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Newcastle United have seen several new players make moves to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window and the early stages of the summer market.

One figure that joined Eddie Howe’s ranks back in January that didn’t take long to become a big hit at the Tyneside club is Kieran Trippier.

Signed from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £12m, the right-back scored two goals in his first four Premier League appearances for the Toon.

Unfortunately, the Englishman picked up an injury that kept him out of action until May, when he was then able to make two appearances before the end of the campaign.

In fact, with an overall performance rating of 7.38/10 from WhoScored, the England international ended the season as Newcastle’s highest-rated player.

With next season in mind, one player that the Toon could look to bring in this summer that would give Howe the chance to create a formidable duo on the right-hand side of the pitch is PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke.

Last month, it was reported that Newcastle are one of the clubs in the top division with an eye on signing the attacker.

After spending time in the youth ranks of both Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, the Englishman joined PSV back in the 2018 summer transfer window.

With 114 appearances for the Dutch club across their senior and youth sides, the 20-year-old has scored 36 goals and supplied 27 assists along the way.

In 34 appearances last season, Madueke found the net nine times and delivered six assists, all of which came whilst playing on the right-wing.

To further highlight what sort of player he is and what he’d be able to offer Howe on the pitch, former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte had this to say about the youngster. “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

This shows how a right-hand side duo of Trippier and the England youth international could be a deadly force for Newcastle.

Having already been linked with a £20m return to England last summer, Madueke would surely be a fine addition to Newcastle’s ranks.

AND in other news: Howe can land huge Almiron upgrade with Newcastle bid for “fearless” £18m-rated target

Everton correspondent Chris Smith has now revealed some interesting transfer news on Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.

The Lowdown: Richarlison swap

As per The Daily Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur had offered the Goodison Park outfit £20m plus Bergwijn for Richarlison, which was rejected.

Moura and Harry Winks were also thought to be players who Spurs were open to including in a deal to sign the Brazil international, but the Merseyside club got straight cash in the end.

The Latest: Driven by Tottenham

Taking to Twitter, Smith of 90min has now revealed that the links to both Bergwijn and Moura were driven more by the Lilywhites, and the Toffees are looking to replace Richarlison quickly but have never considered trade offers:

“Also, to add, I’m told the links to Steven Bergwijn/Lucas Moura were always driven more by the Spurs side. They wanted to bring down the Richarlison fee & reduce their wages ahead of his arrival.

“Everton looking to replace Richarlison fast but never considered trades. Only cash.”

The Verdict: Interesting

It is certainly interesting to hear that Frank Lampard’s team would not consider trade offers for Richarlison, especially given that they were offered the chance to sign Bergwijn and Moura.

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The pair managed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League between them last season, despite often being left out of the side to accommodate Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, if the Blues want to sign either, it looks as if it will be another cash-only deal, and with confirmation that James Tarkowski has officially signed, they can now move on to attacking targets.

Liverpool were linked to a move for Otavio this summer with a bid expected this week from the club, however, a new update has now emerged from a reliable source on the rumour.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now revealed there have been no negotiations to sign the Porto midfielder or Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Both Liverpool and Porto deny all the stories about Otavio deal. There are no negotiations ongoing – also, the release clause is €40m and not €60m. Otavio and Wijnaldum are not in the list for Liverpool as things stand – still long market, but no talks for these two.”

Supporters will be gutted

There is no doubt that supporters will be gutted that Liverpool don’t seem to be closer to making a midfielder signing this summer, as the centre of the pitch was reported as a priority area that the club wanted to address this summer.

Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner are all now in their 30s, so signing new midfielders to come in to progress gradually in the team to take over in the midfield of the future is something that could do with being looked at this summer.

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With both Wijnaldum and Otavio off the cards as it stands, it is looking likely that the powers at Anfield are planning to hold out for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham – who Liverpool are reportedly confident about signing this time next year.

It remains to be seen if the Reds will compete at the same outstanding level they did last season, winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, getting to their third Champions League final under Klopp and taking the title race down to the last day of the Premier League campaign, playing every game they possibly could.

Losing Sadio Mane is a big blow for Liverpool, alongside Divock Origi and Taki Minamino, who will both also leave the club this summer, while there are also reports that FSG are considering the sale of Mohamed Salah this summer after making no progress in contract negotiations.

However, despite Liverpool’s lack of progression with a midfielder so far, the window has only been open for almost three weeks and there is still plenty of time for things to change – and FSG will need to make a decision on whether they believe the current team and new additions are enough to continue to compete.

AND in other news: FSG submit Liverpool bid for £27m-rated “phenomenon”, he can be Klopp’s next Salah

Journalist Jacque Talbot has now shared the news that ‘meetings’ have taken place with Newcastle United over the potential signing of Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Luka Sucic.

The Lowdown: January transfer talks

Talbot revealed earlier this month that the St James’ Park club were actively pursuing a deal for the 19-year-old, with their interest in him dating back to last year.

There were talks raised over the possibility of signing the Croatian teenager in the January transfer window, but a move never materialised in the end.

The Latest: Talbot update on Sucic

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Talbot has now shared that it has ‘gone a bit cold’ on the Sucic front for Newcastle, after ‘meetings’ took place over his potential signing.

The reporter outlined: “It’s gone a bit cold to be honest. I was told they had meetings with him and had him on the list. They wanted to bring him in. For Eddie Howe, one of the positions he wants to fill is a central midfielder who’s quite young, can come in quite cheap and be able to help build.”

The Verdict: It’s a pity

It is a shame that Newcastle’s interest in Sucic seems to have cooled, given what he could offer to Eddie Howe’s team.

The 19-year-old has ‘big potential’ according to Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, who managed him in Austria, and those words are evidenced by the youngster’s total of 11 goals and five assists from midfield for Salzburg in all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

Sucic can play pretty much anywhere in the middle of the park (Transfermarkt), with the 6 foot 1 powerhouse averaging one chance created and 1.6 tackles per match in the Champions League last term (SofaScore), showing that he can perform consistently at the highest level.

Nonetheless, the Magpies may now have to look at other targets, unless a breakthrough emerges with the Croatian.

In other news, find out which ‘supernatural’ speedster is now of interest to NUFC

An update has emerged on Tottenham and their pursuit of Djed Spence in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Spurs are set to enter negotiations with Middlesbrough over a deal for the full-back later this month.

The Italian reporter has also stressed that Fabio Paratici has prioritised two positions after landing Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma already this summer.

He Tweeted: “Djed Spence deal. No negotiations this weekend, Tottenham are really interested since March but still no official bid, new direct contacts expected next week. Right back* and centre back, two priority for Spurs on the market.”

Antonio Conte will be delighted

The Italian head coach will be delighted with this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, he will be buzzing with Paratici’s prospective swoop to sign Spence as the defender is a promising young talent with the potential to make an impact in the first-team at wing-back next season.

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Ex-Premier League forward Ian Wright compared him to some of the best full-backs in the top-flight last season, saying: “If we are talking about right-backs performing at an unbelievable level, we’re talking about Reece James and Trent, but I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.

“I said to him, in all seriousness, ‘That level we saw there? You should be in the Premier League.’ Simple as that.”

In the Championship, the 21-year-old chipped in with two goals and four assists in 42 starts on loan at Nottingham Forest – creating six ‘big chances’ for his teammates in total. This shows that he has the attacking quality to burst forward from defence to make an impact in the final third, which suggests that he would suit a wing-back role in Conte’s 3-4-3 system.

Therefore, the Italian manager will be delighted by the prospect of having the England U21 international available to him next season.

The head coach will also be pleased by this update from Romano as it shows that Paratici is hard at work and looking to get all of the club’s business done early. Despite signing three players already, the Spurs chief is prioritising other areas and plotting moves to improve the team.

This will leave Conte delighted as it will, hopefully, give him plenty of time in pre-season to bed players in and get them ready for the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Conte can axe £80k-p/w “nightmare” as Spurs plot bid for £50m gem who “rarely misses”…

Manchester United are eyeing a deal for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski as Erik ten Hag aims to boost his attacking options.

With plenty of areas on the pitch that needs improving, it’s arguably the attacking third that needs bolstered the most.

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Cristiano Ronaldo was the only United forward to score more than ten goals last season (24) and this is what contributed to the side finishing in sixth place in the Premier League. The overreliance on Ronaldo is something that needs changed going into next season, with the club only winning one match while he wasn’t in the squad.

This problem could soon be solved, with the Sun reporting that Man United have joined the race to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski this summer, but this will depend on Barcelona and their interest in the player.

The German heavyweights are demanding a fee of up to €80m (£68m) and this shouldn’t be much of a problem for the club.

Judging by his goalscoring record over the previous few seasons, it could well turn out to be a bargain, especially if he can settle into life in the Premier League.

The superlatives don’t do the player enough justice, he has been dubbed “extraordinary” by Tony Cascarino and “world-class” by former Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose.

He could certainly have the same impact as Ronaldo did when he joined last season and Ten Hag urgently needs goals, and to make a signing which would signal a statement of intent.

In 44 Bundesliga and Champions League matches last season, the Pole scored a staggering 48 times, double the number of Ronaldo.

The 33-year-old wants to leave Bayern this summer, despite having a year left on his current contract and Barcelona remains the favourites to secure the services of the striker.

If, and it’s a big if, Ten Hag can somehow pull off the move, it would surely rejuvenate the squad and get Old Trafford rocking again.

AND in other news, MUFC now in talks to sign £51m-rated “incredible talent”, he’s a huge Rashford upgrade…

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte could axe one of his 2021/2022 mainstays this summer, according a report in the last 48 hours from The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Spurs exits looming?

While much has been made of who could follow Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster through the door at Hotspur Way, there may well be just as many exits at Spurs this summer.

The likes of Joe Rodon and Steven Bergwijn, after struggling for game time in the Premier League under Conte, may well be on their way out of north London before next campaign.

Tottenham are also open to offers for the likes of Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty amid the club’s search for wingback upgrades, but as per a surprise Telegraph update,  a more regular starter could also be axed depending on developments.

The Latest: Conte could axe Davies…

According to their information, Spurs, and by extension their manager, could end up axing Wales international Ben Davies if the Lilywhites succeed in their mission to sign a world class left-footed central defender.

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It is believed the 29-year-old’s future ‘may come into question’ given he might not be a ‘guaranteed starter’ if a new centre-half comes through the door.

The Verdict: Right call?

Even if one of Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) or Pau Torres (Villarreal) find themselves at Spurs, letting Davies go arguably wouldn’t be wise.

A mainstay under Conte at Spurs, the Welshman started 28 top flight matches over 2021/2022 whilst playing the sixth-most minutes out of anyone in the squad (WhoScored).

Former Lilywhites defender Michael Dawson perhaps summed up his contribution last season best, calling him a ‘perfect’ defensive asset who’s been ‘fantastic’ (via football.london).

At the very least, Davies would make the ideal squad player and provide real strength in depth for Conte.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’, says insider…find out more here.

Everton are reportedly leading the chase to sign Burnley central defender Ben Mee this summer, according to The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Top class pedigree

A product of the Manchester City youth system, Mee spent a short period of time on loan at Leicester City before moving to Burnley, where he became a mainstay in the heart of the defence.

The 32-year-old former England Under 21 international has made 376 appearances for the Lancashire club but couldn’t prevent relegation from the Premier League last term.

Set to become a free agent at the end of June (Transfermarkt), Everton could be now readying a move for Mee…

The latest: Mirror puts Everton in pole

As per The Mirror, Everton and Aston Villa are the ‘frontrunners’ to sign the experienced star.

It’s claimed that Burnley have offered Mee a new deal to stay but the Englishman had ‘put off making a decision’ for the time being.

However, now it’s stated that the man praised for an ‘outstanding’ display against Man City is now ‘reluctantly ready to quit’ Turf Moor in search of continued top-flight action.

The verdict: Double swoop?

Already heavily linked with a move for Burnley centre-back partner and fellow soon to be free agent James Tarkowski, Toffees boss Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell could be poised to strengthen the defensive department at Goodison Park twice over without spending a penny in transfer fees.

Regardless of Mee’s advancing years, the imposing star scored three times in 24 appearances across all competitions last season and remains an impressive Premier League operator, as proven by a 7.07 Sofascore rating including coming out on top of 5.0 duels and making a monstrous 4.4 clearances on average per game.

After conceding 66 goals in the league in 2021/22 – 11 more than relegated Burnley – adding Mee to the ranks and perhaps allowing the no-nonsense defender to work alongside Michael Keane having obtained invaluable coaching experience would be a no-brainer for the Blues.

In other news: Everton: Oleksandr Zinchenko touted for Toffees move

Victor Orta is eyeing up a Leeds United swoop for Manchester United’s James Garner heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, the Yorkshire giants are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Leicester and Southampton are also keen on the youngster, with the former said to be willing to wait it out for his availability this summer.

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It remains to be seen whether or not the Red Devils will be willing to send him out on loan, or a permanent deal, as Erik ten Hag is set to run the rule over his players in the coming weeks.

Jesse Marsch needs him badly

The American head coach needs Garner at Elland Road as he is badly in need of midfield reinforcements in the upcoming window.

No Whites central midfielder averaged a SofaScore rating higher than 6.85 and Mateusz Klich – who played 33 times – averaged an unimpressive score of 6.67. This suggests that Marsch does not have an array of quality in his options in the middle of the park, which is why Orta must look to bring in one, or two, players to bolster his selection.

Garner can be the player Leeds need as he has shown that he has the potential to be an excellent player at Premier League level.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest in the Championship and earned plaudits for his displays.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson previously heaped praise on him, saying:

“Garner has been exceptional at Forest. He is an example of why players get sent out on loan.

“He can play at the top level and I think he has proven that at Forest. I don’t think he’s one that will go straight into the Man United side but I think there is a first-team role there for him and he will feature next season.”

These comments highlight how well the gem has performed and his statistics back that up.

In the Championship, he averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.26 as he scored four goals and created eight from midfield in 41 outings.

The £20k-per-week dynamo has been outstanding in the second tier and this is why he may have the ability to make the step up to the top flight.

If he can adapt to Premier League football and produce a similar level of displays then he will be an incredible signing for the Lillywhites and exactly what Marsch needs to improve his lacklustre midfield options.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges that will have Leeds United supporters buzzing…

Steven Gerrard has suffered what can only be described as a Jekyll and Hyde start to his Premier League managerial career with Aston Villa.

A solid start in the Midlands was quickly forgotten following a poor festive period, and following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, they ended up in 14th place, three positions worse off than in 2020/21.

Gerrard has already begun to plan ahead for next season, though, securing the signings of Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, and Boubacar Kamara as he aims to rejuvenate a playing squad which should be capable of finishing in the top half of the table.

The 41-year-old has shown interest in Rangers defender Calvin Bassey recently, although it’s a deal for another defender in Sven Botman which could really excite the supporters.

The Telegraph have stated that Villa are one of the clubs who are keen on the 22-year-old Lille defender and are waiting in the wings in case his proposed move to Serie A champions AC Milan doesn’t happen.

Villa Park would be rocking

The centre-back has been described as a “leader” by former Lille manager Christophe Galtier, and with his agent Francesco Miniero lauding him as a “golden boy”, the future looks bright for the Dutchman.

It was reported in April that a €33m (£28m) move to Milan was close to completion, although nothing has been confirmed yet, so Villa should strike when they get the chance.

Botman ranks third in the Lille squad this season with an average WhoScored rating of 6.83, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game. This would rank him joint-third in the Villa squad for that metric, with only Kortney Hause (2.9) and Calum Chambers (2.4) more dominant in the air.

If Gerrard can pull off this deal, it would signal a huge statement of intent from the Midlands club. Milan will be appearing in the Champions League next season, so turning that opportunity down in order to play in the Premier League would leave the Villa Park faithful absolutely rocking.

It could well be a very interesting transfer window for the club’s supporters, if this month’s activity is anything to go by.

AND in other news, Gerrard must brutally axe “fortunate” AVFC dud in deal for “astonishing” £25m monster