All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United are believed to be interested in bringing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer, having previously tried to do a deal in January.

What’s the word?

As per The Sun, Hammers boss David Moyes is eyeing new midfield targets ahead of next season, with the Scotsman keen to welcome the Euro 2020 star to the London Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

Such a move would not be viewed as a replacement for Declan Rice, though, with the east Londoners holding firm on their desire to keep the £150m-rated talisman at the club, despite his recent rejection of a new contract offer.

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Moyes and co had reportedly seen a £50m offer for Phillips rebuffed in the winter, although the 26-year-old – who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United – could now be available for a reduced fee should Jesse Marsch’s side suffer relegation.

Imagine him and Rice

Despite the persistent rumours about Rice’s future, it would appear that West Ham are anticipating the 23-year-old to still be at the club next season, hence the move to try and bring in his England colleague to rekindle the formidable partnership which inspired the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final last summer.

Although Phillips has endured a frustrating season due to injury – with his absence having been a notable factor in Leeds’ demise – his displays in his first major tournament and in his debut Premier League campaign last term showcased just how huge a talent he truly is.

Such were the quality of his performances on the international stage, managerial icon Fabio Capello dubbed the £45m-rated man the “best modern midfielder I have seen”, while also labelling him as an “aggressive player” for his all-action, robust style.

More excitingly for those of an Irons persuasion, the veteran coach also heaped praise on the Rice-Phillips midfield axis, dubbing them a “phenomenal” duo and saying of their partnership: “They are the secret of this great England. If the defense is iron, it is thanks to them because they protect their comrades.”

Furthermore, even amid a trying season at Elland Road, the £38k-per-week warrior has still produced a string of impressive statistics, averaging 1.1 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.8 clearances per game in his 18 league outings.

A ferocious competitor with seemingly boundless energy, he also ranks in the top 1% for pressures made among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the top 4% for both tackles and blocks made.

A real workhorse, the Leeds academy graduate appears a perfect fit for Moyes’ approach and the perfect long-term partner for Rice at West Ham as well as for England.

IN other news, GSB must complete swoop for “unbelievable” £31.5m-rated star, Moyes will love him..

Both manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are apparently keen on signing an "elite" Ivan Toney striker alternative for Arsenal.

Arsenal want to bring in a new forward

As previously reported, the Gunners are keen on bringing in a new number nine this year, with Arteta said to have been considering whether to sign a striker alongside two new full-backs and a centre midfielder (Miguel Delaney).

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

However, both FFP limitations and a slightly limited budget mean Arsenal may have to compromise on a few of the aforementioned positions.

While Arsenal will have to weigh their next move carefully, the club's need for a proven goalscorer was arguably highlighted by a recent 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup, where Arsenal carved a lot of openings but couldn't quite capitalise.

"Because the ball didn’t go in the net," said Arteta on why Arsenal couldn't score against Liverpool.

"We didn’t take the chances, I haven’t seen any other team in the first six months that have generated what we have done against them in the last two games and we’re not capitalising – not today, in the last few games – that’s why we are not winning games. Performance-wise, merit-wise, there is no question, but to win the game actually the results say something very different. When my team plays with that attitude, with that courage, with that desire and do what they’ve done to probably the best team in Europe at the moment in terms of momentum, what can I do? Stay behind them and support them."

In the last few months, Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Brentford star Toney, but Bees manager Thomas Frank is under the impression he's set to stay until the end of the season at least. Given Arteta arguably needs a striker, one alternative they could turn to this year is Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

Edu and Arteta keen on Isak

According to Football Transfers, both manager Arteta and Edu are keeping tabs on Isak, with Arsenal expressing a keen interest in signing who they describe as an "elite" striker.

They had attempted to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in 2022, but were unwilling to pay his release clause at the time which they deemed too high.

However, it is believed they may now "revisit" negotiations this year, with the £120,000-per-week Sweden international thought to be highly regarded by Arsenal's recruitment team.

Isak has scored nine goals in 15 league appearances for Newcastle so far this season, with Eddie Howe praising his ability on more than one occasion.

West Ham 2-2 Newcastle

8.81

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

8.22

Newcastle 1-3 Nottingham Forest

8.09

Newcastle 4-1 Chelsea

7.27

Sheffield United 0-8 Newcastle

7.23

"I've seen a real desire off the ball from Alex to press, to work, to set the standards, really, from the front in terms of how we play off the ball and I think he's been terrific," said Howe to the media.

Next season, for the first time since 1999, Match of the Day will have a new host.

Earlier this week, the BBC announced that Gary Lineker will leave the role at the conclusion of the current campaign, bringing to an end his 25-year stint as the face of the broadcaster’s flagship football show.

Starting in 1964, Match of the Day has been the place for Premier League football highlights, with the BBC also gaining rights for the Football League, FA Cup and European football over the years.

“We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.

Greg Dyke, former BBC director general, told BBC Radio 4 that Lineker was “the outstanding sports presenter of his time”, but that “life moves on”.

How the running order is decided on Match of the Day

Here’s how Match of the Day is pieced together behind the scenes.

ByStephan Georgiou Aug 16, 2024

So what now? Who will replace Lineker as host of Match of the Day after so long at the helm? Can anyone do the job? Does this mean we won’t ever get to see anyone present in just their pants again?

Here, FootballFanCast outlines the top candidates to replace the legendary host.

1 Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman is, unsurprisingly, the favourite to replace Lineker.

The 51-year-old has hosted Match Of The Day 2 for more than a decade and has also filled in for Lineker on the main show when he’s been unavailable on numerous occasions, including when the former England striker was briefly suspended by BBC bosses over his social media activity last year.

As a familiar face with plenty of experience, Chapman is the logical choice.

2 Alex Scott

Alex Scott has been a leading light for female pundits since retiring from professional football in 2017.

In 2018, she became the first female analyst to cover the men’s World Cup on the BBC, while in the same year, she also became Sky Sports’ first-ever female football pundit.

Now the host of Football Focus, she has also stood in for Lineker on Match of the Day.

3 Gabby Logan

Already one of the BBC’s best-known sports presenters, Gabby Logan first joined the broadcaster in 2007, having also worked for ITV.

Since then, she’s presented at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Invictus Games, the World Cup, the European Championship, and has also occasionally filled in for Lineker. This season, she has fronted Amazon Prime’s Premier League and Champions League coverage.

In 2020, she was awarded an MBE for services to sports broadcasting and promoting women in sport.

4 Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer has been Lineker’s right-hand man on the Match of the Day for years.

Though he has no experience as the main presenter, the former England international could be a good choice for the BBC if they are looking to keep things familiar.

It would also be a strange turn of fate given that Shearer replaced Lineker as England’s first-choice striker when he retired in 1994.

5 Micah Richards

Since retiring from football in 2019, Micah Richards, or as he calls himself, “Big Meeks”, has quickly established himself as one of the most likeable football pundits around.

He’s been a mainstay on Match of the Day alongside Lineker and Shearer, while he’s also worked alongside Kate Scott, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher on CBS Sports.

Lineker has previously admitted that he would “love” to see Richards replace him as host of Match of the Day.

“I think you’d be brilliant in the chair,” Lineker told Richards during an episode of The Rest is Football podcast earlier this year.

6 Kate Scott

Kate Scott, formerly Kate Abdo, has earned critical acclaim for her work with CBS Sports since 2020, where she has anchored the network’s coverage of the Champions League alongside Richards, Carragher, and Henry.

The 43-year-old, who previously presented sports on Sky, Fox and CNN, would be a great replacement for Lineker, but could be out of reach for the BBC given that last year she signed a new, four-year exclusive contract with CBS.

7 Kelly Cates

The daughter of the former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish, Kelly Cates is a highly experienced presenter who has worked for a number of well-known broadcasters, including ESPN, Setanta Sports, and Channel 5.

Her most notable work, however, has been with Sky Sports. She left the channel in 2006 but returned in 2016, and now covers the Premier League’s biggest games alongside the likes of Roy Keane, Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville in the studio.

8 Jason Mohammad

Welsh broadcaster Jason Mohammad is the current host of BBC show Final Score.

Since joining the BBC in 1997, he has also deputised for Lineker and Chapman on Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2. He would be an experienced figure in front of the camera, though you would imagine he will stick to stand-in appearances.

9 Dion Dublin

Dion Dublin has been a regular feature on the BBC’s sports coverage since retiring from football in 2008, appearing on Match of the Day, Football Focus, Final Score, BBC Radio 5 Live and more.

The former Coventry City and Manchester United striker has plenty of experience presenting outside the world of sports, too.

Since 2015, he’s hosted property show Homes Under the Hammer alongside Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander, where he’s made a name for himself for regularly letting viewers know exactly where stairs lead to.

10 Jeff Stelling

Famed for his iconic voice, memorable catchphrases, razor-sharp wit and silly sense of humour, Jeff Stelling is one of British football’s most famous broadcasters.

Having presented Gillette Soccer Saturday for Sky Sports from 1994 until 2023, Stelling now works for TalkSport, where he hosts the channel’s breakfast show alongside Ally McCoist.

His appointment would no doubt be a popular one. However, he likely wouldn’t come cheap, though he would almost certainly maintain the show’s prestige by replacing Lineker on Saturday nights.

West Ham United are in ongoing talks with the agent of a colossal centre-back, as chairman David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten attempt to back incoming new manager Graham Potter in the January transfer market.

West Ham poised to appoint Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui

Despite a brief lapse in negotiations, where Potter held out for a longer-term contract, as opposed to a short-term deal until the end of the Premier League season (Jacob Steinberg), the Englishman now looks set to replace Julen Lopetegui as manager of the club.

£120k-per-week Arsenal player decides to leave with West Ham approach made

An exit is seemingly beckoning.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2025

Lopetegui had been flirting with the sack for quite some time and briefly bought himself an extended period in the Hammers dugout after a 2-1 ‘El Sackico’ win over Wolves, but the 58-year-old’s time has now come as West Ham plan to replace him with Potter.

Fulham (home)

January 14

Crystal Palace (home)

January 18

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

Chelsea (away)

February 3

Brentford (home)

February 15

The east Londoners cancelled a scheduled manager’s press conference on Wednesday morning, with Sullivan meeting Potter and holding talks over the last 48 hours as West Ham decided on the ex-Chelsea boss’ appointment, just six months after landing on Lopetegui to succeed David Moyes.

Lopetegui’s exit, now confirmed by the club, comes after the Spaniard guided them to just six wins from a possible 20 in the Premier League, leaving them 14th in the table, despite serious expenditure in the summer transfer window.

In that time, West Ham also leaked a woeful 39 top-flight goals. Only relegation-threatened Wolves, Leicester City and Southampton have conceded more than the Irons this season, which makes for grim reading and something Potter will want to address pretty quickly.

While a lot of the talk has centered around West Ham potentially signing a new striker in January, there are also major defensive concerns which need to be addressed.

West Ham in ongoing talks with Senou Coulibaly via agent

According to Africa Foot, via Sport Witness, Sullivan and Steidten have turned to a relatively low-profile option to reinforce their backline.

Indeed, it is believed AC Omonia’s Senou Coulibaly has emerged as a transfer target for West Ham, with the club potentially looking to hand Potter the best possible chance of resurrecting their form over the second half of 24/25.

AF claim that West Ham are in ongoing talks with Coulibaly’s agent, potentially looking to sign him in January. The Malian is also attracting interest from London rivals Tottenham, who particularly appreciate the 6 foot 4 defender’s ability.

Coulibaly is dubbed a standout player of the Cypriot first division and has impressed in the Europa Conference League for Omonia this season, which has apparently turned a few heads in the English capital.

The 30-year-old would be an out-of-the-box potential signing for Potter, but a very low cost one considering his deal is currently set to expire in May (with the option of a further year).

Manchester United travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates this evening, looking to maintain their unbeaten record since the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils come into the clash on the back of a 4-0 thumping over Everton at Old Trafford last weekend, after doubles from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

As for Mikel Arteta’s men, they come into the clash in North London following a huge 5-2 win away at city rivals West Ham United, with the Gunners going four goals ahead after just 36 minutes.

The two clubs have put on some memorable displays against one another in recent years, with tonight no exception as they prepare to battle once more.

However, a huge task awaits Amorim, as he looks to stop an unwanted record for United in their recent clashes with the Gunners.

Manchester United’s recent record vs Arsenal at the Emirates

In recent visits, the Emirates has been an unhappy hunting ground for supporters, especially when it comes to the Premier League.

Last year, the Red Devils thought they had claimed all three points right at the death, as Alejandro Garnacho ran through and slotted home, but was adjudged to have been offside after a review by VAR.

The hosts then snatched two late goals in stoppage time with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus on the scoresheet as Arteta’s side claimed all three points back in September last year.

However, the last five visits to their home ground have been a complete disappointment, losing four and drawing one – simply unable to get the better of the Gunners at the Emirates.

03/09/2023

3-1

Loss

22/01/2023

3-2

Loss

22/04/2022

3-1

Loss

30/01/2021

0-0

Draw

01/01/2020

2-0

Loss

United’s last league victory against Arsenal in North London came way back in December 2017, when goals from Antonio Valencia and a double from Jesse Lingard secured all three points.

If Amorim is to increase the good feeling around the club after his impressive start to life as boss, a victory over their rivals would certainly do the trick.

However, if he is to have the greatest chance of achieving a rare win at the home of Arsenal, he must continue to unleash one player who could be his own version of a star who has catapulted the hosts into a title battle once again.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man United star who’s their own Bukayo Saka

England international Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the leading attackers in the Premier League in recent years, producing some impressive numbers that led to his sensational rise to stardom.

This season alone, the 23-year-old has registered five goals and ten assists in his 12 league outings, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah contributing with more goals.

However, Amorim could have his own version of the youngster in the form of the left-footed Amad Diallo, who has starred in his new wing-back role since the appointment of the 39-year-old.

The “unbelievable” Ivorian, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has already registered three assists in his two league starts under the new gaffer, taking to his new position like a duck to water – nailing it down as his own.

Many expected the defensive responsibility to take away the attacking side of the 22-year-old’s game, but he’s currently in the best form of his career at Old Trafford, hugely benefiting from the managerial switch.

Minutes played

90

Touches

71

Passes completed

42/49 (86%)

Assists

2

Duels won

12/17 (71%)

Tackles won

4/4 (100%)

Big chances created

2

Diallo has shown that he is capable of having an impact at both ends of the pitch, registering two assists on Sunday, whilst also winning all four tackles as a Saka-like presence, cutting inside from the right-hand side.

With Arteta’s men operating with an inverted full-back down the left-hand side, it could give licence for Amad to take advantage and inflict yet more pain on an English top-flight side.

It will be a battle of the right-wingers with the United supporters hoping that Diallo can outperform Saka and secure a second successive league win under Amorim’s leadership.

Amad 2.0: Amorim could unleash Man Utd teen who's outscoring Obi-Martin

Manchester United have yet another exciting star within their academy ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2024

Eyeing an instant return to the Premier League, Sheffield United are reportedly set to sign a former Manchester City gem who was compared to Rio Ferdinand during his time in West Ham United’s academy.

Sheffield United transfer news

The Blades have so far shown plenty of intent in their battle to earn a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, sitting as high as fourth, one point adrift of Burnley in the automatic promotion spot and five points behind Championship leaders Sunderland.

After returning to winning ways last time out against Stoke City courtesy of Tyrese Campbell against his former club and Kieffer Moore, those at Bramall Lane have seemingly turned their attention back towards the transfer market.

Of course, Sheffield United were a busy side in the summer window, having welcomed the likes of Moore and Campbell, who will hope to kick on as a strike duo after a successful outing last time out. But now the Blades have reportedly shifted their focus towards a potential future star.

According to The Mirror, Sheffield United are set to sign Jamal Baptiste on a free deal after he impressed on trial at the club in the last month. Baptiste, still just 20 years old, has spent time at both Manchester City and West Ham throughout his career before finding himself without a club. Reportedly considered one of the most talented prospects at West Ham, the central defender will be relieved to have seemingly found his next move.

If Baptiste reaches his potential then the Blades should have some player on their hands, given that former West Ham man Carlton Cole previously went as far as comparing the defender to Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand.

Cole praised the defender, saying on Inside Irons as relayed by Hammers News: “Especially Jamal Baptiste that I’m a massive fan of. Well he’s training with the first team at the moment (which tells you how highly rated he is) so I think he’s definitely a massive prospect.

“He’s going to be the next Anton Ferdinand hopefully or the next Rio. So hopefully we can these boys on the right track and help them transition into being a professional footballer full-time.”

"Massive prospect" Baptiste needs move

Without a club and in danger of becoming one of many forgotten prospects in a case of what might have been, Baptiste needs things to go well at Sheffield United if he does put pen to paper at the Blades. Under the guidance of experienced manager Chris Wilder, he has the chance to set the course towards realising his high potential to prove Cole right, but must become a reliable option.

Still just 20 years old, it remains to be seen whether Baptiste would come straight into the Sheffield United squad or if he is forced to wait for his chance. For the sake of squad depth alone, his arrival would be no bad thing for the Blades in search of promotion.

Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “incredible” star, who’s scored a whopping 147 career goals, and they are looking to get a deal done at the start of next year.

Man Utd looking to bring in another leader

In the wake of the 4-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, Ruben Amorim praised Lisandro Martinez for his leadership capabilities, while also adding: “Mason Mount is always the same thing, training, talking, dealing with people around Carrington. That is not easy. So he is a very, very good player.”

However, the perceived lack of leaders in the squad has been criticised for quite some time, with Roy Keane calling into question whether Bruno Fernandes is a suitable captain after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last season.

Following the emphatic win at Molineux, the Red Devils are up to sixth in the Premier League table, but they clearly aren’t the finished article just yet, having lost at home to 10-man Everton and drawn with a struggling West Ham United side in recent weeks.

If Man United are to start competing for the top honours once again, they may need to bring in players who are experienced at the top level, and they have now opened talks over a deal for Sergio Ramos, who is a free agent, following his departure from Monterrey.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states negotiations are in the early stages, with United expressing the ‘strongest’ interest in securing the former Real Madrid man’s signature, and they are looking to bring him in at the start of next year.

Several other unnamed clubs are in the race for the Spaniard’s signature, with his future set to be resolved in the next few weeks.

Amorim's priority target: Man Utd step up interest in "special" Madrid star

Man United are now in the race for a “special” player

ByDominic Lund 3 days ago "Incredible" Ramos knows what it takes to win

With Keane previously making it clear he is not entirely convinced by Fernandes as a captain, Man United could perhaps do with bringing in an experienced leader, who knows what it takes to win.

The 39-year-old certainly fits the bill in that regard, having become the first player to captain a team to three straight Champions League triumphs during his time with Real Madrid.

Mesut Özil has also made it clear just how highly he rates his former teammate, saying: “Sergio Ramos is the best defender I’ve ever played with. And the one with the most character. At that time I was still very young, but I already had a very strong mentality. It was incredible. It was clear that sooner or later he would lead Real Madrid to UCL glory.”

Not only is the 180-time Spain international a top-quality defender, but he also poses a threat at the other end of the pitch, having amassed a whopping 147 career goals for club and country.

That said, Ramos is now 39-years-old, and hasn’t played in Europe since a spell with Sevilla in the 2023-24 campaign, so there may be some doubts over whether he is still capable of making an impact at a club like Man United.

Newcastle United’s success has been wonderful. Supporters could never have dreamt of Champions League nights and consistent attacks toward the uppermost echelon of the Premier League table while languishing under Mike Ashley’s rule.

But the tycoon has been gone from Tyneside for several years now, and the pointers suggest that the Magpies are going to enjoy lofty heights for many years to come.

Eddie Howe has fashioned an outfit that it greater than the sum of its parts. St. James’ Park is home to some top-class players, of course, but the crop has grown as one through these exciting seasons of growth.

Newcastle have burgeoned, and while he’s not the… flashiest player in the squad, Joelinton embodies the development of his side, for he too has reached a level unseen after the dreary early days of his United career.

Joelinton's Newcastle resurgence

You’d have to credit Steve Bruce with the creation of this hybrid form of Joelinton, who was a flop, the floppiest of flops, in the seasons following his club-record £40m transfer from Hoffenheim.

Well-known manager Julian Nagelsmann had heralded the Brazilian as a “beast who is a nightmare to defend against” back in his German days, but he fell by the wayside in the Premier League, unable to adapt to the pace and intensity of the English game.

The striker-turned-roving-number-eight has been a fundamental part of Newcastle’s football under Howe’s wing, bringing a monstrous and unyielding style to charge the midfield and serve as a counterpoint of sorts to the music that Bruno Guimaraes creates with his technical command.

An effective Premier League striker he was not, but the 28-year-old has now completed 107 appearances under his manager across a four-year period, and is patently a midfielder of real importance within the Toon set-up.

His influence is emphasised through the data revealed by FBref. Over the past year, Joelinton ranks among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

Effective in front of goal now that it’s not his chief responsibility and capable of bull-like penetrations into the danger area, Joelinton has been hailed for his reshaping by journalist Antonio Mango, who said: “the way he’s transformed himself is extraordinary.”

He’s also a key defensive component, for he has averaged 2.5 tackles and 5.9 successful duels per Premier League match, as per Sofascore, this season.

The complete midfielder? It certainly feels like he has it all in his locker when he’s on his a-game in black and white, and Howe must be chomping at the bit to repeat the club’s feat in sculpting such a player from raw parts.

Though he’s hardly struggling in his current deployment, Lewis Hall could be the next Magpie to bloom into a fresh role down the line.

Lewis Hall could be Howe's own Joelinton

Hall is doing quite the job at left-back for Newcastle, with Alan Shearer even claiming that he was “blown away” by the 20-year-old during his negation of Bukayo Saka’s quality during the 1-0 victory over Arsenal just shy of a month ago.

Sources close to Newcastle suggest that Hall has been told that his immediate Newcastle future will remain at left-back, despite the ace having plied most of his youth trade in central midfield. But he can thrive in the engine room again; it’s something that Howe should consider.

He’s showing that, like Joelinton, he can make the requisite tweaks to become a polished player capable of operating in the centre of the field, with analyst Raj Chohan already noting that the dynamo’s “defensive level is rapidly improving.”

Assists

0.10

Top 32%

Shot-creating actions

2.67

Top 18%

Passes attempted

71.71

Top 8%

Progressive passes

5.96

Top 13%

Progressive carries

1.85

Top 42%

Ball recoveries

5.55

Top 11%

Tackles + interceptions

3.60

Top 35%

Blocks

1.85

Top 4%

Clearances

3.29

Top 25%

Aerial duels won

1.64

Top 13%

His statistical data, pulled from Premier League performances this season, show that Hall is turning into a robust and reliable option down the left channel, not the most active ball carrier but not shy of wading into the deep end when called upon.

The nuts and bolts of his skill set stem from technical quality and creativity, mixed against an ever-improving defensive spread that makes a telling comment on his faculty for success in midfield.

​​

Hall, hailed for his “sensational” showings by content creator Pete Davey, might spend some time on the defensive left flank over the coming campaigns, but he’s still so young and has all the properties required to become a superstar in the centre.

Newcastle’s decision to sign him from Chelsea, who he cut his teeth with as a youth, for a £28m fee in August after he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at St. James’ Park is proving to be a brilliant one, even if it was met with scepticism initially.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With nine top-flight starts to his name already this term, averaging 1.3 key passes and 4.5 ball recoveries per game, Hall is becoming one of Newcastle’s most important members.

Who’s to say that he couldn’t emulate Joelinton though, and step into midfield down the line to help propel Newcastle even further forward?

Perfect for Gordon: Newcastle can replace Almiron with "insane" £51m winger

Newcastle are looking to replace Miguel Almiron with a new right winger this January.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2024

Sunderland reportedly have another attacking target on their list in a "fast" Championship star, according to one reliable journalist.

Sunderland targeting new striker

The Black Cats appear to be searching the market for a new striker this month and Michael Beale is hoping to “excite” supporters with one or two additions.

“We have a clear idea on one or two of the areas we would like to strengthen this month, if we can. It’s never an easy month, but we are certainly going to try and do something to strengthen and boost the squad, and to hopefully excite the fans. Those discussions are going on in the background. This (derby) game has been a bit of a distraction, if I’m honest, but those discussions were happening even (Tuesday) morning and late on in the afternoon.”

Winger Jack Clarke has been the main source of goals this season, netting eight more goals than any other Sunderland player. (Sunderland top scorers – BBC) However, Clarke, due to his fine form, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with West Ham believed to be exploring a potential transfer.

Even if the Sunderland star remains at the Stadium of Light, a new forward appears to be on the agenda, and Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore is on the list of targets.

Recent reports have claimed Sunderland are in pole position to sign the Wales international ahead of a number of other Championship sides, and a new update has emerged including the name of a new attacking target.

Sunderland eyeing Sam Gallagher move

According to The Northern Echo’s chief reporter Scott Wilson, Sunderland have held preliminary talks with Bournemouth for Moore and are waiting to hear the final decision. However, the reliable reporter added that the club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, also have Sam Gallagher of Blackburn Rovers on their transfer wishlist.

Gallagher, who can play anywhere across the front three, completed a permanent move to Blackburn in 2019 after a previous loan spell and has been a regular at Ewood Park ever since.

The 28-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship, mostly with Rovers, so could be a shrewd addition, potentially alongside Moore to rival the likes of centre-forward options Nazariy Rusyn and youngsters Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda and Luis Semedo.

Blackburn Rovers

214

45

21

Southampton

26

2

0

Birmingham

34

7

0

MK Dons

15

0

2

Former Blackburn and Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray is also a big fan of Gallagher, describing him as a “monster” back in 2022.

“I don’t know how many appearances he (Gallagher) has made but I think his goals per starts is pretty good. He’s missed a fair whack of the season. He scored tonight with his right foot. I’m always encouraging him to hit it because when you watch it in training it’s like a bazooka, his right foot. It’s a great strike.

“Gallagher is fast, strong, good in the air, rocket in his right foot. He has all the attributes to be a top player. His ambition has to be to get to the Premier League, hopefully with this club, but if not, the Premier League look at this monster of a boy who can run like the wind with a rocket in his boots, why can’t he play in the Premier League?”

Manchester City have opened talks to sign a “sensational” Bayern Munich player, with the German club now “really worried” about his future.

Man City's unbeaten run comes to an end at Aston Villa

Man City’s nine-game undefeated streak in all competitions was brought to a halt on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Matty Cash’s first-half strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Despite the loss, Pep Guardiola suggested he was happy with his side’s performance, while also insisting it is too early to be overly concerned about the Premier League title race, saying: “I don’t know how many teams can come here and play the way we played, with the courage, possession and chances.

“We have to be stable with that. And after that, to deal with games better.

“But I don’t live in October and November thinking, ‘Oh what is going to happen if we don’t win the Premier League’, so it’s game by game now.”

However, having suffered three defeats already this season, which leaves the Blues six points behind Arsenal in the table, there are clear indications Guardiola may need to strengthen his squad in order to turn them back into title contenders.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Man City have this month held discussions about signing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at the Bundesliga club.

Upamecano is yet to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena, which means he is currently set to be available on a free transfer next summer, and that is a concern for Bayern.

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Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.”

"Sensational" Upamecano could be solid addition to Pep's backline

Pep has stuck with the experienced duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias at centre-back in recent weeks, with the former managing to put his injury problems behind him, while the manager also has Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov to call upon.

As such, it is debatable whether it is necessary to bring in another centre-back, but the Bayern star certainly has the ability required to succeed at the Etihad Stadium, having received very high praise from journalist Muhammad Butt in the past.

Every player in a Guardiola system must be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the 27-year-old fits the bill in that regard, averaging a pass-completion rate of 93.5% per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile, compared to other centre-backs.

Upamecano could be the ideal addition to Man City’s defence, and the £168k-a-week star potentially being available on a free transfer makes signing him an even more attractive proposition.