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Craig Hope has now dropped another injury blow for Newcastle United before they play Wolves at home in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Lowdown: Willock an injury doubt

As per The Daily Mail journalist via Twitter, Joe Willock is now a ‘doubt’ for the Magpies’ game against Bruno Lage’s team with an injury to his knee.

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Hope claimed that it could open the door for Bruno Guimaraes to start his first game at St James’ Park.

The Latest: Trippier injury update

According to Hope via Twitter, Kieran Trippier will also miss Friday’s match as well as Newcastle’s next league fixture at home to Leicester City, but there is hope that the defender could still return later this month.

The journalist outlined: “Also understand Kieran Trippier will miss Wolves & Leicester but there remains hope he’ll be back this month.”

The Verdict: Big blow for Newcastle

After Trippier was seen stepping up his recovery in Dubai, it was hoped that he could return earlier in April. However, the fact that he will now miss their next two games is a big blow for Newcastle.

The right-back has statistically been the Magpies’ best performer in the Premier League so far this season, averaging more tackles, interceptions and crosses per game than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Tynesiders will not feel safe from relegation just yet, so Eddie Howe will now have to find a way to try and get as many points as possible from their next two matches without Trippier in the team.

In other news, this NUFC loanee put in a poor display on Tuesday night

As per Sky Sports, some transfer news has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving in-demand Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves.

The Lowdown: Pochettino eyed 2018 move for Neves…

Journalist Adrian Kajumba, writing for The Daily Mirror at the time, revealed that former Spurs boss and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino personally had Neves in his sights back in 2018.

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Indeed, the Argentine reportedly added Wolves’ star midfielder to his transfer wish list alongside other Portuguese internationals like Cedric Soares and Gelson Martins.

In the same year, reports suggested that the Molineux outfit would have demanded big money to let Neves leave, with Wolves apparently setting his valuation at ‘over £100 million’.

Now, as per Sky Sports, it appears that Tottenham have been eyeing him again this season as they aim to back manager Antonio Conte with fresh faces.

The Latest: Spurs in mix for Neves?

The big-name broadcaster, as written by their reporter Lyall Thomas, have claimed that Spurs ‘have also been interested in Neves this season’ alongside Manchester United.

This comes as Sky Sports also revealed that the 25-year-old is emerging as a top transfer target for north London rivals Arsenal.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Given the signing of Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in January, not to mention the presence of other dependable central midfielders like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp in their squad, a move for Neves shouldn’t be too hotly pursued by Spurs in the summer.

Tottenham arguably need a backup to star striker Harry Kane much more urgently, with The Athletic also stating that Conte’s major summer priority is a left-sided central defender.

Despite Neves being lauded as a ‘quality’ Premier League player by ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, the Lilywhites may have other priorities this summer, and we believe they should leave Pochettino’s one-time target alone.

In other news: Tottenham could strike imminent agreement to sign ‘magical’ £25m striker! Find out more here.

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Celtic fans were delighted when it was confirmed that Ewan Henderson had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Football Fancast broke the news on Monday with the club confirming his contract on Tuesday morning.

The teenager was out of contract at the end of this season but after being fast-tracked by Brendan Rodgers has extended his stay at Celtic Park.

Henderson, the younger brother of Liam, made a brief substitute appearance against Kilmarnock last season and was given a run from the bench in the recent wins over Airdrie and St Mirren after joining the first team for training in Dubai.

Like fellow graduates Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney and James Forrest, Henderson started training with Celtic while still at primary school. As he worked his way through the system he picked up Glasgow Cup winners medals at u-17 level in 2016 and 2017.

His style of play and mannerisms are very similar to that of his older brother, although Ewan does have a notable turn of pace.

Henderson turns 19 in March and Celtic fans can now look forward to seeing him develop over the most crucial years of his career.

Here’s a look at how Celtic fans reacted to the news on Twitter…

Journalist David Anderson has provided an update on Leeds United winger Raphinha, amid links of a summer move to Barcelona.

The Lowdown: Costa and Summerville links

Raphinha, who Jesse Marsch has already forged a great relationship with since arriving at Elland Road, isn’t the only Whites attacker who could be on the move this summer. Helder Costa is currently on loan at Valencia, who have an option to make a move permanent in the summer.

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Meanwhile, youngster Crysencio Summerville is still being linked with an Elland Road exit after a move to Hamburg fell through in January, with the German side still keen on his services.

Raphinha, the highest-profile player of the three, may also be on the way out, with his agent Deco in talks with the Catalan giants.

The Latest: Anderson’s post

Anderson took to Twitter on Monday morning, claiming Leeds won’t sell the Brazilian on the cheap.

The journalist also added that there isn’t a release clause in Raphinha’s contract, should the club remain in the Premier League.

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“Leeds will not sell Raphinha on the cheap to Barcelona with the Spanish giants understood to be preparing a £33.5million offer. Also Raphinha does not have an escape clause in his contract in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Good news

Should Raphinha play his part and help Leeds guarantee their top-flight status, then the Whites will be in total control when it comes to the winger’s future. That is obviously good news, with Leeds then able to call the shots in talks with Barcelona as their star man enters the final two years of his current deal.

Of course, Marsch’s side will need to pick up points in their final eight games to ensure they’ll be playing Premier League football next season, and if they do just that, a big-money move to the Nou Camp could be on the cards for Raphinha.

His current Transfermarkt valuation stands at a career-high £40.5m, so you’d expect Leeds chiefs will hold out for a fee way above that figure.

In other news: Orta now ‘open’ to signing ‘unbelievable’ Raphinha replacement who’s scored vs Leeds this season. 

Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha.

What’s the word?

Newcastle are in the race to sign Lazio’s Albanian goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha according to reports.

Citta Celeste, a Lazio-based source, claim that Strakosha likes life in Rome, but would also like to play in the Premier League, with this being a potential boost to the Magpies who are looking to bring him in.

It will not be completely straight forward though, as Strakosha has won his starting spot back from Pepe Reina, having started every league match since early December.

With that, Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare and their president Claudio Lotito want to keep the £34k-per-week shot-stopper.

However, in what is an internal power struggle within the Serie A side, Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri would prefer to let Strakosha go and bring in Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as his replacement.

One condition

Thomas Strakosha, the keeper who “has everything” according to Belgian shot-stopper Silvio Proto does have a condition that would need to be met though.

He would not accept being the twelfth man and would need to be entrusted between the sticks ahead of current Magpies number one, Martin Dubravka.

And, considering his impressive form since reclaiming his spot as Sarri’s number one, there is an argument to be made that the 27-year-old would be an upgrade on the Slovakia international.

Indeed, over his 11 outings in all competitions over the months of February, March and April, the £6.3m-rated shot-stopper has averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 – form which much betters that of Dubravka’s, with the 33-year-old averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.63 over his 10 outings in the same period.

Furthermore, with Strakosha’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico set to expire at the end of the season, the player who was valued at a whopping £22.5m as recently as August 2020 could prove to be a very tidy pick-up for Newcastle on a free transfer – who would be able to tempt the Albanian over to the Premier League with handsome wages.

However, the Tyneside outfit’s biggest threat to sealing this deal is the interest from Serie A side Torino, as well as Lazio’s potential desire to keep the 6ft1 Albanian – who Proto also dubbed an “explosive” talent.

Either way, Newcastle simply must use Lazio’s indecisiveness to their advantage, as Strakosha very much appears to be a signing that would greatly improve Howe’s first-team squad this summer.

In other news: NUFC eye £25m bid for £140k-p/w ace who “makes things happen”, it could be bye-bye ASM

Ben Jacobs has now dropped some Newcastle United transfer news involving Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Contract stalemate

There is still a stalemate between Dembele and FC Barcelona over a new deal, with manager Xavi recently claiming that he needs to renew his deal or look to leave in the January transfer window.

The winger is out of contract in the summer, and has recently released a statement claiming that talks are ‘ongoing’ over a potential new deal, should demands be met.

Nonetheless, with the days ticking by and Barca more likely to want to sell so long as the new contract is not signed, it may present an opportunity for the St. James’ Park faithful to pounce.

The Latest: Dembele offer?

As per CBS Sports journalist Jacobs, the North East club have not put forward an official offer for Dembele as of yet, but they have been ‘considering’ signing him since November:

“I am told neither Newcastle or Manchester United have tabled an official offer yet.

“Xavi wants an answer on Dembele’s renewal (which would force him to take a wage cut) this week to allow time for a possible January transfer.”

The Verdict: Potential bargain

If the Magpies can persuade Dembele to come to Tyneside, then it could turn out to be a potential bargain, thanks to his contract situation.

He should be available for a cut price with just six months left, or they could even sign him up on a pre-contract agreement for free, although the latter would be risky given uncertainty over their Premier League status at the end of the season.

Described as ‘unplayable’ at times by Rio Ferdinand, the Frenchman will want to prove why Barca spent so much money to get him from Borussia Dortmund back in 2017, and it’s fair to say the Toon Army have an appreciation for skilful French wingers.

It is hard to forget that he is still only 24 years of age, having had so much promise so young, as former teammate Lionel Messi even went as far as to call his ability ‘frightening’ back when he was at the Nou Camp.

Nonetheless, Dembele has a point to prove, and Eddie Howe’s team could reap the benefits from it.

In other news, find out the latest on NUFC’s move for this Premier League ‘diamond’ here!

Despite the spirit shown by Everton in the Merseyside derby, they still ran out 2-0 losers away to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Andy Robertson and Divock Origi came up with the goals which eventually broke the Toffees’ resistance in the second half, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for Everton on the day:

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Michael Keane (6.6)

Admittedly tied with both Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon here in terms of rating (6.6), Keane ranks in third here given that the former did not complete the full 90 minutes and the latter showed some promise going forward.

Keane made just one tackle and failed to block any shots on the Everton goal, while his 31 touches were fewer than any outfield Liverpool starter managed. He was also guilty of giving the ball away 12 times, the fifth-most out of his teammates.

Jordan Pickford (6.4)

After conceding two goals, goalkeeper Pickford was given a 6.4 overall rating.

The England international gave away possession cheaply on no fewer than 15 separate occasions from his 26 touches, and he only made two saves in total.

Mason Holgate (6.3)

With a 6.3 rating given, Holgate ranked as the Toffees’ worst player on the day.

The defender lost out on two of his duels and failed to record any interceptions or tackles, also losing possession six times from his mere 16 touches of the ball.

In other news, find out which top-flight club are now eyeing this Blues defender

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Mali international Yves Bissouma…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are set to hold talks with Brighton over a deal for the midfield gem as they look to bolster Eddie Howe’s options in the middle of the park.

The report claims that the Seagulls want £50m for him, which is causing fellow Premier League side Aston Villa to stumble in their efforts to land him.

St. James’ rocking

Newcastle could get St. James’ Park rocking by sealing a £50m deal for Bissouma this month as it would be a gigantic sign of intent from PIF to show that they mean business.

Bringing Kieran Trippier back to England from Atletico was a fantastic first start, but the 31-year-old may not have had many more chances to get back to the Premier League. Snatching Chris Wood from a relegation rival was also a shrewd piece of business by the Magpies, weakening Burnley and potentially strengthening their own side.

However, Bissouma is different as he is heading towards the peak years of his career at 25 and is currently at a team who are a whopping 15 points ahead of Newcastle in the table.

This means that he would be downgrading significantly in the short-term in regards to the respective positions of the two sides during the best years of his career, which would show how much of a pull PIF can make the club.

Dale Stephens previously heaped praise on the midfielder and tipped him to improve in the future, saying:

“He’s got bundles of ability. He’s still a young boy and is still learning but I’m sure he’ll be a massive asset for this football club.

“He’s got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players. His feet are incredible and I’m sure he’s going to get better and better. He’s got everything you need to be a top player. It’s all about getting experience and minutes and I’m sure he’ll get that here.”

In the Premier League this season, the midfielder – once dubbed “top-class” by Ray Parlour – has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.21. He has won 64% of his individual duels whilst making a whopping 5.5 tackles and interceptions per game in the division.This shows the level of quality the beast could bring to the Newcastle team and that is another reason why St. James’ could start rocking with his arrival at the club. Therefore, the club must work hard to get a deal over the line to bring him to Tyneside before the end of the month.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Newcastle now closing in on third Jan signing, fans will be delighted…

A number of Wolves supporters are delighted after a rumour emerged claiming Romain Saiss is set for talks over a new deal at the club.

The 31-year-old is currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco and he could be a big loss throughout January.

Saiss has been a brilliant servant for Wolves since arriving back in 2016, making a total of 194 appearances in that time, including 19 Premier League starts this season.

The centre-back’s current Wolves contract expires at the end of this season, however, so there is a clear need to tie down his future as soon as possible.

According to The Athletic [via Talking Wolves on Twitter], Saiss and Wolves are hopeful of opening talks over a new deal in the near future, in what represents a positive update.

Wolves fans delighted with Saiss rumour

These Wanderers fans showed their pleasure at the news on Twitter.

“Absolute player”

Credit: @LewisLgill

“Best signing of the window so far if we get this done!”

Credit: @Carl_Yorke

“YEEEEEEERRRSSSSSS”

Credit: @DeadlyDonck

“SIGN IT”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Get it sorted Wolves top player for us this season”

Credit: @LukeMH92

“Finally some good news!”

Credit: @MattMDou87

In other news, one player could potentially join Wolves this month. Find out who it is here.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side host Leicester City at St. James’ Park in the 14:15 kick-off this afternoon, with the Magpies looking to continue their recent ascent up the Premier League table against a similarly resurgent Foxes outfit.

Indeed, despite losing three of their last five league outings, Newcastle have picked up an incredibly impressive 23 points over their 12 top-flight fixtures in 2022 – a return only bettered by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Meanwhile, following an extremely poor first half of the season, Leicester are currently on a run of five games without defeat in all competitions, with three of these coming as victories.

As such, the encounter between the two sides this afternoon certainly promises to be an exciting affair, with a victory for the Geordies potentially closing the gap to their ninth-placed opponents to just three points.

So, will Howe make any changes to the side that started the 1-0 win over Wolves last time out? Here’s how we think Newcastle could line up against Leicester, along with the latest team and injury news…

With BBC Sport recently reporting that Ryan Fraser looks set to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury last time out, as well as revealing that Joe Willock could be in line for a return to the XI despite nursing an ongoing knee issue, we predict that Howe will make two changes to the team that started against Wolves.

The back five remains unchanged, with Martin Dubravka starting between the sticks, while Matt Targett, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth make up the Magpies’ defensive quartet.

In the middle of the park, the £80k-per-week Joelinton – who journalist Aaron Stokes dubbed an “absolute monster” – makes way for the returning £25m summer signing Willock – who Steve Bruce dubbed a “remarkable” talent – with Jonjo Shelvey and Bruno Guimaraes keeping their starting berths.

In attack, Allan Saint-Maximin once again starts on the left and Chris Wood is deployed up top, while the second change comes on the right flank – with the injured Fraser being replaced by Paraguay international Miguel Almiron.

AND in other news: Howe could unearth NUFC’s new Waddle in “technical” 19 y/o gem who’s “caught the eye”