Newcastle fans discuss the prospect of signing Kenedy after Chelsea’s transfer ban

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Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to discuss the possibility of signing Kenedy on a permanent deal, after it was revealed that his parent club, Chelsea, will not be allowed to sign players for the next two transfer windows after FIFA imposed a ban.

Brazilian forward Kenedy is currently on a season-long loan with the Magpies, having spent the second half of last season on loan at St James’ Park as well, where he turned out to be a huge hit on Tyneside.

This season, however, the 23-year-old has scored just a single goal and recorded just one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions whilst disappointing massively – he also missed a last-minute penalty away to Cardiff which would’ve handed the Magpies all three points.

Boss Rafa Benitez was already quizzed back in December over whether he was thinking about terminating the loan, but the decision on Kenedy’s future might be out of his hands after the Blues’ transfer ban.

Let’s see what Newcastle fans on Twitter are saying about the Brazilian…

Ten Hag now ‘very close’ to Man United

Manchester United have been stepping up their search for the next manager to take charge at Old Trafford, and now information has emerged on the potential appointment of the leading favourite Erik Ten Hag.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Angelo Mangiante has given a fresh update on Manchester United’s progression with Ajax boss ten Hag, Tweeting to his followers:

“Erik ten Hag is now very close and he still leading the race to become the new Manchester United manager. For sure, he wants a final answer from Manchester United as soon as possible. In any case, compensation for Erik ten Hag is not an issue for Manchester United.”

Supporters will love it

Ten Hag has been a clear favourite amongst Manchester United fans ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked back in November, so the news that the club may finally be close to sealing the deal with the 52-year-old manager will be a huge relief for the long-suffering Man United fans and they will surely love it.

There was concern that the Dutch coach could be snapped up by another club with speculation of interest from two other European sides who want to also hire him this summer, but if Mangiante’s statement is true then surely it will now be only a matter of time before he is announced by the club as the new manager to take the reins at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag has been successfully managing his current side, Ajax, after leading them to a Champions League semi-final in 2019 and then going on to win two Dutch league titles and three Dutch domestic cups with his squad, and fans will be hoping he can inject this winning mentality back into their team over in Manchester so that they can return to consistent trophy winning.

As Ralf Rangnick discussed following the draw with Leicester City, there is still a huge amount of work to be done at Manchester United over the next few seasons and the interim boss revealed it could take “two to three transfer windows” to catch up with Liverpool, but with ten Hag, that timeframe could well be lessened.

In other news: Man Utd now dealt huge new manager setback, supporters will be furious

Liverpool: Source drops big Carvalho news

Speaking to in an Anfield Watch Q&A, journalist David Lynch has made a very promising transfer claim involving Liverpool target and Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho.

The Lowdown: Liverpool reach agreement…

In the January transfer window, Liverpool were painfully close to sealing a deal for Carvalho but couldn’t complete the necessary paperwork in time to make the move official.

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Indeed, the Reds shook hands on £8 million to sign the scintillating teenager in winter but Anfield officials couldn’t finalise his documentation before the 11pm cut off.

Jurgen Klopp, however, hasn’t given up on signing Carvalho and is a big admirer – having previously stated to the press that Liverpool would be ‘crazy’ not to maintain their interest.

The Latest: Lynch makes Carvalho claim…

Speaking to AW, journalist Lynch backs that Liverpool are fully expected to complete the move this summer, saying that personal terms shouldn’t be an issue.

When asked for an update on the Carvalho situation, he said:

“Liverpool already reached an agreement to sign Carvalho in January, they just weren’t able to finalise things due to time restrictions. Both clubs were happy, however, to shake hands on the same agreed figure and simply push back to the summer in order to avoid going through a tribunal. With personal terms unlikely to be an issue (let’s be honest, those tend to get agreed in advance anyway) I expect Carvalho to become a Liverpool player at the end of this season.”

The Verdict: Promising update…

Judging by this update, it appears Carvalho is far more likely than not to be a Reds player this summer in a big boost for Klopp.

The 19-year-old has shown real signs of promise in the Championship for Fulham at such a young age, scoring seven goals and assisting six others over 27 appearances.

He’s also been called the ‘perfect fit’ and ‘perfect style of player’ for Klopp by ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, while members of the English press have lavished Carvalho with even more praise.

South London Press sports editor Richard Cawley branded the Portugal Under-21 international ‘absolutely unplayable’ earlier this season and news of his likely move to Liverpool could very well excite supporters.

In other news: ‘Told…’ – Big name journalist shares Salah update right out of the Liverpool ‘dressing room’, find out more here.

Spurs team news v Brighton: Son, Romero

Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte have now been gifted a triple boost before their game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Tough task

Spurs fans know that even though they are at home, beating the Seagulls to progress through to the next round will not be easy.

While they overcame League One Morecambe at home in the third round, Graham Potter’s men edged out an away win against Championship side West Brom.

In the Premier League, only two places and six points separate the two sides, while Brighton have actually conceded fewer goals and lost fewer matches than the North London club (Premier League), suggesting that the game could be tight.

The Latest: Early team news

As per The Evening Standard, new signing Dejan Kulusevski has now been granted a work permit, and so is in line to make his debut, although the Sweden international is ‘unlikely’ to start.

In addition, Son Heung-Min has now returned to full training, while Cristian Romero is ‘expected’ to feature for the Lilywhites for the first time since early November after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Verdict: Huge boost

It certainly is a boost for Conte to have two of his main players back, as well as Kulusevski as a new and exciting option.

He is thought of very highly by both the Italian manager and Fabio Paratici, who see him as a ‘gem’ with big potential, and on loan from Juventus, the 21-year-old will certainly have a point to prove.

Nonetheless, what better way to introduce himself to the THFC faithful than by scoring on his debut and sending them through to the next round.

In other news, find out which Tottenham player’s attitude ‘stinks’ here!

Manchester United: Fabrizio Romano reveals Richarlison talks

Manchester United have held internal talks over signing Everton forward Richarlison, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Richarlison’s season

The Brazilian forward, valued at €50m by CIES Football Observatory, has contributed to ten Premier League goals in a struggling Everton side this season.

Richarlison has scored six times and provided four assists under both Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard while playing mostly as a centre-forward or a left-winger.

He’s still under contract at Goodison Park for a further two years, but with the Toffees flirting with relegation, it looks as if United are keeping tabs on the forward’s situation.

The Latest: United talks

Romano shared an update on Richarlison on Thursday afternoon, sharing details of an agency switch for the 24-year-old.

The transfer guru revealed that the Red Devils have spoken about Richarlison internally, along with Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

“Everton striker Richarlison and his Velasco Sport Group have now officially signed with CAA Base agency.

“Been told Manchester United have discussed Richarlison internally, alongside Darwin Nunez and other options.

“Of course no talks now – he’s totally focused on Everton.”

The Verdict: Ten Hag involved?

Erik ten Hag looks likely to be the next manager at Old Trafford and wanted to be involved in talks over signings, outgoings and new contracts.

However, it is unlikely that he’ll know about these talks regarding Richarlison as he is preparing his Ajax side for a Dutch Cup final this weekend.

Should the 52-year-old want Richarlison, then a summer move could be explored, especially if Everton suffer relegation, however, for now, it seems to be a case of United chiefs drawing up a list of potential targets for their soon to be new boss.

In other news: ‘Brilliant…’ – Sky Sports man buzzes at who Ten Hag may now bring to Man Utd; it’s ‘important’. 

West Ham eye West Brom’s Sam Johnstone

West Ham United could make a deadline-day beating swoop for West Brom star Sam Johnstone in this final week of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Mirror (print edition, 28/01 page 58, via The 72), the Hammers – along with Premier League rivals Spurs and Southampton – could make a late January move for the goalkeeper.

It’s added that, following Johnstone’s absence against Preston North End last time out despite having already served his suspension, there are rumours of a rift between him and Baggies boss Valerien Ismael.

Premier League proven

The big thing for Moyes will be that Johnstone already has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt given his stint in the top-flight last season with West Brom, while he’s also an England international to boot.

The 28-year-old’s former boss Steve Bruce labelled the shot-stopper a “diamond”, and given the kind of shift he had to put in last season at The Hawthorns, it’s no surprise why he has earned such praise.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League faced more shots on target (228) than Johnstone, while no goalkeeper made as many saves as him either (161) – it was no surprise then that he earned rave reviews for his performances, with Micah Richards hailing his former team-mate as “exceptional” last year.

Despite the Baggies being relegated from the Premier League, Gareth Southgate called up Johnstone for the England squad in September for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers – an indication that the level at which he’s playing right now isn’t quite where his actual ability lies.

The £7.2m-rated star would be a shrewd signing for the Hammers and would have Moyes delighted if this prospective deal gets done.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Newcastle handed Isaac Hayden boost

A big Newcastle United development has emerged over midfield gem Isaac Hayden…

What’s the latest?

The Magpies defensive midfielder has revealed that he is closing in on a return from the knee injury that has kept him out of action since December.

Hayden has not played a single Premier League match for the Toon since he suffered a blow in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at St. James’ Park and is now on the verge of overcoming his setback.

Although he will miss tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace and indeed the rest of the term, it’s encouraging that he’s training again.

He Tweeted: “Road to recovery nearly complete, forever smiling.”

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Magpies head coach will surely be elated with this news as it means that the midfield enforcer will be fit heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

He will not be able to play in the remaining matches of the current season, as he is not on the club’s 25-man Premier League roster, but he will come back as an option next term.

After being left out of Howe’s squad in January, Hayden outlined his commitment to the club as he said:

“I am bitterly disappointed to have not been included in the 25-man squad for the second half of this season due to injury. Now is a time for me to reflect. I’ll be working harder than ever before to come back stronger, like I always do.

“I’ll be a supporter like everyone else and l’ll be supporting the lads and the staff as best I can for the rest of the season.”These comments show that he is desperate to remain involved at St. James’ Park and Howe will surely want to keep hold of such a positive character, as he can have an influence in the dressing room with the younger players.Hayden has buckets full of Premier League experience and can be a useful option to call upon next season, particularly with this update suggesting that he will be fit to get a full pre-season in.The ex-Arsenal man has played 118 times in the top-flight and 171 matches for the Toon in total. He can be a reliable, experienced, player for Howe to lean on when required and that is why the head coach will be buzzing with his return from injury, even if it does not have any bearing on the current campaign as they look to evade relegation to the Championship.

AND in other news, Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle’s rarely-seen 19 y/o “bright talent”…

Rangers: Jack and Balogun set for recalls

Ryan Jack and Leon Balogun are ‘likely’ to start for Rangers against Hearts on Sunday afternoon, The Scotsman’s Stephen Halliday writes. 

The lowdown

Jack and Balogun were half-time substitutes in the 3-0 defeat against Celtic in midweek, replacing Glen Kamara and Borna Barisic respectively.

The Scotsman, who earns £12,000 per week, hasn’t started a game for Rangers since last February, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst intent on managing his minutes.

Balogun (£14,000-p/w), meanwhile, missed nearly all of November and December, having started 18 of The Gers’ first 21 Premiership matches.

The latest

Halliday expects Jack and Balogun to feature in Van Bronckhorst’s XI after they ‘improved Rangers’ performance level’ against The Hoops.

Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsey is set to make his debut following his Deadline Day move from Juventus, and Alfredo Morelos is available again after missing the Old Firm because of international commitments.

So, there could be four changes to Gio’s selection from Wednesday, with both Ramsey and Jack making their full season debuts in the middle of the park.

The verdict

A starting place would be just reward for the duo, who were arguably Rangers’ best players in midweek despite only playing the second 45.

Indeed, only Ryan Kent could match their SofaScore ratings of 7.1/10.

Balogun won three of his four duels, came up with two interceptions and picked out three accurate long balls from four attempts.

The £3.15million-rated Jack, meanwhile, struck the woodwork and created two chances, the joint-most in the team.

Journalist Josh Bunting said he was one of few players who could ‘leave the pitch with pride’ and called for him to be given a chance from the off.

In other news, Rangers have been gifted a contract boost.

Rangers plotting summer deals

A big Rangers transfer claim has been made regarding Ross Wilson and Gio van Bronckhorst’s efforts to improve the Ibrox playing squad…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the Glasgow giants are working hard to plot their moves heading into the summer window.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “From what I’m told, Rangers are actually getting quite far ahead in terms of deciding the exact positions and the personnel they want to fill certain roles.

“So, I think it’s going to be really interesting what happens over the next few months.”

Delight at Ibrox

This will surely leave everyone at Ibrox delighted for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it shows that the club are being proactive rather than reactive. They are not waiting for other clubs to force them into making decisions on players they may sign or sell and are looking to plot out a roadmap for their business over the coming months.

Supporters will be buzzing with this, as it shows that Wilson will likely have a clear plan of action over what he wants to do, which suggests that he will not be scrambling around at the end of August to strike crucial deals. Having targets in place as quickly as possible means that they can start working on reaching agreements with clubs and players sooner than they otherwise would, which gives them more time to secure the best possible deal.

Fans will also be delighted because the squad seemingly needs improving based on the performances on the pitch this season. The Gers have lost their last two Premiership matches to Celtic and are currently six points behind the Hoops in the table, as Van Bronckhorst looks set to miss out on the title in his first campaign in charge.

This suggests that the Rangers squad is in need of reinforcements to win back control of the Scottish top flight next season, assuming there is not a stunning turnaround in the final weeks of the current campaign. Therefore, Wilson being hard at work at plotting deals for signings will please supporters who want the club to overtake the Hoops and establish themselves as the best team in Scotland.

Of course, it will now be down to the sporting director and Van Bronckhorst to ensure that they bring in the right players to develop the squad and raise the standards within the starting XI.

AND in other news, Insider drops worrying behind-the-scenes Ibrox claim, it’s very bad news for Rangers…

Saints’ Salisu linked with NUFC transfer

With no new players brought in during the winter aside from Willy Caballero who joined the club as a free agent in early December, Southampton have had a rather uneventful few weeks regarding any potential transfer business.

While the club did welcome a takeover from Sport Republic led by Serbian media mogul Dragan Solak, Ralph Hasenhuttl has not been given any new players to add to his squad.

Although, with only a few days left until the transfer window closes, it seems as though the south coast club could have a challenge on their hands to keep hold of one of their key players.

What’s the news?

According to journalist Jose Manuel Oliva (via Saints Extra) Newcastle United are negotiating with Southampton over a potential transfer for Mohammed Salisu and have apparently offered a similar to what they have tried to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos for, which is said to be in in the region of over £30m.

Southampton signed the defender back in the 2020 summer transfer window from Spanish club Real Valladolid in a deal worth a reported fee of £10.9m.

Since then, the 22-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £39k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has gone on to make 38 appearances for the Saints across all competitions.

Ralph would be furious

This season has seen the Ghanian play more minutes in the Premier League than any other Southampton player, as well as managing to rack up an overall performance rating of 7/10 from WhoScored, making him their second-highest rated outfield player behind club captain James Ward-Prowse.

Labelled as a “nasty” player in the past in terms of his defensive action on the pitch by Hasenhuttl, Salisu’s latest appearance for Southampton saw the centre-back put in a colossal performance in their recent 1-1 draw against Manchester City where he made a total of 14 clearances, seven tackles and four interceptions.

This not only highlights how important Salisu has been for the team this season but also how unhappy Hasenhuttl would be to see him potentially leave the club halfway through the season to join another Premier League side, which would undoubtedly be a disaster for Solak, especially this late in the window.

Moving forward, with Newcastle journalist Luke Edwards recently claiming that the Magpies had made an approach to Southampton to sign Salisu but were told that “it’s not going to be possible” for them to sign him, this should put to bed any concerns there may have been from the fans or Hasenhuttl about the defender’s immediate future.

In other news: Big boost: Hasenhuttl drops promising 7-word Southampton update, fans surely pleased – opinion

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