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Journalist Harry De Cosemo would like to see Sean Longstaff handed the No 6 role for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Howe forced into changes

Once again, Eddie Howe is going to be forced into making at least one midfield change for a Premier League game.

Having had to cope without Bruno Guimaraes for three games in a row following his suspension, Joelinton is now set to miss the Magpies’ next two matches.

The Brazilian picked up his 10th yellow card of the campaign last weekend, which means he will miss games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, which could see Joe Willock return to the fold.

However, it’s not just personnel that Howe may look to switch up, as Newcastle’s toothlessness in the final third needs addressing, and getting Guimaraes further forward could be something that is explored.

The Latest: Longstaff to unleash Guimaraes

Speaking on the True Faith podcast, De Cosemo admits he would be tempted to play Longstaff as a No 6, which would allow Guimaraes to dictate play further forward.

He said: “I would be tempted to try Longstaff there more than Joelinton, because I think Joelinton’s more effective in the [number] 8 [position] pushing forward and driving.

“I know exactly what you mean when it comes to Bruno, but I also think he offers that tempo that I don’t think anybody in the team can in that deep role. The sad thing is that he is the best midfielder Newcastle have got as a 6. Bruno as a 6 is the second-best midfielder Newcastle have, behind Bruno as an 8, and that’s just the sad reality at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Newcastle may regret January business

It’s a difficult task for Eddie Howe to try to get Newcastle back to their free-flowing best that saw them reach the dizzy heights of the top three before the World Cup, but that’s the current task at hand.

However, it could have been made a lot simpler for the Toon boss had he been backed sufficiently in the January transfer window. Heading into January, it was reported that central midfield was the priority position to improve, but the squad only got weaker as Jonjo Shelvey was sold.

Longstaff has certainly stepped up this season and started to rediscover some of the form that once saw him tipped for a big-money move away from the club, but his ‘outstanding’ performances may need to go up another level if he’s to thrive as a No 6 and relieve Guimaraes of some defensive duties.

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Wilfried Zaha heading into the summer transfer window, according to reports…

What’s the latest on Totteham’s interest in Wilfried Zaha?

London World claim that Spurs are increasingly confident of landing the 30-year-old on a free transfer, with the Crystal Palace star yet to make a final decision on his future.

Zaha currently has less than six months to run on his £130k-per-week deal at Selhurst Park and whilst the Eagles are keen to tie him down to an extension, they have concerns about paying him more than what he’s currently on as their highest earner.

It’s thought that the Ivory Coast international is torn between signing for a Champions League calibre outfit and remaining in southeast London.

Premier League rivals Manchester United, a former club of his, and Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Did Zaha nearly join Tottenham in 2016?

It’s certainly not the first time that Spurs have tried to sign Zaha, with Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy missing out on him back in 2016, having been identified as a target by then-manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham lodged a £12m bid for him, which was quickly rebuffed by Palace chief Steve Parish, who lambasted the offer as “ridiculous” and then two years later, the north Londoners tried again but laughed off the Eagles’ £70m price tag.

Speaking about Spurs’ offer, Parish added in an interview: “I was told that the manager there [at Tottenham] thinks he’s the next Ronaldo. Well, I’d like to get the next Ronaldo for £12m.”

They could now finally get their man on a free transfer, in what would be a bold and interesting move from current sporting director Fabio Paratici. Zaha would certainly add depth to Antonio Conte’s frontline, especially if Arnaut Danjuma returns to Villarreal in the summer.

The versatile forward, who can play anywhere across the frontline, remains a consistent Premier League talent, having scored at least nine goals in four of the last five seasons, and with his tally for 2022/23 currently sitting on six goals, he has every chance of making it five in six, via WhoScored.

Capable of being a “game-changer” – in the eyes of his former boss Roy Hodgson – FBref also liken the Eagles talisman to current Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski, in terms of statistical profile, whilst his 2.13 take-ons per 90 sees him rank among the top 4% of his positional peers across Europe’s big five.

Zaha also sits within the top 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for interceptions, so his workmanlike ability would certainly fit Conte’s system to a tee.

Considering he wouldn’t cost a penny in terms of a transfer fee, landing the 30-year-old in the summer could be quite shrewd business from Paratici and co, and at the same time, it would avenge Levy’s big mistake from 2016.

AND in other news, £53m star was “phenomenal business” by Fabio Paratici…

Tottenham journalist Alasdair Gold has shared some ‘good news’ on midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur after his serious injury.

The Lowdown: Bentancur sidelined…

The Uruguay international was ruled out for the remainder of this 2022/2023 Premier League season after suffering a knee injury against Leicester City.

The damage sustained in Spurs’ 4-1 defeat is too much for Bentancur to feature again this campaign with the midfielder rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Bentancur had given his side the lead but a collision with midfielder Nampalys Mendy resulted in him being stretchered off – even needing an oxygen tank before being carried away.

The Latest: Gold shares ‘good news’ on Bentancur…

Following the nasty injury, Gold has shared ‘good news’ on the player with Bentancur now undergoing successful surgery in Spain on his ruptured ACL.

While the South American won’t play again this term, this is a crucial step in his recovery as he now begins the long road to rehabilitation before featuring again.

Gold explained:

“Some good news for Rodrigo Bentancur after he had successful surgery in Spain earlier this week on his ruptured ACL.”

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The Verdict: Big player…

Having the 25-year-old back as soon as possible next season will be crucial for either Antonio Conte or whoever is brought in to succeed Spurs’ head coach.

Bentancur had formed a formidable partnership with fellow star midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, keeping the likes of Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma out of Conte’s starting eleven.

As per WhoScored, the former Juventus star is Tottenham’s second-best performing player by average match rating -sitting just behind Harry Kane in their top flight rankings.

Bentancur has also registered their joint-highest rate of tackles per 90 whilst even contributing in the forward areas with five goals and two assists.

Newcastle United could reportedly be set to revive their interest in Flamengo starlet, Matheus Franca, having failed in their pursuit of the teenager during the January window.

What’s the window?

According to Brazilian outlet Coluna do Fla, the Magpies reportedly made three attempts to sign the 18-year-old last month, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing prior to deadline day that an offer from the northeast side of around €20m (£18m) had been rebuffed.

This latest report suggests that the Rio-based outfit were looking for closer to €25m (£22m) in order to allow the promising forward to depart, with the Tynesiders having had to abandon their hopes of sealing a deal until the summer.

The piece goes on to add that the St James’ Park outfit ‘dream’ of securing the youngster’s services ahead of next season, although they are likely to be joined in the race by Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen.

Newcastle’s answer to Vinicius Jr

Newcastle do appear to be putting greater emphasis on securing exciting young talent for the future, having only recently snapped up Australian teenager Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners, before subsequently moving the 18-year-old on loan to Hearts.

The signing of the aforementioned Franca could well be yet another astute move for Eddie Howe and co, with the highly-rated “sensation” – as lauded by the Chronicle’s Aaron Stokes – having shone during his embryonic senior career to date.

That is showcased by the fact that the versatile forward – who “can play almost everywhere” according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – has seven goals to his name in just 30 appearances at first-team level.

Despite that relative inexperience, those back on Tyneside will be hoping that if they are to sign the Brazil U20 international any time soon, he can emulate the success of another gem to have departed Flamengo in the recent past – Vinicius Jr.

Much like his compatriot, the current Real Madrid star was also attracting admiring glances from Europe’s elite during his time in his homeland, despite his youth, having ultimately been snapped up by Los Blancos on a £39.6m deal in May 2017.

After joining the La Liga giants a year later, the fleet-footed dynamo has since gone on to emerge as a leading figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, with 48 goals and 49 assists to his name in 199 games across all fronts, including 12 goals and six assists in all competitions so far this season.

Lauded as one of the Spanish top-flight’s “most dangerous and creative players” by journalist Matt Clark, the 20-cap international is no doubt an asset that any club would be desperate to have on their books, hence the hope that Newcastle can find their next version of the winger in the form of Franca.

The latter man does seemingly share traits with the Madrid man – not just due to his nationality and ability to feature all across the frontline – showcased by the fact that the emerging wonderkid averages 2.18 dribbles completed per game as a marker of his technical brilliance, while Vinicius is only slightly ahead as he averages 2.76 for that same metric.

The path that the latter man has taken by trading life in South America for Europe is not always a voyage that proves fruitful, although if Howe can unearth a Vincius-esque talent with the signing of Franca, then those on Tyneside should be in for a treat.

Manchester United are unlikely to sign Ajax and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus currently but they have sent scouts to watch him in action, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Kudus shining for club and country

The 22-year-old has become a highly sought-after player in recent times, with his performances for club and country catching the eye hugely.

Kudus was particularly impressive at the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in three appearances for Ghana and averaging 3.3 dribbles per game from midfield. Only three players – Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala – mustered more dribbles per game in Qatar.

United have been linked with a move for Kudus recently, but a fresh update isn’t the most positive, in that respect.

The Latest: United update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that the Red Devils have scouted Kudus but there are no talks over a move currently:

“At the moment, I’m told that there are no negotiations. I think we have these rumours because Manchester United scouts, as many others from the Premier League, four or five clubs from the Premier League, sent their scouts to follow Mohamed Kudus at the World Cup, with Ajax.”

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The Verdict: One for the summer?

This is a disappointing update from a United perspective, with Kudus someone who could give Erik ten Hag’s squad an injection of quality midway through the season, both as a midfielder and a forward.

That being said, they are nicely stocked in midfield areas, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes a strong first-choice trio, so a summer move could make more sense.

At that point, the £10,000-a-week Kudus will surely be looking for a move away from Ajax, and with Eriksen and Fernandes turning 31 and 29 this year, respectively, fresh legs in midfield could be required.

The Ghana star could be the man to fit the bill, being hailed as a ‘star boy’ by international teammate Calvin Bassey and scoring 15 goals in 65 appearances for Ajax.

Newcastle United could look to make a loan move for Chelsea and Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech in the January transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Ziyech out of favour at Chelsea

The 29-year-old has really struggled to enjoy regular minutes for the Blues this season, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter seemingly not rating him.

Ziyech only has three starts in the Premier League to his name in 2022/23, often being behind the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in the attacking pecking order.

It could be that a move away from west London for the £100,000-per-week Moroccan comes to fruition this month, with one journalist believing that Newcastle are ready to offer him an escape from Stamford Bridge, having already had him on their radar.

The Latest: Newcastle could make Ziyech loan offer

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that Ziyech could join Newcastle on loan in January, especially after Chelsea swooped for Noni Madueke, as Eddie Howe looks to add attacking quality to his squad at St James’ Park.

The journalist said:

“The Madueke deal will probably trigger the exit of Hakim Ziyech, so that’s the next situation to look out for. Newcastle are primed with an offer to take him on loan.”

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The Verdict: Great option for Newcastle

Signing Ziyech on loan could be a really astute piece of business by Newcastle, considering the wealth of experience that he possesses at the top level from the Premier League, Eredivisie, Champions League and Europa League, not to mention being once described as ‘world-class’ by Mount.

The 29-year-old is someone who could provide extra class on the flanks, having scored 19 goals in 50 caps for Morocco and 110 in his senior club career. A loan move would also make it less of a risk, should the signing not work out.

At present, Newcastle are arguably too dependent on Miguel Almiron to create some magic in the final third, with only Callum Wilson getting anywhere close to his goal contribution tally, but Ziyech could do the same, possessing a wand-like left foot which has helped him to accumulate 133 assists in his career.

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, with sporting director Dan Ashworth currently plotting potential new recruits ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Radio Marca Valladolid (via El Desmarque), the Magpies are said to be ‘serious’ about securing a deal for the 18-year-old, as they look to win the race amid hefty rival interest in the promising defender.

The report suggests that the right-back – whose existing deal is set to run until 2025 – has a release clause worth in the region of €30m (£26m), albeit with the Tynesiders set to submit a far lower offer than that price.

The piece adds that Ashworth and co could be ‘willing’ to fork out a fee of around €10-15m (£9-13m) in the New Year, with the potential for the teenager to remain with the La Liga outfit on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

An ideal Trippier heir

A long-term heir for current star Kieran Trippier has seemingly been on the agenda for Ashworth ahead of the market re-opening next month, with the likes of Harrison Ashby and Cody Drameh having been named as possible targets.

That duo have, however, been unable to establish themselves at first-team level for their respective clubs, with Ashby making just two senior appearances for West Ham United this season, while Drameh has featured just twice under Jesse Marsch this term for Leeds United.

Fresneda, by contrast, may still be in his teens although he is already flourishing for his current side, having made seven appearances in all competitions in the early months of the campaign, including six outings in Spain’s top-flight.

Much like Trippier – who has been lauded for his “incredible” delivery by the Chronicle’s Matty Hewitt – the young Spaniard is also a real threat from his wide berth, having been praised for his “beastly ability to take measured crosses” by journalist Juan Arroita.

The pair are also alike with regards to their defensive quality, with the England international averaging 1.3 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, while Fresneda averages 1.3 and 2.5 for the same metrics, albeit while having featured this frequently.

The indications are that the latter man could well be a suitable fit to eventually replace the 32-year-old in Eddie Howe’s side in the future, with having such a young and hungry asset waiting in the wings like to be a real benefit for both Trippier and Newcastle.

Queens Park Rangers have made an approach to sign Brighton forward Deniz Undav on loan in January.

The Lowdown: Undav profiled

Undav made the move to Brighton at the beginning of the year and has made ten appearances for The Seagulls, scoring once.

The 26-year-old previously plied his trade in Belgium and Germany and has scored 107 senior goals during his career. The German could well be on the hunt for regular first-team football in the New Year, and Loftus Road now appears to be a possible destination.

The Latest: QPR interest

Football League World shared a transfer update regarding Undav on Thursday, claiming that a host of Championship sides are interested in signing the forward for the remainder of the season.

QPR are one of six second-tier clubs who have made a loan enquiry, with league leaders and Sunday’s opponents Burnley also named.

The Verdict: First signing under Critchley?

It seems as if Neil Critchley is set to take over at Loftus Road, so Undav could be his first signing, should the Hoops win the race for the forward’s services.

You can see why the club would want to sign the Brighton man as they have outscored just one of the Championship’s top eight this season.

Undav knows where the back of the net is, so adding more firepower in January could be the difference as the club push for promotion to the Premier League.

West Ham United are prepared to receive a ‘cut-price’ fee for midfielder Conor Coventry in the January transfer window as they tell him to find a new club.

The Lowdown: West Ham academy exodus?

The Irons could be facing an academy exodus, judging by recent reports out of east London.

Indeed, Claret and Hugh have suggested that West Ham are in danger of losing some young talent in the next 12 months as both Harrison Ashby and Coventry approach the end of their contracts.

The latter has struggled to fight his way into David Moyes’ plans since returning to the Premier League club from a loan spell at MK Dons last year.

The Latest: West Ham tell Coventry to leave…

As per Football Insider, it appears that West Ham have outlined a winter transfer plan for the 22-year-old as opposed to losing him for nothing in the summer.

It is believed that the Hammers have told Coventry he is free to begin the search for a new club, and West Ham would ‘would rather receive a cut-price fee’ for the midfielder in January than risk letting him go for free.

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The Verdict: Time to go?

Coventry playing just a solitary top-flight minute this season tells you all you need to know in that he doesn’t appear to be in Moyes’ plans moving forward.

Having been called an ‘exciting’ talent by members of the media, this could be deemed an underwhelming end to the Irish youngster’s time at the London Stadium.

The best solution now for both club and player is a mid-season move, mainly to gain West Ham some funds and grant the youngster some first-team minutes sooner rather than later.

Sevilla are ready to ‘listen to offers’ for goalkeeper Bono and Leeds United are in the mix to complete the signing, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Bono linked with move

Jesse Marsch appears to be open to the idea of adding depth and quality to his squad, as the Whites look to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leeds is Bono – real name Yassine Bounou – who has made 11 starts in La Liga for Sevilla this season. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the Canadian-born shot-stopper’s future.

The Latest: Exit door likely?

According to reports from Spain [via Sport Witness], Sevilla have decided to ‘listen to offers’ for Bono, with his days at his current club thought to be ‘numbered’.

Leeds and West Ham are both mentioned as potential suitors and he is ‘on the radar’ of both teams.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

Bono, who looks set to feature at the World Cup for Morocco later this month, could be an ideal signing for Leeds, in terms of ensuring competition for places is strong and Illan Meslier doesn’t rest on his laurels.

The Whites goalkeeper has gone from strength to strength at Elland Road but could benefit from having a more experienced teammate alongside him to push him to new heights.

Bono has made 118 appearances for Sevilla, which speaks volumes about his quality, and the Moroccan could be a shrewd acquisition for the Whites.