Category Uncategorized

Eddie Howe will hope his up-and-down Newcastle United side can now go on a winning run in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Toon have recently collected two straight victories in the punishing division against Burnley and Crystal Palace, with the 2-0 win over the Eagles labelled as a “victory for willpower” by journalist Luke Edwards, as the Magpies had to keep grinding away to clinch three points.

Still, this season has seen Newcastle’s Jekyll and Hyde tendencies come to the forefront regularly, as Howe hunts down some January reinforcements to ensure his team continues to look up the standings, as opposed to down.

Newcastle make £52m star a top target

Amazingly, Newcastle’s clean sheet against Palace was the first time the Toon had kept a clean sheet in 12 games, as Howe potentially looks to add in some more defensive bodies to his camp this month.

The leaky Magpies have been regularly linked with a move for rising Toulouse star Dayann Methalie in the left-back spot, while further rumours have also tipped them to make an £8m swoop for versatile Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza.

Moreover, Newcastle’s ongoing interest in AZ Alkmaar midfield sensation Kees Smit shows no signs of dying down, with The Athletic stating that the Dutchman has now been made a top target for Howe and Co.

The report does further clarify that a bid for Smit, who is valued around the £52m mark, will likely depend on Joe Willock departing the building in January, as Newcastle also go about offloading some personnel across the chaotic month.

With Howe working his magic this season on the likes of Lewis Miley, Newcastle will see this as an opportunity to land another very exciting talent for the future, with the 19-year-old potentially going down as the Magpies’ next Elliot Anderson.

How Smit could become Newcastle's next Anderson

Newcastle very much dropped the ball when they lost Anderson for a measly £35m in July of 2024.

The full-blooded Englishman is now a £100m-rated performer for Nottingham Forest, and is on the extensive shopping list of Manchester City this month.

With a jaw-dropping 8.3 ball recoveries this season per Premier League contest, on top of winning 7.7 duels per game, Anderson would completely transform their midfield ranks, which are in dire need of some reinvention, owing to Sandro Tonali and Joelinton consistently falling short of their best.

Smit’s league numbers for AZ

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

24/25

25/26

Games played

18

14

Goals scored

0

2

Assists

0

2

Touches*

38.8

62.7

Accurate passes*

23.3 (85%)

42.7 (89%)

Key passes*

1.3

1.8

Big chances created

3

3

Ball recoveries*

3.3

5.7

Total duels won*

2.9

3.3

Stats by Sofascore

It doesn’t look feasible, unfortunately, that Anderson will be dramatically returning to St James’ Park anytime soon, with Smit perhaps considered the next best thing, based on the table above.

While he does fall short of Anderson in his own ball recovery numbers and duels won tally, it’s clear that the 19-year-old has come on leaps and bounds in such a short space of time in the Eredivisie, as he potentially explodes into life even more in the Premier League, with most of his numbers improving this season for AZ, after a breakout offering during the 2024/25 campaign.

He will be very much a work in progress, but Anderson didn’t sensationally become an £100m-level talent over-night, as Newcastle are all too aware, with Smit’s ability to fire home a blistering rocket such as this strike for the Netherlands U20s further backing up claims that he is a “superb” asset for his age, as he was labelled by a Premier League scout via TeamTALK.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Newcastle transfer insights For detailed transfer breakdowns and stat-driven scouting on targets like Kees Smit, subscribing to the newsletter gives focused Newcastle transfer coverage, player comparisons and recruitment context to help follow the club’s squad plans.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Newcastle will also feel less reliant on Bruno Guimaraes to deliver the goods if Smit can put away some audacious strikes for Howe’s men, with the teenager already dubbed a “difference maker” for his Dutch outfit by analyst and content creator Spencer Mossman.

Landing Smit and turning him into a top-flight-ready performer will finally soften the ongoing blow of Anderson leaving St James’ Park prematurely, with the Forest number eight getting ready for another next big step with Pep Guardiola’s men, away from embarking on a surprising reunion on Tyneside.

Snapping up the much-talked-about Dutchman will also see Howe refresh his ranks for the better, as 2026 goes down as being a potentially positive year for his inconsistent side.

Related Bad for Miley: Newcastle could see £8m bid accepted to sign "complete" star

Newcastle will look to add fresh quality to Howe’s squad in the January transfer window.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

It says something of Mikel Arteta’s insatiable hunger for success that he hopes Arsenal will ring a few changes in the January transfer window, despite the remarkable progress that his side have made this season.

The Premier League table-toppers spent a bucketload last summer, Arteta and the club’s new technical director Andrea Berta having added to an elite crop after three years of finishing second in gruelling title battles.

However, Viktor Gyokeres has flattered to deceive at number nine, while £67m recruit Eberechi Eze has only impressed in flashes.

More sharpness is needed from the Gunners, with Manchester City (and Aston Villa) breathing down their neck.

Arsenal could sign Champions League forward

Manchester City have Erling Haaland as their striker. He has scored 19 times in the Premier League this season, eight more than Igor Thiago behind him. Arsenal’s top scorer is Leandro Trossard with five goals.

Arsenal are in a fantastic position, and Arteta cannot allow any slip-ups this season. With this in mind (and with Man City on the verge of signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth), it might be worth using the winter window to the Londoners’ advantage.

Arteta has already confirmed the Emirates side are “actively looking” at potential deals this month, so perhaps they should consider AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, a long-term target who is riding the crest of a wave in Italy.

Last month, it was made known that Arsenal had made the Portugal international a top target ahead of 2026, though any deal will fall into the ballpark of £75m.

Electric-paced and versatile, Leao has recently reinvented himself as a prolific number nine, and he could help dynamise the Gunners frontline, said to even be keen on a move to north London if the opportunity arose.

Why Leao would be an upgrade on Gyokeres

Long have Arsenal been linked with Leao, whose efforts in Italy over the past several years have established him as “one of the best left wingers in the world”, as has been asserted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Rafael Leao – AC Milan Career

Season

Apps

Goals + Assists

25/26

13

7 + 1

24/25

50

12 + 13

23/24

47

15 + 14

22/23

48

16 + 15

21/22

42

14 + 12

20/21

40

7 + 6

19/20

33

6 + 2

Data via Transfermarkt

But he’s developed under Massimiliano Allegri this season, placed in a central striking berth. This has led to seven goals and an assist from only 13 matches in all competitions, with the manager saying that his talisman “has genius” in his play, and that his predatory instincts in the final third make him an interesting central option.

Leao is still a physical and athletic force, ranking among the top 5% of strikers in Serie A this season for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Arsenal have Gyokeres at the spearhead, but the Swedish striker has left much to be desired since moving to the club from Sporting Lisbon, losing 66% of his duels and 79% of his dribbles in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.

Unlock Arsenal transfer intelligence – subscribe now Subscribe to the newsletter to access in-depth Arsenal transfer coverage and wider transfer-market analysis: detailed scouting reports, tactical-fit analysis, transfer-feasibility breakdowns, and player comparisons focused on Rafael Leão and other frontline targets.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Former Milan coach Stefano Pioli once remarked that Leao is like “the early Thierry Henry”, starting his career out wide before drifting into a focal goalscoring role, one which has paid dividends this season.

Henry, of course, is one of the greatest players in Premier League history, and probably the most iconic Arsenal star of all time. His fleet-footed running and incredible close control married up with deadly finishing that led Arsene Wenger to riches.

If Arsenal and Arteta can land even half the player in Leao, then there’s plenty of reason for fans to get excited.

For now, we wait for any developments in Arsenal’s January transfer plans, but the interest in this snappy star is genuine, and he would surely be interested in moving to north London and becoming a leading man for one of the most exciting projects in Europe.

Related Not just Gyokeres: Arsenal's "one-dimensional" star shouldn't be starting

Arsenal secured their fifth Premier League win on the bounce against Bournemouth on the south coast.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Chelsea have now identified an “incredible” manager as their top target to replace Enzo Maresca, after parting ways with the Italian on New Year’s Day.

Blues searching for new manager after Maresca exit

Following Maresca’s departure, BlueCo aren’t planning to waste any time when it comes to appointing a new manager, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Chelsea will appoint a new manager very soon, not gonna take weeks or a long time. The club is now working on it.

“Liam Rosenior, highly rated internally after an excellent job at Strasbourg, is among the contenders.

“Decision to be made in days, won’t take long.”

The Blues have got a busy month ahead, with eight more fixtures penciled in before the end of January, starting with a difficult trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Sunday.

As such, they could do with appointing a new manager quickly, and Rosenior may be an exciting option, given the job the Englishman has done at Strasbourg, leading the French side to the Europa Conference League last season.

However, the 41-year-old isn’t the first choice option, according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea have now identified Gareth Southgate as their top target to replace Maresca, with the search for a new manager already underway.

The former England boss is the leading candidate for the role, with the board particularly impressed by the job he did with the Three Lions, during which time he displayed an ability to handle pressure from the media.

Not only that, but Southgate’s ability to develop young players is also valued, with the 55-year-old clearly ticking a lot of boxes for BlueCo.

Related Chelsea could finally sack Maresca & hire "one of the best coaches ever"

Chelsea could finally get rid of Enzo Maresca by appointing this standout replacement.

Posts ByKelan Sarson "Incredible" Southgate could be risky appointment for Chelsea

The Englishman has received praise for the job he did with the Three Lions, with Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman saying: “What he has done for English football is just really incredible. Of course, they made the final again, they made the final at the last Euros too. I think he can be very, very proud of himself. I think England is very proud of him and me as a Dutchie, I’m very proud of him too.”

Subscribe for Chelsea manager insights and analysis Get deeper context by subscribing to our newsletter for focused coverage of Chelsea’s managerial search – candidate profiles (Gareth Southgate, Liam Rosenior), tactical fit, youth development implications, and what it means for Stamford Bridge’s ambitions.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Indeed, Southgate led England to two European Championships finals, but they ultimately failed to get over the line, despite having home advantage against Italy back in 2021.

Moreover, the former Middlesbrough boss’s experience at club level is limited, having not managed any team other than England since leaving the Riverside Stadium back in 2009.

Having suffered relegation with Boro, the ex-England manager would be a risky appointment for Chelsea, and they could probably do a lot better, given that Champions League football is on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Shafali Verma continued her superb form, cracking a 42-ball 79 as India brushed aside Sri Lanka once again to win the third T20I in Thiruvananthapuram and complete a series victory.The template was familiar and ruthlessly executed: win the toss, bowl, restrict Sri Lanka, and then stroll through the chase. Just as in the first two matches, India were clinical. Renuka Singh spearheaded the bowling, with support from Deepti Sharma, to keep Sri Lanka to 112 for 7 before Shafali wrapped up the chase with 40 balls to spare.

Renuka returns with a bang

Sri Lanka shuffled their opening combination, leaving out Vishmi Gunaratne and promoting Hasini Perera to partner Chamari Athapaththu. Perera showed early intent, striking two boundaries off Renuka, who returned to the XI in place of Arundhati Reddy, in the first over.India introduced Deepti in the third, and Perera greeted her with another boundary. While Perera looked positive, Athapaththu struggled to find her rhythm, managing just 3 off 12 in a stand worth 25 – Sri Lanka’s highest opening partnership of the series. The pressure told in the fifth over when Athapaththu attempted a cross-batted swipe and top-edged to mid-on, handing Deepti her first wicket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Renuka then turned the screws in her second over of the powerplay. After Perera pierced the infield early in the over, Renuka placed Deepti at short third, a move that paid dividends as Perera edged one straight to the fielder. She fell for 25 off 18, unable to capitalise on her start. Renuka capped off the over in style, having Harshitha Samarawickrama caught and bowled off the final delivery, swinging the powerplay decisively India’s way.From there, the contest drifted into territory that had become all too familiar over the course of the series.

Dulani, Dilhari offer hope

With Sri Lanka at 45 for 4 at the halfway stage, Imesha Dulani – coming into the XI for this match – combined with Kavisha Dilhari to add some much-needed runs for the fifth wicket. Dulani, reprieved on 8 when Shree Charani put down a chance, found the gaps, while Dilhari injected some intent, launching Kranti Gaud for a six.The partnership, however, was short-lived. Deepti ensured it did not go beyond 40 runs, having Dilhari caught at deep midwicket for 20 en route to becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is.India were not flawless in the field, putting down two more chances – Kaushini Nuthyangana on 4 by Gaud and Malsha Shehani on 5 by Deepti – but Sri Lanka failed to make India pay, drifting to 112 for 7 at the end of 20 overs.Shafali Verma’s 79 not out made up 68.7% of India’s total•BCCI

Shafali Shafalies the chase

Shafali set the tone for the chase immediately, launching Shehani for 6, 4 and 4 in the opening over. Smriti Mandhana struggled to find fluency at the other end, but it scarcely mattered with Shafali in full flow. She took on debutant Nimasha Meepage in the third over, picking up two boundaries, before Mandhana fell for 1 in the fourth, also burning a review in the process.Shafali, meanwhile, continued to show her full range. In the fifth over, she took Meepage for 19 runs: starting with an uppish drive to the extra cover boundary, a back-foot whip that raced through midwicket, a full toss that was muscled for six over extra, and finishing the over by dropping to one knee to loft another boundary over cover. By then, she had raced to 43 off just 19 balls, bringing up her half-century in the following over from 24 deliveries. India, on the whole, were 55 for 1.-Dilhari, who had bowled tidily in the fourth over, was reintroduced in the eighth and immediately created a chance, but Jemimah Rodrigues was put down by captain Athapaththu. The miss proved inconsequential as Dilhari struck the very next ball, bowling Rodrigues.Shafali continued to dictate terms, scoring 68.7% of her team’s runs in a completed innings – which is a new national record – and rising to No. 4 on the list of India’s highest run-getters in women’s T20Is.The win, along with a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, marked Harmanpreet Kaur’s 77th as captain, going past Meg Lanning to become the most successful captain in the format.

Cook: keen to carry on from the Rose Bowl, the Australian way © Getty Images

Alastair Cook has warned that England’s 104-run thrashing of India in their one-day opener will count for little unless they back it up during the remaining six games of the series. England’s best limited-overs display since before the World Cup saw Cook and Ian Bell both score maiden centuries before James Anderson’s career-best return finished the deal.Cook, who laid the platform with a patient 102, said: “The ability to tough out a result when you’re up against it is a skill that good teams have, it is what Australia have done for so long and it really only comes with the experience of winning matches. That is the next challenge for us.”We’re really excited about what we did on Tuesday but it will mean very little if it stands out on its own for the rest of the summer.”Cook, 22, said consistency was the key to England improving their low standing in one-day cricket. “There is no point putting in one performance like that with two hundreds and then forgetting about it.”Cook’s place in the one-day line-up was under scrutiny after five previous appearances had not even yielded a half-century. Bell too was under pressure before scoring a hundred in what was his 48th ODI. “I’d played a few games and got a couple of forties but I hadn’t really made a score so to get to three figures, especially at the start of your career, is always nice,” said Cook. “It shows you and everyone else that you can do it. Now it’s up to me to repeat it as I have done in Test-match cricket.”England will again be without left-arm pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom for Friday’s match and Monday’s third fixture at Edgbaston after he failed to overcome a side strain he sustained during the third and final Test against India at The Oval nearly two weeks ago.

ScorecardSussex followed up their C&G Trophy success with an impressive seven-wicket victory against Durham in the Pro40 to keep their hopes of a treble alive. Richard Montgomerie carried them most of the way towards their target after James Kirtley, riding high after his match-winning effort on Saturday, bagged three wickets.Kirtley and Yasir Arafat knocked the stuffing out of Durham’s innings as they slumped to 10 for 3. That became 40 for 4 when Ben Harmison fell to Luke Wright and, although Gareth Breese’s 50 led a recovery, Durham could only muster a modest total. Robin Martin-Jenkins produced a miserly spell with the ball, as his eight overs cost just 10 runs with four maidens.Matt Prior fell early in the chase, but Chris Nash added 66 for the second wicket with Montgomerie. Chris Adams was at the crease to complete the formalities and Sussex had a massive 82 balls to spare.

ScorecardGraeme Skennar and Tom Cooper put on a blistering 118-run opening partnership for the first wicket as Australia coasted to 231 for 4 in just 34.3 overs in pursuit of India’s 230 at Mohali.Skennar blasted seven fours and four sixes in his 64 of just 45 balls, while Cooper’s 62 was a relatively patient effort but still included eight fours and two sixes. India hit back with three quick wickets to reduce Asutralia to 139 for 3 but David Warner (34 not out) and Moises Henriques (42) did not panic and took Australia home.India failed to make use of an excellent pitch at Mohali as none of their batsmen, except Piyush Shukla who made 55, played an innings of any significance. As many as nine bowlers were used by Australia as India were dismissed within their 50 overs.The five-match series is now tied at one a piece as the teams travel to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh for the next two matches.