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Liam Kennedy has now shared some fresh insight on the potential takeover of Newcastle United from the Reuben brothers’ camp.

The Lowdown: CAT case underway

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) case between Mike Ashley and the Premier League over the stalled takeover deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group is now underway, with the separate arbitration case set to take place on January 3rd next year.

The Toon army will of course be waiting with bated breath to see what comes of what has felt like a lifetime of delays, with Kennedy sharing insight from several different parties involved in the deal.

The Latest: Reubens insight

Writing in his latest article for Newcastle World, the journalist has now shared some insight from inside the Reubens’ camp on the consortium’s bid, amid the ongoing CAT case.

The journalist shares that there is ‘confidence’ in the camp that the deal can be done, with one prominent member of the family empire even going as far as to claim that ‘we will get this deal’ when asked about it recently.

Jamie Reuben is the ‘main driver’, with the Reubens set to hold a 10% stake at St. James’ Park if the takeover ends up going through.

The Verdict: Still hope

There should be hope among the Toon Army that the deal can be completed, as the buying side seem to still be confident as more details on the CAT case start to unravel.

However, it is likely that their chances will hinder more on the results of the arbitration hearing, which could go in their favour depending on what comes out of the anti-competition claim.

Nonetheless, the top flight will be equally as confident that the results go in their favour, and so it is all set up to be an intriguing legal battle between the two parties.

In other news, find out what takeover insight from PCP Capital Partners insight Kennedy has revealed here!

Gabriel Agbonlahor has offered his thoughts on an interesting statistic regarding Rangers veteran Allan McGregor and his form at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League forward Agbonlahor has admitted that Rangers will need to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to McGregor’s performances this season.

Reacting to the statistic that McGregor has the joint-worst save percentage (50%) in the Scottish Premiership, the pundit said it is to be expected.

He told Football Insider: “That’s going to happen, you’re going to be rotated.

“At McGregor’s age, you’re going to get those moments when you’re in and out of the team. He’s been a great servant to the game, a great servant to Rangers.

“So, I’m sure that he’ll play his fair share of games for Rangers and they’ll still get some good performances out of him.”

Time’s up

The time has come for Steven Gerrard to make a ruthless decision over McGregor’s future. He is out of contract at the end of the season and Rangers need to cut the chord with him to refresh their goalkeeping department for the 2021/22 campaign.

His main competition in the first-team is Jon McLaughlin, who is 34 and also out of contract in 2022. We published an article explaining why he deserves a new contract and should be the number one for Gerrard in all competitions next season, hinting at McGregor’s departure.

The 39-year-old, as Agbonlahor said, has been a sublime player for Rangers throughout his career. He has racked up 401 first-team appearances for the club during two spells, keeping an impressive 186 clean sheets and conceding 313 goals.

McGregor, who is on £13k-per-week, has not been in the best of form this term and his best days could be behind him as he heads towards his 40th birthday. It could be the right time for him to depart from Ibrox and see out his days elsewhere or retire and potentially join the coaching department at the club if Gerrard is willing to take him on to bolster the ranks behind the scenes.

Last season, he saved 85.3% of the shots he faced and looked like he could continue playing for years to come. However, his 50% save rate – the worst in the division – suggests that his time may be up.

He has been beaten by every other shot on target and Gerrard cannot afford to have a liability between the sticks. That’s why he must axe McGregor next summer if the player does not decide to hang up his gloves on his own accord.

AND in other news, Rangers hit the jackpot with “phenomenal” gem whose value has soared 697% in 2 years…

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Globo Esporte, as translated by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur summer signing Emerson Royal has lifted the lid on one ‘problem’ he’s already having.

The Lowdown: Emerson signs in last gasp deal…

As clock wound down on deadline day, it looked as if Tottenham and managing director Fabio Paratici had concluded their summer business.

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However, in a late twist, Spurs took advantage of Barcelona’s financial woes and brought promising Brazil defender Emerson to the club in a £25.8 million move.

He put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and comes with real potential, but now the player has lifted the lid on one issue he’s having in north London.

The Latest: Emerson lifts lid on Spurs ‘problem’…

In an exclusive with Globo (via SW), the 22-year-old has claimed there is currently one ‘problem’ with life at Spurs.

Opening up on the difficulty, he says that the struggle to learn English is a hard one but he will do everything to adapt to life in the English capital.

“Spanish was different, a little more like Portuguese, you could get a bit of a sense of what people wanted to tell you,” he admitted.

“Not here, if you don’t know, it’s hard to understand, because you have no idea what people are telling you. The first few days were very complicated because I didn’t understand anything at all.”

“Today I can understand a lot, I can communicate, not 100%, far from it, but now I can communicate more with people, I understand more things. Now I’m going to study more too, it’ll be easier. So I think that language is now a problem, a difficulty, but in a short period of time I’ll work it out fine.”

The Verdict: Adaptation…

Some Premier League stars often go years without fluently learning the language, and in the age of translators, there are plenty of ways around the struggles to learn English.

However, adapting to the new culture by learning the language will certainly help Emerson settle into London life and allow him to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.

Amid all the reported dressing room unrest, the starlet becoming settled as soon as possible is arguably important as Nuno seeks to nurture a happy camp at Spurs once again.

In other news: Levy told to hire ‘world class’ boss over Poch if Nuno is axed, Spurs players love him! Find out more here.

Taking to Twitter, journalist Ekrem Konur has shared news on West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone as he backs claims that West Ham United are eyeing a move.

The Lowdown: Transfer changes on the horizon?

Since the club officially appointed new recruitment chief Rob Newman, there have been many links emerging to transfer targets.

West Ham are continuing the chase for a new striker, with reports from Spain even claiming that they are prepared to invest significantly in the chase for Espanyol’s Raul de Tomas.

Elsewhere outfield, the Irons are also apparently interested in USA international Weston McKennie.

Konur, however, has now come out with a claim on who Newman is eyeing for West Ham between the sticks.

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The Latest: Newman eyeing Johnstone move for West Ham…

As per the Turkish source, West Ham, and by extension Newman, are eyeing West Brom ace Johnstone even after their failed bid to sign him in the summer.

Football Insider even claimed that the 28-year-old was ‘very keen’ on a move to the London Stadium but GSB’s alleged bid was swiftly rejected.

Konur, however, believes West Ham are still interested in the player alongside the likes of Tottenham and Southampton.

“WBA and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is targeted by Tottenham,” he explained on social media.

“Southampton and West Ham are the other interested teams with the young keeper. Johnstone will be free to negotiate with those clubs in January. His West Bromwich contract will expire at the end of this season.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Depending on whether West Ham opt to make Alphonse Areola’s move a permanent one at the end of this season, Johnstone could certainly come as a shrewd signing.

Lauded as ‘unreal’ by former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, the England international proved a more than capable shot stopper in the top flight before the Baggies’ relegations last season.

Acquiring Johnstone on a free deal in 2022 certainly seems like a no-risk move by Newman and the club.

In other news: West Ham join race to sign ‘complete’ 6 foot 4 forward likened to Firmino, find out more here.

PIF could get Newcastle United absolutely rocking again by managing to convince Antonio Conte to take over as their new manager.

What’s the story?

The Magpies finally parted ways with Steve Bruce earlier this week, and now, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has suggested that Conte’s name has been bandied about as a potential replacement.

He said: “Take Antonio Conte, for example, who has been recommended by various people within the game, including a well-respected figure from Newcastle’s past.

“Of course, there would be interest in appointing a serial trophy winner. But, as one source connected to the consortium says, ‘We’re just not ready for that yet.’ In fact, they are years away from it.

“Though clubless at the present time after leading Inter Milan to the Serie A title last season, Conte, who has never stayed at a club longer than three years, is a short-term appointment who would take a team from challengers to title winners. He is not the man to rescue a club from potential relegation and help them climb the table. Soon enough, if the early stages of the project go well, then the consortium hopes the likes of Conte will become more attainable.”

Saint-Maximin would love his winning mentality

Dubbed a “winner” by Waugh, the 52-year-old won the Premier League and FA Cup in his time with Chelsea, as well as picking up four Serie A titles across two spells with Juventus and then last season with Inter.

And, it was during his time in England that Conte drew high praise from one of the very best in the game, Pep Guardiola, who said: “Tactically he is a master, he did it amazingly with Italy and when he went to Turin (with Juventus). I think Conte is going to leave, going to give something to English football. I’m sure of that.”

Conte’s proven track record of winning trophies and achieving success wherever he goes would surely go a long way to convincing the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin that the Magpies are serious about challenging for the top.

Just last season, the Frenchman said: “For me, Newcastle have the opportunity and have everything to try to fight for the top 10 and try to win some trophies because that’s why we play football. We play football to win games & win trophies so that’s why a lot of the time I feel disappointed & that’s why I say sometimes you have to be honest.

“I don’t want to do another season where we fight relegation so I hope the club & everyone tries to do their best to have a really good team for the start of next season & try to do everything to win trophies because it’s the most important thing.”

Well, hiring Conte would certainly give the Magpies the best chance of doing so, and while Waugh is sceptical of whether the Italian is attainable at this moment, selling this new project and the massive investments PIF can make over these upcoming transfer windows could just sway him.

St James’ Park would be absolutely rocking with the appointment of a proven winner like the 52-year-old, and someone like Saint-Maximin would surely love the ambition the club have shown.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Paulo Fonseca…

Fabrizio Romano has provided a major Newcastle managerial update regarding Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca.

What’s the talk?

The Italian journalist has claimed that the ex-Roma head coach is prepared to accept the Magpies job after talks with the new owners at St James Park. However, they are keeping their options open and have not yet decided whether or not they will go with Fonseca to lead the club forward.

Romano told the ¡Que Golazo! podcast, via Shields Gazette: “As we mentioned last week, they were beginning talks with Fonseca and going in with optimism around these negotiations because Paulo Fonseca is prepared to accept the proposal from Newcastle.

“It’s now up to Newcastle. They have everything set with Fonseca but they need to decide if they want to go with him or do something different, talk with other managers and consider other opportunities.

“So Newcastle have not one-hundred percent decided yet, but Fonseca is the front-runner, everything is ready for him, he would be prepared to accept. They’re discussing about money and final things but I’m sure that Fonseca is the front-runner now.

“Let’s see if they want to do something surprising because these [talks] are going on but they’re not signing his contract or not completing his agreement so this is why they are maybe thinking of someone else or something surprising.”

Excitement

These claims from Romano will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited for several reasons. For starters, Fonseca being prepared to accept an offer from the club is a major boost, as it means that no matter what happens with their other targets, they know that an impressive manager is ready to join at any point.

Fonseca has 320 games as a manager under his belt, averaging 1.94 points per game across five separate leagues. Steve Bruce, who recently left the club, has managed 477 Premier League matches in his career and averaged 1.11 points per game. This suggests that the Portuguese coach would be a significant upgrade on Bruce, which is why the fans would be happy to see him at the helm.

However, Magpies supporters could also be excited by Romano’s last quote. He suggests that PIF may be stalling on Fonseca as they plot a surprise appointment, and that could get fans on the edge of their seats as they ponder who else could arrive to take charge of the club. If Newcastle believe that they can bring in a manager with a better record than Fonseca, whose aforementioned career has been impressive so far, that is a very exciting thought for the fans.

It will be quite interesting to see where PIF go with this. As Romano has explained, a deal for Fonseca appears to be close and they could sign off on that and bring him to Tyneside, or else they may go left-field and appoint another head coach…

AND in other news, “Comfortably spend…”: Chris Waugh drops big Newcastle claim which should delight fans…

The injuries that Celtic duo Nir Bitton and Stephen Welsh suffered on Thursday aren’t thought to be too serious, The Scottish Sun have reported.

The Lowdown: Ferencvaros knocks

Ange Postecoglou’s side ran out 3-2 winners in the Europa League in Budapest, guaranteeing some sort of European football in the New Year. However, the Hoops, who are already without Christopher Jullien and Carl Starfelt, lost two more players who can feature at the back.

Bitton, who Neil Lennon hailed as a ‘good athlete’, went off with 12 minutes remaining, whereas Welsh described as ‘excellent’ by Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes, followed him off in the final minutes.

It now seems as if the pair may well be fit for Sunday’s clash with Dundee, though.

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The Latest: Hoping for the best…

On Saturday, The Scottish Sun’s Craig Mahood shared all the details for the Dens Park clash.

When it came to team news, he stated that Postecoglou was hopeful that Welsh’s injury wasn’t too serious, whereas Bitton’s reasoning for his substitution was down to cramp.

The Verdict: Bitton at the back?

Cameron Carter-Vickers has been an ever-present figure in green and white since signing, and he may well have to partner Bitton later today.

You’d expect that the 30-year-old, who has already played at the back on four occasions this season, will be ready to start if he was merely suffering from cramp on Thursday, but the Hoops may not want to risk Welsh.

He could be in line for a place on the bench if his injury isn’t serious as the club hope, and should they move Bitton into defence, that could open the door for James McCarthy, no stranger to injury issues himself, to come into midfield and feature from the off.

In other news: ‘Apparently’ – Devlin shares ‘weird’ transfer news on Celtic beast who Sutton called ‘excellent’

Newcastle journalist Liam Kennedy has dropped an exciting transfer claim, regarding the upcoming January window.

What’s the talk?

The reporter has claimed that he is anticipating the Magpies to pursue ‘flagships’ in the window to make people take notice of them. He has named Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale as an example, with Newcastle potentially targeting big names who are not in the peak of their powers.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“Newcastle United, last summer there was a lot of talk of Gareth Bale. These players are damaged goods, but they are quality players who are the type of flagships that make people stand up and take notice.

“I would anticipate, as well as being some solid signings and levelling up in a lot of positions, I think they’ll want that feather in the cap. I think they’ll want one or two who really get people standing up and taking notice.”

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this claim for multiple reasons. For starters, it gives the supporters a reason to get excited ahead of the January window as this update tees up a busy month for PIF as they attempt to bolster the squad with new additions.

The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League table and are yet to pick up their first win in the division, with ten games already down the drain. This is why the St. James’ Park faithful need a reason to be cheerful and these quotes from Kennedy could provide one, with the prospect of a marquee signing arriving in January an exciting one.

Secondly, Kennedy names Bale as the type of player they could target. The Welshman has only played three games in La Liga this season, but enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 campaign on loan at Tottenham in the Premier League and could still have a huge influence on the side.

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He produced 11 goals and two assists in 20 league matches for Spurs, starting ten of those games. This shows that whilst he may be ‘damaged goods’ per Kennedy, he has the ability to come in at Newcastle and help them win games at this level.

That is why fans will be delighted at the prospect of a marquee, flagship, signing coming in during the January window, as they could inject some quality into the team. Whether that is Bale or another player with a similar profile remains to be seen, but supporters have a reason to be excited for now…

AND in other news, Willock 2.0: PIF must secure Newcastle saviour in “unique” £80k-p/w dynamo…

West Brom were dealt a big injury blow back in September after defender Dara O’Shea suffered a fractured ankle while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Sadly, that has recently been made worse given how Kean Bryan, who was brought into the club as a replacement for O’Shea, has now been ruled out of the remainder of the campaign after picking up a severe knee injury last weekend.

Opportunity knocks

With this major double injury blow in mind, once the current international break ends, it could be the perfect time for Baggies manager Valerien Ismael to give young West Brom defender Caleb Taylor his first taste of Championship action this season after appearing on the substitutes bench on five occasions throughout the campaign.

As a product of West Brom’s youth academy, Taylor has made 36 appearances for their U18 side as well as 16 appearances for their U23 team.

During his time with the youth side, Taylor was described as “vocal, focused and leads by example with the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch” by U18 manager Peter Gilbert, which is very impressive for such a young player looking to break into the first team.

Taylor has only made one senior appearance for Ismael’s side which came during the club’s disheartening 6-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup back in August in where he managed to make three clearances, two interceptions and two tackles. He also prevailed in four out of the five duels he was involved in (as per SofaScore), showing his defensive capabilities against a top Premier League side.

A pass success rate of 85% also demonstrated his composure at the heart of the defence.

Taking all of this into account, it feels like now would be a good time for the 18-year-old to get his chance to play regularly with the rest of the first team players and get some league minutes under his belt while both Bryan and O’Shea are out injured.

If Ismael does decide to give the youngster the chance to play in the Championship in the coming weeks and months, he definitely has the ability and mindset to be a reliable performer for the Baggies, which could be crucial for the team and their hopes for promotion back to the Premier League this season.

In other news: WBA must secure deal for “wonderful” 6ft4 beast, it may be season-defining for Ismael – opinion

The potential sale of Newcastle United target Luis Diaz could be the biggest deal in both FC Porto and Magpies history, according to a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

As it stands, the departure of Eder Militao is Porto’s most lucrative. The Brazilian moved to Real Madrid for £45million ahead of the 2019/20 season.

The Portuguese outfit have somewhat made their name from farming and selling big talents in recent years, including James Rodriguez to Monaco for around £40m, Radamel Falcao to Atletico Madrid for £36m and Pepe to Real Madrid for £27m (Transfermarkt).

Now, Diaz has the suitors queuing up after netting 11 goals in his first 16 appearances of 2021/22.

He’s won some pretty lofty praise from his team-mate Sergio Oliveira, who labelled him ‘extraordinary’.

The latest

The report from the Portuguese newspaper, translated by SW, states that Diaz’s potential sale could eclipse that of Militao.

He has a release clause of €80million – about £67.6million – but Porto may be willing to accept lower offers, and Newcastle are one of a host of clubs in the race to land the Colombian.

Fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea are also named, along with two continental giants in Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Liverpool and Milan have clearly been impressed by Diaz when coming up against him in the Champions League group stages.

The verdict

It may not only be the Militao record that falls here. Newcastle’s biggest signing remains £39.6million buy Joelinton.

It surely won’t be long until they surpass that under their new regime, one of the wealthiest in the game, as the new owners will surely want to make a splash before too long in order to signal their ambition to the Toon Army.

But the bigger challenge comes in persuading Diaz to join, when he might also have offers from sides that have already established themselves in European competition.

In other news, Newcastle are ready to offer this target ‘huge money’.