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An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of a move to improve their right-back options in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have switched their attention back to a deal to sign West Ham United academy full-back Harrison Ashby.

The report claims that Newcastle were interested in signing Ivan Fresneda from La Liga outfit Real Valladolid and made attempts to bring him to St. James’ Park but they have now left Premier League rivals Arsenal to pursue the Spaniard.

It is not stated whether or not the club are looking to sign Ashby this month or in the summer, as the 21-year-old’s contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of the season.

Kieran Trippier heir

Eddie Howe could land the long-term heir to Kieran Trippier’s position in the team by snapping up the Hammers youngster either before the end of the window or on a free transfer later this year.

The current £100k-per-week Newcastle gem has been in terrific form in the Premier League this season and has, arguably, been one of the club’s top performers.

He has averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.86 across 20 appearances in the top flight – making three key passes and 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match for the Magpies.

Trippier has consistently delivered brilliant performances for the Toon and showcased his quality at both ends of the pitch, by regularly winning the ball back and then using his ability in possession to create opportunities for his teammates.

However, the England international turns 33 this year and Howe could bring in Ashby with one eye on the 21-year-old replacing the former Atletico Madrid wizard in the future as the veteran heads into the final years of his career.

Scotland youth coach Scott Gemmill previously hailed the West Ham gem as a “tremendous prospect” and his seven first-team appearances for the club suggest that the Hammers agree.

The “giant” – as dubbed by one Athletic journalist – has been capped by Scotland at U17, 19, and 21 levels and showcased his quality in the Premier League 2 before making the breakthrough into the senior set-up as he produced two goals and nine assists in 35 matches in the division.

These statistics indicate that the youngster, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.73 and made four tackles and interceptions per match in the EFL Trophy last season, has the quality on the ball to provide chances for his teammates, which is something Trippier has proven that he can do in the Premier League for Newcastle.

Therefore, Ashby could be a dream heir to the Englishman’s throne at right-back at St. James’ Park as the gem is an attack-minded full-back who has also shown, in the EFL Trophy, that he does not shirk away from his defensive responsibilities.

Manchester United are interested in signing Burnley striker Wout Weghorst this month as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils saw their options up top reduced over the final weeks of 2022 after the club and Cristiano Ronaldo decided to part ways following a turbulent start to the campaign for the Portuguese star.

Since his departure and the return to action from the winter World Cup, Ten Hag’s side have climbed their way into the top four of the Premier League table with three league wins from three since 27th December.

However, it would appear the Dutch manager is still looking to strengthen his options at striker with Anthony Martial earning the recent game time up top.

Reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has been speaking to CBS Sports and has confirmed the interest coming from Old Trafford for the 30-year-old striker:

“It’s true that Manchester United are working on this deal. They had a contract on player’s side and the player would be 100% open, excited to join Manchester United.

“He knows Erik ten Hag appreciates him. He is convinced his skills as traditional number nine can help Man United.”

Something different

This proposed interest from United will have certainly taken some by surprise given Weghorst has been playing his football out in Turkey this season with Besiktas.

It has been a fairly successful loan which has seen the Burnley striker provide the Turkish giants with a return of eight goals and four assists across his 16 league appearances (via Transfermarkt).

However, it has to be caveated by the lower quality to which he will be playing in, in comparison to the Premier League.

The Dutchman has already played in the English top flight during the final half of the 2021/22 campaign with Burnley which saw the Lancashire side relegated to the Championship.

Albeit in a struggling side which was ultimately relegated, it was not exactly an impressive showing from the Dutch striker during his time at Turf Moor.

In his 20 appearances for Burnley in the league, Weghorst was only able to provide the Clarets with two goals and three assists with no goal coming in his final seven appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Compared to Martial, Weghorst provides something much different physically with the 6 foot 6 frame providing Ten Hag with a real ariel threat.

Given his height advantage, last season, Weghorst averaged just shy of three headers per game, which is over three times more than what Martial has won this season for United (via FBref).

There will naturally be some concerns over Weghorst’s potential goal return if he is to sign, however, it will be interesting to see what role he could play under his fellow countryman.

Two journalists bemoaned James Tomkins’ soft red card that he picked up in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 defeat at home to Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Palace beaten by Fulham

The Eagles returned to league action for the first time since the middle of November, with the World Cup halting the domestic top-flight season for six weeks.

It proved to be a bitterly disappointing afternoon for Patrick Vieira’s men, though, with Bobby Decordova-Reid, Tim Ream and Aleksandar Mitrovic all scoring for the visitors, while both Tyrick Mitchell and James Tomkins received red cards for the home side.

The result leaves Palace 11th in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.

The Latest: Journalists bemoan Tomkins red

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam bemoaned Tomkins’ second-half dismissal, with the incident looking harsh after a clash with Mitrovic. He tweeted:

“Another red card for Palace. James Tomkins sent off for two yellows. Oh dear.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian’s Ed Aarons also voiced his disapproving thoughts on the matter on Twitter, lamenting:

“Tomkins shown second yellow card. Big blunder from ref as he didnt even touch Mitrovic!”

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The Verdict: Ridiculous decision

Although Palace deserved nothing from their performance against Fulham, the decision to send off Tomkins effectively ended any hope of them getting anything from the game.

It was a ludicrous call from referee Andrew Madley, with almost no contact made with Mitrovic, whose playacting played a huge role in the Eagles defender being given his marching orders.

The fact that VAR couldn’t intervene because it was a second yellow card is all the more infuriating, with the Premier League surely having to look into changing the rule to prevent ludicrous incidents such as these.

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Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a deal to bring Kim Min-jae to the Premier League next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by 90min, who claim that, having missed out on the centre-back’s signing in the summer of 2020, Spurs are once again interested in the idea of making a move for the 26-year-old at the end of the current campaign, while Manchester United and Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the South Korea international.

However, the report goes on to state that SSC Napoli are looking to tie the defender down to a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with the Serie A side hoping to include a release clause in Kim’s new contract that is more than double his current €45m (£39m) clause – something the Italian side are said to be confident of getting over the line.

“Monster”

Considering just how impressive Kim has been for Napoli following his £16m move to the club this summer, it is not difficult to understand why Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the centre-back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 14 Serie A appearances this season, the £30m-rated talent has been in imperious form in the heart of Luciano Spalletti’s backline, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 3.9 clearances and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.

The £53k-per-week defender has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes, playing 3.5 long balls and completing 66.1 passes – at a success rate of 90% – per fixture.

These returns have seen “the Monster” average a rather remarkable Sofascore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Napoli’s sixth-best performer in the league but also as the 21st-best performer in the Italian top flight as a whole so far in 2022/23.

The 26-year-old has also impressed over his six outings in the Champions League this term, helping Gli Azzurri keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.3 interceptions, one tackle, 3.8 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

These metrics have seen the 6 foot 3 giant who Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dubbed both “extraordinary” and an “iron barrel” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Spalletti’s 13th-best player in the competition – playing a key role in Napoli finishing top of the Group G standings.

As such, considering just how impressive Kim has been both domestically and in Europe so far this season, it is indeed easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the defender to north London next summer, as the Korean colossus would undoubtedly be something of a monster in Conte’s backline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Fenerbahce central defender Attila Szalai in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: January signings expected

The St. James’ Park outfit are expected to make more signings in January, as they look to kick on from their excellent start to the season.

They ended the first part of the Premier League campaign in third place, and will feel that they now have a real chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League ahead of some of the traditional ‘big six’ teams.

The Latest: Szalai wanted

As per Turkish news outlet Turkiye Gazetesi, Szalai is ‘wanted’ by the North East club, as well as fellow Premier League rivals West Ham United and Leicester City.

Serie A side Bologna are also interested in a potential January move, although Szalai’s contract is not up until 2025, so Fenerbahce are not under much pressure to sell.

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The Verdict: Lascelles replacement?

It was reported earlier this month that the Tynesiders will listen to offers for Jamaal Lascelles in January, meaning that they would have to sign a replacement if he leaves.

Hailed as an ‘exemplary’ player by former Fenerbahce sporting director Emre Belozoglu, Szalai is nick-named the ‘Hungarian Van Dijk’, with the Liverpool centre-back widely regarded as one of the best centre-halves of his generation.

The six-foot-four colossus ranks in the 86th percentile for touches, 84th for progressive passes received and 83rd for progressive passes out of centre-backs in Europe in the past year per FBRef, showing that he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, and is an all-round complete defender.

Nonetheless, Szalai is only 24 years of age as well, so the Hungary international would be an adequate long-term replacement for Lascelles, and sharing the same agent as Joelinton, this could be a deal that could be pushed through for the right price.

Tony Mowbray has hinted that Ellis Simms could start for Sunderland at home to Cardiff City in the Championship this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Easing him back in…

Simms has come off the bench twice in the last two league games after injuring his toe, which kept him out for seven matches (Transfermarkt).

He last started in the 3-0 win away at Reading back in September, where he had to come off early because of his injury.

The Latest: Could start

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of today’s clash, Mowbray has hinted (via The Chronicle) that ‘there’s a chance’ that Simms could make his first start in two months against Cardiff, but admitted that the club are still taking precaution with him, so he could equally be left on the bench again:

“We are two games away from an international break and it’s whether we feel a though we can risk – if that’s the right word – a potential start for him. Games start at a much higher intensity, so it is more demanding than coming off the bench.

“It’s whether he feels ready, whether we feel it is a gamble worth taking, because we’ve got a three-week break coming up by the end of which he will definitely have recovered and done the fitness work. I’ll discuss it, but I haven’t really made a decision over whether to start him as yet.

“There’s a chance that he could start, but there’s a chance he could be on the bench again because I like the idea of having a strong bench that can either see a game out or change a game. Let’s see what team we pick and what potential changes to help change the course of the game go our way.”

The Verdict: No need to risk it

With just a few fixtures left until the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there is no need for the Stadium of Light outfit to risk rushing Simms back into the starting line-up, at the risk of potentially aggravating his injury.

They won 2-0 away at Huddersfield Town in the league last time out, where the Everton loanee only played 45 minutes, although did manage to grab himself an assist.

Simms did score three goals in his first two league matches for the Black Cats, so is always a useful weapon to have on the pitch, but if he is not fully fit, then Mowbray can always just bring him off the bench again.

The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane criticised John Lundstram for picking up an ‘incredibly daft’ yellow card for Glasgow Rangers on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Outclassed

In truth, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were simply outclassed on the night, as Napoli raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes, both coming from Giovanni Simeone.

They added a third through Leo Ostigard in the second half, in a game where the hosts dominated possession and recorded more shots and passes (SofaScore).

The Latest: Lundstram criticised

Taking to Twitter, McFarlane was critical of the booking picked up by Lundstram late on in the first half, ruling him out of their last group match against Ajax, calling it ‘incredibly daft’ by the central midfielder:

“What an incredibly daft yellow to take. John Lundstram now out of the Ajax game for pulling Mario Rui’s shirt when appearing to be going nowhere.”

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The Verdict: Ill-discipline

Lundstram has been guilty of ill-discipline a few times in his Ibrox career, picking up a total of eight yellows and two red cards over the last two seasons, including five bookings and one sending off this term already (Transfermarkt).

And he was chasing shadows throughout much of the match on Wednesday, losing out on six of his individual duels, while he also made no clearances or key passes and gave the ball away 11 times in total (SofaScore).

Lundstram also gave away three fouls, the most of any Gers player on the pitch, in what was a very frustrating night for the former Sheffield United ace.

Manchester City star Phil Foden is closing in on a new long-term contract with the club, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Foden’s City career

As a Manchester lad and a boyhood City fan, the 22-year-old has been fulfilling his childhood dream in recent years under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

Since graduating into the first-team squad in 2017, the England international has already made 180 appearances for the club, contributing 51 goals and 35 assists to the Premier League champions’ success.

Foden became even more of an Etihad Stadium hero this weekend after scoring his first career hat-trick against rivals Manchester United in an emphatic 6-3 victory.

The Latest: Foden’s contract

With contract talks delayed due to a change in the player’s management, Ornstein has now shared a fresh update on Foden’s situation.

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist claimed: “Man City hope Phil Foden will sign his new contract until 2027 this week. Once last details agreed #MCFC plan to confirm 22yo’s deal – finally achieving what all parties wanted after protracted negotiations & tying down another key player @TheAthleticUK”

The Verdict: City’s future

At just 22 years of age, Foden has already established himself as a crucial part of City’s incredible success under Guardiola.

Having earned stylistic comparisons to the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the Sky Blues winger ranks in the 91st percentile for non-penalty goals and the 89th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and for progressive passes received.

Those figures mark him out as a player who frequently gets into the box and can make a telling impact once there.

Hailed as a ‘very special’ player by England teammate Declan Rice, Foden looks destined to play a major part in City’s setup for years to come, especially if he commits his long-term future to the club.

Therefore, news of his impending contract renewal will surely come as a huge relief to City fans.

Tottenham Hotspur may be without Ben Davies for the north London derby on Saturday afternoon…

What’s the latest?

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, there is no guarantee that the 29-year-old will be fit enough to feature against arch-rivals Arsenal after he picked up an injury before the win over Leicester City.

He subsequently withdrew from his international duties as Wales faced Belgium and Poland without him.

“The suggestion was that he was always going to miss the two Wales games but has a good chance of coming back for Arsenal,” the reporter explained to GIVEMESPORT.

“Rob Page spoke about his injury and said it’s not serious, but I still think with the Arsenal game being so close there’s no guarantee he’ll be fit for the game, but fingers crossed because there is a good chance.”

It’s thought that the Welshman has been suffering from a hairline fracture to the bone beneath his knee, so it could be a big risk to throw him straight back in after the international break, with football.london also suggesting that there are question marks over his availability heading into kick-off.

Blow for Conte

Given Davies’ vast experience and versatility, his absence would be a gutting blow for manager Antonio Conte, who is looking to get another one up on the club’s rivals.

The Welshman has also played 14 times against the Gunners and been on the winning side in 50% of those outings, in which he has also provided two goal contributions.

Once hailed as “magnificent” by Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, the former Swansea City defender has gone on to feature 278 times for the Lilywhites, with 42 of those matches coming under the Italian, who has trusted him to be his first-choice left-sided centre-back.

“He’s a reliable player,” Conte told the club’s official website back in April, before adding: “Ben is playing in an important way with us, as a central defender and he’s showing that he’s a really good player.”

Indeed, a left-back by trade, the £60k-per-week star has become an ever-present member of Spurs’ central defensive three, very much as he has done for Wales too.

And when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, you can see why the ex-Chelsea boss trusts him so much.

As per FBref, Davies ranks inside the top 5% for progressive carries (5.82 per 90) and the top 10% for progressive passes (4.21 per 90), not only highlighting his ball-playing ability but also earning a statistical likeness to players such as Niklas Sule of Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.

Therefore, it’s clear that Davies – if absent this weekend – would be a big miss to both Conte and the squad, given his obvious fit for the manager’s system, reliability and experience ahead of a game of this calibre.

AND in other news, Conte must unleash Spurs’ £20m “Rolls-Royce” or risk repeating fatal Mourinho mistake…

Pete O’Rourke would be surprised if Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins left the club during the transfer window.

What’s the word?

The journalist was speaking to This is Futbol regarding news of the striker’s future, saying:

“I’d be very surprised if Villa would even consider letting Ollie Watkins go. He’s been a good signing for them since he arrived from Brentford.

“Maybe he doesn’t score as many goals as people would hope, but he offers so much more to the team as well with his work ethic and how hard he works up front as well.”

This could give Steven Gerrard a welcome boost, as he will require all the firepower he can get in order to improve the side’s recent results.

A boost for Gerrard?

Gerrard will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure following Villa’s poor start to the Premier League campaign, winning only three points from nine. Therefore, the idea of keeping Watkins around should be a boost to everyone associated with the Villans.

They have only scored three times, with the England international being involved in all three (one goal and two assists) and his importance to the team going forward shouldn’t be underestimated.

Since arriving in the Midlands from Brentford in a £28m deal, he has scored 28 goals and registered nine assists in 79 matches, a solid return.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs stated that Crystal Palace and Leeds United were keen on signing the striker and the 42-year-old manager will be determined to keep him.

It’s not just his goals that are important to the side. He created four big chances in the league last season as well as making on average, one key pass per match, creating opportunities for others whenever possible.

Compared to the other attacking options at Villa (Philippe Coutinho, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, and Emiliano Buendia) Watkins made the most crosses last season with 23 and had the highest percentage of shots on target with 40.3%, proving that his game doesn’t just rely on goals and his all-round ability is outstanding.

At this stage of the window, unless a massive offer arrives for the player, it’s unlikely Johan Lange and co will sell the 26-year-old. If he carries on impressing like he has done in the opening three games so far, he could propel Villa to a top-half finish, meaning it is undoubtedly a boost for the manager that there seems to be little plan to sell him in the current window.