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Newcastle United secured another win in the Premier League on Friday night after their 1-0 victory over Wolves at St James’ Park.

A second half penalty scored by Chris Wood was enough to seal all three points for the Toon as they seek to end the season as far away from the relegation zone as they can.

However, the night ended with one disappointing factor for the home side which came during the early stages of the match that could now be a cause for concern.

What’s the news?

With just 13 minutes on the clock, Newcastle were forced into an early substitution after Ryan Fraser picked up a suspected injury, leaving Miguel Almiron to come on in his place.

Speaking after the match, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said on the matter: “It looks like a hamstring issue. I don’t know how serious it is, but it was obviously enough to bring him off the pitch today, which is a huge blow with the form that he’s been in.”

Bad news for Howe

Since Howe took charge of Newcastle in November, Fraser has been a regular figure in the team, scoring two goals and providing three assists in the process. This shows just how important the winger is for Howe, who will be gutted by this latest injury blow, particularly with the likes of Callum Wilson and Kieran Tripper having already incurred long-term setbacks.

Having played in a number of different positions across the pitch in the current campaign campaign, Fraser’s versatility and his knack for scoring and creating goals will also be a loss for the team.

With the Scotsman having racked up more shots on target and key passes than Almiron, who may now find himself included in the team more often depending on the severity of Fraser’s injury, it’s safe to say that the former Bournemouth maestro will be a big miss for the Magpies.

With seven games left to play in 2021/22, everyone at St James’ Park will undoubtedly be hoping that the 28-year-old’s injury is not a serious one and that he will be able to get back out on the pitch at some point before the campaign draws to an end.

In other news – Possession lost 20 times: “Huge” Newcastle flop was Howe’s glaring liability against Wolves

Marcelo Brozovic rejected the chance to link up with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent appearance on Telelombardia (via Sport Witness), Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin revealed that, prior to the 29-year-old midfielder putting pen to paper a new four-year deal with Inter Milan, all three of Tottenham, Newcastle United and Barcelona made contact with the Croatia international regarding a potential summer switch.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Concerning Spurs’ interest in Brozovic, Biasin said: “I can say that they tried for Brozovic. Tottenham made an attempt, but Brozovic, a man of his word, said he wanted to stay and he did it by signing the renewal. He had [offers from] Newcastle, Barcelona and Tottenham, and he stayed. Barcelona had offered him €8m [£6.5m] per season.”

Conte will be fuming

With it being reported that Antonio Conte was extremely interested in securing a reunion with his former Inter midfielder in north London, the news that Brozovic rejected Tottenham in favour of remaining at the San Siro is sure to have left the 52-year-old fuming.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the Italian was keen on a move for the 29-year-old, as Brozovic was a hugely important part of Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

Over his 33 Serie A appearances in 2020/21, the £41.5m-rated Croatian was in sensational form for the Nerazzurri, scoring two goals, registering six assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, along with making 1.4 key passes and taking 0.8 shots per game.

The €6m-per-year – roughly £96k-per-week – central midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 59.7 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 4.3 long balls and winning three duels per match.

These returns saw the player who Gianfranco Matteoli dubbed “irreplaceable” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him not only as Conte’s second-best performer in Serie A but also the 14th-best player in the entire league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Brozovic would have made a fantastic addition to Spurs’ current options in the middle of the park this summer, while it is also evident why Conte will be raging at missing out on the 29-year-old’s signature, especially as he wouldn’t have cost the club a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…” – Alasdair Gold drops teasing Spurs claim which supporters will love

Frank Lampard has made the best first impression he possibly could at Goodison Park on Saturday leading his Everton side out in a convincing 4-1 win, in the team’s highest-scoring victory of the season so far.

If we take one thing away from Lampard’s approach to setting up his first Everton side, it’s the higher pressing 3-4-3 formation and overwhelmingly offensive play that made the difference in the players, and with that being said, it would be no surprise if the ex-Chelsea boss will want to further strengthen that strategy by adding players in the summer who understand his philosophy.

One player who has been linked to a move to the Toffees in the coming months is Armando Broja, with the Chelsea loanee becoming a hot prospect thanks to his performances for Southampton this season, scoring five top-flight goals.

However, Lampard could have the upper hand on any other club looking to sign the £8.1m-rated star who was hailed “dangerous” by current manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, thanks to their relationship at Chelsea.

Ironically, the 43-year-old Toffees manager gave Broja his senior debut in the Premier League in 2020 against Everton, and with the advantage of working together before, the former midfielder’s appointment has now potentially strengthened the Toffees’ chances of securing his signature in the summer.

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, has also weighed in on the potential move for Broja to work with the midfielder turned manager again, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“Broja, there’s no way Lampard doesn’t come into that conversation straight away. He knows him, think he gave him his debut. If he was genuinely available, Lampard would look in his direction.”

Imagine him & Alli

Despite Everton already having a strong attacking force with the likes of Richarlison, Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having a huge presence in the team, the potential signing of Broja could be something explored if the club did decide to cash in on Calvert-Lewin this summer, as the 29-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal for months.

Lampard wasted no time strengthening the creative attributes of the team by signing Dele Alli on Deadline Day, and will surely be hoping to find the perfect match to work with the attacking midfielder in the long term, and Broja could be the answer.

The Saints loanee also offers much more than just goal involvement, with the 6 foot 2 beast using every inch of his stature to impose himself on defenders, winning 47 aerial duels in the opponents half which is the seventh highest in the Premier League this season according to One Versus One.

His height and hunger for goals make him not only the perfect partner for Alli to serve up chances for, but also the perfect young replacement for 6 foot 1 forward, Calvert-Lewin, should he move on in the summer.

In other news: Yerry Mina proves Lampard wrong with outstanding performance

Dan Sheldon, Southampton correspondent for The Athletic, was critical of goalkeeper Fraser Forster during the 1-1 draw against Leeds United. 

The lowdown: The battle for no.1

The 34-year-old stopper has had to fight hard for a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and was recalled when the previous incumbent of the gloves, Alex McCarthy, injured his hamstring in December.

Since then Forster has started 13 consecutive Premier League matches as veteran ‘keeper Willy Caballero acts as deputy.

As the Saints made it four league games without a victory at Elland Road, the former Celtic ace came in for criticism for his role in the opening goal.

The latest: Sheldon unimpressed

Hosting a post-match Q&A on The Athletic for Southampton supporters, the journalist was prompted to provide his thoughts after Leeds winger Jack Harrison poked the ball beyond the stranded Saints star, who had earlier tamely attempted to punch clear.

Described as a ‘howler’ in the question, Sheldon responded: “He (Forster) certainly didn’t cover himself in glory with Leeds’ goal!”

Overall, it was indeed an afternoon to forget for the towering six-cap England man, as Forster completed just 8/31 passes (26%), 5/28 long balls and the all-important error leading to the goal – earning a lowly rating of 6.30 (Sofascore).

Ultimately it was Southampton talisman James Ward-Prowse who spared the shot-stopper’s blushes as the captain scored a trademark free-kick to level the game and earn a valuable point.

The verdict: Credit in the bank?

Whilst this was far from an inspiring performance from the usually reliable Englishman, there should be no need for rash decisions when it comes to Hasenhuttl’s selection for the meeting with Chelsea.

Previously described as a ‘quality’ operator by Saints teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi, Forster has proven to be a worthy top-flight number one for some time now.

However, at 34 and out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt) with a 32-year-old McCarthy and 40-year-old Caballero waiting in the wings, perhaps the greater concern should be who takes the gloves in the long term at St Mary’s.

In other news: Pundit tips UCL chasing side to move for Saints star. Find out more here!

Aston Villa made it back-to-back losses after they were beaten 2-0 by rivals West Brom at Villa Park over the weekend.

Defeat to Darren Moore’s side comes straight after a 1-0 loss to Brentford, leaving Aston Villa’s promotion dream in tatters.

Amid this current bad period, though, the club could be about to be given a huge boost.

The Breakdown

Attacking midfielder Jack Grealish looks to be closing in on a return from an injury that has kept him out of action since December with his manager Dean Smith optimistic he could be available for the upcoming Stoke City clash.

“I’m hoping Jack may be available for the bench at Stoke. He is working on his fitness side at the moment,” Smith was quoted as saying by Express and Star. “He is in no pain but I will be guided by the medical staff.”

Following Smith’s appointment as Steve Bruce’s successor in the Villa Park dugout, Grealish was one of the players who had really gone up another level under his new manager, putting in some very creative performances.

The 23-year-old’s absence has undoubtedly weakened this Villa side and, ultimately, hampered their chances of promotion.

His return, nevertheless, could still be massive as the Villans look to get a run together, while that last play-off spot is not completely out of sight just yet.

Jurgen Klopp and Julian Ward could bring a new striker to Liverpool this summer in the shape of Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the latest reports from TuttoMercato, who claim that the 24-year-old has decided that he wants a move to a “big club with many titles” and the Reds have him in their crosshairs as a result.

The Italian outlet suggests that Martinez will not be playing his football for Inter Milan next season, with the Nerazzurri looking to free up some budget.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

The fee will of course depend on the way he ends the season but is reported to be around €80m (£67m).

It is said that Arsenal and Atletico Madrid had made their interest known, though the Argentinian striker was not willing to entertain a move to either side, with his sites set on joining a club that has won “many titles.”

Possible destinations suggested by TuttoMercato are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City or Bayern Munich.

An elite club

Thanks to their historical success and silverware as of recent, Liverpool are in an elite and forthright position to sign the “sensational” £76k-per-week talent.

Klopp would be right to do so, with Martinez notching up some impressive numbers in regards to his goal returns. In 42 appearances this season, the Argentina international has three assists.

Lautaro has demonstrated that he can be more creative, having created 11 assists last season, when Lukaku was the main man in Milan.

Being an out-and-out striker, he would offer a presence up-top that Liverpool have not had since Luis Suarez.

Capable of adapting to the style of Lionel Messi, his teammate in the national team, Martinez could find a new partnership with Mohammed Salah.

Of recent, Salah has established an identity as a top goalscorer, and if he would be willing to collaborate with the 24-year-old in Liverpool’s frontline, we could well see a deadly duo in the Premier League.

This is a transfer that few clubs have the opportunity to pull off, so it would be worth a look at least from the perspective of Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: Julian Ward could now unearth Liverpool’s next Trent in £540k-rated “wonderkid”…

Liverpool transfer target Kylian Mbappe is still considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain with his contract set to expire in the summer.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe (via The Liverpool Echo) PSG’s sporting director Leonardo said that Mbappe is “in deep reflection” and “hasn’t made a decision” with regards to his future at the club.

His contract expires in June and he is considered one of the brightest talents around so to lose him on a free transfer would be devastating.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

However, what is PSG’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain with the Reds linked to the Frenchman already with Get French Football News suggesting they are now the ‘most likely’ to acquire his services and turn his head.

Therefore, this new development is hopefully a sign when it comes to their chance of signing him.

A great replacement for Salah

He would be a great replacement for Mohamed Salah whose future at Liverpool is still in doubt with the forward yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Anfield.

The Egyptian has been Liverpool’s standout player this season and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 22 goals. Of course, the Reds will hope that he stays and signs a new deal, but if he doesn’t then Mbappe could be the complete solution.

The World Cup winner’s statistics in Ligue 1 this season are insane. He has played 31 games and directly contributed to 37 goals. Yes, it’s undoubtedly not as tough as the top flight in England, but if he could replicate close to that in a Liverpool shirt then they wouldn’t miss Salah at all.

He’s been described as a “baller” by outlet Goal and Mbappe beats Salah in a lot of categories when you compare them both. He wins for the number of goal creating actions per 90 minutes 1 compared to the 29-year olds 0.87.

He also has slightly more combined goals and assists per 90 minutes with 1.25 compared to Salah’s 1.21. You can compare them both to each other all day long, but ultimately they are both incredibly exciting players, and Liverpool supporters will be a lucky fanbase if they get to say that both of them pulled on their club’s shirt.

If this transfer was to happen we think it would require Salah to leave. The Reds would likely need him off their wage budget in order to afford the £144m-rated dazzling Frenchman.

IN other news: Sky Sports: Liverpool will need mega £55m to sign “unstoppable” gem, he’s Salah 2.0…

Phil Hay has dropped a promising claim concerning Raphinha’s links with a move away from Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s been said?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, Hay revealed that, despite reports suggesting that the Brazilian has a release clause in his current contract at Elland Road, this is in fact not the case – with the only clause in the winger’s deal relating to relegation – before the journalist also went on to claim that, at present, Barcelona are yet to submit any offers for the 25-year-old.

In his article, the journalist said: “What we can say at this stage is that [Barcelona] have not submitted any offers to Leeds.

“You’ll have read in various places about a release clause in Raphinha’s current deal. I’ve asked about this several times and been told consistently the only release clause in the contract relates to relegation (and in that scenario, it goes without saying that he would be leaving the club anyway).”

Great news for Leeds

Considering just how important a part of the Leeds United side Raphinha has become since his £17m move to Elland Road back in October of 2020, the news that there is no release clause – aside from the one relating to relegation – in the forward’s deal is undoubtedly great news for everyone involved with the Whites.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £36m-rated dynamo has been one of Leeds’ standout performers, scoring nine goals, registering three assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £63k-per-week winger average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Whites’ second-best performing outfielder this term.

As such, the fact that there is no set price at which Victor Orta will be forced to accept a bid for the 25-year-old is undoubtedly good news for the Premier League side, as this provides the sporting director with a fantastic opportunity to command what will more than likely be a record-breaking fee for a talent who is one the most gifted players to have graced the Elland Road pitch in recent memory.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Phil Hay drops 7-word behind the scenes Leeds update, Marsch will be gutted

David Moyes’ West Ham United side head into Tuesday evening’s Premier League fixture against Watford on the back of a rather unconvincing 2-1 (AET) victory against Kidderminster Harriers last weekend.

As is to be expected against such a close-run encounter against a side who were 113 places below the Hammers in the English football pyramid, a number of the West Ham starting XI turned in extremely disappointing performances against their non-league opposition on Saturday.

A collectively huge improvement is now required if Moyes’ side are to have any hope of besting Roy Hodgson’s Watford outfit at the London Stadium tonight.

So, how many changes will the 58-year-old make to the side that started the win over Kidderminster last time out? Here’s how we think West Ham could line up against the Hornets, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Moyes recently stating that Lukasz Fabianski is set to return to the starting XI against Watford, as well as suggesting that both Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio could also start, we expect the West Ham boss to make ten changes to the team that lined up against Kidderminster last weekend.

There are wholesale changes in the Irons’ back five, with Alphonse Areola being replaced by the fit-again Fabianski between the West Ham sticks, while Ben Johnson, Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks all also make way.

The outgoing defensive quartet are replaced by Aaron Cresswell, 21-year-old Aji Alese – who podcaster Tom Edwards dubbed a “seriously good” talent – Craig Dawson and Vladimir Coufal.

In midfield, Mark Nobel and Alex Kral drop out of the XI for Moyes’ first-choice central midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, while Nikola Vlasic, Said Benrahma and the £100k-per-week Andriy Yarmolenko – whose display against Kidderminster was dubbed “embarrassing” by Dion Dublin – all have to make do with a spot on the bench.

In their place, Pablo Fornals and Lanzini line up on the left wing and in the number 10 role respectively, while Jarrod Bowen returns to his natural position on the right flank, with the returning Antonio leading the line for the Hammers.

In other news: Moyes must brutally axe “shocking” WHU flop tonight, it’s “frightening” how bad he is

Eddie Howe has given a promising update on Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis and his progress in his recovery from a long-standing groin problem.

What’s the latest?

The Newcastle manager took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the Norwich City clash on Friday, to reveal more information on Lewis’ condition.

Howe told the press (via Newcastle’s Twitter account): “He’s had a few operations and recently had another one. We hope this one has fixed his long-standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

Howe will be buzzing

Lewis was cut from Newcastle’s 25-man squad in February to make way for new signings, so he will have the opportunity to really work on his fitness and recover ahead of pre-season when he can then start working on earning his place back in the team which will surely have Howe buzzing.

The 24-year old’s left-back position is currently being covered by Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett, and, despite many reports suggesting that the loan move will be made permanent this summer, The Athletic is now reporting that the Magpies manager is undecided on the signing.

When you compare the pair over their careers, Lewis has made 121 appearances, whilst Targett has made 130. Lewis has maintained a better pass accuracy and higher success rate in tackling than his position competitor, however, the 26-year-old offers more success in his dribbling and is more successful in winning aerial duels.

Even if Targett was to sign on a permanent deal, Lewis will still be needed to cover and rotate into the left defensive position, and considering how young he is, he is likely to be considered a long-term prospect in the position at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have almost completed their great escape from relegation this season securing 40 points in the Premier League table after a win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and will take on Norwich City this afternoon at Carrow Road – with Howe surely hoping they can continue to climb the table into a comfortable position.

AND in other news: Eddie Howe must finally axe “unacceptable” £80k-p/w NUFC passenger, he’s “looked lost”