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An update has emerged on Manchester City winger Cole Palmer, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Magpies have made a loan approach to sign the England under-21 international for the second halff of the campaign.

The report claims that their initial attempts to land him have been knocked back by Pep Guardiola’s side, but does not state whether or not Newcastle will go back in with another effort.

Snap him up

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe must do everything in his power to snap him up by convincing the Premier League champions to send Palmer on loan to St. James’ Park. He could be a terrific addition to the squad who could help them avoid relegation down to the Championship.

The £12k-per-week wing wizard has already played 12 games in the first-team for Manchester City, scoring twice, and has been capped four times by England at under-21 level.

Guardiola was previously effusive in his praise of the young attacker, saying:

“Cole has a special quality in front of the box, a talent that is difficult to find. When he has the ball there, most of the time it ends up in the net. It’s difficult to find that.

“I know how it works with young players. We have to be calm and patient. His position is the second team but at the same time he trains with us and works with our principles. I am happy with the goal. He could have done a few actions a little bit better, but that is normal. It is experience.”

His record at U23 level for City is phenomenal. He has scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 27 games, having found the back of the net 20 times – whilst managing eight assists – in 32 matches for the U18s previously.

This, along with his exposure to first-team football under Guardiola, suggests that he could have the quality to provide a lift to the Magpies team. Callum Wilson (six) is the only Newcastle player with more than three Premier League goals and Allan Saint-Maximin (three) is the only player with more than two assists, highlighting the need for more forwards who can contribute at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Howe must work hard to change City’s mind and get them to send Palmer to the club on loan. He could come in and offer an added bit of quality in the final third, if he is able to translate even a fraction of the form he has shown for City at youth level into the first team.

AND in other news, Downie shares NUFC update after speaking “to the consortium”, fans will be thrilled…

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

Tottenham technical performance director Steve Hitchen has suggested that Graham Potter as a potential candidate to take over the vacant manager’s position at the club.

Hitchen suggests Potter

Jose Mourinho was sacked two weeks ago and Ryan Mason has since taken over on an interim basis. However, it seems unlikely that he will be given the job permanently.

According to the Daily Mail journalist Ian Ladyman, Hitchen has suggested to chairman Daniel Levy that Potter be considered for the role.

Left-field

Potter would seem to be a left-field appointment if Tottenham plump for him. Spurs have been linked with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Hansi Flick (The Telegraph), Erik Ten Hag (The Guardian) and Rafael Benitez – managers who have coached in, and occasionally won, the Champions League.

The Brighton boss does not match that profile, his European pedigree limited to a Europa League round of 32 run with Ostersunds three years ago.

Having said that, Potter has earned plaudits from the likes of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for the way he has his Brighton team playing (The Football Faithful). The Seagulls may not have always managed to get the right results this season, but only six top-flight teams have had more shots on target per match, while they have averaged over 50% possession (WhoScored).

At Tottenham, he would have a better squad and a bigger budget than at the Amex Stadium, while he should also come a lot cheaper than the other options being mooted. Potter is certainly someone who should at least be considered as Mourinho’s long-term successor.

In other news, this man reportedly fancies the Tottenham managerial position.

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.

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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…

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse scored his first England goal in their 5-0 win against San Marino in midweek, and Ralph Hasenhuttl should perhaps be concerned that it could increase interest in the 26-year-old ahead of the summer.

The Saints academy graduate has been a mainstay in the Austrian’s line-up so far this season, playing every single minute in the Premier League in a season where nearly every other player has been struck down by injury at one point.

He has also equalled his best-ever goalscoring season in the top flight with seven goals to his name in 29 appearances, which has seen him average an impressive 7.10 WhoScored match rating.

This ranks him as Hasenhuttl’s best performer in the Premier League and, after another excellent season with the Saints, it would not be a surprise if some clubs playing in Europe next season come knocking in the summer.

Even if it was against San Marino, His performance also highlighted just how good he can be in a team which gives him the freedom to go forward and attack more, as he opened the scoring from open play, something he has managed just once in the Premier League this season, in the 2-0 win against Everton.

The rest of his goals have either come from free kicks or the penalty spot, which have also boosted his reputation this season, with Pep Guardiola remarking that he is the “best free-kicker taker I have seen in my life” earlier this season.

Whilst he did come close to a second goal against San Marino with a free kick, it was a superb all-round display from the Saints captain.

As per SofaScore, Ward-Prowse – who reportedly earns £45,000 per week at Southampton – earned a superb 8.3/10 match rating for his display, which was only bettered by Mason Mount with 8.8.

During the 90 minutes, the 26-year-old Saints man completed as many as five key passes whilst also registering a 94% pass accuracy, both of which are significant improvements on his average numbers in the Premier League this season.

Although we must take into consideration the standard of the opposition, there is no doubt that Ward-Prowse was one of the standout performers for England in midweek; and if he produces similar displays in the European Championships during the summer, then it may be a struggle for Southampton to keep hold of him ahead of next season.

In other news… Hasenhuttl can amend key Saints issue next season with swoop for £10.8m-rated “great talent”

Leeds United transfer target Junior Firpo seems like the perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa amid Fabrizio Romano’s latest update.

What’s the story?

BBC reporter Adam Pope has revealed that the Whites are keen on signing Firpo, with the Spaniard set to cost around €15m (£12.8m).

And now, Romano has claimed that Bielsa’s side are nearing a deal for the left-back.

Via his official Twitter account, the journalist said: “Leeds are set to sign Junior Firpo from Barcelona, confirmed. The agreement will be completed for €15m + add ons, final details then deal done. #LUFC #FCB”

Fans surely buzzing

In the time that the summer transfer window has been often, Leeds fans have seen plenty of names linked with arriving at Elland Road, with the likes of Romain Perraud and Javi Galan, in particular, those who have been mentioned the most.

But a deal for Firpo is a hugely exciting one, especially given the kind of rave reviews he has earned for his ability and athleticism.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, player analyst, Josh Hobbs, said: “My feeling is that he’s not great at winning the ball in duels but I don’t think it matters hugely. He is an excellent athlete and in our man-marking system that can cover for a few issues in defensive fundamentals.

“Going forwards, he’s a good dribbler – particularly when he gets up to speed and he can steam past players. He likes to play a pass into midfield and then sprint down the line to receive in behind and get into the box.”His delivery in wide areas is usually a fizzed low cross, which is dangerous as often if the player at the front post misses it, can be met by somebody running centrally or to the back post.”While Firpo may not have been a regular starter at the Camp Nou last season – he played just 18 times in all competitions – he is the kind of attacking left-back who seems to be a perfect fit for Bielsa’s Leeds.In his real breakthrough season with Real Betis during the 2018/2019 campaign, Firpo managed three goals and four assists in La Liga, as well as averaging 0.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game.The £85k-a-week earning ace’s arrival is sure to have fans buzzing at Elland Road, not least because of his attacking instincts, but also because it brings an end to their long-running pursuit of signing a new first-team left-back.Meanwhile, Leeds have suffered a major transfer blow…

Amid all the jubilation of Leeds’ historic triumph over Manchester City last weekend, the one major concern for fans was seeing Raphinha limp off in the dying moments of the game.

The Brazilian was on the end of a crunching tackle by Fernandinho, and while Marcelo Bielsa appeared to downplay the severity of the injury in his post-match press conference, he will surely be a big doubt for the Premier League clash against Liverpool on Monday night.

And if Raphinha doesn’t make it in time for the clash at Elland Road, then the Leeds boss may well want to turn to one of the club’s brightest young talents: Crysencio Summerville.

Described as a “bag of tricks” by Chris Powell – his former coach when he was a teenager at ADO Den Haag – he scored a hat-trick against Burnley under-23s on just his second start for the Whites’ youth side earlier this campaign.

Since then, he’s bagged an impressive five goals and provided a further six assists in just nine Premier League 2 games.

Standing at just 5 foot 9 and with a slight frame, there may be doubts over whether the young Dutchman can handle the physical nature of the Premier League, but the winger himself has insisted that he is more than capable of dealing with that.

Summerville said earlier this year: “I often hear that there are doubts because of my physical condition, but when you are on the field, you are not concerned with that. There are often big defenders in front of me, I have to be smart about that. I know I’m agile and try to play with my mind.”

Raphinha has been such a revelation for Leeds that it would be virtually impossible for Bielsa and Leeds to replace him – after all, he’s managed an impressive six goals and six assists in his debut campaign in the Premier League.

But in Summerville, Bielsa could unleash someone who could bring a similar level of unpredictability and excitement much like the Brazilian. Helder Costa has been the man the Leeds boss has often turned to as his next wide option, but the Portuguese man has flattered to deceive all campaign, managing just two top-flight goals.

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At least in Summerville Leeds would be giving an opportunity to a young talent waiting for his first real chance of first-team football, and could well surprise everyone.

All he needs is a chance, and with Raphinha a potential doubt, it’s perhaps the perfect time for Leeds to unleash their flying Dutchman.

Meanwhile, Leeds are set for an exciting summer transfer window after major reveal…

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are interested in acquiring the 22-year-old’s signature over the summer after impressing in the last couple of campaigns.

The report also claims that fellow Premier League giants Manchester United are keen on Chukwueze, who has a £69 million release clause in his contract.

Bye-Bye Shaqiri

Jurgen Klopp’s charges recovered admirably to finish third in the top-flight table after a string of season-ending injuries to several key players decimated their title defence.

However, the German manager is expected to shake up his first-team squad over the coming months as the Anfield outfit shape up for another assault on the Premier League summit.

Many fringe players have been linked with a move away from Merseyside in recent weeks, with the likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri likely to make way for some fresh faces.

Much was expected of Shaqiri after his £13m move from Stoke City back in 2018, but injury issues have kept the former Bayern Munich and Inter ace sidelined for much of his Liverpool career.

Many of Liverpool’s problems throughout 2020/21 were caused by the absence of central defender Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, yet a huge drop-off in form from both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino was equally to blame for their struggles.

The usually deadly duo scored a combined 20 league goals in the recently concluded campaign, a significant drop off from the 27 they recorded in 2019/20 and the 34 the pair managed in 2018/19.

While Mohamed Salah has continued to put the ball in the back of the net with alarming regularity, his two strike partners have suffered a steady decline.

Without sufficient strength in depth, Klopp was rarely able to change personnel throughout the season in order to try and find a solution to Liverpool’s attacking conundrum but signing a player once lauded by Samuel Eto’o may just solve that particular problem.

“He is an incredible player who is growing in leaps and bounds,” said Eto’o, adding that improving his end product is Chukwueze’s next challenge.

“He is a quality player, and he needs to score more goals, but he has the quality and ability to be more than just a goal-scoring forward. Once he gets all of that he will be top.”

While the £18m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) forward’s goals and assists return may not be overly impressive – bagging just 17 goals and laying on a further 17 assists in 119 appearances for the Yellow Submarine – he’s clearly got bags of talent and potential.

Signing Chukwueze as Shaqiri’s replacement may be the perfect start to Klopp’s rebuild as he looks to restore Liverpool to their scintillating best.

And, in other news…Liverpool tipped as club who could move for £650k-p/w liability, Edwards must avoid 

West Ham could sign one of their mooted transfer targets for nothing this summer, if emerging claims are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Last summer, 90min reported that the Irons were one of several teams eyeing a move for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham, whilst over a year ago, it was thought that the two were in advanced talks over a transfer, as per Foot Mercato.

The 25-year-old joined Ligue 1 outfit Marseille during the January transfer window after they failed to secure Hammers star Manuel Lanzini, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

It appears that his future at Parkhead is in serious doubt, if not already over. Celtic are set to terminate his contract a year early, meaning he would be available on a free transfer this summer.

And now it has been revealed by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee that the Frenchman is represented by a familiar figure, Will Salthouse, who also has the likes of Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Craig Dawson and Ryan Fredericks on his books.

Squad depth option

Now that the season is done and dusted, and the unthinkable has been achieved, it’s time for David Moyes and the club’s hierarchy to move on with plans ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 58-year-old has transformed the East Londoners from firm relegation candidates to sealing a place in Europe in the space of just one year.

However, if the Irons go into battle next season as they are, they could well struggle due to the lack of rotation options at Moyes’ disposal.

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For instance, the Scotsman is just one injury to Michail Antonio away from not having a senior striker and this is a similar case right across the squad, with the Hammers lacking depth in midfield and in defence.

If Ntcham is available for nothing, then it could be a very shrewd decision to swoop for him, especially given his ties to a reliable figure in Salthouse.

Things have not gone to plan for the Bhoys midfielder at Marseille, where he has averaged an abysmal rating of 6.13, whilst L’Equipe rated one of his performances a brutal 3/10 back in March (via The Sun).

But, truth be told, his stint at the Stade Velodrome was hampered from the minute he walked through the door as then-manager Andre Villas-Boas resigned because he did not want the player.

It wasn’t too long ago that Ntcham was being touted as a £7m target for Premier League teams, whilst current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has always been a fan of his, having described him as a “terrific talent” in 2018.

Even Neil Lennon lauded him as “one hell of a player” during his time in charge of the Glasgow giants, so to get him for nothing would be a steal.

Another body in midfield is certainly needed this summer as next season will be Mark Noble’s final campaign in the claret and blue, with Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice the only other two out-and-out central options available to Moyes.

Ntcham won’t be expected to pull up many trees but is surely a worthwhile candidate to consider. He’s set to be available for nothing and Salthouse could well do GSB a major favour.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure his own Vardy with a West Ham swoop for “crazy” £27m-rated talisman…

Steven Gerrard has a key decision to make over the future of Rangers winger Brandon Barker…  What happened?

According to Rangers News, the 24-year-old was expected to leave Ibrox on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Football Insider reported that the club told him he could find a loan move or permanent exit on deadline day.

The winger failed to secure a deadline day switch and is now in limbo at Ibrox, having been left out of the Gers’ Europa League squad and not being in Gerrard’s current Premiership plans.

Gerrard faces decision on Barker

Gerrard is now in a position where he needs to take charge and make a crucial decision regarding what to do with Barker. It would be a waste to see the winger kicking his heels and doing nothing until January, so the Rangers boss needs to decide whether he wants to allow him to play for the B team and/or first team or have him do nothing for four months.

Rangers B have an SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Ayr United on Wednesday and Barker is eligible to feature in the game. Gerrard must allow the 24-year-old to feature in it in order to gain some match fitness and show that he has the quality to be a first team option further down the line.

His performance in this game, if he is allowed to play, could determine what happens with him between now and January. Given that he is out of contract next summer, January will be the club’s final chance to recoup some money for the former Manchester City man and giving him some game-time leading up to the transfer window could drum up some interest in his services.

Commenting on Barker and Jordan Jones previously, Gerrard hailed the pair as exciting players who can provide quality in the final third.

He said: “Last year I didn’t feel we had enough in the final third. The idea this year was to build a squad with exciting players who can open the door in different ways.

“Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker open the door in one-v-one situations then provide crosses or cut in to score goals.”

This shows that Gerrard had faith in Barker at the start of his career at Ibrox and maybe he could still have the potential to be a success. He scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 games on loan at Oxford last season, having scored twice in 10 Premiership matches during the first half of the campaign for Rangers.

Giving him a few opportunities in the league between now and January could be worthwhile for the Gers for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows him to show that he has improved since the start of last season and it could open the door for him to work his way into Gerrard’s plans, but it also gives interested clubs a recent set of performances to analyse and make decisions upon – potentially helping him to secure a transfer.

AND in other news, Rangers flop has seen value soar by 203% since leaving Ibrox, he deserved more time…