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After a disappointing campaign last year, Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side will be looking to qualify for European football once again, having tasted Champions League action during the 2023/24 season.

However, Newcastle were unable to make big investments this summer due to PSR, making two big sales, and only spending €68.20m (£57m) on five incomings this summer.

The two players that left for big fees were Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, two highly-rated youth players who could have helped Newcastle this season, both of whom have started strong for their new clubs and would fit in like a glove alongside the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle attack's start to the campaign

Isak has started this term fairly slowly, only managing one goal and one assist in his five Premier League games played. Gordon has also had a slow start, only scoring the one goal in his five Premier League appearances.

However, despite an underwhelming opening few games for their main men, Newcastle have got off to a strong start as a team, winning three of their opening five matches and sitting sixth in the league on ten points.

It is actually Harvey Barnes who has started the campaign strongest, scoring three goals, and providing one assist in his 248 Premier League minutes.

But if Howe had his way this summer, Barnes could have found himself with far fewer minutes, and may not have started the season in red-hot form, as the English manager was eyeing a possible right-wing addition to boost Newcastle’s chances.

Newcastle's interest in Noni Madueke

Newcastle reportedly had a strong interest in Chelsea winger Noni Madueke this summer with the Blues changing their stance on his availability over the course of the transfer window.

The 22-year-old has got off to a flyer under new manager Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, scoring four goals in his opening six games in all competitions. Madueke has been described as an “elite talent” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and he is definitely showing that level this season so far.

Goals

0.77

0.14

0.73

Assists

0.26

0.00

0.24

xG

0.36

0.24

0.57

Progressive Carries

5.00

3.48

4.64

Progressive Passes

1.67

0.87

5.00

Shots Total

4.36

1.74

3.17

Key Passes

0.83

2.61

2.14

Shot-Creating Actions

2.22

3.91

4.29

Successful Take-Ons

1.39

1.96

1.07

Madueke has started the season best in terms of goal threat, scoring 0.77 goals per 90 minutes, and taking a crazy 4.36 shots per 90, really showing his confidence and intention to test the opposition goalkeeper, and make things happen in the final third.

Barnes and Gordon have better passing metrics, averaging more key passes per 90 than Madueke, and more shot-creating actions. However, Madueke still averages more assists per 90, with 0.26 compared to Barnes’ 0.24.

With how Maresca sets up his Chelsea team, Madueke’s responsibilities lie in the final third, receiving the ball out wide, looking to beat his man 1v1, and then attack the goal, something he has done effectively to start the season, especially in their 6-2 win against Wolves, where the young forward netted a hat-trick.

The question is, would Madueke have started so strong for Howe’s side, and if he did join, would it have stopped Barnes thriving? One thing is for sure, the English winger definitely would have made the Newcastle squad stronger.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Aston Villa are braced to receive an offer from a European heavyweight that would see them given the chance to sign a £20m-rated star in exchange for Jacob Ramsey, according to a recent report.

The Villans were a very busy side during the summer, and while they have made a strong start to the season, the club’s hierarchy are still looking into possible transfers that can be made now and in 2025.

Aston Villa send officials to scout £63m double signing, Emery's a big fan

Unai Emery is keen for Aston Villa to sign two players from the same club.

1 ByBrett Worthington Sep 18, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

Villa brought in eight new players during the summer months, but they are now considering making it nine with an out-of-the-window transfer. According to a recent report, Villa are considering whether to make a move for Yusuf Yazici. The midfielder is without a club after leaving French side Lille at the end of last season.

Yazici was in Lille for five years, during which time he scored 29 goals and recorded 15 assists in 135 games. The 27-year-old would be unlikely to start a lot at Villa, but the report claims he would be brought in to provide depth and cover behind Morgan Rogers, given how both players are versatile enough to play across the attack.

However, Unai Emery’s side are not the only team interested in signing the free agent, as AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Brentford are also keen on the international footballer. Yazici’s agents were said to have offered their client’s services to Villa and others earlier this month, and it seems that the Premier League side have been convinced to further those discussions.

While Villa weigh up a move for Yazici now, looking ahead to the January transfer window, they could be offered the chance to sign a £20 million Serie A star, but only in exchange one of their own.

Aston Villa braced for Ramsey-Dumfries swap bid

According to Inter Live, relayed by TBR Football, Inter Milan are ready to tempt Aston Villa into signing Dumfries in exchange for Ramsey. Rasmey is a product of Villa’s academy, breaking into the first team during the 2020/21 season, but Villa may have a fight on their hands to keep the player.

This report states that Inter manager Simone Inzaghi is “crazy” about signing Ramsey, and they are now prepared to use Dumfries as bait to sign the young midfielder. Ramsey scored in midweek for Villa in the Champions League and is considered a key player for them, but Inter will hope the offer of Dumfries, who Emery is said to be a fan of, will help seal a deal.

Apps

136

Goals

12

Assists

20

Dumfries, who is rated at 24 million euros, which is roughly £20 million, has been with the Serie A champions since 2021, when he joined the club from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The 28-year-old, who ranks in the top four per cent vs other full backs by winning over two aerial duels per 90 minutes, was a key player for Inter last season, playing 31 times in Serie A, scoring four goals and recording five assists. He has yet to start a game for Inter this season but did score last weekend in their 1-1 draw with Monza.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has lavished praise on a "quality" player, who has performed well since sealing a move away from Tottenham in the summer.

Postecoglou and Lange lead summer window clearout at Tottenham

Spurs let a host of players leave in the summer window, as manager Ange Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange moved to trim the squad of unwanted men who were deemed surplus-to-requirements.

Tottenham dealt another Arsenal worry as "world class" ace limps off injured

The Lilywhites are preparing for one of their biggest games of the season.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 11, 2024

Postecoglou gave the green light for his side to let 15 senior players leave on loan or permanently, with Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga, Alejo Veliz, Bryan Gil, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Rodon, Emerson Royal, Oliver Skipp, Ashley Phillips and Dane Scarlett all departing N17 in the summer.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy has brought in a total of around £46 million through these exits, as the majority were free transfers or loan deals, but the club have freed up plenty of squad space and trimmed their wage bill in the process.

Arsenal (home)

September 15

Brentford (home)

September 21

Man United (away)

September 29

Brighton (away)

October 6

West Ham (home)

October 19

There is still a chance that the likes of Sergio Reguilion and Ben Davies could leave in the next two days as well, with the Turkish transfer window open until Friday. Super Lig champions Galatasaray have registered an interest in signing Davies from Spurs as their manager, Okan Buruk, plans to switch to a back three – according to reports.

Meanwhile, Reguilon has also attracted interest from Fenerbahce, where he would reunite with ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho. It's been an interesting and productive last few months in terms of player sales at Tottenham, with Manor Solomon being another one of the 15 players to leave north London.

The Israeli international, who joined Tottenham on a free from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, spent the vast majority of last season sidelined – but his loan move to Leeds United has granted an opportunity for the winger to resurrect his career elsewhere.

Paul Robinson hails Manor Solomon after Tottenham exit

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Sky pundit and ex-Spurs keeper Robinson has lavished praise on Solomon after his Tottenham exit – stating that he's Leeds' best signing of the window, while also praising the 25-year-old's excellent start to life in the Championship.

“I think he’s the best signing of the window at Leeds. He’s a really clever signing – he’s a Premier League player. We saw him on loan with Fulham, which prompted Tottenham to buy him," said Robinson.

“He didn’t really get his opportunities at Spurs last year but he’s very well established at international level, playing over 35 games for Israel. Looking at his quality and directness, he’s someone who belongs in the Premier League.

“Leeds have lost Rutter, lost Summerville, lost Sinisterra last season. Alongside Gnonto, he’s the type of player who does give Leeds Premier League quality. He was a very shrewd signing, who can play anywhere across the attack, even as a false-nine if needed. I thought he was excellent against Hull City.”

Solomon bagged an assist on his first start for Leeds against Hull, and time will tell whether Spurs regret letting him depart for the rest of this season, as they seek to build upon last campaign's fifth-placed finish.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea have submitted an "official bid" to sign one £60 million star, as the Blues chase up another deadline day deal.

Chelsea set for busy deadline day with multiple talks ongoing

According to reports, Enzo Maresca's side could be set for a very busy end to the transfer window today, as it is believed that BlueCo are in talks over multiple deals.

Chelsea join race to sign new 22-year-old as Todd Boehly readies £34m bid

The Blues could strengthen another key area.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 29, 2024

Indeed, Chelsea are still in negotiations with Man United over Jadon Sancho, which is apparently a separate move to that which would take Raheem Sterling to Old Trafford (Sky Sports).

A possible swap deal involving Sancho and Sterling has been mooted at Chelsea in recent days, but while that is unlikely as of now, a move to sign the former is still very much a possibility on summer transfer deadline day.

While that is happening, there is also a very real chance that Chelsea will sign a striker. In the last few days, Maresca's side have been linked with moves for both Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen, with the club looking to seal the addition of a prolific number nine.

Appearances

25

Goals

15

Assists

3

Shots Per 90

3.86

Key Passes Per 90

1.05

Successful Take-Ons Per 90

0.73

"Napoli under the impression a permanent bid from Chelsea will arrive for Victor Osimhen following fresh meetings," said journalist Ben Jacobs earlier this week.

"Italian club believe their drop in asking price has persuaded Chelsea to pursue a non-temporary formula. #CFC will only proceed on strict terms and are in a stronger position since PSG, who Osimhen has agreed terms with, have not restarted talks to date. Osimhen can become one of the top earners at Chelsea, but has to accept the incentive-driven wage structure. Otherwise Chelsea will move on to other targets. Chelsea are currently in active talks having discussed a loan earlier in the month."

Now, as per Romano, it appears that bid for Osimhen has arrived – following this drop in asking price which TEAMtalk claim is set at around £60 million.

Chelsea submit official bid to sign Victor Osimhen in deadline day deal

Taking to X, the respected journalist says Chelsea have submitted an official bid to sign Osimhen, as they chase a deadline day deal and look to beat Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli to his signature.

"Chelsea have approached Napoli tonight to submit an official bid for Victor Osimhen," said Romano.

"Loan with OBLIGATION to buy. Meanwhile, Chelsea discuss salary terms with Victor. Al Ahli are at final stages of talks with Napoli! But deal ONLY happens if Chelsea talks collapse."

The race to seal a late deal for the 25-year-old appears to be heating up, and he looks likely to be the most headline-grabbing name this afternoon.

Arsenal are now considering a surprise move for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, according to a recent report from Football Transfers.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are still running the rule over a number of options to challenge for Bukayo Saka's spot at right-wing, with Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze being "monitored", amid "fierce competition" for his signature from Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Another attacking option for the Gunners is Fenerbahce's Arda Guler, having recently leapfrogged Newcastle in the race for his signature, with Dean Jones claiming that Mikel Arteta has "two more" signings up his sleeve this summer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, one of the club's more outlandish targets is Mbappe, with Arsenal, and by extension sporting director Edu Gaspar, currently weighing up whether to send a package to the representatives of the PSG forward ahead of what has been labelled a sensational 2024 move.

The Frenchman's contract is due to expire at the end of next season, so this summer may be the last chance PSG have to receive a transfer fee for their prized asset, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

At this stage, it is thought the La Liga side are leading the race for the 24-year-old, and they could make an offer this summer, should his current club reduce their asking price, but at the moment they are holding firm.

Arsenal are aware they are currently second-choice to Real Madrid, and they will have to hope the Spanish club fail in their pursuit of the attacker.

How much does Kylian Mbappe earn?

The France international is currently tied down to a huge £1.2m-per-week contract at PSG, so the Gunners will be well aware they must be willing to spend big if they are to secure his signature this summer

In truth, it does not seem very likely the Gunners will be able to compete for his signature, as while they do have Champions League football on offer next season, the PSG star will probably want to move to a side with a more recent history of winning major trophies.

However, if the former AS Monaco man is attracted by the prospect of being a part of the project at the Emirates Stadium, there is every indication he could be a fantastic signing, who could help take Arsenal to the next level.

Hailed as a "generational talent" by members of the media, Mbappe has recorded a remarkable 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 appearances for PSG, proving himself as one of the world's best players.

Arsenal "remain favourites" to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and will indeed make a third bid despite rival interest, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners appear determined to challenge yet again for a Premier League title next season, after they fell just short of treble-winners Man City last campaign.

Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a big boost for the club, which means manager Mikel Arteta has more attacking variety at his disposal.

Meanwhile, it is believed that they could also be closing in on a move to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, despite having a bid rejected, with reporter Chris Wheatley claiming they are on the verge of an agreement.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also a target for Arteta, with talks "progressing" and a hand-shake on personal terms apparently close with the 19-year-old.

However, one top target who has eluded them thus far is Rice, with West Ham already rejected two bids for him from Arsenal recently.

One of them was a club record, but despite the snubs, it is also believed that the Gunners are "serious" about signing him and will keep pushing.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, reliable journalist Romano has some good news on Rice amid Man City's real interest.

Other sources claim Man City are plotting a bid for the 24-year-old, which comes as a slight worry given their obvious pull, though Romano believes they "remain favourites".

He says this "for sure", while detailing that Arsenal are preparing a third bid for Rice and seem determined to seal his signing for Arteta.

Why do Arsenal want Declan Rice?

The England international was a star under David Moyes last season with WhoScored detailing that he stood out as their best-performer by average match rating over 22/23.

He also made more interceptions per 90 than any other Hammer in the top flight, prompting some real praise from ex-professionals, including former England defender Matthew Upson.

"He has worked really hard at his game, physically and technically," said Upson.

"David Moyes took him into the first team. As with all footballers, so many people have played a part and little bits. But Declan's main asset is that he has been able to take that all on board and make himself better.

He can handle responsibility amazingly well, which is why he was such a young captain in the Premier League."

Manchester United signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer would be a surprise as he would be a 'big name contender' to challenge David De Gea between the sticks, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Diogo Costa?

According to A Bola via METRO, Manchester United are interested in signing Costa from Porto this summer and he has emerged as a priority target for Erik Ten Hag.

The report states that the Red Devils are reluctant to activate his £64 million release clause and are trying to get his current employers to lower the price of the £24k-a-week ace.

As per The Guardian, they also detail that Manchester United are known admirers of Costa; however, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen on the Portugal international this off-season.

David De Gea's future at Old Trafford is uncertain and he may well depart the club following a distinguished period of service stretching back to 2012, as per 90min.

Contractually, De Gea will be free to leave Manchester United at the end of the month when his deal at the Red Devils expires; however, Ten Hag does have an option to extend his terms at the Premier League giants by a further 12 months.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has indicated that he would be surprised if Costa was brought to Old Trafford this summer.

Jones told FFC: "To be honest, I would just be surprised generally if they brought in a big-name contender for De Gea. It doesn't really add up with what their intentions should be in this transfer window. They either replace David De Gea or they focus the main bulk of their money on other positions."

Would Diogo Costa be a good signing for Manchester United?

Costa is a very accomplished goalkeeper who is highly regarded among his peers due to his safe handling and his composure and distribution on the ball.

In 2022/23, the 23-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions for Porto, recording 20 clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Costa has also managed to produce a save percentage rate of 77.2% in the Primeira Liga, demonstrating his reliability between the sticks.

Former Brazil international Helton was full of praise for Costa last year in an interview with Noticias ao Minuto, stating: “He [Costa] has the possibility of being the best goalkeeper in the world. I knew his qualities, and this is not a surprise to me. He took over at FC Porto and the national team as well, and this, even if there is Rui Patrício, an excellent goalkeeper.”

It is easy to see why Costa would warrant such high appraisal and he could well be a long-term replacement for De Gea if the latter chooses to depart Old Trafford.

Fulham have made a new contract offer to Brazilian winger Willian in an attempt to ward off interest from Saudi Arabia and Europe, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Who could join and leave Fulham this summer?

The Whites, after a successful first Premier League campaign back in the top flight, are thoroughly planning for the 2023/2024 season and have earmarked transfer targets.

As per recent reports, it is believed that Gil Vicente striker Fran Navarro is of interest, alongside Man United duo Fred and Harry Maguire. Central midfield is also of priority, especially as star player Joao Palhinha attracts attention from domestic rivals and big clubs abroad.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a player supporters know well following his 2020/2021 season on loan at Craven Cottage, is apparently being targeted by Marco Silva and co as well.

However, Fulham must also think about the futures of seven players, with a plethora of squad members either returning to their parent clubs from a loan spell or nearing the end of their contracts (Transfermarkt).

Manor Solomon, Cedric Soares, Layvkin Kurzawa, Neeskens Kebano, Anthony Knockaert, Steven Sessegnon and Willian are the players in question, but a report by Kinsella in The Evening Standard claims Fulham have made moves to keep the latter player.

Indeed, Kinsella writes that they have made an offer to the 34-year-old to extend his stay by another year, which possesses the option for a further 12 months.

The deal is worth around £50,000-per-week, but there is no agreement yet, as Willian will bide his time and consider his options amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Europe.

The Brazilian's family, though, enjoy living in London and are settled – which could be a big factor. As mentioned in the report, Silva sees keeping Willian as a "priority".

Who is Willian?

The South American veteran, who has totalled 286 Premier League appearances over a glittering career, also has 70 caps for the Brazil national team (Transfermarkt).

As per WhoScored, he was a key player for Fulham over 2022/2023, standing out as their second-best performer overall behind striker Aleksandar Mitrovic with 10 goals contributions (five goals, five assists).

Speaking after a 5-3 thrilling win over Leicester City in May, Silva was effusive in his praise for Willian, calling him a "top, top class" player.

"Very good goals by Willian," said Silva.

"He is top, top class. It is hard to express in words the way he is playing and what he is doing for us this season.”

Everton are interested in a summer deal to bring Angers SCO midfielder Batista Mendy to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Batista Mendy?

Mendy first arrived at the Raymond Kopa Stadium from FC Nantes on a free transfer back in 2021, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 73 appearances to date. The Frenchman started 35 out of the 38 Ligue 1 games last season and established himself as Alexandre Dujeux’s third best-performing defensive player, but despite his displays, his future is up in the air.

The Kelyxane Sport Agency client will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window will be his club’s final big opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and if he was to depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors in the top-flight.

Are Everton signing Mendy?

According to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Mendy is being “followed” by Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the midfielder having “emerged as a target” for the trio ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Angers are expected to sell their prized asset in the coming weeks and months and have already placed a €6m (£5m) price tag on his head, a fee that they would be happy to receive in order to “part ways” with him.

The Toffees and Sean Dyche “want to take advantage” of his side’s relegation to see if they could “lower” the demanded sum, but it’s currently “not clear” whether they would be willing to do such a thing.

Should Farhad Moshiri move for Mendy?

Everton will be in need of several new reinforcements over the summer to ensure that they don’t find themselves in danger of relegation again next season, but Mendy is not a player that they should be aiming to bring to Merseyside.

France’s former U19s international was ranked by WhoScored as Angers’ 16th overall worst-performing player last campaign with a match rating of 6.35, not to mention that he was averaging 1.9 fouls per league game which was higher than any other of his fellow teammates.

The 6 foot 3 defensive midfield colossus also lacks any kind of threat going forward having posted zero goals or assists across all competitions during the previous term, so fails to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch, therefore making this a deal that the hierarchy should avoid.

Manchester United target Neymar is seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with prospective new owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani open to a deal.

What's the transfer gossip on Neymar to Manchester United?

Foot Mercato shared an update on United's interest in signing Neymar this summer in the last 48 hours, saying the Red Devils have the advantage when it comes to the attacker. The Brazilian appears to be on his way out of PSG with the Ligue 1 outfit open to getting his incredible €3.6m-a-month (£3m-a-month) salary off the books.

Most recently, the PSG hierarchy has been irritated by Neymar after he missed the final game of the season due to injury before appearing in Monaco to watch the Grand Prix. The Brazilian's trip was seen as a "provocation" and "seals his fate a little more."

Foot Mercato note that PSG tried to sell Neymar last summer and are looking to sell him again this year, with Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea named with an interest.

United, as mentioned, are said to hold the advantage, with the player, who has contacts with the Qatar brand, seduced over a move to Old Trafford and can only see himself playing in Manchester or staying with PSG.

The 31-year-old reportedly wants to continue playing in Europe for the time being after an offer of around €400m (£343m) from a Saudi Pro League side was rejected by the forward.

Is a Man Utd move to sign Neymar wise?

Labelled as "one of the best players on the planet" in the media, Neymar has already won plenty in the club game, nine major honours with PSG in fact, and a move to Manchester United could be an opportunity to grow his personal brand even more.

The Premier League appears to be a popular attraction for the top stars, although it's unclear whether or not Neymar's body is strong enough to cope with the demands of England's top flight. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian missed 15 games after undergoing ankle surgery on a nasty injury sustained against Lille in February.

Potential new owner Jassim is said to be keen on signing Neymar should he complete a takeover at Man United. If he was able to remain fit, Neymar is the type of player that could restore Erik ten Hag's side back to the top with 293 goals and 188 assists in his club career, and by the looks of it, a move may well be one to keep an eye on.