Premier League News Now

Tag: Newcastle United

Get latest Newcastle news and updates. Know what’s happening at St. James Park. We bring you the latest Newcastle United team news and happenings in the football world. Now get live Newcastle news, transfer news, injury news, international duties, rumors, analysis, match report, NUFC fixtures, signings and much more.

  • Newcastle United make contact for Ekitike alternative in Sekou Mara

    Newcastle United make contact for Ekitike alternative in Sekou Mara

    Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make contact to sign Girondins de Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara, as they seek out an alternative to former target Hugo Ekitike who joined Paris Saint-Germain. 

    According to journalist Loic Tanzi, the Magpies have set their sights on Sekou Mara.

    The Bordeaux forward is attracting interest from a whole host of clubs across Europe following his impressive performances in the French Ligue 1 and for France’s Under-20 side at the Maurice Revello Tournament last month. Newcastle are among the clubs keen on his services, with Atletico Madrid, Lyon and AS Monaco also involved in the chase.

    A former member of the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain, the France youth international joined Bordeaux in 2017 on a free transfer. The 19-year-old wonderkid has flourished ever since, directly contributing to 11 goals in 36 senior outings for Les Girondins.

    Embed from Getty Images

    After Newcastle’s long chase of compatriot Hugo Ekitike ended when he opted to join French giants PSG on loan, the Magpies are swiftly in the market for an alternative wonderkid forward, and Sekou Mara surely fits the bill.

    Bordeaux have experienced a rather torrid time of late. Once a stalwart of Ligue 1 and a Champions League regular, the club endured relegation to Ligue 2 after a dreadful 2021/22 campaign. The club have now suffered the ignominy of being relegated to the Championnat National due to their financial troubles. The club is likely to appeal the decision over the coming weeks as they believe it to be ‘brutal’.

    A bright spark of the club’s dour season has been the emergence of Sékou Mara, the young striker has broken through into the first team. He is predicted to be the next star of French football, with great talent and immeasurable understanding of the game.

    The Rumours

    Taking to Twitter, Tanzi – a journalist for French outlet L’Equipe – suggested that the Toon are set to make their move to sign the French youth superstar.

    He tweeted: “After the failure of the Ekitike track, Newcastle will embark on Sekou Mara. The Magpies will contact Bordeaux, which is asking for 15 million euros excluding bonuses and % on resale. Atletico, who need to sell first, are there too.”

    How did Sekou Mara fare last campaign?

    Sekou Mara has just had his first big season of first-team football in Ligue 1 but still hasn’t played that many minutes. There were eight league starts and 18 sub appearances but still managed to play only 895 minutes.

    The 6ft tall striker scored six goals, with five of those coming in his last seven appearances (both starting and as a sub) of the season.

    Signing Mara at the reported €15m (£12.7m) asking price would represent a superb risk-free investment from PIF given the forward’s age, potential and ever-rising stock.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Boasting similar stylistic traits to such renowned target men as Olivier Giroud, Gianluca Scamacca and Jonathan David as per FBRef, the talented teenager should be regarded as a top target for Eddie Howe.

    Certainly, his game needs more refining in order to perform consistently at the top level, but considering the vastly improving environment entailing much work-ethic, development and top-level coaching that Howe is fostering inside St James Park, it is one Mara could well thrive in.

    Investing in such a prestigious young forward could potentially set Newcastle United up well for the future, with the young striker learning off the likes of Callum Wilson who he could ultimately come to replace in the long term.

  • Transfers that can make Newcastle United a European spot contender!

    Transfers that can make Newcastle United a European spot contender!

    Newcastle United are undergoing rapid changes on and off the field. The Public Investment Fund bought Newcastle for a fee of $409 million & since their acquisition, the club has managed to make progress in the right direction. But what can they do to make them a European contender?

    When PIF appointed Eddie Howe they had twin objectives:

    SHORT-TERM GOAL:

    a) To sign players who will improve the current side.

    b) And to develop the club’s current status.

    LONG-TERM GOAL:

    Embed from Getty Images

    a) To keep improving season after season to enter the European competitions and eventually lift the English Premier League.

    We can say that they are on the right track in terms of short-term goals where players like Bruno Guimarães, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier & Matt Targett all have come into the side through the January transfer window and helped Newcastle finish to respectable 11th place finish.

    Also signing one of Europe’s most promising young centre-back Sven Botman and a solid Premier League goalkeeper like Nick Pope this summer, the PIF continue to work towards achieving their long-term goals. But are these players enough to secure them a European berth? Probably not.

    So here are two transfers that Newcastle United should look to make in order to challenge for a European spot:

    THILO KEHRER – RIGHT SIDED CENTRE-BACK

    Embed from Getty Images

    Newcastle have significantly improved defensively since Eddie Howe took over in November. The side under Steve Bruce shipped goals at a rate of 2.6 goals compared to Howe’s 2 goals per match. A big improvement but this can also further be improved. West Ham United finished in the European places by letting in 50 goals last year which means the Magpies need further in defence and just to that Thilo Kehrer is the first pick to do so.

    Sven Botman acquisition means that Newcastle United have a player who understands and reads the dynamics of a football game very quickly but also he is not really very quick due to his enormous stature. Also, Howe has deployed a very deep block and uses counterattacks as a means to convert defences to offences. Dan Burn no doubt has improved this side very much but Thilo Kehrer in our opinion will further improve the Toons. A right-sided centre-back will be perfect to complement Dan Burn’s or Botman’s left-footedness.

    Thilo ticks the boxes of a solid defensive and is more technical than Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles. A German International who has played 20 times for his country and a player who started in UEFA Champions League 2020 final against Bayern Munich, Kehrer is recognized across European football. It is also convenient that his contract expires next summer and is valued at £19.80m by Transfermarkt.

    Kehrer can play both the right-sided centre-back and a right-back. An excellent passer of the ball, Kehrer ranks in the 99th percentile of all centre-backs in Europe for passes completed. He also loves to join his side in attack, taking 1.15 touches in the penalty box also receiving 1.42 progressive passes per match & carrying the ball nearly 4 times per 90.

    He is not the most aerially dominant lying in the bottom 20 percentile for aerial wins but that won’t be a problem if plays alongside Burn or Botman.

    MOUSSA DIABY – RIGHT WING

    Embed from Getty Images

    Right-wing is probably the most important position where Newcastle need to upgrade. Their left side is carried by Allan Saint-Maximin who has had a really good time since arriving in Newcastle but the right side does not offer the same amount of threat. Ryan Frasier and Miguel Almiron have played a big chunk of minutes there and are good squad members but both of them are not good enough to start. Between the two of them, they have contributed 3 goals and 3 assists which is a bad return for a side which needs goals.

    So, Moussa Diaby is one player that Newcastle should target this summer. Diaby, now 23 years old, has improved season after season since his arrival in Leverkusen in 2019. Last season he was one of the best players in the Bundesliga scoring 13 and assisting a further 12 goals. The now French international was also amazing in the UEFA Europa League scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists in just 600 minutes of action. Contrary to Saint-Maximin he is more of a creative player than a dynamic one. He is a better passer of the ball and has more end product compared to his French compatriot.

    He is also comfortable playing on any side of midfield and also plays as a central midfielder. A player who is young, hungry and already has experience of playing in the European stages, Diaby is a player ready to play in the Premier League.

    Moussa still has a contract until 2025 and Transfermarkt values him at £54m but with the spending power of the PIF that should not be a very big problem.

  • Newcastle United considering a move for Ismaila Sarr: Should Magpies pursue the deal?

    Newcastle United considering a move for Ismaila Sarr: Should Magpies pursue the deal?

    Newcastle United are in the market to strengthen their first team with Eddie Howe keen on improving last season’s 11th place finish. The Saudi owners are ready to invest heavily in the squad to make them competitive and achieve their goal of being amongst Europe’s elite.

    Investing in a right-sided attacker is set to be one of the top priorities for the Magpies with Howe not happy with his current options which include Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy the only right-wingers at the club.

    Let’s analyze why a move for Ismaila Sarr could be the right option for Howe and Co.

    Cheaper Moussa Diaby alternative

    Embed from Getty Images

    According to various sources around the club, Newcastle have Moussa Diaby on top of their wishlist for the right-wing position but are reluctant to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s 80 million euro price tag. With a Champions League place secured in the recently concluded season, the German club will be stern negotiators and will sell their players on their terms similar to what happened during Kai Havertz’s transfer to Chelsea two years ago.

    Meanwhile, Ismaila Sarr’s situation at Watford is completely the opposite with the Hornets prepared to let the Senegalese leave for a fee in the region of 30-40 million pounds.

    Added threat on the wings

    Embed from Getty Images

    Allan Saint-Maximin’s skills have been terrorising the Tyneside’s opponents every game and Sarr’s arrival in the team would just worsen things for defenders. Ismaila Sarr has a similar playing style to the French winger with both the players elite 1v1 dribblers and clinical with their finishing. Howe’s counter-attacking style of play has been complementing Saint-Maximin and could do the same with Sarr too who has played in a similar system at Watford.

    Ismaila Sarr – A guaranteed starter for next season

    Embed from Getty Images

    Sarr with his qualities easily walks into Newcastle’s squad and could partner Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson upfront. He is an instant upgrade on both Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy even adding considerable depth in attack.

    The 24-year-old has produced impressive numbers during his time at Watford with 10 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League in 2 seasons. Though the numbers are low considering he is an attacker, he has played both seasons in teams which have been relegated and hasn’t had enough support in attack to unlock his full potential.

    Author’s Opinion

    The transfer of Diaby seems to be complicated as things stand and there are only 2 and a half weeks left until the new season starts. Sarr seems to be a very viable option and could be a good signing for the Magpies who can save money and invest it in other positions in the squad. The famous chant sung by the Toon army at St. James’ Park “Saint-Maximin on the wings….” could soon be changed to “Sarr and Maximin on the wings…..”

  • Emmanuel Dennis to Newcastle United: A viable option?

    Emmanuel Dennis to Newcastle United: A viable option?

    The English top-flight side Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis in the transfer window.

    The cash-rich Magpies under the new owners are giving it all they’ve got to build a new squad ahead of the next season. As a matter of fact, a squad rebuild is what appears to have been taking place at St. James’ Park this summer.

    Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe, and the management believe there is plenty of scope for the club to grow in the coming years provided there are vital signings made and if they could build an academy of their own with proper infrastructure. All of which already seem to be on the agenda of the new ownership for the Magpies.

    In the midst of the transfer window, Newcastle have gotten an interesting proposition on their table in the form of a striker from Watford. The Hornets have placed an offer to help the Magpies sign Emmanuel Dennis this summer.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Now, the striker is an interesting choice to add up front in the attack if the transfer is to be facilitated. He has made 30 appearances in his stint with the club, netting the ball 10 times and registering six assists to his name.

    The gaffer is in need of a forward who can get them the goals they require once the regular season gets underway. Howe’s preferred option would be that of a centre-forward or a striker and here is where the Watford ace could join in.

    Callum Wilson and Chris Wood are the only two strikers in the side the gaffer will turn to, however, banking on them throughout the entire season would just be an added pressure. Moreover, the Magpies lack depth in the attacking front, and Dennis could help fix that issue with his inclusion.

    Besides, the striker is available for a fee in the region of around £20m, something that the Magpies would not mind cashing in. With the Premier League experience that he holds coupled with adapting well to playing out wide and in the centre, he has proven how lethal and versatile he can be on the pitch.

    His ability to dribble and his pace would bring a lot to St. James’ Park and Howe would be delighted to have such a profile on his side. With Moussa Diaby and Armando Broja also linked with a move to join the Magpies, the transfer still seems to be difficult to pull off.

    Embed from Getty Images

    With the chance to sign a striker and of such calibre, this could be the right time for Newcastle to make a swoop for the player to secure his services. Considering that he is only 24 with still his prime years ahead of him, this could be a great time both for the club and the player to work with each other.

    Dennis would surely be a vital option considering the lack of options up front in the attack. Also, with his quality, the player at a bigger management such as that of Newcastle can bring a lot to the side and compete with the other two strikers for the regular spot.

  • Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby has emerged as Newcastle’s top target

    Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby has emerged as Newcastle’s top target

    Newcastle are keen on Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and Everton’s Anthony Gordon but Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as their top target

    The Magpies are doing whatever they can, to start an attacking revamp under Eddie Howe to avoid the blemishes from the later stages of the last season. They have been already linked with Chelsea’s young striker Armando Broja, and now the links have been with one of the top growing wingers in Europe – Moussa Diaby.

    Embed from Getty Images

    According to the reports from a 90min Exclusive, Newcastle are preparing a huge bid for the French winger, in a potential move away from the Bundesliga outfits in Leverkusen. Since joining the German club from PSG in 2019, Diaby has been one of the few players to have started the majority of the games for the club. Not just that, he has also repaid the trust shown in him, by performing consistently enough!

    Not a surprise to see transfermarkt valuing the player at a huge sum of around £54million – a fee that would shatter the Magpies’ transfer record. This is, indeed, due to Diaby’s blistering performances in the past- specifically his hot run of form in the last season. He scored 13 goals and contributed another 12 goals through assists in 32 league games in the 2021/22 season for Bayer Leverkusen. 

    And now, him being linked with a move to the Premier League, should not come as a surprise either, because the young French winger has proved his worth- so much so that the 22-year-old Diaby has become an important part of Didier Deschamps French National Squad. 

    HOW CAN NEWCASTLE BENEFIT FROM MOUSSA DIABY?

    Moussa Diaby is a 22-year-old French ‘versatile’ winger. He came through the ranks of PSG, before finally showing his paces in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen. And up till the last season, Diaby played 124 games in total for the German side scoring a total of 35 goals and assisting another 37 goals. To think of it, at his age, these stats are truly remarkable. 

    Embed from Getty Images

    Now the main thing to focus is on the word that is mentioned above, “versatile winger”. Well, it is nothing too complicated, all it means is that Diaby is a player who can well and truly operate from both sides of the pitch. So, it seemingly makes sense now that the Magpies are showing interest in him, because they already have another talented and versatile winger in Allan Saint-Maximin. Diaby’s addition could mean that from either flanks, there will be a repertoire of pace and skill up front in the attack. 

    While there is a whole hype about ASM (shorthand for Saint-Maximin) in the PL, it is safe to say that the Frenchman has got it in his locker to challenge for the same hype. Moussa Diaby and Allan Saint-Maximin playing together, just the thought of it looks so fiery and dangerous at the same time. 

    Author’s Take

    For someone who has seen both of these players play, I could assure you that there is no shortage of talent here. People really talked about Adama Traore, and hyped him up when Wolves were literally asking for a crazy sum of around £100million just a few years back. Phew- you can take a min to let that sink in. Well, with all due respect to Traore and his transformation- where has the whole hype around him gone? Isn’t it weird that all of it just disappeared so quickly.

    And it is not even his mistake, fans and Pundits alike start over-rating a player to such an extent that if he has a bad few games they will just forget about how good he really was!

    So in respect to that, I think Moussa Diaby to Newcastle could blow the Premier League. It does not seem like it now, but in the long run, it is as perfect of a signing as it could possibly get. A mixture of pace, flashy skills, strength and stamina- that could be the easiest way of summarising the pair of Diaby and ASM. Hence, I personally think Newcastle should just trust the process and go for it.

  • Armando Broja is wanted by the Magpies: How is he different from other Newcastle strikers?

    Armando Broja is wanted by the Magpies: How is he different from other Newcastle strikers?

    Armando Broja is one of the hot topics for many Premier League clubs, in this summer transfer market. With Newcastle leading the pack to land him at the St. James’ Park.

    Before anything, we shall keep in mind that Eddie Howe has not got enough finishers in the squad, who can grab the game by its chokehold. The club’s 3 strikers are all in their 30s, and even they do not share such a high stat to go by. Chris Wood (30), Callum Wilson (30), and Dwight Gayle (32), have a combined total of just 10 goals for the Magpies in the last season- with the latter not being able to even open his account.

    It is a given that, if you sign a Poacher, a fox-in-a-box, or even an out-n-out #9, as a manager you also expect them to play a major role in your club’s goal-scoring tallies. Before the New Zealand veteran striker, Chris Wood was about to join Newcastle, we talked about how his experience and ability to win headers, could prove vital for the Magpies to make their way back into the season under Eddie Howe’s scheme of things.

    Embed from Getty Images

    However, let’s not even talk about how Chris Wood failed here at St. James’ Park. Yes! It is true that he did not receive enough looping deliveries, compared to what he got at Burnley. But, then again, he should adapt to the new system quickly- given his experience in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson was the only one out of the 3 strikers in the club, who showed his scoring prowess- yet, he failed to hit double figures for the season.

    Comparatively, however, Wilson was still able to muster 8 goals in the league, and that too in just 18 games- scoring 80% of the goals scored by the strikers. But, there seems to be another problem around with the Englishman, and that is very unlucky on his part. Given his abilities and skill set, Wilson is too injury-prone for his liking. Last season he missed almost half of the league games, owing to a calf injury first and then a hamstring problem.

    Do not get me wrong, but you just cannot go on about a season waiting for your “to be star-striker” to return to the pitch, and then only you will start getting them goals in numbers. This is not how the game’s analytics work. And that is where the Magpies ‘need’ a striker, who is sound in finishing, and keeps good tabs on his fitness for the major part of the season. This is where someone like Armando Broja comes into the fold.

    WHAT CAN ARMANDO BROJA BRING IN THE ATTACK?

    Embed from Getty Images

    At just 20, Armando Broja is already becoming the hottest of transfer topics. It is clear that he might have to move to pastures anew – permanently, this time around, since he might have a difficult time moving upwards in the Chelsea squad. But, it looks as if this could be a perfect time for Broja to make a move out of Cobham.

    Although he came through the ranks of the Chelsea youth team, Armando Broja hardly ever got his season kicking at the Bridge. It seems as if he has spent his Chelsea career, away on loan spells – Vitesse (in Eredivisie), and then recently at Southampton. However, it is safe to say that he has been composed and collective in both of these spells. Scoring 10 goals in just 30 Eredivisie games, at Vitesse, just caught everyone’s attention.

    Now, he has shown his paces here at a bigger level, in the Premier League. Last season, while he was out on loan at St. Marys, Broja scored 9 goals in all the competitions for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. Earning himself a role of a premier striker, at the club. Overall, Broja has scored 41 goals and has assisted another 9 goals in his career in 146 games that he has played, in total.

    And now, he sees this as an opportunity to get more gametime and make a name for himself- coming out of the shadows of the Blues’. So, it seems as if a Newcastle bid could just come in at a very crucial stage of his career. A deal worthy of all of its value, and one that could also prove to be a more sustainable investment.

    Although, Broja is referred to as an out-n-out striker- ‘a sole one up ahead’. But, his recent loan spell at Southampton also tells us that the English-born Albanian International can also play in a system that plays two Strikers up front. And Eddie Howe, if he is urged upon, can play both Wilson and Broja in a system of twos, adding the whole spice upfront. He is young and has the stamina to cover up voids in the opposition’s defences, while also having the pace to lead a counter. Making him another one of the freshly cut, raw products, with the ability to go well beyond his current reputation.

    COULD THIS BE A DEAL “MADE IN HEAVEN”?

    Embed from Getty Images

    He might be the answer to the attacking woes of the Magpies. It’s true because he has a repertoire of skills that any manager would love to see in their strikers. And at his age (20), it just makes him ever so much of an asset to have, if you are planning long-term. But, nothing is perfect, isn’t it?! So, at such a price value it is obviously not a guarantee that Eddie Howe might get what his team lacked last season, going up front. For that surety, you just might have to break your bank and get players like Jesus, Haaland, or Nunez.

    But then again, this could be a real test as well to see how well is the recruitment at St. James’ Park. A cut deal of a player like Broja, could go as one of the bargains of the season, or turn out to be a horror show- only time will tell that.

    Overall, Broja to Newcastle sounds interesting for multiple reasons, but 2 of those are crystal clear at the moment. Firstly, it will be good for the youngster’s career up ahead, as he will be getting the game time that he deserves to get at his new side. Secondly, at Newcastle, he has the chance to be the face of the pack upfront in Eddie Howe’s system.

  • Newcastle United keeping tabs on Noa Lang to bolster attack

    Newcastle United keeping tabs on Noa Lang to bolster attack

    Newcastle United are on red alert as Dutch attacker Noa Lang is under the radar of the club in the transfer window.

    According to the Athletic, the Magpies have identified Noa Lang as their potential new target to bolster their attacking front. The new owners of the club wish to create a new image leaving behind the previous one and want to be known as a serious club competing for titles.

    Magpies boss Eddie Howe is very keen to bring in a profile that can add attack in the final third on the pitch. The 23-year-old Dutchman has emerged as a favourite to the gaffer to bring to St. James’ Park this coming season.

    The Club Brugge forward has proven to be excellent in his role with his creativity and making runs to the final third that helps consistently put pressure in terms of the attack. The young prospect has amassed seven goals and provided 15 assists in his 48 outings with the club across all competitions this season.

    Embed from Getty Images

    With a long way to go and flourish, the player has proven to be an exciting prospect in world football. Surely in a bigger environment such as the cash-rich Magpies who are developing a great infrastructure for the squad, the player could be groomed well under Howe.

    A switch to the Premier League would obviously push the forward to a better level but he will need to quickly adapt to the dynamics of the English top-flight. Howe’s United have already made vital signings for the club in the initial phase of the transfer window and the engines are expected to run till the summer window concludes.

    The club is in need of a forward as they endured issues with the side unable to make progress in the final third on the pitch. Lang’s inclusion will only add more depth and value to the squad considering the runs he would be able to provide and the players he can find through his passes.

    His assists game is pretty impressive for a young starlet but surely the real test will be seen in a league such as the PL. However, with his prime years still ahead of him, he would also be the one to look out for the future.

    Making a swoop for the forward would not be a great deal for the Magpies considering that he is a cost-effective option in the front line. Moreover, the club is in a very good position financially making them the richest club in the world at the moment. Therefore, securing the services of certain players and splashing on their wages wouldn’t be a problem.

    The Belgian club outfit will certainly demand a good fee for Lang and Howe’s interest in the player could see him at St. James’ Park next season. It will be exciting to see a player of that quality grow under the likes of Howe and what he could bring onto the pitch in the forthcoming season.

  • Maxwel Cornet on his way out of Burnley after impressing in his short stay

    Maxwel Cornet on his way out of Burnley after impressing in his short stay

    Burnley will be competing in the second division of English football after 13 years, for the first time since the 2008-09 season. The club have recently announced a new manager in Vincent Kompany, who has a big job to oversee. The Clarets have been dealt several blows following their relegation, with many star players leaving for better destinations, with the club also forced to sell some to raise money. Since the end of last season, the Clarets have lost Nick Pope, Ben Mee, Erik Pieters, Phil Bardsley, James Tarkowski and Aaron Lennon among many others, and if reports are to be believed, one more big name is set to depart Turf Moor in search of greener pastures this summer – Ivorian forward Maxwel Cornet is reportedly ready to leave the club and is waiting for a bid from a big club.

    Cornet was signed from Lyon just a year ago and made an instant impact in the league. He scored within his first few games and put in solid displays in almost every outing. Cornet finished as the club’s highest goal scorer, scoring 9 goals in 28 appearances. His performances helped the club go on a good run briefly, but Burnley was always a sinking ship last season, as they just could not keep up with their rivals. The Ivorian’s efforts however did not go unnoticed and he garnered acclaim and praise from fans and pundits alike, and also caught the eye of several clubs in the league and across Europe.

    Maxwel Cornet: Potential Suitors

    Embed from Getty Images

    Now with Burnley relegated, the bigger clubs are circling the Clarets to pick some of their better players, and Cornet is receiving attention from many clubs in the Premier League. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton are among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old forward. He has proved last season that he has the ability to perform in the toughest league in the world, and in a better team, he can give better output.

    Reports from England suggest that Tottenham Hotspurs have dropped out of the race after confirming the signing of their newest arrival in Richarlison from Everton, leaving Newcastle, Chelsea, and Everton to fight it out. Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphina, who has reportedly chosen Barcelona over the Londoners after the Catalans came in with a late offer in a bid to hijack Chelsea’s deal. As a result, the Blues could be looking at different options, and Maxwel Cornet could be a very cheap alternative to Raphina.

    MUST READ: “One of the most crazy sagas ever” – The Raphinha Three-Way Transfer Battle, EXPLAINED

    Everton, who lost Richarlison to Tottenham will try to replace him, after receiving significant funds for the Brazilian. Frank Lampard is said to be keen to bring the Ivorian to Goodison Park and likes the player a lot. It is believed that the Toffees’ representatives have already made contact with the Clarets for a potential transfer, but there have been no concrete talks, and they are still considering all alternatives. Everton have already signed long-time Burnley defender James Tarkowski on a free, and it remains to see if they will return to Turf Moor for another player this summer.

    Finally, Newcastle United have been boosted financially after the Saudi takeover, and after a strong finish, last season will hope to build on it. Eddie Howe will receive serious backing in the transfer market, and the Magpies have already shown their intent for next season with the signings of Burnley’s star player, goalkeeper Nick Pope, and defender Sven Botman from Lille. They are now looking for an attacking signing, and Maxwel Cornet is high on that list. Playing in the Championship is not something that appeals to the Ivorian international, and having already two players from Burnley (Chris Wood in January), Newcastle United could possibly be a very real destination for Cornet.

    DENOUEMENT

    The 25-year-old is waiting for a bid from a big club, but he could be forced to make a decision soon by the Burnley management, with squad building for next season in mind. The winger’s abilities, skills and talents are well known throughout the league, and there is no doubt he will improve any team he joins. There is a long list of admirers for Cornet and the forward’s decision will be eagerly awaited by many.

  • West Ham United star set for a shock move

    West Ham United star set for a shock move

    There is trouble brewing in West Ham paradise, with insiders claiming a star player is set to leave the club this summer in a shock move. West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly been in a standoff with the management over contract issues, and the club are now ready to sell the hard-working Czech international.

    Many reports from England and sources inside the club claim that Soucek and the club hierarchy have reached an impasse over salary talks, with the club not willing to give the 27-year-old an increased wage. The midfielder has impressed since signing for the Hammers 2 years ago, and his performances prompted the club to hold talks with the player over an extension. However, Soucek – who is a long way behind the top earners at the club- feels he deserves an increase in weekly wages, which the club have refused to do. As a result, rival clubs have been put on alert as the club is reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the Czech midfielder.

    Soucek signed for the Hammers in January of 2020, on loan from Slavia Prague initially. But after a brilliant first six months at the club, the move was made permanent, and the Czech signed a 4-year contract with the Londoners, and quickly made his way into the hearts of the West Ham faithful. He continued to dazzle with his displays, having an even better 2020-21 season, when he finished as the club’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals, as he formed a solid partnership with Declan Rice in the heart of the West Ham team.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The 21/22 season brought a new challenge for the Czech, as he continued in the midfield with a new defensive role. Tomas Soucek has had to alter his playing style to adjust to the demands of the manager, and had a tough time at the start of the season. However, he grew into that role and still remains a key part of the team. Throughout his time in the Premier League, the midfielder has shown tremendous attitude, professionalism and efforts to become the mainstay of the West Ham midfield. His performances have caught the eyes of various top clubs, and there could be a race to sign the 27-year-old this summer.

    According to news outlets in England, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton and Leicester City are all interested in signing the midfielder should he be on his way out of London Stadium. West Ham have reportedly slapped a £40 million price tag on Soucek, but club insiders claim they would be willing to accept a fee in the range of £20 million.

    Soucek has always been consistent for the Hammers, and played an integral role in their rise to the top half of the table. He was a standout player in their run to the Europa League semi-finals last season and helped them achieve a Europa Conference League finish, just narrowly missing out on a top-six finish in the Premier League.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The club are unwilling to meet Soucek’s wage demands, and the Czech understands that he will not receive a pay rise in the near future if he were to stay at the club and see out his 4-year contract. The player’s representatives are also searching for a suitable destination for the midfielder, and with a few Premier League clubs interested, he could be set to stay in England. West Ham fans have been quick to come out on social media and plead the club and player to not part ways, with the Czech a fan favourite at the London Stadium. However, with the deadlock in salary negotiations, it seems Tomas Soucek is set to leave West Ham this summer.

  • Should Newcastle United pursue Joaquin Correa?

    Should Newcastle United pursue Joaquin Correa?

    Newcastle United are reportedly interested to sign Inter Milan ace Joaquin Correa this summer.

    The Serie A outfit is willing to let go off Correa in the transfer window as they look to recoup money with the exit. The Magpies have been making a lot of noise in terms of transfers as they look to bolster their side under the new ownership.

    Newcastle have found their latest target this summer in Joaquin Correa as the club is keen to sign a forward ahead of the forthcoming season. Moreover, the deal could very well be a possibility as Inter are looking to earn profits out of the centre-forwards transfer.

    With the takeover by the new owners, the face of the club appears to be changing and Newcastle do not seem to be taking things lightly in the transfer window. Manager Eddie Howe wants to make as many changes as possible to get the squad to play at a competitive level.

    According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Magpies are the only club in the fray to sign the forward this summer. Also, with the willingness to splash money on new signings, Correa’s transfer could happen very soon.

    The forward joined the Milan outfit from Lazio last summer on a season-long deal with an obligation for a permanent transfer for €31m. Now, Inter Milan want a sizeable fee in return for the player if a move is to be facilitated this summer.

    What can Joaquin Correa bring to Newcastle?

    Embed from Getty Images

    The gaffer, Eddie Howe wants to bolster the front line with the likes of Joaquin Correa for the next season. The forward has amassed six goals in 12 starts for Inter the last term after scoring 17 goals and provided four assists in the previous two stints with Lazio.

    Correa is turning out to be a lethal player upfront with the instinct to find the ball in the final third and give his side the desired result. The forward has the ability to create and exploit the free space on the pitch and swiftly cause attacking threats.

    The runs he produces off the ball to stay in a position to score have been very effective for the Italian club. The profile he maintains would be something of a delight for Eddie Howe and no wonder the gaffer is so invested in him.

    Moreover, the Magpies’ boss would like to see him pair up with Callum Wilson to create as much threat in the frontline as possible. The gaffer could deploy a 3-5-2 formation with Correa and Wilson in the front to get them the goals.

    Since Wilson’s arrival at St. James’ Park, he has proven to be a quality striker who can find the ball in the back of the net when good chances are created. Moreover, pairing him up with Correa will take away the goalscoring pressure from Wilson.

    That said, the transfer is still yet to go through for Joaquin Correa. However, Howe could secure the services of the forward this summer considering the fact that Newcastle are the only ones in the race to sign Correa.

    MUST READ:

    – Is Nick Pope a lever raiser for Newcastle United?
    – Newcastle United pre-match kit for 2022-23 season LEAKED!