Wayne Rooney has been handed a three game ban that means the Manchester United striker will be ineligible for all of England’s group games. The FA need to decide as to whether to appeal, given a rejection could see Rooney missing further matches in the tournament.
Elsewhere in the news Scott Parker claims he is getting better with age; Kenny Dalglish hails Steven Gerrard, while Adel Taarabt is free to leave Queens Park Rangers.
Rooney handed three match ban
Scott Parker getting better with age
Taarabt given the greenlight to leave QPR
Andre Villas-Boas backs move
Ferguson eyes Anfield improvement
Dalglish hails Steven Gerrard
Carlos Tevez forced to train alone
Phil Jagielka seeks self-improvement
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Arsenal join City in the race for Serb
Liverpool lead £5m Premier League pursuit of Celtic ace
Everton had a rather turbulent January behind the scenes with numerous fan protests against Farhad Moshiri, Rafa Benitez getting the sack, Frank Lampard being appointed as his replacement as well as seeing numerous players moving in and out of the club.
Despite seeing five new players join the Toffees such as Dele Alli, Donny van de Beek, Anwar El Ghazi, Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko, one player that was linked with a move to Goodison Park last month that didn’t end up joining was Dejan Kulusevski.
The winger did end up eventually leaving Juventus last month for a move to fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy if certain criteria are met.
Since arriving at the north London club, the 21-year-old has made four appearances in the Premier League for Antonio Conte’s side, scoring one goal and providing one assist, both of which came during their recent 3-2 win over Manchester City.
This shows how capable he is of being an attacking threat in the league, especially against a top side such as City and why Moshiri could now be having nightmares over missing out on bringing the winger to Goodison.
In addition to this, the Sweden international’s performances have also highlighted the promise that the youngster has shown in the early stages of his Spurs spell, with WhoScored giving him an overall rating of 6.65/10, which is higher than the likes of Alli and Van de Beek at Everton.
Labelled as a “monster” in the past by Italian football expert Nima Tavallaey Roodsari, the £27m-rated attacker has shown just how vital he could have been for the Toffees if they managed to secure his signature in January, especially considering how Lampard’s side have scored fewer goals than Leeds United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace so far this season.
Moving forward, the Toffees will have to forget about Kulusevski and focus on getting their January recruits and the other players in their squad to start getting some consistent and positive results under their belt from now until the end of the season so they avoid getting relegated.
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But, given his start in the Premier League, Lampard will surely be gutted at missing out on the Swede.
In other news: This Everton starlet is impressing behind-the-scenes at Finch Farm…
Newcastle United have held talks over a potential move for Boubacar Kamara this summer.
The Lowdown: Out of contract
The 22-year-old has not signed a new deal with Marseille, so he finds himself out of contract in the summer.
Currently rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, getting him on a free transfer at the end of the season presents a real bargain for whoever can land his signature.
The Latest: Talks held
As per The Sun, Kamara has already held talks with Newcastle over a possible move, along with West Ham United.
Manchester United are also thought to be interested in a cut-price deal, while Crystal Palace have also joined the race.
The Verdict: No-brainer
It is a no-brainer for Newcastle to try and get a player of Kamara’s quality for free.
Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by former Marseille team-mate Rolando, he is seen as ‘one of the next big things’ according to Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson.
At just 22 years of age, the Frenchman has so much potential, and even if it does not work out for him on Tyneside, he is sure to have a high sell-on value.
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A bonus for Eddie Howe is that Kamara is equally as comfortable as a centre-back as he is in defensive midfield, so his versatility could prove to be a real asset in the Magpies’ squad if this proposed move comes off.
In other news, these were NUFC’s three worst performers against Brighton
As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato.it, there has been a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans for Juventus star and soon-to-be free agent Paulo Dybala.
The Lowdown: Spurs eye Dybala move…
According to reports recently, Tottenham are one of several Premier League sides in the mix to sign Dybala as a free agent with there still being no sign of a contract extension at Juve.
His current deal expires later this year with 90min claiming in February that Spurs and manager Antonio Conte were offered a chance to sign the Argentine.
Indeed, Dybala’s representatives have allegedly been sounding out potential landing spots and Calciomercato.it now say that Tottenham have made their first move pre-summer.
The Latest: Tottenham take ‘first steps’…
As shared by the Italian news outlet, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘already taken their first steps’ to sign Dybala alongside European heavyweights Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
They also say Spurs are one of the clubs who have made an ‘offer’ to the forward’s entourage – with the outlet going on to cite ‘La Stampa’ whilst claiming Dybala has rejected this proposal and all other foreign approaches.
The Verdict: Keep trying…
The South American star apparently favours staying at Juve but the Serie A giants are now having great ‘doubts’ over his proposed stay in Turin.
This could potentially hand Spurs another chance as managing director Fabio Paratici chases Dybala for Conte.
Described as ‘one of the most important players’ in Italy’s top flight by Calciomercato.it, the 28-year-old has bagged 12 goals and six assists in all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).
He can play across the forward line as a centre-forward, second striker and out wide (Transfermarkt), coming as a useful option for Conte in a variety of attacking roles.
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Valued at £45 million by Transfermarkt, evidence of his terrific form, bypassing this fee and signing him for nothing would be a masterstroke by Paratici at Spurs.
Currently in the prime of his career, a second attempt to sign Dybala must be made, with former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson even claiming he would be a ‘massive’ signing for any side.
In other news: Spurs may now lose player tipped to be ‘really important’, he’s eyeing a north London exit! Find out more here.
A major injury update has emerged on Newcastle United utility man Matt Ritchie…
What’s the talk?
Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder has revealed that the Scottish full-back will be involved as the Magpies head down to St. Mary’s this evening.
The ex-Bournemouth man has not featured in the Premier League since the 4-0 loss to Manchester City at St. James’ Park in December.
Ryder Tweeted: “No major injury worries for #nufc ahead of their trip to Southampton. Matt Ritchie returns to the squad.”
Buzzing
This news will leave Eddie Howe buzzing as it will provide a big boost to his squad heading into the remaining months of the campaign.
It will be especially useful over the next four days as Newcastle face two Premier League matches in quick succession against Southampton and Chelsea.
Squad rotation to keep players fresh and avoid any further injury blows will be key and that is why the head coach will be delighted to welcome back another option.
Ritchie’s experience and versatility could be particularly key across the two games. Whilst he may not be a player Howe wants to pick from the start, given that he has only just returned from injury, he could be a useful substitute to bring on when needed.
He has shown throughout his career that he is adaptable and willing to play in any position to help the team on the pitch. As per Transfermarkt, he has played left-back, right-back, left-midfield, right-midfield and centre-forward throughout his time with Swindon, Bournemouth and Newcastle, among others.
This means that Howe can use him in a variety of positions as cover for potential injuries in the upcoming matches, which is one reason why he will be delighted to have him back and in the squad against the Saints.
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His experience is another one as the 32-year-old has a wealth of top-flight football under his belt. Ritchie has played 162 Premier League matches throughout his career – playing in the division for Portsmouth, Bournemouth and now the Magpies.
This suggests that he has the nous to provide a boost off the bench at this level. He should have the relevant experience, given the amount of football he has played in the Premier League, to know what to do in the final 15 minutes to see a game out and this is why Howe will be delighted to have him available on the bench tonight and moving forward.
AND in other news, Howe must brutally axe £35k-p/w NUFC dud with “so much ability”, he’s lost his “spark”…
Joe Gomez is expected to move away from Liverpool this summer, with rivals Everton and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham among the teams interested in his signature.
While Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is believed to want Gomez to stay and remain apart of the squad, he doesn’t know where the Englishman can fit in, and with game-time not at all guaranteed at Anfield, a sale is expected.
His departure could provide some of the more younger players an opportunity to become apart of the first team squad, including Sepp van den Berg, who has become a fan favourite at Preston having spent the last year there, after joining on-loan back in February 2021.
The Dutchman would effectively be a like-for-like replacement for Gomez versatility wise, with both players showing competence at playing in the right-back position as well as playing in the centre of defence.
Having played in 40 games in all competitions already this season, van den Berg has scored two goals and kept 13 clean sheets – becoming one of the first names on the team sheet at Deepdale.
Averaging a 7.03 in his second season in the Championship, the 20-year-old hasn’t made a single error which has led to a goal and is making 2.2 tackles per game as well as accurately completing 75% of his passes.
In addition, the youngster who was dubbed “complete” and compared to German defender Mats Hummels by scout Jacek Kulig, is completing on average 1.7 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game, as well as 73% of his dribble attempts and 63% of his duels, while giving away less than one foul per game.
Branded “quality” by teammate Ryan Ledson, van den Berg himself believes this will be his last loan spell at Preston, with bigger things in mind – saying previously: ” I have felt all of the love I’ve gotten ever since I came here and I really appreciate it.
“It means a lot to me and helps me. You never know, but I reckon after this season that it unfortunately has to come to an end.”
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Despite being valued at just £2.7m by Transfermarkt, he arrived at Anfield back in 2019 for £1.71m, and will be looking to add onto his four senior appearances for the Reds next season, and Gomez’ departure could give him a great opportunity to do so.
In other news: Liverpool now plotting bid to sign £36m-rated “magician”, just imagine him & Jota
Luke Edwards has now revealed the transfer budget that Newcastle United will have this summer.
The Lowdown: January spree
The St. James’ Park faithful went on a shopping spree in the January transfer window, forking out £90m on Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood.
It has been reported that they will target a new central defender, midfielder and striker this summer, in what promises to be another busy window in the North East.
The Latest: Budget reveal
Replying to a fan on Twitter, The Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards has now revealed that the budget will be ‘less’ than the £90m that was spent in January, but that does not include potential sales of players:
“I don’t know a precise figure – that was a rough estimation – but I’ve been told it’s less than the £90m in January.
“That doesn’t include player sales obviously and they need to move players on. Squad already too big. There are loans and free transfers too. It’s not a negative.”
The Verdict: Surprise
I think if you told Premier League fans that the Magpies would only be able to spend £90m this summer, they would be surprised.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) dwarfs the wealth of the owners of Manchester City and PSG in terms of their assets, while the Premier League tend to spend more money than any other division in the world.
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However, they can raise that figure by selling a few fringe players in the squad, like Jamal Lewis, Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden, who have been left out of their 25-man Premier League squad.
Nonetheless, the board should not look to spend money for the sake of it, and instead carefully pick out the right targets to join Eddie Howe’s team.
In other news, find out which NUFC star is now ‘making good progress’ on his injury comeback here!
Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a move for Andrea Belotti this summer…
What’s the word?
That’s according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), who claim that manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici will attempt to bring the 28-year-old to north London upon the expiry of his contract at Torino.
It’s believed that he wouldn’t be signed as a starter due to Harry Kane’s role at the club. However, he’d be considered as a solid backup to the England talisman.
Napoli are also keen on the Italy international, though the player is less sold on that potential move.
Belotti bargain
Bringing the 5 foot 11 marksman to Hotspur Way would be something of a bargain for Paratici and Conte as they desperately need reinforcements in attack, where Kane is the only senior centre-forward option.
It would be a low-risk signing given that they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for the European champion, one valued at £25.2m – often, the club have had to splash out on backups in this regard. Roberto Soldado cost £26m, Vincent Janssen cost £17m and Fernando Llorente cost £12m.
Belotti has proven to be quite the prolific goalscorer during his time in Turin, with 109 goals in 244 appearances. He has bagged double figures in every season barring the current one, as he has been blighted by injury worries, and that includes a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17, via Transfermarkt.
Former Spurs goalkeeper Joe Hart has previously lauded his former teammate and his ability to lead the line. He told Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio during a loan stint at Torino:
“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”
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The 41-cap striker may have struggled this season but that has largely been down to injuries keeping him out of the Torino side. However, now back fit, he has scored two goals in his last five starts, so a comeback may be on the horizon at just the right time.
As Kane badly needs a backup, Spurs could do little wrong in sealing Belotti for absolutely nothing. It would be quite the bargain indeed.
AND in other news, Spurs leading race to sign £42m-rated “special talent”, could be Conte’s next Martinez…
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are now reportedly contacting Newcastle United about a January deal to sign one of Eddie Howe’s main men.
Eddie Howe warns Newcastle about "improved" Man United
Boxing Day represents the perfect chance for Newcastle and Howe to get their season back on track ahead of the new year. The Magpies again showed plenty of signs of quality against Chelsea, before an all-too familiar collapse saw them fall to a 2-2 draw despite initially holding a 2-0 lead.
They will be desperate to avoid a repeat this evening when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford and Howe has already warned his side about the Red Devils’ recent improvement.
Victory could take Newcastle above Man United and into seventh before anyone else plays in the Premier League this weekend. Defeat, meanwhile, could see them drop to as low as 15th by the end of the weekend.
It would expose just where they’ve found themselves so far this season and highlight just how much work PIF must do in the January transfer window.
£120k-per-week Newcastle "leader" must never start for the club again
Howe has found an unlikely hero to help steer Newcastle through their latest round of drama.
ByAngus Sinclair
Already, reports are suggesting that they could spring into action in an attempt to sign Jarrod Bowen and Nicolas Jackson in 2026. The duo would end Newcastle’s unfinished business from the summer and finally complete their new-look frontline.
But it’s not just incomings that those in Tyneside have to worry about. According to TeamTalk, Saudi clubs have now made contact about signing Joelinton next month and Newcatle ‘would consider a permanent deal for the player despite Howe having made it clear’ he wants to keep him.
Saudi clubs make contact over Joelinton
The Brazilian has struggled to repeat his performances of last season in the current campaign thanks to several factors. Newcastle’s own form hasn’t helped, of course, and his own injury problems have handed him a stop-start few months at St James’ Park.
As a result, for the first time since his midfield switch, questions are arriving about Joelinton’s future. Whilst Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes continue to keep hold of their place in Howe’s midfield, it is Joelinton who could drop out if Newcastle welcome an added reinforcement.
That’s when the door could swing open for the Saudi Pro League. PIF could deal Newcastle an unexpected blow by luring the midfielder to another one of their clubs next month, with the report revealing they made ‘inroads’ over a deal in the summer and will move again in the winter window.
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At Newcastle, Joelinton reportedly earns as much as £150,000-a-week, but history tells us that salary would likely be doubled or perhaps even tripled in the Saudi Pro League.
Several stars have struggled to resist the temptations of Saudi riches. Whether Joelinton becomes the latest to follow suit remains to be seen, however. Even amid his inconsistent form, he remains one of Howe’s mainstays.
On the whole, Arsenal’s summer signings have worked out so far this season.
Martin Zubimendi has been instrumental in the middle of the park, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have all made an impact.
However, while most of them have started well in North London, it would be hard to say the same thing about Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede’s struggles have become a big talking point, which might explain reports linking Arsenal with one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, someone who could get the striker firing again.
Arsenal target Premier League star
Across his two seasons with Sporting CP, Gyokeres racked up an incredible tally of 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 games.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Therefore, it’s not hard to see why there’s been so much said about him so far this season, when in 19 games he’s scored just six goals.
There is obviously an elite goalscorer in there, but it just needs to be unlocked, which might explain the Gunners’ interest in Antoine Semenyo.
Yes, according to a recent report from talkSPORT, Arsenal have joined the race for the Bournemouth star.
Alongside the Gunners, the report has named Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur as the interested parties.
While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that the Ghanaian star will have a release clause worth around £65m that will be activated once the window opens.
It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Semenyo’s immense talent, Arsenal should be fighting for him, especially as he could revive Gyokeres.
Why Semenyo would revive Gyokeres
So starting with the obvious, one of the reasons Semenyo could help get the most back out of Gyokeres is through chance creation.
For example, while he’s only provided three assists this season, he picked up seven last season.
Moreover, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for goal-creating actions stemming from take-ons per 90.
In other words, when the Cherries ace has the ball at his feet and is running at defences, you can rest assured that a goalscoring chance is likely to come.
This would be perfect for the former Sporting star as it would force opposition defenders to give him more room to deal with the Chelsea-born monster.
Perhaps the best example of this happening this season was in the opening game against Liverpool, when the dynamic game-changer ran most of the pitch to score.
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That goal was the perfect example of how the 25-year-old can create a goalscoring chance practically on his own and score it as well.
PL’s top scorers
Player
Goals
Games
Haaland
17
16
Thiago
11
16
Semenyo
7
15
Foden
7
14
Ekitike
7
15
Welbeck
7
16
Mateta
7
16
All Stats via BBC Sport
In fact, the Bournemouth star is the highest scoring winger in the league this season on seven, which helps to justify Chris Waddle’s claim that he’s “the best winger in the country right now.”
So, not only would his ability to create chances and score them help make space for Gyokeres to exploit, but he could also help bolster the 27-year-old’s assist tally by finishing off the chance created by him.
Ultimately, Arsenal should be looking to sign Semenyo due to his incredible talent and the potential he has to unlock Gyokeres.
Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal open talks to sign 'one of the best in Europe'
The international star would be an incredible signing for Arsenal, but he would be bad news for Martinelli.