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As Newcastle United look to put last season's disappointing seventh-placed Premier League finish behind them, they are linked with a player who could fix a major problem at St James' Park.

Toon look to improve on disappointing campaign

The latest transfer news out of St James' Park suggests that Newcastle are looking to put last season's failure to capture European football behind them and build a squad ready to once again disrupt the Premier League's traditional big six.

Howe struck gold on Newcastle ace who's now worth more than Joelinton

His value has skyrocketed despite never featuring for the club.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 19, 2024

Defensive reinforcements appear to be a high priority for the Magpies with the latest news linking the Toon with a move for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori. The English centre back could be made available for £42million this summer, making him an attractive target for Newcastle. Another Englishman abroad linked with a move to Tyneside is Tammy Abraham. The ex-Chelsea man is currently at Roma, with the Italian outfit reportedly offering the player to clubs for just £28 million.

The main area of concern for Newcastle is between the sticks however. With Nick Pope's season-ending injury back in December placing his Toon future in doubt, a fresh face in goal is now their top priority. Additionally, it appears that current backup choice Martin Dubravka could follow Loris Karius out of the exit door.

Burnley's James Trafford is the name most frequently linked with a move to Tyneside with Newcastle reportedly close to completing a £20million move to secure the services of the England keeper. Despite conceding 62 goals as Burnley suffered immediate relegation back to the Championship, Trafford is still viewed as a goalkeeper with a bright future ahead of him.

With a goalkeeper at the top of the PIF's shopping list, Newcastle are also apparrently set to launch a bid for a goalkeeper who was crowned a European Champion last season.

Magpies ready bid for Atalanta's Musso

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are stating that Newcastle have made contact to sign Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso. The outlet reports that Magpies are joined by Villarreal and Genoa in pursuit of the Argentine shot-stopper.

If the Toon are serious about signing Musso, they will have to fork out more than £8.5 million to tempt the 30-year-old away from Bergamo. The Italian press go on to report that Newcastle see the South American as an "ideal reinforcement" and claim that they could "soon make a concrete offer" to secure his services.

Musso made just 11 appearances in the league last season, however excelled in Atalanta's Europa League campaign. The 30-year-old featured in all but one of his side's games in the competition and kept a clean sheet in the final as Atalanta ran away 3-0 winners against Bayer Leverkusen.

It is clear that Musso would be a perfect fit for Newcastle's situation – the 2-cap Argentina international is a goalkeeper that is comfortable playing back up but can step up when necessary. If Pope is to face an uncertain future at St James' Park, bringing in Musso would be an ideal option for the Magpies' higher ups.

A Naples-based Zoo honoured Napoli star Romelu Lukaku by naming a new born Jaguar cub after the forward.

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• Lukaku honoured by a Naples zoo
• Has regained his form at Napoli
• Conte's side will face Atalanta on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Chelsea and Manchester United striker, who joined Napoli permanently this summer, has already become extremely popular in Naples. He has displayed fine form for the Serie A side in the 2024-25 campaign and has won over several fans in the city. In a bid to show their love for the Belgian forward, a Zoo in the city recently named a newborn Jaguar cub after the 31-year-old.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  The zoo named Lo Zoo di Napoli, confirmed the news on social media as they shared an image of the baby Jaguar on their Instagram page. Explaining the decision, the curator of the zoo, Dr Fiorella Saggese said, "The zoo is close to the stadium, we experience every game and we are all big football fans. It is a tribute to Napoli and a wish of good luck for the season."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lukaku's reunion with Antonio Conte has been a hit thus far, as the striker has scored four goals and provided five assists in nine games across all competitions as Napoli find themselves four points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

  The Blues, who are currently on a six-game winning streak, will be back in action in the Italian top-flight on Sunday as they take on Atalanta at home.

Cristiano Ronaldo was slammed by UFC champion Ilia Topuria after the Al-Nassr star accused him of "talking too much" ahead of Max Holloway showdown.

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• Ronaldo was filmed discussing Topuria
• Backed Holloway to win against the Spaniard
• Topuria responded sharply to the footballer on X

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo, a noted fan of mixed martial arts, has often shown interest in the combat sports world and was recently spotted supporting former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in his transition to the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Portuguese, sharing his thoughts on Topuria’s rise in the UFC, voiced skepticism over the fighter’s recent win over Alexander Volkanovski, suggesting that Volkanovski was “not ready” for the fight due to a lingering injury. Ronaldo commented to Ngannou and his coach, Eric Nicksick, that Topuria still needed to prove himself against more top-tier opponents and backed Max Holloway to beat Topuria in the UFC 308 main event.

  “[Topuria] speaks too much… I think when he [beat] Volk [Alexander Volkanovski], Volk wasn’t [ready] because of that kick… [Topuria] didn’t fight with the top guys,” he told Ngannou.“If he beats Max, I will respect [him].”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Once in the octagon, Topuria displayed an electrifying performance against Holloway, showing that his confidence was backed by skill and strategy. The early rounds saw Topuria finding his range, tactically landing punches and moving effectively to control the pace. In the third round, he advanced with a series of precise punches that took Holloway off guard, culminating in a powerful left hook that sent the former champion to the ground. wasted no time following up, launching a barrage of strikes that forced the referee to intervene, marking Topuria’s win with a knockout. With this victory, Topuria’s record remains an impressive 16-0, further solidifying his standing in the UFC as a top competitor.

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• WHAT TOPURIA SAID

  With this latest victory, Topuria not only silenced his critics but also added a career-defining win to his resume. Basking in its glory, Topuria responded to Ronaldo and said: "I didn't expect someone like you to be unable to distinguish between confidence and arrogance. But, at the end of the day, we all reflect our own reality onto others. I wish you the best for what remains of your career, and God bless your family."

There must have been a palpable sense of relief from Sunderland supporters when Regis Le Bris' appointment was confirmed late last week, finally bringing to an end the Black Cats' drawn-out search for a new manager.

The ex-Lorient head coach put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the club on Friday, eager now to get down to work and restore pride into the Wearside outfit again after a poor season saw Sunderland finish in a lowly 16th spot.

The new French boss will no doubt want a number of incomings to stamp his authority but there could also be some outgoings too, which may well include one of his former players at Lorient being moved on.

Aouchiche's time at Lorient

Sunderland fans might have been excited by the prospect of Adil Aouchiche and what he could do this coming season after shining in spurts last campaign, despite such a poor overall year for the team.

The daring 21-year-old would help himself to a promising five goal contributions from 30 games in all competitions, but could find his fledging Sunderland career cut short with Le Bris rarely using him when the two were at Lorient together.

Aouchiche would only end up making 13 appearances for his ex-employers with Les Bris at the helm, with just one league start handed out to the 5 foot 11 attacking midfielder during the 2022/23 campaign by the new Black Cats manager, before leaving for England under his tenure.

The Sunderland number 22 would also be demoted to the Lorient B team on one occasion by the 48-year-old, with Aouchiche fearing now that he could be chucked to one side by Le Bris again, especially with the likes of Jobe Bellingham looking to nail down that number ten role as his own soon.

Now, he could be heading towards a premature Stadium of Light exit, if Le Bris decides the 21-year-old isn't to his liking again.

Aouchiche's transfer value at Sunderland

This doesn't have to be a crushing development, with Aouchiche's estimated transfer valuation – according to Football Transfers – making him a more valuable asset than first-team regular Dan Neil currently.

Although the attacking midfielder only started ten of the 28 Championship games he amassed last campaign, Aouchiche's valuation still stands at a hefty £4.8m, which means the Black Cats could cash in and not feel too disheartened.

For a player who was once purchased on a free transfer by Lorient, Sunderland would be in for some pretty profit, you imagine, if they did sell him on.

Neil, who featured in all but four of his side's 46 league games in contrast, finds his valuation surprisingly at a lesser £4.5m, meaning Sunderland might strike whilst the iron is hot and offload Aouchiche soon, before his value takes a hit.

Aouchiche isn't even that far off entering the top five table above when looking at the highest-valued players currently on Wearside, with the former Paris St. Germain youngster's pedigree in the game clearly outweighing his mediocre debut season in England.

It will be intriguing to see if the new manager does give Aouchiche a fair shot after discarding him at Lorient, with Neil, on the contrary, presumably a guaranteed first-teamer if the 22-year-old commits his future at the Stadium of Light, after rumours circulated he was unsettled with no boss occupying the dug-out.

Le Bris will just hope he can be the fresh injection of life the Black Cats need in the manager's hot seat next season, as Sunderland eye up a much higher finish than their car-crash 2023/24 offering.

Sunderland could sign "terrific" Bellingham replacement

Sunderland will be drafting up a list of replacements in case Jobe Bellingham does walk away soon.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 19, 2024

Mark Palios has made an “ASAP” admission as Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and Wrexham inspire Tranmere to bring “celebrities” on board.

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• Hollywood co-owners at SToK Racecourse
• Famous faces investing in British clubs
• Rovers may be next for superstar treatment

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hollywood superstars in North Wales have shown what can be achieved when high-profile figures are drafted into ambitious EFL projects. Wrexham, with an award-winning documentary series opening up a window to the world, have enjoyed back-to-back promotions and are now flying high in League One.

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  THE GOSSIP

  Tranmere, who sit in the bottom-half of League Two, are eager to tread a similar path. Current owner Palios has opened himself up to outside investment, with there talk of a consortium – headed by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina but also featuring Rihanna’s rap star partner A$AP Rocky – lining up a £15 million ($20m) approach.

• WHAT TRANMERE OWNER SAID

  Palios cannot give much away at this point, but has told : “It’s been no secret over the last two years in our accounts, we’ve said that we’ve been trying to attract investment into the club – although we are not formally for sale. That has been part of the strategy we have adopted in regards to moving the club on to the next stage. While I’m not confirming that A$AP Rocky is part of a consortium one way or another, there are a number of people out there. We are under an NDA, non-disclosure arrangement, so I can’t talk about individual parties but it is part of the plan that we would get people in to do that.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Palios added on raising Tranmere’s profile, as Rovers follow the lead of Football League rivals: “As soon as you bring celebrities into the club, then a lot of things can happen. We have seen that with Wrexham. I think what’s important is that there is a major opportunity in the US market at this point in time – partly because of what happened with Wrexham – but if you start to look at that as a market place for English clubs, there is about 85 million people – that is more than in the UK – that watch English football. I know that is heavily biased towards the Premier League, but of course Wrexham have made people interested in lower league clubs.”

  Quizzed on when he would like to see a deal completed, Palios said with a smile: “ASAP!”

Manchester United will be hoping for a season better than their previous one in 2024/25. They finally know who their manager will be; Erik ten Hag will keep his job at the helm of the club, following the club’s post-season review. It was confirmed recently by reputable journalist David Ornstein that the Dutchman will lead his side into the next campaign.

Indeed, the Red Devils will need to improve on their lacklustre Premier League efforts. They finished eighth in the league, with 60 points and a -1 goal difference, eight points behind Aston Villa in fourth. However, they massively overachieved. As per Understat’s expected points metric, they should have finished 14th, with just 44xPTS to their name.

An FA Cup final victory secured United both a trophy and a spot in Europe next season. Goals from academy graduate duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the win over Manchester City, giving Ten Hag his second trophy in as many years and a place in the Europa League next season.

United will need to dip into the transfer market over the summer in order to strengthen their squad for next season. Already, they have been linked with one player who can add both depth and quality to their squad.

Man Utd target La Liga attacker

The player in question here is Barcelona and Brazil striker Vitor Roque. The 19-year-old joined Barca in a big-money move from Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense in January but has struggled to find his feet and could depart the club this summer.

At least, that is according to reports in Spain, via Football365. It's explained that the Red Devils have already placed a bid for Roque, but have “had their first offer” rejected by the Spanish giants.

This transfer rumour comes after his agent, André Cury, called former manager Xavi out in May for Roque’s lack of game time. Cury said that the young Brazilian will only leave permanently and that nobody “understands why Xavi doesn’t play him” stating that they will speak to the club in due time.

This has opened the door to a potential move to Old Trafford for Roque. However, a potential transfer fee has not been named should United look to sign the Brazilian. However, as per Football Observatory, Roque is valued at £51m. Barca paid £25.6m up front for Roque, with a suggested £26.4m in add-ons potentially being paid.

How Roque would fit in at Man Utd

To say Roque was underused last season by Xavi would be something of an understatement. He made 14 La Liga appearances, scoring twice. However, the 331 minutes he played equates to just three full 90-minute games.

However, he is still a quality striker despite being just 19 years of age. In Roque’s final season in the Brazilian Serie A, he scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 25 games, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig explaining that his “quality is indisputable”, whilst also praising his mentality.

The teenager is an excellent ball carrier, something that is reflected in his Fbref stats. The youngster averages an attempted 3.50 take-ons per 90 minutes, and completes 1.17 of those take-ons. This places him in the top 7% and 16% respectively of strikers. Not only that, he averages 1.37 carries into the final third, ranking him in the top 12%, and 1.17 carries into the penalty box, placing him in the top 11%.

This carrying from deeper areas could suit United down to a tee. Roque would offer a completely different profile than Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford. The Dane scored 16 goals in 43 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, Hojlund was used as a back-to-goal type of striker,for United, whereas he is perhaps better utilised in another way. As Sky Sports analyst Adam Bate pointed out, Hojlund “would prefer to be running channels, finding space with his movement” than holding the ball up and carrying from deep.

However, Roque, a slick dribbler, may be better at dropping deeper to link up play. He is just 5 foot 7 and uses his slight frame to help slalom around defenders. Dropping deeper would allow him to dribble from deeper areas and carry the ball forward, or link up play with opponents offering a completely different profile to the Dane, who prefers to get down the sides of the pitch.

Described as “truly magnificent” by the aforementioned Kulig, although we haven’t seen the best of him at Barca, he is no doubt a talented player. Just look at his form during his final season in Brazil. If this is a deal the Red Devils get over the line, they would add a new profile to their squad and bring in another exciting and talented centre-forward.

Man Utd hit gold on amazing star who's worth the same as Musiala & Mbappe

The Man Utd ace is their most valuable player.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 17, 2024

Aitana Bonmati has opened up on the appeal of two very different options for her future after signing a new Barcelona contract, despite WSL interest.

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• Bonmati was subject of WSL interest this summer
• But signed new Barca contract last month
• Has opened up on future possibilities

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid rumours of interest from English champions Barcelona, the Spain star put pen to paper on a new deal in Catalunya last month, with her previous contract having been set to expire in the summer of 2025. According to , the new terms have made Bonmati the highest-paid player in the women's game, and she is now set to stay at the club until 2028.

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  The midfielder made her senior Barcelona debut in 2016, aged 18, and has gone on to make nearly 300 appearances in the time since, winning 18 major honours and the Ballon d'Or. As such, she has achieved iconic status at the club and could add to that by seeing out her career with the reigning European champions.

• WHAT BONMATI SAID

  However, in an interview with , Bonmati admitted that there is also appeal in England's WSL. "That would be nice to be a one-club player," she said. "For now, I've been playing for Barcelona since I was 13 years old. It would be nice if I could end my career like this. But you never know. I'd never close the door. You never know what might happen in the future. But for now, I'm here for four more years, so I want to enjoy.

  "[The WSL] is a league that is so nice because England are investing a lot in women's football since the Euros – I cannot say the same about here in Spain. Of course, it's a league that we have to keep watching, to be like them for helping women's football grow.

  "I would say that England is an example off the field. Barca as a club is the same, but I would say England as a country. They won the Euros and took this as an opportunity to invest and help to grow women's football. And they are doing things so good – they are putting a lot of people in the stadiums. They are opening their (men's teams') stadiums every single week – this is so nice. Also, they are investing in brands, publicity and marketing. They are an example for everything."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea were heavily linked with Bonmati before she signed her new contract in Barcelona. Several publications in Spain reported that the Blues were willing to pay her €3 million (£2.55m/$3.26m) release clause, thus setting a new record for a transfer in women's football. However, Bonmati's priority was Barca.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Lens right-back Jonathan Clauss this summer, and he could be an excellent addition to Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, the Red Devils and Chelsea are interested in signing the France international after another superb season in Ligue 1 with Lens.

The report suggested that the 29-year-old would be available for as little as £8m this summer, as his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, so he could represent a bargain option for United’s new manager,and see him potentially upgrade on current options Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the lack of attacking threat offered by United’s full-backs last season, the prospect of signing Clauss will surely excite fans at Old Trafford.

Neither Wan-Bissaka nor Dalot contributed a single goal or assist in the Premier League last term, and if Ten Hag wants to implement the same free-flowing attacking football for which his Ajax side were well-known, then he will need an upgrade on the right-hand side of his defence.

Clauss could be the ideal candidate after he contributed a hugely impressive five goals and 11 assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season, averaging a superb 7.22 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Frenchman has exploded onto the scene in recent years and has drawn comparisons with legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu due to his ability to fly forward in attack but still do his job as a defender.

Former team-mate Anthony Beuve was full of praise for Clauss earlier this year, saying: “When you know him, you know he’s a guy who gives his all, always going forward. He’s like that in life off the pitch too, a guy who’s a little crazy and who doesn’t worry too much about things.”

Therefore, considering that he is available for just £8m, United should definitely look at bringing Clauss to Old Trafford this summer.

AND in other news – After Martinez: MUFC could sign their own Jota as Ten Hag eyes “absolute phenomenon”

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Nathan Ake.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Fabio Paratici reportedly being keen on a move for the Manchester City centre-back this summer, Chelsea have now reached a full agreement with the 27-year-old regarding a move to Stamford Bridge.

The transfer insider went on to state that Pep Guardiola’s side are aware of the situation surrounding the Netherlands international, however, City are now waiting to receive an official bid from Thomas Tuchel’s outfit that meets their asking price of around £45m for the defender.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Chelsea have full agreement with Nathan Ake on personal terms. Man City are aware of the situation on the player side, but still waiting to receive the official bid. City want around £40/45m for Ake and plan is to replace him with a new centre back in case he leaves.”

Paratici will be livid

While it is true that Tottenham have recently confirmed the capture of Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan, with it being reported that Paratici remains interested in adding further players to Antonio Conte’s options at the back this summer, Romano’s claim that Ake has now agreed a move to Chelsea is sure to have left the sporting director livid.

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Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £26m-rated talent was in impressive form for City, helping Guardiola’s side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per fixture.

The £100k-per-week defender – who is also comfortable in operating from left-back – also posed a threat going forwards, scoring two goals and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 55.1 passes, 1.0 long ball and taking 0.4 shots per game.

These returns saw the Dutchman who Bill DiFilippo dubbed “unreal” average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as City’s 14th-best performer in their title-winning campaign last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Ake would have made a fantastic addition to Conte’s defensive arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season – leading us to believe that Paratici will be rueing what looks to be a huge opportunity missed to land the 27-year-old this summer.

AND in other news: Journo “hearing” £20m Spurs deal set to be “pushed through”, supporters surely buzzing

Everton are in desperate need to make some signings this summer, especially with news of Richarlison’s impending move to Tottenham Hotspur, and a new update has now emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Journalist and Goodison Park insider Alan Myers has given hope to the Toffees’ pursuit of a potential transfer target by making a claim on the chances of Emmanuel Dennis making a move to Merseyside this summer.

Myers responded to an Everton supporter’s question on Twitter about the chances of signing the Nigeria international this summer, saying: “Wouldn’t surprise me”.

It was reported by The Daily Mail this month that Everton are interested in signing the striker if Richarlison did exit the club.

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that supporters will be delighted that there is an opportunity for Everton to sign Dennis from Watford this summer, as he could be a worthy replacement in terms of adding goal contributions following Richarlison’s imminent departure.

Despite the Hornets falling back into the Championship at the end of last season, their Nigerian striker has been a consistent and reliable player who could be a great asset if he has an experienced, high-quality forward line around him next season.

Dennis scored 10 goals, delivered six assists and created seven big chances, along with making one key pass and 1.5 tackles and winning 6.2 duels per game over 33 Premier League appearances last term,  with his output very similar to Richarlison’s.

The Brazil international also scored 10 goals and created seven big chances during the campaign, along with making one key pass per game, but he delivered one assist fewer and made fewer tackles than the Watford star last season over 30 league appearances for the Toffees.

As a result, Frank Lampard could form a formidable strike partnership between Dennis and Dominic Calvert-Lewin next season to fill the hole that Richarlison will leave in the team, and it could really pay off considering that the Watford attacker has a similar output to the Brazilian, who coincidentally has also had a spell at Vicarage Road.

Moshiri must act swiftly to ensure that the Everton squad is not weakened further, as Lampard will be desperate to improve every area of the pitch to ensure that the team doesn’t fall into another Premier League relegation battle in 2022/23.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals major Everton transfer development, supporters will be gutted