The January transfer window can’t come soon enough for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, as injuries threaten to derail their start to the 2023/24 campaign.

An apparent long-term issue now means that the Magpies won’t have Sven Botman to call upon for the foreseeable future, and as Premier Injuries report, he joins the suspended Sandro Tonali and fellow injured team-mates, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley and Alexander Isak on the treatment table.

To that end, it’s easy to understand why Newcastle could be major players in the January window, Financial Fair Play rules notwithstanding.

One player that they’re apparently showing an interest in according to UOL is Santos hit-man, Marcos Leonardo.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

The outlet report that he’s scored an incredible 21 goals in 42 games during 2023, and he’d surely become a prized striking addition at St. James’ Park.

A strategy from the north east giants is apparently being undertaken at present, with a view to securing his services from early next year.

Given that his reported transfer fee will be somewhere in the region of €20m/€25m (£17.3m/£21.7m), the player is well within the club’s grasp financially.

The player was strongly linked with Roma last summer but the deal to bring him to Europe on that occasion never materialised.

Newcastle will undoubtedly be hoping that they have more success than the Serie A giant in that regard.

The post Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The vultures are circling as far as Erik ten Hag is concerned, with his tenure at Man United looking more and more tenuous by the day.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where things have gone so wrong for the Dutchman, given he took the Red Devils to two finals last season and got them back into the Champions League.

All the while they were playing football that was pleasing on the eye, but this season it’s all fallen apart and the wheels are coming off.

Suggestions that it’s a mixture of things are perhaps not without foundation.

Awful performances on the pitch leading to unexpected losses can account for much of United’s malaise, whilst the Mason Greenwood, Antony and Jadon Sancho situations can’t have done anything for team morale.

It may even be how ten Hag has decided to deal with those problems which has helped to undermine him.

Not forgetting that the signings which were made across the summer window have been hugely underwhelming.

Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have all performed well below expectations so far.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

After the news that Marcus Rashford had been out partying in the wake of the Manchester derby defeat (per The Telegraph – subscription required), another potential example of insubordination, ten Hag has taken the decision, detailed by Mirror Sport, that he will not be speaking to the press before the game including not attending his pre-match press conference.

It’s undoubtedly the worst decision he could’ve made for it makes the entire situation worse.

The post Ten Hag’s pre-match decision ahead of Newcastle tie shows how bad things are at Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

This season is turning into a much tougher assignment for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side than the 2022/23 campaign.

With the added incentive of Champions League games comes added pressure and also the chance for more injuries.

The Magpies have already been struggling with the loss of key men during 2023/24 and they’ve been hit by another huge blow ahead of their Carabao Cup return against last season’s winners, Man United.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

The Red Devils beat Newcastle 2-0 in the final, though in terms of current form, you’d be hard pressed to see how United can beat a swashbuckling and confident Newcastle side.

However, the loss of Sven Botman could hand the hosts a welcome boost as they look to beat Eddie Howe’s side in the competition for the second year in a row.

Eddie Howe reveals Sven Botman has had a set-back in his recovery from knee injury:
“There’s an issue there. We are working through various options to try & diagnose the injury properly. Does he fall into the longer-term category? Yeah, perhaps. But we’re awaiting clarity.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/i6rPfAMRtC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 31, 2023

Eddie Howe's team news:

“The timeframe on Sven Botman is unclear at the moment, we are taking it day-by-day with that one. Alex Isak we hope will be back after the international break. I’m not expecting anyone back that we didn’t already have available for Wolves." pic.twitter.com/vHn7LXgOZ2

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 31, 2023

According to a tweet from Sky Sports News’ Newcastle correspondent, Keith Downie, reporting from Howe’s pre-match press conference, Botman has had a recurrence of his knee injury flare up and this has, apparently, put him in the ‘longer-term’ category in terms of getting back to full fitness.

The official Newcastle X account also recounted some of Howe’s words which explain that there’s no time frame on the player’s recovery at present.

Given how well he’s helped marshal the back line, losing Botman for an extended period of time is likely to harm the Magpies aspirations, and it remains to be seen just how devastating a loss this could be for the club.

The post Newcastle dealt huge blow with long-term injury to another key man appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for illegal betting recently confirmed, Newcastle United’s priority is to get cover in midfield during the January transfer window.

Any move is going to have to be considered carefully given that the club have to keep within the bounds of Financial Fair Play, and it isn’t clear how much wiggle room the Magpies have in that regard.

Thus far, Eddie Howe and his backroom team have worked incredibly well alongside the Saudi Public Investment Fund and sporting director, Dan Ashworth, and there’s nothing to suggest that whomever replaces Tonali won’t again be a joint effort between the various areas of the business.

According to inews (subscription required), one of the players that is potentially under consideration is Everton’s dynamic 22-year-old Amadou Onana.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

Though he may not be the favourite at this point in time, and there’s no indication that Everton would welcome an approach in any event, it does seem as though he is on the list.

He’s a player that would clearly get the thumbs up from former legend and arguably Newcastle’s greatest ever striker, Alan Shearer.

‘A real powerhouse performance. He led by example at the heart of Everton’s midfield,’ he wrote on the official Premier League website for his Team of the Week.

With two months still to go before the transfer window opens in any event, there’s plenty that can happen in the meantime, and Onana may move up or slip down the list dependant on a number of factors including injury and form.

The post Shearer in awe of 6ft 4in midfielder Newcastle want to sign appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for the Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.

The 33-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and he is yet to sign an extension with Los Blancos. He could be available for a knockdown price in January.

Reports claim that Newcastle are looking to bring in reinforcements in the middle of the park after Sandro Tonali’s ban.

Kroos is being considered as a potential option and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies decide to make a move for him.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

The German international has won multiple trophies including five Champions League titles with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He has won the World Cup with his country as well.

Signing a proven winner like him could make a huge difference for Newcastle in the middle of the park and his leadership and winning experience would be invaluable for the dressing room as well.

The post Newcastle linked with a move for 33-year-old La Liga veteran appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on the Bundesliga midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

A report via Team Talk claims that Aston Villa are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old Argentine midfielder and they will face competition from Newcastle United.

Palacios has established himself as a key player for Bayer Leverkusen and he was a part of the Argentina squad that won the World Cup last year.

The 25-year-old is naturally a defensive midfielder but he can operate as a central midfielder as well. He will add defensive steel and creativity to the Aston Villa midfield if he joins the club in the coming months.

The midfielder has contributed to two goals and two assists across all competitions this season. He could prove to be an upgrade on Youri Tielemans who has not been able to live up to the expectations since joining the club on a free transfer.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

Meanwhile, Newcastle United could use more depth in the central midfield as well, especially after Sandro Tonali was banned for 10 months for his involvement in an illegal betting scandal.

Both English clubs could prove to be an exciting move for the 25-year-old Argentine and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. He is a key player for the German club and they will not want to lose him midway through the season. However, they could be tempted if there is a lucrative proposal on the table.

The post Aston Villa and Newcastle keen on 25 year-old World Cup winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Once the January transfer window comes around, there’s bound to be movement from the blue half of west London as Chelsea attack the market once more.

It’s become something of a theme of Todd Boehly’s ownership that he needs to flex when the game’s best talent becomes available.

Though he certainly can’t be accused of not backing his managers in the transfer market, there’s a cogent argument as to whether the club’s current transfer policy is the best way of doing business.

In any event the wheels already appear to be being set in motion for one player that’s yet to be put on the market by his current club.

That’s because Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is clearly one of the top young talents in European football, and any team would benefit by having him in their side.

TeamTalk note that Chelsea are showing the most interest in him, but he’s also being monitored by Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also mentioned as possible destinations for the 20-year-old.

Despite his relatively young age, Wirtz has played for the German national team on 12 occasions (per TeamTalk) and very obviously has the brightest of futures in the game.

It remains to be seen whether Leverkusen can hang onto him, with perhaps the future of coach, Xabi Alonso, tied into Wirtz’s.

The post Chelsea face uphill battle to land world-class 20-year-old with four other Premier League clubs circling appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa have made an impressive start to the current campaign and in a bid to try and push for a top-four finish this season, Unai Emery is likely to recruit more stars in January. 

The Birmingham club are sat fifth in the Premier League, just four points behind leaders Tottenham, whilst Villa are also second in their Europa Conference League Group.

One problem that could hamper Unai Emery’s side from having an extraordinary campaign is squad depth but the Spanish coach will look to fix that in January.

According to TNT Sports, Aston Villa are keen to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who has made a strong contribution to the German club sitting top of the Bundesliga.

The report states that the Villans could face stiff competition to sign the Argentina international, who is also being tracked by Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Emery already has an abundance of exciting midfield talent in his squad but the acquisition of the 25-year-old star will only make them perform better and make Villa’s squad stronger to compete on several fronts.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

The post Aston Villa target 25-year-old league leader wanted by Man City and Newcastle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United will be without their big summer signing Sandro Tonali for the rest of the season following his recent ban and Clinton Morrison has now backed Eddie Howe to sign Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves.

The Italian star will miss the next 10 months for betting on AC Milan and Brescia matches whilst at both clubs and this is a huge blow for Eddie Howe after the Magpies spent a massive sum of money on the midfielder this summer.

Heading into the January transfer window Newcastle have been linked to Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, who joined the Saudi Arabian club this summer from Wolves. The Portuguese star would be a solid replacement for Tonali at St James’ Park but he would have to lower his £300,000 a week wages if he is to move back to England.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison has backed the former Wolves star to possibly make the move to Tyneside in January given the Premier League club’s links to Saudi Arabia, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News this weekend.

“They [Newcastle] are going to look in the market with Tonali now banned,” said the pundit.

“They have been linked with Ruben Neves as well, who is an outstanding footballer. He is playing in the Saudi Pro League. They have the connections.”

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

The post Sky pundit backs Newcastle United to get deal done for £300k-a-week specialist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Newcastle are interested in making a move for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon in January.

Genuardi has reported that Eddie Howe is keeping tabs on Cherki, and the player is “notably on Newcastle’s shortlist” for the January window.

He also claimed that Newcastle plan to strengthen in the midfield area in January, ahead of Sandro Tonali’s suspension.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target with €60m release clause could move in 2024, says expert

Nov 1 2023, 9:14

Video: Celtic legend tips Ange Postecoglou for Man United job

Nov 1 2023, 9:08

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano responds to apparent Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid transfer hint

Nov 1 2023, 8:37

Cherki has made nine appearances for Lyon in all competitions this season, but so far has not registered a single goal or assist, whilst totalling 546 minutes of football.

Lyon have struggled to start the Ligue 1 campaign, currently sitting rock bottom in 18th place, with three draws and six losses in their opening nine games.

The post Eddie Howe eyes dream signing of best dribbler in football appeared first on CaughtOffside.