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Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a few weeks to stew over their dramatic 3-2 loss to Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, but they could bounce back against Aston Villa in the Premier League today.

Villa are flying high and are within touching distance of a Champions League berth for next season, yet a clash against the Molineux side comes at the worst possible time.

Gary O’Neil has enjoyed a wonderful debut season in charge of the Old Gold, moving them away from the bottom half of the table while bringing out the best of the team, especially his attacking options.

Last season, Wolves scored only 31 top-flight goals – the lowest in the division – but after 28 games this term, they have already notched 42 goals.

The likes of Hwang Hee-Chan, Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto have all been in outstanding form, contributing 25 goals between them. Ahead of the Villa clash, however, it looks as if Cunha is the only one of those in with a chance of featuring, albeit with the Brazilian potentially set to make his return in midweek instead.

This could see a few players moving positions, hence a look at the starting XI that O’Neil could unleash on Saturday evening…

1

GK – Jose Sa

The 31-year-old has missed all but two Premier League fixtures this season, although he has kept just four clean sheets in the top flight.

With Ollie Watkins in such magnificent form, the ‘keeper will have his work cut out, but a clean sheet could prove to be vital in the race for a top-half finish in the league.

2

CB – Max Kilman

The skipper shone during his last Premier League appearance against Fulham at the start of the month, making a clearance off the line, while winning 100% of his total duels during the clash.

He has been ever-present in the league this season, starting every single game. This consistency has allowed him to form a solid defensive unit with Craig Dawson and Toti Gomes.

3

CB – Santiago Bueno

Dawson has been impressive this term, with the defender enjoying an Indian summer to a solid career. The 33-year-old suffered a groin injury recently, missing their previous two matches and it looks unlikely that he will be involved against Villa.

This suggests O’Neil will unleash Santiago Bueno into the heart of the defence. The £8.5m signing from Girona in the summer has started only three league matches this season, but Villa could well be his fourth.

4

CB – Toti Gomes

The Portuguese defender has arguably been one of the most improved players in the squad. Having played just 19 times during the whole of the 2022/23 season, yet so far this campaign, Toti has featured 32 times across all competitions, becoming a mainstay under O’Neil.

His performances have even led to the 24-year-old gaining a call-up to the Portugal side, winning his first cap against Liechtenstein in November.

5

RM – Nelson Semedo

The former Barcelona gem has been typically utilised either on the right side of a four-man midfield, or as a right wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation.

For the Villa clash, Semedo will be tasked with offering plenty of attacking vibrancy in order to support the likes of Pablo Sarabia and Nathan Fraser.

In his last Premier League start, the defender failed to make a key pass, deliver a successful cross or have a shot on goal. He will certainly have to improve against Villa.

6

CM – Tommy Doyle

The on-loan Manchester City youngster will retain his place in the starting XI from the defeat to Coventry City a couple of weeks ago.

In the league this term, Doyle has created a big chance, completed 87% of his passes per game and won 58% of his total duels each match, showing how important he is to the club when he starts.

7

CM – Joao Gomes

The Brazilian won his first cap for his country during the 1-0 win over England last week, before adding his second appearance in the draw against Spain a few days later.

This should certainly bolster his confidence heading into the final few weeks of the season, especially with a chance to secure a place in the Brazil side for the 2024 Copa América.

He will start alongside Doyle at the heart of the midfield against Villa.

8

LM – Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian international delivered his most impressive performance of the season against Coventry. Not only did he score, but the defender grabbed an assist, made two key passes, and created a big chance during the tie.

If he can replicate this display on Saturday evening, Wolves will stand a good chance of securing a positive result that will bolster their chances of claiming a top-half finish in the league.

9

AM – Pablo Sarabia

The veteran Spanish attacking midfielder has shone in spells for Wolves this term. Across 27 appearances in all competitions, not only has he scored three goals, but the player has provided nine assists, contributing effectively.

With Hwang, Cunha and Neto all potentially missing the Villa clash, Sarabia will be tasked with filling in the void and creating plenty of opportunities for the Old Gold during the crunch tie.

10

AM – Mario Lemina

Typically used in a more central position, due to the absence of the aforementioned three players, plus Jean-Ricner Bellegarde potentially missing out too, Lemina will be pushed slightly further forward against Villa.

This could work out well, as the former Southampton man has netted five goals in 29 matches this term, showing his tendency to push forward from the midfield on a regular basis.

Inter Miami are not ruling out the prospect of taking Lionel Messi back to Barcelona for the first game at what will be a revamped Camp Nou.

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• Argentine icon is a legend in Catalunya
• Now plying his trade in the United States
• Talk of friendly game being arranged

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  La Liga giants Barca are in the process of giving their iconic home a serious facelift. There have been suggestions that games could be played at that venue, with a reduced capacity as work is completed, from December 2024.

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  If that window of opportunity does open up, then Inter Miami would be free of MLS commitments as the American season will have finished. Barcelona will be in the middle of their 2024-25 campaign, but a glamour friendly could be lined up.

• WHAT ASENSI SAID

  Quizzed on why a clash between Inter Miami and Barca has not been organised since Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez joined the ranks at Chase Stadium, Xavier Asensi – the Herons’ president of operations – told : “It's a matter of timing. The 2020 match was part of the tour that we were able to prepare. Since we played in the Leagues Cup, we don't have the visibility of the possibility of playing a friendly. In January or December we can't know if it will fit into the calendar.”

  He added when asked about taking Messi to Camp Nou for the reopening of a ground that he graced with distinction for 17 years: “It depends on when it is… Let's talk about it.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Messi registered a record-breaking haul of 672 goals for Barcelona through 778 appearances. He helped them to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, before making his way to Miami two years later.

Whilst recent results may have restored some of the good feeling at Old Trafford, it is clear that Erik ten Hag is still on thin ice at Manchester United with Sir Jim Ratcliffe already looking at other options.

Ten Hag facing uncertain future at Man Utd

Amad Diallo's last grasp winner at the weekend saw Man Utd progress to the FA Cup semi-finals at the expense of rivals Liverpool. Whilst the added time victory was celebrated on the red side of Manchester, many in the fanbase may still feel that the Red Devils need a new manager if they are to return to the top of the Premier League.

Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning to move for “important player”

The update comes courtesy of journalist Fabrizio Romano.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 10, 2024

Currently sitting sixth in the table, United are nine points away from the Champions League places and look unlikely to make up the gap in the remaining 10 games of the season.

In his first season in charge, Ten Hag managed to guide the Red Devils to a third-placed finish as well as a League Cup victory over Newcastle. This season has not gone as well with United struggling in the league and bowing out of Europe in embarrassing fashion, finishing at the bottom of their Champions League group.

Ratcliffe had initially shown faith in Ten Hag, however, the new part owner now looks set to explore other options to fill the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ratcliffe wants Southgate at Man Utd

As reported by The Daily Star, the new part-owner has identified Gareth Southgate as his number one target to be Ten Hag's successor at Man United.

The outlet states that "Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford have consulted some of United’s former greats about who should replace Ten Hag. And the overwhelming choice was Southgate". The former Middlesbrough manager was also the favourite of incoming director of football Dan Ashworth who had previously worked with Southgate during his time at the FA.

Despite the club's interest in the coach, the report claims that Southgate, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, is not interested in discussing his future at the moment with the 53-year-old focused on the upcoming European Championships in Germany.

The England boss's contract is set to expire in December 2024 with a compensation fee of around £800,000 necessary to lure Southgate away from the national team once the Euros conclude in July. Ratcliffe reportedly wants a decision from the 53-year-old soon so that he can start planning for next season.

Whilst often maligned for his style of play, Southgate has overseen vast improvements to the national team. The last three major tournaments have seen the Three Lions reach the semi-finals, final and quarter-finals respectively, with just a penalty shootout keeping them away from European Championship glory back in 2021.

With a major rebuild at Old Trafford planned for the summer, the Red Devils could do a lot worse than a manager known in England and with a proven track record in turning around struggling sides.

Chelsea captain Reece James admits that the racist chanting storm sparked by Enzo Fernandez “could be a problem” in the Blues’ dressing room.

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• Derogatory song from Argentina players
• Fofana among those to have condemned actions
• Internal investigation underway in west London

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina international Enzo live streamed the celebrations which accompanied the reigning world champions successfully defending their Copa America crown. Within those, certain players could be seen signing a derogatory song about the number of players in the France squad that boast African heritage.

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  Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, who is a France international of Ivorian descent, has spoken out against the “uninhibited racism” displayed by Argentina players. Enzo has since apologised for his actions, while an internal investigation has been opened at Stamford Bridge.

• WHAT JAMES SAID

  Blues skipper James has told when asked if the saga threatens to impact squad harmony: “Of course. There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem. But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The England international full-back added when asked if he has held a conversation with Enzo: “I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones. Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened. It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football. I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his teammates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”

Sitting in the Championship relegation zone on goal difference, Sheffield Wednesday have suddenly found some of the best form in the division as they attempt to climb away from danger. And as they prepare to face promotion contenders Leeds United, Danny Rohl has been handed a much-needed boost.

Sheffield Wednesday injury news

The Owls boosted their survival chances by defeating Plymouth Argyle last time out in a narrow 1-0 victory to drag the Pilgrims back into a relegation scrap. Now, as things stand, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Huddersfield Town all sit on 38 points with the Terriers currently on course to survive on goal difference.

8/10 Sheffield Wednesday star who won seven duels shone v Plymouth

Sheffield Wednesday picked up another vital win courtesy of this excellent star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 6, 2024

With ten games remaining, every moment matters for Rohl's side, who will have to contend with the absence of Josh Windass against Leeds this Friday. Rohl confirmed that Windass isn't ready to make his return, saying via The Yorkshire Evening Post: "At the moment there's no chance (of him playing). We know Josh is having some small injuries again and again and they are really building up so hopefully we have him available after the international break for the last games."

That's not to say that the manager failed to provide good news, however. Rohl confirmed that Barry Bannan will be fit to play against Leeds, despite coming off at half-time through injury against Plymouth in mid-week. The Owls boss said: "Barry Bannan looks fantastic, he trained today no problem.

"The good thing is this week we had a lot of players available, it gives us an opportunity to bring fresh legs in. It's very helpful, especially against an opponent like Leeds to be ready on the physical side of things but also the mindset."

Losing Bannan in the final stretch would have been a major blow for Sheffield Wednesday, there's no doubting that, so for their captain to return so soon after an injury scare in mid-week should provide Rohl's side with a major boost against Leeds.

"Vital" Bannan can help cause shock upset

Even with Bannan fit and firing, Sheffield Wednesday face an uphill battle when it comes to putting an end to Leeds' recent 11-game unbeaten run in the Championship. But the experienced captain's swift return certainly boosts the Owls' chances against Daniel Farke's side.

What's more, their Yorkshire rivals had to work for their 1-0 victory over Stoke City in mid-week, who are also battling to survive, potentially leaving the door ajar for a shock upset at Hillsborough this Friday. Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore, like many, was well aware of the impact that Bannan can make.

Moore told The Star last season: "Baz is really effective at this level in terms of how he sees the game and the pictures he sees. He's intelligent enough to recognise the tempo of the match. He's a vital player for us, in and out of possession.

“What about his run back to spoil the breakaway by Peterborough? It was fantastic, and he's done it numerous times for us this season. It just goes to show you it's not just about the backline players, that solidness goes right through the team."

Josh Sargent endured a baptism of fire in England, but the USMNT striker has been assured that he can be a Premier League player.

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• Forward joined Canaries in 2021
• Spent two years in the Championship
• Linked with teams in top-flight

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international linked up with Norwich City in 2021, as they prepared for life back in the big time. He registered just two top-flight goals during his debut campaign at Carrow Road – which ended with relegation into the Championship.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sargent hit 13 goals in his second season with the Canaries, before posting another personal best in 2023-24 as he found the target on 16 occasions – despite missing several weeks through injury. There has been talk of Premier League interest being shown in the 24-year-old, who looks better prepared to handle the demands of life among English football’s elite.

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  WHAT MILLS SAID

  Former Norwich defender Danny Mills has, speaking in association with , told GOAL when asked about the progress Sargent has made: “Sometimes with young players it’s difficult. That first step into the Premier League is tough, especially when you’re in a team that isn’t playing particularly well. When you scrape into the Premier League, you start at the bottom of the pile. You are used to winning, used to having the ball, used to being confident and dominating games. Suddenly, it’s a complete role reversal and you are up against it constantly – it’s a different mindset. I always say League Two to League One is a step. League One to the Championship is a step. The Championship to the Premier League is five steps. It’s a huge leap in terms of quality, throughout the whole squad. Sometimes it takes a little bit of learning. That’s what you have to do. I’m sure he’s done that. I’m sure he’s grown and understands the demands of what it takes to be a Premier League player. I’m sure he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sargent helped to fire Norwich into the play-offs last season, but they now face a fight to keep him. Mills added when asked if the Canaries have a transfer fee in mind that is deemed acceptable: “Everybody is saleable. Every single player on the planet has a price, no matter what anybody says. In this day and age, when you have the player – especially if the player has expressed that he would like to leave to further his career – there aren’t too many clubs or managers that will stand in that way. They are not in the game of holding people back.

  "There will be sensible conversations and say ‘look, if we get this money in, we can reinvest that in our squad and maybe bring in three or four players with that money and make our squad stronger’. It’s about being realistic. The two parties, and I’m sure agents and chief execs, will sit down and say ‘if you want to go, if we get to this figure then potentially it can happen’. But also, they will want to get that business done sooner rather than later, because you have got your dominoes all lined up and until that first one gets knocked over you can’t start pulling the trigger on other deals. If it is going to happen, Norwich would rather it happened sooner rather than later.”

Newcastle United's 3-2 loss to Chelsea on Monday night was just another in a long list of disappointing results this season.

Eddie Howe's side haven't been able to replicate their impressive form from 2022/23, and they currently sit tenth in the Premier League.

However, compared to where they were just a couple of years ago, the club are on a clear trajectory, and with a team full of talented stars, it's only a matter of time until they start regularly challenging the big boys.

For example, starters like Joelinton have seen their value skyrocket over the last few years, although another star's worth has increased even more.

Joelinton's value since joining Newcastle

Newcastle signed the Brazilian from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in July 2019 for a then-club record fee of £40m during the torrid reign of Mike Ashley.

His arrival came with lofty expectations due to his impressive form in Germany, but his first few years in English football didn't entirely go to plan.

Then-manager Steve Bruce opted to start the Aliança-born star as the team's sole striker for the first two and a half seasons at the club, a decision which was the wrong one as it saw him score just 12 goals in 73 games and get labelled as the 'worst transfer in recent Premier League history' by some in the press.

That all changed with the arrival of Howe, who, after a few more games of playing the Brazilian as a nine, opted to start him in central and attacking midfield, a position he has come to dominate in the years since.

In all, the 27-year-old has made 180 appearances for the Magpies, came second in the club's Player of the Year award in 2022, is set to sign a lucrative new contract this year and, best of all, has seen his valuation rise above what he originally cost the club.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the Toon titan is now worth around €60m, about £51m – or £11m more than he cost the club in 2019. However, another star at the club has seen his value soar even higher.

Alexander Isak's transfer valuation in 2024

Swedish striker Alexander Isak moved to St James' Park from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for another club record fee, this time £63m.

The then-22-year-old was effective from the word go and opened his account with a goal against Liverpool on his debut.

The rest of the campaign was a mixed bag for the Swede. When he was playing, he was arguably one of the best strikers in the league, scoring ten goals in 27 appearances, but a thigh injury saw him miss 16 games and disrupt his campaign.

It's been a similar story this year for the "outstanding" nine, as dubbed by Howe, as he has scored an impressive 16 goals in 29 appearances but missed ten games through a recurring groin injury.

That said, the 6 foot 4 goal machine is clearly an incredible talent, and his increasing value represents that, as according to the CIES Football Observatory, he's now worth around €100m, which is £85m – or £22m more than Newcastle paid for him just a year and a half ago.

Outscoring Isak: Newcastle may have sanctioned their £1.7m sale too early

The player left Newcastle United behind in a £2m deal.

By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 7, 2024

Ultimately, while 2023/24 hasn't been the most enjoyable season for the fans, a team filled with players like Joelinton and Isak isn't going to stay down for too long.

If the club can add one or two more quality players in the summer, they could cause a real upset next year.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

New Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe will be presented to the Spanish club's fans in a sold out Santiago Bernabeu, according to a report.

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• Mbappe to be unveiled as Madrid player
• Tickets sold rapidly ahead of ceremony
• Forward will be presented on Tuesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The forward is joining Madrid on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, bringing an end to a long saga that stretches back years. After being eliminated from Euro 2024 with France, the 25-year-old will be unveiled to the club's fans on Tuesday.

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  Tickets to the ceremony sold out rapidly after going on sale on Friday, according to . More than 85 per cent were sold by the end of the first day and are now all gone. There will be around 80,000 Madrid supporters in attendance to see Mbappe.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After scoring 256 goals in just over 300 matches for French giants PSG, Mbappe will sign a contract with Madrid that keeps him at the European and Spanish champions until 2029. The attacker has great expectations to live up to as he joins the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and fellow France stars Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in Carlo Ancelotti's team.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Madrid president Florentino Perez will show off the former Monaco star to the club's supporters at 12:00 on Tuesday. The France international will then begin preparing for the new season with his new team-mates as they look to defend their La Liga and Champions League crowns.

After receiving positive news regarding their appeal against their first Financial Fair Play charge, which initially saw them deducted 10 points, Everton have a much stronger chance to secure their Premier League status. Having been handed four points back from their initial deduction, the Toffees now sit five points clear of Luton Town in the relegation zone.

Sean Dyche's side aren't safe yet however, with a second charge pending, and recent reports have only added to the consequences that those at Goodison Park could face if they fail to avoid the drop this season.

Everton transfer news

To their credit, Everton's results and performances on the pitch have often mirrored those of a side sitting comfortably in mid-table. Both Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite have particularly starred for Dyche's side, attracting plenty of interest as a result, to hand the Toffees a potential dilemma.

Onana was reportedly the subject of interest from Arsenal during the January transfer window and has since been linked with Chelsea, as well as the Gunners once more. The central midfielder won't come cheap, however, with Everton reportedly demanding a price of £51m for the Belgian this summer.

Meanwhile, Branthwaite has apparently attracted even higher interest. Reports have even suggested that Real Madrid are interested in signing the defender, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, in a deal that could be worth up £75m this summer.

Everton could bin £40k-p/w man who's earning more than Branthwaite

He’s been at the club since the summer of 2023.

By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 1, 2024

Now, to make matters worse, relegation could also create question marks over the future of Jordan Pickford. According to the Daily Mail, Toffees chiefs believe Pickford will "demand" a transfer if they go down. They did not put a relegation wage cut clause into his contract like with many others, because they fully expect he'd want to leave anyway.

The club have taken measures however to ensure they get good money for his services – the goalkeeper does not have a release clause in his deal, meaning it would simply be a case of tempting clubs into a bidding war.

In one swoop, the Toffees could lose their Premier League status, Onana, Branthwaite and Pickford in the coming months in what would be a disastrous start to the summer.

Everton must keep "superb" Pickford

There are several reasons why Everton need to avoid Premier League relegation and keeping hold of star players is among those reasons. And that includes Pickford. The England international has been one of few consistent performers in Merseyside over the last few years, quickly becoming an important part of any successful relegation battle at Goodison Park.

Everton coach Alan Kelly even held praise for the shot-stopper after England's penalty shootout defeat in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, saying via Everton's official website.

Journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin have revealed the list of players that Newcastle United might seek to move on from the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s 2022 revival

Exactly halfway through the season, Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League with just one win and 11 points from 19 games, staring relegation in the face.

A busy transfer window in January saw the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood at St James’ Park. Fuelled by these new additions, the Magpies went on a sensational run of form in the first few months of 2022, remarkably ending the season in 11th place with a total of 49 points, averaging two points per game in the second half of the campaign.

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The Latest: Summer exits expected

Following the club’s success in the January transfer market, PIF will surely be looking to build upon this again in the summer. However, this time around, it is expected that a whole host of players will need to make way for the new arrivals.

Kennedy revealed in a Newcastle World Q&A that, whilst the majority of departures are to be expected, Jamal Lewis is set to be handed another chance at St James’ Park

He stated: “This list is getting quite lengthy. And I think we all know the candidates. So instead, I will list one player who I think might stay, despite it appearing as if he is heading out the exit door. Howe is keen to take a look at Jamal Lewis this summer, and depending on what happens in the market, he may well get a second chance at Newcastle.

“In my opinion, a player with all the tools to succeed, just needs a lot of decent coaching – and let’s be honest, that wasn’t forthcoming before Howe walked through the door.”

Taking a different approach, fellow journalist Cronin name-checked a few players that Eddie Howe could jettison during the summer.

He claimed: “Since Liam didn’t write the list of potential departures, I will… Yes, the most obvious are Freddie Woodman, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden and Dwight Gayle. I wouldn’t rule out others departing however – Miguel Almiron for example, i.e. a player you might not expect to go.”

The Verdict: Busy summer ahead

If Newcastle are to keep buying high-quality players who require substantial transfer fees, then it will be important that the club can offload some of the deadwood early in the window, so that the board have enough time to secure their transfer targets and stick within Financial Fair Play parameters.

Therefore, numerous incomings and outgoings are expected at St James’ Park this summer, as Howe looks to carry the positive momentum from 2022 so far into the forthcoming season as the Magpies potentially eye up a European finish.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalists address Lucas Paqueta transfer links