Newcastle United are struggling to score this season, which is concerning, for Eddie Howe’s side have been regarded as one of the most exciting attacking units in the Premier League over the past several seasons.

Last season, despite their injury-hit misfortune, the Magpies still boasted some almighty firepower, creating the joint-second-highest number of big chances for their forwards.

Premier League 23/24: Big Chances Created
Rank	Club	Stat
1.	Liverpool	102
2.	Manchester City	97
2=	Newcastle United	97
4.	Tottenham Hotspur	90
5.	Arsenal	87
5=	Chelsea	87
Stats via Premier League

Of course, Alexander Isak was at the top of his game too, which helped the frontline’s fluency and then some. The Sweden international scored 25 goals across 40 matches in all competitions.

Alexander Isak's Newcastle future

Isak has not started the current campaign with the same aplomb as last year, perhaps something of a by-product after speculation about his future and interest from some of the Premier League’s heaviest hitters.

With only two goals and one assist over eight fixtures, it’s clear that the 25-year-old has several gears yet untapped in 2024/25, but it’s also patent that his failure to provide Howe’s outfit with the same level of scoring threat has been detrimental to the early-season results.

According to Football Insider, Isak’s camp have delayed talks on a new contract with the St. James’ Park side amid concerns about the club’s direction, currently mired in 12th place at the quarter-point of the campaign.

This is a concern insofar as Isak might be tempted by a move away sooner rather than later, but he is still contracted until the end of the 2027/28 season and would require prospective suitors to pay through the nose to allow him to leave early.

Should that happen, however, it would be wise for Howe and co to come up with some contingency plans, identify a potential successor. Luckily, the perfect striker could move to Tyneside next year.

Newcastle eyeing new striker

This summer, there was plenty of noise around Jonathan David and his future with LOSC Lille. Despite internal acceptance that he would be on the move, David still plies his trade for the French Ligue 1 club.

The Chronicle Live have recently reported that Newcastle are still interested in the striker they had eyed in the summer, though they will have to pay a hefty agent fee and would do well to hit the top four in the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona all listed as rival suitors.

Out of contract at the end of the campaign and with no hint of a renewal, one lucky European outfit is going to hit the jackpot next summer, and Newcastle must ensure they are the prize winners.

The 24-year-old has found plenty of goalscoring success across the opening years of his career, but has spoken in the past of his desire to play in the Premier League and could do exactly that with a move to Newcastle.

Why Jonathan David could replace Isak

David’s ability to make incremental improvements to his game, season on season, has put him in conversations to join clubs like Newcastle.

His speed, technical ability and intelligence as the focal frontman present elements that make the perfect Premier League striker, having now spent several years sharpening his skills in France too.

Jonathan David: Lille Stats by Season
Season	Apps	Goals	Assists	G/A Rate
2024/25	16	11	2	0.81
2023/24	47	26	9	0.74
2022/23	40	26	4	0.75
2021/22	48	19	0	0.40
2020/21	48	13	5	0.37
Stats via Transfermarkt

Though a move failed to materialise, he’s hardly let that affect his displays on the field, swiftly reorienting himself following those dizzy months of uncertainty and posting 11 goals and two assists across 16 matches this season – including three in two Champions League games against the Madrid superpowers.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of centre-forwards across the whole of Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored per 90 and the top 4% for pass completion, further highlighting his ball-striking ability but also his link-up play.

That latter metric is particularly pertinent in considering his suitability under Howe’s Magpie wing, for Newcastle operate with slick and high-intensity attacking play, seeking patterns and control through fluid motions.

David was described as “one of the best strikers in the world” by reporter Tony Marinaro back in 2022, such has been the potency of his attacking performances.

Though the Premier League brings toughness of a different scale to many hopeful additions, the Canada international has proven his worth in the Champions League and on the international stage and offers the right kind of skillset.

In fact, with the 32-year-old Callum Wilson, who has been sidelined for the entirety of the campaign, out of contract next June, United should seriously consider launching a move for David regardless of Isak’s future, for the sharpshooting duo could work in tandem, or David Isak’s foil, rekindling that former brilliance that burst from the attacking line.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s hopes of signing such a player will hinge primarily on their powers of recovery after a middling start to the season.

But if Isak is sold, there would be room for a new number nine, and who better than David? He’s one of the finest goalscorers in the business, and available on a free at that.

Almiron upgrade: Newcastle may have already sold their own Semenyo

Newcastle already sold their own Semenyo in “special” talent.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 26, 2024

The series will be played under tight protocols to try and protect the squads before heading to New Zealand

Andrew McGlashan07-Jan-2022Australia and England players involved in the upcoming Women’s Ashes risk missing the ODI World Cup in New Zealand if they contract Covid-19 towards the backend of the multi-format series.The Ashes schedule was amended on Thursday to finish earlier and condense the matches to give teams more time to complete quarantine and preparation in New Zealand.However, the squads are due to depart across the Tasman almost straight after completing the Ashes in Melbourne on February 9, which means if a player (or support staff) was to contract Covid or have to isolate as a close contact in the days before that it would likely rule them out of the tournament.Under current guidelines squads will need to arrive in New Zealand as one group and there won’t be the capacity for any players to join later.”At the moment the information we are receiving is that it’s just the one squad,” Australia’s national selector Shawn Flegler said. “It’s going to be tough but things have changed so much over the last few weeks. If we can get players over later then we’ll look to do that.Related

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“That’s why we are trying to put protocols in place but as we’ve seen in the last few weeks it can be very difficult. We have to expect something may happen.”It means that the Ashes will be played under stricter protocols than have been seen in the men’s series over the last few weeks, which has had to contend with various Covid issues although CA wants to continue to try to strike a balance and allow some freedoms. However, restrictions could be tightened further as the departure to New Zealand gets closer.”We need to keep in mind England as well,” Flegler said. “Their focus is on the Ashes but also defending their World Cup title. They are very keen to make sure all their players are available so if we do have to tighten things towards the back end of the series we will do that.”Again we are trying to balance that with our players and staff can live with some sort of normality. It’s not normal, let’s be honest, but [we] want to make it as comfortable as possible. We’ll try and do the best we can.”Currently the interstate travel involved in the series is a mixture of charter and commercial flights but the risk level of the latter is currently being assessed.Australia are due to name their Ashes and World Cup squads next week (the latter expected to be 17 names) and will also announce an Australia A group that will face England A. There remains a plan for an intra-squad Australia warm-up on January 18 in Adelaide – part of just three days preparation for the home side – but while the original idea was for movement between the main squad and the A-team players, they will now be keep separate as much as possible.”Things have changed pretty rapidly over the last couple of weeks and we have to be really careful with our protocols that if someone does have Covid it doesn’t take down the whole touring squad,” Flegler said. “We’ll try and provide some opportunity between the squads where we can but we need to be careful that if some does get Covid it doesn’t take out the whole series.””The way we are looking at it is we have to be prepared that there will be players who will miss games. Hopefully it doesn’t happen but we are planning for it in case. We’ll just have to adjust pretty much every day.”Australia’s preparations have also been hit by the cancelling of a number of Women’s National Cricket League matches due to the impact of Covid, which means some players won’t have seen action since the WBBL finished in late November.”It’s been a big challenge,” Flegler said. “We had the WNCL games before the Ashes thinking we’d have selection opportunities. That’s been thrown out of the window to a degree. What we have learnt in the last 18 months to two years is to be adaptable and flexible. So still confident that we’ve seen enough of our players over the last couple of years so we can put a couple of squads together.”

West Ham United are now “well-placed” to sign an “electric” player who Ange Postecoglou is reportedly keen on signing for Tottenham.

West Ham contemplate January signings amid Lopetegui struggles

Manager Julen Lopetegui has endured a nightmare start to his London Stadium career, with West Ham struggling to galvanise any kind of winning momentum or clear footballing identity during his early tenure in charge.

Related What "close sources at West Ham" are saying about Lopetegui being sacked

The Spaniard faces increasing pressure in east London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 15, 2024

West Ham have been slammed under Lopetegui, and they’ve been accused of regressing under the 58-year-old’s watch following the departure of David Moyes, who guided the east Londoners through back-to-back campaigns in Europe and won them their first trophy in decades.

“I don’t think Lopetegui is capable of turning this around,” wrote journalist Roshane Thomas.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

“He was the wrong appointment. This team has regressed, has no identity, the players look despondent and the formation/tactics are questionable. Lopetegui wants fans to reserve judgement until May, but there is little encouragement that things will improve. He keeps persisting with out of form Rodriguez, Summerville brought off early again and another game with a different formation. I could go on all day.”

In the past few weeks, reports have claimed that Lopetegui is urging the West Ham hierarchy to make January signings, as the former Real Madrid boss looks to preserve his job at the London Stadium.

A lot of the rumours have surrounded the potential addition of a new attacking option, amid striker Niclas Fullkrug’s struggles with injury, but it is now believed that West Ham are contenders to sign Brighton starlet Tariq Lamptey.

West Ham "well-placed" to sign Tariq Lamptey

According to Football Insider, West Ham are “well-placed” to sign Lamptey over interest from the likes of Everton, and Brighton could push him out the door in January, rather than lose him for free at the end of his contract.

This represents an opportunity for the Irons to bring in a capable deputy for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the long-term, considering Vladimir Coufal is out of contract at the end of this season, although they will also face competition from Tottenham, with Postecoglou keen to find an alternative option to Pedro Porro.

“He’s such a level-headed character – I don’t think I’ve met anybody quite like him, in fairness, in terms of how humble he is,” said former Brighton boss Graham Potter in 2020.

“I’ve got no concerns for him in terms of what the outside noise says. He just wants to help the team, he wants to do well for himself and his family. He’s just a fantastic character.

“He’s got such electric pace, but lots of players have that. It’s having the ability to run in behind. The ability to run into space is often what separates players. Tariq does that, but he’s got courage, he does his defensive work. The boys love him and he’s in a good place.”

Details of Cole Palmer's contract at Chelsea have been revealed amid speculation it contains a release clause relating to the Champions League.

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• Palmer contracted to Chelsea until 2033
• Speculation about UCL exit clause in his deal
• Blues currently sixth in Premier League table

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer has cemented his status as Chelsea's talisman after joining the Blues from Manchester City in September 2023. The England star's sensational performances saw them lock him down to a new contract in August 2024 that means he is tied to the club until 2033.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There has been speculation that Palmer's contract includes a release clause that means the Blues could be forced to consider offers for him if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Yet this is wide of the mark, according to reporter , as no Chelsea player has a clause allowing them to leave if the club fail to qualify for Europe's premier club competition. However, Palmer's deal is described as "incentive-driven" and contains incremental wage increases.

• TELL ME MORE

  Enzo Maresca's side are currently facing a real battle to qualify for next season's Champions League. Chelsea sit down in sixth place in the table but are just a point behind Manchester City in fourth spot. The Chelsea boss insisted at the start of the season that "nobody from the club asked me for the Champions League this year."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA

  Chelsea are on a poor run of form currently but will hope to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Not since Gilchrist’s debut in 1999 as an Australia keeper made their Test debut at home

AAP02-Dec-2021

Alex Carey will start his Test career with plenty of international experience•Getty Images

Adam Gilchrist expects Alex Carey to warm to Test cricket, knowing all too well the upside of serving a long-term apprenticeship in the coloured clothes before donning the baggy green.Carey, having captained Australia’s ODI side earlier this year and represented his country in 83 white-ball matches, will replace Tim Paine behind the stumps in next week’s Ashes opener at the Gabba.The catalyst for Carey’s elevation, confirmed on Thursday, is notably different to that which resulted in Gilchrist succeeding Ian Healy as Test wicketkeeper at the same ground in 1999.Related

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Carey is not as dynamic a batter as Gilchrist; nor has he enjoyed the same stability while batting in every spot from No. 1 to No. 8 for Australia. But Gilchrist, who last month gave Carey a technical tune-up over the phone, says recent years will help the South Australian handle a pressure-laden Test debut against England.”I see a lot of similarities between Alex’s journey and mine,” Gilchrist told AAP at Fox Cricket’s season launch. “When I walked out to bat, Mark Waugh was at the non-striker’s end and I’d opened with him 70-odd times.”Starting my Test career, it wasn’t completely new. There was a really nice settling air of familiarity. That doesn’t guarantee success but it certainly gives you a nice launching pad.”Alex deserves the opportunity, he’s worked really hard in that white-ball set-up. His keeping has been really consistent, I think he’ll warm to Test cricket really nicely.”Carey, who edged Josh Inglis in a selection showdown to replace former captain Paine in a 15-player squad for the first two Tests, will be the first gloveman to be presented with a baggy green on home soil since Gilchrist.Carey, whose head is still spinning after breaking the news to a tearful mum, dad and wife, hoped previous experience keeping to Australia’s Test attack would help settle any nerves in “the biggest game I’ve played”.Carey passed 50 in just one of eight Sheffield Shield innings this season but posted a timely one-day century on Sunday. In the previous three seasons, he has celebrated four Shield hundreds from nine games while routinely missing red-ball cricket to play ODIs and T20s.”The focus has never really been on his keeping. As is always the way in this day and age, it’s all about the runs if you’re a keeper,” Gilchrist said. “He reached out a couple of weeks ago just to have a chat about a few things.”He will often touch base – whether it’s around little technical things, bat and gloves, approach or just what I’ve seen. There aren’t many of us keepers, so you have to try to stick together.”

Victoria pace bowler Scott Boland has been handed a surprise debut in the Boxing Day Test against England with Australia taking a cautious approach over a minor leg injury to Jhye Richardson.Boland, 32, becomes the fourth Indigenous Test cricketer after Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie and Ashleigh Gardner. He is one of two changes with Pat Cummins returning in place of Michael Neser.”It’s huge,” Cummins said. “Australia, we have a rich history and it’s great that it’s starting to be reflected.”Boland, who previously played 14 ODIs and three T20Is in 2016, has been selected as something of a home-ground specialist having taken 96 wickets at 25.56 in 27 first-class games at the MCG. This season in the Sheffield Shield he has taken 15 wickets at 10.80 which propelled him into the Australia A squad ahead of the Ashes, before he was hastily flown into Adelaide last week after Cummins’ Covid close contact drama.Related

• Ashes bolter: Scott Boland strengthens his case for Australia call-up

• Pitch (hopefully) perfect: MCG's 'massive journey' from Ashes nadir

• Joe Root might need to set new record to make sure England don't

“The first thing you’ve got to wrap your head around playing at the MCG is you’ll have to bowl a lot of overs more often than not and he does that really well,” Cummins said. “The Shield game they won against New South Wales, think he bowled 50 overs.”His pace stays up, he’s always at you, bowls really well to left handers. Asks a lot of questions around that fourth stump, knee roll, a bit of nibble each way. He’s just really well suited here.””We earmarked him as a chance for SCG and here, we feel he’s really well suited. His record speaks for itself here in domestic cricket.”He gets his chance after Richardson pulled up sore after his efforts in Adelaide, where he took a maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings, with Cummins saying there was “small” leg injury which they did not want to risk.”He’s pretty sore,” Cummins said. “We thought seven days off, give him enough rest…so rather than risking him give him a week off.”Boland’s debut is a further sign of the depth of Australia’s fast-bowling stocks and means that six will now have been used across the first three Ashes Tests. Last summer Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc played unchanged against India while in the previous season the now-retired James Pattinson came in for two Tests.”The biggest factor has been the fitness of the bowlers,” Cummins said. “The fact that Joshy, Starcy and I haven’t missed many games in the last few years has probably been the biggest factor in us not rotating through quick bowlers. Inevitable in a five-Test series that things were going to pop up. It’s probably been a few years in the making where we have six or seven and need to use them.”Scott Boland will be the latest quick used by Australia•Getty Images

Reflecting on his own absence from the second Test after being deemed a close contact for having dined in an Adelaide restaurant next to a positive case, Cummins admitted his frustration at the situation but added that watching from afar gave him a difference perspective.”I said to JL [Justin Langer], I’m really angry but don’t know who at. There was no one to blame. When I left the restaurant I thought, that’s fine, I didn’t get near him and I’ll test negative. Then it became the state rules and you’ve got to follow them.”When I knew I wasn’t playing I thought this would be a good chance to sit back and enjoy it as a fan then after about an hour I was quite angry, wishing I was back out there. It was interesting to listen to some of the commentary, see what the rest of Australia is seeing outside of our little bubble.”

INEOS are could look into offering a £200,000-a-week international in exchange for a young Brazilian star as Manchester United plot a January transfer, according to a new report.

The Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford is now underway, as the Portuguese arrived in England on Monday afternoon to begin his role as the club’s new head coach. He has to wait until 24th November to take charge of his first game, but between now and then, there will be plenty of discussions about how the club goes forward.

INEOS make enquiry to sign £195k-p/w "monster" star for Amorim at Man Utd

INEOS have made their first move to land an unhappy player in the January transfer window.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 11, 2024 Man Utd transfer news

Amorim and the United board may hold discussions about plans for the upcoming January transfer window, as it may be an opportunity to make changes to the playing squad if there is money available.

Central defence is a hot topic of debate at United, as Amorim will likely operate with a back three. Therefore, despite having Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro as viable options, Amorim may want the club to add another decent option in that area of the team. It emerged over the weekend that United are interested in signing Danilo from Juventus, who is 33, but has proved to have great versatility in the back four.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also planning a shock move when the new year arrives, as they have made an enquiry over the signing of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea.

The attacker is thought to be unhappy with his game time at Stamford Bridge and is weighing up his future, and United are showing they are interested in bringing him to Old Trafford. But he is not the only forward-thinking player they are looking at, as they also have their eyes on a Brazilian.

Man Utd may offer Antony in exchange for Lorran

According to TBR Football, Manchester United may look to offload Antony in exchange for Flamengo’s Lorran. The 18-year-old came through the academy for the Brazilian side, but didn’t break through into the first team until 2024.

Meanwhile, Antony, who cost United around £80 million, has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford, and this season has been no different, as the £200,000-per-week international has played just five games in all competitions, scoring one goal – which came against League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

The report states United have a “long-standing” interest in Lorran, as he’s now emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Brazilian football. However, the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit, as several Premier League teams are also contemplating a move in January. However, United have an advantage over the other European sides at least, as Lorran’s preference is to play in the Premier League.

Appearances

36

Goals

4

Assists

5

Flamengo are a side that have shown interest in Antony in the past, so United’s board could be preparing to offer the Brazilian flop in exchange for Lorran.

However, it remains to be seen if Flamengo see this as an offer they are willing to take, as they would lose a young star in Lorran for a player in Antony who has really struggled in recent years. The 18-year-old has a release clause of £43 million, but Flamengo could be willing to accept a lower offer in January.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em jogo da quarta rodada da Taça Guanabara, Botafogo e Nova Iguaçu se enfrentam a partir das 20h, nesta segunda-feira, no Estádio Nilton Santos. Com três desfalques, o Glorioso vai em busca da terceira vitória no Campeonato Carioca e está escalado pelo treinador Enderson Moreira da seguinte maneira:

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalFerj confirma Vasco x Botafogo, pelo Campeonato Carioca, para o Castelão, em São Luís (MA)Futebol Nacional07/02/2022BotafogoMatheus Nascimento tem mais um desafio de driblar ansiedade e ir em busca sua afirmação no BotafogoBotafogo06/02/2022

Pessoal, boa noite! Excepcionalmente, estou na cobertura de Botafogo x Nova Iguaçu nesta noite.

Bola rola às 20h, no Nilton Santos, e as equipes estão definidas. Olha como o técnico Enderson Moreira definiu o Botafogo! #lanceNILTAO pic.twitter.com/9Iqfb0XAoZ

— Matheus Dantas (@matheusdantasfr) February 7, 2022

Gatito; Daniel Borges, Mezenga, Kanu e Jonathan; Fabinho, Breno e Raí; Ronald, Diego Gonçalves e Matheus Nascimento.

As baixas ficam por conta do zagueiro Joel Carli, suspenso, e os laterais Rafael e Carlinhos, lesionados. A partida entre Botafogo e Nova Iguaçu tem transmissão em tempo real pelo site do LANCE! – clique aqui – e pelo Cariocão Play.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

Tottenham have asked Premier League broadcasters to refer to them as 'Tottenham Hotspur' or 'Spurs' in a bizarre request.

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Tottenham make name change requestAsk broadcasters not to call them 'Tottenham'Club prefer 'Tottenham Hotspur' or 'Spurs'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A report by The Athletic revealed the club sent an email to TV rights-holders around the world asking to be known as either their full name or nickname, in an email titled: "Tottenham Hotspur: Naming Update". It resulted in Sky Sports graphics subtly changing ahead of last Sunday's clash with Manchester United, with Ange Postecoglou referred to as 'Tottenham Hotspur head coach' rather than 'Tottenham head coach'.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It has been club policy not to call themselves just 'Tottenham' since 2011, a reference to Tottenham being the name of the area in London rather than the club. However the club's request to broadcasters comes as a result of a "remastered brand identity", which was rolled out in November.

WHAT TOTTENHAM SAID

In the email, Tottenham said: "Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name. They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version. The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

Spurs are struggling on the field this season, the club sitting 12th in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday's trip to Ipswich. Postecoglou's side lost their Carabao Cup semi-final to Liverpool and are out of the FA Cup, though success in the Europa League remains a possibility. They will play AZ Alkmaar in the last 16 of that competition.

With Callum Wilson’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing a replacement for the former Bournemouth forward.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have already been linked with a number of reinforcements as they look to reach the Premier League’s top four once again and make up for last summer’s recruitment disaster. Sporting director Paul Mitchell has already got his targets lined up, if recent reports are anything to go by, with Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo among those mentioned.

Following a difficult start to the campaign, Eddie Howe’s side have found their feet at the same time that Alexander Isak has returned to goalscoring form. Having eased past Nottingham Forest 3-1 last time out, those at St James’ Park will be desperate to pick up where they left off after the international break.

Meanwhile, as the international fixtures drag on, even more transfer rumours have arrived once again linking the Magpies with an attacking reinforcement and perhaps one who will replace Wilson.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle have stepped up their interest in signing Igor Jesus, who has also attracted the interest of Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.

Gyokeres & £113m “monster” included: 5 options to replace Isak at Newcastle

Alexander Isak could be on the move, and Newcastle will need to sign a top-class replacement.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 15, 2024

Still just 23 years old, Jesus has been in fine form for Botafogo in the current campaign in Brazil and for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE before that, scoring 25 goals and assisting another seven in 49 appearances in all competitions. A younger, more injury-free option than Wilson, Newcastle would be landing an instant upgrade and a forward who would push Isak all the way.

After last summer, Mitchell would be sending quite the statement if he managed to win the race for the forward’s signature in 2025 amid several interested clubs.

"Exciting" Jesus would be an upgrade on Wilson

Whilst his injury history proves that Newcastle haven’t benefitted as much as they’d have liked since Wilson’s arrival, he is still a player who will need replacing. And that’s where Jesus should come in. A hot prospect and an in-demand forward, Newcastle may have to act quickly to secure the forward’s signature next year.

Of course, if those at St James’ Park fail to replace Wilson then their striker options will be few and far between. Without both Isak and Wilson earlier in the campaign, Newcastle turned towards Anthony Gordon to lead the line in a reality that they’ll want to avoid becoming permanent.

Jesus’ arrival would quickly ease those concerns and offer the Magpies an instant upgrade. The Brazilian has been the subject of praise more than once recently, with South American football expert Nathan Joyes describing Jesus as “exciting” earlier this year.

When next summer arrives, the 23-year-old will undoubtedly be one to keep an eye on.