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Craig Hope has now revealed a new potential appointment at Newcastle United after the takeover was announced on Thursday evening.

The Lowdown: Takeover done

The St. James’ Park faithful have now officially announced the takeover of the North East club by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium on their official website.

It means that Mike Ashley has now finally left, as a new board comes in with a new direction which will hopefully align more with where the fans expect the club to go.

The Latest: McParland considered

As per Hope, former scout and academy chief at Liverpool, Frank McParland, is now among a number of names being considered for a role within the new set-up at the Toon.

The Daily Mail journalist also confirmed that McParland ‘was on Tyneside last night’ as NUFC fans gathered in their masses to celebrate in front of St. James’ Park.

The Verdict: No brainer

With a new direction for the club mapped out, Newcastle should look no further than hiring McParland, either in a recruiting role or as a director.

He is a vastly experienced specialist in recruitment, and has worked previously with Watford, Brentford, Burnley and Rangers, as well as Liverpool (i).

McParland worked as a director of football at both Brentford and Watford, and he spent six years as sporting director at Burnley (i), showing that he is more than capable of fulfilling any kind of major role that the new owners wish.

Nonetheless, his experience and versatility should make him one of the top candidates.

In other news, find out what big arbitration update has emerged here!

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…

Sheffield United have been dealt a major blow in their bid to keep Aaron Ramsdale at Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mirror (via The 72), who claim that, as a result of seeing two Arsenal bids rejected for his services, the goalkeeper could be set to hand in a transfer request in order to push a move to the Emirates through before deadline day at the end of the month.

The report continues by stating that the most recent of the Gunners’ offers hit the £25m mark, while the Blades value the 23-year-old closer to £30m, with Slavisa Jokanovic’s side adamant they will not part with the shot-stopper for less than the club’s asking price.

Jokanovic will be fuming

Should Ramsdale indeed go on to hand in a transfer request in the coming days, Jokanovic will find himself in something of an awkward position, as, after seeing two bids knocked back for the Euro 2020 England squad member, it has been reported that Arsenal have now turned their attention to other targets in the transfer market as a result of the Blades’ demands.

As such, the 52-year-old manager could find himself in a position where he may well be forced to lower his asking price in order for the Gunners to come back in with another offer for the 23-year-old, or, on the other hand, drop arguably one of the most talented goalkeepers in the Championship from his first-team squad as a result of his desire to leave.

And, considering the slow start United have got off to in their 2021/22 campaign, picking up just one point over their opening two Championship fixtures, the last thing the Serbian manager needs is the man Jurgen Klopp dubbed an “incredible” player kicking up a fuss.

So, if the reports are to be believed and the £22k-per-week Ramsdale does formally submit his wish to leave Bramall Lane, Jokanovic will be in for a very stressful final couple of weeks of the summer transfer window, something that will undoubtedly leave the 52-year-old fuming – as he would surely much rather be focusing on securing United’s first win of the season.

In other news: Major Sheff Utd transfer development emerges on £60k-p/w “leader”, fans surely buzzing

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is once again attracting transfer interest from Serie A giants AS Roma.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent months had initially suggested that Premier League champions Manchester City were contemplating exercising their buy-back clause on the Brazilian, but that has not been the case.

Then, The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath claimed that Roma had entered the fray, with former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho keen to lure him to Italy this summer.

And while a move away did not materialise in the summer transfer window, Calciomercato now claim that the Italian side are keen to move on Amadou Diawara as they look to fund a move for either Luiz or Denis Zakaria come January.

Fans will be worried

Having played 33 out of the possible 38 Premier League games last term, Luiz was a cornerstone of a Villa midfield that saw them finish just outside of the top ten.

Speaking last summer, The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, said of him: “He’s an absolute joy to watch now and I never thought I would be saying that. Villa have got a fantastic player in Douglas Luiz now, he looks like an absolute star, he could have played in that Man United team.

“He was better than (Paul) Pogba, I thought. I thought he was brilliant, hardly did anything wrong, hardly put a foot wrong. He won so many interceptions and made so many important blocks. When he gets the ball, he passes it nicely. He’s the best player in that Villa team at the moment because it’s just not working for John McGinn.”

And, in a recent poll done by FFC, 73% of Villa fans who answered said that they would not sell Luiz this summer (1180 votes to 66) – an indication of just how concerning it would be were the Brazilian to make the move to Roma.

If Roma were to swoop in for Luiz in the January transfer window, it would rob Dean Smith of a first-team regular at a time where they were already looking to try and strengthen their options in the summer – a move for James Ward-Prowse being touted.

It would leave them even more short in the engine room, and Villa fans would surely be very worried at the prospect of Luiz going. It has the making of a potential nightmare for Smith if Roma push ahead with a move.

Meanwhile, new details have emerged over Villa’s summer swoop…

Andriy Shevchenko has been linked with a move to Celtic following Ange Postecoglou’s tricky start to life at Parkhead, The Sun have reported.

The Lowdown: Shevchenko at Ukraine

Shevchenko’s only experience as a manager has come at international level with his native Ukraine. The 45-year-old took over after a stint as assistant back in 2016 and took charge of 52 matches, the last of which came in a 4-0 defeat to England in the European Championship quarter-finals in July.

It now seems that he wants to try his hand as a club manager, with Celtic Park namechecked as a possible destination.

The Latest: Nixon’s late-night claim

Alan Nixon of The Sun shared a story late on Saturday night regarding Shevchenko. He claimed that the Ukrainian wants to make the move to Britain as a manager, which has put Celtic on alert.

Nixon added that Shevchenko’s availability has placed him on wish lists and that he could be a surprise choice for Celtic if things don’t work out with Postecoglou.

The Verdict: Nicholson looking at alternative targets?

Michael Nicholson was installed as the club’s interim CEO following Dominic McKay’s abrupt Parkhead exit, so he could be the man looking at Shevchenko.

Time should be on Postecoglou’s side, though, due to a number of incomings and outgoings over the summer and having to deal with numerous injuries in recent weeks.

However, it appears as if the Hoops could be exploring possible contingency plans, so results may need to improve soon if the 56-year-old is not to be jettisoned.

In other news: News Celtic and Ange could do without emerges regarding Kyogo Furuhashi

Ex-Manchester City defender Steve Howey believes a loan move to the Championship would benefit Liam Delap.

The 18-year-old was in scintillating form for Manchester City’s EDS squad last season, as he scored scoresheet.

After his incredible form last season, Delap has been linked with a temporary move away from the Etihad with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City two clubs mentioned as to where he could play his football next season.

With examples of players in the past going to play Championship football and then return to the first team at their parent club, Howey believes a loan move would benefit Delap.

Howey told The Transfer Tavern: “You look at Mason Mount, you look at Kane, all these players have gone out on loan and I had times where you’re playing week in, week out. For me the Championship is a ridiculously hard league, it’s just relentless, constant games, tough opponents. 

“We’ve just been speaking about Freddie Woodman who’s gone out and done that and now is a possibility. I think it would be a great idea for him to go out because you cannot really see him get much game time, whereas if he goes to a Championship club, Pep can watch him closely, monitor everything, speak to them pretty much all the time and see his development.

“It would do him the power of good, but that’s just my opinion, it just depends on the player.”

Whether Delap stays at the Etihad Stadium after the transfer window closes or heads out on loan, he will be hoping for plenty of minutes and another brilliant season in front of goal, telling Sky Sports: “As a footballer you just want to play as much as you can and that’ll be my target this season, just to play as much as I can.”

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over a transfer revelation involving Tino Livramento and Denzel Dumfries.

As per The Athletic, both Rafa Benitez and Marcel Brands found it difficult to agree over transfer targets, with the recruitment team suggesting that they should sign Denzel Dumfries and Tino Livramento.

However, Benitez wanted to bring in a more experienced option at right-back, so ended up not signing one at all.

Dumfries is pretty experienced at 25 years of age though, and the fact that Seamus Coleman is 33 suggests that they should have signed someone much younger.

Nonetheless, both Dumfries and Livramento would have offered the Goodison Park faithful much more of an attacking threat than the Republic of Ireland international, given that they have more recorded goals and assists, and have averaged more shots and key passes and a higher pass success rate so far this season (WhoScored).

Everton fans on transfer revelation

These supporters of the Merseyside club fumed as the transfer revelation was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that it was ’embarrassing’:

“Absolute embarrassment of a manager.”

Credit: @bluesofgoodison

“We’re in trouble”

Credit: @efc_alex18

“Rafa Benitez wanted to bring in a more experienced option, so decided not to bring in a right-back at all. Benitez out.”

Credit: @Owens_EFC

“Livramento…well that’s my day ruined”

Credit: @greenallefc

“We are a laughing stock”

Credit: @jamie_finegan

“Embarrassing, the FA Youth Cup game vs Chelsea was enough to show Livramento could make it at the top”

Credit: @jwilliam31

In other news, find out what transfer news has Blues gushing here!

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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.

Wolves transfer target Donny van de Beek plans to leave Manchester United in January if he is not granted more chances in the coming weeks, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Van de Beek linked with Wolves move

The Dutchman joined United with a big reputation in September 2020, having starred for Ajax in 2018/19 as they nearly reached the Champions League final.

Van de Beek has had a torrid time of things at Old Trafford, however, starting just four Premier League matches in his entire spell there.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a January move to Wolves and now another key update has emerged regarding his future.

The Latest: Romano gives fresh update

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano confirmed that the Netherlands international is planning to leave United in January unless something drastically changes in terms of playing time:

‘The plan is still to leave Man Utd in January if he’s not gonna be involved in Solskjær team in the next weeks.”

The Verdict: Ideal for all parties

Van de Beek has shown that he is a quality footballer for Ajax – he scored 41 goals and registered 34 assists for the Eredivisie giants and been hailed as ‘perfect’ by Owen Hargreaves – it is sad to see him rotting at United and failing to reach his potential.

Wolves could offer him the perfect way out, with Bruno Lage perhaps promising him a key role and the Dutchman giving the Wanderers’ midfield an injection of attacking quality and end product.

If a deal could be struck it would be a big boost for Wolves in the second half of the season, as they look to secure a top-half finish.

In other news, a journalist has provided an update on Wolves’ pursuit of one player. Find out who it is here.

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