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Luke Edwards ripped into Ryan Fraser despite Newcastle United winning 1-0 away from home against Leeds United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Poor game

Fraser had a poor game by his standards, as he failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble or key pass, while the winger was also inaccurate with three of his four crosses (SofaScore).

The former AFC Bournemouth man was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 12 separate occasions throughout the match, and managed fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, highlighting his lack of impact.

Luckily for him, Jonjo Shelvey managed to score with about 15 minutes to play to give the St. James’ Park faithful all three points.

The Latest: Edwards reacts

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards ripped into Fraser during the clash, claiming that he, along with Joe Willock and Chris Wood, were ‘anonymous’:

“Ryan Fraser, Joe Willock, Chris Wood all anonymous and that’s three of your four supposed goal threats alongside Saint-Maximin.”

The Verdict: Place under threat

With the likes of Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy on the bench for the away team, Fraser’s starting place in the side now has to be under threat.

He is still yet to get on the scoresheet so far this season, and has only produced one assist (Transfermarkt), which is simply not good enough for an attacking player.

Thus, Eddie Howe must seriously consider dropping him ahead of the next few fixtures.

In other news, find out what worrying NUFC transfer insight Liam Kennedy has dropped here!

According to a ‘Spurs source’, speaking to Football Insider, there has been a deadline day development out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Morata?

The 50-cap Spain international has been linked with a move to north London before today, with a series of reports out of both England and Spain backing Antonio Conte’s interest.

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The Times and reporter Gary Jacob said that Spurs were offered him over these last few days, while El Partidazo de COPE claimed that it was the Lilywhites who actually made that offer.

Sharing a deadline day update, Football Insider believe that fresh talks have been held.

The Latest: Spurs hold talks…

According to their sources, Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici has personally made a ‘last-gasp’ swoop f0r Morata. It is believed that Spurs ‘have held deadline-day talks’ over signing Conte’s former forward, with the pair having worked together at Chelsea.

Tottenham are apparently looking to strengthen their attack in this final January window push as the Lilywhites hold discussions.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Scoring a career total of 176 goals over nearly 500 appearances, Morata comes as a mixed bag, but it isn’t outlandish to believe that Conte could get the best out of him.

The Spurs boss lauded the Spain striker as a ‘complete player’ during their time together at Stamford Bridge in the past, and while it is unclear whether these ‘talks’ are for a loan or permanent deal, an agreement under the former terms would pose less risk.

His best season to date saw him grab 15 goals in 26 appearances for former club Real Madrid in 2016/17, proving that he could be a viable backup to striker Harry Kane in N17.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Spurs have been offered ‘world-class’ 27-cap forward, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to move more players on in the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That is according to reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who dropped an intriguing claim about Antonio Conte’s future plans after his first attempt at shifting around the squad at Hotspur Way.

Spurs made two additions from Juventus in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski but saw as many as four players depart on deadline day.

And Gold believes that further exits could happen at the end of the season.

“I get the feeling there will be more departures in the summer because Conte will have identified those players he wanted out now and those who he could use until the end of the season before upgrading them,” he claimed during a Q&A with supporters this week.

Clearing out the deadwood

This is certainly an interesting comment from one of the most trustworthy journalists when it comes to anything Spurs related, though it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Conte, a Premier League and FA Cup winner with Chelsea, must be backed and if that means shifting more players on ahead of next year, then that’s exactly what chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici must do.

Truth be told, it’s something that has long been needed in N17 and the club’s recent moves are merely just the start.

A lot of the players that were around during the Mauricio Pochettino era still remain but there were signs even in the summer that the Italian supremo was making a change.

The likes of Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko have moved on permanently, whilst there appears to be no way back for either of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, after leaving in January on loan with options to buy for their respective sides.

As Gold suggests, there are a few options that still remain as Conte will still be able to get a tune out of them, such as Matt Doherty and Harry Winks, who are going to be valuable squad players over the second half of the season but they perhaps have no right to be in the Italian’s long-term plans.

Ultimately, that should leave much of the fanbase excited about what might lie ahead for the future of this squad. Conte appears to be in it for the long haul within a few windows, he will surely have built a squad of players that he wants at the club.

AND in other news, Levy masterclass: Spurs just played a blinder over “unplayable” £34.2m-rated disaster…

Leeds United failed to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad with any additions during the January transfer window.

The Yorkshire giants have suffered from numerous injuries throughout the 2021/22 campaign, so it’s quite surprising to see them fail to make at least one signing, especially in the midfield department, where it has now been four years and eight windows without an incoming.

It’s not entirely through any fault of their own, though.

Michael Cuisance failed a medical in 2020, Conor Gallagher snubbed them for Crystal Palace in the summer and the Whites saw two bids rejected for Brenden Aaronson during the final few weeks of last month.

Bielsa really could’ve done with some form of reinforcements as the injury situation has been really severe in recent weeks. During a Premier League clash against West Ham United, he could only name one senior pro on his nine-man bench, meaning there were eight academy prospects in the squad.

And with Kalvin Phillips missing another month as he looks to recover from hamstring surgery, the Argentine needs an extra body in the heart of midfield.

He could well find a little solution in U23 gem Lewis Bate, who actually made his top-flight debut in that aforementioned win over the Irons, which suggests that Bielsa sees enough in him to feature in the big time.

The 5 foot 6 pocket dynamo has been likened to Clarence Seedorf due to his ability to run games from midfield, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and new Everton boss Frank Lampard being some of his idols.

“Primarily, Bate is a No. 6, able to play either role in a double 6, or in a 3 with two 8s. Despite being quick and robust for his size, the question during his transition into senior football is how much and how early he’ll be able to play as a solo No. 6., especially at a Premier League level,” once claimed U18 and U23 recruitment analyst Connor Rowden to LeedsLive.

“His ability to take control of the tempo of a game from deep, dropping into spaces and probing with his mastery of the short and long passing game is where he excels.”

Elsewhere, he has been dubbed “very gifted” and a “lovely passer” by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who is already a huge fan of the 19-year-old prospect.

It’s that sort of ball-carrying and ball-retaining capability that is right up Bielsa’s street and in the absence of someone like Phillips, he could well be a presence that’s needed throughout February.

He may be vastly-experienced but the former Chelsea teen ought to be considered for a bigger role in the coming games, even more so after their gutting blow over Aaronson this January.

AND in other news, Bielsa made a huge January transfer howler at Leeds over £22.5m-rated “special talent”…

West Brom had a pretty busy transfer window last summer in terms of bringing in new players in and moving some out of the club.

Looking ahead to this summer’s window, it seems as though a clue has already emerged over one potential deal which could take place at The Hawthorns before the start of next season.

What’s the news?

In a recent West Brom mailbag article from The Athletic, Baggies journalist Steve Madeley was asked whether or not there will be a big overhaul of players at the Midlands club during the upcoming summer transfer window.

In response, Madeley had this to say about the future of a couple of loan players currently at the club: “Matt Clarke’s loan from Brighton will expire, as will Jayson Molumby’s, but there’s a good chance West Brom will trigger a clause to make his move permanent.”

Since arriving at Albion last August on loan from Premier League club Brighton with an option to buy, the midfielder has made 24 appearances in the Championship for the Baggies, starting just 12 times.

In those matchees, the Irishman has only found the back of the net on one occasion and failed to provide any assists, also racking up more yellow cards (eight) than any other player in Steve Bruce’s squad and one red card as well.

With just 21 tackles won and 18 interceptions made, the Baggies have had to rely on a few other players to help the team stay as defensively strong as possible. Even from an attacking point of view, the 22-year-old hasn’t blown anyone away, as only three of his 14 shots at goal have been on target.

Fans will be seething

According to WhoScored, the midfielder has earned himself an underwhelming overall performance rating of 6.54/10, making him one of the lowest-rated outfield players currently in the squad to have started more than one league game in this campaign.

Taking all this into account, it doesn’t seem like the Brighton loanee hasn’t done enough to convince us that the Baggies should use their option to sign him permanently, which could make a lot of West Brom fans unhappy if the club puts some of their transfer budget towards such a deal.

However, if the 22-year-old can have a strong end to his season in terms of his performances, this could sway some of the fans into thinking that he might yet be an important figure for the team in the future, but only if he improves.

In other news – Cost £0, now worth £2.7m: West Brom struck gold on “unbelievable” gem who is “like a sponge”

Medical expert Ben Dinnery has been giving his thoughts to an update on Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford ahead of the Elland Road clash with Southampton, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: More injury woes

Bamford has had a season to forget when it comes to injuries. The 28-year-old has been limited to just seven Premier League starts due to ankle, hamstring and foot problems.

He appeared to be getting back to full fitness prior to the international break, however, the striker was forced off with a fresh foot issue which will now keep him out for six weeks.

Leeds confirmed the news in the week, with Bamford now joining Tyler Roberts and Junior Firpo on the treatment table with serious injuries in the first month of Marsch’s Elland Road tenure.

The Latest: Dinnery’s comments

Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, was asked for his thoughts on Bamford by FI.

He admitted he’d be ‘very surprised’ if Bamford plays again this season, adding that a typical period for his problem would rule him out for nine or ten weeks.

“I’d be very surprised if we see him again this season.

“Some of the research I’ve read gives him an outside chance, but it’s very, very small.

“Typically, we’re looking at around the nine or 10-week return timeline.

“When you look at how heavily his season has been disrupted, it makes a lot more sense to focus on his recovery.

“I think he’ll be looking at pre-season and they won’t want to take any unnecessary risks with this one. It’s very painful.

“He’ll initially be immobile. It’s all about gradual reintroduction but I wouldn’t expect that to be before the end of the season.

“But hopefully the fact it has been ruptured now means he’ll be in a much better place than he has been in the last year.

“We know he has been managing this problem But because of the rupture, that tension in the foot has been released.

“It’s going to be non-surgical because the foot has really good blood flow. That is the silver lining. Hopefully, he can move forward now.”

The Verdict: Rest up…

Bamford recently admitted that he rushed a return from injury, which has ultimately played a major part in his latest setback.

Marsch believes there is a chance Bamford could play in the final two games of the season, but it could be wise to forget that and leave him out until the summer.

Hopefully, the Whites will be mathematically safe before the games with Brighton and Brentford in May, and if they are, it could be an ideal chance for Marsch to give the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood chances from the off ahead of his first full season in charge.

In other news: Orta and Marsch now keen on signing ‘wonderful talent’ who shares agent with 6 Leeds players. 

Leeds United have been dealt a late setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Watford this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick-off (via Yorkshire Evening Post), Roy Hodgson revealed that both Nicolas Nkoulou and Kwadwo Baah have returned from injury, leaving the 74-year-old with a fully-fit squad to pick from ahead of Leeds’ trip to Vicarage Road.

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Regarding the current state of his squad, Hodgson said: “Basically, we have a fully fit squad.

“It’s quite incredible the work the doctors and the physios have done here this late in the season to present each day a list of players all of them ready and able to train. So I congratulate them and it does mean that we don’t have anything to think about in that respect.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering the sheer number of injuries with which Jesse Marsch has had to contend since his arrival at Elland Road back in March, the news that Watford have a fully-fit squad for the relegation six-pointer this afternoon is sure to have left the 48-year-old Leeds manager gutted.

Indeed, while the return of Joe Gelhardt will have come as a huge boost to the American and his side, the fact nevertheless remains that Leeds are having to make do without a number of their first-team regulars at Vicarage Road – with Tyler Roberts, Junior Firpo, Patrick Bamford and Jamie Shackleton all sidelined.

Furthermore, the return of long-term absentee Nkoulou and the highly-rated Germany under-19 international Baah will not only provide the Hornets with a boost for their meeting with the Whites this weekend, but also over the remainder of the season. Considering that there are just eight points separating Watford and Leeds prior to kick-off today, that could give Hodgson’s side the edge in the race for survival, especially if the hosts win at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

As such, it is clear to see that Watford’s clean bill of health is certainly bad news for Leeds, duly making the three points on offer this afternoon all the more important to secure.

AND in other news – Sold at £13m, now worth £100m: Leeds had a nightmare on 20 year-old who “everyone is talking about”

Liverpool are interested in a deal to bring Gavi to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Catalan media outlet El Nacional, who claim that, with the 17-year-old demanding a significant pay rise in his contract negotiations with Barcelona – something that the LaLiga side cannot afford – Liverpool have already contacted the midfielder’s entourage informing them the Reds are willing to pay his €50m (£42m) release clause.

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A further report by the same publication revealed that the Premier League side would be willing to offer the Spain international a salary of around €4m-per-year (£3.4m-per-year), which works out at around £65k-per-week – a figure that is much greater than Barcelona could offer the teenager.

It could be bye-bye Salah

With Mohamed Salah’s own contract situation at Liverpool still appearing rather unclear at present – the 29-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at Anfield, with his current deal set to expire next summer – should Liverpool indeed go on to make a move for Gavi this summer, it could well be a clear indication that the Egypt international will be on the move.

However, while Salah’s departure would undoubtedly come as a huge blow to everyone involved with Liverpool, considering the sheer amount of potential the young Spaniard quite clearly possesses, there would not seem many better signings Jurgen Klopp’s side could make in order to replace their £90m-rated talisman.

Indeed, despite Gavi’s primary position being that of a central midfielder, the £54m-rated sensation has demonstrated over his 11 of his outings having already come on either the left or right flank.

Furthermore, it is clear from the £2.2k-per-week teenager’s heatmap over his 26 LaLiga outings this season that he had a tendency to drift out wide – something that would suggest the Spaniard’s long-term future could well be as a winger.

Gavi quite clearly possesses all of the attributes to be an extremely successful wide forward in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, with FBref ranking the 17-year-old in the top 7% of all wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for pressures per 90, as well as the top 1% for pass completion, the top 25% for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 5% for blocks.

However, it is far from just an impressive work rate in the Masia graduate’s wheelhouse, as the player who Pedri recently dubbed an “absolutely crazy” talent also possesses an extremely creative eye – having scored two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances for his teammates in LaLiga this season.

As such, considering his undoubted ability, extremely impressive positional versatility and affordable buy-out clause, should Salah indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Gavi would very much appear to be a near-perfect replacement for the 29-year-old.

AND in other news: LFC now set to launch bid for “faultless” £25m ace, he’d be an “unbelievable” signing

Sky Sports have dropped a live TV update on new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: Official announcement

The Red Devils first spoke to the Dutchman last month and have now confirmed the 52-year-old as their new manager.

Ten Hag will replace Ralf Rangnick in the summer and has penned a deal through to June 2025 at Old Trafford, with United having the option to extend that by a further 12 months.

The club pointed out that a move is subject to work visa requirements, and Sky Sports have been speaking to ‘people close to Ten Hag’ following the announcement.

The Latest: Sky Sports claim

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol was speaking live on Wednesday, relayed by Football Daily, after talking to those close to Ten Hag ‘in the past few minutes’.

Solhekol revealed that Ten Hag has been told the first things he needs to do by United – ‘stop the rot’ and to ‘get Manchester United to play the way United are supposed to play’.

The Verdict: Summer rebuild required

Ten Hag is going to have an extremely busy first summer at Old Trafford, both on and off the training pitch looking for immediate results.

Up to 12 players could reportedly leave over the coming months and the new boss may have £200m to spend on new players, with Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves four targets for Ten Hag.

He’ll be looking to get key incomings and outgoings finalised as soon as possible, which will allow him to work with a fresh squad for pre-season, looking for instant results when it comes to a playing style at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news: ‘Revolution begins’: Fabrizio Romano now shares key Man Utd exit news emerging from Old Trafford. 

Manchester United are interested in a deal to bring Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United and Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain have submitted offers worth €65m (£55m) to Lazio for the central midfielder.

However, the report goes on to state that, while it is widely expected that the 27-year-old will leave Rome this summer, Lazio president Claudio Lotito is unlikely to be willing to part with the Serbia international for anything less than a figure of around €80m (£67.5m).

Bye-bye Pogba

Considering that it very much appears as if Paul Pogba has now played his last game for United, it is easy to see why Rangnick and the United board would be interested in a move for Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has been incredibly impressive throughout his near seven-year spell with Lazio, scoring 56 goals and registering 51 assists over his 290 appearances for the club – helping his side lift the 2018/19 Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups along the way.

The £63m-rated dynamo has been in particularly fine form over his 33 Serie A outings this season, scoring nine goals, providing 11 assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

The £95k-per-week central midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, enjoying an average of 79.7 touches per fixture, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 2.2 long balls, 1.2 clearances and winning seven duels – at a success rate of 52% – per appearance.

These returns have seen the player who journalist David Amoyal dubbed “unreal” average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s joint best performer in the Italian top flight but also the joint 12th-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, considering his undoubted ability at both ends of the pitch, it would indeed appear as if Milinkovic-Savic would be a perfect replacement for the outbound Pogba – not to mention a signing United could very easily afford if they were to get the Frenchman’s enormous £290k-per-week wages off of their books this summer.

AND in other news: “I’m told…”: Fabrizio Romano drops big MUFC transfer update, supporters will love it