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For some time, it looked as though Liverpool and Arne Slot were prepared to settle on the current squad left behind by Jurgen Klopp, but the Reds are now reportedly confident of kickstarting their summer business with a bang.

Liverpool transfer news

Slot used Liverpool's American tour to assess his new squad and seemingly came to a few conclusions about just what and who he needs to add before deadline day at the end of the month. Rumours have certainly picked up on that front too, with the Reds recently linked once again to Anthony Gordon and for the first time to Benfica's David Neres as an alternative to the Newcastle United star.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, it would be a dream move for Gordon, but it remains to be seen whether those at Anfield make another serious attempt for his signature. Now that Newcastle have allayed their profit and sustainability fears, they're no longer in need of such a sale, making a deal far more difficult for the Reds to negotiate. Whilst Gordon may not go down in history as Slot's first Liverpool signing, however, a La Liga star might just.

According to The Times and Paul Joyce, Liverpool are now confident that they will sign Martin Zubimendi this summer and hope that the midfielder pushes for a move away from boyhood club Real Sociedad. Joyce's initial report claimed that the Reds were "considering" a move for the Euro 2024 winner, who has a release clause of €60m (£52m), but their new-found confidence suggests that the deal is now progressing.

Liverpool offered "one-man army" who can finally replace Wijnaldum

The Reds have been given the chance to land a dream first signing for Arne Slot.

ByRobbie Walls Aug 7, 2024

The 25-year-old would be quite the coup, given that both Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in his signature throughout the summer, before failing in their pursuit. If Slot and Liverpool were to now complete a move for Zubimendi, it would be quite the statement.

"Special" Zubimendi can unleash Mac Allister

As impressive as Alexis Mac Allister's debut season at Liverpool was, it's difficult to not think that he was somewhat limited in the defensive midfield role at times.

When the Argentine was handed a license to pull the strings going forward thanks to Wataru Endo, he thrived, and the arrival of Zubimendi would hand him that license on a permanent basis. What's more, the focus on possession and control in Slot's system should breed the perfect partnership between the two midfielders.

Progressive Carries

34

44

Progressive Passes

152

209

Goals

4

5

Assists

1

5

Ball Recoveries

169

195

Earning a reported £48,000-a-week, Zubimendi's eye for goal alongside his clear ability to progress play would ensure that he's worth every penny to complete Liverpool's midfield rebuild once and for all.

Described as a "special talent" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Sociedad star has the world at his feet and quite the decision to make this summer. With the defensive midfield role and the chance to go down in history as Slot's first Liverpool signing awaiting at Anfield, the Reds will hope that Zubimendi chooses Merseyside before the end of the month.

“If the ball is clipping the stumps, it should be out – whether you like it or not you lose the review”

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Mar-20215:41

Kohli: Soft signal a grey area with not enough clarity

Virat Kohli stopped short of saying that the contentious umpire’s call rule should be scrapped from the game, but did call for a relook at the rule because it creates “a lot of confusion”. The final decision on the matter lies with the ICC’s cricket committee, which recently deliberated on the matter, and has submitted its recommendations to the global body.According to Kohli, there should not be any debates on what percentage of the stumps the ball is hitting when a decision is reviewed.”Look, I have played a long time when then there was no DRS, right? If the umpire made a decision, whether the batsman liked it or not, it stayed like that; vice-versa if the umpire gave him not out and it was out it stayed like that whether it was marginal or not,” Kohli said on Monday at a media briefing in Pune ahead of the fist ODI against England. “According to me, umpire’s call right now is creating a lot of confusion. When you get bowled, as a batsman you don’t expect the ball to hit more than 50% of the stumps to consider yourself bowled. So when the ball is shown as clipping the stumps, the bails are going to fall.Related

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“So, from basic cricket common sense, I don’t think that there should be any debates on that. If the ball is clipping the stumps, it should be out – whether you like it or not you lose the review. And that is how simple the game has to be: if it hits the stumps or it misses the stumps, it doesn’t matter how much it is hitting and those kind of things. Because it is creating a lot of confusion.”The umpire’s call is used in cases of the ball’s impact with pad and then the stumps, reliant on ball-tracking technology and as a concept is rooted, essentially, in the on-field umpire’s original decision retaining the benefit of doubt.According to the current ICC protocols, for “a Not Out decision to be overturned more than half the ball now has to be impacting the pad within a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps (formerly the centre of off and leg stumps), and the ball needs to be hitting the stumps within a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps and the bottom of the bails (formerly the centre of off and leg stumps, and the bottom of the bails)”.Ever since the ICC introduced the umpire’s call, a DRS tool that has been updated gradually, it has remained a tetchy topic and divided the cricketing fraternity. Recently the MCC said some members on its World Cricket Committee, comprising former international captains and match officials, echoed the exact sentiment expressed by Kohli, saying the umpire’s call was “confusing to the watching public, particularly when the same ball could either be Out or Not out depending on the on-field umpire’s original decision”.6:14

Does cricket need to rethink the soft-signal rule?

‘Soft signal, another grey area’
Kohli remained unconvinced about another hotly debated decision-making tool, the soft signal, which he said along with the umpire’s call was a “serious” issue the game’s lawmakers needed to tackle.The debate over the validity of an on-field umpire making a soft signal for a low catch in the outfield was reignited last week after Suryakumar Yadav was caught by Dawid Malan in the deep in the fourth T20I of the India vs England series.KN Ananthapadmanabhan, the on-field umpire, gave the soft signal as out even as Virender Sharma, the TV umpire, remained unconvinced. Although the rulebook gives the TV umpire the authority to overrule the soft signal, Sharma upheld his on-field colleague’s decision.After the match Kohli reacted strongly, saying he failed to understand why there was no “I don’t know” option the on-field umpire could use for cases where the evidence was not conclusive.On Monday Kohli felt controversial dismissals like Yadav’s also had the potential to trigger the spirit of cricket argument. “One more factor that needs to be considered is how the fielding team responds to a dismissal that is claimed is also somewhere you know defining soft signal as well,” he said. “Again, you have to question what the spirit of the game is and what those guidelines are. Because if things like that happen with the Indian cricket team overseas, then you are talking about a totally different conversation about spirit of the game, and so on and so forth.”Look, it is a serious, serious thing that needs to be considered because there is a lot at stake in future, there are big tournaments. And you don’t want some grey areas factors of the game which leave you with no clarity to be the defining factors of those big tournaments and big games.”

West Bromwich Albion fans will have breathed a major sigh of relief when talk this off-season surrounding Carlos Corberan's future in the dug-out died down, with the likes of Leicester City sniffing around at one point for the popular Spaniard's services.

The Baggies boss has turned around the fortunes of the West Midlands club over the past couple of campaigns, from looking worryingly over their shoulder at the relegation spaces in the Championship under the dismal tenure of Steve Bruce, to the brink of a play-off final with the ex-Huddersfield Town man's expertise at the helm.

West Brom will be dreaming about an unbelievable Premier League return this season to come, with the 41-year-old manager well aware he can rely on a number of seasoned individuals in his camp to deliver the goods in the second tier again, such as the experienced heads of Kyle Bartley and Alex Mowatt.

He might not be able to keep a firm grip on Okay Yokuslu ahead of another promotion attempt, however, with many a suitor trying to tempt the Turkish midfielder away from the Hawthorns this summer, which would definitely weaken the Baggies in the centre of the park in the process.

Okay Yokuslu's situation at West Brom

Corberan and Co could be looking to cash in whilst they can for their 30-year-old enforcer, with his contract expiring next year, and fervent interest certainly there.

Both Besiktas and Trabzonspor were noted as being interested parties from his native Turkey, but further developments now suggest that the first named suitor has dropped out of the race to snap up Yokuslu, who has only attracted himself onto more shopping lists after a bright time out at the Euros with his nation.

Hull City could stand more of a chance at swooping in and landing the in-demand West Brom number 35 now, though, with limited competition now to fend off, with Hull vice-chairman Tan Kesler even admitting that Yokuslu is on their transfer target list recently.

It remains to be seen whether West Brom's hefty £5m valuation puts off Tim Walter's men, considering Yokuslu is nearing the twilight years of his career at 30 years of age, but the Tigers have been unafraid to splash the cash in the division before and could do so again.

The Humberside outfit have spent some mega bucks on the likes of Jaden Philogene-Bidace in transfer windows as of late, with Yokuslu potentially their next splurge, and a worthwhile one at that when you consider his exploits in a Baggies strip to date.

Yokuslu's time at West Brom

West Brom must be thanking their lucky stars that they gambled on picking up Yokuslu on a free transfer when they did, bringing him in on a permanent basis in 2022, before he went on to become a dependable first-team head.

Last campaign, the no-nonsense 30-year-old was only absent from two clashes across the full Championship season, forming a daunting holding midfield duo with the aforementioned Mowatt, as the Baggies became known for being a resilient and dogged side whilst also boasting the likes of Brandon Thomas-Asante when venturing forward.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Yokuslu

Games played

44

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

Touches*

54.4

Accurate passes*

38.0 (87%)

Interceptions*

1.1

Tackles*

1.5

Ball recoveries*

4.9

Total duels won*

4.5

Looking at the table above, the Baggies will very much miss Yokuslu's grit and steel from the middle of the park if he does move onto the MKM Stadium this summer, with the Turkish star almost acting as a heartbeat for Corberan's men when fielded by the Spaniard.

The wanted Baggies number 35 even has a rocket of a shot in his back pocket if needs be, that will further intrigue his potential new employers in Hull, with this venomous effort against the Terriers last season nearly taking the net off.

Still, if West Brom can manage to gain £5m back by selling on the ageing midfielder this summer, all sentimentality surrounding how much his presence is adored at the Hawthorns will surely go out the window.

Selling Yokuslu on for this excessive amount would even see him become more of a valued asset than the likes of Wallace and Thomas-Asante, according to Football Transfers, and would end up in him becoming the most profitable talent from Corberan's camp currently.

Therefore, nobody could begrudge the Championship side if they did decide to offload Yokuslu for this high amount, especially when you consider the Baggies are struggling in the market themselves to bring in new recruits, with £1m rumoured to be too much in West Brom's recent pursuit of Sorba Thomas.

Yokuslu's changing valuation at West Brom

If Hull do come in and win Yokuslu for this new amount, the Baggies' blinder in going after the 6 foot 3 brute for nothing continues to look like an absolute masterstroke.

Yokuslu is worth even more than both Wallace and Thomas-Asante with this new bumped up valuation above his head, despite both attacking players combining to score 17 goals between them in Championship action last season, as Corberan's men nearly tasted the sweet ecstasy of promotion.

Even despite these glowing numbers working in their favour, Wallace and Thomas-Asante are worth £3.9m and £2.2m respectively, when contrasted next to their in-demand teammate.

2023

£3.3m

2022

£0

2021 (on loan)

£3.5m

Looking at the table above at Yokuslu's fluctuating transfer values in the West Midlands, West Brom might be wise to cash in now, so not to regret banking a sizeable amount of money whilst they still can.

West Brom have been burnt by a key first-teamer potentially leaving for nothing very recently in the form of Cedric Kipre, who still hasn't agreed a new contract this off-season, and looks to be exiting this summer for nothing as suitors queue up to win his cheap services.

At least in this instance, West Brom can move on from their star number 35 leaving, knowing they at least bargained hard over allowing him to go.

That £5m could also go a long way in allowing Corberan to buy his next potential Yokuslu and reshape his squad to go one better and win promotion this time around, potentially competing with their ex-midfielder's new club along the way.

West Brom targeting "sensational" Phillips replacement

Carlos Corberan will fancy reuniting with this West Bromwich Albion transfer target.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2024

Everton have a huge task on their hands this summer to replace the outgoing Amadou Onana, who is set for a £50m move to join fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

The Belgian has been an excellent addition to the Toffees, cementing his place in Sean Dyche’s midfield after his £33m move to Goodison Park back in the summer of 2022.

Whilst the club will make a nice profit on their investment, helping their PSR and FFP battle, it will leave a huge hole in the heart of the team, with Dyche needing to replace the 22-year-old ace.

They’ve been linked with numerous talents to try and fill the void, but as of yet, the Toffees are yet to find a suitable replacement for the ball-winning midfielder.

However, they’ve recently been credited with an interest in one star, who’s enjoyed a successful summer featuring for his nation at the Copa América.

Everton interested in Copa America star to replace Onana

According to journalist Nicola Jorge, via Sport Witness, Everton have been in talks with the agent of midfielder Richard Rios over a potential move to Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old Colombian could be available for just €20m (£17m) this summer, but Everton also face stiff competition from Leicester City for his services after his impressive displays on the international scene in recent weeks.

Rios started every game for Colombia, scoring once against Panama, as he helped lead his nation to a place in the final, where they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Argentina after extra time.

The report states that while no official offer has yet been made for his services, the Toffees have been in contact with Rios’ entourage over a move to Merseyside ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

He would undoubtedly be a great replacement for the outgoing Onana but also be a brilliant addition for one talent who is edging closer to a move to Everton.

Why Rios would be perfect for Lindstrom at Everton

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have reached an agreement with Napoli over the loan signing of midfielder Jesper Lindstrom until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Dane has been identified as a player who could boost Dyche’s side in the final third, as the Toffees look to increase their goalscoring output next season.

Whilst he’s primarily a defensive midfielder, Colombian star Rios has produced some key figures in 2023/24 that could certainly allow Lindstrom to be a success at Goodison.

In his 12 appearances for Palmeiras in recent months, the “tremendous” Rios, as described by journalist Matteo Bonetti, averaged 37 passes per 90 at a completion rate of 79%.

Richard Rios' stats per 90 for Palmeiras (2023/24)

Statistics

Tally

Games played

12

Passes completed

37

Pass accuracy

79%

Progressive passes

3.5

Progressive carries

1.6

Tackles

2.2

Blocks

1.8

Stats via FBref

Out of his 37, an average of 3.5 of his passes were progressive, showcasing his ability at playing the ball into forward areas, allowing Lindstrom to create frequent opportunities for Dyche’s side in 2024/25.

However, with the Colombian being a defensive-minded player, he’s also excelled in regaining possession, averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.8 blocks per 90 – providing more defensive cover to Everton’s already impressive backline.

The 24-year-old would be an excellent addition and one that could allow potential new addition Lindstrom to regain his best form, which saw him achieve a tally of 11 goal contributions in 38 appearances during his time at former club Eintracht Frankfurt.

Should they agree a deal for Rios, it would be another superb addition by Dyche and his team, with the Toffees quietly building an impressive side that can easily challenge to be a mid-table side in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 19, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Após confirmar a chegada de Rafael, o Botafogo não deve parar por isso no mercado pensando em encorpar o elenco para a disputa da Série B do Brasileirão. O clube tem interesse e abriu conversas para contratar Fernandão, de 34 anos, que jogou no Goiás na temporada passada.

+ Rafael recusou salário quase três vezes maior do Fluminense para fechar com o Botafogo

Uma das principais questões que travam o interesse do Botafogo em acelerar a contratação com a maior rapidez possível é uma questão envolvendo Fernandão fora de campo. Em fevereiro, um dirigente do Goiás afirmou que o atacante foi pego no exame antidoping por uso de uma substância proibida para emagrecer.

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Contudo, nenhum tipo de julgamento foi marcado e o jogador, teoricamente, está liberado para jogar – o atleta, inclusive, atuou o último Brasileirão praticamente inteiro já tendo sigo pego no doping. O Botafogo, porém, quer ter certeza que não haverá nenhum tipo de consequência negativa antes de tornar o interesse em algo concreto.

Fernandão tem 34 anos e, assim como Rafael Moura, companheiro no Goiás durante a última temporada, se destaca pela capacidade aérea e jogo físico. O Alvinegro também conta com Rafael Navarro, que deve sair no fim do ano, e Gabriel Conceição, destaque do sub-20, como centroavantes no elenco.

O atacante marcou oito gols pelo Esmeraldino no último Brasileirão. O atleta também soma passagens por Bahia, Al-Wehda-ARS, Fenerbahçe-TUR, Bursaspor-TUR, Athletico Paranaense, Palmeiras, Guarani, Democrata, Paysandu, Macaé, Volta Redonda, Flamengo, Tombense e América-RJ.

Tottenham have offered Richarlison in a player-plus-cash bid to sign one very highly-rated star this summer, coming as the former Everton star is tipped to potentially be sold in the coming weeks.

Spurs could sell Richarlison despite good form last season

The Brazil international endured a torrid debut campaign at N17 under former manager Antonio Conte, but did manage to display flashes of his best during Ange Postecoglou's first season in charge.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 26, 2024

The 27-year-old, during a mid-season purple patch, scored nine goals in eight Premier League games from the middle of December to early February – displayed his best form in a Lilywhites jersey by quite some distance and attracting real praise.

“What I want is for Richy to keep improving, and keep developing his football and becoming a real force for us and we’ll see where that takes us," said Postecoglou on Richarlison earlier this year.

“Because as this year alone has shown us, whatever plans or designs I had about which kind of formation I was going to play and which players were going to play a part in that, that pretty much went out the window after the first 15 minutes at Brentford when [Cristian] Romero gets concussion and I’ve got to make a change.

Richarlison's stats for Tottenham in all competitions last season

Total (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

31

Goals

12

Assists

4

Minutes per goal

145

Minutes played

1,737

“I’ve never thought in those terms. For me, it’s about trying to get players to fulfill their potential and with Richy I still think there is growth there. If it keeps growing, well, we the football club will be the beneficiaries of it.”

However, despite some glimpses of his real potential, doubts still linger over his suitability to lead the line moving forward. Richarlison has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, according to some reports, and it is believed Tottenham are open to selling for the right offer.

Spurs are also targeting a world-class replacement for Kane this summer, plunging Richarlison's future into further doubt, as any incoming forward would surely put the South American further down Postecoglou's pecking order.

Tottenham offer Richarlison plus cash for Alexander Isak

Now, according to Sky Sports Italia reporter and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, it appears Spurs have attempted to kill two birds with one stone as they make a proposal for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

Indeed, Di Marzio writes this week that Tottenham have made a player-plus-cash bid for Isak which includes Richarlison. The £120,000-per-week Sweden international scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Magpies last season, so Eddie Howe's side are understandably reluctant to accept Spurs' offer, despite some pressure to sell players due to PSR.

Bringing Isak to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and getting Richarlison's £90,000-per-week salary off the books, could've been a masterful move by chairman Daniel Levy – but it appears they may have to return with an improved offer.

Glasgow Rangers head of recruitment Nils Koppen has been hard at work in the summer transfer window so far, with three deals already completed.

Oscar Cortes has joined on a second loan from RC Lens, left-back Jefte has been signed from Fluminense, and centre-back Clinton Nsiala will join on from AC Milan at the start of next month.

The Gers are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Hamza Igamane on a permanent deal to bolster Philippe Clement's options at the top end of the pitch.

Scotland international Tommy Conway, who is currently away at the European Championship in Germany, has also been linked with a move to Ibrox.

The Light Blues are now said to be closing in on the signing of another player to add to the club's midfield ranks ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Rangers closing in on SPFL star

According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, former Aberdeen central midfielder Connor Barron is "expected" to sign for the Scottish giants.

The reporter claims that the Gers look to have won the race for his signature amid heavy competition from teams in England and Italy this summer and are now on track to finalise a deal for the talented youngster.

His contract with the Dons expired at the end of last month and Rangers will need to agree a compensation fee with the Scottish Premiership club, as he is only 21.

Sky Sports have backed up Jack's claim by reporting that Koppen and Clement are 'closing in' on the signing of the SPFL star, whilst they add that former Motherwell shot-stopper Liam Kelly is also poised to join on a free transfer to compete with Jack Butland.

Barron now looks set to link-up with his new teammates when the team return for pre-season later this summer and he could form an exciting partnership with Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park next season.

Why Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin could be dominant

With Ryan Jack and John Lundstram having departed on free transfers at the end of last month, there is a vacancy in midfield for the ex-Aberdeen star to walk into.

Mohammed Diomande is capable of playing further forward in midfield and that could see Barron and Raskin paired as the double pivot at the base of Clement's side, with the Ivorian possibly playing ahead of them.

The former Dons star, who was hailed as "very impressive" by Scotland U21 boss Scott Gemmill, could thrive next to the Belgian ace as they are both fantastic out of possession.

Appearances

29

18

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.7

Ball recoveries per game

5.3

5.3

Ground duel success rate

53%

52%

Aerial duel success rate

68%

59%

As you can see in the table above, both players win the majority of their battles on the deck and in the air, which means that they can form a dominant midfield pairing that would be difficult for opposition teams to get the better of for Rangers next term.

Barron, 21, and Raskin, 23, are also two young midfielders with plenty of time left ahead of them to develop as players over the coming years, which means that they could be an immediately effective pairing whilst still having room to grow further.

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ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2024

Therefore, this could be an excellent piece of business by Koppen if it becomes official in the coming due to his proven Premiership quality and potential to be a brilliant partner for the club's current Belgian metronome.

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Hugh Jackman and Eva Longoria have all visited Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney being told who to invite next.

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• Famous co-owner in North Wales
• Bring friends along for the ride
• Striker wants comedy star next

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A-list guests at SToK Racecourse have become commonplace, with Hollywood co-owners asking famous friends to come and experience their surprising sporting venture. Reynolds and McElhenney have also brought their respective partners – Blake Lively and Kaitlin Olson – along for the ride.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  More superstars are expected to pass through North Wales in the weeks and months to come, with McElhenney recently attending the so-called League One ‘Hollywood Derby’ between Wrexham and Birmingham that saw Tom Brady and David Beckham take up seats in the stands.

• WHAT MARRIOTT SAID

  Jack Marriott was on target in that contest, before suffering a 3-1 defeat, and the Wrexham striker has told when asked who he wants to play in front of next: “Tough question that. I’m a big comedy fan, so someone like Adam Sandler. We share the same birthday, which I discovered the other day. I’m a big fan of his. I’d like to see him.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Marriott added on the upcoming release of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’, with Sandler set to bring his popular golf character back to the fairways and big screen: “That’s going to be a good one. I think I probably watched the original one well into the three figures, so I can’t wait for the new one.”

Newcastle United could be set for a new arrival at St James' Park this summer, but there won't be anyone joining the first-team or even the coaching staff under boss Eddie Howe.

The Magpies are looking to replace their Sporting Director, Dan Ashworth, with the 53-year-old currently on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United, who are looking to overhaul their staff behind the scenes.

It was reported a couple of months ago that Ashworth confirmed his desire to join the Red Devils, but there is no deal in place for him to leave the club and join up with Erik ten Hag's side.

Despite this, the Daily Mail confirmed that Crystal Palace man Dougie Freedman is on the Magpies' final shortlist to replace Ashworth – with United also interested in tempting the 49-year-old to Old Trafford.

The former Palace striker was present at Selhurst Park in midweek, as Newcastle fell to a 2-0 defeat against the Eagles, with members of the Magpies hierarchy, including co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi also in attendance.

Freedman has gained a fantastic reputation for his domestic dealings in the transfer market, recommending the likes of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, with the trio set to make the club a lot of money after their successive stints at the club – the latter duo mooted to depart for £60m plus each.

There's no denying, that despite the investment from the Saudi PIF, the Magpies squad needs an overhaul, with the Palace chief fitting the bill, especially given his recent successes in the market.

That being said, here are three players who Freedman could send packing immediately, should he take over the Sporting Director role at St James' Park…

1

Callum Wilson

Striker Callum Wilson has often had to settle as Newcastle's second-choice option behind Alexander Isak, understandable given the Swede's record of 21 goals in all competitions so far this campaign.

The former Bournemouth forward has only featured 23 times this season and just three times in 2024, managing to score on eight occasions.

He made his return from injury off the bench in midweek, but he was unable to make any impact and turn the game into the Magpies' favour after Jean-Philippe Mateta's double.

Wilson has undoubtedly been a fantastic servant to the club since his £20m from Bournemouth back in 2020, scoring 46 times in 105 appearances for the club, but he's been unable to showcase his talents this season after his constant injury issues.

He's been sidelined by two different hamstring issues, whilst a calf injury saw him miss a further two months, before suffering a chest injury upon his return in the 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in February.

The striker, who earns a reported £46k-per-week, as per Capology, is now 32 years old and his constant setbacks this season have prevented the forward from putting consistent runs together in the first-team – with his longest run of games without injury being just a lowly six.

He only has one year left on his current deal at the club, with Wilson turning 33 before the end of next season. That being said, Freedman should look to move him on this summer to avoid losing him for nothing, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal previously linked with a move for the forward.

2

Miguel Almiron

After his sensational goalscoring run during last season, which saw the attacker score eight goals in just nine Premier League games, Miguel Almiron has failed to replicate any of his good form under Howe this campaign.

He's featured 29 times in the Premier League this campaign, scoring on just three occasions – and like Wilson, has struggled for fitness during key parts of the season.

The Paraguayan suffered a knee injury in the sensational comeback win against West Ham United and has failed to feature since, with the attacker missing the last four league outings.

With the club undoubtedly looking to strengthen this summer, Almiron may find himself a victim of the club's huge investment, losing his first-team spot, but potentially being sold altogether.

Almiron, who earns £60k-per-week at St James' Park as per Spotrac, was linked with a £30m move to join Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia back in January. Talk surrounding the 30-year-old's potential move to the Middle East came around after Newcastle's current chief executive Darren Eales suggested that the club must sell players before making any major signings due to the constraints of FFP.

The forward – who has also been mooted for an exit this summer – remains under contract at St James' Park until 2026, but Freedman may choose to sell him during the summer after his disappointing campaign, allowing the potential new Sporting Director to work his magic in the window.

3

Yankuba Minteh

Despite only arriving at Newcastle last summer, winger Yankuba Minteh could be set for a move away from Tyneside despite not making a single appearance for the club, as per The Telegraph.

The 19-year-old Gambian has scored nine times and produced five assists in his 25 appearances on loan at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, as he looks to gain valuable first-team experience.

The youngster has scored more goals than Almiron this season, but he could also suffer the same fate as the Paraguayan this summer, with the forward potentially allowing the club to make a quick profit and invest in other areas of the squad.

Minteh, who only earns a reported £4.2k-per-week, as per Capology, has been previously linked with Italian side Napoli ahead of the summer window, but any deal could depend on Freedman's arrival on Tyneside this summer.

He certainly possesses a lot of quality as demonstrated during his stint away from Newcastle this season, but given Freedman's success in identifying brilliant young talents, the Gambian may have to make way to allow the 49-year-old to work his magic at St James' Park.

With £110k-per-week worth of talent there for the Magpies to move on, such funds could be valuable as the club seek to strengthen moving forward.

Newcastle could land dream Gordon partner this summer in £60m "magician"

The club are looking for reinforcements in forward areas this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 23, 2024

Nkunku came off the bench to finish inside the box as the Blues somehow beat the Cherries

Chelsea had to reckon with an energetic Bournemouth side on Saturday night but managed to do so, with some help from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and substitute Christopher Nkunku.

In the 36th minute, during a half they dominated, Bournemouth got in behind as Evanilson capitalised on a terrible backpass from Wesley Fofana. Sanchez sprinted out and body-checked the summer signing, bringing him down in the area and conceding a penalty, although he stood tall to make a sensational save.

Bournemouth were the better side in the first half but Evanilson could not convert any of his chances, including from 12 yards, and the two sides headed into the interval level.

In the second half, the same pattern resumed and Ryan Christie hit the post just before the hour mark.

But it was Chelsea who found a way to win the game. In the 85th minute, two substitutes combined as Jadon Sancho found Nkunku, who poked home, and somehow earned the Blues all three points.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Vitality Stadium…

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Robert Sanchez (7/10):

Booked after clattering into Evanilson, conceding a penalty in the process. Stood tall to save the spot-kick, though, in what was one of a number of vital stops. A busy evening.

Axel Disasi (5/10):

Struggled with the pace of Bournemouth's attack and was often caught chasing back. Subbed in the second half. May not be a starter for much longer.

Wesley Fofana (4/10):

Booked for a high arm in the first half. Awful backpass to Sanchez led to Evanilson winning Bournemouth's penalty. Tried to recover but Bournemouth clearly saw him as a weak link.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Very strong in the air but was booked for a rash challenge. Some very good distribution.

Marc Cucurella (5/10):

Got up and down as regularly as he could. Put one ball into the box that was begging to be finished but no Chelsea attacker could swing a leg at it. Fortunate not to be sent off after conceding a foul while on a yellow.

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Moises Caicedo (6/10):

Had to drop deep regularly to assist Chelsea's defence. An all-action display as he defended well and got forward whenever possible.

Cole Palmer (5/10):

Bournemouth's best chance of stopping him was to foul him, which they did often. Saw his rhythm hampered as a result and was unable to register a shot. A frustrating outing.

Renato Veiga (6/10):

Tried to impose himself physically but Bournemouth won the midfield battle. Grew into the game once he moved forward in the second half.

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Noni Madueke (6/10):

Most of Chelsea's attacks flowed through him in the first half but his influence waned. Subbed on the hour.

Nicolas Jackson (4/10):

Booked in the second half and missed more than one gilt-edged chance. A particularly egregious miss saw him blaze over when unmarked in the area. He's not the striker Chelsea need.

Pedro Neto (4/10):

Anonymous. Barely touched the ball in the first half and was hooked at half-time, being replaced by debutant Jadon Sancho.

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Jadon Sancho (7/10):

Replaced Neto at half-time. Booked for dissent but assisted Nkunku's late winner with some real quality. Has likely earned a starting role.

Joao Felix (6/10):

On for Madueke. Had a couple of touches but nothing of major importance.

Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):

On for Disasi. Helped see out the clean sheet.

Christopher Nkunku (8/10):

Off the bench and won the game thanks to a brilliant finish under intense pressure. Has to start.

Enzo Maresca (7/10):

Used his bench perfectly as Sancho and Nkunku combined to win the game. Will be concerned with the overall level of performance but three points are three points.