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Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has dropped an exciting transfer claim about Newcastle United’s plans for the January window.

What’s the story?

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk at 12.10pm, he said: “As I’ve been reporting for the last few days, Trippier, as the new owners would hope, is the first of maybe at least four or five new signings arriving this January.

“Newcastle are very interested in bringing Lucas Digne to the club, they need a new left-back. Digne is one of a few they are looking at, and there has been some initial discussions between both clubs.

“What makes this one a little interesting is that Everton are keen on Sean Longstaff, and it’s my understanding that an offer came in from Everton just after Christmas. Time will tell whether the two clubs could come to an agreement on some sort of swap deal plus cash.”

PIF making moves

Downie’s claim that Trippier is the first of a number of signings to potentially walk through the door at St James’ Park is sure to have the likes of Eddie Howe and the club’s fans very excited.

The Magpies are in a precarious predicament at the moment, firmly entrenched in a relegation battle and needing a truly miraculous escape to beat the drop from the Premier League.

But, rather than just giving up and even planning towards life in the Championship, the club’s new owners are going full steam ahead with trying to keep the Tyneside club afloat.

Trippier’s arrival is a statement of intent in itself given he was playing for a Champions League playing side like Atletico Madrid, and if any new additions are on a similar level of quality and experience, then Newcastle’s hopes of surviving will take an absolutely massive boost.

PIF are making some big moves.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered a major Newcastle update…

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has provided an update on Steven Bergwijn’s Tottenham future, with Ajax keen on the winger, Give Me Sport report.

The Lowdown: ‘Final stages’ claim

Bergwijn has started just three Premier League fixtures this season and is currently sidelined with a calf issue.

Ajax submitted a bid for the Dutch attacker earlier this month, with recent reports claiming an agreement is in the ‘final stages’.

Antonio Conte and Daniel Levy are apparently willing to give the green light to a north London exit for the 24-year-old, and reliable reporter Bridge has now been having his say.

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The Latest: Bridge’s comments

Bridge, talking to Give Me Sport, revealed that there has indeed been discussions between Spurs and Ajax.

He says Tottenham aren’t willing to accept an offer of £15m, however, especially with Levy forking out £27m two years ago.

“We do know that a bid has come in from Ajax. My understanding is that there has been a few bits of discussions, whether that’s a £15m offer or a loan with an obligation to buy in the summer for nearer the fee that Tottenham want.

“I know that Tottenham won’t accept £15m, but that’s the offer they had from Ajax.”

The Verdict: Understandable

A Jose Mourinho addition, it’s safe to say that Bergwijn hasn’t lived up to expectations in England following a big-money move from PSV.

He has scored just five goals in 64 appearances, with Conte yet to start the wide man in the Premier League. It doesn’t seem as if the Spurs boss is a massive fan of Bergwijn, however, Spurs still need to get the best deal possible when it comes to a sale.

Hopefully, they can recoup the majority of the £27m they spent on the player, but to do that, they need to negotiate with Ajax following a rumoured £15m bid.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops ‘positive update’ as Tottenham close in on first piece of major Jan business.

The January transfer window has just under two weeks left to run and Newcastle United have been active in bringing players to the club this month.

They have already signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood on permanent deals and have been linked with a number of new additions to further strengthen their squad.

Eddie Howe’s side are 19th in the Premier League table and in desperate need of new signings, given that the current squad has them in such a perilous position as it stands.

Replace Lascelles

One player who could be replaced in the final two weeks of the transfer window is centre-back Jamaal Lascelles, with Joe Rodon recently being linked with a switch to St James’ Park.

Some Newcastle fans took to Twitter over the weekend to criticise the club captain for his performance against Watford, as he lost his aerial duel to allow Joao Pedro to score the equaliser.

The defender has started 16 of the club’s Premier League matches this season and the Magpies have the second-worst defensive record in the division. He has also averaged a modest WhoScored rating of 6.48 for his individual performances, which suggests that he is far from smashing it in recent months.

This indicates that Newcastle need to improve in this area of the pitch, and the prospective signing of Rodon could allow Howe to brutally axe Lascelles from the team.

Ex-Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink lavished the £24k-per-week Tottenham centre-back with praise last term. He told Sky Sports, via Wales Online: “He looks like a proper Spurs player, a centre-half, nothing fazes him, he put his head in when needed. You have to be comfortable on the ball because you want to control the game.

“I like that he gets up straight away and gets on with it because that tells me he is hard enough.”

Earlier this year, journalist Ian Mitchelmore hailed Rodon as “flawless” and a “special player” following an excellent showing for Wales at international level. For Spurs last season, he averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.97 in the Premier League as he won a whopping 73% of his duels.

At the age of 24, he also has the majority of his career ahead of him. This means that he would not come in as a short-term fix and could instead be a long-term solution to Newcastle’s problem with Lascelles in the centre-back position, with Howe able to axe his current captain by signing Rodon and helping him develop over time.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano claims Newcastle could seal third January signing by “Thursday”, fans will love it…

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett.

That’s according to 90min, and their update has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

Targett has been a regular for Steven Gerrard in recent months, missing just two games under the Villa boss. The 26-year-old signed a new Villa Park contract last year through to 2025 but could now be second choice following Lucas Digne’s arrival.

Targett dropped to the bench against Manchester United last weekend for Digne to make his debut after his move from Everton, and it seems as if Newcastle are keen on the Englishman as a result.

90min revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have approached Villa over a possible move for Targett, who could now be available to leave the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Both The AVFC Faithful and Total Villa shared the news regarding Targett on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one wanting Allan Saint-Maximin in any deal.

“I’ll drive him up to Scotland myself”

Credit: @BenevolentBarry

“Saint-Max swap deal”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“No way does Targett get sold. You don’t solve a problem then unsolve it immediately. Summer may be a different matter”

Credit: @TheHolte1874

“Crazy to sell him as we can’t just have Ash. Matt is great backup and would hope he wants to fight for his place rather than go elsewhere!”

Credit: @k1eranw

“No. Targett is ahead of Young on the pecking order for LB by a long shot. It would be silly for him to be sold.”

Credit: @AvfcUncut

“We want a squad now. So he has to stay unless he wants to go.”

Credit: @ch1992_ch

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

Leeds United are among the teams interested in Fabio Carvalho…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Fulham attacker is wanted by the Whites, Liverpool and West Ham United, among others.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at Craven Cottage in the summer and will be free to join these clubs for mere compensation ahead of next season but a switch to a Premier League side this month could be too tempting to turn down – especially if the Championship giants are to secure some sort of fee.

Carvalho is highly-rated after impressing in southwest London and could be available for as little as £5m before next Monday’s transfer deadline, as per The Sun.

Saiz void

The Yorkshireman have long lacked a midfield addition, particularly of an attacking nature – or in the no.10 role, to be precise.

It has now been four years since the club signed someone for the engine room after Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in 2018. They have also let some key names depart in that timeframe, including Pablo Hernadez in the summer and Samuel Saiz, who left permanently in summer 2019.

The Spaniard’s presence in the final third has been sorely missed, more so this season than ever.

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He was capable of providing goals and creativity in the final third, whilst either playing out on the left flank or through the middle and there are plenty of similarities between the former Leeds man and their exciting transfer target.

Carvalho has enjoyed a breakthrough season under Marco Silva, scoring eight goals and laying on two assists in 17 league appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That’s as many goals as Leeds’ top scorer Raphinha, who Bielsa has relied on heavily as no other player has found the net more than four times.

Born in Lisbon but opting for England, Carvalho qualifies as a homegrown player, which only bolsters the reasoning behind signing him.

The teenager sensation has previously been dubbed “unplayable” and as a “playmaker” by his former Balham coach Greg Cruttwell, who also told The Athletic: “He was assists and goals and affected every game.”

In the Fulham dynamo, manager Marcelo Bielsa could finally replace the Saiz-like void at Elland Road and for around £5m, it has to be an absolute steal for one of the EFL’s brightest talents.

AND in other news, “In talks”: Sky Sports journo drops huge Leeds transfer update, Bielsa will be buzzing…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into tonight’s Old Firm clash knowing that a win against their Glasgow rivals will take them to the top of the Premiership table for the first time this season.

However, with the 56-year-old still having a number of players unavailable due to injury, international duty and suspension, the Greek-Australian coach will once again face a number of tough decisions when putting together his starting XI this evening.

So, how many changes will Postecoglou make to the side that started the 1-0 win over Dundee United last time out? Here’s how we think Celtic could line up against Rangers, along with the latest team and injury news…

With the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic, David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi being unavailable for the Old Firm clash, while Nir Bitton is suspended following his sending off against the Tangerines, we predict that Postecoglou will make three changes to the side that lined up in the 1-0 win at Parkhead last weekend.

The first of these alterations comes in the back four, with Josip Juranovic taking the place of 23-year-old Liam Scales at left-back – as, despite Greg Taylor being a natural choice in the position, the Croatia international who Marko Sapit dubbed an “intelligent” player has easily outperformed the 24-year-old so far this season.

The second change comes in the middle of the park, with the suspended Nir Bitton dropping out of the XI, and being replaced by the £6.75m-rated Callum McGregor – who Postecoglou recently revealed is in contention for a surprise return to first-team action following his speedy recovery from a facial injury.

The third and final change comes in the front three, with the 27-year-old Giorgos Giakoumakis having to make do with a spot on the bench after his stinker against Dundee United – with Liel Abada taking his spot leading the Bhoys attack, James Forrest switching over to the right flank and the “unbelievable” Jota making a return to the starting XI on the left.

In other news: Ange must brutally axe £8.2k-p/w “phenomenon” tonight, he could cost Celtic the title

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford still hasn’t started running again after his latest injury setback, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Bamford a long-term absentee

The 28-year-old has experienced a hugely frustrating season, not being allowed the opportunity to kick on from a memorable 2020/21 campaign at Elland Road.

A string of injury problems have resulted in him starting only five Premier League games to date, notching two goals and two assists.

The hope was that Bamford would be back on the pitch soon but a new update suggests that may not be the case.

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The Latest: Hay makes fresh Bamford claim

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, Hay confirmed that while Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are nearing returns, the striker is behind them in terms of a comeback date.

The journalist outlined: “Injury latest: Phillips and Cooper in ‘final stages’ of recovery but no improvement with Bamford’s foot injury. Bielsa says he hasn’t started running yet. Firpo misses Villa but is very close to a comeback and could feature at the weekend.”

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The Verdict: Desperately need him back

Bamford has been a massive loss for Leeds this season, which is no great surprise considering that he racked up 24 goal contributions in the league last term. He has been hailed by Elland Road chief Victor Orta, who has lauded the striker for developing ‘magnificently’ as a player.

Leeds have not only lost someone who delivers consistent end product but also brings team-mates into the game, holding up the ball and linking the play intelligently.

His prolonged absence is a significant reason as to why the Whites have only scored 24 league goals in 21 matches, leaving them 15th in the table, and Hay’s update suggests that we shouldn’t expect to see Bamford for another while yet unfortunately.

In other news, Leeds reportedly have a strong interest in signing one player Find out who it is here.

Sunderland slumped to their fourth loss in five games in League One with a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of MK Dons on Saturday afternoon.

Ross Stewart was on the scoresheet once again, but goals from Mohamed Eisa and former Black Cats striker Connor Wickham were enough to give the visitors all three points, and pour more misery on new manager Alex Neil.

There were some very underwhelming performances from the hosts on the day, and The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) were:

Anthony Patterson – 6.4

Having conceded two goals, goalkeeper Patterson ranks in third here with a 6.4 overall rating.

He only managed 33 touches of the ball in total, but gave possession away 12 times through inaccurate long balls, and only managed a mere 56% pass accuracy, the second-lowest in the team.

Daniel Neil – 6.2

With a 6.2 rating, Neil ranks as the second-worst performer for the Wearside club.

The central midfield player lost out on six of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot, successful dribble, clearance or key pass in the game, losing the ball 11 times in total.

Leon Dajaku – 6.0

With just a six overall score, Dajaku was ranked as the worst SAFC player on the pitch.

The winger was unsuccessful in seven of his duels, and also never managed a shot on target, dribble, key pass or accurate cross, while he too gave the ball away on 11 occasions.

In other news, find out what Stewart Donald twist James Hunter has shared here!

Leeds United transfer target Lewis O’Brien has emerged as a potential suitor for Crystal Palace, according to a new transfer report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: O’Brien a long-time Leeds target

The Huddersfield Town midfielder has been continually linked with a move to Elland Road in the last two transfer windows, but he has remained at the John Smith’s Stadium for now.

O’Brien has again been an impressive performer for the Terriers this season, starting 31 Championship matches and chipping in with two goals and two assists.

A summer move looks likely for the 23-year-old, and it looks as though he won’t be short of Premier League suitors.

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The Latest: Palace enter the race for O’Brien

According to Football League World, Crystal Palace are now interested in signing O’Brien at the end of the season.

The Englishman is seemingly a player who Patrick Vieira admires and the Eagles are ‘more convinced than ever’ that they will get their man in the summer.

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The Verdict: Still a strong option

There is no doubt that midfield reinforcements are required at Leeds this summer, with their sparsity of options evident in the absence of the injured Kalvin Phillips.

O’Brien may not be a world-renowned name but he could be an excellent addition – he has been called a ‘special’ talent by Huddersfield manager Carlos Corberan and has averaged 2.5 tackles per game in the league this season. Stuart Dallas (2.8) is the only player to better that tally for the Whites in 2020/21.

At 23, he would also be a long-term acquisition who could mature into a similarly dominant player to Phillips, with the current Leeds hero still plying his trade in the Championship at the same age. This fresh report of Palace’s strong interest ought to jolt the Elland Road hierarchy into action for fear of missing out on a long-time target whose ability is evident.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with making a ‘huge statement’ this summer. Read more here.

Journalist Tim Spiers voiced his excitement after Wolves youngster Nathan Fraser signed his first professional contract at the club, describing the teenager as ‘definitely one to watch.’

The Lowdown: Fraser shining at youth level for Wolves

The 17-year-old may be a relative unknown away from Molineux but he is making waves with his performances at youth team level.

Fraser has scored six goals in 17 appearances for the club’s under-18 side, including five in his last six appearances and one in the FA Youth Cup against Brighton over the weekend.

It has now been confirmed that the 17-year-old has signed his first professional contract at Wolves following nine years at the club.

The Latest: Spiers excited by new deal for Fraser

Reacting to the news via Twitter on Monday, Spiers proclaimed his happiness with the development, tipping Fraser to have a bright future in the game

The journalist tweeted of the youngster: “Scored five in his last six including in the FA Youth Cup on Saturday and signed his pro deal on his 17th birthday. Not a bad week.

“Academy boss Jon Hunter-Barrett: ‘Nathan scores goals, it’s as simple as that.’ Definitely one to watch.”

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The Verdict: One for the future

Seeing a young player emerging through the youth ranks is always hugely exciting for fans of any club, and it is no different with Wolves and Fraser.

The hope is that the striker can mature into a formidable first-team player eventually, perhaps even being viewed as a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Raul Jimenez.

It would be wrong to put too much pressure on Fraser’s young shoulders, though, and for the time being, he should simply focus on continuing to thrive in the underage ranks before he is genuinely ready for a senior bow.

In other news, Spiers slammed one Wolves player’s performance in the defeat to West Ham. Find out who it is here.