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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 

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 are interested in a deal to bring Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal to North London this summer, as reported by The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Right-back on the agenda in N17

Following a summer of upheaval at N17, much mystery still envelops the right-back department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the transfer window peters to a close.

Japhet Tanganga has started off the new campaign as the Lilywhites’ preferred option in the role, earning praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his role in defeating Manchester City on the opening day [Inside Futbol].

Matt Doherty looks to be second in command, whilst wantaway Spurs ace Serge Aurier has been heavily linked to French champions Lille [TEAMtalk].

With Doherty yet to prove himself however and Tanganga also an option at centre-back, Tottenham look set to try and acquire another right-sided defender in the last few days of the window.

The Latest: Paratici looks to strike agreement for Emerson

Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to be eyeing a swoop for Barcelona full-back Emerson on a season-long loan deal [The Telegraph].

The Catalan giants are believed to be open to getting the 6 foot Brazilian’s wages off the books for the rest of the year due to their well-documented financial irregularities, with Tottenham reported to be exploring the idea of bringing him to England.

It is understood that out-of-favour Aurier may need to move on before any move can be sanctioned.

Sky Sports have since added their own update to the mix, claiming that talks are well underway and it could yet be a loan deal or a permanent move.

The Verdict: Quality depth

With injuries and downturns in form always a possibility over the course of a campaign, acquiring another quality option in the right-back area may prove to be a sound investment for Tottenham.

The timing of any prospective switch may come as a surprise, after Barcelona only exercised their right to bring the 22-year-old back from Real Betis in June after two years on loan in Seville [FC Barcelona].

Providing a forward threat down the flank though, the Brazil international managed to score two goals in 38 outings for Betis, also laying on a further four assists for his teammates [Transfermarkt].

He also possesses great instinctual awareness to danger, as he managed to record an average of 2.7 tackles per fixture across last term in La Liga [WhoScored], also racking up 20 yellow cards across his two seasons on loan – he loves to get stuck in.

Put simply, Emerson would be an upgrade on anything Spurs currently have in his position, due to his unique mixture of defensive and offensive quality. A temporary deal seems to suit all parties if it goes through.

In other news, a Tottenham stalwart has left the building after five years in London. Find out more here.

Leeds United have been handed a quadruple injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article for Leeds Live, Beren Cross revealed that there could be light at the end of the tunnel regarding both Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling’s respective recoveries from injury, with the centre-forward having been sidelined since September with an ankle injury, while the right-back has missed the Whites’ last nine fixtures due to a knee injury.

The journalist then went on to state that the knocks of Raphinha and Rodrigo – who both missed the Leeds’ 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday – are only believed to be minor, suggesting that the duo will be back for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

In his article, Cross wrote: “There is hopefully light at the end of the tunnel for United. Ayling and Bamford are thought to be making good progress and not far away, while Raphinha and Rodrigo’s issues are thought to be minor.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Leeds have not enjoyed the best of seasons so far this term, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side having picked up just 11 points from their opening 12 fixtures of the campaign, considering just how important the quartet of Bamford, Ayling, Raphinha and Rodrigo are to the Whites, when these four all make a return to first-team football, it would not be surprising to see Leeds shoot up the league standings.

Indeed, last season, Raphinha ranked as the club’s third-best performer in the league according to SofaScore, while Ayling, Bamford and Rodrigo came in as the Whites’ sixth, seventh and tenth-best players in the top flight respectively.

As such, despite the fact that Leeds currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League standings, a mere two points above Burnley in the relegation zone, following Cross’ latest injury update, the Elland Road faithful shouldn’t have too much to worry regarding relegation just yet as they gear up for the exiting return of their star men.

In other news: Imagine him & Phillips: Orta can land dream LUFC duo with 27 y/o gem likened to Rooney

Aston Villa are not keen on letting midfielder Douglas Luiz go this summer, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Manchester City did have an option to buy back their former player but did not take it up, leaving Villa seemingly in the clear.

However, Luiz has since been linked with a move to AS Roma, while ex-Napoli coach Gianni Di Marzio recently claimed on Radio Marte (via Area Napoli) that the 23-year-old would be a good signing for his old side and could be worth up to €80m (£68m) in the future.

He is not a player Villa want to lose, though, Hatfield has told FFC. On the Brazilian, the Villa journalist said:

“I don’t think Villa are really keen to see him go. He’s obviously improved, like many of the players have, following his signing at the club.

“They always had that buy-back clause from Manchester City hanging over his head, but that’s passed now, so they don’t need to worry about that. I think they probably see Luiz as a key player.”

Luiz appeared 33 times in the Premier League for Villa last season, so he was indeed an important player for Dean Smith.

The Brazil international also had the best passing accuracy out of Villa’s regular starters (minimum of 10 starts, via WhoScored), so the club not wanting to lose him is understandable.

Glasgow Rangers fans were livid with an article penned by The Times journalist Magnus Linklater.

On the pitch, the past 12 months have been marvelous for the Ibrox outfit. They won the Premiership last term for the first time in 10 years, marking the end of a struggle back to the top of the Scottish game from the fourth tier. Such was their dominance, they didn’t lose a single game and racked up over 100 points (thefishy.co.uk).

Off the pitch, however, things haven’t gone quite as swimmingly, especially in regards to the club’s relationship with the press. In a surprising move, the Gers have decided to charge reporters and publications up to £25,000 for access to Ibrox and exclusives (The Daily Mail).

Linklater clearly wasn’t happy with this move, and wrote an article slamming the Gers – although, ironically, the piece itself is behind a paywall.

The article was shared on Twitter by The Times Scotland’s official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Linklater article below

“Rank hypocrisy from The Times! Can I read Magnus’ article without paying? No. The Times have a pay wall. Getting the picture now, or are The Times not prepared to show that degree of ‘humility’ yet?”

Credit: @B0mberHarris

“Would have loved to have seen what you had to say regarding paying to get into Ibrox but it seems I have to pay to get into the site to read this!! Unbelievable!!!”

Credit: @stephmcd90

“Oh the irony. A former Newspaper Editor/journalist preaching to people about humility. You couldn’t make it up. Now I’m being ironic, that’s usually what newspapers do! ….. allegedly.”

Credit: @sonofwill57

“Rangers have paid their dues in more than enough ways, are we meant to bow down to the low lives who punished us in such a draconian fashion”

Credit: @SergioGeorgino

“The end is near for publications such as The Times and they know it. The younger generation have no need to consume media in this way and don’t want to with its agenda and bias.”

Credit: @NightmanAJB

“From the paper that sticks this behind a paywall. So you can charge for your product, but Rangers can’t? Why are you so special? The entitlement is unreal Can you not see the irony which completely backs the clubs stance?”

Credit: @4ladshadadream

In other news, Rangers fans loved this man versus Real Madrid.

Rangers have been tipped to return for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel in the transfer window and if he were to join Steven Gerrard’s side this summer, it could well lead to Ianis Hagi departing Ibrox on a permanent deal.

According to Turkish news outlet Fotaspor (via Glasgow Live) Rangers have now made an approach for the former QPR man as he eyes a return to the UK this summer, with the Gers’ Old Firm rivals also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.

Gerrard’s side were heavily linked with the young Nigerian in the January transfer window and he would’ve been available on a free transfer in the summer had he not completed a move to Fenerbahce, with the Turkish giants paying a fee to ensure that he joined before his contract with the R’s expired at the end of the season.

However, things have not really gone to plan for Osayi-Samuel in the Super Lig, as he has managed just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances for Fener, which has seemingly led to them wanting to cut their losses and sell him this summer after less than six months with the club.

The winger was really starting to hit form with QPR in the Championship before his January departure, with three goals and three assists in 21 appearances, so if he could rediscover his best form and improve even further with Rangers, then he could prove to be a solid addition this summer.

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QPR boss Mark Warburton was full of praise for him last season, saying:

“I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game.

“He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful.”

If the 23-year-old were to make the switch to Ibrox this summer then he could prove to be a direct replacement for Hagi in Gerrard’s side.

Following an impressive season that saw the former KRC Genk man contribute eight goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Teddy Bears, he has been linked with a move away to the likes of Lazio and Sevilla, whilst a recent dispute over him wanting to play at the Olympics for Romania this summer could also be a catalyst in him leaving for good.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, if Rangers were to splash the cash on Osayi-Samuel this summer there would be a lot of competition at right-wing in Gerrard’s squad, so it would perhaps not be a surprise to see Hagi depart.

And, in other news… Rangers could sign their ideal Kamara heir with swoop for 9 G/A beast

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. 

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa must make a ruthless call and sell Tyler Roberts this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the 22-year-old has snubbed a contract offer from Leeds, with the forward’s current deal at Elland Road expiring next summer.

The Wales international has now delivered an update on his long-term future at Elland Road, saying: “I think my agent has had a talk with them about what’s going to happen.

“I think it’s one of those where the season is so close to ending, you stay focused on the last few games and you sort that then. I think it’s all positive and, as I’ve said, I do love it at Leeds. The city, the fans, the experiences I’m getting are great so I’m happy.”

Not good enough for Bielsa

Whilst Roberts has delivered a positive update on his chances of signing a new deal at Elland Road, Bielsa must be ruthless with the under-performing Welshman this summer.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan insisted that the £9m-rated forward hasn’t shown enough in the Premier League to “convince” Bielsa – he managed just one goal in 27 top-flight appearances all season, and even that came in the penultimate game against Southampton.

The 46-year-old said: “With Leeds this season, he’s been given a long spell of games to convince Bielsa he’s worth keeping. In my opinion, I’m still undecided. I don’t think he affected the game during his time on the field.

“The only thing tempting me to keep him at Leeds is the fact that he’s young. He may still have a bit of growth to come.  If there’s interest from Newcastle and the contract isn’t signed, he might feel he needs a new start in his career. It’s massive to leave a club like Leeds. But once he comes back to Leeds I doubt he’ll start considering how Rodrigo finished the season.”

Whelan added: “Is he good enough? In my opinion he isn’t. I would love him to go out there and prove me wrong because I want everyone to succeed. I need him to show me more. He needs to show more fight and desire. I just do not see that.”

Given that Leeds will hope to see the best of Rodrigo next season after a year of adaptation at Elland Road, and that Bielsa will likely be looking to strengthen his squad in the summer, it’s difficult to see how Roberts’ current form and ability is anywhere near the kind of level that Leeds require if they are to kick on.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Roberts was handed plenty of opportunities to shine and lay down a claim this season, but he didn’t grab those. This summer must be the time for Bielsa to just be ruthless and get rid of him if the right offer comes in.

Meanwhile, Leeds must finally unleash this talented starlet next season…

Aston Villa have emerged as a potential suitor for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly according to reports from Italy.

What’s the Word?

Italian outlet TMW has claimed that Premier League sides Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in the Senegal international, labelling him a “real tressure” in what would undoubtedly be a sensational signing for Villa.

The centre back is in high demand, with European heavyweights Barcelona also interested, this is despite Napoli placing a €70m (£58m) price tag on his head.

Koulibaly will turn 31 in June and a fee of this size might put a lot of teams off, especially when they may only get a couple of years out of him at his peak.

Imagine him & Konsa

Villa have been leaking goals as of late and surely a centre back is high on the list of Steven Gerrard’s priorities as he looks ahead to his first full season in charge at Villa Park.

There aren’t many defenders better than Koulibaly at the moment, with the Premier League surely being an attractive move having spent the last eight years in Serie A.

Forza Italian football editor Connor Clancy previously stated his belief that the Napoli titan “improves any team” he plays for, as well as dubbing the defender “phenomenal.” High praise for the 30-year-old.

The most important aspect that Gerrard will be looking at is to create a solid centre back pairing of both Ezri Konsa and Koulibaly.

With Konsa having a rating of 6.74 on SofaScore this season, the onus would be on the Senegal international to come in and form a solid backline with the 24-year-old English talent.

Regardless of if Gerrard actually manages to secure his services or not, it shows just how far Villa have come since promotion three years ago that they are linked with one of the finest centre backs in the world.

What a summer Villa supporters have in store.

AND in other news, Gerrard now plotting AVFC bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s better than Phillips