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Newcastle United look set to pip Manchester United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, as per Football Insights.

The Lowdown: Trippier in demand…

Trippier, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2019, is thought to be open to a Premier League return.

He was first linked with a move to Newcastle shortly before Eddie Howe’s arrival. Reports then claimed that Howe wanted to make the right-back his first January signing, with Manchester United also interested.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are also willing to make a move, but it seems as if a move to Tyneside has been finalised.

The Latest: PIF’s first signing

The Mag relayed a claim from Football Insights, who suggested that Trippier is set to become PIF’s first signing after taking over at St James’ Park.

Football Insights’ Twitter post on Monday evening believes that a move is ‘all done’, with more information set to come out ‘in the next day or two’.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Howe will know exactly what Trippier would bring to his side, with the 31-year-old making 61 appearances in total under him at Burnley, scoring four goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions over two seasons in Lancashire (Transfermarkt).

The Magpies also have just two right-backs on the books compared to three left-backs, so adding Trippier to his squad would balance thatt out nicely, and it seems as if Howe is going to get his wish.

The England defender has plenty of international experience and helped Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last season, so securing his signature seems to be a good starting point as Howe looks to lift Newcastle out of the Premier League relegation zone over the coming months.

In other news: ‘Seriously interested’ – Fabrizio Romano has revealed PIF’s ‘top’ Newcastle target

West Ham United manager David Moyes will recall Pablo Fornals for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Burnley, The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser has predicted. 

The lowdown

The Irons travel to Turf Moor looking to re-establish the three-point gap between themselves and Manchester United in the race for the top four. They beat title-chasing Chelsea 3-2 last time out, but did lose Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson to injury.

Fornals had started every single Premier League game prior to that London derby, and Sky Sports co-commentator Tony Gale has declared him a ‘workaholic’ with ‘phenomenal’ fitness levels.

The latest

Rosser’s predicted line-up features two changes from the one which beat Chelsea.

Arthur Masuaku, scorer of the winning goal against the Blues, replaces Johnson at left wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 system.

With Declan Rice shifted into the back three, Manuel Lanzini drops into a deeper midfield berth. That leaves one of the two slots behind Michail Antonio vacant for Fornals to occupy.

The verdict

It would be no surprise to see Fornals earn a recall. According to WhoScored, he has been the Hammers’ fourth-best performer this season with an average rating of 6.98/10.

Only Antonio has bettered his record of four goals and 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes, while the £67.3k-per-week attacking midfielder contributes defensively too by averaging 1.6 tackles per game, which puts him fifth in the Irons’ ranks.

It will be interesting to see how he performs in Rosser’s mooted 3-4-2-1 system, though, given that all his previous starts this term have come in a 4-2-3-1.

In other news, West Ham are willing to fork out £17m to land this target

Manchester United and Leeds United both want to bring Ruben Amorim to the Premier League.

That’s according to reports recently relayed by The Express [via TEAMtalk], and as to be expected, a number of Man United fans have been reacting to the links via social media.

Ralf Rangnick has been brought in by the Red Devils in interim charge until the end of the season, when he will then move into a two-year advisory role.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag have been linked with a move to Manchester in 2022, but it now seems as if Amorim is also in United’s thoughts, with the Red Devils keen on the fledgling coach, according to The Express.

The 36-year-old is currently in charge of Sporting Lisbon, guiding them into the Champions League last 16, and has averaged over two points per game in each of his three managerial positions. Amorim has a £25.4m release clause, with Leeds also keen on the Portuguese coach as a possible replacement for Marcelo Bielsa.

United fans react

Well-known Twitter channel The United Stand asked their followers if they would like to see Amorim at Old Trafford following the links. Here is what these United supporters had to say in reply…

“This is crazy”

Credit: @thahala_moses

“We can have our own Naglesmann you.. Am excited already…”

Credit: @incredible_mua

“If he beat Pep then yesssssss. I trust every guy coming from Lisbon”

Credit: @Vbj38864507

“Yessss”

Credit: @DianeMo68212313

“Class manager”

Credit: @UCLVarane4

“To everyone asking who he is, I’ll say it. He’s the best manager in Portugal, have to admit. He was in a weak Braga and was destroying everyone and placing 3rd (amazing). He was bought by sporting and in his first year won the Liga NOS (Sporting had not won since 2002[sic]).”

Credit: @alves_115

In other news: ‘Next joke please’ – These Man United fans fume as exit rumour emerges

Leeds United have once again been linked with a move for Ben Brereton Diaz ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, the Yorkshire giants are among the many teams tracking the Blackburn Rovers and Chile striker, though they face competition from Premier League rivals Burnley, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton.

The 22-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the Whites are said to be impressed with his form in the Championship in recent times.

It’s not the first time that Diaz has been mooted with a move to Elland Road as reports in Chile have previously claimed that manager Marcelo Bielsa has sent scouts to watch the forward, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

Bielsa in dreamland

There have also been claims suggesting that the Argentine has been a huge fan ever since Leeds played Rovers when they met in the second-flight in previous years, therefore, Victor Orta and co could seal their boss a dream signing this winter.

Indeed, the young talisman has been in electric form, having found the net a whopping 16 times in just 19 appearances, via Transfermarkt. He has also recently picked up his ninth cap for Chile.

He is also capable of playing on the left flank and could be the perfect backup to Patrick Bamford, who has faced time on the sidelines this season, with Bielsa turning to no fewer than four different players in his absence, to not much success.

Brereton’s current manager, Tony Mowbray, has regularly waxed lyrical about his qualities – for example, he told the club’s official website last July:

“Brereton’s like a beast now, and he can score goals. I see it every day in training. He’s a brilliant lad and all our lads absolutely love him.

“He’s filled out now and he will work so hard for this team. He’s very gifted and can score goals. I’m confident that Ben Brereton, given the game time, and remember he needs to get in front of the Armstrongs and the Dacks, can and will do it.”

Also dubbed a ‘wonderful talent’ by the same man, Bielsa could land himself a much-needed frontline addition in the 6 foot 1 former Nottingham Forest graduate.

Orta must now complete a move for him in January.

AND in other news, Bielsa gifted double Leeds United injury boost as Thorp Arch footage emerges…

Brett Lee’s chances of playing the first Test have all but disappeared after being ruled out of this week’s Sheffield Shield match at the SCG due to a recurrence of his elbow injury

Cricinfo staff16-Nov-2009Brett Lee’s chances of playing the first Test have all but disappeared after being ruled out of this week’s Sheffield Shield match at the SCG due to a recurrence of his elbow injury. Lee played in New South Wales’ one-day loss to Tasmania on Sunday but suffered a reaction to his elbow problem and was told to sit out of the four-day game that starts on Tuesday.The injury means Lee has little chance of making the squad for the first Test against West Indies, starting at the Gabba next Thursday, because he has no further chance to prove himself match fit before the Test. His strong Twenty20 and one-day form had brought him significantly into the reckoning for the Test team having not made it into the starting line-up during the Ashes.However, the elbow trouble forced him home from Australia’s ODI tour of India and he has not played a first-class game since the Ashes warm-up match against the England Lions in early July. Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus carried the pace attack in England and remain the likely frontline bowlers for the Gabba.Australia’s chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, will be at the SCG for this week’s Sheffield Shield match and will also be keeping an eye on Test hopefuls Stuart Clark and Doug Bollinger. But in Lee’s absence the major interest will be in how Michael Clarke handles a four-day game having struggled with a back problem that prevented him playing for nearly two months.Clarke made his comeback in Sunday’s one-day match but lasted only 23 deliveries before being run out. The New South Wales coach Matthew Mott said Clarke was keen to spend plenty of time at the crease.”[Clarke] said it was hard to get into the [one-day] game,” Mott told the Sydney Morning Herald. “There’s nothing like being out in the middle and he’ll be better for the run. He’s keyed in for a lot of batting tomorrow and the Shield game will suit him. He can take a bit more time.”Clarke was named in the 12-man squad along with Phillip Hughes, who is pushing for a Test recall after being axed during the Ashes. Hughes hurt his hand while fielding on Sunday and went to hospital for x-rays but was cleared to take his place in the four-day clash.”He’s fine,” Mott said. “Thankfully the x-rays came back with no break. It was a bit of a scare but he’s in good spirits. A bit of ice the next few days and he’ll be fine. It’s very relieving for him and for us.”New South Wales squad Simon Katich (capt), Phillip Hughes, Phil Jaques, Michael Clarke, Usman Khawaja, Brad Haddin (wk), Steven Smith, Steve O’Keefe, Stuart Clark, Josh Hazlewood, Burt Cockley, Doug Bollinger.

Everton’s season under new manager Rafa Benitez has already been a tale of two halves, and we’re only 11 Premier League games in.

The Toffees began 2021/22 with a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa being followed up by a victory over Norwich City and a draw away from home against Manchester United.

However, injuries to several key players have contributed to the Goodison Park outfit picking up just one point from a possible 12 in recent weeks, and Sunday’s draw with Tottenham Hotspur ended a three-game losing streak.

While the tactics and style of play implemented by Benitez can be questioned, the experienced 61-year-old has had one hand tied behind his back due to the personnel currently available.

The likes of Richarlison, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucure have all been sidelined for significant lengths of time throughout 2021/22, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s enforced absence has arguably hit them the hardest.

In the opening three league games of the campaign, the England international bagged a goal on each outing, heavily contributing to Everton’s fast start.

A quadricep problem has seen Calvert-Lewin consigned to the treatment table ever since, though, meaning backup striker Salomon Rondon has been leading the line more often than not.

The 32-year-old arrived from Chinese outfit Dalian Professional in the summer after a previous spell on English shores and was excited to make his Premier League return.

“Defending the colours of a club with a history as rich as Everton’s fills me with pride,” said Rondon after his unveiling as a new Everton player. 

“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and be reunited with Rafa Benítez, a coach who has changed the way I understand the game. I’m really grateful for the faith he’s shown in me.”

The Venezuela international, who had a spell on loan at CSKA Moscow last season, had bags of Premier League experience prior to his arrival on Merseyside, scoring 28 goals in 120 appearances for West Bromwich Albion between 2015 and 2018.

Rondon then linked up with Benitez for the first time in his career, bagging 12 goals in 33 games under the Spanish tactician while on loan at Newcastle United from Albion during the 2018/19 season.

But things have not gone to plan for the South American during his time in an Everton shirt.

As per WhoScored, Rondon has had just eight shots during his 432 minutes of top-flight action and via SofaScore, he’s only made three key passes, failed to create a single big chance and won just 32 of his 89 duels (a loss rate of 64%).

He’s also yet to score or assist in his eight Everton appearances as his shocking start to the season continues.

Benitez will, therefore, be desperate for Calvert-Lewin to return to full fitness as soon as possible, providing him with the firepower needed to achieve success, something Rondon appears incapable of doing.

And, in other news…Brands plots EFC move for “very talented” £22.5m-rated wizard, fans will be buzzing 

Opening gambit of the day
Graham Onions was a surprise choice to take the first over of the day, given how much faith England have placed in their senior pairing of Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson in this series. But both men were disappointing in their initial bursts on Thursday evening, and Andrew Strauss wanted a bowler who could be relied upon to aim at the stumps from a full length. He could not have wished for a more dramatic affirmation of his faith in Onions. Two balls, two wickets, as first Shane Watson missed a straight one to be pinned lbw for his overnight 62, and then Michael Hussey, for the second match running, offered no stroke to a ball that picked out his off stump.Innings of the day
Batting was apparently a struggle today, as nine Australian wickets and Alastair Cook’s first-over duck would suggest. But one batsman rose all other contenders, to lay claim to the innings just as he had done at Lord’s. Andrew Strauss’s crisp punchy drives and emphatic cut shots allowed no margin for error whatsoever, as he cruised to his half-century from 92 balls. Ominously for Australia, Strauss’s conversation rate is up there with the best in history. Of the 33 innings he has made it to fifty in his career, he’s pushed on to three figures on no fewer than 18 occasions.Milestone of the day
He got there a touch chancily, with an aerial prod through short leg, but when you’ve racked up more than 11,000 Test runs, it’s fair to say that you’ve earned a bit of good fortune. Ricky Ponting began the match needing 25 runs to surpass Allan Border’s Australian Test record of 11,174, and resumed on the second day with 17 of those already in the book. A thick-edged four through gully reduced the requirement even further, and he finally went clear of Border with three through midwicket off Andrew Flintoff. An appreciative Edgbaston crowd stood to salute him as he raised his bat. Ponting hasn’t been the most popular player in this series so far, but everyone in the ground could appreciate the class of the man.Statement of the day
It didn’t take long for Shane Warne to resume his “Shermanator” jibes from up in the commentary box, but down at pitch level, Ian Bell was determined to make a statement of intent in his first innings for England since February. No single shot was more emphatic than his shimmy and thwack off Nathan Hauritz, who was sent sailing over long-on for six. Bell’s follow-up shot, however, was a little bit dicier however, as he dabbed limply outside off, much in the manner he was dismissed in Jamaica in his last Test innings, but happily for him he avoided getting an edge. He was also outrageously fortuitous not to be given lbw for 18 as Mitchell Johnson clattered his pads plumb in front of middle. But undeterred, Bell followed up with a flowing cover drive for four, to finish the day very much in credit.Ravi Bopara spills a catch off Ben Hilfenhaus•Getty Images

Debut of the day
The record-books will state that Graham Manou made his Test debut on July 30, 2009, but to all intents and purposes his international career did not begin until today. Such was the rush on the first day after Brad Haddin’s finger injury, Manou did not even get formally presented with his baggy green until this morning, and besides, he spent Thursday afternoon in a daze in the dressing-room, coming to terms with what had just transpired. When his turn came to bat, he started with confidence with two fours in three balls, but then attracted the delivery of the day from Anderson, which smashed his stumps from wide on the crease. Still, he later fronted up with the gloves, and stooped well in the second over to collect a low edge off Peter Siddle, and send Cook back for a duck.Cameo of the day
Up until the moment he was adjudged lbw to a ball that might have missed leg, Michael Clarke led a bit of a charmed life. On 18, he was pinned on the crease by an offcutter that looked to be taking out middle-and-leg, but Aleem Dar decreed it was sliding past the stumps. And then, two runs later, he had an even more remarkable escape when Flintoff, of all people, dropped a catch at second slip. Onions was once again the bowler, as Clarke failed to read the outswinger, and guided the ball expertly off the face of his bat as he attempted to leave. The shot selection seemed to fool Flintoff, who barely reacted as the ball thudded into his chest and away to safety.Catch of the day
Matt Prior has had his critics since making his debut in 2007, largely for the fallibility of his glovework – which, in the opinion of many wicketkeeping experts, has stemmed from the leaden nature of his footwork. Against India and Sri Lanka in 2007-08, he spilled chance after chance, most of them off Ryan Sidebottom, and a large proportion of them left-handers, as he seemed slow in pushing off with his right foot whenever a catch flew to his left. Today, however, he demonstrated a new-found agility, as Marcus North edged James Anderson high towards first slip. Quick as a flash, Prior launched himself at the ball, and snaffled the chance one-handed.Drop of the day
Taking the ball over your shoulder while running away from the action is arguably the hardest type of catch to judge, but the chance that Ravi Bopara spilled at point off Ben Hilfenhaus was nevertheless a notable lapse. It wasn’t the toughest opportunity he’ll ever be offered either. The ball went so high off a top-edge that Bopara almost had time to walk into position before muffing the opportunity as it slapped off his palms. Hilfenhaus had made just 8 at the time, and that moment could have closed Australia’s innings on 241. Instead the last pair added 22 extra runs, with Hilfenhaus moving along to 20, his highest Test score.Chant of the day
Like their team, the Barmy Army enjoyed their best day of the series on day two. A tribute to Bobby Robson, the England football legend who died on Friday morning, stirred the emotions of all in the Eric Hollies Stand, but there were many moments of levity too. A panel of Cricinfo chant experts judged “Your next queen is Camilla Parker-Bowles” the victor by a short-half head over “Super Mitchell Johnson” followed by “Where’s your aura gone” in third. A fine field.

Writing for football.london, Alasdair Gold has made a behind-the-scenes Tottenham Hotspur claim involving Oliver Skipp and new boss Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Conte era in full swing…

Two matches into a brand new era at N17 under the serial-winning Italian, there is plenty of excitement around Tottenham as the former Chelsea boss gets his reign underway.

Tipped to bring a high-intensity brand of football to north London by Serie A experts who have followed him, alongside a ruthless training regimen (football.london), these next few months will be key as to which Spurs players will make it under Conte.

There’s already been plenty of speculation as to who could make way with a report from Spanish news outlet AS claiming Conte is personally plotting to sell the likes of Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn, Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso.

In terms of favourites, it appears another Tottenham player has managed to blow away the 52-year-old after he previously waxed lyrical over Harry Kane.

The Latest: Conte in awe of Skipp…

As per reliable reporter Gold, Lilywhites midfield starlet Skipp has ‘already caught’ the ex-Inter Milan manager’s eye with Conte taking a ‘big shine’ to him in particular.

It is also believed that Conte agrees with the feeling inside Spurs that he will go on to become a revelation and lay down his mark at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the next few seasons.

As well as this, Skipp is apparently seen as a ‘coach’s dream’ who ‘gives everything’ both in training and on matchdays.

The Verdict: Future star…

Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho were both also admirers of the 21-year-old and we believe it is little wonder Conte has now joined the Skipp fan club.

Former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke heaped praise on the tenacious midfielder during his loan spell at Carrow Road last season, branding Skipp a ‘perfect lad’ and ‘brilliant loan signing’ (Pink Un).

His Championship stats over 2020/2021 highlight why Farke just couldn’t get enough of the player, with Skipp finishing the campaign as Norwich’s second-highest tackler per 90 on average (2.2, WhoScored).

The England Under-21 international also made the joint-third most interceptions under Farke in that time and his numbers have remained impressive since returning to Spurs.

Making the joint-third most challenges per 90 out of Tottenham’s squad this season in the Premier League, he has also found the most passes to his teammates out of any regular with more than two starts – completing an impressive 90.2% accuracy (WhoScored).

Conte has every right to be wowed by Skipp and it’s safe to say supporters could get excited about what the future may hold for him.

In other news: Spurs hold meeting with club chiefs in London as they enter pole position to sign ‘crazy’ star, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi, regarding his future at Parkhead.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, the Hoops could be in danger of losing Furuhashi with Southampton eyeing up a potential swoop.

The Japan international joined the Hoops from Vissel Kobe in the summer and is now said to be attracting interest from elsewhere after an impressive start to life in Scotland.

Van Dijk 2.0

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou could be set to repeat a mistake made by his predecessors at the club with this interest from Southampton in Furuhashi.

The fans would surely be fuming if one of the club’s best players is sold within months of him arriving in Scotland if the Saints attempt to land him in the January transfer window.

Supporters will also remember what happened one of the last times Celtic sold one of their stars to the south coast. Netherlands international Virgil van Dijk left to join the Saints for £13m in the summer of 2015 before going on to sign for Liverpool for £75m less than three years later.

This suggests that the Hoops could have secured more money for his services had they managed to keep hold of him for another year or two. Southampton made a gigantic profit on the defender, whilst Celtic had to watch on from afar as he became the world’s most expensive centre-back in 2019.

Postecoglou must now avoid a similar nightmare scenario with Kyogo in the next window. He has had a sublime start to his career at Celtic and quickly established himself as a key player, with eight goals and one assist in 11 matches to date.

Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson hailed him earlier this season and claimed he could aid their title challenge. He told The Sunday Post [05/09 print edition, via 67HailHail]:

“There is no doubt Celtic have landed someone quite special in Kyogo. His movement is outstanding.

“It was a pity he couldn’t get more involved against Rangers, but when he moved into the central role, he was an absolute menace to their defence.

“Having him gives Celtic a real chance of winning the league this season.

This highlights the immediate impact he has had on the side since his arrival in the summer. It also illustrates why supporters will be fuming if he is sold to Southampton in January, particularly if it is a similar fee to the £14m they received for van Dijk. It could be another horror show for Celtic where they watch him move on from St. Mary’s for five or six times more money later down the line.

Therefore, Postecoglou must plead with the board to keep hold of the forward in the upcoming transfer window in order to maintain the strength of his squad and avoid a repeat van Dijk situation.

AND in other news, Celtic flop has seen his value drop by £7.29m in two years, his career is at risk…

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer claim involving Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Irons boss David Moyes has been on the look out for a new striker since the beginning of this year, even confirming that bids had been made in January.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments/” title=”West Ham developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

As well as this, the Scotsman candidly admitted that he was ‘desperate’ to sign a forward in the summer – but West Ham failed to make a transfer happen in time.

The Hammers are arguably short of options in that area given their over-reliance on Michail Antonio, but some encouraging news has emerged on their hunt.

Indeed, as per 90min, West Ham are now a ‘potential destination’ for Gunners forward Lacazette – with it also looking likely he will leave the Emirates Stadium.

What’s more, despite interest from abroad, the 30-year-old is open to remaining in London as GSB and co eye a move.

Flocking to this claim, some Irons supporters have erupted with a wide array of takes – find all of their best ones from Twitter down below.

West Ham fans flock to Lacazette news…

“take this all day long”

Credit: @stephenlott

“No way Moyes would want him”

Credit: @WESTHAM_AWAY

“Yes please”

Credit: @didsofire

“Yes plz, be great back up for Antonio”

Credit: @ElToneGSBOUT

“I’ll take this”

Credit: @isForeverFly

“I’d be all over this dependant on price.”

Credit: @Hayds_

In other news: ‘I’ve heard’…Insider drops ‘boardroom level’ claim in possible boost for West Ham and Moyes, find out more here.