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Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has opted against pledging his future to the club, according to The Shield’s Gazette.

What’s the latest?

The Spaniard penned a three-year contract when he took over from Steve McClaren in March 2016.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was unable to keep the North-East outfit in the top flight.

However, he guided them straight back to the promised land by winning the Championship in the following season.

The club find themselves in another difficult position as they try to avoid relegation, but their campaign will be helped by Saturday afternoon’s 3-0 victory over Southampton.

According to The Shield’s Gazette, prior to the match, the manager spoke about his future and seemed rather coy with regards to the possibility of staying.

“Let me finish, let me do well, let us stay in the Premier League and then we can talk about the future.”

Should Benitez commit to Newcastle?

Not until the ownership situation is resolved.

In October, current club owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale, much to the delight of the fans, who have had a tense relationship with the businessman.

However, the Sports Direct tycoon is yet to strike a deal with any interested parties, which leaves the club in limbo.

Benitez has been public about his frustrations during the transfer windows, and that could continue if Ashley remains at the helm.

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While fans will be disappointed by the Spaniard’s comments, they should understand that it would make no sense for him to pledge his future when so many things are uncertain.

The Magpies are five points above the relegation zone with eight games left to play.

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Everton fans are absolutely adamant they don’t want to move for Phil Jones this summer, after odds were slashed on the 26 year-old moving to Goodison.

Phil Jones is likely to leave Manchester United this summer, and the bookmakers have Everton as second favourites for the English international at 5/2.

Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling are all now ahead of Jones in the Old Trafford pecking order, and reports suggest Jose Mourinho will sign another centre-back this summer.

According to Oddschecker, 84% of all bets on the 26 year-old’s next club are on Everton, suggesting the odds could be cut even more in the coming weeks.

There is a history with Sam Allardyce as well; the Everton manager gave Jones his first breakthrough in football when the pair were at Blackburn.

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Everton have had some woeful defensive displays this season, and fans have not been particularly impressed by the signing of Michael Keane or the performances of Ashley Williams, but they are adamant they don’t want Jones.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Celtic are one win away from the Scottish Premiership title after a 2-1 victory away to Hamilton Academical on Sunday.

The Hoops were again below the standards they have previously set under Brendan Rodgers but managed to dig out the three points to put themselves on the verge of a seventh successive title.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went ahead thanks to Callum McGregor before being pegged back by Rakish Bingham.

After the interval though it was substitute Leigh Griffiths who wasted no time in making a big impact, netting in the 46th minute to give Celtic a lead that they would hold onto for the win.

Supporters were delighted with Griffiths’ impact, with many believing he should be starting matches rather than coming off the bench.

Now he’s getting back to full fitness after a couple of months out, he’ll be eager to stake a claim as Rodgers’ number one striker.

The Scotland international is also closing in on scoring a milestone 100 career goals for the club, which would make him the first forward at the Hoops to do so since John Hartson.

Should he start next week’s massive semi-final vs Rangers?

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Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

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Scott McTominay capped a fine breakthrough season at Old Trafford by making his international debut last month in Scotland’s one-nil defeat to Costa Rica. The young midfielder, 21, has impressed fans this season with his combative approach complimented by tidy passing skills.

McTominay was born in Lancashire to an English mother and Scottish father. He was eligible to play for either country. Much was made of McTominay’s decision to reject Gareth Southgate’s request to declare for England and instead opt to play for Scotland, the homeland of his father.

McTominay broke into Manchester United’s first team this season, making 11 appearances thus far. His performances have warranted praise from fans, pundits and even team mates. In an recent interview, Ander Hererra praised the versatility of the midfielder.

“He’s a team player and he can help in any position you put him. You saw against Chelsea he was a little more defensive and almost doing the job I did against [Eden] Hazard last season. He can be more offensive as well and he presses a lot.”

It was widely reported that McTominay initially rejected an approach to feature in Scotland’s friendly against the Netherlands back in November. However recent reports suggest that this was purely down to the player’s determination to establish himself in the Manchester United team.

According to Frank McTominay, Scott’s grandfather, both Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho “were both quite keen” on the talented youngster to play for Scotland.

Govan-born Ferguson was manager of United when McTominay was offered his first professional contract at 16. Frank McTominay attests that his grandson enjoys a close relationship with the legendary manager and that Ferguson ‘made sure’ the contract was extended when McTominay reached 18.

The influence of two of the most successful football managers of modern times aside, Scotland manager Alex McLeish played an important role and was delighted with the midfielder’s decision.

“Yeah I felt very chuffed with myself with that one. I did a lot of travelling that night to get to Manchester. I said, ‘Listen I’m not forcing it down your throat’ … (and) he said ‘I want to play for Scotland'”

McLeish rightly remarks that the 21-year-old is far from the finished article; “He’s not got all the answers. He’s 21. He’s a young guy learning the game and we have to be patient with young guys.”

Time will tell if McTominay will regret his decision not to play for England but the patience and opportunity that McLeish could offer was too good to turn down. The Tartan Army will not feature at the World Cup in Russia this year and McLeish has time on his side to assemble a new-look Scotland side.

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McTominay  – who Transfermarkt value at £6.3million – could be at the heart of that side for the next decade and that experience will aid his development at club level too. That can only be a good thing for the youngster, Scotland and the Red Devils.

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As reported by The Sun, West Ham United are interested in signing Nice striker Alassane Plea this summer.

What’s the story?

If the Hammers are to improve next season, they need upgrades in many positions across David Moyes’ squad. The summer transfer window is a massive opportunity to freshen up the squad and put a team on the park that fans can be proud of.

One player on their radar is Ligue 1 forward Alassane Plea.

That’s according to The Sun, who say the Nice hitman has been the subject of multiple approaches from the Hammers as he enjoys an impressive goalscoring season.

He will cost a fair amount of money though, with the paper reporting it could take £25m to bring him to the London Stadium.

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Who is he?

A former French U21 international, Plea has been something of a late bloomer in Ligue 1, netting double figures in the French top-flight for the first time last season.

This term he’s been more impressive still, scoring 19 goals in all competitions including four in the UEFA Europa League. Also creating six assists, it’s clear the 25-year-old is a man in form.

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It’s form that suggests he could be a hit at West Ham next term, especially considering his all-round game is strong and isn’t just a pure poacher that relies on those around him.

The reported £25m is expensive but if Moyes sees enough in him then it could be a crucial buy this summer and one they should certainly pursue further than their initial interest.

With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season to join the Manchester United coaching staff, Jose Mourinho will be tasked with choosing a new club captain to replace him.

Antonio Valencia has deputised for much of the season but the former Inter manager looks set to embark on a defensive overhaul in the summer, which might see the former Wigan man lose his starting place.

Paul Pogba is another who may have been in the frame long-term but his fractious relationship with Mourinho may well jeopardise those plans, and he could even depart the club during the summer.

United’s fans are clear on who they want the armband to be handed to; David de Gea. With Real Madrid constantly lurking in the background, they want the club to do anything they can to convince the Spanish international to stay.

We’ve taken a look as the Reds fans make their mind up…

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Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been stealing most of the headlines this season for his incredible form in front of goal.

Despite not being a striker, the wide-man has managed to score 43 goals in 46 games in all competitions, and currently has a four-goal advantage at the top of the charts in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old pipped Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to PFA Player of the Year, and is now one game away from potentially reaching the Champions League final.

Even though Salah has been Liverpool’s goal machine, there is another figure in the team that has been crucial in the scintillating displays.

Roberto Firmino so often has gone under the radar, but this season he has shined by perfecting the false 9 role.

The Brazilian – valued at £45m by Transfermarkt – has contributed with 26 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, and is arguably one of the hardest-working players in the Liverpool team.

Not only is Firmino an important component of Klopp’s forward line, he also tracks back and puts in some decent tackles to snatch back possession.

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At the weekend, the 26-year-old committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term deal which led us to ask you whether Firmino is more important to the team than goal-hungry Salah.

Interestingly, the majority of supporters have suggested that the Brazilian’s absence would be felt much more than if Salah were to leave.

The Champions League final is not for another 17 days, but Liverpool fans are already making score predictions.

The Merseyside outfit will take on Real Madrid in Kiev with the hope of claiming their sixth European Cup.

It will be a hugely tough task for Jurgen Klopp’s team as they are facing a club that are hunting for their third consecutive title in the competition.

Prior to the showdown in Ukraine, Liverpool have a rather important objective – securing Champions League football for next season.

Klopp’s side need to beat Brighton at Anfield on the final day of the season this Sunday in order to cement a place in the top four.

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Despite that fixture being the main priority at this moment, Liverpool fans have begun discussing the possible outcome in Kiev.

Most are expecting a high-scoring game, and they made that evident on Reddit while responding to Zinedine Zidane’s quotes about the final.

Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.Comment from discussion Zidane: “I think the match against Liverpool will be an open one with many opportunities. We’ll try to give them a good fight and put them in trouble. It’s a final, it will be intense and i have no doubt it will be spectacular.”.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Tottenham have submitted an opening bid for Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara.

What’s the story?

The report from Italy claims Spurs are leading the way for Diawara, and that Napoli would be willing to sell the midfielder if their price is met.

Tottenham are of course on the hunt for a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele, who has hinted he could leave the club this summer.

PSG have also enquired about the Guinean midfielder, though the French champions have not submitted an official bid.

Diawara for Dembele?

If Tottenham are going to lose Mousa Dembele this summer, then they absolutely have to make signing a central midfielder their number one priority.

Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko are both good squad options due to their versatility, but neither are the type of potential superstar you need to carry a title charge.

Diawara is by no means a superstar yet, having started just five league matches for Napoli, but he certainly has the potential to be a world class midfielder.

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The 20 year-old is most comfortable in a defensive midfield role, and outside of his inability to win aerial duels he has every trait to succeed in that role in North London.

The young midfielder has played 26 times in all competitions this season, and boasts an incredible 92 per cent pass success rate. He doesn’t have the wiry dribbling ability of Dembele, but his passing is much better than the Belgian.

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Diawara also possesses impressive intelligence and game reading ability for such a young player, and is great at breaking up play before building up the little passes that Pochettino would love in his midfield.

If Tottenham do sign Diawara but lose Dembele, they would likely need a more experienced midfielder to help bed the youngster in, but there is a really special player in there just waiting to be unlocked by a manager like Pochettino.

So, Tottenham fans, would you back a summer swoop for Diawara? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

According to ESPN FC, Arsenal are at the head of the queue to sign Hamburger SV teenager Josha Vagnoman in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

Arsenal are expected to be busy this summer, with Unai Emery now confirmed as head coach of the Gunners.

There is absolutely no question that the London club need to boost their defensive unit this summer, and Emery will already have plenty of targets in mind.

Bringing in experienced players will be important, but according to ESPN FC, Arsenal are leading Chelsea and Everton in the race to sign 17-year-old defender Vagnoman.

Vagnoman is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in German football, but his Hamburg contract expires this summer, and he looks set to move on, with Arsenal seemingly at the head of the queue.

What are Vagnoman’s credentials?

Vagnoman became the second youngest player in history to play in the Bundesliga when he represented Hamburg against Bayern Munich at the age of 17 years and three months back in March.

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The youngster featured in every game of Germany’s Under-17 World Cup campaign, meanwhile, and his versatility is another attraction for interested clubs.

Indeed, Vagnoman is capable of operating at either left or right full-back, and his progress over the last 12 months has seen a number of clubs sit up and take notice.

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According to ESPN FC, Arsenal feel that they are in a strong position to complete the deal due to their connections, and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has already scouted the teenager on a number of occasions this season.

The Gunners are certainly in need of some experienced signings this summer, but securing one of the best young talents in German football would be a huge coup for the London club.