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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) have been told that it will cost up to £70m to sign Moises Caicedo for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Impressive few months

Caicedo’s profile is certainly rising, from the start that he has made to the season with Brighton and Hove Albion to impressing with Ecuador at the World Cup.

At Brighton, he has been their joint-third best-performing player in the Premier League so far, with only Alexis Mac Allister in the squad matching his 3.1 tackles per game in the division (WhoScored), helping them up to seventh in the table before the mid-season break.

Caicedo was also a standout performer for his nation in Qatar, playing in every game in the group stage and even managing to get himself on the scoresheet (WhoScored), and now he is attracting interest from some top Premier League clubs.

The Latest: Could cost £70m

As per The Sun, Newcastle have been told that it will cost them between £60m and £70m if they want to sign Caicedo, having failed to sign him in 2021 when the Seagulls snapped him up for a much cheaper £3.6m.

However, they will face competition from top-flight heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.

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The Verdict: Another club-record…

Having signed Alexander Isak for a club-record £63m in the summer, the Tynesiders could potentially break their transfer record again within the space of a year if they pay £70m for Caicedo.

Hailed as an ‘exceptional player and character’ by his team-mates, the 21-year-old is already one of the best players in his position, ranking in the 85th percentile for defensive midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for average tackles and blocks per game per FBRef.

The big transfer fee is always a risk, but Caicedo looks like a player who could really grow at the Magpies over the next few years if he comes to St James’ Park.

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a vital boost ahead of the busy Christmas period, as Josh Windass looks set to return after missing recent fixtures through injury.

The 28-year-old has been one of the top performers in Darren Moore’s side so far this season, as only Barry Bannan has contributed to more goals in the third tier.

The former Glasgow Rangers man has four goals and four assists in 18 League One appearances, which has helped him average a strong 6.92 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the sixth-best player at Hillsborough so far this campaign, so it is clear that he is going to be a vital cog in Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion push this season.

His absence has certainly been felt in recent fixtures too, as the Owls looked very poor against Mansfield in the FA Cup two weeks ago and were perhaps fortunate to earn the win, while last weekend saw them fail to find a way past Derby County in a 0-0 stalemate at Pride Park.

Windass has averaged the most shots and the second-most key passes per game, so it can only be a good thing that the creative midfielder looks likely to return to the side this weekend against Exeter City.

Moore confirmed that the attacking midfielder, who scored a “wonderful” goal in the FA Cup first-round win against Morecambe, will be back in full training ahead of Saturday’s game, where three points could see the Owls move top of League One.

He said: “We’ll hopefully get him up and out onto the pitch this week. Hopefully, he can continue to make strides and he’ll be alright for next week.

“He had a bit of a strain and so we need that to settle it down. He’s in the process of that settling down so hopefully he’ll be back out there and we’ll be ready to assess him in the week.”

Considering both first-placed Plymouth Argyle and second-placed Ipswich Town slipped up at the weekend, the two clubs will certainly be concerned that Wednesday are right behind them in the hunt for automatic promotion, and are only going to get stronger with the return of a key player in Windass.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on signing Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Cunha and Felipe

New manager Julen Lopetegui is already working on bolstering his Molineux ranks in the New Year with the club currently bottom of the Premier League.

Wolves have netted just eight times in the league and are looking to sign Atletico Madrid attacker Matheus Cunha. A move for centre-back Felipe from the La Liga side also appears to be a possibility, and it seems as if Lopetegui now has another defensive target.

The Latest: Wan-Bissaka interest

According to talkSPORT on Twitter, Wolves are interested in signing the 25-year-old, with United open to offers if they can land a full-back of their own.

They said on Friday afternoon:

“BREAKING: Wolves want to sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January. MUFC are open to offers for Wan Bissaka providing they can source a replacement. – talkSPORT sources understand.”

The Verdict: Smart idea?

Lopetegui only has one out-and-out right-back on the books at Molineux in Nelson Semedo, so a move for another seems to make sense.

The United man has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has played just four minutes of competitive action under Erik ten Hag this season.

He previously showed his quality with Crystal Palace which earned him a big-money move to the Red Devils and now has 132 games of Premier League experience under his belt, so it could be a good move for all involved.

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic is wanted by ‘many clubs’ ahead of a possible exit in the January transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Juranovic a wanted man

The 27-year-old has never been rated more highly than he is at the moment, having enjoyed a fantastic 2022 World Cup tournament for Croatia.

Juranovic was one of his country’s most influential performers, not least in the quarter-final victory over Brazil, when he was superb up against the world-class Vinicius Junior.

There have been various stories recently linking the Celtic with a move away from Parkhead and now another update has emerged.

The Latest: Romano drops update

Taking to Twitter, Romano admitted that there is strong interest in Juranovic , who will no doubt be weighing up his options:

“Josip Juranovic will not play the last, 3rd place game with Croatia vs Morocco as he was on the pitch for 70’ vs Argentina despite calf injury.  #Qatar2022. He will be back in 8/10 days – in the next weeks his future will be discussed as many clubs are keen on signing him.”

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The Verdict: Head has been turned

In truth, it really does feel increasingly likely that Juranovic’s time as a Hoops player is reaching its natural conclusion, especially after such an impressive World Cup.

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His head could well be turned by so much interest and there will be clubs out there who will be able to offer him more money and opportunities for major trophies.

Should Juranovic move on next month, it is essential that Celtic receive as much as they possibly can for his services, with Ange Postecoglou then using the money wisely.

Manchester United fans! It’s Christmas Day which means that 2023 is just around the corner, and with the New Year comes yet another exciting transfer window. 

The Red Devils are likely to be active given their mixed start to the season, with Erik Ten Hag set to be handed the chance to bring in even more of his own players as he enters his second full market in charge. 

The Premier League giants will no doubt want to push on as they aim to secure a Champions League place come the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and making some new signings should only help increase their chances of achieving that goal.

That being said, sit back, enjoy the festivities and take on this transfer quiz from players past and present who have walked through the doors at Old Trafford. 

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023 from all of us here at The Transfer Tavern – good luck! 

Manchester United recorded their fourth successive Premier League win with a victory over Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, with the Red Devils having been in impressive form following the World Cup break.

Erik ten Hag’s side have now moved to within just a point of rivals Manchester City in second while also opening up a five-point lead on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with Champions League qualification firmly on the agenda at present.

The hosts had got off to the best possible start on the night as summer signing Casemiro guided in Christian Eriksen’s typically pin-point set-piece, before Luke Shaw then rounded off a stunning team goal just after the break to extend that advantage.

Although United had to weather a brief storm around the hour mark as the Cherries momentarily threatened a comeback, the points were subsequently sealed just minutes from time as Marcus Rashford scored for the third league game running, having been teed up unselfishly by teammate Bruno Fernandes.

That chance had been sparked, however, by a stunning, lofted pass by the aforementioned Shaw to pick out the Portugal international, with the 27-year-old having thrived after being reinstated in his usual left-back berth.

The Englishman was unsurprisingly awarded an eye-catching 7.9 match rating, as per Sofascore, for that dominant showing, although he was not alone in having sparkled against Gary O’Neil’s men, with Casemiro also proving particularly commanding in his central midfield role.

Not only did the experienced Brazilian net his second top-flight goal of the season in superb fashion, but the former Real Madrid man should also have had an assist to his name after teeing up Anthony Martial with a delightful, sweeping cross, only for the striker to inexplicably fail to convert from close range.

A truly “unreal” performer on the night – in the words of journalist Liam Canning – the 30-year-old dictated the tempo in the centre of the park as he completed 50 of his 59 passes, while also breaking up play effectively and halting any potential counter-attacks after completing four fouls in total.

The £70m “bargain” – as lauded by journalist Peter Hall – was integral as the home side recorded yet another clean sheet, having now recorded four successive shutouts in all competitions as a marker of the continued resurgence under Ten Hag.

On the evidence of his performance both last night and in recent months, if United are to achieve anything this season then keeping Casemiro – who recorded a solid 7.7 match rating – fit and healthy will surely be imperative.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is aiming to bring two ‘top-level players’ to the club in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Conte’s future

With Conte’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Italian is reportedly desperate for financial backing in January if he is going to commit his future to the club by signing a new deal, with the negotiations having now been underway for weeks.

After a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa on New Year’s Day, Tottenham are now two points off the Premier League top four, while they have also played one extra game than Manchester United, and so Daniel Levy is now at the stage where he needs to decide whether he is going to back his manager by making new signings in January.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones detailed what Conte’s ‘main focus’ will be in the January window:

“His main focus, from what I understand, is just making sure he has two more top, top-level players coming in this month so that he can raise the bar of the starting XI and increase what they are likely to be able to achieve this season. Of course, squad depth matters, but ultimately, it’s about having players of a higher level generally, which is what he’s looking for.”

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The Verdict: Signings needed?

If Tottenham are to stand any chance of achieving another top-four finish this season, Levy must provide his manager with the ‘top players’ that he has requested, and he now seems willing to do so.

The Daily Star report that Spurs are close to completing a £35m deal for Pedro Porro, who would be a nice upgrade on Emerson Royal, with the Spaniard sitting in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions over the past year, averaging 4.61 per 90 minutes.

It is also clear that a new centre-back to partner Cristian Romero must be prioritised, as Conte’s side’s defensive woes have cost them on too many occasions this season, conceding first in each of their last seven successive matches, for the first time since 2010.

Newcastle United head to Hillsborough this evening to take on Sheffield Wednesday in their FA Cup third-round clash, and a new update has emerged on the potential of Alexander Isak’s return.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe took to his pre-match press conference to reveal that a late decision will be made on the Newcastle striker’s inclusion in the visit to Yorkshire.

When asked about Isak’s potential return to the matchday squad, the Magpies boss told the media: “Let’s get through training today. I’m not clear – I just don’t want to put pressure on him and we want to introduce him at the right time.

“He’s getting closer all the time and he has trained. Let’s wait and see.”

It may be good news for Newcastle

There is no doubt that Howe will want his team to progress into the next stage of the FA Cup this weekend, as his side’s phenomenal form could offer a golden opportunity to deliver the first major domestic trophy since 1955.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table and strongly in contention for a Champions League qualifying place if they can maintain their form over the remainder of the season. However, a trophy at St James’ Park would be the cherry on top of an incredible first full season on Tyneside for the former Bournemouth boss.

A return for Isak this evening could give Newcastle a huge boost in front of goal, as although the Swedish striker has been rarely seen for the Tyneside club since his move last August due to injury, he is a proven goalscorer with a lot of star quality.

The 23-year-old has scored 84 goals and delivered 19 assists in 217 appearances over his senior and youth career so far with a goal contribution every 134 minutes, proving that he is a consistent and reliable threat who can add real value to Newcastle not only against Sheffield Wednesday but throughout the second half of the season.

With that being said, progression in the FA Cup would be a great step forward for Newcastle in their pursuit to bring tangible success to the club, and Isak’s potential return to action could be the key to securing the Magpies’ place in the next round of the competition.

Liverpool are surprisingly eyeing a move for Fulham’s robust midfield engine Joao Palhinha, and could swoop for the ace in 2023 after consistently eye-catching displays for the flourishing London outfit…

What’s the word?

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT’s Dean Jones, the Reds have been ‘keeping an eye’ on Fulham’s Portuguese midfielder, who has captivated supporters with his work in re-establishing the club as a solid Premier League force after promotion from the EFL Championship last year.

Having penned a deal with the Cottagers for £17m last summer, the industrious gem has arguably been one of the division’s signings of the summer, having started 17 of the 18 league matches and threading the defensive and offensive departments together, integral in the club’s laudable seventh place position after 18 matches.

While Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a multitude of high-profile central targets due to the Merseyside outfit’s languishing status in the English top-flight, the prospective acquisition of the 27-year-old Palhinha could prove to be a shrewd move indeed in instilling composure and a robust presence to charge down enemy attacks.

Henderson heir

Having failed to secure top-flight status on their past two terms in the Premier League, the pieces have fallen into place this time around and the west London club are set to not only secure their status in the division, but challenge for a coveted spot in the top seven: European qualification.

It is no mere coincidence that Palhinha’s arrival at Craven Cottage runs parallel with the fantastic form of late, with his all-encompassing and tenacious work in the centre of the park providing the likes of Alexander Mitrovic to flourish in the talismanic role, while also anchoring the ship in front of the defensive bedrock and easing the workload.

Having made 18 appearances for the Whites across all competitions, scoring three goals the former Sporting Lisbon brute has succeeded in grasping his opportunity in the Premier League and earning acclaim for his dogged work, with Sofascore ranking his average divisional rating at 7.16 – the highest of any midfielder in the side.

Incredibly, he has made 4.7 tackles per outing, illuminating his diamond addition to the team; with the rate of sweeping success he is having, it is no wonder that his team is flourishing.

Liverpool supporters can only lick their lips at the prospect of having such a tireless presence in their midst, with the current crop of Anfield players looking limp and lifeless, failing to emulate the intensity levels that have gone so commendably in tandem with Klopp’s Merseyside tenure.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has long been the industrious and diligent presence in the centre of the Liverpool squad, but with his age creeping toward the twilight period of a professional Premier League footballer, and his average league rating of 6.92 the first time he has dropped below the 7.0 mark for three campaigns,

Hailed as an “engine” by Statman Dave, Liverpool must move with swift conviction to clinch the signature of the 18-cap phenom; Henderson is now 32-years-old, and Palhinha can take the baton, breathing vibrant life into the ambitious squad once more.

Rangers forward Ryan Kent is exhibiting signs he will stay at Rangers, according to journalist Joshua Barrie.

The Lowdown: Kent’s contract

Kent’s current deal at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of the season, with his four-and-a-half-year stint in Glasgow set to finish with no new terms agreed over an extension as yet.

However, there seems to be a change of heart from the 26-year-old, with the arrival of Michael Beale breathing new life into the forward, who had seen his Gers form stagnate over the first half of the season.

Following on from scoring twice in his previous three SPFL games, Kent recently insisted to Sky Sports (via Daily Record) that he will discuss his future with Beale soon.

The Latest: Barrie’s comments

Speaking on The Rangers Review after the Gers’ 3-2 win over Kilmarnock which saw Kent and fellow contract rebel Alfredo Morelos bag the goals, Barrie claimed that Kent’s performances are displaying different signs to those usually attributed to wantaway players.

He said: “There’s always the worry when a player’s contract is up six months down the line, that he may have checked out or they’ll be so focused on setting up the rest of their career that they won’t be completely in what they are with said club that season. But I think you see with Kent that’s not an issue at all.

“Kent looks to be enjoying his football a lot more now under Beale, and that will only help if he is to stay at Ibrox.

“He’s 26; I’d imagine that he’d still want to play in the Premier League at some point, but I think he would surely view it as, if he does want to stay, that he can kind of resume where he left off with Beale and Gerrard towards the end of that title-winning season where he was playing [in] this position.”

The Verdict: Looks optimistic

Kent’s form of late has seen him almost resurrect his Rangers career after a disappointing start to the season, as following an average rating of 6.75 from September to November, he’s now averaging 7.15 under Beale (via Sofascore).

His upturn in form can also be credited to more of a free role under the Englishman, with his goal and vital hand in Rangers’ winner in midweek both coming from the middle of the pitch.

He couldn’t arguably be working under anyone better than Beale, with the Gers boss helping him rekindle that flame that he propelled as a coach during the 2020/21 title-winning campaign that brought 21 goal involvements in 37 league games.

His form and relationship with his new boss has left us agreeing with Barrie that there are very positive signs he may yet continue at Ibrox beyond this season.