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Alex Crook has now dropped some Newcastle United transfer news involving Eddie Nketiah.

The Lowdown: Closing in?

Reliable journalist Luke Edwards reported for The Daily Telegraph earlier this week that the St. James’ Park faithful were closing in on the signing of Nketiah before the January transfer window shuts.

However, there then seemed to have been no further movement on that potential deal, and instead reports emerged of Crystal Palace having bids rejected for the Arsenal attacker.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are running out of time if they want to bring in another striker after signing Chris Wood from Burnley, and Crook has delivered some bad news on the Nketiah front.

The Latest: Unlikely

As per talkSPORT journalist Crook, a deal to bring Nketiah to the North East before the deadline is now ‘unlikely’:

“Believe Nketiah is unlikely as well.

“Always felt odd AFC letting him go with their lack of numbers up front.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame for the Tyneside outfit to lose out on Nketiah, as he would offer Eddie Howe another solid attacking option for their relegation battle.

He is a player that the former AFC Bournemouth manager is known to like, and so there is no doubt that the boss would be eager to work with him and help him fulfil his true potential.

Described as someone who has an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by his coach Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), Nketiah possesses not just the quality but the hunger needed to keep the Magpies up, and with just six months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, they could have potentially got him for cheap.

Nonetheless, it seems as if the Toon will now have to focus on other targets if they want to bring in another forward before the deadline.

In other news, find out who talks are ongoing for NUFC to sign here!

Sky Sports journalist Gordan Duncan has dropped an exciting update on Rangers’ managerial pursuit of Giovani van Bronckhorst as they look to quickly wrap up a replacement for Steven Gerrard.

What’s the story?

Following Gerrard’s appointment as Aston Villa boss earlier last week, the Gers have had to about turn and look for a new manager less than halfway through their Scottish Premiership campaign.

But, it seems that their pursuit of a new manager is unlikely to become a long-running saga, with Duncan dropping a major update on where things currently stand with Van Bronckhorst.

Speaking on live TV on Thursday morning at 9:14am on Sky Sports’ Good Morning Sports Fans show, he said: “Rangers appear to be closing in on their man. They are close to agreeing that deal in principle. Talks have progressed, and the Rangers hierarchy are pleased with the progress that has been made.

“Van Bronckhorst has been the main name on everybody’s lips for the last week, and it certainly looks like Rangers are closing in on their man.”

Rangers fans will be buzzing

The big fears for Gers fans after losing Gerrard to Villa, would have been a) would they be able to get someone just as good if not better than the man who left, and b) would it turn into a never-ending saga that threatens to completely destabilise their season.

What Ross Wilson and co have seemingly managed to do, is ensure that Rangers can head into the busy festive schedule with a new man in place and quite crucially, well ahead of the January transfer window where they can draw up plans with the new manager over who he wants to sign.

Van Bronckhorst’s previous spell at Ibrox will already leave him in some credit with the Ibrox faithful, and if he is appointed very soon, then he could have the perfect chance to endear himself even more into the supporters’ hearts with a victory over Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final this coming weekend. With two Dutch Cups to his name already, he seems to have a liking when it comes to domestic knock-out tournaments, meaning he could guide the Gers straight into a final if appointed by the weekend.

Thus, Duncan’s update that Rangers are “closing in” on the Dutchman is sure to have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Rangers pulled off a transfer masterclass with this man…

Everton are reportedly one of several clubs who are keen to sign Manchester United’s wantaway star Jesse Lingard, with Rafael Benitez keen to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, the highly-rated 28-year-old is set to depart Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract and turning down the offer of a new deal.

The report claims that the Toffees are one of several clubs who are keen to secure Lingard’s services next summer when he becomes a free agent, although Newcastle United, West Ham United and Serie A giants AC Milan are also believed to be in the running to sign the creative talent over the coming months.

Imagine him and Demarai Gray

After struggling to get back to his best following the 2018 World Cup, a short-term loan move to West Ham back in January reinvigorated the £19.8m-rated maestro’s career.

In just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in a very impressive sixth position.

However, his exploits for the east Londoners failed to translate into regular game-time for his boyhood club under former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the opening weeks of the current campaign.

So far this season, Lingard has started just one game in all competitions but has managed to find the back of the net twice in just 63 minutes of top-flight action.

Following the 28-year-old’s return to form, England manager Gareth Southgate described the 32-cap gem as “immense”, and there’s little doubt that he would have the ability to improve Benitez’s struggling charges.

A move to Goodison Park would see Lingard link up with compatriot Demarai Gray, who has already provided five goal contributions throughout 2021/22 following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

The intelligent, pacey and skillful duo would strike fear into any Premier League defence should Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands secure Lingard’s signature, and it’s a partnership that you’d imagine the club’s supporters would love to see.

In other news… Everton could secure Benitez’s next Hamsik in 18y/o prodigy with “exciting potential”

Noel Whelan has tipped West Ham to fight for a Jarrod Bowen contract extension amid interest from Liverpool and believes that the Hammers’ league position will determine the outcome, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Liverpool long-term admirers of Bowen

The Liverpool Echo have claimed that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the West Ham winger, and they will continue to scout the 24-year-old with a potential move on the cards in the summer transfer window.

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Bowen has had an impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign; he currently leads the Hammers in assists in the Premier League, having produced five this season.

The English attacker has also gained valuable experience on the European stage. Bowen has appeared in five games in the Irons’ Europa League campaign, adding an extra goal and assist to his tally for the season.

The Latest: Whelan issues verdict on potential exit

According to a Rush Green source at Football insider, West Ham are planning on offering Bowen a new and improved contract, despite his current deal running until summer 2025.

And Whelan claims that the Hammers will make an effort to do anything to keep the player at the club, insisting that the team’s league position at the end of the season will determine the outcome of Bowen’s future. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “This is what happens when players are standing out in a team that’s been very successful like West Ham.

“He’s a player that I enjoy watching. His energy, his quality on the ball, he can play down the middle, on the right and left. He’s a player that you would fit the Liverpool bill of what they want across that front three.

“Would West Ham let him go? I think they’ll do everything possible to keep him at West Ham, quite frankly. I think it’ll all come down to how successful West Ham are at the end of the season. Where they are in the league.

“It’s going be interesting. I admire him, he’s a great player, he really is. That energy, that quality on the ball, the link-up play he has.

“I can see why Liverpool would be tempted and interested in a player like that.”

The Verdict: Bowen could stay following recent success

With West Ham’s magnificent start to the season landing them in fourth place, the Hammers are well and truly in the running for Champions League qualification – they have already beat Liverpool and Chelsea, which shows exactly how competitive they can stay amongst the league challengers.

According to Whelan, this could sway Bowen into signing a contract extension and ultimately commit his career to the club.

The former Hull starlet has of course received lots of praise this season – Gary Neville has commented on how the winger “is a bundle of energy” and that ‘he is brilliant to watch”.

Perhaps to Hammers fans’ dismay, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has continually praised him over the past year too, culminating with the German saying: “I like Bowen a lot.”

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Billy Sharp score 20 goals in the Championship for Sheffield United next season.

The Blades suffered their 22nd Premier League defeat of the campaign against Southampton on Saturday, leaving them 12 points from safety with just 10 games remaining, meaning the Bramall Lane outfit require a minor miracle in order to avoid relegation.

Chris Wilder’s team, who are the lowest scorers in England, have struggled for goals throughout the campaign, although they do have a number of proven Championship goalscorers in their ranks.

One of which is their captain, Sharp. Only Teemu Pukki, Tammy Abraham and Neal Maupay scored more than the Blades legend when United were last in the second-tier – with Sharp’s tally of 23 his best ever return at Championship level.

And despite Sharp scoring just three Premier League goals this term, Windass has backed the striker to find his best form next season, providing Wilder’s side do get relegated.

He told Football FanCast:

“He [Chris Wilder] will have a list of players that are going to leave the football club. You wouldn’t bet against Billy Sharp getting 20 goals in the Championship next season, even though he’s 35.”

Despite his lack of goals since Sheffield United were promoted two seasons back, Sharp has been an outstanding servant over the previous six years, and you really wouldn’t be shocked to see him find his goalscoring touch once more.

With the Premier League very quickly reaching its conclusion, Leeds can begin preparing for a second season in the top-flight.

They have been a breath of fresh air this term but cannot let up in their pursuit of breaking into the division’s top half.

What’s the word?

It would appear that Leeds’ main priority this summer is improving their defence.

Crystal Palace full-back Patrick van Aanholt has already been linked with a free transfer move but they are now pursuing another potential free agent.

According to The Daily Mail, the Whites are interested in landing Torino centre-back Nicolas N’Koulou.

The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and as a result, is now free to speak to foreign clubs about his future.

Consequently, Leeds are keeping tabs on his progress with the hope of potentially striking a deal in the near future.

Perfect for Leeds

On a free transfer, there would be little risk to this deal from Victor Orta. N’Koulou already knows Bielsa from his days with Marseille and as a result, there would surely be little adjustment time.

It’s crucial when a new signing arrives that they get up to speed with Bielsa’s training methods as quickly as possible. As the likes of Jean-Kevin Augustin will tell you, murderball is tough.

N’Koulou, however, will be used to that. The 72-cap Cameroon international has played in a number of Europe’s top five leagues and has qualities that would be ideal for the club and its manager.

That happens to be in the way he passes the ball out from the back. After Orta failed with three attempts to bring Ben White back on a permanent basis, he moved for Robin Koch and then Diego Llorente.

However, with their fitness wreaking havoc with Leeds’ defence all season, they could do with another body. Thus, N’Koulou feels like the perfect addition.

Speaking to HITC earlier this month, Emile Heskey analysed the club’s prior interest in the defender, saying: “[N’Koulou is] a Bielsa type of player; someone who, if you put him man for man, he knows he can dominate.”

Indeed, a quick look at the stats tells you he’s exactly like White.

For starters, he is brilliant at bringing the ball forward and finding a teammate. In Serie A this term, the centre-back has completed 88.7% of his passes. That’s compared to the 84.5% managed by White at Elland Road last season.

In terms of their reading of the play, they are also incredibly similar. During the 2019/20 title-winning campaign, White won 2.5 interceptions per match. N’Koulou, on the other hand, has won 2.4 interceptions per outing in Italy’s top-flight.

On that evidence, this feels like a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Phil Hay thinks Leeds should sign 42-goal gem this summer, he could be their new Klich…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that, with the centre-forward’s current contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in June of 2023, Chelsea have now greenlit the 28-year-old’s departure this summer, in order for Thomas Tuchel’s side to recoup some of the £33m fee they paid for the Belgium international back in 2016.

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The report goes on to state that this has caught the attention of the likes of Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as unnamed teams in Germany, Italy and Spain, who are all said to be plotting moves for the striker at the end of the current campaign.

“Loves scoring goals”

While it is true that, since Batshuayi’s 2016 move to west London, the centre-forward has failed to ever hold down a place as Chelsea’s first-choice number nine – making just 77 appearances over his five and a half year stay at Stamford Bridge – it is undeniable that, when given the opportunity, the 28-year-old is very much a player who knows how to find the back of the net.

This is something he has proven over his 28 Super Lig outings on loan at Besiktas this season, with the £9m-rated forward scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.3 shots – the second-most in the league – and making one key pass per game.

The £87k-per-week hitman dubbed a “beast” was also in devastating form over 14 fixtures in a temporary spell with Borussia Dortmund back in 2017/18, bagging nine goals and providing one assist for BVB – a record of a direct goal involvement every 117 minutes of football played.

Indeed, it is clear to see that Batshuayi is a player who loves finding the onion bag, something which the centre-forward’s former manager, Frank Lampard, confirmed back in November of 2019:

“He has been very good for us so far, and that positive spirit when you’re not playing regularly is not just important for him, cause that’s tough sometimes, but it’s important for the group. He deserves extra praise for that.

“He’s positive, hard-working, loves scoring goals. That might sound simple for a striker but I’ve seen some who don’t love it quite as much. He loves scoring in training, he always stays out to do extra practice. I’m thankful to have him in the squad.”

Furthermore, upon Leeds’ links with a move for the Belgian back in 2021, the former Leeds midfielder, David Norris, also stated his belief that the Chelsea striker would make an excellent addition to the Whites’ options up top:

“He’s big, strong, powerful and can score goals but also, anyone coming in is going to have to fit in with the way they play and the dressing room because that seems really close, but I think he’d be a great signing.”

And, with Jesse Marsch known to favour a formation that features two centre-forwards, the prospect of Batshuayi linking up with Patrick Bamford at Elland Road will certainly be a mouthwatering one for Leeds supporters.

Indeed, Victor Orta’s signing of the 28-year-old could easily be the formation of a deadly duo in the Leeds attack, one that could very well fire the Whites back to the top half of the Premier League standings next season.

AND in other news: Marsch could unearth Leeds’ next £60m talent in “wonderful” £1.8m-rated sensation

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes that Wolves were unfortunate to not get a penalty during their 3-2 defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

Halsey sympathisers with Wolves

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side lost out to their arch-rivals courtesy of two spot-kicks from Matheus Pereira and a goal from Semi Ajayi.

Goals from summer signing Fabio Silva and Willy Boly initially gave Wolves a 2-1 lead at half-time but they were unable to hold on until the final whistle.

Shortly after the visitors took the lead for the first time, Baggies goalkeeper David Button punched a loose ball following a scramble in the box – right onto the arm of Kieran Gibbs. Despite appeals from the hosts, no penalty was given by the man in the middle Michael Oliver, or by the VAR.

Speaking with This Is Futbol, Halsey was adamant that Wolves were unfortunate not to be given a spot-kick.

“I think his arms and hands are in an unnatural position,” he said. “I mean, because why would you put your arms there? I look at the close proximity. Yes, he was close, but there was no pace on the ball, there was no pace. So for me, that there is unnatural… I thought it was handball and I was surprised Nuno didn’t make more of it after the game.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Halsey is right. It’s a complete mystery as to how the officials missed that one. Former West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair told talkSPORT how he could not believe it wasn’t given either.

However, these comments from Halsey will not help Nuno now – as he needs to prepare his players for their next game against Chorley in the FA Cup on Friday evening.

The defeat itself will have hurt Wolves, let alone the decision. Time will tell whether this has a detrimental effect on the rest of their campaign.

In other news, Tim Spiers revealed by Wolves’ ‘monster’ was sold in blockbuster deal.

Many Everton fans have been left to rage as James Rodriguez has been ruled out of their game away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Dean Smith’s men, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the former Real Madrid star as well as Yerry Mina and Jean-Philippe Gbamin will not be able to play any part.

Rodriguez will be a big miss, given the creative spark and flair that he offers from midfield, as well as his eye for a goal and key pass, with six goals and nine assists in 25 games in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

With the Goodison Park faithful chasing European qualification, Ancelotti will be hoping that other players like Gylfi Sigurdsson can step up and fill the void left by the Colombia international against AVFC.

Everton fans on Rodriguez injury

These Toffees raged as the injury update on Rodriguez was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that the 29-year-old is becoming a ‘massive problem’:

“Something smells a bit off with James. May not see him play for us again.”

Credit: @DixieBlue1878

“What’s James made of rice paper?”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“James Rodriguez has had so many small injuries this season God help us if he got a big injury…get rid of him and Mina 6ft 5 giant who’s always injured as well”

Credit: @phil10112303

“Gonna keep banging the drum, James is becoming a massive problem!”

Credit: @CraigJo02234279

“Mina and Rodriguez are made of glass. I can see why, they struggled at Barca and Real.”

Credit: @senor_azul1878

“Them Colombians are made of twiglets.”

Credit: @__JJK__

In other news, find out what update on one key figure has got EFC fans talking here!

Xisco Munoz’s reported Watford transfer target Mbaye Diagne has dropped a big hint on a potential summer move.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with the Turkish media, as cited by aspor, the Watford-linked West Bromwich Albion loanee confirmed that, if he is to leave Galatasaray this summer, he would like to stay in the Premier League, rather than drop down to the Championship with the Baggies.

When questioned about his future at West Brom, Diagne said: “In this case, I do not think I will stay with the team. Whether my adventure with the club will end or not will be determined at the end of the season. I don’t plan to play in the Championship, but I want to stay in the Premier League.”

Giaretta will be buzzing

The news that the 29-year-old would like to stay in the Premier League beyond the end of his loan spell at The Hawthorns will be music to the ears of Watford’s sporting director Cristiano Giaretta, who will undoubtedly be buzzing at the increased chances of landing his £2.7m-rated target this summer.

This is unsurprising, as, over his 15 top-flight appearances for Sam Allardyce’s side, Diagne has so far scored three goals and provided two assists, in addition to averaging 2.2 shots and 0.5 key passes per game, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 6.72 – ranking him as West Brom’s joint sixth-best player in the Premier League.

As such, it would very much appear that, despite playing for a side with the joint third-worst offensive record in the league, the £39,000-per-week Senegal international is more than capable of finding the back of the net, as well as creating goals, in a side hanging around the wrong end of the table – something that, with the greatest of respect to Watford, could very much make all the difference in the Hornets’ survival hopes next season.

Having said that, with both Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace also believed to hold an interest in the 29-year-old, Giaretta will still have his work cut out in convincing Diagne – whom Joe Masi dubbed a “dangerous” player – of a move to Vicarage Road, albeit with Albion now appearing to be out of the picture.

In other news: Giaretta confirms huge Watford transfer news that will surely have Xisco buzzing – opinion