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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe likes Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘a lot’ and could sanction a move when the transfer window opens, according to Spanish sources (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Arrizabalaga became the most expensive goalkeeper in history of football when he moved from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in a £71million deal four years ago (via BBC Sport).

After playing 36 Premier League games in his first season at the club and 33 in his second, he lost the no. 1 spot to Edouard Mendy in 2020 (via Transfermarkt). He’s made 15 appearances for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season, 11 of which have come in cup competitions.

The Spaniard was the penalty shoot-out hero in August’s UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal but missed the decisive spot-kick in February’s League Cup final against Liverpool.

Arrizabalaga’s Transfermarkt value has fallen from a high of £54million in the summer of 2019 to just £9million, an 83% decrease. His £155,000-per-week contract does, however, have another three years to run.

The latest

The report (via SW) states that Howe is personally a big fan of Arrizabalaga and has gained fresh confidence about a potential move since Chelsea were put up for sale.

Newcastle very much ‘have their eye’ on the 27-year-old ahead of the summer.

The verdict

Howe seems determined to strengthen the goalkeeper position this summer.

In addition to Arrizabalaga, Newcastle have been linked with two other Premier League ‘keepers in the form of Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez.

Newcastle fans may have fond memories of Kepa too – the Chelsea man once made a key mistake at St James’ Park, failing to keep out Isaac Hayden’s 94th-minute header in a 1-0 win in January 2020. BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan wrote at the time that the ‘keeper ‘could have done more to prevent the winner going in’.

But Howe clearly prefers to focus on how good he can be at his best, and he may even share the view of Chelsea coach Arno Michels that Arrizabalaga is ‘very reliable’ and is able to ‘read the mind’ of a striker.

In other news, read about another goalkeeper link. 

Signing Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently will be a priority for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou in the coming months, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Influential Hoops figure

The 24-year-old has been magnificent for the Hoops this season, having joined on loan from Tottenham during last year’s summer transfer window.

Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the heart of Celtic’s defence, starting 28 Scottish Premiership matches, averaging 4.2 clearances per game and even scoring four goals, unsurprisingly ranking as one of the squad’s five best players.

There is interest in the American from numerous clubs in England ahead of the summer, however, as Postecoglou tries to tie him down to a permanent move.

The Latest: Journalist positive about move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that Celtic will be working hard on signing Carter-Vickers, suggesting the manager is personally a big fan:

“I’m sure Celtic will be hoping to tie this deal up as soon as possible. They’ll want it done before Premier League clubs could maybe come in and offer more money for Carter-Vickers.

“I think it will be one of Postecoglou’s top priorities to get this deal done.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

This is one of those transfers that feels like a complete no-brainer, with Carter-Vickers fitting in seamlessly at Parkhead and Spurs surely willing to let him leave – they have loaned him out to seven different clubs during his career.

The biggest threat is that interest from Premier League clubs turns the defender’s head, but he feels settled at Celtic and he is on the cusp of winning a double in his first year there, with reports from The Daily Record saying his camp are happy in Glasgow.

It would be a big blow to miss out on acquiring Carter-Vickers’ signature permanently now – he has been described as ‘immense’ by Chris Sutton – but all signs are pointing towards this one being done.

In other news, a pundit has discussed potential interest in one Celtic hero. Read more here.

[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter in frustrated fashion after Wilfried Zaha received a charge from the Football Association for improper conduct, following his dismissal against Southampton on Wednesday night (as per the BBC).The Ivory Coast international received just a yellow card initially after a spat with James Ward-Prowse, before being given his marching orders just seconds later after sarcastically clapping referee Andre Marriner’s decision.Zaha opened the scoring on the night, before Ward-Prowse incidentally equalised late in the second half. The 26-year-old’s dismissal appeared to be a build up of frustration of a number of fouls against him that weren’t given, having been upended four times on the night (via Whoscored) – that figure is merely the amount that were awarded by Marriner.Who is your club’s worst ever January signing? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked theirs in the video below and they didn’t disappoint…Following the charge, the former Manchester United winger now has until 6pm on February 5 to respond, and Palace fans are understandably angry if their reactions on Twitter is anything to go by…

Everton are reportedly still working to add more signings before the end of January as the Toffees look to steer clear of any relegation fears as soon as possible.

What’s the story?

According to Everton insider Alan Myers, the Merseyside club are still looking to get deals over the line before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Replying to an Everton fan on Twitter who asked: “Evening Al, are the club working on incoming / outgoing transfers currently that you may be aware of?”, Myers stated: “I believe they are.”

The Toffees have already completed the captures of Nathan Patterson from Rangers and Vitaliy Myolenko from Dynamo Kiev this month and are seemingly looking to make more signings.

Moreover, former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is set to take charge at Goodison Park after the dismissal of Rafael Benitez almost two weeks ago, and the 43-year-old will be keen to make an instant impression.

Everton fans will be purring

Currently 16th in the Premier League, Everton are in a precarious position, one which they will be desperate to resolve as soon as possible.

Although they’re four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on 18th-placed Newcastle, there is still plenty of the season to be played, and adding quality to the squad could help to ensure that the Toffees steer clear of any trouble in terms of losing their top-flight status.

The standard of performances so far this term has been well below what the Goodison Park faithful would expect, with the Toffees currently stuck on a run of one win in their last 14 league games, a streak which has to be terminated soon.

It is still unclear as to where the Everton hierarchy will look to strengthen in the final days of the transfer window or who they will target, particularly with Lampard probably coming through the door and quite likely to have suggested targets of his own.

However, with just two days remaining before the window closes, the Premier League strugglers will need to act swiftly. Myers’ four-word update at least suggests that the Goodison Park hierarchy are not sitting idly by in the closing days of the January transfer window, which will offer some excitement to their fan base.

Meanwhile, Patrick Boyland has dropped another Everton transfer update…

Finding a new striker could be atop Leeds United’s priorities during the summer transfer window.

At least that’s what manager Jesse Marsch recently alluded to earlier this month, telling reporters (via LeedsLive):

“In terms of the position [centre-forward], we have some talented players there and we have some flexibility with all the players we have upfront, but yes, we might need to look to find another attacker or two and one specifically that is a number nine.”

Since then, an intriguing name has emerged as a potential candidate in the form of ex-loanee Eddie Nketiah, who remains out of contract at Arsenal in the summer.

As relayed by TEAMtalk editor James Marshment, reports have surfaced linking the Yorkshire giants with a move for the England U21 international during the off-season, whilst he also tweeted out his thoughts on the matter, claiming:

“Eddie Nketiah to Leeds rumours circulating again. Honestly think he’d be a decent option for us on a free. Knows the club, knows many of the players and knows how to get on the end of chances.”

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It’s not the first time that the Whites have been mooted with interest since that loan spell as TransferMarketWeb claimed Leeds had enquired about him ahead of the January transfer window.

Indeed, despite his struggles in a Leeds shirt in the Championship three years ago, the 22-year-old remains a top young attacking talent and one that could help end Marsch’s frontline woes.

Standing at 5 foot 11, the Gunners ace has been likened to both Ian Wright and Jermain Defoe in terms of playing style.

“He reminds me of another Jermaine Defoe and look at how well he did at West Ham. He’s very much that similar sort of player,” claimed ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan to Football Insider. “He plays off the shoulder, very dangerous in the box. He’s a player you can’t take your eye off because his movement’s so good.”

Nketiah bagged 43 goals from 56 appearances across Arsenal’s U18s and U23s teams and that has since translated into 18 senior goals, despite a lack of serious game time under Mikel Arteta, as per Transfermarkt.

The striker, also dubbed a “goal machine” by Michael Owen, could be the perfect summer signing alongside heavily-linked Brenden Aaronson – a central attacking midfielder capable of providing Nketiah with bags of chances and a pressing mentality that could leave Marsch purring.

Aaronson and Nketiah would be quite the start to a transfer window indeed.

Valued at £9m, Leeds could be getting an absolute bargain as chairman Andrea Radrizzani wouldn’t have to pay a penny in terms of a transfer fee, should they try and tap him up on a contract this off-season.

AND in other news, Adam Pope drops Adam Forshaw injury update after Watford absence…

We are now over two weeks into the transfer window and rather unsurprisingly, it has been a chaotic one for Newcastle United.

The reasons are clear; they are desperate for players to ensure Premier League survival and they are now famously known as the richest football club on earth.

What’s the word?

The Magpies have bolstered their squad with two marquee additions in recent weeks with Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood arriving.

However, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done, namely in bringing a centre-back to St James’ Park.

The club have failed in their efforts for Sven Botman while a deal is seemingly on the table for Diego Carlos.

It’s thought another striker is wanted by the club’s new Saudi owners and Newcastle’s recruitment team but a name who definitely won’t be joining has been revealed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

He issued the following update on Twitter: “Rumours linking Mario Balotelli with a move to Newcastle in January are wide of the mark. ‘Fake news’ – comment from sources.”

Fans will be delighted

Although the Toon Army will be desperately craving new acquisitions between now and January 31st, the idea of Balotelli penning terms is unlikely to have been welcomed well by the club’s fanbase.

Of course, he is a hugely experienced character and is also someone who would add plenty of humour and character to the dressing room.

However, with Howe’s men engulfed in a severe relegation battle, winning just one game all term, the last thing you’d want to do is sign someone as controversial as Balotelli.

After all, the Italian is not a regular goalscorer anymore and he’s also now aged 31, past the peak of his powers.

The former Manchester City forward currently plays his football in Turkey for Adana Demirspor where he has found the net on eight occasions this term.

That isn’t a bad tally at all, but the fiery striker has failed not once but twice in English football, enduring a controversy-hit spell at City and then bagging just four strikes in 28 outings for Liverpool.

Right now, Howe needs a player capable of hitting the ground running, either boasting successful Premier League experience or being a player with elite potential – like Sevilla centre-back, Carlos.

As a consequence, Newcastle are right to swerve a move for the ex-Italy international this month and as a result of doing so, the St James’ faithful should be rather delighted with the decision making of Nick Hammond and co.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Craig Hope issues major NUFC transfer claim that’ll get fans excited…

A Glasgow Rangers insider has now revealed some fresh transfer news on Alex Lowry.

The Lowdown: Reported talks

It has been reported that head of recruitment at Newcastle United, Steve Nickson, has met with Lowry’s agent in a hotel to discuss a potential move to St. James’ Park in the summer.

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He has reportedly rejected a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Ibrox, which is set to expire in 2023.

The Latest: No contact

Taking to Twitter, Gers insider The 4th Official, who regularly breaks club news and updates, has now revealed a fresh twist on the situation, claiming that there has been ‘no contact’ from the Magpies with the club over Lowry, despite the reported meeting with his agent:

”Currently, Rangers have had no contact from Newcastle United, let alone a bid for the player.”

Expanding in his latest podcast, the insider has also revealed details of private ‘conversations’ that they have had with people inside the club, claiming that Lowry is ‘happy’ and ‘definitely not’ trying to force through a move away:

“I have had conversations with people inside Rangers & they tell me that Alex Lowry is happy here and definitely not trying to force a move.”

The Verdict: Hope

The latest update from The 4th Official certainly gives hope that Lowry will end up staying, and potentially sign a new long-term contract.

He is highly thought of at the Light Blues, having made four senior appearances already this season despite being just 18 years of age, drawing praise as ‘remarkable’ from former boss Graeme Murty.

It will be difficult to hold off the pressure if a Premier League giant like the Toon come calling, but Lowry is one for the future, and so the supporters should be able to see the best of him under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

In other news, find out who GvB’s first summer signing could now be here!

Many Everton fans have been slamming the performance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in their 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

It was another disappointing defeat for the Goodison Park faithful, with Duncan Ferguson this time in the dugout following the departure of Rafael Benitez, as Emi Buendia flicked on the only goal of the match from a corner kick on the stroke of half-time.

Calvert-Lewin struggled to make any sort of impact on the game for his side, as he failed to record a single shot on target and only had a mere 36 touches of the ball in total, fewer than his own goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (SofaScore).

Villa’s defence seemed to routinely get the better of him, as he also lost out on no fewer than 17 of his duels, by far the most out of any player on the pitch.

Everton fans slam Calvert-Lewin

These Everton supporters slammed the England striker’s performance on Twitter, with one Toffees fan going as far as to claim that the 24-year-old was a ‘passenger’ against Villa:

“Calvert-Lewin gave it the big one the other day – stunk the yard out”

Credit: @tomosefc

“Calvert-Lewin was awful today as well”

Credit: @Kizzaefc

“Calvert-Lewin was an absolute passenger today.”

Credit: @rowloefc

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is and always has been an overrated footballer. Couldn’t lace Rom’s shoelaces if he tried!!”

Credit: @saucyscouser

“Calvert-Lewin offers absolutely nothing, it’s like playing with 10!”

Credit: @Wazza23666

“1/10 performance from Calvert-Lewin here”

Credit: @IlGalkEFC

In other news, find out what club update has left these Blues fans buzzing

Long-term Wolverhampton Wanderers target Donny van de Beek looks set to leave Manchester United this transfer window with the Dutch midfielder seeing very little game time at Old Trafford under new manager Ralf Rangnick.

That’s according to Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, via Sport Witness, who claim it “seems inevitable” that van de Beek will leave the Red Devils this month.

The midfielder, who has in the past been described to have had a “close to perfect” game by former United player Owen Hargreaves, has somehow seen his situation at United worsen.

Van de Beek has played just seven minutes of Premier League football since Ralf Rangnick took charge at Old Trafford after featuring in only five league games prior to the German’s arrival.

Since swapping Ajax for Manchester United in September 2020, the 24-year-old has made 50 appearances for the Premier League giants, however, averages just 36.72 minutes per appearance.

It seems like now is the time for the midfielder to seek a move elsewhere, at least on loan, to get what was looking to be a very promising career back on track.

Numerous Premier League clubs, including Wolves, have been linked with a move for the Dutchman, but he could prove particularly helpful to Bruno Lage’s side.

With the West Midlands outfit looking to secure European football this season, Lage could do with some extra reinforcements to provide depth to his squad.

Wolves currently sit eighth in the Premier League and are two points off the top-six, although various amounts of games in hand provide complication.

From a midfield perspective, the Old Gold don’t have too many options other than the regular Portuguese pair of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves.

Leander Dendoncker is occasionally deployed in the middle but can also play centre-back whilst 23-year-old Bruno Jordao has played once this season in the FA Cup.

Moreover, with Moutinho 35 years old and the possibility of Neves moving on for a greater challenge not out of the question, Wolves could certainly do with some quality long-term options in the midfield.

Prior to his move to England, van de Beek was playing regularly in the Eredivisie as well as the Champions League and was a key contributor to the Dutch giants’ run to the semi-final in 2018/19.

In 175 appearances for the Amsterdam outfit, the 24-year-old scored 41 goals and registered 34 assists as he won the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup in 2018/19 as well as the Dutch Super Cup in 2020 and the famous Champions League run.

With such experience, it’s hard to remember that the £22.5m-rated midfielder is still only 24, and still has plenty of potential.

Wolves could certainly do with this sort of experience and, should a permanent deal materialise, there would be a clear pathway for the Dutchman to make a midfield spot his own whilst progressing at the rate that had been expected of him upon signing for United.

In other news: Lage offers update on the future of 25-y/o gem, Wolves fans will be delighted

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring Calvin Ramsay to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent Alan Nixon report for The Sun, in which the journalist claims that Liverpool have now entered the race for the Aberdeen right-back, with the Reds’ scouts believed to have been highly impressed with the 18-year-old defender – who they believe is a talent in the same mould as Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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This is likely to come as a blow to Victor Orta and Leeds, with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reporting earlier this year that the Whites were thought to be leading the race to land the Scotland U21 international.

Orta must move

Considering just how impressive Ramsay has been for Aberdeen this season, it is easy to see why both Leeds and Liverpool would be interested in a deal to bring the defender to the Premier League this summer.

Indeed, over his 22 Scottish Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £540k-rated prodigy has been in sensational form for Jim Goodwin’s side, scoring one goal, registering five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of two key passes – the joint fifth-most in the league – and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £880-per-week starlet has also impressed in a defensive capacity, helping the Dons keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 1.4 clearances and winning 3.5 duels per game.

These returns have seen the teenager average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Aberdeen’s joint sixth-best player in the Scottish top flight.

This incredible level of performance has rather understandably seen the 18-year-old showered with a great deal of praise, none more so than from Dons chairman Dave Cormack, who said of Ramsay back in January:

“There are not many right-backs at his age like him, doing what he does. Look at the data and all the clubs look at the same scouting systems. He is in the elite upper bracket, right up there, for a young right-back in Europe. People are seeing that and that is why we believe there will be a lot of interest.”

As such, considering the sheer amount of potential the teenager possesses – not to mention his similar creative traits to that of the £100m-rated Alexander-Arnold – it would appear a very wise move for Orta to do all he can to bring the right-back to Elland Road this summer.

However, following the news of Liverpool’s interest, a deal now looks as if it will be much more difficult to pull off for the Spanish sporting director.

AND in other news: Orta can unearth Leeds’ next White with swoop for “really exciting” £4.2k-p/w “talent”