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An exciting update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman and their attempts to sign him this month…

What’s the talk?

Journalist David Ornstein has dropped a big claim on the Magpies’ efforts to bring in the 21-year-old from the Ligue 1 outfit, having had one bid rejected already.

He tweeted: “EXCL: Newcastle submit improved offer to Lille for Sven Botman. 21yo is #NUFC’s top centre-back target. Unclear how #LOSC will respond as want to keep but financial situation could make sale necessary if price right. Dutchman keen on move.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will surely be delighted with this update, as it shows that the club are working hard behind the scenes to get him the players that he needs to keep the team in the Premier League. They have not been deterred by a first offer being rejected and have now gone in with another bid, although it remains to be seen whether or not it will be enough to convince Lille to do business.

The Netherlands defender could be an excellent addition to the Magpies’ squad. He has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.02 in Ligue 1 this season, showing that he can produce consistently high-quality performances in a top division. This suggests that he could be a reliable performer for the former Bournemouth coach to call upon at the back if he is able to adapt to English football..

Ornstein’s claim that Botman is interested in the move will also leave Howe buzzing. It suggests that the player is keen to make the transfer happen and is motivated to come to the Premier League and perform for the Magpies, rather than being someone who needs to be convinced to make the switch and whose heart may not be fully in it.

Newcastle need players who are committed to the cause and ready to battle on the pitch because the table does not make for great reading. They are 19th in the Premier League and need an upturn in results to bring themselves out of the bottom three and secure top-flight safety.

Therefore, Botman being keen on the move could be a huge boost for the Magpies, as it suggests that he is up for the fight and is not deterred by the prospect of a relegation battle.

AND in other news, Luke Edwards drops fresh Newcastle United transfer update, fans will be fuming…

Manchester United will face Aston Villa for the second time this week after beating them at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last Monday.

This evening they travel to Villa Park in the Premier League, and Red Devils interim manager Ralf Rangnick has taken to his pre-match press conference to reveal a huge injury boost ahead of kick-off, with four regular starters returning to the squad after injury problems.

The German confirmed the availability of Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Jones after they all missed the FA Cup game on Monday night.

He revealed on Friday: “I think they will be available, they only trained yesterday for the first time, Cristiano yesterday, Harry the day before yesterday. We have to wait for the final session this afternoon but as it seems right now, they should be available for tomorrow.”

Fans will be buzzing

It’s no secret that Ronaldo in particular is a fan favourite, so his presence back in the starting line-up will surely leave supporters buzzing after the manager’s admission on Friday. He is also their leading scorer this season by some distance, so his return could be decisive.

Jones had an impressive game against Wolves 12 days ago, while Maguire’s 2.6 headers won per match makes him the squad’s biggest aerial threat. While Sancho’s output has been minimal in terms of goals and assists, his return nonetheless offers United another option in attack.

Rangnick has only lost one game since he was appointed as interim manager in late November, but with their last Premier League match ending in a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford, the 63-year-old will surely be hoping to continue the winning momentum after Monday night’s cup win over Steven Gerrard’s side.

United are chasing down a top four spot but are currently seventh in the Premier League after an inconsistent start to the season which has seen them pick up only nine wins, four draws and six losses so far. However, being away from home doesn’t seem to faze them, as four of their nine top-flight victories have been earned on the road.

Their chances of making that five out of 10 would appear to have been greatly boosted by the availability of Maguire, Jones, Sancho and especially Ronaldo, and Rangnick will no doubt be delighted to have such an abundance of options to call upon at either end of the pitch this evening.

In other news: Rangnick could make huge first transfer window coup with this midfield beast

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as their caretaker manager whilst they search for a full-time head coach to steer the club out of their struggles this season and back into safety, with the side currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone in 16th, but could the manager they need already be right under their nose?

What’s the word?

Transfer insider, Pete O’Rourke, has given his thoughts on Ferguson’s current position at the club, and where it could lead to if he makes a good impact in the time he has as the current temporary manager.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s in Duncan Ferguson’s hands right now. If he does well, I think there’s a real chance he could get the job.”

Fans will be delighted

The idea that Ferguson could make a really positive impact on the Everton side would be a dream for the fans, as many took to social media wanting the coach to become the manager until at least the end of the season, with one Toffees fan tweeting:

“Duncan Ferguson until the end of the season – he will unite the fanbase. Appoint a new DOF by the summer. Let the DOF decide the next manager. That has to be the plan for Everton.”

Indeed, the Scotsman is a huge fan favourite and legend at the club, playing out most of his career at Goodison with 260 appearances, 68 goals and five assists during his time.

He also won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, which was the last time the Toffees won a trophy, 27 years ago. He has since taken on a coaching role, outliving six managers so far and remaining an important part of the club to this day, where he is caretaker for the second time in less than three years.

Moshiri needs to make an important decision in recognising the invaluable experience and knowledge of the club that Ferguson offers that money can’t buy.

He has been with the club during the highest highs and in the lowest of lows, with the current situation, one of the lowest points as a relegation battle in the not too distant future is looking a likely scenario if the season continues as it has already.

In the worst case, that could lead Everton to their first ever relegation from the Premier League and their first relegation from top flight football in over 70 years.

Thus, bringing in a manager who gets on well with the supporters is certainly a good idea.

In other news: Moshiri must sign Dele Alli following Doucoure injury

An update has emerged on Rangers and their efforts to make further additions to their squad at Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Gers are among a number of clubs who are keen on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee before the end of the month, with Southampton, Leicester, Brighton and Aston Villa among the other teams eyeing him up.

The report claims that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is hoping that his friendship with Pep Guardiola will give the Scottish giants a leg-up in negotiations.

Kent 2.0

The Gers could land the new Ryan Kent in a deal to sign McAtee on loan from the English champions this month, as he is an exciting, talented young forward who could have a big impact at Ibrox.

He has 19 goals and five assists in all competitions for Man City this season, playing for the under-23’s and the first team. The youngster has featured for Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the Premier League, although he is yet to make his Champions League bow.

McAtee’s 24 goal involvements in 23 games means that he has directly contributed to a goal every 0.95 matches on average.

City academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy once dubbed the forward a “very intelligent player” and his emergence at first-team level suggests that Guardiola has also seen that in him. His sensational record in terms of goals and assists also proves that he knows how to make an impact in the final third, much like Kent does for the Gers.

The ex-Liverpool winger has 29 goals and 35 assists in 149 games for the Scottish giants. This shows how impressive he has been over the years under Steven Gerrard and now Van Bronckhorst, with McAtee potentially able to follow in his footsteps at Ibrox.

If Rangers are able to get a deal over the line for the Cityzens maestro, he could be a fantastic addition to the squad. His goals and assists for City at youth level suggest that he has the potential to be a key player for Van Bronckhorst in Scotland if he is able to translate some of that form over to the Premiership, which is why he could be the new Kent for Rangers.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst must now sign “exciting” £1.8m-rated gem who was “almost certain” to join Rangers…

There is ‘European interest’ in Leeds United youngster Crysencio Summerville, according to a fresh update from reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Summerville struggling for minutes

The 20-year-old is considered one of the most exciting young players at Elland Road currently – he has been hailed as ‘wonderful’ by Chris Powell – but he has struggled to make his mark this season.

Summerville has been limited to just five substitute appearances in the Premier League, getting a total of 119 minutes to his name in the competition.

It could be that a loan move away benefits the winger and a key update has now emerged regarding the situation.

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The Latest: Hay provides key update

Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, the reliable Hay confirmed that there is interest in Summerville from abroad but Marcelo Bielsa is reluctant to let him leave:

“A fair bit of European interest in Summerville, not least in Germany and Holland, but Bielsa doesn’t want to lose him.”

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The Verdict: Good experience

While there is a risk element in letting anyone move on this month, given Leeds’ injury problems this season, Summerville could benefit from a new temporary challenge.

Chances are, the youngster will invariably have to make do with a squad role between now and May, at best, whereas he could earn regular starts elsewhere, maturing as a player in the process.

Keeping hold of Summerville beyond January certainly wouldn’t be a disaster but it is hard to see where minutes are to going to come his way, giving the talent ahead of him in the pecking order, whether it be Raphinha, Jack Harrison or Dan James.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with another signing. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool reporter Carl Markham has shared a somewhat pessimistic update on the Reds’ pursuit of Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho. 

The lowdown

Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor reported on Sunday that Liverpool had tabled a £5m bid for the Fulham starlet, and Fabrizio Romano followed that up by revealing that Jurgen Klopp’s side would hold fresh talks with the Cottagers on Monday morning.

According to Markham, though, it’s ‘now or never’ for Liverpool as the clock winds down towards the transfer deadline.

Carvalho is out of contract at the end of the current season, so the transfer fee would be determined by a tribunal if the 19-year-old leaves in the summer. The club know that any European suitors would be ‘in a much stronger position’ to snap him up at that point.

The latest

Markham tweeted at 11am Monday morning: “As it currently stands completing a deal for Fabio Carvalho today looks less likely than it may have done 24 hours ago.”

This followed on from an earlier tweet of: “Seems like it is now or never in @LFC’s chase of Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho. Club not keen to go through the compensation tribunal process again in the summer, especially with European clubs in a much stronger position to sign player for a fraction of cost of any fee set by a panel”.

The verdict

How much will Liverpool push for Carvalho? Does they view this as an opportunity they can’t afford to miss? That’s what we’ll find out in the coming hours.

Liverpool have already offered Fulham some concessions, reportedly agreeing to send him back to west London on loan for the remainder of the season so that he can aid the Cottagers’ promotion push. On top of that, though, they may need to fork out more money.

You wonder if Fulham are adding a premium to their demands after receiving just £1.7m for Harvey Elliott in 2019. Indeed, his Transfermarkt value has since risen to £13.5m, so the Championship leaders may have wised up after the last time they sold a teenage starlet to Liverpool.

In other news, Neil Jones dropped several transfer claims on the morning of Deadline Day.

Newcastle United moved further clear of the relegation zone as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

The Toon thought they had the perfect chance to open the scoring when Craig Pawson awarded a penalty for a challenge on Joe Willock, but VAR decided that the contact was outside of the box and they were given a free-kick instead.

However, it turned out to be a productive one for Newcastle as Kieran Trippier rifled it in via a deflection – his second in as many games. That turned out to be enough to seal the three points for the Magpies, making it three wins in a row in the Premier League.

Whilst Trippier was the match-winning hero with his strike, another player was the star of the show for the Toon – Joelinton.

The Brazilian, who has been converted into a midfielder, was sensational throughout the game and crucial to everything Eddie Howe’s side wanted to do on the day at both ends of the pitch.

Defensively, he was a powerhouse for the team. As per SofaScore, he won a whopping 12 duels – with nine on the ground and three in the air. He also made two clearances, one interception and an impressive six tackles in midfield to show off his defensive awareness and tenacity to win the ball back off the opposition.

This proves that he was able to break up the play in the middle by cutting out Villa attacks with his tackles. He was strong enough to win his duels and not a lightweight in the middle – carrying his weight throughout the match.

On the ball, he looked to spread the play quickly. He hit early passes, with pace, out wide to Ryan Fraser several times in the first-half in an attempt to set him away at Lucas Digne and ended up with a pass completion of 78%, whilst completing one of his two attempted dribbles.

Whilst his attacking statistics do not stand out, he kept things simple and was effective and efficient in the middle of the park on the ball. He left the flashy play to the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Fraser, whilst making sure that he put in the graft defensively to seal the three points.

Therefore, Joelinton was the real star of the show as he did the dirty work that may sometimes go unnoticed in games in comparison to fancy flicks and tricks on the wing from the dazzling Saint-Maximin. The Brazilian was a machine throughout the game and deserves plaudits for the role he played in securing the three points.

AND in other news, Forget Wilson: Howe can find key solution in NUFC dynamo with a goal every 1.08 games…

Tottenham Hotspur flop Ryan Sessegnon may have blown his final chance under Antonio Conte…

Early bath

The 21-year-old winger was substituted just 28 minutes into Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday after an absolutely disastrous start to the game.

It was seemingly for tactical reasons as the Italian’s outfit had conceded both goals within the opening 18 minutes but it’s a rather damning sign for a player that has endured a torrid time since his £25m move from Fulham in 2019.

Final chance blown?

Sessegnon’s first appearance under Conte saw him receive his marching orders after two quickfire bookings against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League. It was his first start since August and last weekend was his second appearance since that incident.

He clumsily put in a mistimed challenge after 11 minutes before catching another player chasing a loose ball, leaving the referee with no option but to send him off.

The young dynamo, who is now valued at just £13.5m by Transfermarkt, has flattered to deceive in what game time he’s received, failing to play the full duration of the game in any of his ten appearances across all competitions since his return from his loan spell at Hoffenheim.

22 appearances in nearly three years for a £25m signing is just not good enough and the fact that he was withdrawn early on Sunday suggests that the trend isn’t going to change anytime soon.

In the 28 minutes he was on the pitch against Wolves, the England U21 internatinonal committed two fouls, won just one of four duels (25%) and lost possession five times from 15 touches, as per SofaScore, so it’s unlikely that he would’ve been kept on for much longer regardless of Conte’s tactical decision.

Once dubbed a “big, big talent” by former Cottagers teammate Stefan Johansen, it appears as if Sessegnon is running out of time to convince the Italian of his qualities going forward.

AND in other news,  Alasdair Gold drops Gareth Bale update…

After securing a 2-1 win against Leicester City at the weekend, Wolves were on the wrong end of the same scoreline in their midweek Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Having taken the lead in the early stages of the first half through winger Hwang Hee-chan thanks to a misplaced pass from Gunners defender Gabriel, Bruno Lage’s side ultimately walked away with nothing after two goals from the home side through Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette right at the death secured the comeback and all three points in a heartbreaking defeat.

Despite the gutting result, one player in a Wolves shirt, aside from Hwang, stood out with a rather positive performance against Mikel Arteta’s side was full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Having played through the entire match, the Frenchman managed to have 62 touches of the ball and complete 27 accurate passes with one key pass in a shining display in north London.

The 20-year-old, who has been praised in the past for his “phenomenal” performances in an Old Gold shirt by Tim Spiers, also managed to successfully complete all three dribbles he attempted, showing how exciting he is when advancing forward.

In addition to this, the youngster also managed to show how impressive he can be from a defensive point of view by making four clearances, three tackles and one interception, as well as winning 77% of the duels he was involved in while not getting dribbled past once.

This display ultimately earned the wing-back an overall match rating of 7.1/10, making him one of Wolves’ highest-rated players on the day according to SofaScore.

Birmingham Live also picked up on his efforts on this occasion by saying in their report on the game that he “did make an impact going forward.”

With 15 league appearances to his name this term, WhoScored currently have the Frenchman listed as the highest-rated player in Lage’s squad with an overall performance rating of 7.12/10, showing how impressive he has been throughout the campaign.

Moving forward, the best thing the Midlands club can do now would be to put this defeat behind them and hope that they can move forward positively as a team if they want to have any chance of securing European football for next season.

In other news: Wolves can unearth the next Moutinho in 19 y/o who plays “like he’s in the playground” – opinion

Ange Postecgolou’s Celtic side return to Premiership action tomorrow, with a challenging trip to Hibernian on the cards for the 56-year-old’s Bhoys side – who are looking to extend their three-point lead at the top of the table.

And, following the Hoops’ 2-0 Europa Conference League defeat to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, with Celtic losing the tie 5-1 on aggregate, the Greek-Australian coach will undoubtedly be hoping for a much-improved performance from his players at Easter Road.

Indeed, there are a number of players who, following their display against the Norwegian minnows, would appear to be at risk of dropping out of Postecoglou’s starting XI on Sunday – none more so than defensive midfielder Nir Bitton.

Postecoglou must axe Bitton

While it was not only the Israel international who was well below-par against Bodo/Glimt, with the likes of Tom Rogic, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and Liam Scales all having games to forget on Thursday, the 30-year-old will undoubtedly have been extremely disappointed with his personal performance in the middle of the park.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £720k-rated man was ineffectual in defensive midfield, losing possession of the ball on 17 separate occasions – with only Scales ceding possession more for the Bhoys – and being dribbled past by an opponent twice – with only O’Riley being beaten more times than Bitton.

These returns contributed to the £15k-per-week Israeli earning a SofaScore match rating of just 6.8, while the Daily Record’s Michael Gannon awarded the 30-year-old a five in his own player ratings, as well as stating of Bitton’s display: “Wanted too much time on the ball and got caught out too many times.”

However, it was not only Gannon unimpressed with the former FC Ashdod man in midweek, with Bhoys Analytics stating their belief during the match that Postecoglou should “hook Bitton now it’s just sad,” while The Cynic also claimed that “Bitton has played like this is a Sports Relief match.”

As such, with Celtic in desperate need of a confidence-boosting win over Hibs on Sunday, the 56-year-old Hoops manager simply must axe the player once dubbed a “walking joke” by Bhoys Analytics, or else he could well cost his side their crucial advantage in the Premiership title race.

In other news: Major boost: Postecoglou drops teasing Celtic injury update, fans will be buzzing