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Newcastle United brought in a number of new players during the January transfer window who ended up helping the club to avoid relegation and finish 11th in the Premier League.

Now that the summer transfer window has opened for business, this could see another flurry of business being conducted at St James’ Park.

In terms of potential outgoings, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen up his squad, one man who we feel shouldn’t continue with the Toon is Ciaran Clark.

Getting just 13 league appearances in 2021/22, the 32-year-old’s final squad inclusion came back in January when he made a 21-minute cameo in the 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. This doesn’t say much for his chances of playing regularly under Howe next season.

Whenever the Irishman did get a chance to play, he was more often than not a liability for his team, as Jamie Carragher made clear when he slammed the centre-back for his “shocking” defensive error against Manchester City just before Christmas. In the same month, he was given a red card nine minutes into Newcastle’s home clash against Norwich City.

In terms of who could come in to replace Clark, one player who has recently been linked with a £17m move to Tyneside and who could fit the bill is Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.

Having made 138 appearances for the German club across all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and delivered nine assists, showing that he can be a rather useful goal threat at times.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the centre-back has racked up a total of 114 successful tackles, 221 blocks, 161 interceptions and 473 clearances for the Europa League holders.

To further highlight how imposing he is at the back, the Frenchman ended his latest Bundesliga season with the highest average of clearances per game (4.1) and the joint-highest average for tackles (1.9) and interceptions (1.6) at his club.

This shows that he certainly has what it takes to be a solid defensive unit and why he could be a great long-term option for Newcastle given his young age.

Labelled an “enormous” player by Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel, Ndicka should definitely be in the Magpies’ transfer plans should they get rid of Clark this summer.

In other news: Howe could land big Longstaff upgrade as Newcastle now plot bid for £228k-p/w “wizard”

Following on from Aston Villa’s rather aggressive strategy in bringing players in, they may look to do the same in getting rid of players, with a trio of first-team names potentially on their way out of Villa Park.

In a surprising twist, Danny Ings is one of the named players that could depart this summer.

What’s the word

That is according to Josh Holland via GIVEMESPORT who said this:

“I think they [Aston Villa] could be in trouble. Douglas Luiz, Sanson and Ings, they are my three that I think we could see moving away from Villa Park.“

As per Football Insider, Brighton would serve as a potential destination for former Liverpool striker Ings, who has completed just one campaign with Villa.

Supporters surely worried

Despite inconsistent minutes for Aston Villa in the second half of the campaign, Ings has still managed to deliver the goods up top, racking up an impressive seven goals and six assists in 30 appearances for Gerrard’s side.

Which is why it comes as a shock that the three-cap England international would be allowed to leave after just one season, particularly bearing in mind Villa’s lack of quality depth in the centre-forward position.

Keeping in mind the club’s ambition to break into the top six of the Premier League, the departure of a star studded striker like Ings would come as a blow to Gerrard – especially given the fact that they would need to fork out a large fee for an adequate replacement in a market where reliable goal scorers are rare and often come with inflated price-tags.

Whats more, £100k-per-week Ings knows the league well and has a point to prove in this next season, as he will join Ollie Watkins in making a strong case to earn a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.

At 29, Ings is in the prime of his career, so selling a striker who hit 22 goals in the Premier League just two seasons ago would be a big mistake for Villa and one that’ll surely worry their supporters.

In other news: Gerrard now given green light on AVFC move for “goal machine”, he’s the next Ferguson 

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has backed the Reds to sign either Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfield addition in?

The Reds are likely to look to sign a midfielder between now and the start of the season, with fresh blood required in an ageing area of the pitch.

Jordan Henderson is arguably not quite the player he was and Naby Keita is inconsistent, so a third player to accompany Fabinho and Thiago is perhaps needed.

As such, Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move, but could a player closer to home come in?

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The Latest: Murphy backs Reds to sign England star

Speaking to talkSPORT [via Liverpool Echo], Murphy urged Liverpool to bring in either Rice or Phillips, both of whom have been hailed as ‘superb’ by Barcelona manager Xavi:

“I’d be going all out for (Declan) Rice or (Kalvin) Phillips. English, hungry, someone you know will be around for a long time, can come in hit the ground running, that’s where I’d be looking.”

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The Verdict: Seems unlikely

Both Rice and Phillips are undoubtedly excellent footballers who have become key individuals for England, helping them reach the final of Euro 2020 last summer.

However, it is hard to envisage either of them heading to Liverpool this summer, with the former expected to stay put at West Ham for one more season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been linked with a move for Phillips and the Reds could end up finding themselves out-priced by the 26-year-old’s bloated homegrown fee.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a key Liverpool update. Read more here.

Glasgow Rangers insider The 4th Official has now revealed some fresh exit news involving Calvin Bassey.

The Lowdown: Bassey a wanted man

As per The Times, there is strong interest from the Premier League in the 22-year-old.

The Daily Record reported that scouts from Aston Villa were sent to watch him play in the Gers’ Scottish Cup final win against Hearts last weekend.

As seen by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard over the years, a move to the Premier League from the Scottish Premiership is hard to turn down, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side may find it difficult to keep Bassey this summer.

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The Latest: More clubs interested in Bassey

According to The 4th Official, a respected podcaster who regularly breaks Ibrox news and updates on their official Twitter page, Villa are one of more than six clubs who are reportedly ‘interested’ in signing Bassey.

They tweeted: ”According to my sources, Rangers have over 6 clubs interested in Bassey right now and Aston Villa are one of them.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Bassey is clearly a player who will be in high demand given his impressive performances on the big stage, as he was described as ‘astonishing’ by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves in their Europa League final loss against Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

As per Football Insider, the Teddy Bears are lining up new contract talks with the 22-year-old and will offer him a ‘massive’ pay rise to try and convince him to stay at Ibrox. However, Premier League clubs should be able to offer him more money, and overall a more competitive level of football for Bassey.

Nonetheless, it looks likely that he will leave the Light Blues, providing that the price is right.

In other news, the Gers are now set for a ‘huge’ off-field boost

Adam Jones has been left thrilled by some news that he has now heard from Everton.

The Lowdown: Everton hand contract to Warrington

As confirmed by the Toffees’ official website, under-23s midfielder Lewis Warrington has now signed a new two-year deal which will keep him at the Merseyside club until the end of June 2024.

He spent the second half of this season on loan at Tranmere Rovers, where he scored one goal and supplied two assists in League Two (top-half finish as they narrowly missed out on the play-off spots.

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The Latest: Jones reacts to Warrington contract

Taking to Twitter, Liverpool Echo journalist Jones was left thrilled by the update, claiming that there is a ‘lot of excitement’ over Warrington’s contract at Everton.

Sharing a corresponding article on the news, he tweeted: “Understandably a lot of excitement around Lewis Warrington’s new contract. He’s had a very strong season, both with the U23s and on loan, and certainly given himself a great platform to build.”

The Verdict: One for the future

Warrington is certainly one for the future, and his exposure to men’s football at Tranmere should help him with his eventual transition into the Everton first team when Frank Lampard feels that he is ready.

The 19-year-old has played 51 times at youth level for the Toffees over the last four seasons, scoring five goals and supplying three assists and showing his versatility by adapting to a number of different positions across the pitch (Transfermarkt).

Also, at such a fledgling age, he will surely only get better as he continues his development with the Blues, so it’s little wonder that Jones is so enthused by the confirmation of a new Everton deal for the youngster.

In other news, Everton are now ‘waiting’ to sign this 6 foot 1 colossus

Thiago is set to undergo a scan on the injury suffered in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Sunday, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Thiago injured in win

The Reds suffered Premier League heartbreak on Sunday afternoon, beating Wolves at Anfield but missing out on title glory to Manchester City in dramatic fashion, but all supporters really care about now is the issue with Thiago.

He left the field just before half-time and didn’t return for the second half, in what was a hugely concerning moment ahead of the Champions League final.

The 31-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with Real Madrid on Saturday evening due to what was believed to be a right hamstring injury.

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The Latest: Pearce provides update

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic‘s Pearce shared a comment from Jurgen Klopp that the news is ‘not good’, before offering the update everyone’s been waiting on.

Thiago needs a scan to determine the severity of the issue, which certainly doesn’t bode well with less than a week until Paris:

“Thiago set to undergo a scan. Would be a massive blow if he misses the CL final.”

The Times’ Paul Joyce has added his own update at lunch-time, claiming it is actually an achilles problem and it will be a ‘battle’ to make it in time.

The Verdict: ‘Massive’ indeed…

Not having Thiago for the Champions League final could be a genuinely game-changing moment, given the Spaniard’s brilliance and importance in midfield this season – he started seven of the last nine Premier League games and played 120 minutes in the FA Cup final.

Liverpool would lose so much control without him around, and with Fabinho arguably coming back slightly undercooked, Madrid could suddenly have a big advantage.

It certainly feels as though Thiago is now more likely to miss out, considering the final is only five days away, and it would be a horrible blow for him and the Reds, especially after he missed the Carabao Cup final through injury, too.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a move for a midfielder. Read more here.

Aston Villa are among the leading contenders to sign Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez this summer, according to reports from Spain. 

The lowdown: Suarez exit confirmed

Having joined Los Rojiblancos in 2020, the 35-year-old has already confirmed that he will be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano following the conclusion of the current La Liga season.

Since signing for Diego Simeone’s side, Suarez has scored 34 times in 81 outings, taking his club senior goal tally to 436 across spells with Nacional, Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and now Atletico.

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Now it appears that a reunion with former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer window…

The latest: Villa interested in Suarez

As per Spanish sources, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Sevilla all ‘want to sign’ Suarez.

It is claimed that Gerrard ‘wants to meet again’ with the 132-cap Uruguay star in order to ‘fight to qualify for European competitions’ next season.

The report added that ‘several teams’ have shown an interest in the 35-year-old, who has ‘everything’ according to Gerrard when naming his best team-mates from his illustrious playing days.

The verdict: No-brainer

Whilst there is a danger of Villa Park becoming somewhat of an Anfield alumni reunion having already secured a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho, adding Suarez to the squad would be a huge boost ahead of next season.

The Uruguayan has scored 13 times and registered another three assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, earning a 6.89 Sofascore rating from 34 La Liga outings whilst taking 1.6 shots per game.

Still holding a market value of £9m from Transfermarkt, signing Suarez on a free transfer to play second fiddle to frontline duo Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings would have to be regarded as a sensational piece of business if Villa can pull it off.

In other news: Former Villa boss reacts to £50m+ plus price tag for ‘fantastic’ ace

Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Youri Tielemans this off-season, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun journalist Tom Barclay revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the north London outfit will attempt to secure the Leicester City dynamo amid interest from their local rivals.

“In midfield, they are interested in Youri Tielemans, whether they can get him or not is another thing. But I think a left-sided centre-back for Spurs, in particular, maybe wing-backs on both sides, potentially, are probably bigger priorities,” he said.

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“So, when you’re talking about probably £50 million-plus for Ward-Prowse, that’s a big fee for Tottenham and the way they do things. So, I’d be kind of surprised if they managed to do that, but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested.”

Arsenal have also been linked with a move to sign the Belgium international and The Sun believe they are the front-runners to secure him due to their placing in Europe for next season.

Midfield maestro

The engine room is perhaps amongst the least of Antonio Conte’s concerns heading into next season, considering a backup for Harry Kane and a left-footed centre-back are high on the agenda, but if the Whites can beat the Gunners to his signature, then they cannot afford to turn their nose up at him.

Tielemans would be something of a perfect signing for the Italian head coach as he not only offers steel in his own third but also creativity in the final third.

Paired alongside the more defensively-minded Rodrigo Bentancur – or even Oliver Skipp – the 25-year-old ace could form an excellent partnership heading into next term.

Once lauded as an “outrageous talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Tielemans delivered nine goals and six assists last season, scoring the all-important winner against Chelsea to secure the Foxes their first-ever FA Cup, and he has since built on that with seven goals and four assists this campaign, via Transfermarkt.

The Athletic’s Rob Dawson has previously praised the Belgian as being a “creator” and has even earned some lofty comparisons to former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who is arguably one of the best box-to-box midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.

Currently, the £49.5m-rated maestro ranks as Brendan Rodgers’ third-best player in the English top-flight, where he has also averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

The midfielder, who former Anderlecht and Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg believes is a “phenomenon”, would be a very welcome addition to this Spurs squad this summer.

It may not be a priority position but Conte would surely love a player of this calibre, providing goals and assists, as well as defensive stability to his two-man engine room.

AND in other news, Ben Jacobs drops Raheem Sterling-Spurs transfer claim…

Celtic sent scouts to watch Hammarby IF defender Mohanad Jeahze this week, according to Swedish newspaper SportExpressen and Fotboll Direkt (translated by Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hoops’ interest

This comes after an original report from the same source claimed that the Hoops were eying a £1.6million move for the Iraq international left-back this summer.

Formerly of Mjallby AIF, Jeahze has amassed 124 senior appearances during a professional career spent exclusively in Sweden.

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Now, a move to Glasgow could be on the cards as Ange Postecoglou steps up the transfer plans…

The latest: Scouting mission

As per the Swedish outlet, translated by SW, Celtic sent a representative to observe Hammarby vs Malmo on Monday night in the Allsvenskan.

The match ended goalless with Jeahze replaced on 68 minutes following a 7.10 rated Sofascore display containing 3/4 successful duels, one key pass and 79 touches.

Meanwhile, Hammarby sporting director Jesper Jansson has admitted that there is ‘certainly an interest’ in the 25-year-old when quizzed about the links to Celtic Park.

The verdict: Bargain move

The suggested fee for the four-cap Iraq ace makes this move a no-brainer as Postecoglou looks to add senior competition for places to the squad.

So far this season Jeahze – who was hailed as ‘class’ by Darijan Bojanic – has scored once and provided five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, eclipsing the four direct goal contributions for Bhoys left-back Greg Taylor this term.

Overall, the Sweden-born star has earned an impressive 7.63 average Sofascore rating this season, making 2.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game on average, showing he does his defensive duties with aplomb too.

Despite being untested amongst Europe’s elite, Postecoglou has already proven to be a savvy operator in the market and should be backed to sign whoever he sees fit, whether they’re a household name or not.

In other news… a Celtic ace has been backed to make a permanent move away from Parkhead this summer.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now ‘keeping tabs’ on Ross Stewart ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Play-off heroics

Stewart scored the only goal of the game as Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Friday night, charging down defender Sam Hutchinson before eventually poking the ball home, with his work rate earning high praise from Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips.

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Earning the nickname the ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ dating back to his time at Ross County thanks to his battering ram style up front, that was his 25th goal of what has been a great season for him individually.

The Latest: Rangers lurking

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke has shared that the Ibrox faithful are now ‘keeping tabs’ on Stewart ahead of the summer, and it would be ‘hard’ for him to turn them down:

“It looks like he’s obviously on their wanted list, Ross Stewart. It’s been talked about now for quite a few weeks that Rangers are keeping tabs on him.

“If Rangers do come calling, it’s going to be hard for somebody like Ross Stewart – a Scottish player – to turn down their advances.”

The Verdict: Sign

Given injuries to Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe recently, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team could do with another striker in the squad, especially going into another season with an added European campaign.

Dubbed a ‘menace‘ by journalist Philip West, who writes for renowned SAFC podcasters Roker Report, Stewart has certainly proven that he knows where the goal is, and given that he has already played in Scottish football, he should be able to settle in nicely at the Teddy Bears.

Nonetheless, he has not hit his prime yet at 25 years of age, and so the summer presents the perfect time to buy him.

In other news, find out who Gers now face a ‘big fight’ to keep here!