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Newcastle are eyeing up a summer loan swoop for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, with Alan Shearer seemingly a big fan.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season now over, Steve Bruce can firmly turn his attentions towards strengthening his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Magpies boss will have a very small transfer budget to work with, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the latest rumours involving Newcastle claim they are keen on exploring the loan market.

According to The Northern Echo, the Tyneside club are interested in bringing Chelsea’s Abraham on a season-long loan deal, and it’s been suggested that they have already “spoken” to officials from Stamford Bridge about a potential move.

Alan Shearer rates him

Dubbed as being “clinical in front of goal” and as a “natural goal-scorer” by Noel Whelan, Abraham managed an impressive 12 goals in 32 games despite barely starting in the Premier League last season for the Blues.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, the striker has got all the potential to be a real threat, with Aston Villa boss Dean Smith saying a couple of years ago: “Tammy is a handful and he knows better than me that he should have been walking away with the match ball tonight. But he scored the winning goal, he’s a hell of a talent. Tammy put in a hell of a shift up front on his own and proved he is a fine player.”

Abraham arguably comes with the biggest backing given what Magpies legend Shearer has said about, saying that while he still rates him highly, he’s got a bit more room to grow.

He said: “I like him but I also think he has to go to the next level and to do that, that stat (only scoring four goals from crossed) has to improve.

“He is very good at finishing balls that come from midfield and in behind the defence. Where he can improve is when balls come into the box, he needs to have that intelligent movement where number nines score on a regular basis.

“I like him, he has great potential but where he has to go to the next level, the one thing he can improve on is that movement in the box and he can improve that. He just needs to work on it and improve.”

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The £36m-rated star could provide Bruce with the kind of Premier League proven option up front that can really ease the burden on Callum Wilson.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must avoid a major nightmare…

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

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa may have suffered a major transfer howler as news emerges from behind the scenes at Elland Road about Robin Koch.

What’s the story?

The Germany international only arrived in the summer from Bundesliga side Freiburg, but has seen his debut campaign in the Premier League be disrupted heavily by injuries – he’s played just 14 times in the top-flight.

Now, Football Insider claim that Bielsa fears the centre-back doesn’t have what it takes to be a real success in the Premier League, and that while he regards him as a fine player, there is a real hole in his game.

The report suggests that “there is a sense at Thorp Arch he is ‘too soft’ to thrive in the Premier League” and that he “doesn’t like the aerial challenges” – it’s even claimed that “this weakness is considered by the coaching staff to be a major issue”.

Radrizzani won’t be happy

While Koch certainly hasn’t been helped by the fact injuries have plagued his first season in English football, it’s a damning indictment on his ability that Bielsa and Leeds’ coaching staff already feel he might not be cut out for the Premier League.

Given that the Whites spent around £13m to beat Tottenham to his signing in the summer, the news that the club feel like they may have made a mistake, or at least not done their homework properly on him in scouting him, surely won’t have Andrea Radrizzani happy.

The Leeds owner splashed the cash in bringing Koch and fellow centre-back Diego Llorente into the club in order to reinforce the centre of defence ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League.

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For the club to now have second thoughts on one of their big-money acquisitions just months into his career at Elland Road must surely go down as a major howler.

Meanwhile, Leeds could make an exciting swoop for this Bundesliga star…

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!

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast that Atalanta’s Pierluigi Gollini has been signed to be Tottenham’s number two goalkeeper.

The 26-year-old stopper became Nuno Espirito Santo’s first summer signing when he joined from the Italian giants on a season-long loan last Saturday.

Whilst Gollini has been capped just once his nation, he’s established himself as first-choice for an ever-improving Atalanta side, who’ve flourished in the Champions League, making exactly 100 appearances across the previous three years.

However, despite Hugo Lloris having less than 12 months remaining on his Spurs contract, Bridge confirmed that the shotstopper’s short-term career in north London is going to see him playing in the domestic cups and inaugural UEFA Conference League, with the Frenchman still first-choice in the Premier League.

Bridge told FFC:

“From what I was told about Gollini, he will play every cup and every European game.

“Things change, if Lloris gets an injury, Gollini keeps six clean sheets and saves a penalty then Nuno has got a problem, a good problem.

“But Gollini will number two for now, with a view to playing quite a few games this season.”

This is a smart move by Tottenham. With Spurs expected to be involved in several non-Premier League games next season, those competitions should give Gollini the perfect opportunity to adapt to English football before eventually replacing Lloris ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign.

Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Eddie Howe should reject the Celtic job.

The 43-year-old has been unemployed since his departure from Bournemouth following their relegation last season.

Howe hasn’t been short of job offers, though, with Newcastle and Crystal Palace both reportedly interested in him becoming their new manager.

But the former Cherries boss remains Celtic’s number one target, although the two parties don’t appear any closer to making a decision despite weeks of ongoing talks.

Howe, who’s keen on the Parkhead vacancy, remains the clear favourite to replace Neil Lennon, but his agent has revealed that he doesn’t want any job until the season finishes.

Celtic round off their campaign by hosting St Johnstone on Wednesday before travelling to Hibs four days later, with second place already guaranteed.

But despite the prospect of Champions League football next season, should the Hoops safely navigate their way through qualifying, Palmer believes that Howe should be targeting another job in England.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“I’d be disappointed in Eddie Howe going to Celtic.

“No disrespect to the Scottish league, but you have two or three teams in it. It’s not the same as the Premier League.

“Back in the day it was different, but now, for Eddie Howe, he needs to get back in at a top Championship club that could get promotion next season, or a top Premier League side.”

Plenty of Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Bukayo Saka could replace Phil Foden in England’s starting line-up for their clash against Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions face the Czechs as they continue their Euro 2020 campaign. They have already qualified for the round of 16 after picking up four points from their first two games (Sky Sports), but it is unclear in which position they will progress from the group – a win would see them finish top.

Foden has started both games for Gareth Southgate’s side at the tournament so far but he has been unable to make any real impact (WhoScored). According to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, he could be replaced by Arsenal youngster Saka for tonight’s clash.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Foden’s impending omission.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Foden news

“Hahahaha.. Let the drama begin. Twitter is going to be fun tonight.”

Credit: @lalitmanaswi

“Gareth Southgate.”

Credit: @dembyy

“Don’t ever replace Phil Foden, EVER”

Credit: @Lou_MCFC02

“What a joke”

Credit: @Matt_J_Benham

“It is finished then”

Credit: @_official_gee

“How can you start him in front of Grealish or Sancho, joke of a manager”

Credit: @Bruynetime

In other news, lots of Man City fans want the club to sign this Euro 2020 star in the summer.

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!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after the Gers confirmed that they will be hosting Real Madrid at Ibrox as part of their pre-season plans ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Gers’ pre-season preparations are well underway, even if some of their star players have not yet joined up with the squad as they recover from their Euro 2020 or Copa America commitments. The Scottish champions started off with a 1-0 win against Partick Thistle as Steven Gerrard aims to get his side ready for the new campaign.

It has now been confirmed that Real Madrid will be making the trip to Glasgow to face the 55-time Scottish champions. Los Merengues are also used to glory, having won the European Cup/Champions League a record 13 times – it will no doubt be a great occasion, and hopefully fans will be able to watch it live at the stadium.

The news was shared on Twitter by Rangers’ official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the upcoming glamour friendly, which some supporters described as “incredible” news.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Rangers v Real Madrid

“That’s extremely random but yeah sounds amazing”

Credit: @FreeAgent_Boom

“Wow wow wow!! Get in there! Please tell me fans are allowed?! What a friendly!!!!”

Credit: @GordonStewart_

“That’s incredible. Would love to be at Ibrox for this one.”

Credit: @JKHendry

“This will be incredible, always the team I’ve wanted to see us play,”

Credit: @swallygray

“Great coup to get Royal Madrid over. Would be magic to get in to see it”

Credit: @AlfieBoy78

“Outstanding tie”

Credit: @NOTELINYI

In other news, one pundit slams this Rangers midfielder.

JustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman believes Niall Huggins move to Sunderland from Leeds United is best for both parties. 

The 20-year-old penned at permanent deal at the Stadium of Light this summer, joining the Black Cats on a free transfer but with a sell-on fee has been included in the deal [BBC Sport].

Huggins featured mainly for Leeds United’s U23 side, playing 18 games for them in the 2020/2021 season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The full-back did feature for the first-team last season, as he came off the substitutes’ bench for the Whites against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Wainman believes the move suits all parties, telling Transfer Tavern: “They get to a stage where they just need game time and Bielsa’s pretty fair in that respect, you know.

“If he can’t give them what they need and they’ve been in the under-23s for a year and they’re not close to the first team, it’s time to move on. So, I think it’s best for both parties and I hope Niall Huggins does well.”

Huggins became Lee Johnson’s sixth summer signing, with Alex Pritchard, Corry Evans, Callum Doyle, Dennis Cirkin, Frederik Alves, Nathan Broadhead also joining Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have started in good form as they have won three of their opening four matches and currently sit fourth in the League One table.