All posts by n8rngtd.top

Newcastle United are looking to sign a stopgap for Sandro Tonali in January, and a move for an "excellent" midfielder could still happen, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Newcastle eyeing Tonali replacement

Ever since the Magpies were rocked by the news that Tonali has been banned for 10 months for betting offences, it has been clear that they badly need a replacement when the January transfer window arrives.

While Eddie Howe still has strong options in the middle of the park, from Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, squad depth will likely become more and more important as the season goes on, as legs begin to tire.

Newcastle willing to pay £26m for “extremely agile” potential ace

Could he be an ideal Sandro Tonali replacement?

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 26, 2023

Newcastle have been linked with a plethora of players when it comes to filling the void left by Tonali, and the first-choice target arguably appears to be Kalvin Phillips, with the Manchester City and England man continually tipped to make a move to St James' Park.

The Magpies could also look to Saudi Arabia for potential additions, however, with both Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante mentioned as possible solutions for Newcastle in the recent past. Whatever happens, at least one new midfielder is needed midway through the season, and now another name has been mentioned as an option to come in.

Newcastle could sign Gabri Veiga

Speaking on the Premier League All Access Podcast [via The Boot Room], Crook claimed that Newcastle could potentially sign Gabri Veiga in January, with the Spaniard currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

"I think they’re still worried with how they’re perceived, but it would be a surprise for me if they didn’t take at least one player from Saudi in January.

"It might not be Ruben Neves, Al-Hilal are keen to keep him. But Gabri Veiga was a player who was very much in their sights this summer and it was a bit of a surprise at such a young age that he went to Saudi, so I’d keep an eye on that one."

Veiga could be an interesting option for Newcastle, with the 21-year-old's move to Al-Ahli arguably raising eyebrows during the summer, due to his age and the fact that he had been flourishing so much for Celta.

Last season, the Newcastle transfer target scored 11 goals in 28 La Liga starts, showcasing his ability to provide end product from his attacking midfield role, and a future call-up to Spain's senior squad feels possible, considering he has won 14 caps for the Under-21s.

Veiga isn't necessarily a like-for-like replacement for Tonali, with the current Magpies ace a more disciplined figure who often plays deeper, but if the chance to sign the ex-Celta star arrives, it is still a move that Howe should consider going through with.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called the youngster an "excellent player who has something special", which is high praise from one of the most renowned bosses in the game, and he could decide that his time in Saudi Arabia hasn't been successful, instead making a speedy return to Europe and kicking on in his career.

Crystal Palace have now been named as a potential landing spot for one "amazing" forward who has been likened to Liverpool star Darwin Nunez.

Palace woes in front of goal

Roy Hodgson's side rank among the Premier League's lowest-scoring sides, and their average form in the final third sees them sit a lowly 13th in the table after just one win in five league matches. It would be worse if not for the form of Odsonne Edouard, who has actually upgraded his own Palace performances this campaign. The Frenchman has already matched his entire goal tally of 2022/2023 with six in his first 12 games, but a one-man band alone surely can't help Hodgson's men to better their mid-table finishes of recent seasons. (Odsonne Edouard stats – Transfermarkt)

Michael Olise's return to the field will help in this regard, though it's clear as day that the south Londoners need to sign another proven goal-getter in January. Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for Thijs Dallinga of Toulouse, with Hodgson also targeting Red Bull Salzburg starlet Karim Konate, according to recent rumours.

Edouard also may not be around for long, as the former Celtic star recently admitted that he is eyeing a move to a top European club if he can maintain this good run of form.

“I try to give the best version of myself every time I step onto a pitch," said Edouard to PSG's official website, as translated by Sport Witness.

"Making the supporters at Selhurst Park proud is my goal. It is by achieving successful performances that I could aspire to join one of the biggest European clubs. I strive to become a striker that matters on the European scene. It is therefore important to have a great season with the Eagles.”

In search of a new attacking option for their front three, a pretty enticing option could actually be Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko.

Palace named as possible destination for Moukoko

The highly-rated 19-year-old has scored once in the Bundesliga this season, but that's come in just seven substitute appearances. Moukoko is having to fight for chances at Dortmund, leading to possible exit rumours, and Selhurst Park could well be a landing spot for him.

According to TEAMtalk, Palace are a viable destination for Moukoko as the teenager becomes centre to reports linking him with a move to England. If the German opts for a Premier League switch, there is apparently an indication he could choose to join a side outside of the big six, opening the door for Hodgson and London rivals Fulham.

Moukoko has been praised by the likes of Erling Haaland, who once called him "amazing" and the "biggest talent" in world football (via Archie Tunt).

“It’s been a very good day. I’m smiling a little bit now. About Moukoko: I think he’s the biggest talent in the world right now. 16 years and 1 day, that’s quite amazing. He has a big career ahead of him."

As well as this, Football Transfers have claimed he's "similar" in style to Liverpool's Nunez.

Ella Toone came off the bench to score a stunning winner for Manchester United as they beat Leicester 1-0 in the WSL.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Toone started on the bench
• Earned Man Utd win in scrappy game
• Red Devils move three clear of Liverpool

• Getty
  

  TELL ME MORE

  As many would have expected, United dominated the ball, particularly in the first half. Geyse was at the heart of the Red Devils attack and forced a great save from Janina Leitzig. Melvine Malard attempted an audacious overhead kick in what was another good chance for the visitors, but Leitzig stood firm again to keep the scores level.

  Leicester's best chance of the half came through Jutta Rantala who did well to cut inside and fire towards goal but her effort just missed the target. Alongside the Finnish forward, Yuka Momiki was the other positive influence for the Foxes. The pair connected well and broke through the United backline several times, although to no avail.

  With both teams struggling to find the back of the net, the managers made changes and United introduced some heavy firepower in Nikita Parris, Lucia Garcia and Toone. Leicester opted for Deanne Rose to provide some fresh legs but it was Momiki who had the best chance in the second half for the hosts, running onto a cross but firing straight into the arms of Mary Earps.

  In the end, Toone broke the deadlock and it took a special strike to beat the goalkeeper. The England international picked the ball up from distance and struck sweetly into the top corner from distance to make it 1-0.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE MVP

  Toone will deservedly earn praise for her contributions to the scrappy win. United looked stale in front of goal and it was always going to take something special to break the deadlock. The 24-year-old notched her ninth goal contribution in the Women's Super League this season and helped her childhood club to a big win.

• THE BIG LOSER

  United's efforts in the final third were below their usual standards at the King Power Stadium. Marc Skinner's side rank fourth in the league for goals scored this season but Malard in particular had an off-day. It is a habit that the players will want to shake off ahead of their huge FA Cup final against Tottenham in May.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Manchester United travel to Liverpool for their next WSL match and will be hoping to put some distance between themselves and their rivals. Meanwhile, Leicester take on West Ham in their penultimate game of the season.

Rangers eased to a straightforward win in the Premiership on Sunday as St Mirren were put to the sword without too much trouble, although there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Philippe Clement is still undefeated as manager, yet with the festive season closing in, performances will need to be raised if they wish to go through this period unscathed.

One of the most pleasing aspects of his tenure so far is the development of Ross McCausland, and it proves one thing is clear, the Belgian will be looking to give youth prospects a chance.

Clement's 80-touch Rangers magician was better than Sima vs St Mirren

The attacking midfielder produced a fantastic display for the Gers on Sunday.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 3, 2023

This could be good news for Zak Lovelace, who is set to be the next big thing at Ibrox.

Zak Lovelace’s career statistics

The 17-year-old has already made an impression at both youth and senior level for the Light Blues and his progress certainly earmarks him for a future role in the starting XI.

For the B team during the 2022/23 campaign, Lovelace scored 18 goals and registered 12 assists, demonstrating his vast attacking talents while operating either as a winger or a centre-forward.

The former Millwall gem has even made four appearances for the first team and was given his maiden start by Steven Davis back in October. While that game ended in frustration as he had to come off due to an injury, the future is bright for the Englishman.

Clement may be able to unearth Lovelace 2.0 as there is another teenage gem who is showing great promise in the academy – Josh Gentles.

Josh Gentles’ youth statistics

Gentles has shown a keen eye for goal, evidenced by the fact he scored in his only appearance in the Challenge Cup this term, along with bagging a hat-trick against Partick Thistle during the recent Glasgow Cup tie and B team manager David McCallum had plenty of praise for the youngster.

He said: “He [Gentles] has got that knack in and around the penalty area, and he finds himself in the right positions more often than not. But you need to have the ability and composure to finish it off, and he’s doing that.

“It’s a good moment for him just now with the B Team, but he has to keep doing it between the two squads.”

Gentles also scored twice for the U18 side against Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup and if he keeps finding the back of the net, Clement will surely take notice.

Lovelace proved last season that scoring on a regular basis for the B side is key for progression to the senior team and Gentles isn’t far behind the Englishman.

The 16-year-old even received a call-up to the Wales U17 squad for their European Championship qualifying campaign and has made three appearances in total for that age group.

The academy is producing plenty of fine talent and with the likes of McCausland and Leon King proving that if you are good enough, the chances will be there.

Clement appears to be a coach who will place his trust in players he deems good enough, regardless of age, and this will give every young talent at the club plenty of confidence, Gentles included.

U.S. men's national team star Weston McKennie was the victim of a social media hack Friday, where his account posted a photo of him in a Man Utd kit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• McKennie victim of hack
• Juve star pictured in Man Utd kit
• Contract talks at stalemate with Bianconeri

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Friday morning, the Juventus' star's facebook page uploaded a photo of him in a Red Devils kit with the post saying "I'm Here!"

  It was rapidly deleted, but it caused quite a stir on social media in the moment.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was the first post on the American's public page in nearly a year, with the last coming in June, 2023.

  The post comes at a time of uncertainty for the American, with the Bianconeri currently at a stalemate with McKennie over contract extension talks.

  H'es been linked with a move away from Turin this summer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  McKennie played in the Premier League with Leeds United last Spring on loan from Juventus but was relegated with the club. He subsequently returned to Italy.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?

  The American and the Old Lady are back in action this weekend when they take on Tammy Abraham's Roma in Serie A action. However, transfer rumors continue to swirl around McKennie, as his future is uncertain.

Ederson revealed he received many "funny messages" from Arsenal fans after his phone number was leaked ahead of Tottenham's loss to Manchester City.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ederson's phone number leaked
• Arsenal fans send him messages
• City star brands them 'funny' after Spurs win

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Before City beat Tottenham 2-0 to leapfrog them above Premier League leaders Arsenal, goalkeeper Ederson had his number leaked, prompting a host of Gunners fans to text the Brazilian. However, Pep Guardiola's men had the last laugh as they won at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.

Advertisement

• WHAT EDERSON SAID

  He posted in an Instagram story a number of texts he appeared to receive from Arsenal fans, and wrote: "My number was leaked and I had some funny messages."

  One user wrote: "Hello you beautiful Brazilian god, how much for a good night tonight?"

  Another text read: "Don't let in any howlers tonight you sh*tttteerrrr Up the Arsenal."

  Instagram

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City's victory in north London put them in pole position to win the league for a fourth-straight season. They sit two points ahead of Mikel Arteta's side with just one match of the campaign remaining. And Ederson has played a big part in that effort, although his substitute on Tuesday night, Stefan Ortega, was superb in keeping a clean sheet for City.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  City round off the league season with a home clash against West Ham, in David Moyes' last game in charge of the Hammers, whereas Arsenal host Everton on Sunday afternoon. Victory for Guardiola's men will secure them the title.

Liverpool are eyeing a move for an “incredible” new centre-back in one of the next two transfer windows, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Liverpool need new defender in January after Matip injury

The Reds may be sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table currently, but they do feel in a precarious position when it comes to the defensive options at Jurgen Klopp's disposal.

Joel Matip's likely season-ending injury has acted as a hammer blow for Liverpool, especially as the 32-year-old has returned to somewhere near his best form, and it means Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate staying fit is of the utmost importance.

Granted, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are also good options who can fill in effectively here and there – Quansah started last Saturday's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, for example – but the former is injury-prone and the latter remains very inexperienced at the top level.

Klopp must at least consider signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio one player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool a number of times. Palace defender Marc Guehi is another who has been seen as a potential target for the Merseysiders, should the manager be unhappy with his current options.

Liverpool "definitely scouting" the "incredible" Goncalo Inacio

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Liverpool are scouting Inacio ahead of a potential move, although a January switch could be tricky.

"Yeah, centre-back is definitely an area that Liverpool are having to contemplate as we get towards the new year. Whether that will be in January, I don't know. It's probably more likely to be in the summer if they're going to go for someone like Goncalo Inacio, who is going to cost a lot of money and there's going to be a decent level of competition to sign him.

"Manchester United really like him but Liverpool are definitely scouting him as well. And if that's the sort of level of defender that they're looking to go for, then you're probably going to have to wait until the summer transfer window to make a move like that."

Inacio ticks so many boxes when it comes to being a great choice for Liverpool, with the Portuguese a young player with such a high ceiling – one who has already become a key player for Sporting.

The Reds transfer target has made 142 appearances for his current club, despite still only being 22 years of age, while journalist Moby Haque has described him as "incredible" in the past.

Klopp could land dream Matip replacement in Liverpool move for £25m colossus

The Reds are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Bundesliga defender.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 10, 2023

Inacio is known predominantly as a centre-back, but the fact that he can also slot in as a left-back is an added bonus for Klopp, allowing him to provide sterner competition for Andy Robertson than Kostas Tsimikas currently does when the Scot is fit and available.

It does look as though Sporting will hold firm with regards to selling one of their star players in January, so Liverpool may have to wait until next summer. It is easy to imagine Klopp being happy not to make a signing next month, although it remains to be seen how big a risk that would be.

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Liverpool could be in the market to improve the forward areas of their playing squad.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently top of the Premier League and will remain there unless Arsenal pick up all three points against West Ham United on Thursday.

The Reds have enjoyed a terrific start to the 2023/24 campaign and are well on course to be in the mix to secure the title at the end of the season.

This has come off the back of a disappointing term last year as they failed to qualify for the Champions League with a fifth-placed finish.

They are now back to their best and look set to be in contention to win the title ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.

The German head coach could give his team a boost ahead of the second half of the season by securing a deal for reported transfer target Federico Chiesa, who could be a dream rival for Luis Diaz's position in the side.

Liverpool transfer news – Federico Chiesa

It was recently reported by TuttoJuve that the Reds are one of a number of teams interested in a possible swoop to sign the Italy international in 2024.

The outlet claimed that Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal were all keen on the exciting attacker during the summer transfer window.

They all remain interested in the Juventus whiz and have 'broken through the ground' ahead of a potential move for him in January or at the end of the campaign.

The report stated that offers could come in from the aforementioned Premier League sides after the European Championships in Germany next summer, where Chiesa could be on show for Italy.

It could result in offers within the region of €80m (£69m) and Juventus would need to evaluate any formal bids should they come in for him next year.

However, there is no guarantee that the Serie A giants would be prepared to cash in on him and it could, therefore, be a difficult deal for the Reds to complete.

If they are able to beat off competition from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle, and Spurs, though, then Chiesa could be a fantastic addition to the squad to act as a rival for Diaz's position on the left side of Klopp's attack.

Luis Diaz's season in numbers

The Colombia international registered his first Premier League assist of the campaign with a clever flick for Diogo Jota to smash in the second against Burnley on Tuesday night.

Diaz has produced three goals, one assist, and one 'big chance' created in 18 league appearances, 13 of which have come as a starter.

The forward has not been at his best this season and that is understandable when you consider that his father was kidnapped. Thankfully, his dad has since been returned to his family but it has been a difficult period for the attacker off the pitch.

He currently ranks within the bottom 15% of Premier League wingers and attacking midfielders for Expected Assisted Goals (xAG) with 0.12 per 90, and this is one area in which the talented ace could look to improve over the coming weeks and months.

However, the forward does rank within the top 17% for non-penalty goals xG (0.31) per 90 and this shows that the exciting gem is getting himself into excellent positions to score.

Finding consistency in the final third is the next task for Diaz as he struggled to deliver a reliable stream of goals and assists from the left wing last term.

The 26-year-old whiz managed four goals and two assists in 17 top-flight appearances throughout the 2022/23 campaign and ranked within the bottom 45% of his positional peers for xAG (0.14) per 90.

This means that the Liverpool forward has produced seven goals and three assists in 35 Premier League matches since the start of last season.

Diaz also ranks within the bottom 49% and the top 46% for progressive passes (3.77) and progressive carries (3.40) respectively in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

These statistics show that the Colombian ace has not been an outstanding performer for the Reds as a progressive force, a goalscorer, or as a creator over the last 18 months or so.

This suggests that Liverpool could benefit from bringing in another left-sided attacker who could either come in as an upgrade on Diaz or provide fierce competition for his place to drive both players to up their performances on the pitch in order to nail down the position.

The statistics that show why Liverpool should sign Chiesa

Chiesa has been in impressive form for Juventus and could be a dream rival for the left wing spot if Klopp can secure his services in January, or next summer.

The 26-year-old dynamo, who former Italian forward Antonio Di Natale once lauded as "unpredictable", has produced five goals and one assist in 15 Serie A appearances so far this term.

Last term, the former Fiorentina star racked up two goals, five assists, and four 'big chances' created in 21 league outings, despite only being a starter in six of those matches. This was alongside one goal and one assist in three Europa League outings for the Old Lady.

Chiesa also caught the eye for Italy in two European Championship qualifiers in November as he plundered two goals and created one 'big chance' in two appearances.

Over the last 365 days, the Juventus star ranks within the top 5% of forwards in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for shot-creating actions (4.06) per 90. He also ranks within the top 2% for progressive carries (4.64) per 90 in that time.

These statistics suggest that the Liverpool target has the quality to drive his team up the pitch with multiple carries per match to get at the opposition and into the final third. When he is at the top end of the pitch the right-footed wizard also has the ability to make something happen, as evidenced by his shot-creating actions per 90.

Therefore, Chiesa could come in and provide Diaz with real competition for his place and both players could motivate each other to improve and give Klopp a nice selection headache on the left flank.

Christian Pulisic has revealed the secret weapon behind his awesome debut season at AC Milan: team-mate Rafael Leao.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Pulisic has enjoyed excellent season
• Star reflects on his 'secret' weapon
• Will compete at Copa America with USMNT

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pulisic scored a career-best 12 league goals and registered seven assists to help Milan secure a second-place finish in Serie A, while he also scored three and set up one more in European competition. The United States international has received much praise for his performances since joining the Rossoneri from Chelsea last summer, with coach Stefano Pioli expressing his admiration on more than one occasion.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  USMNT supporters will be hoping that the ex-Borussia Dortmund star can bring his excellent form back home when Gregg Berhalter's team host the Copa America this summer. Sadly, however, Pulisic will be without the one factor that he says has helped inspire his improvement – Portuguese sensation Leao.

• WHAT PULISIC SAID

  "The truth is that I’ve become accustomed to playing on the right, and I’ve been scoring goals thanks to a little secret: it’s called Rafael Leao," he told . "I’ve studied and understood how he moves. Usually, he attracts two or three opponents, so the defense is not so covered on the opposite side. Therefore, I can move towards the middle of the box and I am sure I will receive a perfectly timed pass."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

  Pulisic will hope to add more goal contributions to his tally when he and his Milan team-mates come up against Serie A's bottom side Salernitana in their last game of the season on Saturday. Afterwards, he will head back to his homeland to start preparing for the Copa America.

Wolves star Pedro Neto is reportedly expecting to be given a chance to leave the club this summer, with Jorge Mendes thought to be lining up potential replacements for the Portugal ace.

Neto played a key role as Wolves booked an FA Cup third-round replay against Brentford on Friday night despite a numerical disadvantage, with Gary O'Neil's side finding a leveller midway through the second half thanks to Tommy Doyle, Neto being the architect.

Even though Neto missed around two months of action with a hamstring issue (Transfermarkt), it's still probably fair to say that he's been Wolves' outstanding player this term.

Remarkably, despite the fact that he's been limited to 12 appearances, only Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (11) and West Ham's James Ward-Prowse (10) have set up more goals than his nine in all competitions (Opta).

His tally of seven in the Premier League ranks him fourth across Europe's top five divisions (FBref), and much of his creative threat stems from his ability to find space out wide and deliver dangerous balls into the box. Only Newcastle's Kieran Trippier (2.9) and Luton's Alfie Doughty (2.2) have averaged more accurate crosses per game than Neto (2.1). His dribbling adds another dimension to his game, with the Portuguese sitting sixth for successful take-ons per match (WhoScored).

Neto plans Wolves exit

The only problem with performances like these is that they're bound to attract attention from elsewhere and strengthen Neto's belief that he's ready to step up to a higher level with a team competing in Europe.

Indeed, Sky Sports reporter Johnny Phillips now says that "Neto is expecting [the] chance to leave" Molineux this summer, with super-agent Jorge Mendes already "lining up options". Based on his form, that will be a long and enviable list.

Neto already offered Wolves hope

Wolves set a new club record for a departure in the summer when Matheus Nunes joined Manchester City for £53m (Sky Sports), and that deal may offer something of a benchmark here as the big boys come knocking again, though Diogo Jota's £45m switch to Liverpool in 2020 (BBC Sport) may be seen as more directly comparable given his position.

One way we can estimate how much Wolves will receive is to assess the state of the market. Neto is 23 years old, under contract until 2027 and a five-cap Portugal international (Transfermarkt) – all of which will enhance his value. If you're Wolves, you could easily argue that Neto is comparable in status to Antony and Mykhailo Mudryk, two young wingers who joined Manchester United and Chelsea for £82m and £88.5m respectively last season.

There's no doubt that it would be a big blow to lose Neto, but he offers evidence that Wolves should be able to cope. When Jota left in 2020, he took on a greater role in the side, stepping up from nine Premier League starts to 30 and helped mitigate the impact of his compatriot's exit by reaching 11 direct goal contributions.

Wolves will be aware of the cyclical nature of the transfer landscape by now, so if and when Neto leaves, it will be all about delivering another worthy replacement.