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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…

Newcastle United are still in with a chance of landing Diego Carlos in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on a recent episode of The Transfer Show that, despite Monchi recently suggesting that the Magpies’ move for the centre-back was all but over, there is actually the slim possibility of PIF managing to strike a deal for the 28-year-old this month.

Speaking about Newcastle’s interest in Diego Carlos, Solhekol said: “Sevilla [are] playing hardball. They don’t want to sell him to Newcastle for less than €45m, we’ve been told. It looked like that deal was not going to happen.

“The Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, came out yesterday and said: ‘It’s not happening. We saw their offer, it’s not enough. The player is going to stay with us. There isn’t enough time for us to sign a replacement.’

“But, I was told earlier this morning that there is still a small, small chance that this could happen. Somebody involved in the deal said: “Don’t say it’s impossible, don’t say it’s finished. The window is still open, so there is a possibility.’

“I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up because I still think it’s unlikely that it will happen, but, behind the scenes, people are still working to try and make it happen.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a defender Diego Carlos quite clearly is, should Solhekol’s latest update regarding Newcastle’s interest in the Brazil international prove to be correct, the St. James’ Park faithful will be buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 LaLiga appearances so far this season, the £40.5m-rated centre-back has been in remarkable form for Sevilla, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets and scoring two goals, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, one tackle, 3.6 clearances, 60.3 passes and winning 63% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £40k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Julen Lopetegui’s third-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football – a highly impressive feat considering the 28-year-old is part of a side currently sitting just four points off first place in the league table.

As such, it is clear for all to see that, should a deal remain on the table for Carlos prior to the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening, PIF must do all they can to bring the centre-back into the club – as his signing would undoubtedly provide the Magpies’ survival chances this season with a substantial boost.

In other news: Luke Edwards drops major update on late Newcastle transfers, PIF finally mean business

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Graham Roberts insists that Jose Mourinho will not get another job in the Premier League, telling Football FanCast that he is more likely to manage Portugal following his exit from Spurs than someone like Wolves, despite the Portuguese connection.

The club finally pulled the plug on the manager’s reign last week.

He had guided the club to seventh in the Premier League table, while they were also humiliated in the Europa League, as they crashed out after a 3-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

He did manage to take Spurs to the Carabao Cup final, which takes place this week, and in which Ryan Mason will lead Spurs out against Manchester City.

Still, the club’s form recently has been on a downward slide, as they have won just one of their last six fixtures in all competitions, including disheartening draws with both Newcastle United and Everton.

It remains to be seen what Mourinho’s next move will be but Roberts insists that there is nowhere left for him to turn in the Premier League, even if his agent Jorge Mendes is heavily involved with the Molineux-based outfit.

And he has instead tipped him to move into international football when the opportunity arises.

He told FFC: “I think it’d be very hard. He’s been at Man United, he’s been at Tottenham, he’s been at Chelsea. What does that leave? Liverpool? No chance. Arsenal? I can’t see it. And Man City, and I definitely can’t see that. So there’s your six big clubs.

“Everton have a good manager. I can’t see that one. West Ham are doing really well. Why would they want him? I don’t think any other club would appeal to Mourinho.”

Asked about the possibility of capitalising on the Portuguese connection by moving to Wolves, where the pressure is building on Nuno Santo because of results like the 4-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend, Roberts added: “No, I don’t see it. I think Jose Mourinho probably will be the next Portugal manager when this one goes.”

Manchester United will be aiming to extend Manchester City’s wait for the Premier League title as they take on Liverpool at Old Trafford today.

Pep Guardiola’s men will be crowned as champions if the Red Devils fall to defeat against their great rivals so there is even more motivation for them to claim victory against the Reds.

Considering that then, how many changes could United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be tempted to make from the 6-2 thumping of AS Roma in Europa League action midweek?

We are expecting just two changes from the Norwegian for the clash – neither of them being much of a surprise.

Dean Henderson should be recalled to take his place between the sticks having seen David De Gea start on Thursday evening. The former Sheffield United loanee has started each of the last seven Premier League matches for the Red Devils.

Elsewhere, he should be shielded by an unchanged back four of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

There should also not be any changes from the defensive midfield pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay.

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After his two goals against AS Roma, Bruno Fernandes is once again sure to take his place in a slightly more advanced position.

Meanwhile, there should be a slight tweek to the attack. Edinson Cavani is sure to start after his two goal and three assist haul in midweek and will once again be supported by Marcus Rashford.

Mason Greenwood should come into the starting line-up though at the expense of the £54m-rated Paul Pogba.

The 19-year-old appears back to his best form having hit six goals since the start of March in all competitions for Manchester United.

AND in more news, take a look at why Mason Greenwood simply must start for the Red Devils against Liverpool today…

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 Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes if Leeds were to sign reported target Patrick van Aanholt this summer, it would allow Stuart Dallas to play in his more natural position.

The Northern Ireland international is naturally a winger, but since replacing the injured Barry Douglas towards the end of the 2018-2019 campaign, has established himself as the the club’s number one left-back.

Such was his superb form throughout last season, Leeds allowed Douglas to join Blackburn on loan – with Dallas himself continuing to be one of their most consistent performers in the Premier League.

But as Leeds gear up for their second campaign back in the topflight, a host of names have already been linked with the Elland Road outfit this summer.

And with Leeds looking to improve their squad under Marcelo Bielsa, Dutchman van Aanholt, whose Crystal Palace deal expires this summer meaning he’ll available on a free, is one of many, especially with the Whites’ other recognised left-back Ezgjan Alioski strongly linked with Galatasaray.

Asked whether he could see van Aanholt joining Leeds, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Yes. You talk about Dallas, who’s done a fantastic job, but it’s square pegs round holes, he’s not a left-back. Yes he can play left-sided, but the energy he gives, he’s had an unbelievable season. Any club could take Dallas because you know how versatile he is.

“The lad from Palace is naturally a left-back and I’m sure that he won’t be the only one to sign for Leeds this summer.”

Fulham have received an offer for troublesome centre-forward Aboubakar Kamara.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (via Football League World), who claim that Greek Super League club Aris Thessaloniki have made a bid worth over £4m for the 26-year-old Fulham striker.

The report does not mention whether chairman Tony Khan has accepted the bid, or indicate whether the Cottagers are open to selling the Mauritania international this summer, although it is stated that Kamara is under contract at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2024, suggesting Fulham are in a strong negotiating position regarding their rarely-seen forward.

Kamara must go

Having joined Fulham from French side Amiens SC in what was a £5.35m move back in 2017, it would seem a fair assessment to make that Kamara has not quite lived up to expectations in west London.

Indeed, having featured a total of 93 times in all competitions for the Cottagers, the 26-year-old has scored just 17 goals and provided six assists for his teammates, with the vast majority of these goal involvements coming in the Championship.

Last season, the £1.8m-rated striker was incredibly disappointing over his 11 Premier League appearances for Scott Parker’s side, scoring no goals, registering no assists and creating no big chances, in addition to mustering an average of just 0.2 shots on target per game and missing one big chance for his side.

These metrics saw Kamara earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.36, ranking him as Fulham’s fifth-worst performer in the top flight of English football, with Parker subsequently allowing the £21k-per-week forward to move on loan Dijon FCO for the second half of the campaign.

His time at Craven Cottage has been regularly been marred by controversy too, emphasising just how bad he’s let the club down for several years.

As per the Daily Mail, there was that infamous penalty incident with teammate Aleksander Mitrovic in December 2018, which led to a fight behind the scenes during training at a later date. He was also arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm at club’s training ground in 2019 and even refused to train before his loan exit in January this year.

As such, considering the miserable returns Kamara has brought Fulham, if the club have indeed received a bid of around £4m for the striker whom Claudio Ranieri once claimed he “wanted to kill,” as well as labelling the 26-year-old’s actions in one game as “unbelievable,” it would appear highly advisable for the club to get rid of the striker as quickly as possible this summer.

In other news: Forget Parker: Khan could transform Fulham by hiring 52 y/o gem with a 47.8% win rate

The agent of Franck Kessie has revealed Tottenham are interested in signing the midfielder, and he could leave AC Milan this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare for new season

Spurs went through a difficult campaign last term, finishing in seventh place in the Premier League and therefore only qualifying for the Europa Conference League.

Qualification for the new UEFA competition means the Lilywhites must prepare their squad for a gruelling term with travel to some rather unorthodox away days, and so it will be no surprise to see Fabio Paratici target quality depth in this summer’s window.

The Latest: Spurs eye Kessie

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Kessie’s agent Massimo Brambati has revealed Spurs’ interest in the 24-year-old. He said:

“Having a contract expiring in 2022 with an important player, one of Milan’s strengths, is a danger. Here too there is a basic error.

“Now he is the one who has the knife on the side of the handle and can decide what is best for him and not for the club.

“I know that in addition to Inter there are also two Premier (League) teams on him, one is Tottenham. “

The Verdict: Top target

There is no doubt about it – Kessie would be a top signing for Spurs. The 44-time Ivory Coast international has made 184 appearances for Milan, scoring 30 goals and providing 15 assists (Transfermarkt).

He has also been compared to compatriot and former Manchester City star Yaya Toure by Antonio Cassano, who also called him “devastating” (sempremilan.com).

Kessie would set Tottenham back a considerable fee – he is valued at £49.5m (Transfermarkt), but he does only have one year left on his contract, so perhaps there is the chance for Paratici to work some negotiating magic there.

They would also have to beat Inter, last term’s Serie A champions, to his services. However, if they were able to capture the central midfielder, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

In other news, Spurs lead the race for this Serie A star striker.

Leeds United have been boosted in their attempts to sign Sampdoria defender Omar Colley, as the Whites eye up summer reinforcements.

Marcelo Bielsa already has a strong nucleus of centre-backs to call upon, with Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk all good current options.

That doesn’t seem to have deterred the Leeds manager from looking at other possible defensive additions, however, if recent reports are to be believed.

The Whites are thought to be lining up a move for Colley, with ClubDoria46 linking the 28-year-old with a switch to Elland Road on Tuesday.

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Leeds receive boost in bid to sign Colley

Now, TuttoMercatoWeb claim that he will be allowed to leave Sampdoria at the end of the season, also adding a second positive piece of news that he obtained a work permit in February, acting as a further boost for Leeds.

The Whites’ interest in Colley is again confirmed, stating that they are hovering ‘in the background’, looking to potentially seal a move for him.

Transfer Tavern take

Colley’s pedigree speaks for itself, with 25 caps to his name for The Gambia and 78 appearances for a prestigious Serie A club in Sampdoria.

Leeds’ interest is, therefore, undoubtedly exciting, but the main stumbling block is whether or not they need to spend money on a new centre-back.

The aforementioned quartet of options currently available to Bielsa are all at a good age, so using the funds on other positions, such as left-back, could be a more shrewd approach.

In other news, an ex-England striker believes Leeds need to improve in two areas of the pitch this summer. Read more here.

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