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A development has emerged regarding Newcastle’s pursuit of Villarreal manager Unai Emery.

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies are attempting to bring in the Spaniard ahead of the clash with Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday, claiming that there is a feeling the 49-year-old has unfinished business in England.

He wrote: “Unai Emery is under serious consideration for the Newcastle United vacancy. There is a feeling the 49-year-old has unfinished business in the Premier League since being sacked by Arsenal in 2019. Newcastle hoping to have a new boss in place by Brighton match on Saturday #NUFC”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news as it appears as though the club are finally closing in on a replacement for Steve Bruce. Graeme Jones has been the caretaker manager for two Premier League games and it has left the team in limbo as they await their new head coach.

Bringing in Emery will put an end to the constant speculation regarding the vacant position and will allow fans to start concentrating on what is happening on the pitch rather than worrying about who is in the dugout. It may also provide some clarity off the field, which could lead to more cohesive performances on it as the manager imparts his wisdom on the players and organises them in the way that he wants.

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Appointing him ahead of the Brighton match could also add to the supporters’ delight as it means that they will not have to endure the two-week international break before seeing a fresh head coach in the dugout. It puts the building blocks in place ahead of the January transfer window, with the club now able to identify targets with the help of Emery.

Fans will also be delighted as he is a coach with an excellent pedigree. He finished fifth and led Arsenal to the Europa League final in his first season in England, before being sacked after 13 league matches of the following campaign. Emery has won the Europa League four times in his career, three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal, and Newcastle supporters could love to see a trophy-winning coach arrive at St. James’ Park, where major silverware has been conspicuous by its absence since 1969.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wilson: PIF could form dream NUFC partnership with £100k-p/w “fighter”…

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, a transfer update has emerged concerning Liverpool and Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

The Lowdown: Reds eye Catalans raid?

Over this past week, Liverpool haven’t just been linked with a move for Araujo as other Barca stars reportedly attract the interest of Fenway Sports Group and manager Jurgen Klopp.

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It is believed that the La Liga giants’ latest breakthrough rising star Gavi, who recently become the youngest ever debutant for Spain, is also on the Reds’ wish list.

Sources state they are even willing to trigger his €50 million (£42m) release clause as Klopp seemingly eyes a Catalan raid.

Bringing the latest, Sport (via SW) has some news concerning another target from Barcelona in Araujo.

The Latest: Liverpool make Araujo contact…

According to the newspaper, Araujo has ‘has been approached’ by Liverpool as Klopp eyes his potential signing in the summer amid his contract dispute.

The defender’s current deal expires in 18 months, giving Barca and president Joan Laporta just two transfer windows to either sell for a fee or agree a renewal.

An extension offer has been put forward to Araujo by the club, but it is apparently below expectation as the Reds lurk.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Depending on whether the Uruguay international puts pen to paper on a new deal, Araujo could come as an astute centre-back option for Klopp at Anfield.

Still only 22-years-old, Araujo is versatile enough to play as a right-back as well as in the centre of defence – potentially gifting the Reds some strength in depth behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Described as a defender who ‘has everything’ by illustrious Barca legend Gerard Pique, the European giants apparently value Araujo at around €45m (£38m).

As the clock ticks down on the South American’s current deal, you could even assume his club may be forced to accept less depending on contract developments.

La Liga expert and former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes he is certainly worth the Liverpool plunge, recently explaining to Football Insider how Araujo would be a ‘great signing’.

Indeed, there are plenty of incentives to move as Klopp and FSG watch his Camp Nou situation curiously ahead of a summer swoop.

In other news: Sky Sports: Liverpool join race to sign £63m star who Hamann called ‘phenomenal’, find out more here.

West Ham United are close to sealing their second signing on deadline day…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s chief football correspondent Jason Burt, a loan move for Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral is “90% done”.

“West Ham close to signing Czech international midfielder Alex Kral from Spartak Moscow. Told deal is 90% done. Loan with an option to buy.. some good business being done,” he tweeted.

The Czech Republic international is a player that David Moyes and the club have followed for quite some time, with the Scot even scouting him in person at Euro 2020.

“They have been following him since January but were shocked they get him in on loan and have moved quickly,” revealed 90min’s Graeme Bailey soon after these reports first emerged today.

Moyes masterclass

This late flurry of signings from Moyes and co is very encouraging indeed.

The 58-year-old has been crying out for some depth across his playing squad and he certainly seems to be getting exactly that – Kurt Zouma has bolstered the backline, they’ve found a Jesse Lingard replacement in Nikola Vlasic, and now they edge closer to a solid back-up to Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

An injury to either would leave Moyes with only retiring Mark Noble in the engine room and that’s the last thing they need heading into a Europa League campaign, in which they’ll soon be playing two times a week, minimum.

Interestingly, a move for Kral seemingly fell through earlier in the summer after his sub-par showing at Euro 2020, according to The Athletic, so to be able to sign him on loan to take a look at him first-hand, is certainly a wise and shrewd decision.

It means the east Londoners won’t have to commit a transfer fee, so it appears to be a low-risk signing all-round and one that is likely to leave many singing Moyes’ praises once again.

You only have to look at his deals for Soucek and Vladimir Coufal to know that he can spot a player when he sees one. Nobody would’ve known either player before they arrived at the London Stadium and now they’re two of the first names on the team sheet and easy fan favourites.

Similarly, it’s unlikely that many could’ve foreseen the vast impact that Lingard had on the squad, given his lack of game time prior to his loan move.

If Moyes and the Irons can get Kral in on loan before tonight’s deadline, then it’s merely another example of the Hammers’ boss working his magic in the transfer market.

It has to be considered yet another masterclass.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee: West Ham in talks with four players on Deadline Day

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more Premier League goals against Aston Villa than any other side.

Aston Villa Statto shared the news on social media, and ahead of this weekend’s meeting, it got a lot of Villa supporters talking.

Villa travel to Old Trafford this Saturday lunchtime looking to follow up from an impressive 3-0 win over Everton.

They’ll be facing a dangerous United side, more than likely with Ronaldo involved, with the 36-year-old scoring four goals in three games following his return to the club.

Ronaldo netted twice on his second Red Devils debut against Newcastle earlier this month, taking his tally against the Magpies to seven.

He’s scored on eight occasions against Villa, though, more than any other team in the top flight of English football.

Villa fans react

Aston Villa Statto shared the data regarding Ronaldo on Tuesday morning. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some fearing he could add to that tally this weekend.

“Roll on Saturday then”

Credit: @SargentPhilip

“We are massive”

Credit: @buendiaball

“Of course he has. Hasn’t everyone?”

Credit: @JaseTheVillain

“Damn just when I thought we have a chance with the likes of Leon Bailey on Saturday.”

Credit: @Raheil_m94

“This means he will score against us this year … probably end up top scorer this year ..the guy really is Peter pan”

Credit: @Shaikhster2

“He’ll obviously score a penalty on Saturday as Mike Dean is the ref. That’ll be his lot though… Villa to win 3-1..”

Credit: @KeithDawkins14

In other news: ‘Please no’ – Many Villa fans fume at another pre-Man Utd update.

Sunderland fans were delighted with Leon Dajaku’s comments after the Black Cats’ 4-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday evening.

Lee Johnson’s side are currently flying this term as they aim to earn promotion to the Championship. As it stands, they are second in the League One table, one point behind Plymouth Argyle with two games in hand (BBC). They are also still in the League Cup after they progressed to the fourth round of the competition.

Dajaku was on the scoresheet as the north-east side eased to victory, and he spoke to the club’s media team after the clash. He looked delighted to be at the Stadium of Light, and he shared his pleasure with how both he and the side are performing.

The interview was shared on Sunderland’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters as the 20 year-old hailed the goal, clean sheet and result. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Dajaku below

“Love this guy, class player has the tools to do damage, he loves the club the fans, get that man tied down ASAP”

Credit: @mark_j_cummins

“Man I love the enthusiasm and confidence of these kids, it is just so refreshing.”

Credit: @PeterBeuster

“How likeable is this kid, the smile on his face tells it all, cracking signing”

Credit: @44stu

“It’s honestly class how he’s enjoying it so much “yes we will play Charlton and em win””

Credit: @safcreportt

“This is what it’s all about. Was if he was talking to us all individually. What a smashing charismatic lad who is already rightly a fan favourite. And that strike tonight with his left foot was awesome. Can’t wait to see more.”

Credit: @ColdwellAnn

“It’s mad how genuinely chuffed Dajaku and Hoffman come across. It’s like they feel lucky to be playing for us it’s mental. Over time a bet that feeling becomes infectious for other players at the club.”

Credit: @matt723289

In other news, Sunderland fans applauded this man against Crewe.

Michael Ball insists Salomon Rondon will not be reuniting with Rafa Benitez by joining Everton.

Benitez was appointed as the Toffees’ new boss in June and has since welcomed Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Demarai Gray to Goodison Park.

The Spaniard is hoping to bolster his squad further before the transfer deadline at the end of the month and Rondon, who worked with Benitez at Newcastle United and Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional, has been mentioned as a potential target.

Rondon remains on the books of Dalian Professional, but reports suggest the 31-year-old could be released from his contract as they look to cut costs.

Benitez took Rondon to China after being appointed as Dalian Professional’s boss and he has remained prolific for his current employers, scoring 14 goals and laying on seven assists in 28 appearances.

But former Everton left-back Ball would be surprised to see Rondon switch to Everton before the transfer window shuts.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I don’t think Rondon’s going to be the right suit for the football club at his age, even though he is scoring goals.

“I think buying an experienced striker to help and develop Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be an option, but I don’t think Rondon is the one.”

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has name-dropped James Ward-Prowse as the kind of signing he’d love to see at Leeds United.

What’s the story?

The Southampton captain was linked with a move away from St Mary’s in the summer transfer window when reports emerged of interest from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, but the England international stayed put.

Hay has now suggested that Ward-Prowse could be a great fit at Elland Road instead.

He said in a Q&A for The Athletic: “Ward-Prowse is a terrific player who will surely move on from Southampton eventually. The sort of player I’d like to see at Leeds. From what I’m told, Leeds don’t intend to go back for Nketiah.”

Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

While Kalvin Phillips might currently be out injured, the prospect of seeing him line up with his England colleague in the Leeds engine room is surely mouth-watering.

Dubbed a “machine” by his teammates at Southampton, the £42m-rated Ward-Prowse had a fine season in the Premier League last year.

The £100k-per-week ace would offer something that Leeds really missed last season – goals from midfield. The Saints star managed eight goals in the Premier League, as well as chipping in with seven assists, numbers which are far better than anything that Bielsa’s current options produced (Mateusz Klich was the closest with four strikes to his name).

As per FBRef.com, Ward-Prowse’s passes in the Premier League last season progressed for more than 10,000 yards, a real indication of how he is always looking to move things forward rather than keeping things simple.

That figure ranks him 49th in the entire division for 2020/21, a pretty impressive achievement considering that most of the players above him are goalkeepers and defenders – in terms of midfielders, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Ashley Westwood, Rodri and Granit Xhaka exceeded the 26-year-old’s tally.

Having him alongside a deeper-lying playmaker like Phillips could see Leeds have the perfect blend of control and dynamism in midfield, with the former protecting the back four and setting up attacks, and Ward-Prowse getting further forward to offer a goal threat.

It would be a real dream midfield duo for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally axe one flop by signing this Championship sensation…

Frank Lampard will ‘get at least the start of next season’ to impress if he manages to keep Everton in the Premier League, journalist Pete O’Rourke told Give Me Sport. 

The lowdown

Lampard took charge of Everton on the last day of January with The Toffees 16th in the table and four points above the drop zone.

Fast forward just over two months, and their situation hasn’t improved. In fact, they’re now one place and one point closer to the bottom three.

Lampard has overseen two victories and six defeats in his first eight matches in charge.

And according to insider Dean Jones, Everton possess a unilateral option to terminate the contract and part ways with Lampard at the end of the campaign.

The latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said he expects Lampard to remain in the Goodison Park dugout into 2022/23 if they avoid relegation.

“I think if he manages to keep them up, I’m sure he’ll get at least the start of next season to see what impact it can have at Goodison Park,” he said.

The verdict

If Everton do go down, both parties will surely decide it’s best to move on. Indeed, Lampard was managing Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League as recently as the winter of 2020 and may not be particularly interested in taking on the Championship, while the club will feel let down by his lack of impact.

If they survive, though, he may feel that he can take Everton up the table with better luck on the injury front.

Yes, the performances have been poor, but the squad are dealing with a whopping ten absentees at this crucial stage of the campaign, though two of those are self-inflicted (suspensions for Allan and Michael Keane).

And Lampard might also be of the opinion that this simply isn’t his squad, and only when he gets a full transfer window can he truly implement his vision.

The early signs on that front aren’t particularly promising, however. Lampard reportedly sanctioned the January signing of Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur, but he’s yet to start a single game.

In other news, two of Everton’s January signings could leave in the summer.

A number of West Ham supporters have been showing their love for a touching video showing Declan Rice giving his shirt to a young Hammers fan.

David Moyes’ side have experienced a tricky time of things since winning 3-2 at home Liverpool, struggling to get going after the recent international break. West Ham are now without a win in three Premier League matches, with a loss at Wolves followed up by a defeat away to champions Manchester City.

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On Wednesday night, the Hammers could only draw 1-1 at home to Brighton, as Neal Maupay struck late in the day to equalise for the Seagulls.

There was a lovely moment after the game, though, with the club’s official Twitter channel sharing footage of Rice handing his shirt to a young girl in the crowd.

The fan in question was beside herself with joy, once again showing the beauty of football.

West Ham fans react to Rice video

These West Ham showed their appreciation for the video on Twitter, with one duly hailing the England midfielder as a “special” player for his heartwarming gesture.

“Love this”

Credit: @IronWorks1990

“What football is all about”

Credit: @JoeyyCarson

“Wonderful stuff, bless her”

Credit: @lincoln_hammer

“My heart”

Credit: @Miss_Terreh

“Absolutely love this. Special player and bloke”

Credit: @Huzi2k9

“Look at that reaction. You love to see it!”

Credit: @georgewhucoyi

In other news, a pundit is thrilled over one West Ham transfer claim. Read more here.

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a triple transfer claim ahead of a suspectedly busy summer window for the Irons.

The Lowdown: Lack of January business

Whilst the east London club were linked with a myriad of transfers during the winter, the Hammers failed to sign a single player in January.

As a result, fatigue and injuries have been a prominent issue for David Moyes’s men this season, especially given the lack of options throughout the squad.

Therefore, West Ham will need to be active in the summer transfer window if they are to compete for the European places in the Premier League table next season.

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The Latest: Ex’s West Ham transfer claim…

Taking to an interview for his site The West Ham Way, inside source ExWHUemployee has shared the knowledge that the Irons are keen on dipping into the ‘free’ market this summer.

During the interview, he said:

“We will definitely be looking at that [free] market, no doubt about it. A lot of players who we have been interested in before and have even bid large sums for will be available on a free, so I can see us making moves. The obvious candidates will be Jesse Lingard, who loved his time at the club, James Tarkowski is of course someone we have been linked with many times. Also Diaz of Blackburn could be one we go back in for.

“Diaz although not technically out of contract as Blackburn has a year’s extension option on him, will still represent good value for money.

“Knowing how the club likes to operate and be cautious with not overspending, then it really is a given that if players we are keen on are out of contract then we will be looking to bring them in I am sure.

“Although it’s still early days as we don’t even know if we’ll be in Europe next season yet so that will of course play a part in who would want to join us.”

The Verdict: Need to spend money

Whilst a number of free transfers could prove to be lucrative bits of business – including the likes of Jesse Lingard, James Tarkowski and Ben Brereton-Diaz, who will all be out of contract over the summer as it stands – West Ham will surely need to put their hand in their pocket if they are to truly compete for a place in the top six of the Premier League next season.

The east London club were rumoured to have made a number of big-money moves in January, so if they could pull off a couple of these in the summer, West Ham may be a force to be reckoned with next season.

In other news: Finance guru drops major West Ham claim