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Keith Downie has now shared some interesting Newcastle United news involving Jonjo Shelvey.

The Lowdown: Misery under Bruce

Before Eddie Howe took charge at St. James’ Park, Shelvey was not having the best of times under Steve Bruce.

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A calf injury kept him out at the start of the season, and when he returned in the 3-2 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur in October, he got himself sent off (Transfermarkt).

Bruce was sacked after that game, as the North East club made their second-worst ever start to a Premier League campaign (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Impressing Howe

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sky Sports journalist Downie shared that Shelvey has ‘impressed’ Howe in training ‘more than anyone else’:

“Without doubt, he’s enjoying playing under Eddie Howe. Eddie Howe picked him out in his opening news conference, and said that he’s impressed him greatly in training, more than anyone else.”

The Verdict: Reaping rewards

Shelvey is certainly reaping the rewards now by showing Howe what he is made of on the training pitch.

Before the Tottenham Hotspur clash, he had played in all but three matches under the former AFC Bournemouth manager since his arrival, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt), and got the nod from the off again in north London.

Howe has even made him the captain in a number of those appearances, showing how much faith he has in the central midfielder.

The Tyneside outfit also lost all three games that he missed, showing just how key of a player Shelvey now is to the team under new management.

In other news, find out what fresh NUFC update this transfer insider has now given here!

Leeds United could have as many as four returning players available for their upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, according to journalist Adam Pope.

The Lowdown: Leeds face another crucial game

The Whites are in the middle of a two-week hiatus because of the international break, having not played since the dramatic 3-2 win away to Wolves on 18 March.

Next up for Jesse Marsch’s side is the visit of Southampton to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon as the home side look to pull further clear of the relegation mire.

It has been an injury-plagued season for Leeds, but a hugely positive update has emerged in that regard.

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The Latest: Four players set to return

Taking to Twitter, Pope claimed that up to four Leeds players who had been affected by injury in recent weeks and months could all be set to return for Saturday’s clash.

He revealed: “Illan Meslier (bruising) is expected to be ready to face Southampton. Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper & Diego Llorente all set to feature too.”

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The Verdict: Massive boost for Whites

To have those four players in contention to start is a huge boost for Leeds, especially after the negative news surrounding Patrick Bamford’s latest setback.

Meslier’s return between the sticks should bring more calm to the defence, especially if club captain Cooper is also named in Marsch’s starting line-up at Elland Road next weekend, potentially alongside Llorente.

Meanwhile, Phillips could make his first Leeds appearance since December, which would be the biggest positive of all, given his status as one of the best players in the country.

At a time when the Whites are still looking for strong results to ensure their Premier League status for next season, the prospective returns of several key figures ahead of the run-in will come as a huge fillip for Marsch and the Elland Road faithful.

In other news, Leeds could reportedly sign one player on loan this summer. Find out who it is here.

After narrowly missing out on securing three points in their previous Premier League match against Watford at St James’ Park last weekend, when a late goal from Joao Pedro snatched a point for the away side, Newcastle United are back in action today with an away clash against Leeds United. 

Ahead of the clash at Elland Road against Marcelo Bielsa’s side,  Magpies boss Eddie Howe revealed that Newcastle will still be without Callum Wilson, Federico Fernandez and Isaac Hayden through injury, as well as potentially Matt Ritchie. Howe added in his pre-match press conference that Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle returned to training this week. 

With that in mind, here’s how we feel Newcastle could line up to take on Leeds this afternoon, with two changes anticipated from the XI which started against Watford a week ago.

In goal, we think Howe will stick with Martin Dubravka after the Slovakian made four saves against Watford.

For the defence, we think the Newcastle boss will stick with the same back four which started against the Hornets, with Kieran Trippier at right-back, Paul Dummett on the left, and Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles occupying the centre-back positions.

In midfield, we can see Howe sticking with Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton, but Joe Willock comes back in to see if he can pull off something special as Sean Longstaff drops out. The ex-Arsenal youngster hasn’t hit the heights of last season this time around, but with Longstaff offering little attacking threat last week, he could be the fall guy for Willock today.

In attack, it would be hard to not see Allan Saint-Maximin occupying his usual left-wing position to see if he can wreak havoc on Leeds’ defence and potentially add some goals or assists to his record for the season and, more importantly, secure a win for his team. 

With Wilson still out, it would seem likely that Howe will stick with January signing Chris Wood to see if he can also cause the Whites some problems at the back and haunt his former club. 

On the right, we think Howe will put Miguel Almiron back into the team, with Ryan Fraser – who is currently picking up £63k-per-week according to Salary Sport – dropping out to freshen up the attack. The Scot pays the price for going 17 games without a goal so far this season.

Whether or not Howe goes with the starting XI that we have suggested, this will still be a big game in terms of their hopes of avoiding relegation this season, and one they might be capable of winning given Leeds’ less than stellar results so far in this campaign. 

In other news – Terms agreed: NUFC could land masterstroke with gem whose “shorts look like underwear”…

With the Premier League set to get back underway soon, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will be desperately hoping that his side incurs far fewer injuries and illnesses than they did in the first half of the season.

The Whites were among the most affected clubs in the top flight, with numerous star players ruled out for considerable amounts of time – Kalvin Phillips is still out of action now.

While Bielsa will be eager to keep his thin squad together for as long as possible, there may well be increasing opportunities for some of his club’s brightest young prospects.

Joe Gelhardt has already seen some first-team action in recent weeks and months, but it’s Nohan Kenneh’s potential exposure into the side which could cause the most excitement.

Describing himself as someone who is “aggressive and hard-working who likes to break down play”, but also likes “getting forward and scoring long-range goals”, Kenneh seems like he could thrive in the anchor man role if given the chance by Bielsa.

Speaking on The Roaring Peacock Youth Pod, Matty Ingham said: “One of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

The teenager has already admitted to modelling himself on Phillips, while he also added that he is a fan of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, saying: “Currently I look up to Kalvin Phillips as (we) both play in a similar position, but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield.”

He also has a big fan in The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who dubbed the 19-year-old “supremely gifted”, while he has been a permanent fixture in the under-23s, predominantly playing at centre-back.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, he seems to have the physical attributes to hold his own at Premier League level; and given his versatility of being able to play in defence and as an anchor man in midfield, seems like he could be a perfect squad option for Bielsa going forward.

While the excitement surrounding Gelhardt is understandable, Kenneh could be the kind of hidden gem who makes the biggest mark at Leeds.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side currently have the largest squad in the SPFL, with 32 players in their senior ranks – according to Transfermarkt.

Having had a massive overhaul during the summer and winter transfer windows, the 56-year-old manager was given the opportunity to shape the team in his image.

And, with the next market now in sight, it seems as though a clue has already been dropped regarding one deal that could take place at Lennoxtown this summer.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about Tom Rogic and his future at Parkhead.

He said: “I’m sure, behind the scenes, Celtic’s powerbrokers will be looking at Rogic’s contract again. He’s out of contract in 2023, so he’s not got that long left on his current deal.” 

Since becoming a Celtic player back in January of 2013, the midfielder has gone on to make a total of 266 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions, scoring 46 goals and providing 49 assists along the way.

With 27 league appearances under his belt in this campaign, the 29-year-old has provided six assists for his teammates and scored six goals – the same number of times he’s hit the back of the net over the three previous campaigns.

This highlights just how impressive the midfielder has been under Postecoglou in terms of his attacking play, so much so that only three other Hoops players have racked up more shots at goal in the league than Rogic.

The midfielder has also drawn more fouls (35) than any other Celtic player in the current campaign, showing how tricky he can be to play against.

Taking all of this into account, hearing that the Celtic hierarchy are looking to extend the Australian’s time as a Hoops player is certainly news that will leave Postecoglou and supporters alike buzzing.

As O’Rourke states, the £1.35m-rated gem’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023, meaning that, if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal before then, the club would be at risk of seeing him leave on a free transfer, something that would come as a huge blow to the Bhoys.

AND in other news: Signed for 7 figures, left for peanuts: Celtic had a mare on “unplayable” £15k-p/w dud

Taking to Twitter, 90min journalist Sean Walsh has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and a possible move for Brentford attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: A joint reunion…

Having made a superb return following a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, Eriksen could already be eyeing the next step as the summer transfer window approaches.

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Out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), the 30-year-old has already been linked with a sensational move back to N17 to rejoin Spurs and in turn, reunite with Antonio Conte who he starred under at Inter Milan.

Sharing news on social media, Walsh has suggested that the move could now be edging closer than ever…

The latest: Walsh drops update

As per his information, the Brentford and Tottenham reporter claims that the north London club are now ‘confident’ of signing Eriksen this summer.

Walsh explained in a Tweet that the move could be dependent on whether Conte remains at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and whether the Lilywhites reach the UEFA Champions League.

The verdict: Get it done

This is a no-brainer for Spurs as transfer chief Fabio Paratici attempts to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

The 111-cap Denmark international has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Brentford and has directly contributed to three goals in seven Premier League outings for a side that was floundering in February.

Overall, the man hailed as a ‘very special player’ by Spurs insider John Wenham, has earned an outstanding 7.49 average rating since returning to the English top-flight, creating three big chances, making 2.1 key passes per game and taking 1.9 shots a match (Sofascore).

These statistics bear out the star’s continued class and given the perceived stylistic similarities with Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne (Fbref), Tottenham should be desperate to land Eriksen.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he now really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react after Jurgen Klopp revealed that he tried to bring Jadon Sancho to Anfield from Manchester City, before Borussia Dortmund swooped in to sign the teenager.

The Bundesliga leaders signed the Citizens academy graduate back in the summer of 2017 for a fee in the region of £10m, and even handed the little-known forward the number seven shirt vacated by the then-Barcelona-bound Ousmane Dembele.

Since then, the England international has lit up the Bundesliga and is now one of the most precocious talents in world football. Sancho has scored eight goals and recorded 10 assists in all competitions for Dortmund so far this season, helping them stay above Bayern Munich in the table and on course for a first title since 2012.

Speaking on the matter, Klopp said: “Buying English players is a smart idea because we would never have a chance to get Sancho.

“We are not blind – we saw him, we liked him and then we think ‘can we get him?’ No. Because English clubs don’t sell them to other English clubs. I don’t know exactly what the reason is for that but they don’t do it.”

Understandably, Liverpool fans will have been gutted to hear that they missed out on Sancho, and have reacted to the news on Twitter…

Aston Villa are poised to open discussions with Douglas Luiz over a new contract.

That’s according to John Percy, and the reliable reporter’s update has had a number of Villa supporters talking.

Luiz has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the final days of the January window and Villa have received a second ‘higher’ offer from an unnamed Premier League club for the Brazilian.

However, it doesn’t look as if Villa are willing to entertain any offers and are hoping to tie the 23-year-old down to a new contract.

Luiz’s current deal expires in 18 months time, but according to Percy, Villa are poised to open talks over a fresh contract.

Steven Gerrard apparently values the player highly, with the Villa boss also looking to add to his midfield ranks before Monday’s deadline, with Rodrigo Bentancur linked.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Percy’s claim regarding Luiz on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many happy and one labelling it as ‘great news’.

“Seriously considering a John Percy Villa shirt next season.”

Credit: @Jack_Hurley_R

“What a day this is”

Credit: @josh_priv3

“Great news”

Credit: @AVFC_L7

“ARSENAL IN THE MUDDDDDDDDD”

Credit: @IAbdullahVLA

“If that’s the path we’re taking then good stuff. No messing about.”

Credit: @3PMSaturday

“PLEASE get this done”

Credit: @ChelsAVFC

In other news: ‘Bottled it’ – Many Villa fans react to Fabrizio Romano transfer update. 

Newcastle United are plotting a summer bid for West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.

What’s the story?

According to 90min.com the Magpies are interested in signing the highly-rated English winger who has been key to West Ham’s success this season.

It was revealed in December that West Ham had opened talks over a new contract with the player and his representatives, but with an agreement yet to be reached clubs have been circling.

Liverpool are another club that admire the player as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement but, Newcastle will be hoping he can become their own Salah.

Bowen’s on fire

In the words of James Collins, Bowen has been “on fire” for the Hammers this season, and has been pivotal to their push for European football and their progression into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The 25-year old has 19 goal contributions in 29 appearances in the Premier League this season. Despite the form, he is yet to be called up to play for his country after fracturing a bone in his foot last month.

He’s in the top 7% for goal creating actions in the Premier League this season for players in his position.

The Englishman is valued at around £31.5m but it may take more than that for West Ham to agree to sell their star man. Former Hammers keeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider that he thinks it may take even £60m to sign Bowen and that West Ham “do not need to sell”.

However, with the ambitions that both Liverpool and Newcastle have, Bowen himself may push for a move which may leave them with no choice.

There’s still a while left on his contract, with it expiring in 2025, but if he refuses to sign another then his value will decrease as each transfer window passes.

However, it may well be worth it Stuart Pearce previously comparing him to Salah, saying: “The comparison between him and Mo Salah, we have looked at the way Salah stands the defender up and stops and then goes again or uses the defender to curl the ball around into the far corner.”

Despite Salah’s incredibly impressive season you can see why the two are alike. Bowen is four years younger than the Egyptian and still matches him in some areas.

His percentage of shots on target is 42% compared to Salah’s 38% and his goals per shot average matches the Liverpool star at 0.13.

There’s likely to be a hunt for his signature in the summer, and with Newcastle’s new ownership already stating their ambitions with a string of January signings, there’s no sign of them stopping.

Adding Bowen to their ranks would be a real statement of intent and would massively help them push further up the table as quickly as possible.

When comparing him to the Magpies star winger Allan Saint-Maximin, he has more goals and assists per 90 minutes at 0.63 compared to 0.32.

His goal creating actions are also more than double Maximin’s.

IN other news: Sold at £20m, then won a Ballon d’Or: NUFC had mare on “extraordinary” 36yo “monster” – opinion…

Stuart Taylor has dropped an update on the future of Jamie Hamilton amid the midfielder’s links with a move to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side in the January transfer window.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the Hamilton Academical manager stated his belief that the 19-year-old’s links with a transfer to Celtic this winter are nothing but pub chat in a big twist to their supposed pursuit of the player.

Although he did go on to admit he wouldn’t be surprised if the Bhoys were keeping a very close eye on the centre-back ahead of a potential swoop in the future.

On the Hoops’ reported interest in the youngster, Taylor said: “Nobody has spoken to me directly, but that would be normal. Other clubs don’t always go to the manager. But I’ve certainly not spoken to Allan [Maitland, the club chairman] in the last 24 hours about outgoings.

“I do expect there will be interest in Jamie and I expect there will be interest in a lot of our players, especially the younger ones. But going on websites it’s very easy to punch in names of teams and players, and it goes under the category of what I’d call ‘pub chat’.”

Postecoglou must move

While it would appear from Taylor’s latest comments that Celtic are yet to make an approach for the defender in the January transfer window, considering the sheer amount of potential Hamilton quite clearly possesses, it would appear highly advisable for Postecoglou to do so before another interested party does.

Indeed, despite having only turned 19 last year, the Scotland U21 international has already established himself as a first-team regular at the rather aptly named Fountain of Youth Stadium, making 16 Championship appearances so far this season, in addition to a further four outings in the League Cup.

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Furthermore, the £360k-rated man highly impressed in the club’s 1-1 draw with Rangers last February, with then-Hamilton manager Brian Rice stating of the centre-back’s display:

“I think you saw in young Jamie Hamilton today. Absolutely outstanding for an 18-year-old, absolutely fantastic. He needs the help of the experienced lads. It’s trying to get the blend right. I think we are nearly there. Jamie has certainly improved with Aaron Martin alongside him, Lee Hodson, talking to him.”

As such, with the likes of Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Newcastle United and Burnley also reported to be interested in the youngster this winter, should Postecoglou wish to give himself the best possible chance of landing Hamilton, he simply must act as quickly as possible – as the 19-year-old will not likely be an Accies player much longer.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “explosive” £12.5k-p/w Celtic flop with Jan swoop for 22 y/o gem