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Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak would be Newcastle United’s dream signing, according to a report from The Daily Mail. 

The lowdown

With nearly a third of the January transfer window gone, Newcastle have made one addition, recruiting Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12m.

Currently 19th in the Premier League, the Magpies were dealt another blow in their battle to survive in the top flight with the news that Callum Wilson would be out of action for eight weeks through injury.

The 29-year-old is the team’s top scorer with six goals and Howe felt that his side were desperately in need of ‘a focal point’ in their shock FA Cup defeat to League One side Cambridge United on Saturday.

The latest

The Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones sets out Howe’s January wish list – two centre-backs, two strikers, a left-back and a midfielder.

Isak sits at the top of the list of centre-forward targets and would be an ‘ideal addition’ for the Magpies.

He is also said to be attracting interest from Champions League-chasing Arsenal, but Jones casts doubt about the possibility of recruiting him this month ‘with time pressing’.

The verdict

A player of Isak’s calibre would surely solve Newcastle’s problems in front of goal. Since joining Real Sociedad in 2019, he has scored 30 goals in 59 La Liga starts.

The Sweden forward has been described as a ‘unicorn’ by The Athletic’s Carl Anka, namely a player with a skill set so expansive that he ‘shouldn’t really exist’. The journalist noted Isak’s pace and strength, along with his ability to play with his back to goal and press from the front. In addition, he can use ‘skill-based moves’ to bypass defenders and employ ‘a handful of shooting techniques’.

When you also consider that he’s just 22 years old, it’s no surprise that Newcastle covet him, but the big problem is his €70m (£58.4m) release clause. That would consume the vast majority of Newcastle’s £100m January budget, and the aforementioned wish list is lengthy, so this could be a difficult one to pull off over the coming weeks.

In other news, Chris Waugh had this to say about Newcastle’s defensive transfer targets

Some Everton fans have been left fuming as the arrival of Anwar El Ghazi was confirmed by the Toffees.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the winger has now signed on loan from Aston Villa for the rest of the season, and so is eligible to play Norwich City away from home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

However, while El Ghazi offers an extra body in the attack and plenty of top-flight experience, some supporters of the Merseyside club have been left underwhelmed by his signing.

The Netherlands international has sizeable number of wingers that he can call upon in the squad already, with other areas of the pitch arguably needing strengthening more.

Everton fans on El Ghazi transfer news

These Toffees were baffled as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, while one Blue even went as far as to claim that he is a ‘fraud’, perhaps given his lack of goals or assists in the Premier League this term:

“It just keeps getting worse #RafaOut”

Credit: @Gethsfa

“Ehhhhhhh…”

Credit: @gaming_uki

“Fraud”

Credit: @NoGrayDays11

“Oh dear”

Credit: @alexgriffiths96

“Moshiri out”

Credit: @BlueJamie99

“Liquidate”

Credit: @Hnsno1878

In other news, find out what club post also had Evertonians fuming here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing over some off-field news that has emerged.

As per 90min, the Goodison Park faithful are now ‘keen’ on Brighton and Hove Albion technical director Dan Ashworth, who has previously been linked with a job at Newcastle United.

He already has plenty of pedigree, having been a key figure as his work at the Football Association (FA) helped lead to England winning the U20 and U17 World Cups, in addition to the U19 European Championships, back in 2017.

In 2019, Ashworth became the technical director with the Seagulls, and thus oversaw the appointment of Graham Potter, who has become a great success in guiding them to the top half of the Premier League table, and has since been touted for the Manchester United job.

Nonetheless, he seems to be an appointment that would be very popular among Merseyside club supporters.

Everton fans on Ashworth news

These Toffees gushed as the Ashworth news was shared on Twitter:

“Now we’re talking.”

Credit: @PeterFearns

“YES!!!”

Credit: @PortlandToffee

“Please. Oh my god”

Credit: @jlgg94

“That’s more like it”

Credit: @AlwaysBlue7

“IN MY DREAMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Cryptys

“If this happened, this would be the best thing to happen to Everton Football club in literally the last 6 or 7 years.”

Credit: @RyanSoccerAA

In other news, find out what manager update has Blues buzzing here!

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side face a break from their Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon, when the Bhoys make the trip to Alloa Athletic in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

And, with the Hoops’ opponents currently struggling towards the bottom of the Scottish League One table, the fixture presents the 56-year-old Celtic manager with a perfect opportunity to rest a number of his regular starters, as well as handing minutes to some of his peripheral squad members – in addition to those returning from injury.

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One player who falls into the latter category is none other than Christopher Jullien, the 28-year-old centre-back who last featured for the Bhoys all the way back in December 2020, with a recurring knee injury seeing the former France U21 international miss over a year of first-team football.

However, following the defender’s recent post on Twitter – in which Jullien shared a photo of himself in training at Lennoxtown alongside the caption “green light” – it would appear as if the Frenchman is now ready to make his long-awaited return to the pitch.

And, with the fixture against Alloa not likely to be the most strenuous game of the season for the Celtic backline, Barry Ferguson’s side could well be the perfect opponent for Jullien to ease himself back into the rigours of first-team football.

Game-changer

While the expression like a new signing is perhaps overused when describing a player returning from injury, should Jullien be able to refind the level of form he was in prior to his injury, the 28-year-old’s availability will undoubtedly be game-changing for Celtic’s title hopes this season.

Indeed, over his nine Premiership fixtures in the Bhoys’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.95m-rated centre-back helped his side to keep five clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week defender average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, ranking him as the Hoops’ second-best performer in the league last season.

As such, in order to help get the Frenchman back up to speed as quickly as possible, Postecoglou simply must unleash Jullien on Saturday afternoon, as the return of the player who Noel Whelan dubbed a “leader” could well turn the tide in Celtic’s favour regarding the Premiership race over the coming months.

In other news: “Excellent” 23 y/o may have played his final game for Celtic as January deal is agreed

Jurgen Klopp will be aware that just around the corner could be  one of the biggest crisis he will have to face during his time as Liverpool manager, as both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s contracts are set to expire at the end of next season.

The signing of Luis Diaz from Porto in the January transfer window hinted that the Reds are looking to prepare for the future by signing younger forwards than the aforementioned duo, with enough talent to immediately come in and stake a claim for the first team.

However, this summer could see them lose their star men a year ahead of schedule if they prefer to earn a transfer fee, and with interest building in them, Liverpool look likely to bolster their attack at the end of this season.

What’s the news?

Last week, the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool, as well as Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, were interested in acquiring Cody Gakpo from PSV this summer.

Since then, two unnamed Premier League teams have registered “concrete interest” as reported by Dutch news outlet Eindhovens Dagblad, and it’s believed that the Reds could be one of the clubs.

According to the Athletic, Gakpo has an understanding with PSV, that if a suitable offer is made, he can discuss terms with a new club.

Future replacement for Mane?

A goalscoring left-winger, Gakpo has scored the same amount of goals for club and country in all competitions this season as Mane (17), but also managing 14 assists – 11 more than the Senegalese star.

Averaging a 7.58 match rating in the Eredivisie, only Ajax duo Dusan Tadic (7.81) and Lisandro Martinez (7.61), as well as Feyenoord playmaker Orkun Kokcu (7.62), have managed a higher total in the league, while he is currently clear of the rest of his teammates.

Completing three dribbles, three key passes, three shots and 1.9 crosses per game, he has become a key figure in the PSV team, earning praise from the likes of former Netherlands international Theo Janssen in recent months.

“That boy has everything,” Janssen said. “Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines.

“I really enjoy watching him. He is going to be an important player for the Oranje squad. He is ready to be in the base of the Oranje squad.”

Rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old would be a smart signing for Klopp and Liverpool, and his significant output in the final third could ensure he becomes a key player for the Reds too.

In other news: FSG must seal Liverpool deal for “scary” £41m star, he can be Klopp’s “game-winner”

Everton have had a shocking season, with numerous injury problems and poor performances contributing to their current relegation challenge. If they can remain in the Premier League next season, there seems little doubt that Frank Lampard will be making changes over the summer, but there is one player’s future which could be out of his hands already.

What’s the word?

Journalist Dean Jones has made a big claim on the future of Toffees deadline day signing Dele Alli, with his future at the club uncertain and potentially cut short.

The transfer insider told GiveMeSport: “If he’s not in the team by the end of the season, it’s pretty likely he’s gone.”

Lampard will be fuming

Lampard only joined the club on transfer deadline day in January but wasted no time bringing in Alli on the very same day to offer him the opportunity to revive his career away from Tottenham. However, due to the nature of Everton’s situation in the Premier League, the 43-year-old does not have the time at this point of the season to find the attacking midfielder’s best position in the team.

With only ten league games left for the Toffees, Lampard is obviously looking to his most experienced and reliable attacking players to secure safety for the club to remain in the Premier League this season. With Alli struggling for consistency in his game, as seen at Spurs over the last few seasons, the former Chelsea boss clearly doesn’t trust him yet.

Lampard will surely be fuming at the speculation surrounding the 25-year-old, and after giving Alli a chance to join him at Goodison Park, he would no doubt be disappointed if the player decided to leave due to a lack of game-time in a vulnerable period for the Toffees, as there could be an opportunity to take a much more consistent role in the team next season if they aren’t relegated this year.

Even this season, there could still be moments when Lampard feels that he can lean on the ex-Spurs playmaker, but it could really pay off for Alli if he maintains patience and works with his manager to secure a role in the team in the future. Alas, this could ultimately depend on the league status of the club next season – if they were to drop into the Championship, they will likely have a tough time trying to keep many of their marquee players, including Alli.

In other news: Everton handed fresh lift as update emerges, Lampard will be buzzing

Wolves are building towards an extremely exciting summer transfer window if reports of late are to be believed.

The likes of Lucas Ocampos and Allan Saint-Maximin have both been touted with making a switch to Molineux but will Bruno Lage be able to secure them?

What’s the word?

Unfortunately, it looks as though their hopes of securing a deal for Saint-Maximin may have been quashed.

That comes courtesy of Fabrizio Romano who claimed there is nothing concrete in rumours linking the Frenchman with a move away from Newcastle United.

He said on the Que Golazo YouTube channel: “So at the moment, for Saint-Maximin, still nothing concrete, but let’s see in the coming weeks what happens.”

90min had initially suggested that Wolves and Everton were both interested in securing his services.

Supporters surely gutted

Considering just exciting Saint-Maximin can be, this news is unlikely to please much of the Molineux fanbase.

After all, there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding their forward line ahead of the summer so it is absolutely imperative they have some targets lined up.

Adama Traore could still move to Barcelona while Wolves have a deal in place, should they choose to utilise it, to sign Trincao from the Catalan giants on a permanent basis.

However, judging by the fact that both players have contributed to a combined haul of just two goals in the Premier League this term, neither should be long-term options.

Yet, in Saint-Maximin, they’d find a player capable of not only excelling in areas where Traore thrives – pace and dribbling – but also someone who is capable of providing more end product in the final third.

The 25-year-old livewire has racked up a supremely impressive haul of 4.3 dribbles per match in 2021/22, a number that actually eclipses that of Traore who has managed 4.2 in comparison.

His five goals and three assists are also a better tally than the energetic Spaniard, proving he’d be a superb acquisition this summer.

Sadly, if you believe Romano, a deal now looks unlikely. Wolves supporters will have every right to be gutted as a result.

AND in other news, Jota 2.0: Wolves plot bid to sign “electric” £58m gem who terrorised Doherty in 2020…

According to Spanish sources, Tottenham Hotspur have entered the mix for Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic as transfer chief Fabio Paratici casts one eye on the summer market.

The Lowdown: Conte rejuvenates Spurs…

Spearheaded by manager Antonio Conte, Tottenham have undergone a real resurgence after a lacklustre start to 2021/22.

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Since that 3-0 loss at home to Manchester United in late October, which resulted in the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Lilywhites have clawed their way into top four contention whilst playing some scintillating football.

Conte’s impact at the club has seemingly transformed the mood both inside and outside N17, especially since mid-February, with Tottenham winning a brilliant six out of their last seven Premier League games (Transfermarkt).

However, if chairman Daniel Levy and co wish to keep their hit of a head coach, they may need to back him in the summer market and allow Conte to reinvent the Spurs squad in his own image.

Bearing this in mind, transfer chief Paratici must have one eye on the next transfer window, with news now emerging on a striker target.

The Latest: Tottenham to ‘fight’ for Jovic…

According to Spanish claims, Tottenham are one of the clubs who are set to ‘fight’ for Galacticos outcast Jovic, with his ‘possible departure’ alerting Conte’s side.

The Serbia international is said to be ‘tired’ of life in Madrid and the feeling is mutual on his club’s side as they are ‘looking for the Balkan striker’s exit’.

As a result, according to the report, ‘all roads reach an imminent agreement’ with any interested suitor who can take Jovic off Madrid’s hands – including Tottenham.

The Verdict: Make a move?

As Real Madrid president Florentino Perez seems desperate to sell, with the forward himself also eager to depart, negotiations could move quickly in the summer – but does that mean Spurs should seal his move?

According to a report by AS (via TEAMtalk), the European giants will command a €30m (£25m) transfer fee to let him go, which is arguably in Tottenham’s range if they wish to bolster Conte’s forward options.

Jovic has also been praised by none other than Lionel Messi, who called the 24-year-old ‘magical’, and his 2018/19 performances for his former club Eintracht Frankfurt point to a very capable forward when he’s on form.

He bagged a brilliant 17 goals and five assists over 25 Bundesliga starts in that campaign, with Spurs’ interest arguably justified as a result.

As a backup to star striker Harry Kane, Conte and co could do far worse than Jovic, who is still only 24 years old with many seasons still ahead of him.

In other news: Conte unhappy with ‘perfect’ Tottenham player behind-the-scenes, he’s now set to leave…find out more here

Gio van Bronckhorst’s Rangers enjoyed a magical night at Ibrox as they made their way through to the Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

The Gers went into the game 1-0 down on aggregate and ended up winning 3-1 on the night, to go through on a 3-2 lead, and thus securing their place in the last four.

James Tavernier made Ibrox bounce in the opening 90 seconds as he latched onto a flick from Joe Aribo to slide the ball into the bottom corner from a tight angle, putting Rangers on the front foot early on.

Kemar Roofe thought he put them 2-0 up a few minutes later before VAR ruled that Borna Barisic used his hand in the build-up. However, the striker then played a pivotal role in Gers’ actual second goal as he won the penalty that Tavernier converted before half time.

Braga were able to take the match to extra time as David Carmo headed the ball in from a corner to make it 2-2 on aggregate.

Rangers reacted brilliantly to this setback as they dominated the last 30 minutes of the tie, with Glen Kamara and Aribo combining on the right to tee up Roofe for a tap-in from six yards out.

Whilst Tavernier will receive acclaim for his two goals and the attackers will get credit for the Gers scoring three goals, Connor Goldson deserves huge praise for his performance as he dominated Ibrox on Thursday.

The towering centre-back was a tank at the back for Van Bronckhorst and played a big role in allowing the Scottish giants to control the match and keep Braga at bay for the most part.

As you can see in the graphic above, Goldson was instrumental for the Gers as he dictated the play from the back and was strong defensively throughout.

He won nine of his 10 aerial duels and made one block and two tackles to go along with his five clearances, as per SofaScore, and was unlucky for the Braga equaliser as he was blocked off from marking Carmo by his own teammate.

His 162 touches also led the way for Rangers as he had more possession of the ball than any other player on the pitch on the night. This highlights his dominance on the ball, with his defensive statistics showing that he also dominated off it, and Van Bronckhorst will surely be delighted with the centre-back’s display.

Now it is time for Goldson and his teammates to prepare for a clash with Leipzig in the semi-final…

AND in other news, Major blow: Rangers hit with huge injury setback that’ll infuriate supporters…

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has bemoaned Josip Juranovic’s absence through injury ahead of the clash with Ross County.

The Lowdown: Juranovic out of clash

The Hoops face a crucial Scottish Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to fifth-place Ross County for what could be a sticky fixture.

Celtic have a small cushion over Rangers at the top of the table, but any slip-up could be key and they will have to make do without Juranovic this weekend.

The Croatian is missing for a number of weeks through injury, meaning Ralston is expected to slot in at right-back against Ross County.

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The Latest: McAvennie backs Ralston

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said Juranovic’s absence is significant, but stuck by Ralston at the same time:

“Juranovic is a wonderful defender. We all know I have been critical of Tony Ralston but he loves playing in the role Ange is currently giving him.

“I have no problem, with him coming in. It’s a shame for Juranovic because it’s one hell of a blow for him. He’s a brilliant player and he’s done so well against good players. Kent couldn’t get near him in the last few times we have played Rangers.

“It’s a man down but Celtic have to get on with it. That’s the only thing they can do at this point. Ralston has a few goals and assists so he does do a lot going forward.

“Hopefully he can play as brilliant as he did at the start of the season.”

The Verdict: Big game for replacement

Ralston may not be loved by McAvennie but he has proven to be a good squad player this season, starting 20 matches in total and chipping in with four goals.

While Juranovic is arguably the first-choice right-back, the 23-year-old should have no issue filling in, doing his job and helping Celtic pick up three more valuable points.

Having strong squad depth is vital to any title charge and that is the case with the Hoops, with players of Ralston’s ilk able to come in and perform when required.

In other news, a pundit has bemoaned something that will affect Celtic next season. Read more here.