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Arsenal and Spurs stars lined up to replace Newcastle United cult hero following Saudi decision

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 22/07/2024 - 19:00

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Two Premier League stars could step into the shoes of a former Magpies winger.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur stars are reportedly being lined up to replace former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin at Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al Ahli.

The enigmatic Frenchman became a popular figure with the St James Park faithful after joining the Magpies in a £15m deal from Ligue 1 club Nice during the summer of 2019. Saint-Maximin’s pace and trickery meant he became a rare source of positivity throughout what was a difficult time for the Magpies as they successive bottom half finishes in the Premier League under former manager Steve Bruce.

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The arrival of Eddie Howe as Bruce’s successor saw Saint-Maximin continue to feature prominently as the former Bournemouth boss guided United away from the relegation zone during his first six months in charge at St James Park before leading the Magpies to a surprise fourth placed finish and a place in the Champions League during his first full season on Tyneside. Yet Newcastle’s preparations for a return to European football’s elite were hampered by Saint-Maximin’s departure to Al Ahli - although the reported £23m fee enabled the Magpies to make a move for Leicester City star Harvey Barnes.

Saint-Maximin scored four goals and provided ten assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for the Pro League club but his stay in the gulf state could now be limited to just one season after he linked up with Jose Mourinho by agreeing a season-long loan move to Turkish giants Fenerbache.

In an emotional Instagram post following the move to Istanbul, the French winger said: “Last season wasn’t easy, but we pushed through, and I’m happy that we managed to secure third place in the league. Overall, I enjoyed being with exceptional teammates. Seriously, I made brothers for life in this team! I am truly grateful for the experience and your warm support. I wish I could have given you more. With proper pre-season training, I wanted to offer so much more, but next season, my story will be written elsewhere as I am going on loan for a year to a new club. “Thank you for all your messages! I wish you all the best. Until we meet again.”

Reports in Saudi Arabia have now claimed Al Ahli have shortlisted two Premier League stars to replace Saint-Maximin and help them challenge for the Pro League title after they ended last season 31 points adrift of eventual champions Al-Hilal. Saudi outlet Al Riyadia have suggested Spurs forward Richarlison and Arsenal’s four-time Premier League winger Gabriel Jesus have ‘entered the list of options’ to replace Saint-Maximin and coach Matthias Jaisle is ‘assessing the feasibility of signing a player before giving his technical approval.’

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Richarlison, who was tentatively linked with a move to Newcastle earlier this summer, has already suggested he would not entertain a move to Saudi Arabia as he said: “I left my vacation and came to work to come back better ahead of next season. Regarding what’s been said in the media in the last few days, it’s fake news. I will NOT leave England ahead of next season.”

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Spurs told to make shock £80m move for Man Utd star as West Ham return for Newcastle United transfer target

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 22/07/2024 - 12:30

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The latest transfer talk from across the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told to make a shock move for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford.

The Red Devils academy product scored just eight goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last season - but did help Erik ten Hag’s side lift the FA Cup with a final win against arch rivals Manchester City that ensured Newcastle United would miss out on a place in European competition for the upcoming season. His inability to find consistent form throughout the campaign cost Rashford a place in the England squad for the Euro 2024 as now former manager Gareth Southgate opted to name the likes of Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer in his 26-man final selection.

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There have been some suggestions the 26-year-old has a difficult relationship with Red Devils manager Ten Hag after the duo clashed following Rashford’s decision to go on a night out following a home defeat against eventual Premier League champions Manchester City in October. With speculation regarding the forward’s future at Old Trafford still ongoing, former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has suggested he ‘would love’ to see Rashford join his old club, even if it meant paying over £80m to secure what would be a surprise deal.

He told talkSPORT: “I’ve got a soft spot for Rashford. I don't know why because watching him last season frustrated the hell out of me. When he's walking around at Luton and you're thinking come on mate give me more, but he's got star quality. He's got the X-factor and if you get a manager who gets the best out of him you're going to get a top player.

“He doesn't get on with Erik ten Hag, that's a problem that they've got to solve. You can't have someone on £375,000-a-week just sitting on the bench not doing anything and not featuring and not being involved. He's got to play, you've got to find a way of getting him in the team. He makes brilliant runs, but never gets the ball. Would you pay £80m for him? Yes I would, I would love to see him at Tottenham.”

Hammers to make move for England defender

West Ham United are reportedly preparing a move for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori as part of a double defensive deal.

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New Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui has already landed Wolves captain Max Kilman and is now looking to continue strengthening the defensive options he inherited from David Moyes by moving for former Chelsea star Tomori. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a successful three-year spell in Italy and helped Milan land the Serie A title in 2022 and has appeared in the Champions League during his time in the San Siro.

Newcastle are one of several clubs to be linked with a move to bring Tomori back to the Premier League in recent months but Italian outlet CalcioMercato has now claimed West Ham have ongoing ‘open dialogue’ with Milan over a possible move for the defender and have been quoted a fee of between £34m and £38m to make a deal happen.

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Crystal Palace star makes bold transfer decision amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 13/07/2024 - 19:00

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The latest transfer talk from across the Premier League.

It has already been a challenging summer for Crystal Palace after Eagles winger Michael Olise left the club to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The former Reading star was a reported target for the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain - but it was Bayern that secured his services in a deal believed to be worth around £50million. Although thoughts have now turned towards who could replace Olise at Selhurst Park, Eagles manager Oliver Glasner could now be facing a battle to retain the services of another of his key players during the remainder of the summer transfer window.

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England international Eberechi Eze has impressed during his four-year stay with Palace after the former QPR winger made a £13million move to Selhurst Park during the summer of 2020. The 26-year-old has scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists in 124 games for Palace and his form earned him a first senior England cap last summer when he made a late substitute appearance in a Euro 2024 qualifying win against Malta. Eze will hope to add to his seven caps when Gareth Southgate’s side face Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 Final - but it is talk over his future at Palace that has been brought into question ahead of the game.

Football Transfers have claimed Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are keen to sign Eze this summer - but it is Arsenal that are said to have ‘contacted his agents’ earlier this month. Although there is also confirmation no further contact has been made, the report also reveals the winger remains a target for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. Significantly, it is also stated Eze ‘favours a move to Liverpool’ and believes Arsenal can not guarantee him a place in their starting eleven next season.

Everton in talks with Serie A star

Everton have already landed their first two new signings of the summer transfer window - and a third new face is reportedly close to arriving at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have paid out around £25million to secure the services of Marseille forward Iliman Ndiaye and Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam in recent weeks and remain keen to add to their squad during the remainder of the summer transfer window. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed Everton have opened talks with Serie A club Napoli over a deal to sign Danish international Jesper Lindstrom - but also stressed Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua is not currently in discussions over a move to join the blue half of Merseyside.

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He posted on social media outlet X (formerly Twitter): “Everton have opened talks with Napoli to sign Jesper Lindstrøm as winger is next top target. Negotiations underway, Napoli are open to selling Jasper in case of good proposal, Everton on it. NO talks for Jackson Tchatchoua from Verona despite links.”

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Sandro Tonali return date confirmed as official Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur decision made

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 10/07/2024 - 17:23

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Newcastle United have confirmed when their Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur will take place.

Newcastle United will face Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Sunday 1 September. The match had already been moved from the Saturday for TV coverage, but a kick-off time had not been confirmed.

However it has been revealed that the game will now kick-off at 1:30pm and be shown live on Sky Sports. Newcastle United will have four of their first six Premier League matches of the season shown on TV with just their opening day game against Southampton and their trip to Fulham on 21 September taking place in the traditional Saturday 3pm slot.

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Confirmation that the clash against Ange Postecoglou’s side will take place on Sunday 1 September at 1:30pm also means Newcastle United fans know when they could catch their first glimpse of Sandro Tonali back in a black and white shirt. The Italian hasn’t featured since their Champions League group stage defeat against Borussia Dortmund back on 25 October after being handed a ten-month suspension from football for breaching betting regulations.

Tonali has been able to train with the Magpies since being handed that suspension and could make his return to action against Spurs with his suspension due to conclude in the week prior to that game. Newcastle scored a very impressive 4-0 win over Spurs in this fixture back in April with a brace from Alexander Isak and goals from Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar helping them to a big win on that occasion.

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Newcastle United and Tottenham man tipped for shock Championship transfer

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 08/07/2024 - 10:42

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Moussa Sissoko is reportedly close to rejoining Watford on a free transfer, two years after leaving Vicarage Road.

Sissoko is currently a free agent having seen his contract at FC Nantes come to an end earlier this summer. The 34-year-old though could be set for a surprise return to English football with reports that he could make a return to Watford to feature under former teammate Tom Cleverley.

Cleverley was appointed as permanent Hornets boss in April after initially taking charge of the club on an interim basis following the departure of Valerian Ismael. Cleverley’s task as permanent Watford manager will now be to help them improve on their 15th place finish in the Championship last season.

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According to reports from France, Sissoko, who made 133 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle United during his three-and-a-half years with the club, will undergo a medical ahead of a move to Watford in the coming days. After moving to Tottenham Hotspur for £30m in 2016 following Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship, Sissoko would go on to help Spurs reach a Champions League final - although he may be most remembered for giving away a very early penalty during that match to help Liverpool on the way to victory.

Sissoko would spend five years in all at Spurs before moving to Watford in 2021. He would spend just one year there, however, before joining Ligue 1 side FC Nantes in the summer of 2022. Sissoko turns 35 in August and has been capped 71 times by the French national team.

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Newcastle United, Wolves, Man City & co impacted by Premier League TV decision - Spurs confirmation awaited

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 06/07/2024 - 11:30

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Newcastle United’s games against Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Wolves have all been moved for TV broadcast.

Newcastle United will begin their season with a traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off against newly-promoted outfit Southampton on August 17. However, the first set of TV picks mean they will have just one more Saturday 3pm kick-off between the first weekend of the season and end of September.

That will come against Fulham on September 21 with the Magpies set to face Marco Silva’s side at Craven Cottage on that afternoon. Elsewhere, however, Newcastle fans will have to deal with a fair amount of changes to fixture times.

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Their first away trip of the season will see Eddie Howe, Lloyd Kelly et al return to Bournemouth. That match will now take place on Sunday 25 August, kick-off at 2pm and will be shown on Sky Sports.

A week later, Newcastle host Spurs at St James’ Park. That game potentially marks Sandro Tonali’s return to action.

TV picks have once again seen that game be moved to Sunday 1 September. A kick-off time for that game is yet to be confirmed but it will be shown by Sky Sports.

An international break follows that match with Newcastle’s first game following that break coming at Molineux against Wolves on Sunday 15 September. That will kick-off at 4:30pm.

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Finally, after their trip to Fulham, Newcastle United host reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday 28 September. That match has been brought forward to a 12:30pm kick-off and will be broadcast by TNT Sports.

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Paul Mitchell: Newcastle United’s statement summer signing with Tottenham and Southampton track record

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 04/07/2024 - 12:30

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Paul Mitchell is the man Newcastle United have selected to replace Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director.

The former AS Monaco man will start immediately on Tyneside with his first task to help guide the club through the summer transfer window. Mitchell will bring with him a wealth of experience to Tyneside having worked in England and in Europe with the 42-year-old’s previous role coming at Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

In a long process, one that saw Dan Ashworth spend a number of months on gardening leave before Newcastle United and Manchester United eventually came to an agreement over compensation, the Magpies have appointed their new sporting director and can proceed into the summer with him in situ. But just who is he and what can Newcastle United expect from their new sporting director? Here, we take a look:

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Who is Paul Mitchell?

Mitchell’s playing career came to an end in 2009 at MK Dons after being forced to retire due to injury. He would then take up a role as head of recruitment at the Dons - a role he would hold until 2012 when he joined Southampton.

After striking up a relationship with Mauricio Pochettino during his time in charge of the Saints, Mitchell would then follow the Argentine to Tottenham Hotspur before leaving in 2018 to join the Red Bull system.

A two-year stint in the Red Bull system was followed by being appointed as AS Monaco’s sporting director in June 2020. He would hold that role for over three years before leaving the French outfit in October.

What has Mitchell done in those roles?

During his career Mitchell has held a variety of roles, but has been a sporting director at just one place, Monaco, before being appointed to that role by Newcastle United. Mitchell has held a number of scouting roles and whilst he cannot take sole credit for these signings, his resume does boast a fantastic track record.

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At Spurs, he oversaw the signings of Son Heung-min, Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier - all three of which helped the north London outfit to a Champions League final. Previously at Southampton, Mitchell helped unearth stars like Sadio Mane and Toby Alderweireld and played a crucial role in helping the whole Red Bull system develop gems across Europe and in the USA.

Who was interested in Mitchell before his move to Newcastle United?

Manchester United were linked with a move for him, but opted instead to pursue a move for Ashworth after it became clear that Mitchell would not move to Old Trafford. He was also linked with Liverpool before they appointed Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes amid a backroom reshuffle following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

What has Darren Eales said?

Speaking about Mitchell’s appointment, Newcastle United’s CEO said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Newcastle United. He brings a successful track record and wealth of experience to the club.

“His extensive and diverse experience in football leadership, cultural change and recruitment mean he is the ideal person to lead our sporting directorate. We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him in our pursuit of long-term, sustainable success.”

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Newcastle United make major move after Manchester United deal agreed

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 04/07/2024 - 09:18

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Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of a new sporting director following Dan Ashworth’s departure.

Paul Mitchell has been appointed in the role at St James’ Park after Newcastle agreed a compensation fee with Manchester United to release Ashworth from his contract.

Mitchell previously worked as AS Monaco's sporting director as well as head of recruitment at Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig. He was also behind Southampton’s recruitment strategy as The Saints were promoted to the Premier League in 2012 and remained competitive with several shrewd signings.

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Mitchell moved with Mauricio Pochettino over to Spurs in late 2014 and oversaw the signings of Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min and Kieran Trippier.

As a player, the 42-year-old spent time at Wigan Athletic and MK Dons in addition to various loan spells in the lower leagues. His career was cut short at age 27 due to injury.

Following his appointment, Mitchell told the club website: “It's with immense pride that I accept the responsibility of being Newcastle United's new sporting director.

“I’ve seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fan base, made the decision to join an easy one.

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“I can’t wait to get started and help continue the organisation's growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance.”

Newcastle chief executive officer, Darren Eales, added: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Newcastle United. He brings a successful track record and wealth of experience to the club.

“His extensive and diverse experience in football leadership, cultural change and recruitment mean he is the ideal person to lead our sporting directorate.

“We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him in our pursuit of long-term, sustainable success.”

Shields Gazette

20 free agents Newcastle United could target including former Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal stars

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 03/07/2024 - 19:30

Newcastle United finally ended any concerns over falling foul of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations over the weekend.

The respective sales of academy graduate Elliot Anderson and promising winger Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion were deeply disappointing but they allowed the Magpies to avoid the penalties handed out to Everton and Forest last season.

But what comes now for Newcastle as they look to move on from the disappointment of missing out on European football last season? Eddie Howe has already added to his squad with the additions of goalkeeping duo John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos, defender Lloyd Kelly and former loan signing Lewis Hall.

Kelly and Ruddy were both brought in on free transfers after their departures from Bournemouth and Birmingham City respectively - and there are a number of eye-catching names available should the Magpies look to exploit the free agent market for a third time this summer.

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Newcastle United 'step up' interest in AC Milan and Spurs free agent target - Shields Gazette

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 02/04/2024 - 16:10

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