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A huge Newcastle United transfer claim has been made regarding their pursuit of Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies will make another move to land the Brazil defender this week as they attempt to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad. Sevilla are said to be working hard to avoid cashing by rejecting the Toon’s interest so far.

Romano tweeted: “Newcastle will push again in the next hours for Diego Carlos. Sevilla are trying to resist in every way as they did for Koundé/Chelsea deal last summer – but Newcastle are willing to insist. Key hours ahead. #NUFC Diego already agreed personal terms days ago. He’s waiting.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will be delighted with this update for several reasons. Firstly, the claim that Carlos is ‘waiting’ after agreeing personal terms with the club shows that there is a willingness from the defender to make the switch to St James’ Park.

This shows that he is eager to join the club and is passionate about a transfer to Newcastle, which fans will surely love in comparison to a player who needs to be convinced. The 28-year-old wants the move and the Magpies now need to find an agreement with the Spanish outfit to get it done.

The supporters will also be buzzing with Romano’s tweet as it shows that Nick Hammond, Eddie Howe and PIF are not willing to give up easily. They could have admitted defeat and moved further down their list of targets, potentially lowering the ceiling on the quality of player they can bring to the club, but instead are doing their best to land the man who could be their top target.

Fans will love this as it shows ambition and a desire to sign the best possible players to bolster the squad in the January transfer window. With Newcastle currently sat 19th in the Premier League and on just one win after 20 matches, reinforcements are needed to aid their bid to avoid relegation from the top flight, and this is why working hard to sign a player like Carlos could delight the Toon Army.

The centre-back has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.16 in La Liga this season, showing that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis in a top European league. The newly-signed Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle player (7.30) who has averaged a higher rating than Carlos this term, and that is based on a small sample size, which highlights how big of a potential signing the Sevilla defender could be.

AND in other news, “He is set to join Newcastle”: Insider’s early morning update will leave fans buzzing…

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has praised Kalvin Phillips’ decision to have surgery, also hinting at him staying put beyond the summer.

The Lowdown: Phillips undergoes surgery

The Whites have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that the England midfielder is going to be missing for a significant chunk of action.

The 25-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss around two months of football, having undergone successful surgery.

Leeds will have to battle on without their talisman during a hectic period in the season but he should be back for the business end of the campaign.

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The Latest: Whelan finds positives

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claims that it is a wise decision to have surgery immediately, rather than risk Phillips not being at his best for a long time. He said:

“It’s a really sensible move. We know how integral and important Kalvin is, and his value to this team will have demanded the surgery to take place in order to sort it out properly.

“No one wants to be without their talisman, but Leeds United will also realise that having him long-term is better than playing with a Kalvin Phillips that might be in and out of the team with the same problem.”

Furthermore, Whelan hinted at the Leeds hero staying at the club for a further 12 months at least, seemingly ruling out the idea of a summer exit amid rumours of other Premier League sides eyeing a swoop for him. The 46-year-old stated:

“It’s vitally important that he gets the treatment he needs. If that means we have to go without Kalvin for two months, but then we get him for the next 12 – then brilliant.”

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The Verdict: Better in the long run

Whelan is right- losing Phillips midway through the season is a big blow, but the decision to have surgery immediately is the right one, taking the hit now rather than letting it going on for several more months.

This way, the England international should return in good shape in February or March, rather than playing with an injury for the entirety of the campaign.

Regardless of where Phillips is playing his football in the future, it is important that he isn’t hampered in the long-term because of delaying surgery and making the situation worse.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou confirmed that David Turnbull is out of contention for the trip to St. Mirren on Wednesday evening, before going on to suggest that Kyogo Furuhashi is also a doubt for the clash.

Furthermore, the 56-year-old also went on to reveal that Benfica loanee Jota, who has been out of action since the start of the month after pulling his hamstring against Hearts, will not make a return to first-team football before the upcoming winter break, something that rules the winger out of the Old Firm fixture at the start of January.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Postecoglou said: “Jota’s injury was quite significant, so we don’t think we will see him back out there before the break.

“Dave was the major one coming out of the final. We have had the scan, but we haven’t had the results yet. He will definitely be out for St Mirren, but I’m not sure how long he will miss.

“We will also have to particularly manage Kyogo during this period as he is not 100 per cent. I just need to see how he came through the game and look at St Mirren. I am not expecting anyone else to miss out and I also don’t expect anyone who was missing to return.”

Postecoglou will be fuming

While it is undoubtedly a major blow to lose the services of one of Celtic’s most impressive performers for the trip to The SMISA Stadium on Wednesday evening in the form of David Turnbull, the news that Jota does not look likely to return to first-team football before the club’s crunch match with Rangers on January 2 is sure to have left the Bhoys boss fuming.

Indeed, over his 11 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £3.15m-rated loanee has been in remarkable form for the Hoops, scoring five goals, providing four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £7.1k-per-week 22-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.38, ranking him as Celtic’s fifth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football – of the players who remain a part of Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

As such, while the loss of Turnbull and the potential absence of Kyogo ahead of the St. Mirren clash will certainly be frustrating for the Greek-Australian coach, the news that Jota looks likely to miss what could well be a make or break game in Celtic’s season against Rangers next month will undoubtedly come as a devastating blow for Postecoglou and his side.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “pathetic” £7.9k-p/w Celtic flop with swoop for £270k-rated beast

Manchester United could bring in Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor much sooner than originally anticipated.

What’s the story?

The Norwegian was relieved of his duties over the weekend after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford on Saturday, and the Red Devils’ hierarchy stated that they will appoint an interim manager until the end of the season.

That led to speculation surrounding the future of Pochettino, with several reports claiming that he would be open to taking over the United hot seat at the end of the current campaign.

However, Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst has provided an update on the situation, claiming that the 49-year-old would be willing to join the 20-time English champions immediately.

He tweeted the following six words: “Pochettino wants to join #mufc now” in what he claimed was a “brief but vital update” to his original story on the speculation surrounding the Argentine’s potential appointment at Old Trafford. 

Man Utd fans will be buzzing

News that Pochettino could become United’s new boss over the coming days or weeks will surely leave many of the club’s supporters buzzing with excitement.

Throughout his time in English football, at both Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, the 49-year-old showed himself to be an extremely astute tactician capable of implementing an exciting style of play and achieving quality results.

Although he failed to claim a major trophy during his tenure at Spurs, four consecutive top-four finishes and a place in the Champions League final are evidence of his top-class credentials.

In Paris, Pochettino finally secured his first piece of major silverware as a manager, seeing off Monaco 2-0 in the French Cup final and putting major criticism to bed in the process.

His high-octane pressing style and track record of developing youngsters will also be appealing qualities to anyone associated with United, but it remains to be seen whether the Glazers make an approach for his services.

Pochettino could be the ideal candidate to restore the Red Devils to their former glory, and the club’s fanbase will surely be hoping to see him make the switch from PSG sooner rather than later.

In other news…”I’m told” – Sky Sports journalist drops big Man United manager update, fans must be elated

Manchester United face Norwich City at Carrow Road this evening, which should be a good opportunity for them to secure another three points under Ralf Rangnick.

The Canaries are currently deep into the relegation zone, and the 63-year-old will be looking to capitalise on their poor form by putting on a masterclass which should see his side enjoy a comfortable win away from home.

Despite Rangnick trying to take a look at the capabilities of all the players in the squad, rotating as much as possible, there is one player who should be in the starting line-up no matter what this evening.

Mason Greenwood has had an impressive start to the season, despite Manchester United’s patchy form. The 20-year-old has been a standout player for the team, with five goals and two assists in 16 appearances so far in the current campaign.

Rangnick has already seen the potential in the £75k-p/w forward, hailing him as a “massive talent” following the game on Wednesday night which saw United round off their Champions League group campaign.

The youngster was breaking records in Europe midweek, when his goal in the 1-1 draw with Young Boys became his eighth in European competition. No other Red Devils player has scored more at that level before their 21st birthday, with Greenwood overtaking team-mate Marcus Rashford in the record books.

Indeed, the former is eclipsing his 24-year-old colleague in terms of goalscoring so far this season, with Greenwood on five goals compared to Rashford’s three. If it comes down to a straight call for Rangnick on choosing one over the other, that offer a strong clue as to who would be the better option.

The Red Devils boss said of the 20-year-old after the Young Boys game: “I think today he also showed not only the quality because of that beautiful goal, but also the way that he set up the opportunity for Juan Mata was brilliant. He’s a massive talent – left foot, right foot, good on the ball. Also the way that he set up the goal for Fred on Sunday, so it’s about continuity.”

Greenwood must start against Norwich, whose weaknesses lie mostly in their defence, where the likes of Grant Hanley will have a tough time marking the youngster. That could duly open up many opportunities for the 20-year-old to find the back of the net for United later on.Building up Greenwood’s confidence in front of goal should be a priority for Rangnick, and Norwich will be a good test for the forward to have more freedom and space to develop into the game with ease, as well as giving him more experience with linking up with the attacking players around him.In other news: This Red Devils ace has been linked with a move to La Liga

Lucien Favre is now reportedly the favourite to take over as manager at Newcastle United ahead of Paulo Fonseca.

The Lowdown: Fonseca looked likely

It has been widely reported that Fonseca is the likely candidate to take over from Steve Bruce at St. James’ Park.

However, with the process seemingly taking some time, other names have popped into the reckoning, including the likes of Gennaro Gattuso and Erik ten Hag.

The Latest: Favre favourite

According to Bild, Favre has now emerged as the favourite for the job in the North East, and Fonseca is only second choice.

Talks are now entering the decisive stage say the German outlet, as the new owners look to bring someone in as soon as possible.

The Verdict: Avoid

There is no doubt that Favre is a good manager, having won five major trophies with three different clubs in his career so far (Transfermarkt).

However, with the kind of names floating around on Tyneside, one should question whether he is a big enough name to take the Magpies to the next level.

He has also never managed in English football before, which immediately puts him at a disadvantage to some other candidates, and does not have the experience of handling mega riches, with the most expensive player that he has bought being Mats Hummels at £27.45m.

Nonetheless, the new owners should be a bit more ambitious to try and attract a superstar name to the Toon.

In other news, find out which ‘brilliant’ ace would be a ‘massive’ signing for NUFC here!

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Manchester City beast Nathan Ake.

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, the Magpies are looking at the City defender as a possible target for the January transfer window.

The report claims that Eddie Howe could look to snap him up after working with him at Bournemouth earlier in his career, as the Toon boss wants to bolster his centre-back options.

Get it done

Howe must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Ake in the January window as he could be a sublime addition to the Newcastle squad and improve the standard of the defence. The Netherlands international is a bit-part player at the Etihad Stadium, so the Magpies must try to tempt him into making the switch further north with the promise of regular game-time.

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He is a proven, experienced player at Premier League level, with room to improve even further at the age of 26. Ake has 159 top-flight games under his belt in England and played 121 times under Howe at Bournemouth, showing that the Newcastle coach trusted him to perform week in, week out.

Last month, City manager Pep Guardiola hailed him as a ‘joy to have’ and praised his ability to play as a left-back when needed.

The Spaniard said: “Nathan is an alternative (at left-back). He is not a left-back to do overlaps…he is not just this type of guy. But he is so focused, so concentrated. He is an intelligent guy and on Saturday our build-up was with three at the back with Aymer more in the centre and John more on the right. It suited us perfectly.

“He’s a joy to have him – Nathan is a great guy. He always trains well and is loved by the team. This type of person when I can give them minutes, I am really pleased for them.”

Howe previously lauded the “outstanding” defender and Guardiola’s glowing reference should also get fans excited by the prospect of Ake arriving at St James’ Park in January.

The £100k-per-week beast has made three Premier League starts for City this season and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.03. For context, Allan Saint-Maximin is the only player in the entire Newcastle squad who boasts a higher score, which suggests that Ake could come in and immediately be one of their top-performing players. Howe now needs to get his head down and work hard with the club to get a deal done for the Dutchman.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lascelles: Howe could strike dream NUFC deal for £9m-rated “Rolls-Royce”…

Paddy Kenny has given his reaction to Football Insider after some injury news involving Callum Wilson.

The Lowdown: Wilson in training

As cited by The Shields Gazette earlier this month, Steve Bruce revealed that Wilson would likely come back to training in the ‘next couple of days’.

It is hoped that he will now be fit to return to action in time for their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former top-flight goalkeeper Kenny, 43, has now claimed that St. James’ Park will be rocking if Wilson is deemed fit enough to play Spurs, especially after the news that the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is complete:

“You can’t underestimate how big that is for them, I don’t think.

“He was out for a while last season and they struggled. They needed a goalscorer like him.

“Then he came back into the team, they had that good run towards the end of the season and they shot up to 12th in the table.

“If he is going to be fit after the international break, that’s great news for them.

“With the takeover stuff and him back, wow, St. James’ Park will be absolutely bouncing.“

The Verdict: Big boost

It will certainly be a big boost for the North East club should Wilson return to the starting eleven against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

The Toon Army are likely to be buzzing anyway given that the takeover has gone through, and would no doubt be voicing their support for the striker too.

The Tyneside outfit have not been able to win any of the last four matches in the Premier League without him, while only managing to score a mere four goals in that time (Transfermarkt), highlighting just how important he is to the team.

Nonetheless, he is their biggest threat in front of goal, and the Magpies will need him to play to have the best possible chance of getting all three points.

In other news, find out which ‘super-talented’ powerhouse is a realistic target for NUFC here!

Everton have received some positive injury news regarding the recovery of key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure this week.

What’s the word?

The influential 28-year-old had been in fine form in the opening weeks of the current campaign until he picked up a foot problem in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham United on 17 September.

Originally, reports suggested Doucoure could be sidelined for up to seven weeks due to the stress damage in his metatarsal, but reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Doucoure could be back in action much sooner.

He tweeted: “Abdoulaye Doucouré injury update. Everton midfielder will be back earlier than expected: he’s preparing his comeback in four/four and half weeks, after the international break. #EFC Finally some good news for Rafa Benitez.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

With star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and centre-back Yerry Mina also incurring his own fitness worries, news that Doucoure will be available earlier than anticipated will have the Everton fans buzzing with excitement.

The box-to-box dynamo had been one of the Merseyside outfit’s standout performers of 2021/22 before his injury, bagging two goals and providing four assists in his eight Premier League appearances – a superior contribution to the entirety of the previous campaign in 21 games fewer.

And his absence from Everton’s starting XI was clearly missed last time out. Although his replacement in the middle of the park Tom Davies opened the scoring after just three minutes, Doucoure’s former side Watford dished out a 5-2 thrashing to his current employers.

Therefore, news of his positive progress will be warmly welcomed by Rafa Benitez and the Goodison Park faithful as they go in search of a top-six finish in the Premier League – something that is more than possible with the side sat only three points off the top-four.

Having Doucoure back sooner will bolster their chances of achieving that and that should leave everyone concerned with the club absolutely delighted.

And, in other news…Everton receive boost in pursuit of “quality” £22.5m-rated gem, Rafa will be buzzing

When Bruno Lage signed on the dotted line and became the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, he knew he needed to do something about the club’s injury problems.

It was a major issue for Wolves last season with Nuno Santo having to make do with countless fitness issues.

Raul Jimenez suffered a nasty fractured skull last November while the likes of Daniel Podence and Marcal withstood several injuries.

Jonny suffered back to back ACL problems and then Pedro Neto was ruled out for an extended period of time after breaking his knee cap.

Those two players remain long term absentees but two more individuals have been added to the treatment table at Compton.

Speaking prior to Wolves’ clash with Southampton on Sunday, Lage confirmed the club had suffered two additional blows.

He commented: “Ait-Nouri will be out for seven days. Mosquera has a muscle injury, not in the same area.”

Reporter Liam Keen then cleared up how long the latter might be out for, saying: “He (Lage) has given a timeline of 1-2 months for Mosquera. Expects it to be closer to 2 months.”

With Wolves’ defensive options extremely limited, this will be a gutting piece of news for the manager to receive.

Ait-Nouri will only miss the next week but it’s a shame that he’ll be absent for the clash this weekend after picking up an important assist against Tottenham in midweek.

Mosquera’s injury is more concerning, however. He signed in the summer as Wolves’ only centre-back recruit but his one appearance – the match with Spurs – ended in disaster as he went off on just nine minutes.

The central defender is a promising player but his ability to adapt and integrate himself into the surroundings at Molineux is being extremely hampered, especially as this is not his first fitness problem since arriving.

Wolves have continued to operate a three-man backline under Lage but the fewer options they have, the less he’ll be able to improve their system.

They tried signing Sven Botman and Duje Caleta-Car in the summer window but ultimately failed in their pursuits. Had one of those players joined, it’s unlikely that Mosquera’s injury would be so concerning.

Instead, Lage will be hoping that he doesn’t receive another injury to his defensive line.

AND in other news, Bruno Lage could soon replicate one of Nuno’s big Wolves blunders from last season…