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Newcastle United are eyeing up Amadou Haidara as a potential midfield option for the summer transfer window amid links to Declan Rice.

Will Newcastle sign a new midfielder?

Going into the Premier League run-in, Eddie Howe's Magpies have the opportunity to do something they could have only dreamed of back in August in landing a spot in the Champions League spots.

They could move one step closer on Sunday when they face their top-four rivals, Tottenham hotspur, on Tyneside with three points taking them six points clear of the north London side.

And if they are to secure their spot in next season's elite European competition, it will be a major test of the squad currently playing at St. James' Park.

There is a belief that Dan Ashworth and Howe are keen to bolster their options in the midfield with reports claiming they will be looking to make two additions over the coming months.

Recent suggestions claim the Magpies could make an ambitious move to bring in West Ham United's main man, Rice, with his future in London up in the air.

However, journalist Aaron Stokes has suggested RB Leipzig's Haidara is another option that could prove a cheaper alternative, as he spoke on the Everything Is Black & White podcast:

"It's my understanding that they have been very, very keen on a player called Amadou Haidara for pretty much over a year now, they tried to get him last summer from Leipzig.

"25-year-old African midfielder, very, very highly rated, very, very close to joining Brighton in January. And you know, Newcastle certainly think he ticks a lot of boxes.

"Leipzig pretty much resigned to losing him this summer. I think there'll be a very big bidding war for him. But yeah, it's my understanding that Newcastle are still very keen to make him a player this summer."

"I think you'd probably be looking at – for a player of his age and quality – £40m/£50m, which is certainly in their budget. So I don't think it would break the bank."

Would Haidara be a good option for Newcastle?

Given Rice's experience in the Premier League and England squad, the 24-year-old will likely come with a huge price tag if he is to be sold in the summer.

It is believed the England midfielder could cost any side in excess of £80m with West Ham valuing him highly despite his contract winding down to its final year.

However, Stokes has suggested the 25-year-old from Leipzig could cost around half of that with the midfielder expected to be valued in the region of £40m-£50m.

Analyst Statman Dave has hailed the 25-year-old as "excellent" and he ranks inside the upper second percentile for interceptions made across midfielders in the top five leagues (via FBref).

However, in comparison to Rice (2.27), he has made fewer tackles (1.61) and a lower number of shot-creating actions (1.93) than the Englishman (2.80) (via FBref).

But it must be noted that the Mali international has only made 10 starts for Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season with less than half the minutes accumulated by Rice thus far.

Although the £16.5k-per-week midfielder will likely come with a much lower price tag than Rice, it does also seem as if Newcastle could be getting a player who would potentially provide less of an impact.

Manchester United's preparations for tonight's Europa League, quarter-final clash at home to Sevilla have been somewhat overshadowed by the news that Marcus Rashford is set for a spell on the sidelines, with the Englishman having limped off during the win over Everton on Saturday.

The sight of the 25-year-old hobbling along the touchline at Old Trafford had many United supporters fearing the worst, with manager Erik ten Hag having since vaguely revealed that the in-form forward will be out of action for a "few games".

Just how long the academy graduate will actually be on the treatment table remains to be seen, although in the meantime the former Ajax boss will need to find a way to fill the gaping void of a player who has bagged 28 goals in all competitions this season – 18 more than any of his teammates.

That significant blow may, however, be somewhat eased by the return of long-serving marksman, Anthony Martial, with the 27-year-old having netted off the bench against the Toffees after making a gradual injury comeback in recent weeks.

Will Martial start against Sevilla?

The former Monaco man has been dogged by injury throughout the campaign, in truth, although still boasts a respectable haul of seven goals in 17 appearances across all fronts this term, with the £250k-per-week gem likely hoping to add to that tally against today's opponents – whom the £36m man scored just once for during a disappointing loan spell in the second half of last season.

Ten Hag has repeatedly stated that United play their "best football" with the former Monaco man on the pitch, although the issue has been getting the striker fit and firing on a consistent basis, with that potentially a factor in the reports that Martial could be allowed to leave this summer.

With rumours abound that a new centre-forward could be brought in ahead of next season – with England captain Harry Kane seemingly the man on everybody's lips – that could only serve to hasten the exit of the 30-cap enigma.

That being said, however, despite the signing of Kane – or whomever – there could still be a need for a further striking option to provide competition next season, with the coming weeks potentially a chance for Martial to prove that he can be a reliable understudy or direct rival to any new acquisition.

With Rashford out of the picture for the time being, at least, Ten Hag is in need of a new leading man to take charge and spearhead the forward line, albeit with it currently hard to see just who could be that new talisman among United's "mixed bag" of attackers, as per journalist James Ducker.

On the evidence of Martial's bright displays when he has featured this season, however, the 5 foot 11 man could potentially be that figure to take on the goalscoring mantle, with it perhaps a case of now or never in his Old Trafford career.

As per Daily Express journalist Alex Turk's recent rallying cry for the Red Devils' number nine – "it's time to step up"…

Chelsea are ‘very much tracking’ Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Premier League dream

The Nigerian international’s contract in the Serie A isn’t set to expire until 2025, but being Luciano Spalletti’s top-performing offensive player, has caught the eye of Graham Potter.

The 24-year-old recently admitted that it’s his dream to one day complete a move to the top flight, and it sounds like Todd Boehly could use this to his advantage to entice him to Stamford Bridge and make that dream a reality.

The Latest: Jacobs shares the latest

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jacobs name-checked Chelsea, alongside Manchester United, as the two clubs firmly in the race to sign Osimhen, also reaffirming the striker’s “dream”.

He said:

“I think that Manchester United and Chelsea are two Premier League clubs very much tracking Osimhen. They’re aware that it’s not going to be easy to get a deal done at value with Napoli. But no doubt they will play into the fact that Osimhen does dream of moving to the Premier League. I don’t think it’s absolutely guaranteed that he will move in the summer compared to 2024.

“Because even if the player had his interest piqued by a concrete offer, you’ve got to agree a fee with Napoli who are one of the toughest negotiators in all of European football.

“But it clearly helps the suitors that Osimhen is thinking about the Premier League and has now said that on record. So there will be something concrete for Osimhen come the summer for sure.”

The Verdict: Splash the cash

Chelsea know that Osimhen won’t come cheap, but having been dubbed a ‘goal machine’ by journalist Mimi Fawaz, they have to splash the cash to secure his services.

The Italian giants’ forward has netted 19 times and provided five assists in just 22 league appearances this season and ranks in the 99th percentile for most shots per game.

The Lagos native would also add versatility to the squad, having operated in four various positions throughout his career, including out wide on both the left and right flanks.

Osimhen is the exact profile of prolific striker that Potter has been missing this season and he would be the perfect player to put pen to paper to fill that position ahead of the 2023/24 term.

Newcastle United have been handed a massive boost before their Carabao Cup final on Sunday with the announcement of Miguel Almiron’s new contract.

How long is Almiron’s new contract?

The Paraguayan’s new deal was confirmed on Friday ahead of Newcastle’s trip to the capital this weekend which will provide them with the opportunity to end their long trophy drought.

And it has been announced that the forward has put pen to paper on a deal which will see his stay on Tyneside last another three-and-a-half years.

The 29-year-old has been rewarded on the back of what has been an impressive 2022/23 campaign to date which has him sat as the club’s top scorer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Lee Ryder has been left buzzing after hearing the news with the side set to make their way to the capital on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s final:

“Well, I think it’s an absolutely massive boost for Newcastle United going into that final at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final knowing that one of your star players has signed a new deal. It’ll certainly give him a little boost if he really needed one.”

Why has Almiron been given a new contract?

Almiron’s time on Tyneside has been largely underwhelming on the whole with his performances since his arrival in 2019 leaving a lot to be desired.

However, this has been the first campaign in which the 29-year-old has shown signs of the form which was why the Toon looked to bring him in from the MLS.

In his 152 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions, Almiron has scored just 24 goals but 10 of those have come in his 23 Premier League appearances this season (via Transfermarkt).

This turnaround in form could potentially be put down to the player having the opportunity to work under Eddie Howe over the summer with something clearly clicking for the Paraguayan.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on the player’s turnaround which has seen him play a big role in Newcastle’s success this season:

“Miguel Almiron got another superb goal against Spurs, and the improvement from him this season has been incredible. The one thing that has never been in doubt since he joined Newcastle in 2019 is his work rate – he has always put the effort in, and more.”

However, Almiron has only scored once in his last seven Premier League games which will have some fearing he may have just enjoyed a small run of form earlier in the season.

But the game against Manchester United on the weekend could offer Almiron with the perfect opportunity to write his name in Newcastle’s history and cap off what has been a good start to the weekend for him.

Tottenham Hotspur may end up having to sell Harry Kane to Man United, believes talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Kane contract running…

The 29-year-old is approaching the final year of his current Spurs deal which expires in 2024, meaning it’s crunch time for chairman Daniel Levy.

Antonio Conte’s side must now make the decision over whether to push forward with new contract talks or contemplate selling him for a big fee this summer.

The Premier League top four chasers are thought to be unwilling to sell to direct English rivals like United with Bayern Munich and potentially Real Madrid interested from abroad.

The Latest: Agbonlahor makes Kane claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, a talkSPORT regular, claims Tottenham might not have a choice but to sell Kane to the Red Devils.

The former Aston Villa striker says Kane may wish to stay in England and battle for Alan Shearer’s all-time PL scoring record for another club.

“Harry Kane has got 18 months left.

“In the summer, he’ll either sign a new contract or leave.

“But Spurs might be in a position where Kane says he is only going to an English club – because he’ll want to break Shearer’s record.

“Tottenham might not have a choice in whether they sell him to a Man United.

“It’s a really difficult position for Spurs. As much as they say they won’t let him go to a rival, if he runs into the final year of his contract – they could lose a £70m striker for nothing.

“It’s going to be horrible because without him they are nothing.”

The Verdict: Nightmare scenario…

Kane leaving Spurs for United would be a truly nightmare scenario for Conte and Levy.

We can’t imagine it happening and surely the Lilywhites would want to keep hold of Kane for an extra year and let him for free as an alternative – if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

Those extra 12 months of free-scoring for Spurs would be invaluable and arguably worth more than any transfer fee for Kane this summer.

The England international has once again proved just how vital he is to the club – bagging 17 goals and an assist in 22 league appearances over 2022/2023.

In Tottenham’s most recent encounter against Man City, Kane surpassed the legendary Jimmy Greaves as the club’s all time top scorer and we believe he is destined to clinch Shearer’s record also.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing Pedro Porro has already been hit with a setback after picking up the flu, which was potentially what saw him sidelined on the weekend.

What’s the latest?

Already missing Antonio Conte in the dugout, Spurs were able to pick up three huge points in N17 against Manchester City on the weekend.

However, fans were unable to get their first glimpse at their deadline day signing, Porro, with the Spaniard not being selected from the bench by Cristian Stellini.

At right wing-back, Brazilian Emerson Royal started and played the full 90 minutes and surprised many with his outstanding display against the reigning champions.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Alasdair Gold has suggested Porro was suffering from illness prior to the game which may be the reason why he didn’t make a cameo appearance:

“I should also point out on Porro, as well, another reason – I don’t think he would’ve started anyway because Conte hasn’t had a single training session with him and, of course, they trust Emerson in these big games at the moment – Porro’s had a little bit of a bug in the last couple of days.

“They’ve had a few bugs and little things have been going around the camp in the last couple of weeks.

“And from what I understand, Porro was a little bit under the weather in the last few days ahead of the game.”

Emerson proves a point

It has been made very clear over recent weeks that the fans in north London were growing increasingly frustrated with the Brazilian right-back.

Sarcastic cheers could be heard when the player was brought off during games and even boos rang around the stadium when he was being brought on as a substitute.

However, with the new big-money signing, Porro, watching on from the bench, the 23-year-old showed everyone what he is capable of.

Journalist Alasdair Gold was left stunned by how well he performed in the game against Pep Guardiola’s side and awarded him a 10/10 for his display.

But there will still likely be the excitement around Spurs in seeing Porro play for the first time, but you do now have to question when his opportunity will arise.

Spurs head to the King Power Stadium on the weekend and having dropped a 10/10 performance it would seem inconceivable to suddenly drop the Brazilian.

Having said that, Spurs have a quick turnaround to their next game which comes on Tuesday with a Champions League away game against AC Milan.

So it will be interesting to see whether Conte would give Porro his Spurs debut in the Champions League at the San Siro or whether he may look to start him against Leicester and potentially play Emerson in Milan.

Either way, this is the type of headache at right wing-back that Conte will have been hoping for all season.

Leeds United have been put off by the price tag placed on Azzedine Ounahi following the Moroccan’s exceptional World Cup campaign.

What’s the latest?

It has been widely reported that Victor Orta is looking to bring in a new midfielder this month with strong links earlier in the window to Ounahi.

However, there have been more recent links to Juventus’ Weston McKennie with the Whites reportedly in talks over a potential deal for the American.

Leeds have already made two additions in the January window and have spent in the region of £35m with the signings of Maximilian Wober and Georginio Rutter.

And speaking on Joe Wainman’s YouTube channel, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed the price tag put on Ounahi by Angers has put Leeds off from making the move to sign him:

“From Leeds’ perspective, it’s about the club not being particularly sold on the price, because the market value actually, even after the World Cup – and I know this is a very hot topic and often debated – but the market value is somewhere in the region of €15m.

“And the kind of money that is being asked for is, roughly speaking, double that or even a little bit more, and that’s what’s putting Leeds off. And they also have to think about spending that amount of money and then maybe going down.”

Cheaper alternative?

As Jacobs mentioned, for Leeds to acquire the services of Ounahi this month, there is the expectation it would take an offer in the region of possibly more than €30m (£26m).

However, recent reports from Fabrizio Romano have suggested that Juventus would be looking for an offer in the region of €35m (£30.7m) to allow McKennie to depart this month.

Comparing the two over their 2022/23 campaigns so far, the Moroccan has provided more passes, shots, shot-creating actions and tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).

But it is McKennie who has provided more goals and assists this season – albeit with just one of each to his name.

With these stats in mind as well as his impressive displays during the Qatar World Cup, perhaps there is an argument to be made that Ounahi could be worth the effort this month.

But it is worth remembering McKennie has formed a strong relationship with the current Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams from their time together in the USMNT.

McKennie started all four of the United States’ matches in the World Cup and did so alongside Adams as they took America to the final 16.

So perhaps Victor Orta is looking beyond the stats and considering who may be the best fit for Leeds who already have a strong American group at the club.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale will be hoping to use the January transfer window to bring in a few new faces to Ibrox in order to build a team that is capable of fully challenging Celtic for the Premiership title.

Last week, the Englishman discussed the club’s transfer business, saying: “We have spoken to two or three players.

“Our phone has not stopped. There is a lot of players interested in coming here. I have to make sure they are the right ones.”

Although no names were mentioned, it is positive news that the Gers are acting quickly, while former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson suggested that Beale will have his eyes on Lawrence Shankland this month.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (via the Daily Record) Ferguson discussed the 27-year-old:

“I think he’s been a brilliant signing for Hearts. He’s one that I’m sure Rangers will be keeping an eye on because goalscorers are hard to find. If [Alfredo] Morelos does go, you’ve got [Antonio] Colak and [Kemar] Roofe. Roofe for me is a really good player but there are injury concerns, so you need another striker.”

Roofe alternative

The ex-Rangers captain was spot on with his analysis of Roofe, a fantastic player but someone that spends far too much time on the treatment table.

Since joining in the summer of 2020, the 30-year-old has scored 34 goals in 75 matches for Rangers, a solid record considering that he has missed a total of 56 games for the club and his record could have been so much better.

With his injury issues, Beale will be keen on eyeing up an alternative and Shankland certainly fits the bill. His move back to Scotland with Hearts has been excellent and he has found his old goalscoring form again, after netting just five times for Belgian side Beerschot last season.

Indeed, this term he has already fired in 15 Premiership goals at a rate of one every 101 minutes, while taking 3.2 shots per match and even missing 11 big chances, proving that his goal tally may have been a great deal higher if his composure was slightly better.

During his whole senior career, he has beaten the goalkeeper 163 times with no player in Scotland finding the net more often this campaign than the Scot. His talents could be extremely useful for Beale should he bring the striker to Ibrox.

Joel Sked sang his praises, claiming Shankland to be “different class” just last month, and with Roofe’s injury problems combined with the fact that Alfredo Morelos could soon be leaving the club, bringing in another striker remains high on the list of priorities for Beale.

Newcastle United are enjoying a phenomenal start to their Premier League season and are currently third despite several injury issues already plaguing the squad.

Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emile Krafth, Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Isak are just some of the key players who have suffered injuries over the campaign so far, but this hasn’t stopped Eddie Howe’s Magpies from flying high in the league.

Newcastle have only lost once in their first 15 top-flight outings, and even then the defeat was only recorded due to a controversial Liverpool goal deep into stoppage time at Anfield.

There is no doubt that Howe will be hoping that his team can retain their top-four status over the second half of the season, as qualifying for the Champions League would have been beyond the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic Newcastle supporters 12 months ago.

However, the Magpies have been dealt another setback ahead of their return to action on Boxing Day, when they will head to the King Power stadium for their clash against Leicester City.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel, journalist Ross Gregory has expressed concern about Isak’s slow return from injury, saying: “The fact that he didn’t play in the friendly and did some training off by himself still, it’s just a little bit of a concern that it hasn’t cleared up quite as quickly as possible.

“The way Eddie Howe was speaking, it was along the lines of he might not be fit for Bournemouth, he might not be fit for the Leicester game on Boxing Day.”

If the 23-year-old isn’t available to return for the upcoming fixtures, Howe will need to keep unleashing Callum Wilson in the hope that the English marksman can stay fit whilst Isak continues to recover.

The £46k-per-week goal machine has been enjoying an incredible season since regaining consistent fitness, and thanks to his exemplary form in front of goal he earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup England squad last month.

Over 11 appearances this season, Wilson – who was dubbed “unique” by former Newcastle interim boss Graeme Jones – has scored six goals and delivered two assists, also offering a selfless assist to Jack Grealish against Iran in England’s opening game of the World Cup in Qatar.

Indeed, the Magpies striker is no stranger to injuries himself and has been plagued with numerous setbacks at St James’ Park, but Howe will be hoping that he can rely on the talented 30-year-old to spearhead the team to further success over the remainder of the campaign.

With that being said, the manager will surely be closely monitoring Isak’s progress and looking forward to his eventual return to the forward line, but if Wilson can stay fit, his boss should not be too worried about Newcastle’s attacking threat in their upcoming fixtures.

Manchester United are the only club to have held talks with PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo over a January move, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gakpo rumours ongoing

The 23-year-old was a highly-rated young player before the 2022 World Cup but his stock has risen further, following three goals for the Netherlands in the tournament.

Gakpo has been endlessly linked with a move to United in recent months, among a host of other clubs, having stood out as PSV’s talisman this season.

The Dutchman has scored 55 goals and registered 50 assists in 159 appearances for his current club and he may feel that it is time for a new challenge.

The Latest: United given boost

According to Football Insider, it is United who are the only club to have actually held official talks with PSV over Gakpo as they ‘work on a January deal’, though.

The two parties are believed to be ‘regular contact’ and it is claimed that the Red Devils realise that his ‘price tag has rocketed’.

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The Verdict: Favourites to sign him?

This is an undoubted boost for United, suggesting that they are the one club who are truly interested in sealing a move for Gakpo in the near future.

The PSV star, who has been described as being a player who ‘has everything’ by Theo Janssen, could be someone who transforms Erik ten Hag’s attack, giving them a focal point down the middle.

Granted, Gakpo isn’t a natural out-and-out striker but he can still flourish in a central attacking role, as well as drifting into wider areas to showcase his versatility.

It certainly feels as though a move is likely at this point, and while it won’t come on the cheap, it is a piece of business that could be inspired, such has been Gakpo’s meteoric rise.