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A big Newcastle United transfer update has emerged on the final day of the January window regarding the future of Jamal Lewis.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, the Magpies are set to sanction a temporary exit for the former Norwich academy product.

He tweeted: “Another outgoing possibility for #NUFC before window closes is Jamal Lewis, whose opportunities will be limited by Matt Targett’s arrival. It’s understood #NUFC will let Lewis go out on loan, but unsure where yet.”

Deadline day error

PIF are heading for a deadline day error with this decision to allow the Northern Ireland international to leave the club on loan.

Prior to his recent injury, he showed signs of promise at left-back. In the 1-0 win over Burnley (one of only two Newcastle victories in the league this season), the defender recorded a solid SofaScore rating of 7.0. He won five of his nine ground duels in that game whilst making an impressive four clearances, one interception, one block and four tackles throughout the clash, as per SofaScore.

At the age of 24, he also has plenty of time left to develop his game. This means that he could benefit from a direct battle with seemingly impending arrival Matt Targett for the left-back spot, and it could push both of them on to improve themselves, whereas that may not be the case with Matt Ritchie.

The 32-year-old Scot has been poor this season in the Premier League, and fans will surely be frustrated if he ends the window as the back-up to Targett instead of Lewis. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.66 in the Premier League this term, showing that he has been able to deliver consistently reliable performances in the Newcastle side, which is why supporters will surely not want to see him kept in place of the ex-Canaries defender.

Therefore, PIF would be making a glaring deadline day error if they sanction an exit for Lewis instead of trying to cash in on Ritchie. Eddie Howe could enjoy having Targett compete with the Northern Irishman at left-back as it could give him plenty of options from which to choose, rather than hoping that the former stays fit so that Howe is not forced to call on the veteran ex-Bournemouth player.

AND in other news, Newcastle now agree “terms” to sign “fantastic” £20k-p/w warrior, Howe surely buzzing…

Despite only managing to win three of their 18 Premier League games so far this season, drawing seven and losing eight along the way, one figure at Leeds United that has been rather crucial for the Yorkshire club is Raphinha.

With eight goals, one assist and an overall performance rating of 7.21/10, making him Leeds’ highest-rated player according to WhoScored, this shows just how much of a key player he is for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

After ending his debut season with Leeds as their highest-rated player according to WhoScored last season, the Brazilian was linked with a move away from Elland Road last summer with the likes of fellow Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in him.

A recent report from TNT Sports claims that German club Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to sign the attacker in January and while this may not be as bad as selling him to another Premier League side, it would still be an unforgivable disaster if the winger were to leave Leeds in January.

It would certainly be a big blow for Bielsa given how important Raphinha has been to his side since arriving from Rennes back in October 2020, scoring a total of 14 goals and providing ten assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.

Labelled as a “relentless” player due to his work on the pitch by Noel Whelan, it would surely be a scary thought for a lot of Leeds fans to think about how this season could end if the forward leaves next month.

Taking into account his goals and overall performances this season, it’s safe to say that Raphinha has the ability to keep Leeds away from the relegation zone and in the Premier League next season if he can continue playing well and scoring goals.

If he ends up staying at Elland Road for the remainder of the season, it should be one of the club’s top priorities to secure the winger, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, with a new deal to keep him in Yorkshire beyond 2024, which is when his current contract expires.

After all, losing him is an eventuality that Leeds simply cannot face given their perilous position in the league table. If Raphinha leaves and they fail to beat the drop, the whole scenario will border on unforgivable from Victor Orta.

In other news: Bielsa can finally axe Leeds’ “absolute disaster” by signing “spectacular” 5 ft 9 gem…

Crystal Palace are having a quiet transfer window so far, as Patrick Vieira’s side have enjoyed a comfortable start to their season, currently 11th in the Premier League, but with three weeks to go there is one player that has been repeatedly linked to signing for the side in January.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Pete O’Rourke, added new claims to the ongoing speculation surrounding the potential signing of Eddie Nketiah, confirming that other clubs are interested in the Gunners forward.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“There’s other clubs interested in Nketiah,” he began.

“The likes of Brighton have been mentioned but Crystal Palace have held a long-term interest in Nketiah. They tried to get him in the summer but it didn’t happen in the end.”

With Brighton speculated to be in hot pursuit of the 22-year-old too, Vieira will need to make a decision on whether he wants to sign the player or not, as he could be beaten to securing his signature by another Premier League club, especially now that he is in the final six months of his contract with Arsenal.

Fans will be buzzing

Nketiah would be a great addition to the youth revolution that Patrick Vieira has imposed since being appointed by the London club in summer last year, and has the potential to become a fantastic player if his current form is anything to go by.

As a result, fans will surely be elated to see another young player in Nketiah becoming part of the future that the Palace manager is already building, with many taking to social media to discuss the potential signing.

One fan Tweeted: “Palace need to bag Nketiah, imagine the front 4 of Nketiah, Olise, Eze and Gallagher.”

The Arsenal striker has not been in Mikel Arteta’s favour for too many Premier League starts, with just three appearances so far, but has been able to prove his worth and showcase his talents in the EFL Cup.

In that competition, he has scored five goals in three games, leading the Gunners to a semi final that is important for the club this season, as they can only compete in domestic competitions due to failing to qualify for European football for the first time since 1995.

Crystal Palace could lose one of their strikers this January, as Jean-Philippe Mateta is strongly linked to a move away from the club, ending his loan and joining Saint Etienne, and if this was the case, Vieira could swoop to secure the signing of Nketiah in the next few weeks to fill the hole that his current striker would leave.

In other news: Mateta likely to leave the club in January

As per Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, sharing what he’s heard from club ‘insiders’, a promising update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

According to numerous reports, West Ham are very much in contention to sign the Manchester United man who thrived on loan at the London Stadium last season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Sun recently claimed that the Irons and manager David Moyes could even be boosted by the fact that United could let him go for just £10 million in January as his price tag crumbles by £15 million – with the Red Devils originally demanding around £25 million.

Lingard has even dropped cryptic Instagram posts of him playing for West Ham in a teasing hint surrounding his future, with reporter Jones now sharing what he’s heard.

The Latest: Jones shares Lingard update…

According to Jones’ information, ‘insiders’ around West Ham are being ‘led to believe’ that a swoop for Lingard is now ‘back on’ and they intend to ‘open discussions’ as soon as the January window allows.

While other clubs are watching his situation, it is believed that the 28-year-old ‘likes the set up’ at West Ham and knows he would fit in.

The Verdict: Priority for Moyes…

Lauded as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ and the ‘best player on current form’ in the Premier League at one point last season by talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham, there is little doubting Lingard would greatly strengthen Moyes’ options.

Scoring nine goals and assisting four others in 16 league starts over a temporary 2020/2021 West Ham spell last year, Lingard was briefly back in England contention after being left out in the cold at United.

Finding himself in a similar position this year, we believe a swoop for Lingard should still be among the top priorities even despite the need for an emergency centre-half.

In other news: ‘Oh my’, ‘Yes yes yes’…ExWHUemployee’s news on ‘perfect’ striker has these West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece revealed on Thursday that winger Bertrand Traore is back training at Bodymoor Heath.

And, as to be expected, his update had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

The 26-year-old is yet to feature under new boss Steven Gerrard after missing the last three months due to a thigh problem. It hasn’t been the best of years for Traore, who also had to have surgery on a groin issue over the summer.

However, he’s now back in training and has since been named in Burkina Faso’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to get underway next month.

Although his wait for an appearance under Gerrard may go on, plenty of Villa fans were buzzing at the news of the winger’s return days before the Boxing Day fixture with Chelsea.

Before his injury troubles the former Blues man was in fine form, registering seven league goals and six assists last season, so it’s no surprise to see supporters delighted by this news.

Villa fans react

This is what these fans had to say in reply after The AVFC Faithful shared Preece’s update on Twitter, with one labelling Traore as a ‘huge miss’.

“Early Xmas present”

Credit: @BillyWhiz

“I’m in tears. The Burkina Faso king returns”

Credit: @Jtavfc2000

“Thank god, huge miss”

Credit: @Davidomahony18

“Return of the king”

Credit: @PhilipKeenan12

“Suiiiiiii”

Credit: @AttwoodOlly

“GET IN BERT!!!!!”

Credit: @AvfcRegan

In other news: Lange makes Aston Villa enquiry to sign ‘top’ midfielder in January; club have already responded. 

The San Fransisco 49ers could be looking to take full control of Leeds United after a major claim emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, who delivered a fresh verdict on the situation around the boardroom at Elland Road. He wrote:

“Less than a year after that last increase, the 49ers have bought a little more of the pie. This time, there was little fanfare.

“[Andrea] Radrizzani’s partners appear content to tuck their feet a little further under the table quietly, but it does feel like their involvement is only leading towards one thing – full control.

“Why else would they have traversed the Atlantic in the first place? Why else would they have invested to this degree, undertaken so many fact-finding missions, explored how they could augment and develop Elland Road and brought Peter Lowy, billionaire Westfield heir, to the table with them?”

Exciting times ahead?

Indeed, this certainly does appear to be the case as similar comments in recent weeks and months point towards something happening.

For example, on Thursday morning [11th November], finance expert Kieran Maguire highlighted that the Whites were having a busy morning at Companies House.

“Looks as if [the] club is changing its constitution in relation to the transfer of shares between investors,” he tweeted.

Whilst the Italian supremo has always hinted at increasing the value of the club, just last week he reiterated their ambition at the Web Summit (via the YEP):

“Now we are partnered with 49ers, this is fundamentally very important because it will be very difficult to stay in the Premier League, but if we stay in it this year I think we can go much more than last year and go into the top six – start to renovate the stadium and continue to grow the value of this club.”

However, making that happen will be a tough task as Radrizzani cannot afford to go alone in such plans.

“I don’t think Radrizzani has those resources himself whereas the 49ers are more likely to be able to tap into American markets for that so you can see the logic of what they’ve done,” Maguire further explained to the ‘Price of Football’ podcast this week.

It seems that if Leeds want to continue to grow both on and off the pitch, then the 49ers involvement will need to increase and as Smyth alludes to, the group themselves may want to take full control in the near future – expanding their investment this month is certainly another foot in the right direction to achieving that.

United’s season so far hasn’t gone to plan with the side occupying 15th place, just three points above the relegation zone, but this huge development should provide some excitement amongst the fanbase.

We’ve seen Newcastle United taken over by wealthy backers, so Leeds’ chances of breaking into the top six consistently will be seriously dented without their own great strides off the pitch.

The 49ers group can very much provide that, so if Smyth’s words ring true, it could be a very exciting future ahead in Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Leeds United suffer fresh injury blow this international break…

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz rejected a new contract over the summer and wants to leave Villa Park.

That’s according to Italian outlet Il Romanista, and unsurprisingly the news has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

Luiz has been absent through injury in recent weeks and has missed Villa’s last three Premier League games. The Brazilian’s current contract expires in 18 months’ time, and it seems as if he doesn’t have any plans to agree fresh terms in the Midlands.

Roma were heavily linked with a swoop for the midfielder over the summer, and they have once again been name-checked in a story regarding Luiz.

Il Romanista suggest that he interests Roma ‘quite a lot’, although Villa are demanding €35m (£29.6m) in any potential sale. The 23-year-old reportedly wants out of Villa Park, and it seems as if the Giallorossi could come back into the frame during the winter window or next summer.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the rumours on Twitter days after winger Bertrand Traore was linked with a Villa exit. Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with a mixed response from supporters on a possible departure for Luiz, who has been the team’s best performer this season as per WhoScored averages but has had his critics among the fanbase in the past.

“I don’t believe this tbh but I wouldn’t be super upset if we were to see Dougie leave for a good profit. People bag players for inconsistency but give Dougie much more leeway. Happy to see him sign, not crying seeing him leave.”

Credit: @DobbieWilliams

“Sad if true”

Credit: @douggyluiz

“Confirm you’re going nowhere please @dgoficial”

Credit: @AvfcTalkTime

“What”

Credit: @OwXnJ

“The first of the deadwood getting shipped out”

Credit: @1966wall

“Let him go if he wants to move on, he will get replaced easily enough, if he was that good Man City would have taken him back when they had the opportunity, City showing no interest back then said much in my opinion.”

Credit: @FabledSage

“We need to strengthen the midfield anyway. Not sure if Luiz was ever the answer.”

Credit: @robbcorin

In other news: ‘Amazing’ – Many Villa fans buzzing as NSWE eye up move for ‘superstar’

A number Wolves fans have hailed Ruben Neves’ ‘superb’ performance as they took on Everton at Molineux on Monday night.

Bruno Lage’s side have had a nine-day break from action following their 1-1 draw away to Leeds United towards the end of October.

Wolves faced a potentially tough Premier League clash with Everton at Molineux but took a 2-0 lead into half-time, with Max Kilman and Raul Jimenez on the scoresheet, while Hwang Hee-chan also had a goal ruled out by VAR.

Alex Iwobi halved the deficit on 66 minutes as the Toffees improved during the second half, but Neves nonetheless stood out among many of his club’s supporters.

As per Sky Sports, he tested Jordan Pickford with a first half volley and also got in a crucial block to deny Ben Godfrey after Everton had pulled it back to 2-1. The 24-year-old midfielder had one of the highest passing accuracy rates in Lage’s side and also made a couple of important interceptions, as per SofaScore.

Wolves fans react to Neves’ display

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to hail Neves’ performance, which one supporter described as “outstanding”.

“Neves has been 10/10, as has Coady as well, from them breaking on us and shut them down every time”

Credit: @Treborm44

“Neves is one of the best b2b midfielders in the Prem, the man can defend and score very well”

Credit: @wwfc_dg

“Everton playing with more purpose this half. Gray sprints into the box….but Neves tracks him and slides in with an excellent tackle. Having a great game.”

Credit: @TimSpiers

“Well said. Outstanding”

Credit: @robbiepthewolf

“So that was as close to perfect as you could get really. Last 10 mins a bit more twitchy but the movement is fantastic. Neves playing like an absolute beast and Trincao having them in circles. Next goal massive but so far so brilliant”

Credit: @WV1Wolf

“Neves the best player on the pitch by a country mile”

Credit: @Stringers76

In other news, some Wolves fans are excited by one transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Dean Smith’s post-match interview following the 4-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.

Villa failed to revive their fortunes against David Moyes’ side, making it four defeats in a row in October and leading to reports that the 50-year-old’s job is in ‘serious jeopardy’.

Ollie Watkins cancelled out Ben Johnson’s opener before Declan Rice gave the Hammers the lead once again before half-time. Villa then had Ezri Konsa sent off at the start of the second half, with goals from Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen sealing an emphatic win for the Hammers late on.

Smith gave his assessment of the match to the club’s official media team, with the interview available to view here.

He discussed each talking point and believed that Konsa’s sending off was ‘wrong’, while also name-checking Leon Bailey and Emiliano Martinez for mistakes for the visitors’ first two goals.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to a clip from the club’s official Twitter channel showing the interview, with many left raging over what Smith had to say.

“Time to go Smith. We need to progress onto the top 6. We won’t do it with you.”

Credit: @bretharris4

“Started slowly for the first 15 minutes AGAIN. What is going on? We never start on the front foot. Another season where we would take mid table. Let’s hope we see progress this season. Stay safe everyone. UTV”

Credit: @SharkyWard2

“I feel sick listening to that”

Credit: @utvavfcutv

“How on earth is he blaming Bailey for the first goal lol.”

Credit: @AstonViIIaFan

“I love you Deano. You gave this club an identity but you’ve taken us as far as you can. Plus, it looks like you’ve lost the dressing room to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done but it’s time to step aside before this season is an absolute write off and relegation battle”

Credit: @bmmorris26

“Let him walk his dog all day every day to the job centre”

Credit: @avfck1eran

In other news: ‘Bigger issue than Mings’ – Many Villa fans slam ‘useless’ player v West Ham

Leicester City have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 25-year-old was linked with a move to the Foxes over the summer as manager Brendan Rodgers searched for extra reinforcements at centre-back, but he ultimately ended up staying put.

And now, well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tah put pen to paper on a new contract with Leverkusen, extending his stay with the German outfit until 2025 and ending any potential lingering hopes Leicester’s hierarchy had of resurrecting a deal.

He tweeted: “Jonathan Tah has officially signed his contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen until June 2025. The centre back was in Leicester City list months ago.”

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Although the Midlands outfit successfully brought in former Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard in the previous window, Rodgers is still likely to be gutted to see Tah commit his future to Die Werkself.

With Jonny Evans set to turn 34 in January, Caglar Soyuncu struggling for form and Wesley Fofana not set to return from a potentially career-changing injury for many months, further additions at the heart of defence may be required either in January or the summer.

Since arriving at Leverkusen back in 2015, Tah has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top centre-backs, making 223 appearances for the BayArena outfit in all competitions.

His impressive performances have earned the German 13 senior caps at international level, highlighting the top-level quality he possesses.

After bursting onto the scene six years ago, Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Völler was quick to praise his new wondered, saying: “Jonathan is quick, technically gifted but still robust. And he can still improve in all areas of his game.”

Tah has indeed improved his game since Völler’s complimentary assessment, and his composure on the ball combined with his natural speed and strength would have made him an ideal fit for the Premier League.

Nevertheless, the 6ft 3 gem will now remain in his homeland for the foreseeable future, meaning Leicester will have to move on to alternative targets.

And, in other news…Rodgers could re-sign £40.5m-rated gem likened to Coutinho, LCFC fans will be buzzing