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An update has emerged on Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are lining up a January swoop to sign the midfielder as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

The report claims that he could cost a fee in the region of £15m, with Newcastle believing that he can add energy to their team.

Fans would love him

PIF must ensure that they are able to secure a deal for Nakamba in the January transfer window. They must splash out the £15m required to sign him in order to strengthen the squad, with the defensive midfielder a potentially excellent addition to the side.

Nakamba is a hard-working player who the Newcastle fans would love to watch in action in their midfield. He puts himself about and chips in with important defensive interventions, averaging an impressive 4.5 tackles and interceptions combined per match throughout his career.

Along with his fine defensive statistics, he has also completed 90% of his passes in the Premier League this season after averaging a success rate of 84.2% across his first two campaigns in the division. This shows that he is able to retain the ball after winning it back off the opposition.

Dean Smith’s comments on Nakamba upon his arrival at Villa Park highlight this. The manager hailed him being impressive with the ball at his feet, saying:

“Marvelous fits the criteria of the type of player we were looking for.

“He’s very mobile, he’s very good in possession and he will fit in with our style of play.”

Therefore, supporters would love the £34k-per-week beast as he has shown that he can play to a decent level in the top-flight and be a reliable operator. At £15m, he could be a bargain addition to the team and add some steel to the midfield, improving Newcastle’s defence whilst still having a player in the engine room who is capable of passing the ball efficiently.

This is why PIF must secure a swoop for the midfielder in January. The fans could be buzzing with this shrewd piece of business, with this deal potentially getting the ball rolling as the new owners attempt to bolster the entire squad in the next window.

AND in other news,  PIF must avoid first NUFC blunder over £20m “mentality monster”, fans would be fuming…

JustJoe Football Show host Joe Wainman believes Leeds United have found their Conor Gallagher alternative in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

Leeds had been interested in signing Gallagher on loan from Chelsea but were beaten to the punch by Crystal Palace.

It leaves manager Marcelo Bielsa needing to look elsewhere if he still wants to bring in a new midfielder before the transfer window closes.

And according to TEAMtalk, that elsewhere could be Burnley and Brownhill, with the outlet recently claiming that Leeds have made an enquiry about the player.

On the Yorkshire club’s reported interest in Brownhill, Wainman told TT:

“I think he’s very much in the mould of someone who can get up and down the pitch, box to box, a bit like Conor Gallagher, a bit like Lewis O’Brien.

“When I initially saw the Brownhill link, I thought maybe it was a bit of a ploy to push through the Lewis O’Brien deal at Huddersfield, but we’re still no further along with that. But it’s clear that Leeds are looking at that type of midfielder.”

Certainly, with links to Gallagher, O’Brien and now Brownhill, it does look like Bielsa is keen to add another midfielder to his squad.

Brownhill, though, is such an important player for Burnley, featuring in just over 35 appearances in all competitions for them last season. Will they be willing to sell him so late in the window?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Glasgow Rangers head into Thursday evening’s Europa League tie safe in the knowledge that they have already secured a place for the Ibrox side in the knockout stages of the competition.

As such, with nothing at stake aside from pride, the fixture against Olympique Lyonnais presents the 46-year-old Gers manager with a perfect opportunity to heavily rotate his side, allowing a number of his peripheral squad members some much-needed game time.

Subsequently, this means that a plethora of Rangers’ regular starters must make way, with centre-forward Alfredo Morelos appearing to be a prime candidate for the chop on Thursday evening.

Van Bronckhorst must axe Morelos

Since making the move to Ibrox back in 2017, Morelos has gone on to become an incredibly important part of the Rangers first-team setup, scoring a highly impressive 104 goals and registering 46 assists over his 207 appearances for the club.

This season has been no different, with the £10.8m-rated striker having already bagged five goals, provided three assists and created two big chances over his 14 Premiership appearances, as well as taking an average of 4.1 shots – the highest number of any player in the top flight – and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old who Willy Irwin dubbed an “incredible” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Gers’ sixth-best performer in the league.

It has been a similar case over the Colombia international’s five outings in the Europa League this term, with the £33k-per-week hitman notching two goals and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as his side’s second-best player in Europe.

However, it is exactly because of Morelos’ fine form that Van Bronckhorst must ruthlessly axe the centre-forward against Lyon.

With the striker being just one yellow card away from suspension in the Europa League, it is not worth running the risk of fielding the player who the Dutch manager claimed can always “create danger” in the dead rubber on Thursday, as he could subsequently miss the much more important first-leg of Rangers’ knockout tie next February.

In other news: GVB must unleash Rangers’ “powerful” £17k-p/w “big talent” v Lyon, he’s a game-changer

Flocking to Twitter, many Crystal Palace fans bemoaned the performance of star Wilfried Zaha as their side succumbed to a 1-0 loss against Leeds United on Tuesday evening.

Patrick Vieira’s men, looking to record a first win since back-to-back victories against Man City and Wolves a month ago, left Elland Road disappointed thanks to some late drama.

The Eagles had chances to take control with striker Christian Benteke missing two big opportunities – first heading wide of the mark from close range and then seeing another late effort gathered by keeper Illan Meslier just before it crossed the goal line.

Palace were made to pay for their lack of ruthlessness when defender Marc Guehi’s handball gifted Leeds a penalty in added-time, with star man Raphinha going on to coolly slot home the eventual winner.

Palace fans slam Zaha…

As such, Vieira’s side remain just six points off the drop zone as fans took to social media with criticism, sharing their verdicts on winger Zaha in particular.

Some Eagles fans cited what they believe is a lack of form over the last few games whilst others even call for their highest-paid player to be dropped.

According to SofaScore, Zaha ranked in among the lowest-rated Palace players against Leeds with a 6.7/10 – and it appears he endured a tough afternoon against Marcelo Bielsa’s defence.

The 29-year-old won just seven of his 20 ground duels in Yorkshire whilst managing zero shots on target for the whole 90 minutes (SofaScore).

Zaha also gave away possession a seismic 24 times, leaving little wonder why many fans shown their frustration on Twitter.

Find their verdicts down below:

“Time to sell Zaha”

Credit: @SidViscous9

“Zaha hasn’t looked up for it the past 3 games”

Credit: @alfie22345

“He does nothing. Needs to be dropped.”

Credit: @stevebrookstein

“If it was any other player they would be calling for him to be dropped”

Credit: @cam_cpfc

“We have some players who makes stupid decisions at the final third. Ayew ball sense in the box is shocking, Benteke is unreliable and Zaha, slows the game. Sooo frustrating sometimes”

Credit: @ghanaplaylist

“As a Palace fan he’s been poor the last 2 games, earlier in the season he looked like his old self but this week looked like he’s playing for Roy again. Moaning more than looking to play. Hasn’t beat a player in the last games”

Credit: @kenroyben

“Zaha has been poor the last few games, like droppable don’t care if you come for me, it’s just facts”

Credit: @CTuckey99

“Sell Zaha”

Credit: @yeetusse

In other news, find out which injury news had Eagles fuming here!

Peter Lovenkrands has praised Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, as well as coach Michael Beale, after he was unveiled as the new boss of Fremad Amager.

The Lowdown: Lovenkrands picks up new role

Lovenkrands, who was a cult hero at Ibrox as a player, left his role as a Gers Academy coach last year as he looked to get into management (The Times).

He has now picked up his first managerial role, taking over at Danish second-tier outfit Fremad Amager (The Scottish Sun).

The Latest: Lovenkrands praises Gers duo

Upon his appointment, Lovenkrands had nothing but praise for Gerrard and Beale. He said (via Daily Record):

“From my time at Glasgow Rangers, I gained a lot of experience from Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale, who gave me some important tools in everyday life.

“The leadership role of the B team gave me an opportunity to work on my development and the development of the players who had to fight for a place on a really strong first team under the leadership of Gerrard.”

The Verdict: Says a lot about Gerrard

Lovenkrands is now embarking on a new chapter in his career, and it was a big day for him to secure his first senior role. As such, it just goes to show the impact Gerrard has had at Ibrox that the former Denmark international chose such an occasion to praise the current Gers boss.

Gerrard’s reputation continues to be enhanced. Of course, the results speak for themselves – the Gers won the Premiership title this past term without losing a single game in the league (thefishy.co.uk) – but praise such as this says a lot about the influence he has behind the scenes as well.

In other news, Kieran Maguire provides this huge Rangers finance update.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly leaning towards signing a new contract with the club after months of deliberations.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the 28-year-old World Cup winner is now favouring extending his stay at Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract.

Pogba has entered the final year of his deal with United and was heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, before they signed Lionel Messi.

And while Ornstein claims that no ‘meaningful progress’ has been made over a new deal, meaning the France international could still leave on a free in 12 months’ time, Pogba is said to be impressed by the recent progress made by the Red Devils and could put pen to paper on fresh terms as a result.

“Recent events are believed to have had a profound effect on Pogba, and there is now a feeling that opting to stay with the 20-time English champions is becoming a realistic possibility,” the well-known and reliable journalist wrote.

“With the transfer window closed, talks are expected to resume in due course, and although Pogba can speak to foreign suitors from January, it is anticipated that his mind could be made up sooner.

“How Pogba and his team-mates fare in the campaign, the success of their signings, United’s longer-term vision and offers from elsewhere will be among many factors influencing his decision.

“The lack of movement in talks suggested joining the likes of Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid looked likely, and while that may yet occur, he is currently thought to be leaning the opposite way,” he concluded.

Manchester United fans will be absolutely buzzing

News that Pogba is believed to be open to signing a new contract at United will leave the club’s supporters absolutely buzzing, given his influence on the team.

The former Juventus maestro has been in excellent form for many months now and has started the new campaign in emphatic fashion, providing seven assists in just four Premier League games.

He’s struck up a magnificent partnership in the Red Devils’ engine room with Bruno Fernandes, and the duo could be central to any future success that the club has.

Therefore, this latest revelation will give United’s fanbase, manager and players alike renewed hope that a successful new era is beginning at Old Trafford, with Pogba potentially a key figure in that.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Man United update, fans will be absolutely delighted 

Liverpool have suffered a potential injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Leeds United after Harvey Elliott was forced to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad.

What’s the word?

The 18-year-old has made an impressive start to the new season, starting two of the Reds’ opening three Premier League fixtures and he was rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to Lee Carsley’s squad.

However, Elliott will have to wait to make his U21s debut after a statement from the English FA revealed that the teenager was one of two players forced to depart from the international setup.

“Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon have withdrawn from the England men’s under-21s squad to play Kosovo on Tuesday,” the statement reads.

“Liverpool player Elliott reported for international duty with an injury sustained during his side’s recent draw against Chelsea. Following further assessment, it has been decided that the 18-year-old is unlikely to play any part in the game in Milton Keynes so has returned to his club.”

The Three Lions have been drawn in Group G alongside Kosovo, Albania, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Andorra, and won’t be back in qualifying action again until October 7 when they travel to Slovenia.

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Despite his tender years, Elliott is set to play a big role for Liverpool this season following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, and Klopp will surely be gutted at his fitness setback.

After excelling in the Championship during a season-long loan with Blackburn Rovers last season where he scored seven goals and provided a further 12 assists in 43 appearances, the teenager has made the transition to life in the top-flight look easy.

As per SofaScore, Elliott has received a match rating of 6.87 out of 10 for his three Premier League appearances of the current campaign, highlighting his solid contribution to the Anfield outfit’s success.

His possible enforced absence from Liverpool’s starting lineup over the weekend when they travel to Elland Road could be a big blow for Klopp’s charges then, and the German tactician will have to turn to alternative options to replace the Englishman.

And, in other news…3 big chances created, 9 key passes: Liverpool magician enjoyed stellar August

Many Wolves fans have been left to buzz as a transfer update emerged on Lee Kang-in.

As per Super Deporte, the Midlands club are currently watching the Valencia ace along with a whole host of other teams in Europe.

The La Liga side are open to selling him in the summer window, with the Molineux faithful knocking on the door for his potential signature.

Transfermarkt currently value him at £13.5m, but he could be sold for lower than his market value.

Given that he is just 20 years of age, and a number of top European teams, including the likes of Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, Milan and Napoli are also interested in signing him, the Wanderers should seriously consider pouncing on what could well turn out to be an absolute bargain.

Wolves fans on Lee transfer update

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the South Korea international would be a ‘steal’:

“See this is content we like to see Dave”

Credit: @cal_wolvesfc

“Huge dub”

Credit: @amreik

“Looks like a steal for around £10 mil”

Credit: @Joe_Callow_

“Straight swap with Mir I reckon….Poss we have to give a bit of £££. Left footed, creative, would be class in the role Lage played Joao Felix in at Benfica”

Credit: @dmarsden1988

“I love this guy, he’d be a great signing. Really talented dribbler and passer, offers creativity and plenty of dynamism, and on the cheap – would be a great signing for us. #wwfc”

Credit: @SamJGollings

“The scenes”

Credit: @Oli_Dorr

In other news, find out which £25.8m-rated ace Wolves are ‘leading the race’ to sign here!

Roberto Firmino may consider leaving Liverpool this summer due to Sadio Mane’s shift into the middle, says former top flight manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Firmino down the pecking order

The Brazilian has become an undisputed Reds legend since joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015, winning the Premier League and Champions League, not to mention leading the line superbly.

Firmino finds himself down the attacking pecking order these days, however, with Mohamed Salah, Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all arguably seen as stronger options by Jurgen Klopp, especially since Mane moved to a central role after Diaz’s arrival in January.

The 30-year-old’s current Liverpool deal runs out at the end of next season and the idea of him leaving this summer hasn’t been completely ruled out.

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The Latest: Pundit casts doubt over future

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish admitted that he could see Firmino moving on due to the shift Klopp has made in recent weeks with Mane, moving Firmino further down the striker pecking order.

Ultimately, he says, the decision will be up to the player himself:

“I think he’s still making an impact. You see him in games coming on and getting a couple of goals and assists. He’s still, I think, very integral to their success this season.

“Like everybody else, he will want to maybe play more football at the end. Who knows, maybe it suits him, the way it is just now. One thing’s for sure, Liverpool are a great club and will do the right thing by their players.

“They will do whatever Firmino wants to do, I would think. Maybe keep him on and keep doing his cameo. Or does the guy want to play more football? I think that would be in Firmino’s hands.”

The Verdict: Don’t leave, Bobby

While it would be understandable if Firmino decided to enjoy a fresh challenge this summer, the hope with the vast majority of Liverpool fans is that he stays put.

At 30, he still has a huge amount to offer, even if his best days are behind him, and he is a perfect foil for different styles of players around him in attack. If he is content being a squad player, the matter should be settled immediately.

Firmino isn’t a player who is reliant on pace, which further highlights why he can be a force for years to come, and the idea of such a popular player leaving doesn’t bear thinking about.

In other news, an exciting Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that other clubs were keen on signing Jack Harrison prior to his permanent move to Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Harrison signs permanently for Leeds

Harrison has been a huge player for the Whites, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 128 appearances and thriving under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.

The 24-year-old has now joined Leeds on a permanent deal reportedly worth £11m, having spent the previous three seasons on loan at Elland Road, coming as a huge boost to the Yorkshire club.

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The Latest: McLeish makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish claimed that other clubs would have been interested in acquiring Harrison’s services, such is his quality. The 62-year-old said:

“It is outrageous money when you think about it back in my day. In this modern-day, it is a great signing. He’s been a great player for Leeds, no doubt about it.

“The fact that Leeds stayed in the Premier League in a very, very comfortable position, kind of emphasises that.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt other clubs would have been looking at him because he’s had a great season.

“I think he could slot in most of the teams in the Premier League. If not the top two but possibly everyone else.”

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The Verdict: Superb signing for Whites

It was vital that Leeds signed Harrison permanently given the influence he has had at Elland Road, having being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the past.

Only Patrick Bamford (17) scored more than his eight goals in the Premier League for Leeds last season and his pace on the counterattack and impressive work rate have been key to the Whites’ success.

The hope is that Harrison will continue to mature as a player in the coming years, becoming even more of a hero at Elland Road.

In other news, a key update has been provided on Leeds’ pursuit of one player this summer. Find out who it is here.