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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Newcastle are interested in signing Real Valladolid’s Mohammed Salisu, according to Spanish outlet Pucela Fichajes.

What’s the word?

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough in La Liga this season and his impressive performances have reportedly caught the eye of several clubs across Europe.

As well as the Magpies, Everton, Schalke and Sevilla are among the clubs interested, with each considering a bid of €12m (£10.2m), a fee which would activate the defender’s release clause.

Sevilla and Everton are believed to be leading the race currently, but since a bid is yet to be submitted by any party it still remains unclear where his future lies.

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Planning for the future

At first glance it seems a little odd that Newcastle are taking interest in another central defender, as it is the area of their squad that is most well-stocked with six players able to play there.

However, it is a positive step to take, as if he did join he’d have a plethora of individuals to learn from, and could gradually be eased into the starting line-up by Steve Bruce.

That would allow him to build his understanding of the Premier League and adopt the best attributes of those at the club, which could be massive in his improvement.

Planning for the long-term is a transfer strategy that has been quite alien to Newcastle in the past few months and years, and that could be a reason why they have stagnated a little since promotion in 2017.

Examples such as Fabian Schar, Andy Carroll and Salomon Rondon have arrived with varying success, with the latter two appearing to be short-term solutions.

Now with a new manager who is looking to stay at the long-term there is an opportunity to build something, if funds are available, and following the astute additions of Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems, Salisu could be next to impress.

Operating with three centre-backs means the Ghanaian should get his chance even if he joined in January, and given he has conceded 17 goals in 13 La Liga appearances this season, skewed a little with five of those coming against Barcelona, he has the potential to make a surprise impact.

After a rough start to this season, which saw them lose to Arsenal and Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur appear to have found their rhythm again.

Ange Postecoglou’s side scraped past Coventry City in the League Cup last week, but on the weekend, they put in a seriously impressive performance to beat a Brentford side that gave Manchester City a run for their money the week before.

However, there’s no time to reflect on the victory as the North Londoners kickstart their Europa League campaign with a home game against Azerbaijani giants Qarabağ FK this evening.

While Postecoglou might be tempted to go with the same team that won on the weekend, he shouldn’t. Instead, the Australian should look to rest several important first-team players like club captain Son Heung-min and start some of the club’s incredibly talented youngsters.

Why Son should be dropped

So, we’ll just cut right to the chase with this one, as it’s not his form that should see Son dropped to the bench for tonight’s game, but his fitness.

The South Korean superstar might not have started this season in scintillating fashion, but he’s undoubtedly one of the most important players in Postecoglou’s squad, both for his on-pitch exploits and leadership qualities, although at 32 years old, his minutes need to be managed.

Following this evening’s game, the North Londoners have a must-win clash with Manchester United on Sunday, a tricky away game against Hungarian giants Ferencvaros on Thursday, and then another seriously challenging away clash with the high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday before another international break halts the season for just under two weeks.

Of the next four matches, tonight’s is probably the only one in which the manager can afford to rest the former Bayer Leverkusen star due to the level of the opposition and the fact that it is at home. So, with the intention of keeping Son fit and firing for the following three games, he should be on the bench.

Why Mikey Moore should start

Yes, 17-year-old Mikey Moore, one of the club’s most talked-about and exciting young talents, should make his first competitive start for the Lilywhites tonight.

For example, in his 33 appearances across the various junior sides, the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists, equating to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 0.94 games.

Moreover, the Southwark-born gem, whom Mango claims was “born to play football,” hasn’t just been impressive for the North Londoners’ youth teams.

In 34 games for the England U15, U16, U17, and U19 sides, the right-footed dynamo has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.36 games in the national set-up.

Aside from his outrageously impressive form, the other argument for starting the youngster in tonight’s game is that he needs to start playing for the first team more this season to help his development and illustrate that there is a path to regular football at the club, and while Qarabağ won’t be a walkover, it should be a far more forgivable fixture than most others this season.

Ultimately, Spurs need to rest Son tonight to keep him fit and firing for the tougher fixtures to come, and Moore deserves the chance to make his first competitive start for the club, so the youngster should come in for the captain.

Conte wanted Spurs to sign star now worth £62m but got Richarlison instead

The Premier League star would be incredible under Postecoglou.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 25, 2024

Newcastle United have claimed seven points from their opening three Premier League fixtures and stand a good chance of stretching into the top four with victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

The growth of the past several years has been remarkable, Eddie Howe the architect of Newcastle's PIF-fuelled rise. The transfer dealings have been a thing to behold, for the most part, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman among the stars to have made a significant impact.

But it's not all external. The Magpies are flying and have benefitted from some revived existing players and one or two homegrown talents. None have been more impressive than Lewis Miley.

Lewis Miley's 2023/24 season

Miley made his debut for Newcastle on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, clipping the crossbar during a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It was a statement start, and though Newcastle were knocked by persistent injuries and absence last year, particularly in midfield, the "elegant" teenager, as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, used the opportunity to impress.

The fact that he only turned 18 in May is almost laughable, for here is a player with experience aplenty in the Premier League and Champions League, hailed for his "clever" play by journalist Henry Winter, who also praised his precocious maturity.

Premier League

18

1

3

FA Cup

4

0

0

Champions League

3

0

1

Carabao Cup

2

0

0

Across his 17 top-flight appearances last year – 14 starts – the rangy midfielder scored one goal and claimed three assists, also completing 84% of his passes, winning 54% of his ground duels and averaging 1.9 tackles and 4.6 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

It's hardly surprising that his market value has shot up in no time at all.

Lewis Miley's market value in 2024/25

Miley's meteoric rise bears testament not only to his natural-born talent and studious approach to his craft, but Howe's expert ability to guide him to the fore and allow him to flourish. He really does look to be older than his years.

The starlet's performance against Chelsea back in May 2023 put his name on the map, but he was still a minnow in both stature and market value.

According to Football Transfers, Miley was worth just £2m at the time, though this still suggested recognition of his qualities. Fast-track to the present, and it would be fair to say that he's eclipsed expectations.

Indeed, Miley now boasts a market value of £32m, which, to put it another way, stands as a 1350% rise in little over a year, which is astounding but deserved for a top, top talent.

What does the future hold? The 18-year-old is blessed with technical skills and intelligence. Come back next year, we might just be writing once again about a player defying the odds and soaring toward the apex of the Premier League's talent pool.

Newcastle star was worth £29m when PIF arrived, now he's worth 245% more

He’s been a huge hit since his move to Newcastle.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2024

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag angrily repeated four words to journalists in the post-match media zone after the club’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Red Devils were hugely disappointing on Sunday, as they failed to put up a fight in front of their own fans at Old Trafford. Sunday’s result now means United go into the first international break of the Premier League campaign having lost two of their opening three games of the season.

Alongside Casemiro: Man Utd must axe 3/10 ace who's fighting for his career

Casemiro didn’t cover himself in glory against Liverpool.

2 ByMatt Dawson Sep 2, 2024 Reaction to Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool

United went into the game against Liverpool on the back of an impressive summer, with the club adding five new players to the squad, the latest being midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined on Friday from PSG. However, that wasn’t enough for them to compete with their Merseyside rivals, as they were brushed aside 3-0 after two individual errors from midfielder Casemiro and another mistake from Kobbie Mainoo defence led to the third.

Overall, it was a disappointing day for the Red Devils, but while he thinks it is going to be a challenging week for Ten Hag, former captain Gary Neville believes the Dutchman will get until Christmas to turn around this poor start to the season.

Neville told Sky Sports: “It’s going to be a challenging week or so for Ten Hag, just to get around the fact that there will be some pressure building.

"But I think he will get until Christmas. There's no doubt about that. There's no doubt that INEOS and Dan Ashworth the chief executive – who has got a sense of calm about him – the [former Manchester] City chief executive [Omar Berrada] and Sir Dave Brailsford and those people, are not just going to do something stupid.

"Within three or four months, they have made the decision to keep him. They will get four or five months. What they can't be is mid-table come Christmas, but he is going to get a few months, there's no doubt about that."

Another former Man United captain, Roy Keane, was left unimpressed by his old side’s performance, and he likened it to the club’s problems from the 2023/24 campaign and suggested that “Leopards don’t change their spots”.

Keane told Sky Sports: “Same old problems. Leopards and spots. United are far too open. The statistics don't tell the story. It was far from an even game. Liverpool were very good and very efficient. They looked stronger and they looked fitter.

"You can try to dress it up a little bit, but United were shocking. They were absolutely shocking. Every time Liverpool went forward, they looked like they were going to score. There were two mistakes from an experienced player [Casemiro] and then another mistake at the start of the second half. It wasn't good.

"There's been a lot of PR the last few months about plans for the stadium and blah, blah, blah, but in a big game against Liverpool, United didn't turn up. For a game like this to be over after an hour, it's hard to accept."

Games

118

Won

69

Drawn

15

Lost

34

Stats as per Transfermarkt

After the game, Ten Hag was asked about his side’s performance, and in one of his responses he went on to repeat four words twice to reaffirm his status as the right man for the job.

Erik ten Hag hits out after Liverpool

United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford has no doubt put Ten Hag under serious pressure already, just three games into the new season. The Dutchman has been backed by the club’s board, and it is now down to him to show that he is the right man to lead them back to the top.

However, Sunday was a real disappointment for everyone involved in the club, and that result meant Ten Hag goes into this international break with a lot to think about. After the match, he was asked is the problem his coaching and not the players, and he responded by repeating “I’m sorry for you” twice in his short response, referring to his trophy haul as Red Devils boss.

Via Man United Zone, he hit out: “You are sure? I don’t think so, or you wouldn’t win trophies like we did and to beat big opponents. I’m sorry for you. After City, we won the most trophies. I’m sorry for you.”

Not all the blame can lie at ten Hag’s door, but the Dutchman has to take a big responsibility, as this United team is full of players who are established internationals who should be able to compete with a Liverpool side starting their own rebuild.

Celtic bringing former player Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead this summer would be a 'real statement of intent' from Brendan Rodgers as he gets his recruitment drive underway, according to journalist Anthony Joseph.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news involving Kieran Tierney?

According to Football Insider, Tierney has 'yet to hear' of whether Arsenal want to keep him on at the club in 2023/24 and Newcastle United have emerged as strong suitors to land the £110k-a-week ace.

Manchester City have also explored a potential deal, though Tierney's future at the Emirates Stadium looks to be an uncertain one as the transfer window kicks into gear.

Last week, The Scottish Sun revealed that Tierney 'won't close the door' on a sensational return to his boyhood club Celtic if Hoops boss Rodgers was to try and entice him back to Glasgow this off-season.

The report states that a season-long loan deal is not out of the question if Celtic could come to a compromise with Arsenal over a significant loan fee and his hefty pay packet.

Former Celtic player Frank McAvennie has chimed in with his say on the rumours surrounding Tierney and a possible return to Celtic, stating in an interview with Football Insider: “If Newcastle didn’t want him the best thing for him would probably be to get a loan deal for a year [to Celtic]. That would suit everyone because he would be playing every game. Everyone knows he is a Celtic supporter so going back wouldn’t be a big deal."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Joseph thinks that Tierney would be a 'statement' signing by Celtic as they look to continue their dominance in Scottish football.

Joseph stated: “It would be a real statement of intent if Celtic got Kieran Tierney in this window, even if it was on a loan. But I think there will be some major hurdles to overcome for that to happen.”

Would Celtic be able to pull off a deal to sign Kieran Tierney?

Despite Tierney's deep affection towards Celtic, the likelihood is that his wages and potential fee, either as a loan deal or on a permanent agreement, make the scenario of the Scotland international returning to Parkhead nothing more than a pipe dream unless Arsenal made significant concessions on both.

The Isle of Man-born left-back enjoyed a stellar time at Celtic, racking up eight goals and 37 assists in 170 appearances and winning 11 major trophies in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Since moving to Arsenal for £25 million back in 2019, Tierney has established himself as a fan favourite in north London due to his industrious displays; however, Oleksandr Zinchenko displaced him as Mikel Arteta's first-choice left-back last term, leading him to make 36 outings across the season, registering one goal and two assists.

As per FBRef, Tierney was a reliable presence when called upon by the Gunners, maintaining a tackle success rate of 75% in his time on the pitch.

His future is one to watch in the transfer window this summer; however, it remains to be seen whether a dramatic return to Celtic would actually be attainable.

Leeds United have identified Patrick Vieira as the leading candidate to become their new manager at Elland Road, according to reports.

What's the latest manager news at Leeds?

Following Sam Allardyce’s departure, the 49ers have been on the lookout to find their next new long-term boss and the four names who have consistently appeared are West Bromwich’s Albion’s Carlos Corberan, then Daniel Farke, Scott Parker and Vieira, all of the latter three being without a club.

The Whites have reportedly pulled out of the race for the Baggies coach due to his £2.5m release clause alongside his lack of experience, with Sky Sports confirming that Farke was set to undergo an interview this week whilst Vieira was one of the other candidates under serious consideration.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay recently claimed that the Frenchman was interested in taking charge when Jesse Marsch left back in February despite being in the dugout at Crystal Palace, and even though relegation has occurred, it sounds like he’s still more than keen to be handed the reins in the Championship.

Are Leeds appointing Vieira?

According to The Guardian, Leeds have placed Vieira at the “top of the shortlist” to be made their new manager. Parker and Farke “remain in contention”, but the 46-year-old is the candidate currently in “pole position”.

The Eagles’ former coach has shown an “enthusiasm” to succeed Allardyce and the club hierarchy are becoming big admirers, so with the board’s focus having “shifted increasingly” towards him, this could be one to watch in the coming days.

Is Vieira the right man for Leeds?

Leeds are likely attracted to Vieira because of the positive impression he made during his initial period at Crystal Palace, but having failed to win a single game of football in 2023, which is what saw him get sacked, we're not sure he's the candidate the 49ers should be appointing.

The Arsenal legend, whose preferred formation is an attack-minded 4-3-3, only won 22 of his 74 games in SE25, taking just 90 points from a possible 222, as per Transfermarkt, not to mention that he’s got no silverware to show for his work throughout his managerial career.

The Dakar native also has zero experience in the second-tier and is yet to get any team promoted so he won’t know what it takes to compete and be successful at the necessary level compared to Farke and Parker, who have achieved that with Norwich City and Fulham respectively, so this is a move that should be avoided.

Leeds United and AS Roma are finalising a new agreement over the transfer of defender Diego Llorente.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news involving Llorente?

The Whites, now under new ownership in the 49ers Enterprises, have plenty to sort out this summer ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season.

A new manager is yet to be brought in, and a number of incomings and outgoings also need to materialise in what is set to be a frantic few months.

One player who looks on course to leave once again is Llorente. The 29-year-old was sent out on loan to Roma during the January transfer window and made 12 appearances under Jose Mourinho.

Hailed as “brilliant” in the media against Lazio, there was an option set in place to make a move permanent this summer, but after some negotiations, Roma appear to be attempting to lower that agreement, which was set at aroumd £15.3m.

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Italian outlet Il Romanista regarding Llorente and Roma in the last 48 hours. They claimed that Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto is now "finalising" a new agreement with Leeds chiefs to sign the defender, which could be worth just £8.5m, with relegation harming their negotiating power.

Who else could leave Leeds this summer?

Llorente fell out of favour at Leeds during the 2022/23 season, making just seven Premier League starts. His Transfermarkt valuation dropped from €20m to €12m during his time at Elland Road, so possibly bringing in £8.5m and getting his £56,000-a-week wage off the books may be viewed as good business by the new Leeds owners.

However, he isn’t the only player who is expected to leave Yorkshire following the club’s relegation. Phil Hay previously claimed Leeds exits for the likes of Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and Rodrigo are all expected.

Leeds had a total of 10 players out on loan last season as well, one of which was Tyler Roberts, who looks set to move to fellow Championship side Birmingham City after the Whites accepted an offer.

Therefore, Llorente and Roberts could well be the first of many to leave Elland Road, and when a new manager is appointed, we could see a number of players brought in as the 49ers look to take the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Aston Villa have been linked to one of Europe's stars, as Unai Emery prepares for a busy summer in charge at Villa Park.

Movements aren’t just being made in recruiting upgrades on the pitch, with reports suggesting that Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi will team up with Emery behind the scenes.

It’s encouraging news for Villa, who were left disappointed by the breakdown of talks with Mateu Alemany, and now Monchi could register his first masterclass by signing the club’s latest link.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa?

As reported by TuttoJuve (as relayed by Sport Witness), Aston Villa hold an interest in Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The report comes from the side of Juventus, who are ‘following’ the talent that has a €35m (£30m) release clause in his current contract in Turkey.

It’s suggested however that the Italian ace could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with a ‘bigger offer on the table’ from England, with Villa and Tottenham listed as clubs that ‘dream’ of securing his signature.

What could Nicolo Zaniolo bring to Aston Villa?

Having been once hailed by ex-Roma ace Christian Panucci on Sky Sports (via Roma Press) as having “remarkable quality”, Zaniolo could prove to be part of a huge upgrade at Villa Park.

The 23-year-old has had a far from easy start to his career, suffering two Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures in less than a year.

In his absence the Italian missed a considerable amount of game time at Roma, ending in him departing the club this winter for a challenge in Turkey.

Having spent just four months at Galatasaray, the Italian could be on the move again this summer after an impressive cameo in Istanbul suggesting that he could be a strong fit for Emery’s set-up.

The confirmation of the agreement to sign Leicester City dynamo Youri Tielemans on a free transfer has presented the Spaniard with the opportunity to make significant upgrades to his midfield, with Zaniolo having the potential to form a tremendous partnership with the Belgian.

Having featured predominantly on the right flank for the Turkish champions, the 23-year-old is versatile in his position in attack as he can also play through the middle as a no.8 or no.10, making him a perfect suitor for Emery’s free-flowing midfield.

Once lauded as a “top-class player” by Manchester City's title-winning boss Pep Guardiola, Emery has signed a midfield whiz in Tielemans, who has proved to be one of the league’s top creators since his arrival from Monaco in 2019.

The Belgian averaged one key pass per game for Leicester during their dire campaign, also creating as many as 10 big chances for the recently relegated outfit, via Sofascore.

His innate creative ability and eye for a pass makes him a perfect outlet for Zaniolo, who is impressive in front of goal and in link-up play, with him identified by WhoScored to be a strong dribbler of the ball.

The claims are supported by his statistics, with the midfielder scoring five goals in 10 Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray despite only starting twice, as well as recording an average of one shot on target per game, via Sofascore.

The young Italian maestro could, therefore, become a gem in Emery’s side by playing alongside a prominent presence like Tielemans, and should he stay fit could finally reach his full potential at Villa Park.

Leeds United are working behind-the-scenes to make the important decision on who will become the next manager to lead the club back to the Premier League and now a new claim has been made by a reliable source.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Brendan Rodgers?

According to The Athletic's Phil Hay, Brendan Rodgers would "suit" the 49ers if they can complete a takeover and secure the former Leicester City coach's signature this summer.

Hay claimed on Twitter:

"Someone like Brenden Rodgers would suit 49ers Enterprises down to the ground – but the likelihood of him being drawn into the Championship is minimal."

Would Brendan Rodgers be a good fit for Leeds?

After a dreadful campaign in the Premier League, Leeds will be hoping that they can follow in the footsteps of Burnley and achieve an instant bounce back to the top flight, so bringing in a manager who can comfortably achieve that will be no easy task for the club's hierarchy.

Whilst it might seem far-fetched that the former Liverpool boss could make a move to Elland Road this summer, it could be an incredible appointment if the 49ers can give the Northern Irishman the freedom to not only bring in some much-needed quality reinforcements but present a project that provides a clear plan for returning to the Premier League.

The 50-year-old manager – who was hailed as "unbelievable" by West Ham striker Michail Antonio – has tallied up a number of honours in his career with two Scottish Premiership league titles and three Scottish league cups earned at Celtic, alongside a monumental FA Cup victory with Leicester City.

One of the most attractive traits that Rodgers boasts is his longevity in managerial positions – with his average term 2.17 years – an attribute that would be massively advantageous to the West Yorkshire club who have suffered constant instability in their appointments since the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

Indeed, the former Leicester boss struggled in his final weeks and months at the King Power Stadium, however, there is no denying that during the majority of his four-year tenure at the Midlands club he laid vital foundations to continue the success of those before him and competitively challenged in the top half of the table with ease.

With that being said, should the opportunity arise to snap up Rodgers' services this summer it should be a no-brainer for the Leeds hierarchy, as he could make the instant impact needed next season to transform the nightmare that has unfolded at Elland Road in the last few months.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is "ready" to make an offer for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

With both Kepa Arrizibalaga and Edouard Mendy failing to impress, Pochettino is set to target a new goalkeeper this summer, and a shortlist has already been drawn up, with Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez being named as an option.

However, "several other elite sides" are eyeing up the Argentina shot-stopper, meaning the Blues could look at bringing in Brentford's David Raya, with the same report highlighting the Spaniard as a potential target.

Onana has also been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, with it recently being reported that Chelsea could table a "very high offer" in the coming weeks, and they are now preparing to test Inter Milan's resolve.

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Pochettino has personally identified the Inter goalkeeper as a priority target, and the manager is planning to table a bid, which would include Mendy plus cash.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper is viewed as one of the best players in his position, and the Chelsea boss is a big fan, so an offer could be made very soon.

Taking to Twitter, journalist Santi Aouna added that the Chelsea boss is "ready" to make a bid for the 27-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether Inter are interested in a swap deal.

Will Chelsea sign Andre Onana?

Given that he is currently contracted until 2027, Inter have no pressing need to sell their goalkeeper and they can hold out for a large fee, but Pochettino seems determined to bring the £67k-per-week 'keeper to Stamford Bridge.

Considering Inter are in the Champions League final, while Chelsea are unable to offer any European football next season, it could be difficult to attract the 34-time Cameroon international, however he could be an excellent signing if they are able to.

Hailed as a "superstar" by members of the media, there is clear evidence the former Ajax man would be an upgrade on Mendy, averaging a far better save percentage, clean sheet percentage, and fewer goals against per 90 over the past year.

As such, it would be strange if Inter Milan are willing to accept a part-exchange deal, considering it would be a clear downgrade for the Italian club, so Chelsea may need to scrap their idea to use the Senegalese goalkeeper in a swap deal.