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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…

With just one Premier League win under their belt so far this season, there’s a big chance that Newcastle United’s new owners could dip into the January transfer market to try and give Toon manager Eddie Howe a boost to his squad by bringing some new faces in to turn their season around.

Looking ahead to next month, it seems as though PIF have their eye on bringing someone to St. James’ Park who a lot of Toon fans would recognise.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from AS, former Magpies midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum apparently wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain after just a few months at the club with a potential return to the Premier League on his mind.

The report also claims that Newcastle are the first team to show an interest in signing him from the French club.

Cabaye 2.0

During his time at the Tyneside club before moving to Liverpool, Wijnaldum made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in the process.

Labelled as a “complete” player that is “unbeatable” on the pitch by Ryan Babel, Wijnaldum has started ten of the 20 games he’s appeared in for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

In terms of a potential return to Newcastle in January, this could be just what they need to get their season fully on track after only recently managing to secure their first league win of the season by bringing an experienced Premier League player with a knack for scoring goals into Howe’ side.

Even though he’s already played for Newcastle before, signing him again in January could see Wijnaldum become their next version of Yohan Cabaye, who they also signed from Ligue 1. Like the Dutchman, he also had a knack for scoring and providing goals from midfield by racking up 18 strikes and 14 assists in 93 appearances during his time with the Magpies.

With Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin scoring nine out of Newcastle’s 16 league goals between them this season, it would be good for Howe to have someone like Wijnaldum, who is currently valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, in his squad that has the ability to carry the load in terms of goalscoring for the team.

Looking ahead to January, if PSG are willing to negotiate for a potential deal that would see Wijnaldum leave the club, then Newcastle and PIF should be doing everything they can to bring him back to St. James’ Park. He could just be their next Cabaye.

In other news: “We understand”: Craig Hope drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Injury expert Ben Dinnery thinks Celtic attacker Jota could be out for a total of seven weeks with his hamstring issue, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Jota’s absence

Celtic are expected to sign the 22-year-old on a permanent deal before the end of the season in a £6.5m transfer.

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The Portuguese winger has been involved in 14 goals in 18 appearances, however, he’s missed the last two games with a hamstring issue.

Ange Postecoglou has ruled Jota out of the League Cup final against Hibernian later this month, as shared by Sky Sports, and it seems as if he could miss the entire festive period and New Year.

The Latest: Dinnery’s comments

Injury expert Dinnery was talking to Football Insider regarding Jota’s timeframe on the sidelines.

This is what he had to say in reply, believing Jota, labelled as ‘explosive’ by Alan Hutton, could return following the winter break, meaning he’d have missed seven weeks of action after he picked up the problem on December 2 against Hearts.

“Look, it’s very much touch and go. It depends on the player’s response to treatment.

“We talk about external factors maybe influencing a possible return to play. Should Celtic go on a run and they keep winning games, then the pressures to maybe throw Jota back in the team lessens almost.

“You’re making that decision. Why take any chances? Why throw anybody in there?

“Two or three weeks? Yeah, but I think those decisions will be probably taken game week to game week. There will always be context to those decisions.

“If a player is returning and he does decide to sort of throw him back in, then you could be looking at maybe just minutes from the bench.

“With a return to maybe like a full, proper training during that winter break.”

The Verdict: Not ideal…

Should Dinnery’s prediction on Jota prove accurate, it could prove to be a blow, but possibly the correct decision.

Giorgos Giakoumakis has struggled to get his Parkhead career going, whereas Albian Ajeti and Kyogo Furuhashi went off on Thursday against Real Betis, also with hamstring issues.

That means Postecoglou’s attacking options could be extremely limited ahead of the winter break with some crucial games before then.

The only good news to come from Jota’s time on the sidelines could be the possibility of making his move permanent, with Dinnery thinking he could be without Jota for a total of seven weeks.

In other news: Possession lost 40x, 21 duels lost: Celtic’s 3 worst players v Betis who didn’t take Ange chance. 

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!

After only a few days since the club announced they had struck a deal for the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, it seems as though Aston Villa have set their eyes on another incoming transfer target this month which would surely please a lot of fans.

What’s the latest?

After it was recently revealed that Villa were leading the race to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne, in a recent Twitter post from journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he claimed that “new direct contacts will take place between Aston Villa and Everton to discuss fee on [a] permanent move” this week.

Romano also added that Digne’s “understood to be attracted by Villa” but that it’s not yet fully agreed between the two clubs.

Fans buzzing

Since joining Everton back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Barcelona in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m, the Frenchman has gone on to make 127 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.

In the process, he’s scored six goals and provided 20 assists along the way, showing how much of an attacking asset he could be for Steven Gerrard’s side if he does make the move to Villa Park this month.

This season, despite not managing to score a goal or provide an assist in the league for Rafa Benitez’s side, his performances in the 13 appearances he’s made have earned him an overall rating of 6.8/10, making him Everton’s fifth-highest rated player to have played in more than four league games according to WhoScored, which would only leave four current Villa players with a higher rating, showing he has the quality to be a standout figure for the Villans.

As a consequence, fans would surely be buzzing knowing that a reliable top-flight performer would be joining their ranks.

Putting aside his quality on the pitch, with reports of an apparent behind-the-scenes falling out with Benitez last month which has presumably been why he has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park, perhaps his attitude may have to be something that Villa take into account when discussing a potential deal for him and make sure the same doesn’t happen with Gerrard.

With all of that said, if Villa can secure Digne’s signature in the coming days and get him to deliver for them on the pitch, this would be another excellent piece of transfer business from the Midlands club and show that they are serious about improving their squad and progressing under Gerrard.

Having already signed Coutinho, this is an incredibly exciting time to be a Villan.

In other news: Aston Villa interested in highly-rated midfielder

A number of Manchester United fans have reacted positively to a transfer claim suggesting that a new defensive midfielder will come in next month.

Ralf Rangnick will be hoping to make a huge difference as United manager and the early signs are promising following back-to-back Premier League wins and clean sheets.

There is no doubt that new signings will be needed, though, in order for the Red Devils to gradually return to the top of English football.

One area where United are arguably lacking is in midfield, with their rivals possessing top-quality number 6s such as Fabinho, Rodri and N’Golo Kante. By contrast, it is the one position where the Red Devils are often accused of being weak.

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst on Twitter, though, it is an area where the club are looking to strengthen during the January transfer window, as Rangnick eyes up potential new options.

Man United fans react to transfer claim

These United fans have reacted positively to the transfer rumour on Twitter, with the regular double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred potentially set to be broken up.

“United winning the league”

Credit: @Suwagz

“If true, thank you God”

Credit: @ShegueyBoss

“Siuuuuu”

Credit: @fargo__

“We’re literally winning everything”

Credit: @purtillciaran

“We have been missing that one for long”

Credit: @Stephen64301804

“Finally, it’s not McFred anymore”

Credit: @vorapone

In other news, some United fans are fuming about a report regarding one player’s future. Read more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been gushing over some recent news involving their B team.

As per the club’s official website, the team managed to win the first leg of their UEFA Youth League tie away at Septemvri Sofia 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to a hat-trick from Tony Weston and another goal from Cole McKinnon.

The Bears had to come back from 2-1 down, levelling the score at 2-2 before the half-time break, and then going on to clinch victory ahead of the second leg at home.

It was a result which brought a lot of joy to Light Blues supporters after the disappointment of the first team losing their Scottish League Cup semi-final 3-1 at home to Hibernian on Sunday.

New manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst would have kept a close eye on what happened during the game to see if any young Gers are ready to make the step up to his first team squad.

Rangers fans on B team’s win

These Rangers fans gushed as the result was shared on Twitter, with one describing it as ‘outstanding’:

“Fantastic stuff!!!”

Credit: @zander_staff

“Sensational result.”

Credit: @Wilf1872

“Outstanding”

Credit: @GazBernard02

“Wow. Some effort that from the young”

Credit: @waynefawcett

“Brilliant, looking forward to the home leg.”

Credit: @thechosenfew12

“Cracking result Rangers!!!”

Credit: @speedy430

In other news, find out whose performance in particular had lots of Gers fans buzzing

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

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…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Goal this week, the north London outfit are among the potential suitors for the highly-rated 22-year-old but they face stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, namely Manchester United and Southampton, whilst Atletico Madrid are said to be leading the charge.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have also been mooted with interest by the report.

Spurs must ensure that quickly changes before the transfer window reopening for business in the off-season.

Kamara is one of Ligue 1’s, if not Europe’s, brightest talents and he has all the characteristics to become another Mousa Dembele-like presence at Hotspur Way.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 6-foot powerhouse is out of contract in the summer and has been hugely impressive for Jorge Sampaoli’s side, ranking amongst their top five best performers, as per WhoScored.

He’s won an average of two tackles and also contributed 1.2 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game in Ligue 1 this campaign. Kamara has also been outstanding with the ball at his feet, averaging a 90.1% passing accuracy from a whopping 65.6 attempts per game.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “phenomenon” by former Olympiens teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon. When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player. He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary,” he told RMC Sport (via Africa Top Sports).

The France U21 international possesses the ball-carrying and ball-playing ability that Dembele had in his heyday at Spurs and as such, that will be a mouthwatering prospect for the Lilywhites fanbase.

Forget about Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, it could be the Marseille titan who runs Antonio Conte’s midfield for years to come.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici could well land the club another midfield monster with a swoop for Kamara this summer. He must ensure that their offer is substantially better than Atletico’s.

AND in other news, Spurs still paying for massive Nuno howler over “complete” £27m-rated “warrior”…