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Everton have been linked to a winger ahead of the summer transfer window, as Sean Dyche looks to make significant improvements in the break.

The Toffees confirmed their stay in the Premier League on the final day, as relief poured from Goodison Park after a challenging season both on and off the pitch.

The club have many things to improve on this summer, however, Dyche could add attacking strength to his inherited squad by signing a player already known on Merseyside.

What’s the latest on Ryan Kent to Everton?

Last week, it was reported that Rangers winger Ryan Kent could be on the move to Everton this summer, as a host of clubs around Europe keep their eyes peeled on the Englishman’s next move.

As reported by Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Kent is of interest to the Toffees, who alongside Bologna, Fenerbahce and Udinese could battle for the free agent this window.

The Liverpool academy ace spent five years at Ibrox, with his contract expiring this summer and opting against extending his stay.

What could Ryan Kent bring to Everton?

The Oldham-born forward could be a strong option for Dyche in a bid to improve Everton’s goal-scoring form, with the club being the league’s second-lowest scorers this season.

Hailed as “dangerous” by former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, the 26-year-old is an explosive outlet to have on the left flank, as told by his colourful career in Glasgow.

As per Transfermarkt, in a five-year stay the Englishman contributed to 90 goals, scoring 33 himself and assisting 57, showcasing his abilities in the final third whether it be as the finisher or creator.

Operating primarily as a left-forward, the experienced attacker has a playing style bearing many similarities to Dwight McNeil and could challenge or even provide an upgrade for the Blues forward.

While McNeil possesses a dazzling left foot, Kent is a right-footed wide player who enjoys to cut inside, posing a threat on both flanks.

As per FBref, the Rangers ace comes out on top of the Everton man in a range of attributes key to playing as a threatening forward, as highlighted by their statistics over the past year.

Kent averages 2.84 progressive carries per 90, with McNeil recording just shy of the 26-year-old with 2.74 per 90, with results similar in terms of successful take-ons, with the Everton ace coming just behind with 1.95 to the £18k-per-week gem’s 2.13 per 90.

The former Liverpool youngster is a more competent passer of the ball than McNeil, as revealed by Sofascore, with Kent averaging a pass accuracy of 89% this season to the Goodison forward's 76%.

Whether Dyche opts to deploy the winger as competition or as a partner in an attacking reshuffle this summer, it will be interesting to see how the future of the Englishman plays out, with a potential return to Merseyside on the cards.

Dale Steyn has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-20161:03

Personal records don’t bother me – Steyn

Dale Steyn has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings after picking up match figures of 8 for 99 in South Africa’s 204-run win over New Zealand in Centurion. Steyn went up two places in the rankings, leapfrogging R Ashwin and James Anderson, to become No. 1 for the first time since December 2015, when he suffered a shoulder injury during the Durban Test against England.Top five Test bowlers

Dale Steyn (South Africa)

James Anderson (England)

R Ashwin (India)

Stuart Broad (England)

Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)

The other two members of South Africa’s pace attack in Centurion also climbed the rankings, with Vernon Philander going from 13th to 11th, and Kagiso Rabada from 30th to 27th. Faf du Plessis, who scored a century in South Africa’s first innings, jumped from 33rd to 24th in the Test batsmen’s rankings.South Africa’s 1-0 series win, meanwhile, lifted them from seventh to fifth in the team rankings, which meant they swapped places with New Zealand, who now sit a place below sixth-placed Sri Lanka.

Manchester United let a two-goal advantage slip through their fingers as Sevilla fought back to claim a 2-2 draw which will ensured the Andalusians headed back to Spain in much a better mood than their English counterparts.

Erik ten Hag’s side looked like they were on the way to a fairly comfortable victory as Marcel Sabitzer scored twice in the opening 30 minutes and the score stayed like this until the final ten minutes. Two moments of madness cost United the victory, as Tyrell Malacia and then Harry Maguire scored own goals, meaning the Red Devils have a much tougher task next week than what was anticipated at half-time.

The Austrian midfielder certainly justified his selection as he netted United’s two goals along with making three clearances and succeeding with one dribble attempt during his time on the pitch.

It was another starter who significantly impressed for the Old Trafford side against Sevilla however, as Antony put in a wonderful attacking display that he can hopefully replicate over the next few weeks.

How did Antony perform for Manchester United against Sevilla?

The winger has endured a Jekyll and Hyde campaign so far during 2022/2023, enjoying some fabulous performances such as scoring a crucial goal in the 4-1 win over Real Betis last month, while also having a couple of shockers in the process, most notably in the 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool.

His potential appears limitless, yet in order to take his game to the next level, he will have to massively improve his consistency.

The former Ajax winger enjoyed a solid performance against the La Liga side last night and Statman Dave claimed the player enjoyed an “entertaining battle” with Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

Statistically, Antony was United’s second-best performer across the starting XI with a Sofascore rating of 7.4/10 and this is the kind of performance Ten Hag will be expecting every week.

During his 81 minutes on the pitch, he took 49 touches and delivered one accurate cross, while he also succeeded with four of his six dribble attempts, suggesting he was in the mood to attack the opposition fullback.

The 23-year-old caused Sevilla all sorts of problems by taking four shots throughout the tie, and he also hit the woodwork, coming so close to being rewarded for his hard work. The Brazilian won half of his duels, made a tackle and interception whilst he also chipped in with two clearances, proving that he can also help out defensively and Ten Hag should be pleased with his display.

If the winger delivers another performance like this next week, then he could spearhead United’s progress into the semi-finals of the Europa League and continue their quest for continental glory.

Promotion and relegation could be introduced into Test cricket as early as 2019, if ICC chief executive David Richardson has his way

George Dobell01-Jun-2016Promotion and relegation could be introduced into Test cricket as early as 2019, if ICC chief executive David Richardson has his way. Richardson admitted that Test cricket required added “meaning and context” if it is to survive and revealed that the ICC hopes to unveil plans for the introduction of two divisions and, potentially, a number of new Test nations within the next few weeks.Speaking to promote the 2017 Champions Trophy, Richardson also confirmed an intention to stage an extra World T20 tournament in 2018. The event would, he said, involve “a minimum of 16 teams” and be staged in either South Africa, Sri Lanka or the UAE. The final decision over the event’s go-ahead will be made by the ICC’s broadcasting partner, Star.But it was the plans to reinvigorate Test cricket that were the most eye-catching and radical. Accepting the diminishing returns of current bilateral series, Richardson offered the prospect of Test status to the likes of Nepal, Ireland and Afghanistan, but warned more established nations – notably West Indies – that they could find themselves playing Division Two cricket if they are unable to improve their red-ball form.”There’s a general realisation now that, if we’re going to keep Test cricket going well into the future, we can’t just say it’s going to survive on its own,” Richardson said. “Unless we can give some meaning to these series beyond the rankings and a trophy, then interest in Test cricket will continue to waver. The same applies if we allow uncompetitive Test cricket to take place too often.”If we really want Test cricket to survive, we can’t have the number of Test teams diminishing. We have to create a proper competition structure which provides promotion and relegation and opportunities to get to the top.”A number of member countries are finding that they’re not getting as much from their TV rights for bilateral cricket and they see the need to change and introduce some meaningful context.”The beauty of leagues is that, in theory, you will have a more competitive competition and teams playing each other that are of a more equal standard.”They will all be striving for something. There’s something at stake. They will be thinking ‘We could end up in the Intercontinental Cup if we’re not careful here.’ Hopefully that will inspire performance and make the matches more competitive.”While the details of the plan remain open to debate – Richardson hopes they will be agreed by the end of this month – there is a favoured option, involving the introduction of a top division of seven teams and a second division of five teams. It is likely that the plan would see one team promoted and relegated in each two-year cycle, though it remains possible that a second team could be promoted if the ICC embraced a play-off model with the sixth team in Division One playing the second team in Division Two.Richardson hopes that each qualifying Test series would consist of a minimum of three Tests, though he acknowledged that the growth of domestic T20 leagues might render that impractical. The Ashes series would still consist of five games, with every Test carrying ranking points but the overall number of points in the series not exceeding those available in a three-Test series.”The feeling is that if you want to sustain interest in a competition, you probably can’t go longer than two years with it,” Richardson said. “If you had a top division of seven teams, you’d have six tours – three home, three away – over a two-year period. It works well mathematically.”We could probably make it work in 2019 because hopefully whatever we implement will be better than the current arrangement. It’s the sooner the better as far as we’re concerned. We might need to have some negotiations with broadcasters who have deals in place, but they might be willing to change. This is a marvellous opportunity for the game.”There are two catalysts to the changing mood of an ICC board who, only a few months ago, appeared to have little concern for any interests beyond their own. The first is the election of the new chairman, Shashank Manohar, who seems genuinely committed to growing cricket as a global game and running the ICC as a governing body for the good of all 105 members rather than a favoured few.The second is the diminishing financial value of bilateral series to the Full Member boards, which has allowed Manohar fertile ground on which to plant his ideas.The combination has offered the prospect of unprecedented opportunities for Associate nations in the next few years.Ireland and Afghanistan have ambitions to play Test cricket•ICC/Saleem Sanghati”The new chairman has gone out of his way to reverse the sense that the ‘Big Three’ are in control,” Richardson said. “There is a bigger desire to regard the ICC as an organisation with 105 members, not just 10 Full Members who are a select, secluded club with no one else allowed in. We want to be more encompassing and allow opportunities for Associate Members to graduate.”We have 105 members at the moment and we want 105 members to be able to play T20 internationals. Obviously not all against each other at the same time but everybody should want to play the T20 format and it will appeal to all of our members. Then the better ones, the top 30 to 35, would graduate to the 50-over game and be involved in global competitions catering to approximately that number of teams.”And then Test cricket is towards the other end of the spectrum, where the top 18 teams perhaps are playing a multi-day format of the game, be it the Intercontinental Cup or part of a Test league.”Countries that you never thought would have ambitions to play multi-day cricket actually have got the potential. Countries like Nepal, Afghanistan and Ireland are keen. But Ireland and Nepal aren’t getting any opportunities. Zimbabwe hardly play. West Indies are focusing more on T20 cricket. Creating a competition and a financial model that underpins it, it will allow them the resources to fund a team and provide incentives for their players to be available to play Test cricket for them.”Richardson also suggested that membership rules could be changed, to decouple Test status and Full Membership.”We’re reviewing the criteria for Full Membership, which will enable countries like Ireland and Afghanistan to become Full Members. But we don’t want to link it to Test cricket. The competition structure is set separate to membership status. It’s about voting or funding opportunities.”As the ICC’s original broadcast deal did not include plans for a global tournament in 2018, it will have to gain permission from its broadcast partner, Star, before confirming the World T20 for 2018.”We’re having discussions now with broadcasters about having a second World T20 in a four-year cycle,” Richardson said. “If they agree – and the board agrees – it would be in 2018 and the venue needs to be decided. The broadcasting agreement says we can’t hold another event without them agreeing to it. So they will have a say in where the event will be held.”The broadcasters obviously want the matches to be played at times which are good for the broadcast market in India. But it probably won’t be India as we’ve just been there. And the timing issue rules out West Indies, Australia and New Zealand. We’re currently unable to play in Pakistan, so that leaves Sri Lanka, South Africa or the UAE as the only options probably. It is too early for America.”It also emerged that England, the hosts of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup, retain hopes of hosting a possible World T20 in 2022, and the World Cup qualifiers in 2018. Those qualifiers are currently scheduled to be played in Bangladesh but if Bangladesh qualify automatically – they are currently ranked seventh and on target to do so – it is likely the qualifiers would be moved to the country where the main tournament will be played the following year.

Everton's financial concerns will have major effects on the club if they are to be relegated this season amid the construction of their new stadium.

What's the latest in Everton's believed FFP breach?

On Friday, Everton were told of the news they were being passed on to an independent commission amid their alleged breach of the Financial Fair Play regulations.

The breach in question covers the 2021/2022 campaign where complaints were lodged by Leeds United and Burnley over Everton's financial state.

Rules state Premier League clubs are able to make losses of up to £105m across a three-year period, however, between 2018 and 2021, the Toffees recorded a staggering £370m loss.

And with the prospect of points deductions and relegation looming over the club, insider Graeme Bailey has suggested it could prove disastrous for the club amid their new stadium development:

"Yeah, it's a bit of a mess. I'm being told, you know, if Everton go down, there could be some serious, serious ramifications.

"There's serious issues at Everton. There really is, they're in a lot of debt. This stadium is costing a lot of money. And they will finish it, there's no suggestion they won't finish it or anything.

"But if they're playing in that stadium in the Championship, who knows? Who knows? I don't want to speculate about administration or whatever. But I'm told if Everton goes down, there's a lot of pain to follow that."

What could this mean for Everton?

Everton have plans to grow their club with a new stadium offering a significantly increased capacity of over 52,000 which will provide them with an increase in matchday revenue.

However, relegation will mean the club would see their revenue decrease dramatically with the Premier League the place to be for financial reasons.

The difference in playing in the Championship instead of the top flight is believed to be worth in the hundreds of millions.

Everton's owners are said to be on the hunt for some new investment to help push the club forward, however, if the Toffees are to go down then their attractiveness to potential investors will likely diminish.

Relegation to the Championship could see some of their big players depart which will likely have an effect on their ability to bounce straight back to the top flight.

And when the club are needing to start the repayments on their new shiny home, Championship revenue is the last thing the club needs for one season never mind multiple.

The Toffees have been able to pull themselves out of the relegation zone for the time being with Sean Dyche at the helm, however, it is still incredibly tight.

Only two points separate them from the drop zone and only three points from the side rock bottom of the Premier League table, Southampton.

And given it is so tight, the prospect of a potential points deduction will be a real concern for the Blues with that potentially sealing their faith in the second tier of English football.

Journalist Charles Watts has expressed his disappointment at Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after he suffered “brain freeze” and missed the chance to score a great goal this weekend.

What’s the latest on Granit Xhaka and Arsenal?

The Gunners cruised to a routine away win the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they put three goals past Fulham inside one half to keep their lead at the very top of the division.

Indeed, Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring with a fine header before Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s lead and then Martin Odegaard made it 3-0 before the break, and that was how things finished at the final whistle.

However, Mikel Arteta and his men could have won the game by a much greater margin and Xhaka could have got his name on the score sheet when a slick passing move saw Leandro Trossard tee him up with only Bernd Leno to beat.

However, Xhaka failed to cap off the brilliant attack as he lost composure and saw the ball simply hit his toe and roll into the goalkeeper's arms.

While speaking about it on his YouTube channel, Watts expressed his dismay, saying (2:19): "Such a shame Granit Xhaka didn't score that shot, just seemed to have a bit of a brain freeze when he went through.

"He didn't know if he should take a touch, or you shoot first time, and in the end kind of didn't either and the chance had gone. It would have been such a good goal, it's a real shame he didn't finish that off but a really fabulous performance from Arsenal.”

Has Xhaka scored more goals this season for Arsenal?

Xhaka has actually been able to deliver a lot more in an attacking sense this season. For instance, he has three league goals to his name this term which is as many as he had in the past three seasons combined.

On top of that, he also has five assists which is two more than the three yellow cards he has picked up in 27 games – proving just how his game has been adapted to play higher up the pitch and be more of a creator than a destroyer of late.

Even still, he hasn’t scored in 2023 so far and his potential rust in front of the net was on full display against Fulham as he just lacked that little bit of composure to finish what could have been one of the goals of the season.

Thiago Alcantara's injury record with Liverpool has worsened even further as the Spaniard picked a new knock during his return against Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Thiago picks up injury on return
• Could be out for season
• Contract expires in the summer

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After recovering from a hip problem, Thiago made his competitive return against the Gunners, coming on as a late substitute at the Emirates. However, the 32-year-old later sustained a hamstring injury which is not a small setback, according to information provided by Neil Jones. Thiago's contract expires at the end of the season, and even if he were to return to the pitch before then, it's unlikely he'll receive fresh terms.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since his blockbuster transfer from Bayern Munich, the Spaniard's influence on the Reds have been repeatedly restricted due to various fitness complaints. He had hoped to return to the heights he exhibited during the 2021-22 campaign this season, but so far his brief cameo against Arsenal is the only time he has got onto the pitch.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Last summer, Thiago was linked with a spectacular return to Barcelona after having left the Catalan side in 2013. However, it was reported that Barcelona could not afford his transfer fee and even if they could, Liverpool were not interested in selling the Spaniard as Klopp saw him as a crucial player.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO?

  The 32-year-old will start his recuperation with the goal of rejoining Liverpool before the end of the current campaign. The Reds lead the Premier League by two points and will play against Burnley on Saturday, February 10. Thiago has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season.

Australia outdid themselves by benching Stuart Clark, but Ben Hilfenhaus ensured Australia’s day wasn’t entirely dominated by defensive tactics from Ricky Ponting

Alex Brown at Cardiff08-Jul-2009Most assumed Steve Harmison’s record for earliest Ashes shock would never be bettered after his opening delivery of the 2006-07 series angled its way to an unamused Andrew Flintoff at second slip. But Australia, ever the innovators, went one better on Wednesday, stunning all and sundry before a ball had been bowled by benching Stuart Clark, the leading wicket-taker of the corresponding series two years ago, in favour of a four-man attack with precisely zero Ashes Tests to their name.The move to elevate Ben Hilfenhaus was widely expected, given Brett Lee’s injury and predictions of heavy atmospheric conditions in Cardiff this week. Though omitted from Australia’s final warm-up match against the England Lions in Worcester, Hilfenhaus’s conventional swing and bustling pace were viewed as desirable assets against an England batting line-up yet to establish itself as an international force.Nathan Hauritz, however, was another matter entirely. If, as one theory goes, selectors should pick their best four bowlers irrespective of conditions, then Hauritz’s record of 2-260 from 68.2 overs in Australia’s two tour matches did not compare with Clark’s 5-151 from 50. His lack of penetration in those matches provided selectors with few grounds for optimism, particularly as they were played on slow, holding pitches similar to the current Sophia Gardens strip against opposition inferior to that offered by England.Clark, undoubtedly, is a force subdued on sluggish pitches, where his generally awkward bounce carries at a less threatening height, but his metronomic accuracy can asphyxiate even the most resolute of batsmen. Still, Australia opted to play for balance and conditions, and the first surprise of this series was sealed before a coin had been flipped. A new Ashes record.Hilfenhaus immediately justified the faith of Andrew Hilditch with an energetic opening spell that yielded the wicket of Alastair Cook. His union with the hard-charging Peter Siddle appeared the most threatening of the morning – the latter roughed up Ravi Bopara and troubled right-handers with inward angling deliveries – but it was Mitchell Johnson who proved the most prolific with the scalps of Strauss and Bopara.The dismissal of Strauss to a brutish, tailing bouncer was comfortably the highlight of Johnson’s outing, which was otherwise notable for a low arm action and, on occasion, a lower head. The intimidating, talismanic paceman of South Africa seldom surfaced on Wednesday, replaced by a throwback model whose lack of lateral movement and periods of inaccuracy blunted his effectiveness. Still, Australia’s prevailing mood was one of optimisim entering the lunch break, with England’s top three back in the pavilion and a jittery Kevin Pietersen to resume.It would not last. Twice in as many hours, Australian fans hollered “why, why, why?” into the ether – the first on account of a Welsh warbler’s rendition of “Delilah”, the second due to a numbing session of play in which Hauritz and Michael Clarke were deployed for an extended period to little effect. Commentators, including Ian Chappell, were underwhelmed at Ponting’s tame field settings, while others questioned the defensive mindset of bowling Clarke, a part-timer, for five overs in the second session of an Ashes series.Hauritz was by no means disgraced, but neither was he threatening after lunch. Extracting subtle turn from the first day wicket, Australia’s oft-criticised spinner was treated with more reverence than in the previous two tour games, albeit at a time when the England run-rate ticked along steadily. His judgement will be deferred until the second innings, when footmarks and a loosening surface should suit, but given his recent history, there must be concern among the Australian camp as to whether he can get the job done.Hauritz will at least be buoyed by the wicket of Pietersen, claimed not so much out of spin or flight but rather the lamentable decision-making of the batsman. Scorecards aren’t so judgemental, though, and the wicket of Pietersen, coupled with that of Paul Collingwood to Hilfenhaus five overs early, rekindled Australian confidence at a time when the day appeared to be lurching England’s way.The tourists’ spirits were lifted further in the final hour when Siddle and his internal V8 engine returned for the wickets of Andrew Flintoff and Matt Prior. Guilty of straying onto the pads in his earlier spells, Siddle tightened his line and troubled England’s batsmen with a full length and swing into the right-handers. Such levels of skill and tenacity are generally associated with spearheads, and it would not surprise if Siddle assumed that mantle from Johnson before the series is out. Hilfenhaus might also have something to say on the matter; the old-ball swing generated in his final spell was Alderman-esque on occasion.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a move for a "fantastic" attacking player who is also wanted by Arsenal, according to a new transfer update.

Liverpool eyeing Salah successors

The Reds are flying at the moment, progressing to the FA Cup fourth round after a 2-0 win away to Arsenal on Sunday, but that's not to say that new signings aren't needed in the near future.

Klopp is expected to be on the lookout for a new forward this month with Mohamed Salah away at AFCON, and the Reds will eventually need to replace the Egyptian King for good too, given his extensive links to the Saudi Pro League over the last 12 months.

It remains to be seen if anyone will arrive at Anfield in the January transfer window or if they wait until the summer, but one player who has been linked with a move to the club is Wolves star Pedro Neto.

The 23-year-old has stood out as one of his side's most impressive players in recent years, providing constant quality out wide and registering seven assists in just 11 Premier League appearances this season.

Jurgen Klopp considers Pedro Neto hijack

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Klopp wants Liverpool to sign Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who is also wanted by Arsenal, with the report reaffirming the Reds' desire to increase their attacking depth in Salah's absence.

"Finally, the Merseyside giants also have two targets in attack, with a potential battle with Arsenal on the cards as Wolves winger Pedro Neto works his way onto Klopp’s radar. The 23-year-old has been hugely impressive in the Premier League this season, and Fabrizio Romano has told CaughtOffside that he expects him to be a summer target for Arsenal."

Neto is a wonderful footballer, not only because he is easy on the eye with his slick dribbling ability, but also because he provides consistent levels of end product, proving that he has substance to his game. He is contracted at Wolves until 2027, however, so he won't be arriving on the cheap.

The Portugal international is someone who can play on either flank, either hitting the byline from the left or cutting inside from the right, and he is a player who should only get better for the next five or six years. Wolves manager Gary O'Neil is a big admirer of him, too, saying of him in September: "He will be hugely important for us, he’s a fantastic player, hugely talented and he’s working extremely hard without the ball as well as bringing big quality with it, so I’m really pleased with Pedro."

Liverpool clearly face stiff competition from Arsenal, who despite their current poor form, are still a side with some brilliant young players who Neto could want to play with, whether it be Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.

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The influence of Klopp is something that could easily give the Reds the edge, however, given his standing out as one of the greatest man-managers of his generation, and he could be a superb replacement for Salah, even though the Egyptian staying put for a few more years would be preferable.

Last week, Premier League clubs voted against banning loan moves between affiliated clubs in the aftermath of Newcastle United being linked with signing Ruben Neves in January, having left Wolves for £47m in January.

13 teams in the top flight voted in favour of the ban while seven rejected its premises. One of the seven contrarian voters were Newcastle, which may not have come as a surprise to many people as the Magpies are currently owned by the PIF which also has a majority stake in some of Saudi Arabia's biggest clubs; Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli.

Nevertheless, the striking down of the proposal has opened the door for Newcastle to dip into the Saudi Pro League market in January and head coach Eddie Howe has his sights set on one player in particular.

Gabri Veiga to Newcastle links

Speaking on the Premier League All-Access Podcast, journalist Alex Crook revealed that Newcastle United have turned their attention away from signing Neves and could well reignite interest in Gabri Veiga.

The Magpies were keen to secure Veiga's services during the summer but were pipped to his signature by Al-Ahli who activated the midfielder's £34m release clause.

Veiga broke onto the scene two years ago with his boyhood club Celta Vigo and came to the forefront of the minds of many elite clubs in Europe, especially after scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances in his first full campaign.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti even hailed the youngster as being an "excellent" player, while Premier League outfit Arsenal were reportedly looking to sign the Spain international to replace the outgoing Granit Xhaka last season.

Regardless, Al-Ahli pipped all suitors to the signing of Veiga, handing the 21-year-old a three-year deal worth £10.4m per year. However, Veiga could be on the move already, with Newcastle set to come calling this winter.

How Gabri Veiga compares with Joelinton

Veiga has featured 12 times in all competitions for Al-Ahli this term and has scored once and registered two assists in the process, while featuring as a central midfielder, a holding midfielder and a number '10', according to Transfermarkt.

The Spaniard hasn't contributed to many goals under the guidance of 35-year-old head coach Matthias Jaissle but has still been a key component for the side who are currently sitting third in the league this term.

The former Celta man could be the perfect player to ease Joelinton out of the side if Howe can get his hands on the talented midfielder. In fact, Veiga even outperformed Joelinton in a number of key metrics last term when the pair were both plying their trades in Europe.

Goals

0.43

0.2

Expected Goals

0.24

0.24

Assists

0.16

0.03

Expected Assists

0.11

0.06

Key Passes

1.1

0.88

Switches

0.12

0.14

Passing Accuracy %

80.5

87

Progressive Passes

4.27

4.39

Progressive Carries

2.67

2.16

Tackles

1.69

2.36

Final 1/3 Tackles

0.16

0.27

Stats via FBref.

Newcastle have transitioned from a side battling to survive in the Premier League to one vying for titles and a place in Europe's elite club contest but the Magpies still boast just the ninth-highest possession average in the top flight with 53.2%, as per FBref.

Eventually, Howe will want his side to become more dominant on the ball and players like Veiga are a necessity for this.

While Joelinton is statistically more efficient defensively, Veiga trumped the Brazilian on several fronts, particularly in playmaking, despite being six years younger than his potential future teammate. Evidently, Veiga has a massive ceiling and could be the perfect player for the Geordie club to make the step to the next level.