to become a better player in his personal time during his suspension.

However, there have also been question marks around his suitability for the role, with Doherty earning praise from Conte for his stellar outing against Everton last weekend.

Called an ‘exceptional player’ by former Ireland international Gary Breen, we believe that dropping the 30-year-old would be a questionable call by the Spurs boss.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be able to call upon Callum Wilson again against Fulham after the international break. 

That’s according to Mark Douglas, a journalist for The I Paper.

The lowdown

Wilson hasn’t played for Newcastle since the 3-3 draw with Manchester City on 21 August, having sustained a hamstring injury.

Howe also has Chris Wood and Alexander Isak, who cost a combined £90million, at his disposal in the no. 9 position.

The latest

It’s Douglas’ understanding that ‘Wilson [will be] back for Fulham’, providing a boost for Howe.

In the attached story, he explains that the striker will ‘definitely return’ against the Cottagers after Newcastle exercised an ‘abundance of caution’ last weekend and held him back.

The verdict

This is a timely piece of good news for Howe and the Newcastle faithful.

Allan Saint-Maximin has just suffered an injury setback that renders him a doubt for the trip to London, but they can at least look forward to Wilson’s return.

Newcastle may have depth in the striker department but the goals have somewhat dried up in the absence of Wilson.

They netted five in their first three games with the Englishman fit – he scored of two of them – but they’ve only managed three in the four matches since.

And the problem hasn’t been creating chances, but putting them away, as their xG of 7.5 across those four games attests to. That’s where Wilson, who’s been dubbed ‘fabulous’ by Owen Hargreaves, can come in handy.

Howe has already hinted that he’ll be willing to play Wilson alongside Isak at the head of the team, which could be an exciting and rewarding experiment.

Tottenham Hotspur, and club director Fabio Paratici by extension, ‘tried to sign’ colossal 6 foot 3 defender Kim Min-jae before his move to Napoli, according to a close contact.

The Lowdown: Spurs enjoy busy summer…

The Lilywhites completed a plethora of astute deals over a memorable summer transfer window.

Indeed, the likes of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie put pen to paper on moves to N17, with star defender Cristian Romero also completing a permanent transfer following his loan spell.

Antonio Conte’s side have also started this 2022/23 Premier League season in fine fashion, remaining unbeaten over their first six league games.

However, a ‘close collaborator’ of Kim has now revealed that Paratici was looking to strengthen Spurs’ options further as he attempted a move for the South Korea colossus.

The Latest: Paratici ‘tried to sign’ Kim…

As shared by Calcio Napoli 24, Spurs attempted a coup for the centre-back before his move to Napoli in Serie A.

Of the interested teams, a Jose Mourinho-lead AS Roma were also eyeing a move, along with Conte’s former team Inter Milan.

Ho Lee, a source close to the player, made some statements in a documentary about South Korean players before the winter World Cup in Qatar, saying:

“Inter, Juventus, Tottenham, Rennes and Roma have tried to sign Kim, and many clubs have held meetings on video, but we wanted Kim to be able to play in a good team with a certain continuity, and that team was Napoli.”

The Verdict: Big miss?

Judging by Clement Lenglet’s start to life in north London, it’s very debatable as to whether Kim will end up being a source of regret for Tottenham.

One thing that’s incontestable is the player’s quality, as evident by his WhoScored numbers so far this season.

Indeed, the 25-year-old is starring defensively at his new club overall – averaging among the highest rate of clearances per 90 in their squad (4.2) whilst also ranking as one of their top performers by average match rating (7.48).

Spurs coming back in for Kim in the next few years may well be one to keep an eye on, especially given his ‘monster’ reputation.

West Ham United have submitted a late offer to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi before deadline day, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new additions?

Amid their defensive injury ‘crisis’, with manager David Moyes still waiting on the likes of Nayef Aguerd to return to full fitness, West Ham have been tipped to potentially add new centre-backs to their roster.

Links have come to light in the last few days, particularly surrounding Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, coming after the Premier League side completed deals for Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson and club record signing Lucas Paqueta.

The Latest: West Ham make Elvedi offer…

Now, according to reports, a new offer has gone in for Gladbach star Elvedi.

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Indeed, journalist Andreas Böni has now claimed that West Ham have launched a bid for the Switzerland international.

“OGC Nice has competition: Premier League club West Ham has made an offer for Nico Elvedi.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

Called ‘impressive’ by football analyst Marcus Bring, Elvedi’s numbers certainly back this up.

The 25-year-old made his side’s joint-third most clearances per 90 in the Bundesliga last season and only goalkeeper Yann Sommer playing more league minutes than the defender (WhoScored).

Elvedi would also come with a plethora of experience, having racked up 38 caps for his national team, not to mention real sell-on value given he is still fairly young.

He appears to be the ideal back up option for Moyes and we’re surprised his name hasn’t been mentioned sooner.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in advanced talks to sign a player from another Premier League club…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Michy Batshuayi could be ready to make the switch from Chelsea, with Bruno Lage desperate to bring in centre-forward reinforcements.

With the move only touted to be a loan, it is clear that the 27-year-old would merely be a stop-gap until Raul Jimenez returns to fitness.

The Belgium striker only has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and Everton are also said to be interested in signing him.

Lage desperately needs him

With few potent options around the club at the moment after a campaign which saw them score just 38 top-flight goals, the Old Gold find themselves in a position of peril going into the first game of the new season.

Their main marksman from recent campaigns faces numerous weeks on the sidelines, and Lage has been noted as having an interest in bringing in a striker on loan with Premier League experience.

It therefore seems that all signs point towards them moving for the Belgium international, who has enjoyed a tumultuous but impressive career without really settling down.

Batshuayi spent last season on loan at Besiktas, where he bagged a respectable 14 goals in 33 league appearances. He has scored goals wherever he has gone, and he has led quite a nomadic career.

Of all his loan spells, this potential one at Wolves, where he will be relied upon for at least a couple of months, could be his biggest opportunity yet to find some stability in his career.

The “talented” striker – as described by Jake Heasman, formerly of Chelsea FC TV – ticks all of Lage’s reported boxes for a temporary centre-forward solution, with particular emphasis on his Premier League experience.

The £69k-per-week marksman has featured 77 times for both Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the English top flight and actually performed admirably on loan for the south London club. He scored 33 games.

Although that’s not an outstanding return, he could certainly be a solid addition for Wolves. Also, at the age of 28, he is just reaching his prime years, so he could excel in Jimenez’s absence if the Old Gold can get him in.

With Lage desperate for any strikers to beef up his squad, Batshuayi emerges as perhaps the most sensible financial and footballing decision. He could comfortably deputise for the injured Mexican, using his Premier League experience and finishing prowess to lead the line at Molineux.

West Ham United is now starting to become a more viable destination for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye Zielinski…

Hammers boss David Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman are said to be eyeing a move for the Serie A playmaker with talks ongoing over Zielinski’s signature.

ExWHUemployee recently claimed that West Ham are hopeful of striking an agreement for the 28-year-old, coming just after the club ended their long search for a new striker with the acquisition of frontman Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo.

Reports from Italy have shared the latest in regard to their pursuit of Zielinski with a promising claim now emerging courtesy of newspaper Il Mattino.

The Latest: Zielinski considering West Ham offer…

Indeed, the Serie A source, via Sport Witness, claims that the Poland international is ‘starting to think’ about joining Moyes at West Ham.

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They add that he is ‘seriously’ considering a move to east London, coming after West Ham tabled a ‘very rich’ contract offer for the player with there being an opportunity to really upgrade his salary.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Labelled an architect in midfield by The Guardian and an ‘exceptional’ player by ex-Poland national team boss Paulo Sousa, Zielinski could add a degree of dynamism and creativity to Moyes’ midfield.

Having drawn comparisons to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, the player’s quality is evident or at least has been in Naples, leaving little wonder he has found his way on to West Ham’s target list.

As the east Londoners aim to keep chase with the Premier League’s elite, they could certainly do far worse than Zielinski.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided further details of the club’s move for former West Ham United forward Sonny Perkins.

The Lowdown: Elland Road move

Labelled a ‘stand out’ player in the Hammers’ academy by ExWHUemployee, the 18-year-old has been on the Elland Road radar since June. The Whites were thought to be lining up a deal for the teenager then, with Perkins officially leaving the London Stadium earlier his month.

Reports in recent days have claimed that Leeds are set to win the race for Perkins ahead of Aston Villa and Tottenham, and Hay has shared what he knows about a transfer.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Writing for The Athletic, Hay said that Leeds are ‘attempting to negotiate a settlement with West Ham’ regarding a move for Perkins.

He added that an agreement would prevent a deal going to tribunal, with the Whites rejecting ‘any suggestion of wrongdoing’ following the player’s exit from the London Stadium.

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The Verdict: Promising

Beating both Villa and Spurs to Perkins’ services would be a statement of intent by Leeds when it comes to academy additions, and it looks as if that will happen.

He can play as a forward or in midfield and appears to be an up-and-coming star, with 19 goals to his name at youth level. Perkins was also handed debut appearances in the Europa League and Premier League by David Moyes last season.

It seems as if Leeds are onto a winner, and hopefully they’ll reach an agreement with West Ham soon for the 18-year-old.