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According to The Telegraph, Everton have agreed a £4m compensation fee with Watford for Marco Silva, whom the Toffees appointed as their manager in the summer.

Hertfordshire outfit Watford were furious with their fellow Premier League club after attempts were made to bring the Portuguese north in November 2017 following the sacking of then-boss Ronald Koeman, although, now that an agreement has been reached, this is surely the end of the matter.

The former Hornets boss filled the vacant role left by Sam Allardyce at the Goodison Park helm prior to the start of the 18/19 season but has had far from an enjoyable time on Merseyside so far.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Silva’s side have largely underperformed and, despite their respectable position in the standings, will surely feel that they should be doing better. They have lost five of their last six games in all competitions and are in desperate need of a result against Cardiff, who they face on Tuesday.

Here’s how the Evertonians reacted on Twitter…

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse whether a club should sign a transfer target based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: Newcastle lurking for Osimhen

It has been widely reported that Newcastle will now look to battle a number of big European clubs to try and sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli in the summer.

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However, St James’ Park is not thought to be his preferred destination in the Premier League, and with the likes of top-four chasers Tottenham Hotspur reportedly joining the race, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may face an uphill battle to try and bring the Nigeria striker to Tyneside.

The Latest: Great individual performance from Osimhen

Even though Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, Osimhen put in a great individual performance, scoring one goal and supplying an assist as he ranked as their best player on SofaScore.

The Nigeria international won five of his individual duels, bettered only by two of his team-mates, while he also completed one successful dribble and a team-high three key passes (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Sign him

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems this season, and the fact that Chris Wood has only managed two goals since arriving from Burnley in the January transfer window, the Magpies should be looking to bring in an elite forward to complete their attack for next term.

Described as a ‘perfect’ striker by journalist Aaron West after Sunday’s display, Osimhen would bring Newcastle’s attack to another level. After all, he has now scored 16 goals and provided five assists in total so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Also, he is still only 23 years of age, so he coukd spearhead Eddie Howe’s side for many years to come.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing this shock transfer

Everton will travel to east London this afternoon to take on West Ham as they return to action for one big push to secure safety in the Premier League this season.

With a difficult challenge ahead of them against the Europa League quarter-finalists, Toffees manager Frank Lampard will be hoping that he can rely on his team to take their chances against David Moyes’ side today.

Currently three points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a crucial victory over Newcastle and a bittersweet victory for their fierce rivals Liverpool yesterday over Watford at Anfield, Everton are now in prime position to maintain their Premier League status next season and will be hoping to widen their gap on the relegation zone against West Ham.

That being said, Lampard must take every opportunity to impose serious attacking threats on their upcoming opponents, and Demarai Gray could be the player to deliver that for Everton against West Ham today.

Gray could petrify West Ham

The £42k-p/w gem – who was once hailed the “star of the show” by Alan Shearer after a thrilling performance for Leicester – has been one of the most important attackers in the Toffees team this season.

Gray’s haul of six goals and three assists is the second highest goal contribution in the squad, and when you consider his offensive statistics in the league so far, it’s a no-brainer for Lampard to deploy him in the attacking line against the Irons.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old has the third-highest player rating in the squad (6.93), averaging two shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.9 tackles per game, with three big chances created this season so far.

Gray has played a huge part in six out of Everton’s seven victories in the current campaign, playing more than 75 minutes in each and contributing four goal involvements between four of those wins.

The winger joined Everton for just £1.7m last summer, with his impact in the team worth its weight in gold, and he has been without a doubt their signing of the season. For that reason, Lampard should unleash Gray against West Ham, as he could cause all sorts of problems for the Hammers’ defence and inspire the Toffees to their second victory in a row.

In other news: Everton handed fresh lift as update emerges, Lampard will be buzzing

Leeds United have been tipped to consider bringing Reading midfielder John Swift to Elland Road this summer, LeedsLive report.

The Lowdown: Swift interest

Swift was linked with a move to Yorkshire in the January window, with reports suggesting the 26-year-old was on the club’s list of midfield targets.

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As we know, a move for the Royals star didn’t materialise, with Leeds failing to add to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in any capacity.

Bielsa, who Phil Hay said admired Swift, was sacked in February, with Jesse Marsch the new man in charge, but despite the switch in manager, Swift has come up in conversation once again ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Free transfer?

LeedsLive reporter Danny Bloomer shared a story on Thursday morning, looking at five free agents the Whites could be interested in this summer.

Swift was one of those, with no progress made with Reading regarding a new contract, and as a result, he could end his six-year stay with the club.

The Verdict: Smart signing?

Swift, labelled as ‘super-talented’ by former Reading boss Veljko Paunovic, has been in impressive form this season, contributing to 24 goals in 38 Championship games, netting 11.

Therefore, picking up the attacking midfielder on a free transfer to bolster Marsch’s midfield options could be a shrewd piece of business. The 26-year-old is clearly a player of interest to Victor Orta given the interest in January and the Whites only have four midfielders on the books at this moment in time.

He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £5.4m Transfermarkt valuation, so the coming months could be the perfect time to firm up their long-term interest in the former Chelsea youngster.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist excited by who Orta and Marsch may now ‘bring’ to Leeds this summer. 

Leeds United are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim’s versatile star Florian Grillitsch, and that could spell bad news for Robin Koch at Elland Road…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have claimed that Jesse Marsch’s side have joined fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle in the race to sign the Austria international this summer.

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It’s been suggested that the midfielder’s representatives have sounded out a move abroad amid his contract at Hoffenheim expiring this summer.

Marsch can axe Koch

Reports earlier last year claimed that former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa actually thought the versatile defender was “too soft” to really succeed at Premier League level, and when you look at how he has fared in general, it’s perhaps understandable to see why.

The German had a injury-hit debut campaign at Elland Road last season, playing just 17 times in the Premier League and missing a number of games with a knee problem between December and March.

And, when he has played, he has shown signs of really struggling to get to grips with the pace and intensity of the English game – you only have to look at his performance against Spurs recently to see that.

Writing in his post-match player ratings against Spurs, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross gave him a four, saying: “No protection for the defence or any presence in the middle of the park as Adam Forshaw was left isolated and alone.”

The £50k-a-week earning ace just isn’t a natural fit when deployed in midfield, while at centre-back, he already has a significant amount of competition to battle against with the recently returned Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all ahead of him in the pecking order.

But in Grillitsch, they could find someone who is equally comfortable of playing in the middle of the park, and also being trusted with playing at the back too – in the 18 games he has played in the Bundesliga this season, 12 of them have come in central defence, while the rest have seen him used as either a holding midfielder or in a more box-to-box role.

Indeed, Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann raved about the kind of under-rated nature of the Austrian ace, saying: “In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game.”

The 6 foot 2 Grillitsch could be a superb addition to this Leeds side, and could see Marsch finally axe one of his side’s poorer players.

AND in other news – Leeds facing major nightmare as worrying news emerges, Elland Road would be devastated

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their chase to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Hammers have got their sights set on the centre-back, and ExWHUEmployee has now revealed that David Moyes’ side are “weighing up” a move in this final week of the window.

He said: “Nathan Philips has reportedly told Liverpool that he would like to leave this window and his price is expected to be around £14m. He is another target and someone whose dad shares a good relationship with David Moyes. The club will be weighing up this option against other targets.”

Big boost for Moyes

For all the success West Ham have enjoyed this season in the Premier League – they currently lie in fifth place in the table and just one point off fourth-placed Manchester United – injuries have already played a big part in decimating Moyes’ side.

Centre-back has been the area most impacted through injuries with Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma in particular suffering extended spells out, leaving the Hammers desperately short of options in the middle, so much so that Craig Dawson has had to play through issues of his own.

Speaking earlier this month, Ex said: “Craig Dawson has had some unfair stick in our minds these last few weeks – especially when he has been struggling with injury himself in recent weeks but has played due to our lack of other options (this has not been widely reported elsewhere).”

The fact it’s now being claimed that one of the club’s main targets to improve their options in Phillips, is keen to leave Liverpool and that the Hammers have the added advantage of his dad having a “good relationship” with Moyes, leaves them in good stead in this final week of the transfer window.

If they can get a deal over the line for the centre-back, West Ham fans will surely be buzzing.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Newcastle United all but ensured safety in the Premier League for another season with a 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

A fine goal from Miguel Almiron in the first half sealed the points at St. James’ Park, but it was not always plain-sailing for Eddie Howe’s team, who gave up the majority of the possession to the visitors, and also faced ten shots at their goal (SofaScore) as the hosts retreated in the second half.

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The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to now analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the night, perhaps now looking over their shoulders regarding their long-term futures in Howe’s first choice XI…

Jonjo Shelvey

Given a 6.7 overall rating, Shelvey ranked as the North East club’s third-worst player.

The central midfielder lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble, clearance, interception or key pass, making one foul and giving the ball away nine times in total.

Joelinton

Admittedly tied with Chris Wood in terms of rating (6.5), Joelinton ranks in second here having helped keep the clean sheet as a midfielder.

However, the Brazilian lost a total of six individual duels, and was off target with all three of his shots, while he also never managed a tackle, committed two fouls and lost possession on nine separate occasions.

Chris Wood

With a 6.5 rating, Wood ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s worst performer.

The striker was unsuccessful in seven duels, and never managed a shot, successful dribble or key pass, amassing just 34 touches of the ball in total and giving it away with 15 of those.

He also missed a huge chance in the first-half only to be spared by the offside flag.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ target NUFC are now set to ‘miss out’ on here!

Newcastle United head of recruitment Steve Nickson admires Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca, according to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder. 

The lowdown

The 23-year-old Italian striker has finally established himself in the Sassuolo first-team after loan stints at Cremonese, PEC Zwolle, Ascoli and Genoa. He has scored 13 goals in 28 Serie A appearances this season, averaging one every 117 minutes.

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Nicknamed ‘Il Bomber’, Scamacca has been called ‘deadly’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and dubbed ‘a bit Zlatan-ish’ by sports journalist Maxi Angelo.

Newcastle have also been strongly linked with another Serie A striker in the form of Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata. The Daily Record even claimed that the Magpies made a £25m bid for the Colombian in January.

The latest

Ryder reported for The Chronicle that Zapata remains on Newcastle’s ‘wish list’, but they may only make a move for the 30-year-old if they are unable to snap up Scamacca.

Nickson is said to be ‘well aware’ of the Sassuolo hitman ahead of the summer transfer window.

The verdict

How do Scamacca and Zapata compare?

First and foremost, the former scores more non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.65 against 0.52). In terms of their all-round game, though, Zapata boasts double the expected assists p90 (0.2 against 0.1) and has also completed more than twice as many dribbles (1.68 against 0.79) a the Sassuolo marksman.

However, Scamacca’s defensive contribution is far stronger – he ranks in the 62nd percentile (among positional peers) for pressures and the 73rd for tackles, compared to just the sixth and the 19th for Zapata.

Also, whereas the Colombian may be more or less the finished article at the age of 30, Scamacca’s game can be expected to develop even further over the coming years. Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old could be a smart long-term addition for Newcastle.

In other news, Luke Edwards has revealed Newcastle’s summer budget

Everton have held talks with Ashley Cole over a potential coaching role in Frank Lampard’s Goodison Park set-up. 

That’s according to an on-air update from Sky Sports News, which was shared via Football Daily on Twitter.

The lowdown

Lampard’s appointment as Rafael Benitez’s permanent successor was confirmed by Everton on Monday.

He spent 13 years of his playing career at Chelsea (from 2001 to 2014) and was a team-mate of Cole for more than half of that time (2006-2014). Together, they won the Premier League in 2010, the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League in 2013.

Cole then played under Lampard at Derby County in his final season before retirement, and the then-Rams boss said that the defender’s ‘experience’ was a ‘really good’ asset, hailing him as a ‘machine’ (via Goal).

The latest

Sky Sports News reporter Hayley McQueen revealed on-air on Tuesday morning (via Football Daily) that Lampard had set about adding Cole to his backroom team. The former England left-back is set to decide whether to accept or reject the offer this week.

McQueen stated: “Little bit of news just coming into us, Frank Lampard wants Ashley Cole to join him as part of his coaching staff at Everton.”

Her colleague Jo Wilson then added: “We understand discussions have taken place to bring Lampard’s former teammate on board at Goodison Park, with a decision expected to be made in the next few days.”

The verdict

Lampard has asked the likes of Duncan Ferguson, Leighton Baines and Alan Kelly to remain at the club, but he will see Cole as a fresh face who can help to implement his vision at Goodison Park.

The 41-year-old’s presence could be invaluable. Cole has honed his coaching skills working with Chelsea’s youth teams and the England under-21 side.

A player of his stature – he has been nominated for a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame – should also command great respect from the Everton players, so it seems a sensible move from Lampard to try and instigate a reunion with his former club and international colleague.

In other news, Matt Law was stunned by this Everton transfer revelation

A teasing update has emerged on Rangers and their efforts to fast track John Souttar’s arrival at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

Edinburgh News journalist Barry Anderson has claimed that the Gers are working to agree a deal to sign the centre-back this month.

He Tweeted: “Rangers’ talks with Hearts over John Souttar are progressing but no transfer agreed yet. Seems a matter of time. Will be surprised if he plays for #HMFC again. Not involved at Auchinleck Talbot today.”

Excitement

This teasing claim will surely get Rangers fans excited as it suggests that the club are well on their way to bringing Souttar to Ibrox this month. Whilst Gio van Bronckhorst can rest easy with the knowledge that he is guaranteed to come in the summer, it could be a major boost in the short term to have him arrive six months earlier.

Bringing the central defender to Glasgow this month could improve the Gers’ chances of achieving success domestically and in Europe as he could be an upgrade to the starting XI.

Souttar has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.44 across his 19 Premiership starts. He has won 70% of his individual duels and made 4.3 clearances per game, showing off his defensive quality at this level.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein once hailed the defender as one of the best in the division, saying:

“I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Meanwhile, no Rangers player outside of James Tavernier (7.80) has managed a higher rating than Souttar in the league. Connor Goldson’s score of 7.15 is the highest of any centre-back in the squad, suggesting that the Hearts man has been head and shoulders above any of van Bronckhorst’s current options.

Therefore, bringing the 25-year-old in this month could be a huge move by Ross Wilson and the Dutch head coach and fans will surely be excited by the prospect of him lining up for the club this season. That is why they will be delighted with this latest update on the pursuit by Anderson.

AND in other news, Major development emerges in “groundbreaking” Rangers move, GvB will be buzzing…