Matty Longstaff is reportedly ‘set to leave’ Newcastle United on a free transfer this summer.
The Lowdown: Contract expiring
The 22-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave St James’ Park as a free agent.
He is currently ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that he picked up while on loan at Colchester United earlier in the season, and it is not clear when he will be able to return.
The Latest: ‘Set to leave’
As per Football Insider, Longstaff is ‘set to leave’ for free this summer, as Newcastle are ‘not planning’ to offer him a new contract.
He is ‘attracting interest’ from suitors in the Championship and League One, and the player himself thinks that he will move on from his boyhood club.
Given his ACL injury, it is unlikely that Longstaff will be able to feature again this season, and seeing as he will soon be out of contract, it seems like the right time to move him on.
The 22-year-old has only made 20 senior appearances at St James’ Park and has been sent out on loan three times in the past two seasons (Transfermarkt).
Hailed by journalist Josh Bunting as ‘aggressive driving forward’ and a ‘good player on the ball’, Longstaff has produced some good moments in a Newcastle shirt, most notably scoring the winner against Manchester United on his Premier League debut in October 2019.
Spotted at Wembley to cheer on his team against the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday despite his injury, Longstaff has been a great servant to the club, but unfortunately it is the right time for him to go.
If a player of Tierney’s quality becomes available from a Premier League rival, then the Tynesiders should be taking the opportunity with open arms.
Lauded as a ‘warrior‘ by Arsenal and England legend Ashley Cole, he ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes per game of all left-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as well as in the 89th for progressive carries, 84th for passes attempted and 81st for non-penalty xG and shots (FBRef).
He would offer much more of an attacking threat than Dan Burn in this sense, who could then slot into a more natural centre-back position while still offering depth on the left.
Nonetheless, Tierney already boasts the top-flight experience, and so should be able to settle in fairly quickly at the Magpies, should he make the move this summer.
Craig Hope has insisted that Joe Willock is in line for a return to the Newcastle United starting lineup this weekend.
The Lowdown: Howe to be forced into a midfield changes
Willock and Newcastle were dealt a cruel blow a few weeks ago when he limped off during the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth and he hasn’t started a game since that evening.
That has certainly impacted the Magpies, who have lost every game since then. However, it seems he will be handed a chance to start once more this weekend against Wolves.
With Joelinton set to be absent for the upcoming two fixtures due to him picking up 10 yellow cards this campaign, having Willock back will be a huge and timely boost for Howe.
The Latest: Willock set to start against Wolves
Despite having to settle for a bench role in recent times, including the Carabao Cup final, Hope has insisted on his YouTube channel that Willock is likely to be handed a start this weekend.
He said: “What does he do now in midfield? Joelinton is suspended for two games. The likelihood is that Joe Willock will return alongside Sean Longstaff and Bruno in the middle, with a front three of probably Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and then Anthony Gordon on the left.”
The Verdict: Midfield must be dominant this weekend
It will indeed be a huge test for Willock this weekend if he is to get the nod from Eddie Howe as he’s not started a competitive game for a number of weeks, and he will likely be thrown in against top-tier players such as Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes.
However, the fact that a midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Willock and Sean Longstaff was what served the Magpies so well in the first half of the season, his return could allow Newcastle to get their season back on track.
Over the last few weeks, Newcastle have created a lot of chances against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, but Howe would likely relinquish all that dominance and attempts at goal if they can somehow just pick up only their second victory this calendar year.
Manchester United are continuing to monitor Roma striker Tammy Abraham ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new transfer claim.
The Lowdown: Abraham linked with United move
The Red Devils will surely be on the lookout for a new centre forward at the end of the season, with a top-class signing required in that area of the pitch.
One player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Abraham, who has scored 34 goals in 87 appearances for Roma since arriving from Chelsea.
Abraham’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026 but it could be that he is allowed to leave this summer, given he has not always been a guaranteed starter this season.
The Latest: Reds still monitoring striker
According to The Athletic‘s James Horncastle, United are still eyeing a possible move for Abraham and have even sent officials to see him in action on a regular basis:
“Manchester United scouts have also been in regular attendance at Roma’s games to monitor Abraham’s progress this season, but Chelsea have first refusal and Roma are obliged to inform them if someone comes in and matches the buy-back clause.”
The Verdict: Can do better than him
Abraham is a good player, without question – Dean Ashton called him an ‘incredible athlete’ in the past – but United need to be looking at a higher calibre of striker this summer.
This is still someone who Chelsea didn’t deem good enough to keep hold of, while several players are ahead of him in the pecking order for England, including Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Callum Wilson.
Given the money United will have to spend, they need to bring in a genuinely world-class striker such as the much-linked Victor Osimhen, who has 19 goals to Abraham’s six in Serie A this season.
Abraham would be a strong addition as a squad player, but if United are looking at him as a regular starter next season, it feels like a signing that would be a big risk.
West Ham desperately need to pick up three points when they take on Aston Villa at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
David Moyes’ side saw a number of results go against them on Saturday, with the Hammers now occupying the final relegation spot in the Premier League.
The Scottish manager saved his job with the 4-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest two weeks ago but has come under more criticism following back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Brighton, with the Seagulls completely outclassing his side last weekend.
Although a 2-0 triumph against AEK Larnaca got the Hammers back to winning ways in midweek, Villa will be a far more difficult opposition, and a win is arguably a must if Moyes is to get the fans back on side.
How could West Ham line up against Aston Villa?
Here is how Football FanCast expects West Ham to line up this afternoon, with five changes from the side that started in Cyprus in midweek.
Alphonse Areola will continue to deputise in place of the injured Lukasz Fabianski, with the Poland international likely to be out for the foreseeable future after his nasty collision against Forest.
After making his return to the starting lineup in midweek, Kurt Zouma looks likely to continue his partnership with Nayef Aguerd in the heart of the Hammers’ defence, in the hope that it can inspire another clean sheet.
Thilo Kehrer also keeps his place at right-back, while Emerson comes in for Aaron Cresswell at left-back.
There is one change in central midfield, as Tomas Soucek returns to the side in place of Flynn Downes, as he unsurprisingly partners Declan Rice.
Lucas Paqueta also reclaims his place in the starting lineup in place of Manuel Lanzini, while Jarrod Bowen replaces the misfiring Pablo Fornals on the right wing.
Said Benrahma keeps his spot on the left after an impressive display in Cyprus where he supplied the assist for the opener. Indeed, the Algerian is one of few West Ham players who can hold their heads high this season.
Finally, despite his two-goal haul in midweek, Michail Antonio drops out in favour of the “phenomenal” Danny Ings, who will be hoping to haunt his old side at the London Stadium and earn the Hammers a much-needed win.
Newcastle United ace Fabian Schar has decided to stay at the club instead of going on international duty with Switzerland, in order to treat a recurring injury.
The Lowdown: A couple of knocks
Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Eddie Howe has confirmed that a number of players in his squad have picked up knocks in training, and so have missed some sessions, raising doubts over whether they will be fit enough to play:
“Similar to last week, we have a couple of knocks after a really intense physical game. Nothing major, a couple have missed training but we hope to have the majority available.”
The Latest: Schar to treat recurring foot pain
As per RTN, Schar has chosen to stay at Newcastle instead of head off to international duty with Switzerland during the break, where they are set to play Belarus and Israel in qualifying games for Euro 2024.
This is because the 31-year-old wants to treat a ‘recurring foot pain’, which could potentially keep him out of the match against Forest.
The Verdict: Potential blow
It would certainly be a blow for Howe and the team to lose Schar, should he be ruled out of the clash against Forest due to his injury.
Howe has previously dubbed him ‘hugely important‘ upon him signing a new deal at St. James’ Park in 2022, and that has certainly been reflected in his performances, as he averages more aerial duels, interceptions, clearances and long balls per match than any of his team-mates in the top flight (WhoScored).
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has given glowing praise of the central defender in the past, including his partnership with Sven Botman:
“He’s quick, good in the air and very composed on the ball. There’s not many better centre-half pairings than Schar and Botman.”
Indeed, the pair have combined to concede the fewest goals in the top flight so far, with just 18 let in in 25 games, and have been a huge factor as to why the Magpies are chasing a European spot for next season.
Nonetheless, Howe will no doubt want Schar fit and ready if possible to face Forest, but if he is still having a problem with his foot, then the manager should not look to risk him, with the international break providing plenty of time to recover.
Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer move for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to a report from the Daily Star.
Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham this summer?
The reason Tottenham may need to move for a striker this summer is because of Harry Kane's uncertain future in north London, with conflicting reports emerging about whether the talisman is willing to extend his stay at the club.
According to Football Insider, Kane could sign a new deal to remain at N17 if Julian Nagelsmann is appointed as the new manager, following the recent departure of Antonio Conte, however there is still a possibility that he leaves. The same outlet reports that new Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel is a 'huge fan' of the England captain, immediately communicating to the board that the forward should be the Bundesliga club's top priority this summer.
Now, according to a report from The Daily Star, Tottenham are one of a number of clubs targeting Mitrovic for a summer transfer swoop, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona also said to be considering moves. The report claims that Man United may drop out of the race for the striker, after he was charged by the FA for violent conduct in Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford in the FA Cup for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh.
That said, there are still a plethora of top sides interested in the Serbian, as a result of his excellent campaign for Marco Silva's side up to this point.
Would Mitrovic be a good signing for Tottenham?
The 28-year-old has previously developed a reputation for being too good for the Championship, but below Premier League level, having scored just three goals in the top flight during the 2020-21 season, but 43 in the second tier the following year. However, this season the 80-time Serbia international has found his feet in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals in 21 games this time around, including one at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in September.
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts.
Hailed as "unbelievable" by his current manager, the marksman is also dominant in the air, ranking in the 91st percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, highlighting the threat he would pose for Spurs from set-pieces.
While the £80k-per-week earner is showing signs of improvement, his goal record is indicative of the fact he is nowhere near the level of Kane, and he should be targeted as a back-up option, rather than being brought in as a regular starter.
Manchester United will be hoping to get their top-four bid back on track with victory over Brentford this evening, with Erik ten Hag's men also looking to banish a few demons following the 4-0 drubbing in the two sides' last meeting back in August.
The Red Devils head into tonight's encounter at the Theatre of Dreams having won just three of their last nine Premier League games, with the latest defeat away at Newcastle United having dragged them right back into the scrap for Champions League qualification.
After previous whispers of a potential title charge, United's recent slump has ensured that now even securing fourth spot is no real certainty, with it looking as if the club's hectic fixture schedule may be beginning to take its toll.
A notable issue for the Carabao Cup winners of late has been their shortcomings in front of goal after failing to find the back of the net in any of the last three league games, with January arrival Wout Weghorst still waiting for his first goal in the competition for the club.
Having got by with the towering Dutchman as the main centre-forward presence in recent months, the 30-year-old's distinct lack of quality is beginning to appear a real problem for compatriot, Ten Hag, with the 6 foot 6 colossus having continued his 'dire form' with another 'harmless performance' at St James' Park, in the words of Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.
The on-loan Burnley man has been forced to hold the fort amid the frustrating injury woes of fellow forward Anthony Martial, although with the Frenchman having made his long-awaited return off the bench on Tyneside, it should see a change in attack this time around.
Will Martial play against Brentford?
It is a marker of United's woes that they are having to choose between the misfiring Weghorst and an injury-prone Martial to lead the line, although it is hard to deny that the latter man represents the better option.
While it looks as if the former Monaco ace could be in line for a summer exit after almost eight years in Manchester, Ten Hag did admit earlier this season that his side play their "best football" when the £250k-per-week man is leading the line.
The problem has been getting the 30-cap marksman on the pitch on a consistent basis, although when he has featured the fleet-footed enigma has been somewhat effective, scoring six times in 15 outings across all fronts this term.
The 5 foot 11 gem boasts a tally of five goal involvements in only ten league games so far this term, with the hope being that he can go on to bolster that respectable record over the coming weeks.
Man United striker Wout Weghorst
There is no doubt that the Old Trafford outfit are in need of an upgrade on a player who has scored just eight league goals across the last three campaigns – amid talk of a move for Harry Kane – although when coming down to a straight pick between Weghorst and Martial, there should seemingly be only one winner.
The difference in quality between the pair was evident on Sunday against the Magpies as the former was restricted to a measly tally of just ten touches in his 62-minute outing, while also failing to win a single duel to illustrate his woes out of possession too.
Martial, on the other hand, was far more effective during his late cameo after making a goal-line clearance and seeing a shot deflected wide at the other end, with the 27-year-old making 16 touches and winning two of his three ground duels.
As such, while there may be fears over rushing the returning asset back into the starting lineup too soon, it does appear that the Weghorst experiment simply can't go on any longer.
Sean Dyche has reinvigorated Everton since his arrival following the sacking of Frank Lampard, winning three Premier League matches so far and although there is work to do, there is a new-found energy about Goodison Park.
If he does manage to survive, Dyche has a tough job on his hands this summer in terms of improving the team, especially in the forward areas. The club haven’t scored nearly enough goals that they should, ranking as the top-flight's joint-lowest scorers with just 22 goals scored.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have been at the forefront of their attack this season and living up to his early promise at the club, yet having suffered injury issues which have restricted him to just 12 appearances and one goal, proving that the Toffees need someone better ahead of next season.
Dyche would surely love to bring back a few players from Everton’s illustrious history in order to bolster their stagnating frontline, with talisman Duncan Ferguson the ideal candidate to transform their fortunes.
Is Duncan Ferguson one of Everton’s finest forwards?
The case for Ferguson being one of the club’s finest strikers, especially across the last 30 years, is a strong one, such is his association with the Toffees.
The enigmatic Scot first joined the Merseyside outfit back in 1994 from Glasgow Rangers on an initial loan move, before being made permanent by Joe Royle. He entered Everton folklore by becoming part of the team which secured the FA Cup following a historic victory over Manchester United in 1995.
He scored 35 goals during his first spell at Everton before being sold to Newcastle, yet his spell in the Northeast wasn’t a success, netting just 12 goals, and he secured a return to his beloved Toffees in 2000.
Duncan Ferguson for Everton
His later years saw Ferguson use his stature and frame to great effect, becoming a battering ram as he terrorised opposition defences and this further endeared him to the Everton faithful. He failed to score over ten goals during his final six seasons of his career but his impact more than made up for it.
Ferguson would be a standout in Dyche’s Everton side, bringing some character and heart to a team that badly need an influx in both.
The former striker has received praise from fans and pundits alike throughout his career and boxer David Price even claimed that Ferguson was “always a threat” whenever Liverpool faced their fierce rivals, and judging by his career at the club, it was high praise indeed.
If only Dyche could bring a prime Ferguson into his starting XI for the final few weeks of the season, he could make all the difference and would've surely got Goodison rocking again.
Fulham's Joao Palhinha could be on the move this summer, with both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur interested in signing the midfielder, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Which Fulham players could leave this summer?
Fulham have been in poor form as of late, losing their last five matches in all competitions, however it has still been a solid first season back in the Premier League, given that they are in no danger of being relegated, with nine games remaining.
As such, there is growing interest in some of the Cottagers' first-team players, with Aleksandar Mitrovic being targeted by the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, although Marco Silva is desperate to keep hold of the striker.
Both Arsenal and Spurs are also said to be targeting winger Manor Solomon, meaning it may be more difficult for Fulham to sign the Shakhtar Donetsk loanee permanently, with the Evening Standard reporting they intend to do so at the end of the season.
According to Jones, who was writing for GiveMeSport, Palhinha is being targeted for a summer move by Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham, but Silva is not willing to entertain offers at any level for the central midfielder.
The manager is hoping the board remain strong if any bids are tabled for the Portugal international, however he is likely to be worried, given that Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott were previously poached from Fulham by Liverpool, and Ryan Sessegnon was signed by Spurs.
Should Fulham let Joao Palhinha leave?
Considering the 27-year-old is contracted until the summer of 2027, the Cottagers have no pressing need to sanction his departure, and given how difficult he would be to replace, any bids should be rejected this summer.
Hailed as "superb" by the media earlier this season, the no-nonsense midfielder has completed more tackles than any other Premier League player this season, registering 105, 16 more than Tyler Adams in second place.
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The £50k-per-week maestro is ranked by Sofascore as Fulham's fourth-best performing player in the top flight, averaging a 7.07 match rating, while he is also aerially dominant, ranked in the 91st percentile for aerials won per 90 in the past year, compared to other midfielders.
If the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham come calling, Palhinha could well get his head turned and decide he wants to leave, but at the very least, the Cottagers should hold out for a huge transfer fee to sanction his departure.