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Fabian Schar scored an absolute stunner in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Indeed, the centre-back’s long-range effort sent the Magpies ahead on the night, before Sean Longstaff made it two in the 38th minute.

It was another good night for Newcastle, who are showing good form at a vital stage of the campaign.

A number of the club’s supporters took to social media to comment on Schar’s strike as not many could believe what had happened.

Signed to stop the opposition from scoring, the defender took matters into his own hands against a Burnley team who entered the match full of confidence due to their own run of impressive form.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

The Switzerland international’s strike was the story of the match and a lot of Newcastle fans were keen to lavish praise on the 2018 arrival from Deportivo La Coruna.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has been made regarding Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey… 

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie confirmed that the full-back is a player that the club are aware of heading into the summer.

“Aaron Hickey is one that has been mentioned, that Bologna, young, 19-year-old, Scottish defender. He’s been watched. Hickey is a player that has been watched.”

Fans will be elated

Considering the sheer amount of potential Hickey is quite clearly in possession of, Magpies supporters will be elated by the interest their club is showing in the youngster.

Indeed, what Downie’s claim demonstrates is that PIF are being proactive and looking to scout young, talented prospects with a view to bringing them to St. James’ Park.

It shows that they want to keep an eye on players with potential instead of just focusing on seasoned professionals who bring experience and are proven at the top level.

However, while it is true that, at the age of just 19, the defender would be something of a signing for the future, the Scotland international has nevertheless proven he is more than capable of doing a job at senior level already in his short career.

Indeed, in Serie A this season, Hickey has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90 across 28 appearances. This shows that he has been performing to an impressive standard in the Italian top flight, suggesting that he has the potential to develop into a superb player in the future if he can continue to progress and hone his skills.

Newcastle fans will, therefore, be buzzing to learn that he is a gem the club are keeping a close eye on – as Hickey could well go on to become a key player within Eddie Howe’s side for many a year to come.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Newcastle handed key injury lift that’ll leave Eddie Howe ecstatic…

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist Marco Conterio of TUTTOmercatoWEB has made a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing defender signings?

One of manager Antonio Conte’s four main transfer priorities at Spurs at the start of January was the signing of a world class, first team-level centre-half to reinforce the Lilywhites backline (Alasdair Gold).

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As Tottenham close in on both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus, there has been little progress made in going for a defender this window, although there have been links.

Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence is apparently a target while the likes of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Serie A star Matthijs de Ligt have been mentioned most recently.

The Latest: Spurs ‘working’ on last gasp Carlos move…

Sharing a big development in their hunt for a capable defensive addition, Conterio claims that managing director Fabio Paratici is now ‘working in these hours’ on a late move for Sevilla star Carlos (Twitter).

He even says that Tottenham have proposed a swap deal, which includes midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, as Paratici aims to snap up the 28-year-old in a surprise late move.

The Verdict: Big…

Signing the Brazil international ace would be a major eleventh hour coup for Conte and the club, not to mention a real statement of intent from the side of Tottenham.

Only in-form Spurs defender Eric Dier has averaged more clearances per 90 (3.7) than Carlos (3.6) over his league appearances this season (WhoScored), potentially highlighting how he would be a solid partner for the Englishman in defence.

Valued at around £40.5m by Transfermarkt, the player has also been called a ‘beast’ by Spanish football expert Domagoj Kostanjšak.

It is a move which could be riddled with difficulties, and perhaps unlikely, but it’s also a display of ambition at the very least.

In other news: Talks ongoing: Journalist breaks Saturday night development as Spurs make another ‘official’ bid, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have edged one step closer to sealing Adama Traore before deadline day this month…

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano delivered a fresh update on the situation to Twitter over the weekend, where he said:

“Adama Traoré deal not done/fully agreed yet but Tottenham are confident to reach the agreement soon. Negotiations with Wolves will continue in the next hours and days.

“Personal terms already discussed with Adama. Spurs are on it.”

It remains to be seen exactly how much the Spain international will cost the Lilywhites but some reports suggest that it could be in the region of £20m after they had a £15m bid rejected last week.

One step closer

This latest development is sure to leave both manager Antonio Conte and the Hotspur faithful absolutely delighted as it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before Traore becomes a Spurs player.

It’s thought that the Italian head coach does not trust summer signing Emerson Royal at right wing-back and Spurs believe their manager can convert the Wolves star into a solid option in the role, just like he did with Victor Moses at Chelsea.

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The 25-year-old possesses the natural speed and strength to thrive in this position and considering his disappointing end product, it really could be the best fit for him and his future.

For instance, this season, Traore has scored just once from 20 league appearances but that’s without factoring in the eye test as he’s often double marked in most outings. That’s because he’s a pacey and strong threat out wide.

He leads the league for average number of successful dribbles per 90 minutes (seven) and that clearly makes him difficult to defend. An average of 1.5 key passes per 90 also suggests that he’s a creative influence, too.

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand once dubbed him a “machine” who is built like a “powerlifter or a cruiser-weight boxer”, whilst Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has often deemed him to be “unplayable”.

The fact that Spurs have agreed to personal terms is hugely encouraging news and it should have the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing as they close in on the first signing of the Conte era.

AND in other news, Spurs have a “long interest” in £40.5m-rated “beast”, he’s miles better than Sanchez…

Everton must consider their pursuit of Brazilian forward Tete despite a major transfer development on Thursday afternoon.

What’s the news?

French Ligue 1 side Lyon have completed a move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tetê, who has signed on an initial loan, but according to their technical director Vincent Ponsot, they are also looking to sign him permanently.

“Tetê has joined until the end of the season,” announced Ponsot. “We are also working on things over the medium term because we would like him to stay past the end of the season. He’s a top-level recruit for us. I would like to thank his entourage.”

The news comes just a couple days after 90min reported that the Toffees had joined the race for the Brazilian, with Southampton at the time believed to be in driving seat.

However, with the player currently on on loan, there is still hope of a deal being done this summer with a suitor like Everton.

Richarlison heir on the cheap

The club’s financial situation could force them into spending smart in the summer, as well as selling a number of their key players in order to facilitate a much-need rebuild.

With the club currently sitting in 17th in the Premier League standings, they have severely underachieved, and manager Frank Lampard will surely be desperate for mass changes ahead of next season.

Richarlison is one of the players linked with a big-money move away from Goodison Park, however, Tete could be the ideal replacement.

Valued at £18m according to Transfermarkt, the forward had scored nine goals and assisted one more in the Ukrainian top flight, making 17 appearances including 11 from the start before the season ended due to the Russian invasion of the country.

The 22-year-old, who has scored 31 times for Shakhtar, will be available for cheaper in the summer, particularly if the invasion continues, and with Everton struggling financially, a cut-price option is something that Lampard and Farhad Moshiri will love.

Making 0.93 goal contributions per 90 minutes in Ukraine, he has bettered Richarlison’s total considerable, who has managed to make just 0.39 goal contributions per 90 minutes in the Premier League.

Admittedly, the quality of the two leagues are vastly different, but there is no denying his ability – having torn Real Madrid apart almost 18 months ago in Shakhtar’s 3-2 Champions League group stage victory in the 2020/21 season, in which he scored a “stunning” goal as well as setting up another.

Described as “very talented” by scout Jacek Kulig, he could save the Toffees plenty of money on a potential replacement for Richarlison, bringing more skill, pace and direct running that will get the Goodison Park faithful on their feet for the first time in what feels like a very long time.

They will, however, now need to battle hard to rival Lyon for a permanent acquisition in a few months.

In other news: Lampard can unearth Everton’s new DCL in “clinical” 16 y/o with 40 goals this season

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a fine start to their Premier League campaign in the first half of the season, despite losing a few key players to long-term injury issues, and Bruno Lage has now given Wolves fans a treat for the new year with an update on player returns.

What’s the word?

The manager took to his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s visit to Manchester United to confirm that two key players are training, with an update on their expected returns.

Speaking briefly about Pedro Neto and Jonny Otto’s progress in training, Lage gave an idea of how long the pair will take to get back to match fitness, revealing: “They will need to adapt, so I think five or six weeks at least until they are fully fit to play. Pedro will return and start training with us at the beginning of January.”

Neto sustained an injury to his patella after the 1-0 win over Fulham in April of last year and has not been available to play at all in the 2021/22 season so far. As for Jonny, he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury around the same time, and like Neto, he has not been featured in the team as of yet this term.

Fans will be buzzing

The long-awaited return of the two players will leave Wolves fans buzzing. Neto would surely improve the Old Gold’s hitherto feeble attacking prowess, having accrued 11 goal contributions last term, whilst Jonny would bring his seasoned defensive experience in their pursuit of European football next season.

Lage’s side have a number of difficult games coming up in the first few weeks of the year, with matches against Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester City all on the horizon, and he will be hoping that they can improve their form even more to give them the best chance of finishing in a European place.

Wolves will be back in action on Monday at Old Trafford, with Manchester United in much-improved form since Ralf Rangnick has arrived, unbeaten in the league on his watch with four wins out of five.

It promises to be a tough test for Wolves, but at least they can go into the game knowing that the likes of Jonny and Neto are nearing their long-awaited comebacks.

In other news: Lage must not let this January transfer target slip away

Many Manchester United fans have been left slamming the display of Marcus Rashford in their game at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The England international was hooked off by new manager Ralf Rangnick in the 76th minute for youngster Anthony Elanga with the score still at 0-0, before Fred put the Red Devils ahead at Old Trafford just a few moments later.

Rashford lost out on five of his duels in total in the match, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, cross or long ball from out wide, while losing possession six times (SofaScore).

With the likes of Mason Greenwood on the bench, his place in the starting eleven is surely now under threat, with their next fixture at home to Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday night.

Man Utd fans on Rashford display

These MUFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘clown’:

“Rashford has been so poor. Should have been subbed off instead of Sancho.”

Credit: @cambyfooty

“Marcus Rashford is still a nothing footballer. Nothing”

Credit: @mawuli____

“Rashford has been awful but yet is still on the pitch”

Credit: @MFK_United

“Rashford is a clown”

Credit: @khalisle_05

“Rashford needs to become a bench player”

Credit: @sajkebab

“Rashford’s so bad and constantly offside”

Credit: @snew15

In other news, find out which United star could help them sign Erling Haaland here!

West Ham United have reportedly offered former Liverpool and Southampton centre-back Dejan Lovren a two-year contract with David Moyes keen to add to his defence this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers are reportedly ready to save the current Zenit St.Petersburg defender from any serious complications following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It’s even thought that the Irons have offered him a two-year deal to come back to the Premier League.

FIFA have opened a one-month transfer window to sign players from Ukraine and Russia which closes on 7 April, although it is believed that the Premier League could block any attempted transfers in order to maintain sporting integrity.

The East London club are currently light on options at the back and will certainly need to add to their defensive arsenal this summer.

Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the season in November with an ACL injury whilst Issa Diop has been unreliable at times, making Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson the current first-choice pairing.

West Ham must avoid signing Lovren

The 32-year-old Croatian would undoubtedly add experience to the West Ham ranks, however, based on his spell at Liverpool the defender may not be the answer to the Hammers’ predicament at the back.

Lovren was subject to criticism on numerous occasions whilst at Anfield, notably from NBC Sports pundit Kyle Martino in 2017, who labelled the defender as “a serious liability.”

Former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher also had strong words to say on the Croatian, highlighting him as the Reds’ weak point during a Merseyside derby against Everton, stating: “He’s too emotional, that’s always been his problem. He always feels he has to win a fight, has to win a challenge.

“I used to play that position as a centre-back and at times you have to accept someone may be stronger and quicker. You have to get yourself in positions and try and hold them up.

“I said before they were too often they were putting the ball right down Virgil van Dijk’s throat but as soon as Lovren’s come on they’ve been hitting that channel and that is the channel to hit.”

Lovren left Liverpool for Zenit in August 2020 for a fee believed to be around £10.9m and you would’ve been forgiven if you thought that would be the last time the Premier League would see the defender.

West Ham will undoubtedly need to add to their current options at the back, however, having been linked with the likes of Sven Botman and Duje Caleta-Car, the prospect of signing a player who was certainly unpopular at Liverpool will underwhelm Hammers supporters.

With Diop, the Irons already have a defender who has been subject to criticism, particularly after his performance in the FA Cup against non-league Kidderminster Harriers, and therefore don’t want to add another calamity at the back.

Moreover, at 32 the Croatian wouldn’t be a long-term solution, with Moyes keen to build a project at the London Stadium. It would be wise for the East London club to look elsewhere.

In other news: West Ham must swoop for £75k-p/w monster who Moyes will love, he’s “the new Vidic”

Newcastle United are preparing to make a second bid for Atalanta’s Robin Gosens after their first offer was rejected, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The report claims that Atalanta turned down an offer worth €30m (£25.1m) for their left wing-back, who has 18 months left on his contract. The Serie A outfit paid just over £1m to sign Gosens from Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo in 2017, and that has proved to be very shrewd recruitment.

Alas, Gosens hasn’t played since September, having sustained a hamstring injury in the early stages of a Champions League clash with Young Boys. The German then suffered a setback when he was on the verge of returning in November.

The latest

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are apparently ‘ready to return to the assault’ in the final week of the transfer window with an improved bid.

It’s unclear just how much they’ll need to pay in order to persuade Atalanta to part with Gosens.

The verdict

Gosens is hugely effective in that attacking role on the left flank. He has been directly involved in 50 goals (scored 29, set up 21) in his 157 appearances for Atalanta, and six goals (scored two, set up four) in his 13 Germany caps.

Fans might remember his masterclass in the 4-2 victory against Portugal at last summer’s European Championship, as he set up Kai Havertz before finding the net himself. It was also his shot which deflected in off Manchester City’s Ruben Dias for Germany’s first goal.

Sports journalist Josh Bunting dubbed it ‘one of the best individual performances’ at the tournament, while CBS Sports’ James Benge remarked that the 27-year-old was evading Portugal so easily that it was as if he was wearing an ‘invisibility cloak’, a reference to the Harry Potter books and films.

If Eddie Howe did get his hands on Gosens, he’d probably be most effective in the left midfield slot in the manager’s 4-4-2, with full licence to attack, as opposed to being restricted to the left-back position.

In other news, Newcastle are considering a swoop for this PL defender. 

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could potentially join La Liga giants Barcelona next summer, according to a fresh rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Meslier shines for Leeds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the standout figures of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, excelling between the sticks. He has now made 65 appearances for Leeds, proving to be a model of consistency and becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Premier League history to play 50 times in the division.

He has kept 23 clean sheets during his time in Yorkshire, which works out at approximately one every three matches, a very respectable return.

The Frenchman looks set to have a huge future in the game, and although his current Whites deal doesn’t expire until 2026, there appears to be some interest in him ahead of forthcoming transfer windows.

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The Latest: Barca linked with Meslier

According to pundit Gerard Moreno [via Planeta Barca and Sport Witness], who specialises in Barcelona news, Meslier is wanted by the La Liga giants due to the poor form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

A summer move is mentioned rather than a January switch, although no official approach appears to have been made. Andre Onana, Koen Casteels and Bartlomiej Dragowski were also identified by Moreno as potential replacements for the £49.5m-rated Germany goalkeeper, who boasts 14 trophies to his name during his time at Camp Nou.

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The Verdict: Potentially huge loss

Much like a number of Leeds players who are highly sought-after, it is perhaps wishful thinking to expect Meslier to remain at Elland Road for many years to come.

That would be an ideal scenario, of course, but considering that he is arguably one of Europe’s best young goalkeepers – he has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by BBC pundit Micah Richards – it is easy to envisage him joining a top European club.

If Meslier does choose to move on, it is vital that Leeds receive a decent fee for his services in order to replace him with a similarly talented player and bring in other reinforcements. He is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, so prospective suitors should not expect to get away with paying anything less.

In other news, David Ornstein has provided a key update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.