Tottenham see themselves as the "perfect" move for an "underappreciated" player, and they could be ready to pay £40-50 million for him.

Spurs identify next signing after Werner and Dragusin

Following the official signings of both Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Radu Dragusin from Genoa, attention turns to how Ange Postecoglou can further improve his squad before deadline day on January 31.

The departures of Eric Dier, Ashley Phillips and Djed Spence, with all three leaving on loan, free up squad space for Tottenham to make another addition.

Related Tottenham could now make move for "tough" centre-back to replace Eric Dier

The 29-year-old has officially joined Bayern Munich.

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It is widely believed that Spurs want a new midfield number eight after sealing Dragusin's arrival, with there being serious links to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

The England international is someone who Tottenham were seriously interested in last summer, with reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano backing their "concrete" talks to sign him in 2023.

“I think it is difficult," said Romano on Spurs potentially signing Gallagher to GiveMeSport.

"The reality is that they like Gallagher and have done since last summer, this is not new. We know that last summer including on deadline day Tottenham tried to make it happen with Chelsea for Gallagher. They had a concrete conversation, but then Chelsea said no. Now I'm not aware of any direct negotiation between Chelsea and Tottenham for Gallagher so far, but we have to see what happens in the next weeks."

The 23-year-old has been a star player under Mauricio Pochettino this season, making 19 league appearances as their best performer by average match rating according to WhoScored.

He's also Chelsea's joint-top assist maker with Cole Palmer, highlighting his importance as both a creative presence and a real source of energy in the midfield. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's future remains uncertain, and Gallagher could well be a top replacement for the Dane if he were to depart.

Tottenham see themselves as "perfect" for Gallagher

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport this week, shared an update on Tottenham's chances of signing the player this winter.

It is believed Spurs would pursue a £40-£50m deal for Gallagher if he were to become available, and the Lilywhites see themselves as the "perfect" destination for him.

"Conor Gallagher is a player they have an interest in," reported Jones.

"They find it hard to believe that he will actually become available for transfer but, if he genuinely is, they think they are the perfect club for him to end up at.

"If they could get Conor Gallagher for £40million to £50million, I think they would probably see that as a good deal and one that they would actually try to pursue.

"But at the moment, obviously, they have still got the problem – on an emotional level on Conor Gallagher's side of things."

The former Crystal Palace loanee has proved himself a worthy top-flight asset, and one Tottenham could really strengthen their ranks with by signing for Postecoglou.

"Conor Gallagher is the new Mason Mount – a hard-working, homegrown midfielder who is underappreciated by many," said Sky Sports Analyst Joe Shread.

"Despite Chelsea's sporting directors appearing extremely open to selling him in the summer, Gallagher has quickly won the trust of Pochettino with his industry, attitude and quality."

After flirting with relegation last season, before dramatically winning the Europa Conference League, West Ham United have steered clear of the dropzone and continued their European exploits in the current campaign. After comfortably easing past Manchester United too, the Hammers now sit inside the top six in the Premier League and are on course to once again qualify for the Europa League to sum up the excellent job that David Moyes is doing at the London Stadium.

Things could yet get even better when the January transfer window swings open in just over a week, meanwhile, with the Hammers reportedly eyeing a move to land one particular rival player.

West Ham transfer news

Despite losing Declan Rice to Arsenal, West Ham arguably came out of the summer transfer window far better than they went in thanks to their successful recruitment. The likes of Edson Alvarez and Konstantinos Mavrapanos have slotted straight in, whilst Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse have so far been revelations for Moyes. Kudus has especially impressed, with his goal against Manchester United the latest moment for West Ham fans to savour at the London Stadium. If they can add even more firepower to their side next month, the sky could be the limit for West Ham, however.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham have set their sights on a move to sign Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah in the January transfer window. The forward is most likely to leave at the end of the campaign, but a winter move reportedly cannot be ruled out as Arsenal could be prepared to sell as they look to raise funds for improvements of their own.

If the Hammers do want to land their rival's forward, they will have to reportedly fend off interest from Brentford and Crystal Palace and fork out as much as £40m in what would be a hefty deal.

"Incredible" Nketiah could be an upgrade on Antonio

Whilst Michail Antonio has struggled with injuries this season, his impact has lessened when he has been available to lead the line for West Ham, arguably creating the need for a fresh option in Moyes' attack. Nketiah could be the perfect option to turn to, even for the high price of £40m in January or next summer.

The Arsenal forward has struggled to establish himself as Mikel Arteta's first choice over Gabriel Jesus but has consistently been a reliable goalscorer at The Emirates whenever asked to step up in the last year or so. Nketiah's stats show just how clinical he can be in front of goal compared to Antonio.

Player

Goals

Assists

Expected Goals

Goal-Creating Actions Per 90

Eddie Nketiah

5

1

3.7

0.74

Michail Antonio

2

2

1.8

0.55

Earning the praise of Arteta as a result of his performances, the Arsenal manager labelled Nketiah, who has scored twice against the Hammers in the past, as "incredible".

“It was a great goal but I think overall his performance was incredible. The way he understood the pressing, his intensity, the way he counter-attacked certain spaces, the composure he showed. And then he stayed patient. And in the box he produced a moment of real quality to win us the game.”

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be eyeing up a move to sign a new in-form forward in 2024, according to a report.

Spurs depending on Son and Richarlison for goals

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer was one of the main positives in north London, with the biggest negative arguably being Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich. The England captain left for Germany in a big-money deal and has starred in Munich, already scoring 21 goals and providing five assists. (Harry Kane stats – Bundesliga)

Tottenham did add to their attacking ranks by bringing in Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest late in the summer window, with Manor Solomon also arriving and youngster Alejo Veliz also making the move to north London.

The trio haven’t exactly replaced Kane, though, leaving Postecoglou with Heung-min Son, Richarlison and Veliz as his centre-forward options. As a result, a new striker appears to be on the agenda next year, with a new target now emerging.

According to The Sun, Tottenham are monitoring Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke and are “closely watching” the Englishman ahead of a potential summer transfer. One source told the outlet:

“Spurs want to sign a striker in the Summer. The club hasn't replaced Harry Kane so recruiting a new forward is a big priority and Solanke is someone they are closely monitoring. They’ve sent scouts to watch him already several times this season, and they will continue to track him into the New Year.

“Tottenham want a focal point striker who has scored 11 goals in the Premier League, and Solanke has shown this season that he has the potential to play at a higher level.”

Dominic Solanke in red-hot form this season

Solanke has been on fire for the Cherries in recent months, scoring 12 goals in 18 Premier League games this season. The 26-year-old has already recorded career-best figures in the top flight and has 69 goals for the club in 195 appearances.

He also starred at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this year by scoring and providing two assists in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the visitors. Due to his fine form, the striker has received praise from manager Andoni Iraola, who said:

“I think he’s really complete. He helps us without the ball, on the ball he can go, he’s good technically too. He can play well with his feet, he uses his body well, and if they leave him space at the back he can also exploit it.”

It looks like a deal to keep an eye on in 2024, but with rivals Arsenal also heavily linked with interest in the Englishman, Spurs could find themselves in a battle for his services.

In a deeply tactical and wildly chaotic final, Lasith Malinga turned around a horror night in an exceptional final over to hand Mumbai Indians their fourth IPL title.The match went this way and that – both batting sides arguably underperformed, technology gave the third umpire a nightmare, catches went down and run-outs were missed – before it came down to Chennai Super Kings needing nine to win off the final over. Malinga – three overs for 42 until then, a dropped catch, ordinary fielding and a missed run-out to his name – turned up one final time with creaky joints to concede just seven. With two required off the last ball, he bowled the most magical slower-ball to win it for Mumbai when most bowlers would have been happy to bowl a slower wide ball to try to ensure the tie first.On a night when experience came to the fore, Shane Watson nearly enjoyed a similar fairy-tale. Trusted through what can conventionally be seen as a horror run, Watson carried Super Kings in the final with 80 off 59, twice undoing Mumbai’s good work with his targeted assault of Mumbai bowlers, but his physical struggles got the better of him in the last over. With five required off three balls and with Malinga nailing his yorkers, Watson set off for a suicidal second, not only running himself out but also leaving Ravindra Jadeja stranded at the non-striker’s end. It was perhaps time for Jadeja to say no to that second.If Chahar doesn’t get you, Thakur willWinning the toss and deciding to bat because of the pressure of the final, Mumbai came out full of intent to not let Super Kings bowl Deepak Chahar for three straight overs in the Powerplay. Quinton de Kock went after Deepak in the third over, hitting him for three sixes, and MS Dhoni was forced to go to Shardul Thakur in the fifth over. De Kock hit him for a six fourth ball of the over. Now Mumbai were close to pushing Deepak and Super Kings out of their comfort zone; all they needed was to not lose a wicket in the next two balls.De Kock didn’t pay much mind to this by-play, and went for another six, gloving the ball to Dhoni. This allowed Deepak to come back in the sixth over, and he responded beautifully with a knuckle ball that got the wicket of Rohit Sharma for 15. What’s more, he made that sixth over – usually the most difficult in the Powerplay – a maiden. From 45 for 0 in 4.4, Mumbai went to 45 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay.Dhoni teams up with dataShardul Thakur’s running, tumbling catch off Krunal Pandya pleased MS Dhoni•BCCI

Well he might not have, but he did exactly what a data analyst might have asked him to do. He usually reserves Dwayne Bravo for the death, and bowls Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir through the middle. In this game, Bravo’s match-up against Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard was not suitable for Super Kings so Dhoni bowled two of his overs by the 10th over. You could excuse de Kock for not being aware of the by-play, but Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan were clearly guilty of letting Super Kings play the game they wanted to. They just played out three overs without much intent, dawdling to 58 for 2 in nine overs on a pitch that could not be termed slow.Cat and mouse continuesThe tactical contest continued with Tahir getting Suryakumar in his first over – the 12th – and Mumbai delaying the introduction of Hardik and Pollard. Out came Krunal Pandya, and Thakur came back to get him. Soon Tahir had Kishan for the fifth time in five innings they have come up against each other. It was now down to Pollard and Hardik against Super Kings’ death bowlers.Pollard overcomesDhoni’s tactics continued to test Mumbai. He had picked six bowlers just for this reason: he wanted options if it got chaotic. Now he refused to give Bravo to Pollard and Hardik. Instead, Deepak and Thakur bowled. Even though Thakur went for 16 in the 18th over, Deepak pulled things back with a four-run 19th over that also got him two wickets. Despite a 20-run over, he ended with 26 runs in his four overs. Hardik out of the way, Dhoni finally went to Bravo, who managed to get under Pollard’s skin thanks to pin-point field sets and a couple of lenient calls on the wide. Pollard, though, managed to get better of the frustration by hitting the last two balls for fours.Watson, du Plessis put Mumbai under pressureMumbai, too, had bowling options at their disposal, but they were put under pressure. Faf du Plessis went after Krunal, whose match-up against Watson was favourable for Mumbai. Watson in response took apart Malinga. Krunal, though, got du Plessis stumped with a wide delivery. However, at 53 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay, Super Kings were favourites.Raina gets stuckMS Dhoni’s dismissal made it a tense chase•BCCI

Suresh Raina, Super Kings’ second-biggest draw over the years, then got stuck against the bowling of Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Chahar. He seemed helpless against the short ball bowled to a specific plan. He survived what everybody thought was a straightforward catch to the wicketkeeper, only for technology to disagree, but by the time he fell lbw to Rahul, Super Kings had let Mumbai claw their way back in.Rohit immediately went to Bumrah, asking for a wicket, which was delivered. Dhoni seemed set to set this up for a late finish, but he was run out in a freakish manner, trying to take an overthrow and found short by the slightest of margins. Third umpire Nigel Llong could have made either call and it would have found critics and supporters; he chose the red button. Super Kings now needed 68 off 44.Watson against MumbaiWith Bravo struggling against the bounce on the pitch, it was all down to Watson. At the start of the 16th over, Rohit had two overs each from Bumrah and Malinga. It looked like a straightforward call to bowl them from 16 through to 19, but something about Malinga had been off all night. It showed in the 16th over as Watson hit him for three straight fours to bring it down to 42 off four overs. Bumrah was there to pull it back with a sensational 17th that went for just four.Malinga was struggling physically. He had to be given a break. It was between the Pandya brothers now. Rohit went for the spinner presumably because he had great numbers against Watson. However, these match-ups become null and void once the batsman is set. Watson showed that majestically by hitting three consecutive sixes. Bumrah again dragged Mumbai back, and despite a misfield to give them four byes off the last ball of the 19th over, Bumrah had kept them alive.Had to be MalingaThere was no way anybody other than Malinga was going to bowl this last over. His experience had to be relied upon. First ball: yorker nailed from round the wicket to Watson. Now eight off five. Second ball, low full toss, should have been run out, concedes a single. Now seven off four. Third ball: another yorker from round the wicket, this time hit wide of long-on for an easy two. Now five off three. Fourth ball: wide yorker, Watson takes the risk and de Kock makes up with a smart collection and flick back onto the stumps. Now four off two.To the new batsman, Malinga continues with the round-the-wicket angle, but Thakur gets enough bat on the low full toss to get two. With two required off the last ball, long chats follow. De Kock removes one glove. Seemingly many plans are formed and discarded. Finally we have a field that seems set for a slower ball outside off, but Malinga delivers with the beguiling dipping slower ball that traps Thakur right in front. Pollard carried him on his shoulders. The baddest daddy in town had beaten Dad’s Army.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate por 1 a 1 contra o Botafogo-SP, o técnico do São Paulo, Hernán Crespo comentou sobre a situação do volante Luan, titular da equipe e que ficou de fora da primeira lista do clube para a estreia no Campeonato Paulista.

TABELA
Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

O jogador, revelado em Cotia, tem algumas sondagens para deixar o Tricolor, mas deve permanecer na equipe. Crespo analisou a ausência em entrevista coletiva e espera contar com o volante contra a Inter de Limeira, na próxima quarta-feira, às 17h, fora de casa.

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> Quem está voltando ao seu clube do coração após empréstimo? Confira!

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– A decisão foi muito rápida. Eu comecei a trabalhar sexta-feira e já tinha que fazer uma lista. Creio que neste caso como o do Luan, com a opção de se transferir que tem, mas creio que não vai ser inconveniente, até que isso se desenrole, que esteja conosco e possa jogar na quarta-feira – afirmou o técnico.

Questionado sobre a possível chegada de reforços nesta semana, Crespo preferiu deixar o assunto para a diretoria e não entrou em detalhes. O São Paulo monitora a situação do volante Gabriel Neves, do Nacional-URU e do zagueiro Kanu, do Botafogo.

– Eu não entro em questões econômicas, só técnicas e futebolísticas. É esperar. Eu sabia que, quando vim para o São Paulo, não teríamos tempo, que a reconstrução seria difícil, mas aceitei o trabalho com serenidade e tranquilidade. Os dirigentes podem responder sobre o tempo que necessitam para algum reforço chegar – finalizou Crespo.

“Rules” drawn up by Monaco are giving Folarin Balogun a big decision to make as the USMNT count down the days to Copa America and Olympic competition.

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• Forward has 10 senior caps for his country
• Hoping to chase down medals this summer
• Will not be allowed to grace two events

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old striker, who turned his back on England in order to represent the country of his birth at senior international level, is hoping to figure prominently in American plans for a big summer of tournament action.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun has been included in Gregg Berhalter’s preliminary squad for a Copa America event on U.S. soil, but there are no guarantees regarding game time at that competition. A consolation prize of gold medal glory at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be offered to some, with Balogun also figuring in that picture.

• WHAT MONACO SAID

  The former Arsenal frontman has, however, been made aware that he will not be allowed to link up with the USMNT ranks at two tournaments. Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has told the club’s of plans for Games on French soil: “It’s quite clear, we want to respect the wishes of our players and at the same time meet the needs of the club. To do this, we shared with those concerned our two conditions for accepting participation in the Olympics. Firstly, go on vacation before the Games, because they finish very late and we cannot afford to see them leave. Here, we will fortunately not compete in the play-offs for the Champions League, which could have conflicted with the Olympic Games.

  “Then the rules are strict: the selection must include 18 players, including a maximum of three players over 23 years old. We will see if the case arises. If Maghnes Akliouche is called up? We will let him go, obviously. For Folarin Balogun, if he is also selected for the Copa America, he will not be able to play both. It would not be fair to the club if a player could be absent so much without taking part in the pre-season.”

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

  Balogun will be hoping to use action over the summer to play his way back into form ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, with only eight goals recorded – alongside some notable penalty misses – in his debut season at Monaco.

أعلنت الصفحة الرسمية لنادي الزمالك، عن التعاقد مع الجابوني آرون بوبيندزا، بداية من الموسم الجديد.

وشددت صفحة الزمالك، على وصول البطاقة الدولية للاعب إلى القلعة البيضاء ليصبح لاعبا في فريق الكرة الأول، خلال الفترة المقبلة.

طالع..مدرب رابيد الروماني لـ “بطولات”: أشك في توقيع بوبيندزا لـ الزمالك

وفي وقت سابق كشف أحمد سالم، المتحدث الرسمي للزمالك عن نفس التفاصيل في انتظار وصول بوبيندزا إلى القاهرة للانضمام للأبيض.

وجاء إعلان الزمالك، عبر صفحاته في مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي ردا على الأنباء المنتشرة خلال الساعات الأخيرة بخصوص الصفقة والجدل حولها.

وادعت تقارير صحفية، اقتراب نادي رابيد الروماني، من ضم اللاعب خلال الميركاتو الصيفي الجاري، وهو ما أثار حفيظة الجمهور الأبيض.

ويأتي هذا الإعلان كرسالة من الزمالك، مشيراً فيها إلى إتمام التعاقد مع اللاعب.

وأشار مصدر خاص لبطولات منذ قليل، إلى أن النادي في موقف سليم ولم يتغير موقف اللاعب كذلك. طالع التفاصيل

An important new update has emerged regarding 777 Partners' takeover of Everton Football Club, courtesy of journalist Paul Brown.

Everton charged with breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules

The Blues are in the midst of a tumultuous season both on and off the pitch, and it is hard to think of more dramatic campaigns that have happened at Goodison Park in recent times.

For starters, there was the 10-point deduction in the Premier League due to breaching breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules, with both Everton and Nottingham Forest now facing a new FFP charge for that same offence. That has clearly been detrimental to Sean Dyche's side's chance of remaining in the top flight this season, and although they have battled hard and are out of the relegation zone currently, that might not be for long if Richard Masters gets his way.

There is then also the issue surrounding the takeover, with 777 Partners the clear front-runners to begin a new era at the club and bring an end to Farhad Moshiri's reign. Doubts have surrounded them for months, however, despite the group forwarding loans to help the clubs pay stadium bills, and now a fresh update has dropped regarding the situation.

777 Partners takeover update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown leaked the latest chatter from circles close to the deal, and admitted that 777 Partners' takeover of Everton may not go through.

"So we've heard from insiders at the company that as a group, they're now pessimistic about their chances of being granted approval. In public, they sound a very different tone, but there are people inside the company who don't think this is going to happen now.

"One way or another 777 can't keep pumping loan money into the club indefinitely. It's becoming quite a big drag on their finances, which at the moment are stretched, and they need an answer one way or another, which is why I think you're seeing a few stories coming out the last few weeks."

Everton supporters have every right to be feeling so frustrated about ongoing matters at the club, with the points deduction seen as harsh in the eyes of most fans and even many neutral oberserves, considering the spending higher up the table.

The constant updates surrounding 777 are arguably even more infuriating, however, at a time when supporters want some stability on show at Goodison, especially with a move to their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium taking place in the summer of 2025.

As has been the case for some time now, it does feel as though Everton could simply be wise to move on from their proposed next owners, even if that ends up slowing down the takeover process, with the long-term picture at the club more important.

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This is one of the biggest decisions that has taken place at Goodison in a long time, potentially shaping the future success of club, or lack thereof, and the longer this saga goes on, the more it feels as though 777 would have too many question marks against them to succesfully kick start a new era.

A Newcastle United player who was once described as "terrific" is now set to leave the club during the January transfer window, with the individual in question ready for a fresh challenge.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been linked with so many players this month, as Eddie Howe looks to add to a squad that has been depleted by injuries all season long.

Kalvin Phillips has long been seen as a key transfer target for Newcastle, as he desperately looks to seal a loan move away from Manchester City, but it is a saga that keeps rumbling on, with other Premier League clubs also interested in signing him.

The England international is far from the only target at St James' Park, however, with Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli one of a host of defenders backed to come in, as well as highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie.

Atalanta defensive midfielder Ederson is also an option, perhaps being seen as an alternative to Phillips, with someone in the middle of the park surely needed after the 10-month ban handed to Sandro Tonali for betting offences. Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich is another ambitious target, too, in what could be a sensational piece of business if it goes through.

There is also the potential for outgoings to happen before the end of the month, and it looks as though one player is on the verge of leaving Newcastle.

Javier Manquillo set to leave Newcastle

According to Marca [via Sport Witness], Javier Manquillo is now ready to leave Newcastle this month, with a deal away close, possibly even being completed on Friday.

In fact, a switch to Celta Vigo could even be completed in the "next few hours", with the versatile 29-year-old already in Spain to bring an end to his time at St James' Park. The report adds that Celta are 'not paying Newcastle for the transfer, as the move depends on the termination of his contract with the Magpies'.

It makes complete sense for Manquillo to leave Newcastle in January, considering the Spaniard hasn't played a single minute of action this season, not being seen as part of Howe's plans whatsoever. He is out of contract this summer anyway, so getting him off the wage bill a few months early is a shrewd decision in a financial sense.

The former Liverpool defender will surely be keen on a new challenge, allowing him to actually play regular football again, and he is a talented player on his day, with former Newcastle manager Steve Bruce once saying of him:

"He was terrific – fair play to him. He’s found himself, in the last few weeks, not involved. But, I thought, against Raheem Sterling, his pace, his attitude and defensive work was probably right. “It was a big call because Emil (Krafth) is chomping at the bit. But I just think Manquillo’s experience certainly showed."

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The Magpies have lacked defensive depth this season.

ByTom Cunningham Jan 19, 2024

Despite this, the £40,000-a-week-earning Manquillo's time at Newcastle has reached a natural conclusion, ending with 110 appearances and eight goal contributions (one goal and seven assists) to his name, playing in a variety of positions during that time.

Outside of the top four and struggling to get results in the Premier League this season, Newcastle United are in desperate need of some good news in the January transfer window. PIF must strengthen Eddie Howe's squad if they are to revive their campaign and qualify for at least the Europa League come May. But with the transfer window open, they must also be wary of losing some key players without the promise of Champions League action.

With that said, reports suggest that one top European club are willing to make a major offer to sign one Newcastle star, whose exit would leave a gaping hole in Howe's side at St James' Park.

Newcastle transfer news

The last thing that Newcastle need is for a top player to leave the club this month, given their recent form. The Magpies have lost three consecutive Premier League games, which has included defeats against relegation candidates Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, before being convincingly beaten by Liverpool.

Add a major exit onto that form and Newcastle could find themselves languishing in mid-table come May, especially if one European giant get their way in the transfer window this month.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

According to ESPN, Paris Saint-Germain have made Bruno Guimaraes their top target in the January transfer window. The Ligue 1 champions could be boosted by the fact that the midfielder's agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, recently worked with the club in their deals to sign Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo.

With Guimaraes' release clause sitting at a reported £100m, it remains to be seen whether PSG will splash the cash to welcome the Brazilian, but given that money is rarely an obstacle for them, Newcastle could be in danger of losing one of their best players. As the transfer window progresses, Guimaraes will certainly be one to keep an eye on.

Newcastle can't afford to lose "magnificent" Bruno

If Newcastle want to progress into a club consistently competing for a place in the Premier League's top four, then keeping hold of a player like Guimaraes is a must. The Brazilian was at the heart of their Champions League qualification last season and could be vital to the Magpies turning their current campaign around.

Guimaraes' stats certainly make for impressive reading. The former Lyon man is in the 88th percentile for progressive passes and 91st percentile for take-ons completed when compared to midfielders in Europe's top five leagues via FBref.

It's no surprise that Newcastle boss Howe is a fan of his star man, previously saying: “Yes, they love him and rightly so after today’s performance. He was magnificent in every discipline of the game. I think the biggest compliment I could give him is that on 95 minutes, with tired legs, for sure, for him – he’s getting used to the Premier League – but he’s managed to get himself in the box to score that header.”

At the halfway point, Newcastle will now hope to keep hold of Guimaraes amid interest from PSG, but it could be quite the battle for the Premier League side.