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Manchester United could be set to lose versatile forward Jesse Lingard over the coming months after he was linked with a move to Newcastle United.

What’s the story?

The Magpies joined the financial elite of football after being taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium, and the new owners have already started identifying potential targets ahead of the January transfer window.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are interested in signing Lingard after an impressive 2021, with Toon chiefs already discussing a move for the 28-year-old.

The England international is believed to be keen to secure regular game time ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar and is weighing up a possible Old Trafford exit as a result, meaning a move to the North-East could well be on the cards.

Solskjaer will be concerned

News that Newcastle are considering making an offer for Lingard’s services will leave United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling concerned, given the player’s impressive form this calender year.

After seriously struggling to get back to his best following the 2018 World Cup, a short-term loan move to West Ham United back in January reinvigorated the creative talent.

In just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in an incredible sixth position.

His magnificent displays saw Solskjaer reward him with another opportunity to impress at his boyhood club this season, but Lingard has found regular game time hard to come by in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The attack-minded star has started just one game this term and has only played 136 minutes of first-team football throughout 2021/22 despite scoring two goals and laying on an assist, opening the door to an imminent exit.

With Lingard’s current contract at United set to expire next summer, Newcastle could secure themselves a bargain deal over the winter window, leaving Solskjaer without one of his most efficient forwards as he attempts to secure his first piece of silverware as manager of the Old Trafford outfit.

If the possibility of a new deal is on the cards, news that another team are trying to lure him away from Old Trafford will no doubt leave the Norwegian coach worried. They should be trying to keep players like him.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potential injury blow ahead of Leicester, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

Club-record signing Daniel James delivered his worst performance in a Leeds United shirt as the Yorkshire giants were beaten by a struggling Newcastle United side at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

Having cost a whopping £30m from Manchester United in the summer, the Wales international – who had long been a target of manager Marcelo Bielsa, having gone close to signing him for a third of the price in January 2019 – has struggled to make his mark at Elland Road.

And Saturday’s disaster was another reminder that he’s just not been good enough.

Jonjo Shelvey fired in a 20-yard freekick to seal a 1-0 victory for the Magpies after Javier Manquillo was brought down on the edge of the box in the 75th minute.

Perhaps goalkeeper Illan Meslier could have done better with it seeing as it flew in on his side of the goal but by no means was he at fault for their overall display.

Toothless in the final third yet again, Leeds have been pulled back into the relegation mire and now sit just seven points above the bottom three, with a couple of sides below them holding games in hand.

Bielsa was once again without his star striker Patrick Bamford, leaving James to play upfront on his own.

In 71 minutes of action, the 5 foot 7 dynamo registered only 15 touches of the ball, comfortably the fewest of any starter on the pitch for either side. For further context, Meslier managed 39 touches, whilst visiting striker Chris Wood had 50 touches, as per SofaScore.

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It shows how the former United man was more involved in the game than James, despite playing the same role.

With those few touches, the Welshman managed only four accurate passes from nine attempts (44%), which would have done last weekend’s hat-trick hero Jack Harrison, top goalscorer Raphinha and others no favours whatsoever in the attack.

Whilst he also won just one of his six duels (16.6%), lost possession with nearly 50% of his touches (seven times) and to make matters worse, he fluffed two big chances – so despite barely being involved, he could’ve been the man to win it for Leeds.

LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross graded the £16.2m-rated star amongst the worst performers in his post-match ratings column and highlighted how ineffective he was at leading the line for Bielsa.

Indeed, in the past, James has been lambasted as “headless” with his decision making in the final third, so it’s a really baffling decision to see him trusted as a centre-forward, especially over someone like Rodrigo, who has bundles of experience playing that very role over in Spain.

Not only did he badly fail Bielsa on Saturday afternoon but also the Yorkshire outfit as a whole. Once again, the £52k-per-week-earning 24-year-old was a sheer disappointment and he ought to have no place in the starting XI going forward.

AND in other news, Leeds suffer transfer blow over “playmaker” who “Bielsa really wants”, he’ll be livid…

Ange Postecoglou has no intention of using Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Bolingoli’s summer

Bolingoli returned to Parkhead over the summer following a loan spell in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Belgian was linked with a return to Turkey with Altay SK back in June, however, he remained a Parkhead player beyond Tuesday’s deadline.

He posted a picture on Instagram prior to the 2021/22 campaign in Celtic colours ready for the new season with the caption ‘let’s go’. However, he hasn’t been used in a competitive match under Postecoglou, and it seems as if he isn’t in the Parkhead boss’ plans.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

The Athletic shared a story on Wednesday about some players who have been left high and dry after failing to secure a summer transfer.

Devlin contributed with a section on Bolingoli, claiming there is no intention in Glasgow to use him in the first team.

Bolingoli, on £780,000-a-year at Celtic, still has two years remaining on his deal.

The Verdict: January exit?

With Postecoglou preferring Adam Montgomery and new right-back Josip Juranvoic on the left-hand side in Greg Taylor’s absence, it looks like a New Year exit for Bolingoli could be on the cards.

The Hoops may well be open to a loan or permanent deal for the 26-year-old, and should it be the latter, they could struggle to recoup the £3m fee they forked out for his services back in 2019, especially with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping to £1.98m.

In other news: Ange’s first January target emerges; Celtic will watch ‘really important’ ace tomorrow. 

West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal ‘wants a salary that reflects his performances on the field’, according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas. 

The lowdown

West Ham signed Coufal from Slavia Prague last October in a £5.4m deal (via BBC Sport). The Czech international went on to start 34 Premier League games in his debut season in east London, contributing seven assists. Of his team-mates, only Aaron Cresswell (eight) set up more goals in 2020/21.

Coufal also averaged 2.6 clearances, 2.1 tackles and 1.6 successful aerial duels per match last term (via WhoScored), and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher included the ‘brilliant’ defender in his team of the season, saying that his performances summed up the Irons’ campaign.

The latest

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Thomas was asked by a supporter to explain the situation with Coufal. He said that the 28-year-old, who isn’t ‘one of the high earners’ at the London Stadium, wanted an improved deal.

Coufal’s current contract runs until 2023, and there is an option to extend it by another two years.

The verdict

The Czech right-back has been one of West Ham’s strongest performers since his arrival, playing an instrumental role in their successful push for European football last season, so it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve a salary hike.

He’ll probably be looking at the wages paid to the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Issa Diop, which sit at £70,000-a-week each, and protesting that his contribution is far greater. The players’ respective WhoScored ratings from 2020/21 would suggest that Coufal has a fair argument, with the 28-year-old earning just under £31,000 per week.

If there isn’t a swift resolution, you might wonder if other Premier League clubs will begin sniffing around once they hear of his reported discontent. He has shown himself to be a dependable performer at this level, so the Irons hierarchy should perhaps take his feelings on board and ensure that his relationship with the club isn’t damaged.

In other news, West Ham have set their sights on signing this defender.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl defended his team’s style of play following the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

His post-match comments were relayed by reliable reporter Dan Sheldon, which led to a number of Saints fans hitting out at Hasenhuttl on social media.

Southampton conceded two late goals at Stamford Bridge following James Ward-Prowse’s red card in the second half after the captain had earlier levelled the scores from the spot. The result means the Saints are still yet to win in the Premier League this season and sit 17th in the table going into the October international break.

Hasenhuttl was asked following the defeat about the way his team plays and defended his style, claiming that it is ‘nice to watch’ as he said: “Why should we change? It’s also nice to watch. I’m not a fan of parking the bus against the big teams.”

However, some fans aren’t happy with that response, with the club winning just two of their last 15 top-flight league fixtures.

Southampton fans react

Sheldon, who is Southampton’s reporter for The Athletic, posted Hasenhuttl’s comments via Twitter on Saturday evening, with @SaintsExtra also relaying his tweet.

Here is what these Saints supporters had to say in reply, with many not happy and one labelling the manager’s response as ‘strange’.

“Yeah I love watching us lose even though we look good sometimes. I’d rather big Sam in atm.. at least we’re probably win a few games. RALPH OUT!”

Credit: @cleetus_van

“Is this a joke? Just because it’s ‘nice to watch’ doesn’t mean the loyal fans don’t mind us losing every week. Change because it doesn’t work, we can’t score and never win? That’s good enough reasons for me. 6 points needed from Leeds and Burnley and nothing less.”

Credit: @JackKnutsen_

“So we win 5 out of 33 league games and he doesn’t want to change anything ?? Seriously ????”

Credit: @curlywiggins

“Strange thing to say – we’re not that exciting to watch, mush.”

Credit: @Josh_b222

“Better to park the bus than taking a ride down to the Championship. Poor tactics.”

Credit: @HaraldStensdal

“Who exactly, apart from Ralph himself, is enjoying watching us play?”

Credit: @Beaumxntt

In other news: ‘Can’t keep watching him’ – Some Saints fans destroy ‘passenger’ who ‘should retire’. 

Tottenham Hotspur have entered negotiations to sign Denis Zakaria…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sport Bild head of football Christian Falk, who claimed on Twitter that Spurs are “in talks for a transfer” of the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder.

However, the Premier League outfit face fierce competition from North London rivals Arsenal, as well as Everton, AS Roma and Napoli.

It remains to be seen how much the 24-year-old would command before this month’s transfer deadline, though he’s currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

Imagine him and Hojbjerg

A new central midfield option, on the face of it, may not be a top priority for head coach Nuno Santo but things could quickly change before August 31st.

Tanguy Ndombele’s future has been thrown into doubt by The Athletic after Charlie Eccleshare revealed that he was snubbed for selection in their final pre-season friendly. He’s now considering his options before the window slams shut.

Similarly, the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko could be on the chopping block, and a departure for either – or both – could open up a spot for Zakaria to slot right in.

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The 6 foot 3 powerhouse is a defensive midfield animal and could be the perfect partner for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who showed many at Euro 2020 that he could offer more attacking exploits, having recorded three assists on Denmark’s way to the semi-final.

Indeed, as per WhoScored, Zakaria averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes, as well as only being dispossessed an average of one time per 90 throughout his domestic and international career thus far.

According to the man himself, he has been likened to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and Man United star Paul Pogba, who he also claims have been his main role models growing up, whilst German great Lothar Matthaus claimed “He reminds me of Toni Kroos.”

This would suggest that he has immense ball-playing abilities, too, and an average passing accuracy of 86.5% reinforces that tenfold.

Furthermore, Zakaria has been lauded as a “very complete footballer” by his former boss Marco Rose, whilst Get Italian Football News editor Kaustubh Pandey once dubbed him a “complete package” and a “rare talent.”

On the above evidence, the Switzerland international would be a mighty fine addition for Nuno but only if they can shift on some of the deadwood in the engine room.

Just imagine him and Hojbjerg pulling the strings in the middle third all season. It’s a juicy prospect.

AND in other news, Nuno Santo handed big Spurs boost ahead of Man City clash…

Leeds United want Raphinha to sign a new contract, amid rumours of a January move to Bayern Munich, Phil Hay reports.

The Lowdown: Bayern links

Raphinha, described as an ‘unbelievable player’ by Illan Meslier, has been the club’s top performer this season. The winger has scored eight of Leeds’ 18 goals this season and has missed just two Premier League fixtures.

As a result of his impressive form, Bayern Munich have been linked with a January move for the 24-year-old, who is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

Brazilian outlet TNT Sports even went as far as to say Raphinha would join Bayern in a deal worth €50m, however, The Yorkshire Evening Post rebuffed claims by stating the German giants are yet to express an interest.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay posted a link to a story on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime, claiming ‘Leeds United want Raphinha’s next move to be the agreement of a new contract at Elland Road’.

Within his story, Hay claimed that the Brazilian likes Leeds and what his move to Yorkshire has done for him. Raphinha doesn’t feel as if the club are holding him back, with discussions underway over an improved deal.

The Verdict: New contract needed

Hay revealed that Raphinha’s current salary is a ‘fairly modest’ one by Premier League standards and behind Leeds’ biggest earners.

So, even if the Whites extend Raphinha’s contract by a further 12 months to 2025, a pay rise to make him one of the club’s biggest earners could be a wise move.

That would reflect his displays on the pitch and should keep him content in Yorkshire for the time being. A new deal would also allow Leeds to insert a release clause, meaning all parties involved could come out of discussions happy.

In other news: BBC man reacts as Leeds and Bielsa may now get ‘massive’ injury boost ‘for the Burnley game’. 

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has tipped David Moyes to sign Besiktas striker Cyle Larin in the January transfer window, as he would ‘fit the bill’ for the Hammers, as per GIVEMESPORT.

The Lowdown: Goals drying up

Goals have recently dried up for the Hammers, who have failed to find the net in their previous three games. Their top scorer Michail Antonio has lost his clinical form, failing to score in his last eight appearances in the Premier League.

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The 31-year-old is currently the Irons’ only senior striker and this has caused deep problems for Moyes, as his once reliable attacking threat is no longer bringing in the goals.

As a result, West Ham are looking to bring in a centre-forward in the January transfer window. The manager has already stated that he will dip into the market to provide the squad with some much-needed depth.

The Latest: O’Rourke tips Moyes to sign Larin

Following Moyes’ admission that he will need additions to the West Ham squad if they are to continue in their push for Champions League qualification, O’Rourke has tipped the Irons boss to sign Besiktas striker Larin.

This comes after the Canadian was linked with a move to the east London club before, and the journalist believes that he could be an ideal signing for West Ham.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke said: “He’s a big strong striker who can play right across the front positions as well and that will be attractive to West Ham. He would definitely fit the bill.”

The Verdict: Depth is needed

As the club’s only recognised striker is currently out of form, it is crucial that Moyes is able to bring in an extra attacker in the January transfer window.

Larin has long been tipped for a big European move, even before his switch to the Turkish league. Former Orlando City teammate and Brazil legend Kaká spoke highly of the 26-year-old in the past, saying: “Cyle is a very good player and the third season for us will be great, but I think Cyle can play in a big team in Europe as well.”

Larin has also proven himself on the international stage. In 44 appearances for Canada, he has bagged an impressive 22 goals. This adds to his fine tally at club level; since joining Besiktas, he has made 68 Süper Lig appearances, scoring 29 goals and producing seven assists.

Maybe O’Rourke is right; this could just be the centre-forward alternative to Antonio that Moyes is craving.

In other news: West Ham make first move for £13m-rated dribbling wizard amid Premier League rivals’ interest

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘ready’ to fight for the signature of Braga striker Vitor Oliveira, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown

The youngster appears to be making his first team breakthrough at Braga, having featured in four of their last five league matches and earned his Europa League debut.

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Last weekend, he emphatically made his case to be a regular going forward with a four-goal haul against Santa Clara in a 6-0 Taca de Portugal mauling.

The 21-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, is presently valued at just £450,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

According to Calciomercato, Oliveira’s form for Braga is said to have attracted the interest of ‘numerous foreign clubs’.

Spurs are among them, but so are their London rivals West Ham United, so the stage is set for the two capital clubs to do battle for his signature in 2022.

The verdict

Oliveira has also earned international recognition this month, making his Portugal under-21 debut in a European Championship qualifier against Cyprus.

The signs are that what looks like a modest price tag might about to be skyrocket after his flying start to the season, which has seen him hit seven goals in nine first team appearances for Braga.

However, one possible consideration for Spurs when buying young strikers is the impact on Dane Scarlett, whose path to the senior team could be blocked if Oliveira is signed. The Spurs starlet has plundered in 23 goals in as many matches for the under-18s, so you could question the need to look at emerging strikers elsewhere.

In other news, Conte has made this transfer request to Paratici.

Manchester United are working on appointing their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer with Erik ten Hag the favourite for the role, and now Fabrizio Romano has given a fresh update on the progress of the deal.

What’s the word?

According to journalist and transfer insider, Romano, there are still areas that ten Hag and Manchester United are yet to agree on to complete his move to the club this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Erik ten Hag wants to make sure he has enough ‘power’ to decide on the project together with the board, and especially to avoid transfer mistakes.

“That’s why he’s still in discussions with Man Utd before signing.”

Good news

For supporters of the club, ten Hag’s desire to play a part in transfers and power that allows him to have much more involvement than those that managed the team before him is good news in terms of the project that needs to be completed given the manager’s track record with building teams.

The 52-year-old tactician has got his team at Ajax playing phenomenal attacking football that has proven to be highly efficient and successful in the Dutch league and European competitions.

This season alone Ajax are winning 2.45 points and scoring 3.04 per game with a win ratio of 78.57% putting the side at the top of the Eredivisie table four points clear of PSV and currently in with a good chance of securing their third title under ten Hag, according to FootyStats.

In terms of European competitions, the Ajax boss took the side to their first Champions League semi-final in 22 years back in 2019, but this season ironically crashed out of the prestigious competition on the same night as Manchester United, when they lost to Benfica at home in the round of 16.

Despite not being able to lift a Champions League trophy yet in his managerial career, Manchester United supporters and the board will be hoping the winning mentality he has built in the Netherlands can be emulated and will further progress in England if he joins Old Trafford this summer.

With RB Leipzig reportedly attempting to hijack the deal by signing up ten Hag in the Bundesliga, the Red Devils must do everything they can to complete the move for the Dutch coach as soon as they can.

In other news: Journalist drops big late-night Man United manager update, supporters will adore it