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Newcastle United's forward line has caught the eye this season, with the Magpies finding the net on 69 occasions, a tally only beaten by the top three in the Premier League.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have both impressed under boss Eddie Howe, scoring a combined 27 goals in England's top flight – with the latter managing to reach double figures for the first time in his career.

The pair have been consistent starters this campaign despite the current injury crisis at St James' Park, often joined by a different player in the final third each game week.

Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Miguel Almiron have all attempted to complete the Magpies' attacking trio, but their constant injury setbacks have prevented any of them from nailing down a starting spot on the right of Newcastle's frontline.

However, the club have been linked with a new forward in recent weeks, with the club needing to go all out this summer to win the race for his signature.

Newcastle could sign high-profile forward this summer

As per a report last month from Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live, Newcastle's head of recruitment Steve Nickson has previously been spotted at Wembley watching England vs Brazil – keeping a close eye on Gordon and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

However, he was also monitoring the Brazil squad, in particular, Barcelona forward Raphinha, who could be set for a move away from the Spanish club this summer.

The 27-year-old is also subject to interest from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, with the Magpies potentially facing a battle to win the former Leeds United wideman's signature.

The Brazilian, who has featured 24 times in La Liga this season, could depart the Spanish giants, with Barça looking to raise funds where possible given their awful financial status.

Chronicle Live also state that the Brazilian could cost the Magpies £60m this summer, with the club needing to offload players before any players are brought into St James' Park.

Why Raphinha would be the dream Gordon partner

Although the £60m may seem hefty, the club would be welcoming one of the most productive forwards in Europe this season, with his stats allowing the likes of Isak and Gordon to reach the next level.

In La Liga this season, he's produced 0.6 assists per 90 – a stat that sees him rank higher than 99% of other forwards within Europe's top five leagues.

Raphinha has also averaged 4.3 progressive passes and 3.6 progressive carries per 90, with the Brazilian showcasing his desire to create opportunities in the final third.

The "magician" as dubbed by former Leeds teammate Dan James, has registered eight assists in the league this season, proving that he's also able to add an end-product to his ball-carrying ability.

Although he's failed to find the net on as many occasions as Gordon and Isak, the 27-year-old has still produced multiple impressive stats, including 3.9 shots per 90 and 6.1 shot-creating actions – which, like his assists, ranks him above 99% of forwards this campaign.

Raphinha also has five league goals to his name in La Liga, taking his contributions to 13 – a tally that would certainly bolster Howe's already potent attack, helping to balance the forward line with Gordon one one flank and the Brazilian on the other.

His impressive stats are there for everyone to see, with the rumoured interest from other Premier League sides no surprise given his form in Catalonia this campaign.

Howe and the Saudi PIF must prioritise the addition of Raphinha this summer, with the forward's ability to create opportunities in front of goal hugely beneficial to the Magpies' European hopes, whilst allowing the club's forward to bolster their already impressive goalscoring tallies.

Newcastle could sign a dream Botman partner with 9/10 potential

He’s already received high praise from Jose Mourinho.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 22, 2024

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and the Eagles board are ready to back manager Oliver Glasner in the summer, and there is one player who's said to have really caught their eye already.

Glasner prepares for Newcastle after impressive Palace results

The Austrian's tenure got off to a mixed start, but in Palace's last two Premier League games, they've secured very impressive results.

Crystal Palace plot move for 6ft 3 star as door opens for cut-price deal

The Eagles are planning to back Glasner this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 11, 2024

They're now more than 10 points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining, making them sure-fire candidates to avoid the drop barring a total disaster.

Palace's brilliant 1-0 win away to title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield preceded a fantastic 5-2 victory at home to West Ham, with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Jean Philippe-Mateta's brace and an Emerson Palmieri own-goal rounded off their arguable display of the season over the weekend.

“You think about many situations that can happen in a game, with injuries or you have a red card down, so maybe you can change things. But I had no plan in my head when we were four goals up after 30 minutes," said Glasner after Palace's brilliant win over West Ham.

“That’s the best situation you can have, and I really enjoyed watching the players today, what kind of joy they had in possession, how they combined, and it was really amazing to watch them.

“You could feel it in the whole of Selhurst Park: the fans were happy, the players were happy, and that's how football should be. But it's also important to keep this focus high over 95 minutes – we conceded a goal where we were a little bit, let's say, comfortable, [not] defending the set-piece. We knew this was one of their biggest strengths, but when it was 4-0 up, we said: ‘yeah, wow, cool, nice’ – but you always have to show the basics.

“In the second-half we did it really well, we scored a nice goal, we could have scored two or three more, so then it happened with Dean [Henderson], but I think he saved us three or four goals at Liverpool, so today we can [forgive him]. Mistakes happen, but it was a great performance today."

While Glasner prepares for Newcastle, Parish is ready to back him in the summer. Palace are believed to be looking at defensive reinforcements, but also have targets for further forward and in midfield, like Club Brugge ace Raphael Onyedika.

Crystal Palace readying imminent bid for Onyedika

The 23-year-old Nigerian has been a mainstay for Brugge all season, and Palace watched him in action just last week as they take a real interest.

That is according to Africa Foot United, who also say that Palace are now "preparing an offer" for Onyedika and their proposal will come in the "coming days".

Interestingly, a separate report from Africa has branded him the "new [Paul] Pogba", following reports earlier this week that the Eagles hierarchy see him as one of Europe's brightest young talents and a priority signing if one or both of Michael Olise or Eberechi Eze leave.

Juventus star Federico Chiesa is reportedly set to sign for Liverpool on a four-year deal in a bargain transfer.

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• Chiesa not wanted at Juventus
• Liverpool make surprise swoop
• Italian set to sign for bargain fee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement between Juventus and Liverpool has been reached, the 26-year-old will join for just £11 million ($14.4m) with add-ons, and he will fly to Merseyside later on Wednesday to complete the transfer.

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  Chiesa was told by new Juventus boss Thiago Motta that he was not part of his plans going forward earlier this month and since then he has been looking for a new club. Despite being linked with Barcelona, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, the Italian international is now primed to head to Arne Slot's Reds in a sensational late transfer move.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The former Fiorentina ace has scored 32 goals and bagged 23 assists in 131 games for Juventus since making his club debut in 2020. Chiesa has been a regular for Italy over the years and helped his country win Euro 2020 three years ago.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  This comes hot on the heels of Liverpool announcing the signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili – although the Georgia international will stay on loan at the Spanish side for the 2024-25 season. Chiesa could even make his Reds debut on Sunday away to Manchester United if this transfer is sealed soon; ahead of the window shutting on Friday night.

Unlike Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, Roy Keane decided not to play against Celtic in charity match.

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• Man Utd legends faced Celtic
• Rooney scored the opener
• Keane did not return to Old Trafford

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Several Red Devils icons like Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Antonio Valencia and Nicky Butt returned to Old Trafford on Saturday as Manchester United Legends faced Celtic in a charity match. The Premier League club took the lead through Wayne Rooney's strike in the first half before Gary Hooper equalised in the 62nd minute. A penalty shootout was conducted at the end of 90 minutes where the Scots clinched the clash 5-4 as Daniel Webber failed to convert his penalty.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  While several yesteryear stars got together and graced Old Trafford, former United captain Roy Keane decided not to return to the pitch. In 2022, Keane claimed that he was far from being fit to play football while speaking on a podcast. Keane has not stepped on a football pitch as a player since announcing his retirement in 2006.

• WHAT ROY KEANE SAID

  In 2022, while speaking on , the retired midfielder said, "I'm not fit. I'm far from fit. My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I've not put on loads of weight doesn't mean to say I'm fit.

  "I wouldn't really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I've been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it. I'd find it really difficult because I wouldn't be able to get around. Too many injury problems. I try to have a decent diet obviously and I'm wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn't be fit enough to go on any sort of run."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Ten Hag's men, who have suffered two losses in their first three league games, will be back in action next weekend as they take on Southampton away from home on September 14.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to complete the signing of a "wonderful" player with a £60m release clause this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd eyeing new signings

It is clear that the Red Devils need to bring in significant reinforcements at the end of the season, following a campaign that has seen their Premier League form nowhere near good enough, not to mention crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage.

Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer is one player who has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford recently, possibly being seen as an improvement on the past-his-best Casemiro, who could depart in the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old has scored five goals and registered three assists in the Eredivisie this season, as well as winning 3.2 aerial duels per game, outlining his all-round quality.

Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque has also reportedly been lined up by United, with the 19-year-old seen as someone who could come in and provide strong competition for Rasmus Hojlund in Erik ten Hag's attack.

There is a feeling that improvements are required for various current Red Devils players, one of whom could be Antony, following an underwhelming season by the former Ajax man. Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is seen as an option in that respect, having stood out as one of the Eagles' most exciting performers in recent years.

Ratcliffe wants "wonderful" ace at Man Utd

According to a new claim provided by Romano on X, Ratcliffe is keen on Manchester United snapping up Palace star Olise this summer, with the Frenchman having a £60m release clause in his current contract at that point:

"Manchester United remain one of several clubs in the race for Michael Olise, as release clause in region of £60m will be active this summer. INEOS people already tracking him, well informed on all details but also aware of competition. He's one of the names monitored."

Olise stands out as a hugely exciting option for United, considering the natural ability he possesses, not to mention the end product in his game, which means he has genuine substance compared to Antony, for example.

The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in just 11 Premier League starts this season, showing how ruthless he is in front of goal, and that tally would likely be higher had it not been for injury problems. He has also been hailed by former manager Roy Hodgson, who said after a game last season:

"In the second half, he was spot on with everything. In the first half, we didn’t get enough out of him and we couldn’t bring him into the game as much as we wanted. In the first half, he was a figure on the right, but he wasn’t creating chances or showing aggression in his play. In the second half, he got it all right in both defence and attack and he showed what a wonderful player he is."

At 22, Olise should only grow as a player in the coming years, becoming even more polished, and if United can pip some of their rivals to his signature, it could be a major coup.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to face a battle off the pitch with one of their early summer transfer targets also now wanted by Manchester United.

Newcastle transfer news

Even with drama still to come on the pitch, reports suggest that Newcastle are wasting no time in pursuing their summer targets away from the action at St James' Park, with an agreement reportedly reached with Lloyd Kelly. The Bournemouth defender is set to leave the Cherries at the end of the season with his contract up, allowing him to join up with Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

Newcastle eyeing long-term Miley partner who's "Roy Keane-esque"

The club are looking to sign reinforcements ahead of next season.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 14, 2024

Kelly's arrival will be the start of solving the Magpies' defensive depth problem. Without both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman in the long-term due to ACL injuries, the Bournemouth defender should instantly provide adequate cover that Newcastle have so desperately lacked in the current campaign.

The Englishman won't solve all of their problems in that area, however, and PIF seem to be well aware of that after reports suggested that Newcastle are targeting a similar deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo. The Fulham defender is also out of contract this summer, allowing the Magpies to swoop in and land a free deal.

It may not be that simple though. According to TalkSport, Manchester United want to hijack Newcastle's move to sign Adarabioyo following Raphael Varane's announcement that he will be leaving Old Trafford this summer. The Red Devils would be dealing the Magpies an unexpected blow in pursuit of boosting their defensive options and potentially laying down a marker ahead of competing against Howe's side next season.

As the end of the season approaches and the end of Adarabioyo's contract, the Fulham defender looks set to have a crucial decision to make regarding his future in the Premier League,

"Special" Adarabioyo should choose Newcastle

Pictures of the Old Trafford roof leaking following Saturday's loss against Arsenal sums up where Manchester United find themselves in many ways. The Red Devils are back to square one under Erik ten Hag and represent an environment in which fresh faces often fail to thrive.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have seen the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes reach their best form since completing moves to St James' Park – Adarabioyo should follow suit. He has the potential to seal a regular place in Howe's starting side too, especially after the praise of Marco Silva.

The Fulham boss said via Bein Sports: "He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need these guys to step in in the right moments and he did it.

“The way he can defend the box but also on the ball he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back)."

Aston Villa legend Nigel Spink has said “thank you to Arsenal” for letting Emi Martinez go, with the Argentine star now the world’s best goalkeeper.

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• South American spent nine years with Gunners
• Left for a new challenge in 2020
• Has become a World Cup winner & global star

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The enigmatic South American severed ties with the Gunners in 2020 after being restricted to just 38 appearances across nine years in north London. He did win the FA Cup and Community Shield while at Emirates Stadium, but often found his path to regular first-team football blocked.

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  Villa were happy to give him a chance, and the 32-year-old is now a World Cup and Copa America winner that is turning out in the Champions League at club level. Some of Martinez’s antics may be called into question at times, but a standing has been taken up at the very top of the global game.

• WHAT SPINK SAID

  Iconic former Villa keeper Spink considers Martinez to be the best in the business, telling : “Emi Martinez is certainly in the top three best goalkeepers in the world, and I’d have him first. He’s got every attribute. He’s got that spark in his character but he’s also so calm and composed. When you look at him, he must be such an imposing figure for strikers. He’s a great shot-stopper, he claims crosses, and his distribution is excellent. Thank you to Arsenal for letting him go!

  “His experience will be huge for Villa in the Champions League. If he’s as much of a leader off the pitch as he is on it, then he’ll be keeping a calm head and talking to the other players about his experiences. Having that experience helps you and the team to be successful, and he’s got all the attributes to do that. I’m sure he’ll be there offering his advice to any player that needs it.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Villa made a winning start to their 2024-25 Champions League campaign when picking up a 3-0 victory against Young Boys in Switzerland. They will be returning to that elite European stage on October 2 when welcoming Harry Kane and Bayern Munich to Villa Park.

Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz feels he has "grown up" since joining the club from London rivals Chelsea.

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• Havertz in fine form for Arsenal
• Believes he has 'grown up'since joining
• Left London rivals Chelsea for Gunners

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Germany international made the switch to north London in 2023, ending an inconsistent spell at Stamford Bridge. The criticism followed the 25-year-old amid a rough start to life at Arsenal before finding form towards the end of the season, ending with 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

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  Havertz is off to a strong start this term, too, having scored two and set up another in five league matches, and the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star believes he has shown that people were wrong to doubt him amid his struggles.

• WHAT HAVERTZ SAID

  He told : "I feel great, I feel very, very good. Arsenal for me is my home, I love to be here every day. I think that it is normal when you go from a rival in London to another club, and they pay big money for you, some people will doubt me. But I just knew my qualities, I believed in myself and obviously the manager and my team-mates helped me a lot, because it's not always easy in those situations.

  "Everyone was there for me, everyone was ready to help, and I think that's why at one point it just started working. I think I grew up a lot, it just happens when things are not going your way, you grow up as a person and as a player as well."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ?

  The Gunners star will likely be in the starting XI again when his side come up against Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday. Three days later, they meet Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Over the past few seasons, Wolverhampton Wanderers have made some big profit from selling on key players. This money has mainly come from fellow Premier League clubs, although sides outside of England have bought a few too.

The likes of Nathan Collins and Morgan Gibbs-White, who left the club in the summer of 2023 and 2022 respectively made Wolves almost £50m. Collins joined Brentford for £23m, and Gibbs-White signed for Nottingham Forest for an initial £25m, with the deal potentially rising to £42.5m.

Diogo Jota signed for Liverpool in 2020 for £41m, in a deal which saw Ki-Jana Hoever go the other way and make the switch to Molineux. At the time, that was a club record sale for Wolves, but it was broken twice last summer.

Firstly, Ruben Neves’ transfer from Wolves to Saudi side Al-Hilal broke the sale record set by Jota’s move to Liverpool. Former captain Neves left Molineux for Saudi for a fee of £47m.

However, Neves’ record was smashed just weeks later, when his fellow Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes left Wolves to join Premier League champions Manchester City, for a fee of £53m. That was the third time in four years Wolves’ record sale was set, and the second time in just over two months.

However, there could well be another sale this summer, which sees that record broken once more, with one of Wolves’ star performers this season in line for a move.

Pedro Neto’s 2024 stats

The player in question here is another Portugal international, winger Pedro Neto. The 24-year-old has had a stellar campaign during the 2023/24 season and has potentially lined himself up for a big switch in the next few months.

This term in the Premier League, Neto scored two goals and registered nine assists in just 20 games. Not only that, he got on the scoresheet once and registered two assists in four FA Cup games.

What makes this even more impressive is that he only played 1,519 minutes in the Premier League, which equates to 16 full 90-minute games. The reason Neto has played such few minutes is due to more injury issues hampering his campaign. The Portugal international missed a total of 20 games in all competitions, seven less than he missed in 2022/23.

Despite these injury issues, his quality has shone through this season. In fact, following a wonderful assist against Spurs, Neto received a compliment from former Wolves and current Portugal teammate Jota, who called him a “beast” on social media after his silky performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Neto’s transfer value in 2024

Indeed, with the £50k-per-week attacker's excellent performances likely warranting a big move in the 2024 summer window, it does beg the question of exactly how much money Wolves will charge for the 24-year-old.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the Midlands side will ask for another club record fee in order to sell Neto. Percy explains that “Wolves are ready to demand a club record £60 million” for the Portuguese, before explaining that Manchester City and Newcastle are the two clubs interested in signing him at this time.

Manager Gary O’Neil implied in a recent interview that Wolves will once again have to move players on in order to reinvest money into the squad. O’Neil discussed how Wolves “won't be blessed with resources as in money to spend”, before explaining that he hopes those out on loan can “come back and help us or we will be able to sell some”.

Whatever the case, it will certainly be an interesting summer at Molineux, with some big names, including Neto, potentially on the way out of the door. How the Old Gold will spend that remains to be seen; they are not currently linked with many players. With that being said, they will be hoping to use it as a springboard and build on an impressive first season with O’Neil at the helm.

Wolves looking to table bid for "unstoppable" Neto replacement

Gary O’Neil’s side could complete a brilliant piece of business here.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 22, 2024

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to follow in Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham’s footsteps by becoming a “signature player” for adidas.

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• Committed to adidas over Nike
• Rewriting the history books at 17
• Working on building his brand

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The teenage wonderkid has taken the global game by storm, breaking records aplenty at 17 years of age. Yamal made his senior debut for La Liga giants Barca at 15 and is a now a proven Champions League performer with European Championship honours to his name.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , Yamal is being lined up to join eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, Real Madrid superstar Bellingham and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah in their “signature” stable – allowing him to have his own logo and boot range.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In February 2024, adidas fended off rival interest from Nike to agree a long-term partnership with Yamal. His stock has continued to rise since then, with the youngster starring for Barcelona and Spain while also earning a place on the list of contenders for prestigious Ballon d’Or recognition.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Yamal will now work with adidas to build his own brand, with individual collections said to be in the pipework. There is every chance that he will one day take over from fellow La Masia graduate Messi as the top ambassador for adidas’ speed boot silo – with his mass appeal only growing in one direction.