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Eddie Howe watched on as Newcastle United picked up a point away at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening thanks to a goal from Isaac Hayden.

Leandro Trossard gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but the visitors would have left feeling annoyed that they could not capitalise on Robert Sanchez getting sent off late on for clipping Callum Wilson when he was through on goal, which led to Lewis Dunk g0ing in goal for the last few minutes of the game.

Nonetheless, while some Magpies players may have impressed Howe, others would have disappointed, as The Transfer Tavern uses statistical experts SofaScore to dive into the numbers of those who did not put their best foot forward against the Seagulls:

Emil Krafth (6.4)

Admittedly with the same rating with the second-worst player for Newcastle, Krafth ranks third given that he was substituted off (players must feature for at least 45 minutes to be considered), so he had less time to gain the 6.4 rating given to him by SofaScore.

A right-back by trade, the Sweden international has been slotting in as a central defender under Graeme Jones and it told at times, as he failed to block any shots or make any tackles or interceptions in the match against Brighton.

Attacking-wise, he recorded no shots on goal and lost possession seven times, although he did manage 48 touches of the ball, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates.

Allan Saint-Maximin (6.4)

It was an unusually quiet game for Saint-Maximin, who also gained a 6.4 rating from SofaScore.

The tricky winger lost out on six of his duels and failed to have a shot or make a key pass or accurate cross, while he only managed 34 touches, the third-fewest out of any Newcastle player to have started. That is a testament to how quiet he was.

Saint-Maximin was also guilty of losing the ball on 12 separate occasions with those touches, the joint-third most out of his teammates.

Miguel Almiron (6.2)

Almiron was rated as the Magpies’ worst player by SofaScore with a 6.2 overall rating.

The Paraguayan was asked to play a wide role by Jones and it did not really suit him, as he did not register a shot on goal, while failing to record a successful dribble or accurate cross.

His 26 touches were the second-fewest out of his teammates to have started the match, while he was also guilty of losing possession 12 times.

In other news, Newcastle are eyeing this ‘force of nature’ who’s been likened to two world-class strikers

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on signing Christian Eriksen for nothing this summer, according to The Daily Star.

The Lowdown: Eriksen in demand

Eriksen, who has been labelled a ‘superstar’ by Graeme Bailey, returned to the Premier League in January after signing a short-term deal with Brentford.

The 30-year-old has made seven appearances for the Bees, contributing to three goals. Brentford have won five and drew one in the six games he has started, which has resulted in six English clubs showing an interest in his services. He is out of contract at the end of June, and a move to Old Trafford to work under Ten Hag has now been mooted.

The Latest: United join the race

The Daily Star shared a story regarding Eriksen late on Saturday evening, revealing the Red Devils are now interested in the attacking midfielder.

Ten Hag believes Eriksen, who trained with him at Ajax earlier this year, will be the perfect signing to kick start a major Old Trafford rebuild.

The Verdict: Smart move?

Ralf Rangnick believes up to 10 players could arrive at the club this summer, so United chiefs need to be wise in the market.

Therefore, picking up Eriksen for free could be an extremely shrewd move. The Denmark international has contributed to 121 goals in 233 Premier League and has shown in recent months he still has he quality to star in England.

United may also be left with just Bruno Fernandes as their only senior attacking midfielder, should Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata leave when their contracts expire at the end of June, so adding Eriksen to the mix could be a wise call.

In other news: ‘First signing of the Ten Hag era will most likely be’ – Journalist breaks major Man United news.

A number of Wolves supporters have reacted in frustrated fashion to Tim Spiers’ confirmation that the club’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, scheduled for Tuesday lunchtime, has been postponed.

Bruno Lage’s side were also meant to be in action on Boxing Day but their league meeting with Watford at Molineux was called off. It has given Wolves’ players time to recharge their batteries and preparations had been underway to take on the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Wanderers have now had back-to-back matches postponed, with Spiers confirming the news on Twitter on Monday evening due to a combination of numerous injuries and positive virus cases within Lage’s squad, which is among the thinnest in the Premier League anyway.

It is deeply frustrating for Wolves at a time when they are looking to continue their good form, but their next match now won’t be until January 3, when they make the trip to Manchester United.

Wolves fans fume over Arsenal postponement

These Wanderers fans took to Twitter to show their annoyance at the news, which some supporters dubbed a “shocking” indictment of the lack of squad depth at Molineux.

“Embarrassing, imagine if we actually had a squad and not just 14 first team players anyway. Club is a shambles top to bottom, where’s all the Watford bashers now”

Credit: @TheMolineuxBlog

“Embarrassing from us”

Credit: @adamwwfc03

“This season is fast becoming a farce, looks like teams are taking it in turns to have a week off”

Credit: @Retrowolves1

“Game should go ahead, nobody’s fault other than ours that we have a tiny squad”

Credit: @wwfcltd

“Injuries? That’s embarrassing. That’s our own fault, not Arsenal’s”

Credit: @WiggyWWFC

“Shocking when these blokes are meant to be all vaccinated, work in some of the most covid safe environments etc. Just end the season now otherwise every team soon as they get a few injuries will be crying Covid”

Credit: @jamiehen1

In other news, Wolves are still interested in signing one player. Find out who it is here.

David Moyes has revealed the latest information on the availability of Kurt Zouma, Tomas Soucek and Mark Noble ahead of their meeting with Leeds United this afternoon after the West Ham trio missed Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Norwich City.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Moyes said: “Kurt Zouma is on his way back – he’s just started back training and is doing quite well.

“He’s another player unfortunately who had been down with the virus, and all the clubs have situations whether it be injuries or people with [illness], but we have to deal with it, move on and do the best we can.

“I don’t want to be specific on who’s got [the virus] and who’s injured, but we were without Tomas Soucek and Mark Noble on Wednesday. We’re hoping we might get one of them back, I’m not saying who.”

The midfield duo of Soucek and Noble both missed the Norwich victory, the first league game either had been absent from the squad for this campaign. In fact, since arriving in East London in July 2020, Soucek hadn’t missed a single minute of Premier League football for the Hammers before Wednesday evening.

As for Zouma, the French centre-back has missed over a month of action after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 3-2 victory over Chelsea in early December but appears close to being back in contention.

 West Ham fans will be buzzing

Naturally, supporters will want as many players available as possible throughout the campaign. However, the potential return of Zouma, Soucek and Noble is a particularly significant boost.

As previously mentioned, Soucek had been an ever-present for Moyes’ side since his move from Slavia Prague last season and is a crucial engine in the midfield for the Hammers. The Czech Republic international has three goals and one assist in the Premier League so far and his presence will certainly be an advantage against Leeds.

Zouma’s return will also be welcome with the Irons not looking as steely at the back during his absence. In the league games where the 27-year-old was present, West Ham conceded 14 goals in 11 matches, a 1.27 goals per game average. However, in the matches since his injury, the East London outfit have conceded eight goals in six games, a slightly higher average of 1.33 per game.

As for Noble, the 34-year-old West Ham legend will be retiring at the end of the season after making over 500 appearances for the club. Although he has only featured 12 times in all competitions this season, West Ham fans will be keen to see Noble play a handful more times for sentimental reasons.

In other news: Moyes could finally replace Haller as West Ham plot bid for “complete” £13.5m-rated machine

Writing on his personal Twitter feed, journalist Matteo Moretto of Sky Sports Italia has backed a transfer development out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Lowdown: Spurs ‘preparing’ £32m bid…

According to The Daily Mail, as Spurs close in on the signing of both Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski of Juventus, the Lilywhites are not quite done there.

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Their sources claim that transfer chief Fabio Paratici could be busy long into deadline day as Tottenham apparently prepare a £32 million bid to sign Villa star Luiz.

The Brazilian is apparently attracting real interest from Tottenham as manager Antonio Conte seeks to bolster his options before the 11pm Monday deadline.

The Latest: Moretto backs development…

Taking to social media, Moretto has backed this report, simply stating ‘it is true’ that Spurs are planning to sign Luiz in this final hurdle of the transfer window.

“And it is true that Tottenham plans to try to sign Douglas Luiz, as reported by the Daily Mail,” he stated.

The Verdict: Brilliant move?

The 23-year-old would come to Spurs with plenty of plus points, and depending on Villa’s sale stance so late in January, he could be a great signing.

Journalist Gregg Evans of The Athletic (via This is Futbol) raved over Luiz back in 2020, calling him an ‘absolute star’ and a ‘joy to watch’ – perhaps highlighting just how brilliant has been for Villa since his move from Man City back in 2019.

Earning nine caps for Brazil, one of the most competitive international squads in world football, City boss Pep Guardiola has also praised the midfielder in past seasons.

The Spaniard called Luiz an ‘important player’ for Villa as well as ‘clever’ and ‘strong’ (Daily Express), with evidence seemingly piling up that he would be a brilliant 11th hour move.

In other news: Tottenham gifted late window chance to sign player once valued at £90m, find out more here.

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…

If there could be any positives to take from another dismal performance, then perhaps those around Tottenham Hotspur can take refuge with the display from Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian right-back was the only shining light as Spurs were defeated 3-0 by Manchester United in their own backyard.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring six minutes before half-time with a sublime far-post volley, having already had one ruled out. He then piled more misery on Nuno Santo and his men as he turned provider, slotting in Edinson Cavani to double the advantage midway through the second half.

Then super-sub Marcus Rashford sent the home crowd into an anger-filled frenzy with a cool and collected finish past Hugo Lloris four minutes from time.

Truth be told, there was nothing encouraging about the performance and for the second game running, the Lilywhites failed to register a single attempt on goal.

However, Emerson was one player that looked like he was trying to make things happen, particularly as he enjoyed more time on the ball than any other player on the pitch. He registered a whopping 119 touches, 20 more than Spurs’ next best and 38 more than United’s best, as per SofaScore.

And with this influence, he certainly made an effort to try and change their fortunes.

The £26m-rated dynamo was successful in all four of his dribbling attempts (100%) along the right flank, whilst he attempted seven crosses and created one key chance.

Elsewhere, the 22-year-old summer signing from Barcelona won a whopping ten of his 12 ground duels (83%), meaning he dealt with the threat of wing-back Luke Shaw to good effect and often had the better of him, whilst he also registered four interceptions and four tackles, leading the match in both regards once again.

Nuno’s right-back also earned the side two free-kicks, so it’s no surprise to see that his opposite number received a yellow card for his troubles too.

According to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, the Brazilian defender has left many around the training ground really impressed.

“Those I spoke to in and around Tottenham have said that the feeling they have got about him is that he is athletically superb, his fitness levels are incredible, he’s going to motor up and down that side,” he told his YouTube channel.

On the above evidence, Emerson was quite the defensive beast and nuisance in the attack for Spurs, so he was maybe the one shining light from another shocking performance under Nuno.

AND in other news, Worse than Harry Kane: Shocking Spurs lightweight who lost 80% duels endured a nightmare against United…

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is likely to leave the club this summer and Barcelona are keen on signing him, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Neves’ Wolves future in doubt

The Portuguese maestro has stood out as one of the Old Gold’s best players this season, recapturing some of his best form and making 26 starts in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, Neves has been linked with an exit from Molineux this summer, with the 24-year-old potentially eyeing up a new challenge at an elite European club.

A fresh update has now emerged which appears to further increase the probability of him moving on from the Black Country.

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The Latest: Ornstein provides Neves latest

According to The Athletic’s Ornstein, Barcelona look like the most likely club to snap up Neves this summer, with discussions currently underway over his future. The journalist reported:

“However the campaign ends, it is expected to be another summer of change at Molineux — with uncertainty over the future of some key players, such as Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

“There is an acceptance that after five years of fine service, Neves may be sold if a suitable offer arrives and gives him a chance to play Champions League football.

“Discussions are taking place between intermediaries and at present the most likely destination is said to be Barcelona, though Premier League teams are known to be keen and Wolves would gladly sign him to a new contract.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

Sad as it may be to accept, Neves does look likely to leave at the end of the season, having given five years of great service to Wolves and making 207 appearances overall.

As he approaches 25, the midfielder – who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Molineux team-mate Jose Sa – may feel that now is the right time to enjoy a new chapter in his career.

It would be hard to begrudge Neves a move to a club of Barcelona’s legendary stature, and should it happen, finding the right replacement then becomes pivotal for Bruno Lage to ensure that Wanderers continue their upward trajectory.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with a move for one La Liga winger this summer. Read more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after journalist James Pearce claimed that four key players would be available for the Reds’ next Premier League game.

Jurgen Klopp’s men picked up a victory on Sunday afternoon, battling their way to a 3-1 triumph away to Crystal Palace.

The Merseysiders weren’t always at their best at Selhurst Park but they dug deep and ensured that they made up two points on Manchester City over the weekend. The result leaves them nine points adrift of the leaders, but with one game in hand at home to 15th-placed Leeds.

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Liverpool have done well in the absence of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita in January, winning each of their league games and reaching the Carabao Cup final, and the trio will return for the Reds next month after their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to The Athletic’s Pearce [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], all three players – as well as Thiago back from injury – should be available for the next Premier League game at home to Leicester on February 10th, acting as a major boost when the Reds’ top-flight campaign resumes.

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Liverpool fans hail Pearce update

These Liverpool fans reacted to the update in positive fashion on Twitter, which is no surprise given that the quartet have 38 goals between them already this season.

“HERE WE COME”

Credit: @Alex_AMS96

“So glad that at the end of the day, we didn’t miss them for the games we played in their absence. Their return would be a big boost to the team”

Credit: @Drgroundzero17

“City we are coming for you”

Credit: @sean3648

“Liverpool PRIME is back!”

Credit: @fcel17

“Good news”

Credit: @iraguhajackson2

“THEY AIN’T READY FOR THE SMOKE BLUD”

Credit: @shush29344954

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming over one transfer update. Read more here.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is just over a month away from entering his first transfer window in charge of the club.

The former Bournemouth head coach has inherited a Magpies team rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, so January could be crucial to the club’s attempts to retain their position in the top tier of English football.

Statement signing

The Magpies could truly kickstart the Howe era at St James’ Park by making a statement signing in the January transfer window to show that they mean business and stay in the division. They can get away from the grim Mike Ashley days of old and propel themselves towards a brighter future by landing a huge deal, namely the addition of Luka Modric from Real Madrid.

Tottenham, Manchester City and Newcastle have all been touted as potential destinations for the Croatian, whose contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of the season. PIF could swoop in during the January window to snap him up from the Spanish giants by offering them a chance to rake in a fee for his services instead of losing him for nothing.

This could allow Howe to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign, whilst it also allows Real Madrid to reinvest some of the potential funds in order to find a replacement. That is why it could be a viable deal for PIF to complete, should Modric not want to sign an extension in the Spanish capital.

He could be a gigantic signing on and off the pitch. Firstly, it would show a real sign of intent from PIF and Howe and potentially convince other players to join, as Modric’s vast experience in the game highlights his stature among other players. He has won a Ballon d’Or and four Champions League titles in his career, whilst playing well over 500 games for Tottenham and Real Madrid combined.

Secondly, he still has the quality to make an impact on the pitch. Former Galactico and Brazil legend Kaka previously claimed that football is ‘like a dance’ for the £275k-per-week gem, who he showered with praise.

He said: “Luka [Modric] shows us that it’s easy to play. Believe me it’s really really hard to play football. To play the World Cup it’s even harder. And he plays like it’s normal. It’s like a dance for him.

“And now he’s this amazing player at a high level. Four Champions Leagues, a World Cup final and being the captain of his team.”

Last season, the veteran midfielder averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.15 across 35 La Liga outings for the Spanish giants. He provided five goals and three assists from the middle of the park, showing that he is able to consistently perform to a high level despite his age.

Therefore, Newcastle could kickstart the Howe era by landing Modric and increasing the club’s profile off the pitch, whilst improving the team and boosting their chances of staying in the Premier League at the same time.

AND in other news, NUFC to blow rivals out of the water for potential £29.5m deal, fans surely ecstatic…