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Newcastle United have an academy that, in recent years, has started producing talent worthy of making the step up to the Premier League. The Longstaff brothers, Matty and Sean, stand as current proof.

Whilst it is Elliot Anderson who seems to hold the hopes of the city to become the next big thing, waiting in the wings is prolific 21-year-old striker Isaac Westendorf.

Having signed in January after a successful trial period, the young marksman has made a meteoric rise from non-league Barking to the Premier League.

He could be the heir to Callum Wilson, who has been a capable goal scorer for the Magpies but has struggled with injuries as age sneaks up on him.

The 30-year-old has managed just 49 appearances for Newcastle, but in this time he has scored 22 times and assisted five times.

When fit, he is a fine striker for the division. The issue remains that he cannot maintain a solid run of fixtures, and Eddie Howe has responded with the £63m purchase of Aleksander Isak.

Wilson has had to assume the role of backup to the hulking Swede, but when his time to exit St James’ Park eventually comes, they will need a new dependable goal scorer to supplement the 23-year-old.

This man could certainly be Westendorf.

In just 11 games for the Premier League 2 side, the German-born attacker scored five and assisted once. He has quickly announced himself as the paramount youth striker for the Tyneside outfit.

His inclusion in the pre-season training this summer also is indicative of a level of faith he must have in the next generation.

Jacob Ranson, a reporter for the Barking & Dagenham Post, was full of praise for the player he watched for Barking. He claimed: “Isaac is fast, powerful and was extremely impressive for Barking.

“Often youngsters, despite how good they are, struggle to adapt to men’s football initially, but not Isaac, as he got himself into the first-team and found the back of the net consistently.”

He certainly has all the ingredients to fulfil this role as Wilson’s understudy, with pace, power and a ruthlessness akin to the former AFC Bournemouth man.

If he continues his phenomenal rise, there is no telling how high he can go at the club.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Everton are ‘preparing to match’ the offer made by Newcastle United for Joao Pedro.

The Lowdown: Newcastle offer

Sky Sports journalist and North East correspondent Keith Downie reported on Tuesday morning that the St. James’ Park outfit have made a new bid for Pedro worth in the region of £30m, including add-ons.

Watford are thought to be considering the offer, and talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a potential deal to take him to Tyneside.

The Latest: Everton hijack?

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now ‘preparing to match’ the Magpies’ offer for Pedro:

“Understand Everton are preparing to match Newcastle’s offer for Watford forward Joao Pedro.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the fact that Salomon Rondon is struggling to perform, the Merseyside club desperately need to bring in a new striker as soon as possible.

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Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ player by his former Watford boss Xisco Munoz, 20-year-old Pedro is already off the mark for the Hornets this term, and has a total of 14 goals for his club over the last three seasons.

Eddie Howe’s side have agreed to sign striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, and so may be less inclined to go for Pedro now, which could well open the door for the Blues to make their swoop.

Celtic are reportedly set to keep hold of Georgios Giakoumakis this summer amid significant interest in the Greece international.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old is considered “untouchable” by those at Parkhead, despite being the subject of interest from potential suitors, including some Premier League clubs.

Writing on Twitter about the 11-cap striker’s future, the transfer insider wrote: “There were clubs interested in Georgios Giakoumakis as he’s doing great with Celtic, also approached by Premier League clubs in the last few days. Celtic have absolutely no intention to sell him: untouchable.

“He’s key player – also, Giakoumakis is happy at Celtic.”

The 6 foot 1 marksman still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Premiership champions, having only joined on a £2.5m deal from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo last summer.

Boost for Postecoglou

That news will no doubt come as a huge boost for Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou, with the title-winning coach likely to be desperate to keep hold of a player who has made an impressive impact in Glasgow over the last 12 months.

Despite suffering a handful of injury setbacks last term in his debut campaign at the club, Giakoumakis still went on to score 17 goals in all competitions for the Old Firm outfit, with only Kyogo Furuhashi (20) netting more goals for Celtic in the 2021/22 season.

That tally was all the more impressive considering that it came in just 29 outings – only 15 of which were from the start – with the one-time AEK Athens man proving to be a hugely reliable goalscoring presence for Postecoglou and co.

Such form seemingly mirrors his previous goalscoring spree during his solitary season in Netherlands, as the £3.6m-rated marksman scored 26 goals in just 30 Eredivisie outings during the 2020/21 campaign, with the hope being that he can continue that rich vein of form this season.

The early indications are that he could well do just that, having netted in the 5-0 romp at Kilmarnock at the weekend, producing an inventive and acrobatic overhead kick to fire through the legs of the helpless Sam Walker.

Although he is yet to feature from the start so far this term, it looks as if the centre-forward will have a significant role to play for the club over the next few months as Celtic look to retain their league title and progress in the Champions League.

Having quality depth and cover in the forward ranks will likely be imperative if they are to achieve that objective, with Postecoglou no doubt delighted to have the lethal striker in tow for another season at least.

Newcastle United are ‘prepared to loan out’ midfielder Matty Longstaff this summer, according to journalist Jordan Cronin.

The Lowdown: Longstaff’s pre-season

The 22-year-old linked up with his brother and the rest of Eddie Howe’s first-team for the Toon’s pre-season after returning from his loan spell with League Two outfit Mansfield Town, where he spent the second half of last season.

The central midfielder did not feature in the Tyneside club’s recent friendlies against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05, but was handed minutes against Burnley in a behind-closed-doors training match on Saturday.

The Latest: Cronin’s news

Cronin has shared news surrounding Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park. Taking to Twitter, the Newcastle World journalist claimed:

“Newcastle United are prepared to loan out Matty Longstaff this summer. The midfielder is into the final year of his contract.”

In the attached article, the Magpies boss is quoted as saying:

“We may look to maybe open the loan market to him again. We would open the door to him to maybe get football for his own benefit. We’ll wait and see.”

The Verdict: Stacked in midfield

With the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff all ahead in the pecking order, the 22-year-old will struggle to make it into Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.

This would be a shame for the youngster, who has been described by journalist Josh Bunting as a “good player on the ball” and a midfielder who is “aggressive driving forward”.

With less than a year left on his Newcastle contract, this could be the last time we see Longstaff in a black and white shirt if a loan move is secured, potentially leading to his permanent exit as a free agent.

Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton is expecting Leeds United winger Jack Harrison to remain at the club despite conversations over a possible exit from Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Harrison

Harrison is part of the 26-man Leeds squad who have headed to Australia for three pre-season fixtures, whereas Raphinha has remained in England looking to resolve his future.

The Englishman has been a regular over the last four seasons, contributing to 50 goals in 166 appearances for the Whites. However, he has recently been linked with Premier League rivals Newcastle, with Eddie Howe’s side weighing up a move for the 25-year-old.

Harrison is entering the final two years of his contract at Elland Road and Thornton thinks that he will remain at the club ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

The Latest: Thornton’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Thornton said that there ‘have been conversations’ regarding a potential exit for the winger, but he added that Harrison is ‘happy’ in Yorkshire and expects him to stay put.

The Sky Sports reporter said of the 25-year-old:

“I would expect him to stay. There have been conversations; there’s been interest.

“I think there was a bit of interest back in the January transfer window as well, but I think Jack’s happy at Leeds. His stats are good, his goals record; his assists.”

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The Verdict: Need to keep him

With Raphinha seemingly closing in on a move to Barcelona, it is vital that Leeds keep hold of another attacking regular in Harrison.

He has been a reliable member of the squad, missing just two games through injury over the past four seasons, and he appears to be happy at Elland Road judging by Thornton’s insight.

The winger has also gone from strength to strength, with his Transfermarkt valuation rising from £3.15m in 2018 to a career-high £16.2m at Leeds, so it makes sense to resist any potential offers from Newcastle over the coming weeks.

Leeds United are lining up a move for Club Brugge attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Mercurial talent

Fiercely linked to Leicester City previously, De Ketelaere has certainly caught the eye since stepping away from a potentially bright tennis career to concentrate on football.

Born in Brugge, the 21-year-old made a rapid ascent through the academy ranks to make 120 first-team appearances for the Jupiler Pro League side and is already a recognised senior international.

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Perennially indexed with a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs with AC Milan, Tottenham and Manchester City all admirers, Leeds could be about to usurp the competition…

The latest: In the running

Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist Romano has claimed that Victor Orta and Co are now ‘monitoring’ the eight-cap Belgium star ahead of potentially losing Raphinha this summer.

“Excl: Leeds are monitoring Bruges star Charles De Ketelaere as one of the options in the list, as Raphinha could leave for £65m.

“AC Milan are also interested in De Ketelaere since long time, part of the list. Leeds list also includes Cody Gakpo but not advanced/close.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Equally adept operating as a false nine, on either wing, at centre forward and in deeper positions, De Ketelaere offers extraordinary versatility that would act as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch’s attacking options at Elland Road regardless of Raphinha’s fate.

Last season, the cultured attacker scored a remarkable 18 goals and provided ten assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.25 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.4 duels, making 1.8 key passes and taking 2.0 shots on average per match, highlighting a well-rounded game both in terms of attacking and defensive prowess.

Sharing a stylistic likeness with illustrious names like Antoine Griezmann, Alexandre Lacazette and Kevin Volland (Fbref), the talented Belgian youngster truly is a generational talent – he was even tipped to be ‘Kevin De Bruyne’s heir’ by European football writer Michael Yokhin.

Graham Smyth has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer revealed that he would be incredibly shocked if the 35-year-old were to rejoin Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, despite the former Spain international still having one year remaining on his current contract at Elland Road.

The journalist added that it would appear likely that Victor Orta will look to offload the one-time Real Madrid stopper on another loan deal, a permanent transfer or by mutually terminating his contract by agreeing a settlement for his remaining pay owed, with the latter appearing the most probable outcome.

In response to a supporter asking for an update on Castilla’s future, Smyth replied: “I will be stunned if he returns. Loan, permanent or settlement. Latter seems likely.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Leeds very much seem to have moved on from Casilla over the last two years, with Illan Meslier emerging as the Whites’ undisputed number one in the absence of the 35-year-old.

With the club also signing 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson on a four-year deal last July, it now seems evident that the Spaniard is surplus to requirements at Elland Road.

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In truth, Casilla’s career in LS11 was done a little over two years ago, when an independent Football Association regulatory commission found him guilty of racially abusing then-Charlton Athletic forward Jonathan Leko in September 2019, with the £630k-rated stopper being handed an eight-match ban.

Indeed, since this incident, the veteran went on to make just six more first-team appearances for the Whites, before being sent out on loan to Elche in the summer of 2021.

Furthermore, when taking into account that the 35-year-old is reported to be earning a quite ridiculous £40k-per-week at Elland Road, it is clear that getting the goalkeeper’s salary off the club’s books would provide both Orta and Marsch with a handy boost to their available wage budget in the summer transfer window.

As such, considering all of that, Smyth’s claim that Leeds will more than likely tell Casilla to pack his bags this summer is sure to be news which will leave both Marsch and the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

AND in other news – “Sources say..”: The Athletic journalist drops Leeds transfer update, supporters will be livid

Journalist Giovanni Albanese of La Gazzetta dello Sport has now made a teasing Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul begins…

It has quite simply been a massive week at Spurs in so many ways.

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After manager Antonio Conte guided them to a top-four Premier League finish, securing the riches of Champions League football, it was then announced by ENIC that Spurs have been handed a £150 million equity increase.

This financial windfall will be used to back Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici in the summer window (The Telegraph), and what’s more, it is widely reported that the north Londoners are already closing in on both Fraser Forster (Southampton) and Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan).

The Latest: Albanese makes teasing McKennie claim…

Writing on Twitter, Italian reporter Albanese has now teased a Paratici bid for McKennie – imploring supporters to ‘stay tuned’.

He explained:

“Paratici could also bid for McKennie : stay tuned!”

The Verdict: Promising update?

The 23-year-old has been a star at international level for the USA in recent times with reporter Chris Smith of 90min absolutely raving over the midfield gem.

McKennie, as per the MLS football expert, is a ‘supremely underrated’ attacking threat and ‘pressing machine’ who has it what it takes to be a ‘truly elite midfielder’ (Twitter).

Reports have suggested that the Serie A starlet is valued at around £25 million, and given his age, we believe that could be a fair price to pay for someone so highly rated on the international stage with bags of potential.

Depending on the offer Paratici puts on the table, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs can back Conte with the move.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur bolstered their late bid for a top-four finish with an emphatic victory over arch-rivals Arsenal in the north London derby on Thursday evening.

Antonio Conte’s side moved to within one point of the ten-man Gunners in the Premier League standings and with two games left to play in the 2021/22 season, it is still somewhat out of their control.

Harry Kane ran rampant, as he often does in this fixture, with a brace which started with a spot-kick in the 22nd minute, prior to heading Spurs into a 2-0 lead before half-time.

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In between the two goals, Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding received his marching orders for a foul on Heung-min Son, who eventually added a third and arguably, he stole the show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He absolutely terrorised the 26-year-old, leading to him seeing two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes, and it would have surely given Mikel Arteta overnight.

The South Korean sensation was lauded as a “dream” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville during commentary duty [Thursday 12th May, 21:06pm] and it’s easy to see why.

In the 72 minutes he was on the pitch, Son managed to contribute four key passes, despite only registering 17 accurate passes overall and 31 touches, meaning he recorded a decisive creative action once every four passes, as per SofaScore.

Elsewhere, the £72m-rated dynamo proved to be strong in his battles, winning five of his six duels (83%), whilst drawing a whopping five fouls and only losing possession four times, only further proving to be an utter nuisance against that Gunners backline.

‘Involved in all three goals and the sending off as he continued his superb form and moving to within a goal of Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot. The Premier League player of the run-in?,’ wrote the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick in his post-match ratings column.

Had he stayed on the pitch, Son would perhaps have bagged himself a couple more goals, but with Burnley at the weekend, he’ll be fresher than most to give another Premier League side trouble.

It was Sonny’s night in N17 on Thursday, he stole the show for Spurs to keep them firmly in the race for the top four.

AND in other news, Conte could land his new Kante as Spurs eye £17m signing who’s “absolutely everywhere”…

With his double-ton in the Duleep Trophy, the 21-year-old Vidarbha batter has nine fifty-plus scores in 16 innings

Himanshu Agrawal29-Aug-2025Danish Malewar is soft-spoken. So his bat does the talking for him. For a 21-year-old who is just ten first-class matches into his career, there is immense clarity and versatility. And runs too. Big runs. He hit a double-century in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final for Central Zone and the North EastMalewar loves hitting boundaries but knows the importance of the defensive game as well. He feels his strength is playing off the front foot, but one look at his batting would tell us how solid he is with the punch and the pull shots off the back foot as well.All of that and more were on display at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Malewar amassed 198 runs on the opening day of the domestic season, and duly went on to complete his maiden double-century in first-class cricket on Friday morning. The landmark came up with an assured cut shot for four through cover. Malewar’s words after the second day’s play, when he retired out on 203 after walking out to bat in the third over of the match, spoke of a young man who knows his stuff.”There was some moisture on the pitch when I started batting. I just saw the new ball through, and the wicket had started to settle after lunch [on day one],” he told ESPNcricinfo. “I was confident enough given the practice I had had.”Danish Malewar scored his maiden first class double-century on Friday•Himanshu Agrawal/ESPNcricinfo LtdMalewar made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in last season’s Ranji Trophy, and averages 61.62 after 16 innings. Nine times he has passed fifty, and three of those, he has converted into hundreds. Malewar thumped 150 runs in boundaries during his career-best knock, albeit against an inexperienced North East attack, and batted at a strike rate of 91.44.With 783 runs in nine matches, he was Vidarbha’s third-highest run-getter in their title-winning Ranji season. Malewar looks up to and admires the work ethic of Yash Rathod, one of the two team-mates who got more runs than him in 2024-25.Related

• South Zone and Central Zone set for Duleep Trophy final with fresh faces in the mix

• Iyer, Jaiswal in strong West Zone line-up against Central Zone

• From Lonavala to the limelight – Vicky Ostwal eyes step up across formats

• Arshdeep fine-tunes red-ball skills by learning to enjoy the 'boring times'

• 'Cricket's just a game' – How Tanmay Agarwal's new mindset is fuelling his run spree

“I’ve been watching and following Yash for a long time,” he said. “I’ve learnt from him how to defend a ball right at the stumps. I also practice with him at the nets, and watch how he leaves the deliveries outside off stump as well as how he drives at the ball. I think we have a similar batting style too.”Karun Nair, the other batter who scored more than Malewar, returned to Karnataka ahead of this domestic season. So there is a bit of slack that needs picking up at Vidarbha.”I did well last year,” Malewar said. “I think I fit well at No. 3. [Nair’s absence] does mean more responsibility, and as a top-order batter, I need to lay a solid base for those coming in to bat after me. It’s my job to see off the new ball, and to bat for as long as possible.”No wonder then that he has faced a hundred or more deliveries in eight of his 16 innings so far. Malewar wants to develop his own style of batting, and says he likes to play all the shots in the book – the drive, the flick, and the sweep. He has three idols, and, like his batting, is sorted about what to ask whom.”Sachin [Tendulkar] sir, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are my favourites. I’ve seen Sachin sir from a distance, but have never got the chance to meet him. I know what I’m going to ask the three batters whenever I get to have a chat with them: I’m going to ask Sachin sir about how to play the drive well, KL Rahul about my overall batting, and Virat about mental toughness. I’m going to prepare well before going to meet them!”Talk about clarity, clear-headedness and goals. Talk about young Danish Malewar.