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Fabrizio Romano has provided a major Newcastle managerial update regarding Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca.

What’s the talk?

The Italian journalist has claimed that the ex-Roma head coach is prepared to accept the Magpies job after talks with the new owners at St James Park. However, they are keeping their options open and have not yet decided whether or not they will go with Fonseca to lead the club forward.

Romano told the ¡Que Golazo! podcast, via Shields Gazette: “As we mentioned last week, they were beginning talks with Fonseca and going in with optimism around these negotiations because Paulo Fonseca is prepared to accept the proposal from Newcastle.

“It’s now up to Newcastle. They have everything set with Fonseca but they need to decide if they want to go with him or do something different, talk with other managers and consider other opportunities.

“So Newcastle have not one-hundred percent decided yet, but Fonseca is the front-runner, everything is ready for him, he would be prepared to accept. They’re discussing about money and final things but I’m sure that Fonseca is the front-runner now.

“Let’s see if they want to do something surprising because these [talks] are going on but they’re not signing his contract or not completing his agreement so this is why they are maybe thinking of someone else or something surprising.” Excitement

These claims from Romano will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited for several reasons. For starters, Fonseca being prepared to accept an offer from the club is a major boost, as it means that no matter what happens with their other targets, they know that an impressive manager is ready to join at any point.

Fonseca has 320 games as a manager under his belt, averaging 1.94 points per game across five separate leagues. Steve Bruce, who recently left the club, has managed 477 Premier League matches in his career and averaged 1.11 points per game. This suggests that the Portuguese coach would be a significant upgrade on Bruce, which is why the fans would be happy to see him at the helm.

However, Magpies supporters could also be excited by Romano’s last quote. He suggests that PIF may be stalling on Fonseca as they plot a surprise appointment, and that could get fans on the edge of their seats as they ponder who else could arrive to take charge of the club. If Newcastle believe that they can bring in a manager with a better record than Fonseca, whose aforementioned career has been impressive so far, that is a very exciting thought for the fans.

It will be quite interesting to see where PIF go with this. As Romano has explained, a deal for Fonseca appears to be close and they could sign off on that and bring him to Tyneside, or else they may go left-field and appoint another head coach…

AND in other news, “Comfortably spend…”: Chris Waugh drops big Newcastle claim which should delight fans…

Manchester United have made contact over a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to ESPN.

The Lowdown: Timber profiled

Timber is just 20 years of age and is valued at a career-high £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Netherlands international has made 71 appearances for Ajax, all of which have come under new United manager Erik ten Hag.

Timber recently hailed Ten Hag following speculation of a move to Old Trafford, and it looks as if the Red Devils have been in touch over a possible summer swoop.

The Latest: ESPN sources on Timber

ESPN shared multiple Old Trafford updates on Monday afternoon, with United readying a list of centre-back targets.

They were informed by sources that intermediaries acting on United’s behalf have made contact with Ajax regarding Timber’s availability, while Villarreal’s Pau Torres has also been put to Ten Hag.

The Verdict: Sign him

Ten Hag will know just what Timber would bring to Old Trafford, so his acquisition could be a shrewd one both in the short-term and over the long run.

As per WhoScored, Timber has been Ajax’s best-performing centre-back this season with an average rating of 7.39/10 – higher than any Manchester United player.

He will be entering the final two years of his Ajax contract in the summer, so that could be the perfect time for United to swoop ahead of Ten Hag’s first season in charge in the Premier League.

In other news: Ten Hag now wants Man Utd chiefs to sign ‘superstar’ attacker for free

The January transfer window is fast-approaching and Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have his first opportunity to bring players of his own to Ibrox.

He has been working with a squad built by his predecessors but will now be able to make a few additions, if any at all, to stamp his own mark on the team.

The Dutchman may also have to deal with departures of current first-team stars with interest hotting up heading into the final days of December.

How could Rangers look come the end of the January transfer window? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that it could be a busy month for Rangers, both in terms of players leaving and others coming in from elsewhere.

Although Ianis Hagi has been linked with an exit, amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, he appears set to remain in Glasgow. His father, Gheorghe, has confirmed that his son will not be leaving in the next transfer window, which should come as a big boost to van Bronckhorst’s plans.

However, one player who could be on his way out is Ryan Kent. He has been touted with a switch to Aston Villa to reunite with Steven Gerrard and it could make sense given that he was the man to bring the forward to Ibrox in the first place.

This would leave Rangers with a spot to fill out wide and the recently-linked Andreas Skov Olsen could be the man to come in. FFC recently published an article explaining why he could be the perfect replacement for Hagi, but the latest update on his future suggests that Kent is the player Olsen could replace – not the Romanian.

At centre-back, John Souttar may be signed to come in for Connor Goldson. The ex-Brighton man’s deal expires next summer and January may represent Rangers’ last chance to cash in on him before he leaves for nothing.

Souttar, who was previously dubbed as “aggressive” by Craig Levein, could replace the defender as his contract at Hearts running out at the same time as Goldson’s. Rangers have been linked with a swoop for the Scottish beast and they could take advantage of his situation in the same way other clubs may do with their own defensive rock.

Finally, Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman could arrive from Heerenveen. He is reportedly a target for van Bronckhorst heading into next month and he could add some extra attacking quality to the midfield.

The 23-year-old managed seven goals and ten assists in 31 games in the Eredivisie last term and is currently on three goals and six assists in 16 games this season. This shows the level of impact he could potentially have if deployed in the number 10 role in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

We are predicting that the rest of the side will remain the same, with Allan McGregor, James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Borna Barisic, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara and Alfredo Morelos completing the XI. Although, the likes of Scott Arfield, Juninho Bacuna, Leon Balogun and John Lundstram, among others, will also be competing for places.

AND in other news, Rangers Insider drops huge 8-word Ibrox transfer update that’ll leave fans ecstatic…

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.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-thfc-spurs-transfer-rumours-gossip-conte-paratici-levy-updates” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

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

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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:

Some Wolves supporters would be happy to see Adama Traore leave the club after he was linked with a move to La Liga side Valencia.

It has been a solid start to the season for Bruno Lage’s team, who are eighth in the Premier League as we head into the final international break of the year.

The 45-year-old has done well as manager since coming in during the summer, but Traore hasn’t necessarily clicked with the Portuguese at the helm.

The Spain winger is still waiting to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League in 2021/22 and he has found himself left out of the starting line-up recently, while he has been questioned over his lack of end product in the final third.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur on Twitter, Valencia are preparing an offer for the 25-year-old as they eye up a possible move for him.

Wolves fans happy for Traore to leave

These Wolves fans reacted to the news on Twitter, admitting that they would have no complaints if the club decided to sell the out-of-form Traore to Valencia.

“Send Guedes the other way”

Credit: @Zack24296570

“I’m gonna be totally honest, I’d sell him if it would mean Botman and Sanches”

Credit: @wwfcBrendan

“If he is refusing to sign contract then sell”

Credit: @Sandhurstwolf

“If we can get £35m-£40m I wouldn’t be against it tbh. Would help us get Botman and Sanches”

Credit: @GeorgeTheStud

“Can see him going back to Spain. Ain’t done any good in England up to date”

Credit: @Shaunthegreat41

“Can’t help thinking that this will be for the best”

Credit: @TurnerA7x

In other news, a journalist has talked up the idea of Wolves signing one player. Find out who it is 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. 

Marcelo Bielsa has been gifted a major double injury boost after two key Leeds United stars seemingly returned to training this week…

What’s the latest?

Both striker Patrick Bamford and versatile centre-back Robin Koch have been filmed doing ball work at the club’s Thorp Arch training base as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Bamford has been absent since the Whites’ 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in mid-September with an ankle problem, whilst Koch has not been seen since the opening game of the season, a 5-2 defeat to Manchester United.

Key Leeds duo

The 28-year-old forward hasn’t played in any of their last nine games in all competitions and his ability to hold the ball and score goals has been a big miss for Bielsa and the squad.

In his absence, the Argentine head coach has had to try a variety of solutions, to largely disappointing results, with the likes of Rodrigo, Daniel James, Tyler Roberts, Jack Harrison and academy gem Joe Gelhardt all getting opportunities to lead the line.

But understandably, none compare to the England international, who ended the 2020/21 season as their top goalscorer on 17 goals, some nine more than any other player (Harrison and Stuart Dallas, eight goals), as per WhoScored.

Meanwhile, the German has found life fairly tough since swapping Freiburg for west Yorkshire, starting 13 times in the Premier League last season, but his involvement against United certainly signalled Bielsa’s intentions that he would be a first-choice this term, so to not have him for the bulk of the campaign is certainly a blow.

Even more so as he’s capable of also playing in defensive midfield and on either flank as a full-back.

This sort of versatility would have been much-needed in recent weeks as Bielsa has had to contend with quite the injury crisis – even Rodrigo and Raphinha were missing for their 2-1 defeat to Spurs at the weekend.

Plenty of the Elland Road faithful were absolutely buzzing to see the Leeds pair back in training, as relayed by LeedsLive, and you’d imagine that Bielsa will be just as ecstatic back in Wetherby as he mulls over his team for Saturday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Having both Bamford and Koch nearing a return is certainly a timely and big boost for the Yorkshire giants.

AND in other news, Contact made: Victor Orta eyes Pablo Hernandez 2.0 with Leeds swoop for 38-cap “incredible talent”…