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Newcastle United have an injury concern over Joelinton before they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Knee injury

The 26-year-old was taken off at half-time at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s side won 1-0 win at home to Everton on Wednesday night.

The midfielder was replaced by Joe Willock after picking up a suspected knee injury in the first half, and concerns were heightened given that there were reports of him suffering ‘considerable pain‘.

The Latest: Joelinton injury doubt

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Spurs, Howe has confirmed that after a ‘knock’ on Joelinton’s knee against the Toffees, there is ‘potentially an issue’ and it is ‘unclear’ whether he will play any part for Newcastle this weekend.

The Magpies boss said of the Brazilian: “He had a knock to the side of his knee. We thought he could run it off but when he said he had to come off at half-time we knew there was potentially an issue there. We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment it’s still slightly unclear.”

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The Verdict: Worrying

Howe’s comments on Joelinton are worrying, as they suggest that the midfielder may not be risked at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 26-year-old has been Newcastle’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League so far this term, delivering one assist and scooping one man-of-the-match award (WhoScored).

He also ranks highly among his team-mates in terms of average shots, aerial duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, key passes, dribbles, crosses and through balls per match (WhoScored).

Joelinton is like a completely different player in his new midfield role, and the Magpies are a better team when the Brazilian is in it.

Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne ‘could be out for the foreseeable future’, according to Football London journalist Robert Warlow.

The Lowdown: Andersen doubts

The Eagles have been without a number of first-team squad members this season, with Jack Butland, Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur all yet to feature in 2022/23.

Centre-back Joachim Andersen then joined the trio on the treatment table after suffering a calf injury in training. The 26-year-old is thought to be a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Leeds United, and it looks as if Clyne may join the Denmark international on the treatment table.

The Latest: Clyne claim

Reporter Warlow looked at Palace’s injury issues in a story for football.london on Wednesday.

He said that Clyne, hailed as a hard-working player by Patrick Vieira earlier this year, could be out for the ‘foreseeable future’ after suffering an ankle injury against Chelsea at the weekend.

The Verdict: Not ideal

Clyne has featured in every Premier League matchday squad so far this season, making seven appearances, so knowing he could be set for a spell on the sidelines isn’t ideal.

Vieira used Joel Ward at centre-back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, however, he may now be forced into more changes at the back.

James Tomkins replaced Clyne, so he could come in from the off at centre-back, should Andersen not feature, while Ward could return to his more natural right-back role in place of Clyne.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes the Hoops should turn down the opportunity to sign transfer target Oscar Gloukh.

The Lowdown: Gloukh linked with Celtic move

Ange Postecoglou’s side may be firing on all cylinders at the moment but that doesn’t mean that new players won’t be necessary during the January transfer window to reinforce the squad ahead of the run in.

One player who has been linked with a move to Parkhead is Gloukh, who is impressing for Maccabi Tel Aviv having scored six goals and registered four assists in 20 appearances. He is allegedly on a list of Ange’s targets going into 2023.

It would mean the 18-year-old linking up with countryman Liel Abada at Celtic, although that isn’t a scenario that is seen as universally popular.

The Latest: McAvennie negative about transfer

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie was asked about the Israeli link-up, claiming it could have the potential to create cliques within the squad – something that could be damaging:

“I think the manager’s got that covered because he’s got a team full of internationals from all over the world. Abada’s only 20, it’s still hard but you don’t want that in the dressing room. You want them all mixing. You don’t want to get cliques.

“I think they’ve got a good harmony in the dressing room.

“I think they understand that they’re playing football. It’s a lonely place but there’s people at Celtic that have got that covered. Especially the manager. He treats them all like his sons and I can see that kind of harmony in the dressing room.”

The Verdict: Slight overreaction

While McAvennie’s argument possibly has some sense to it, with team spirit so vital in football, it does feel like an overreaction in general.

Gloukh and Abada should be professional enough to not cause a division in Postecoglou’s group and having his quality around would further increase Celtic’s chances of success.

The teenage attacker has been hailed as a ‘special’ player Gil Vermouth and could be considered a long-term addition who can grow into a formidable prospect into his 20s.

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is now waiting on Nottingham Forest to complete his move to the City Ground, according to Media Foot (via SportWitness).

The Lowdown: Previous reports

Nearly two weeks ago, Sky Sports reported that Forest were close to signing the 24-year-old from the Ligue 1 side, following news of a collapsed move to Real Betis.

However, just a few days later, Foot Mercato reported that talks between the two clubs had broken down after a second bid was rejected, despite the fact the player had come to an agreement with Steve Cooper’s side.

The Latest: Forest now closing in on Aouar

Media Foot (via SportWitness) have now disclosed that the midfielder has personally been ‘in agreement’ with Forest for the past ‘two weeks’ and is ‘waiting for the green light’ to confirm his move to the Premier League club.

It is believed that this could be completed in ‘a very short amount of time’, as the Reds are ready to make an offer deemed acceptable by Lyon.

The news outlet state that ‘considering the financial demands’ from the French side, ‘the deal can happen very quickly’.

Media Foot thus suggest that the deal ‘could be concluded by the end of the week-end’.

The Verdict: Huge signing

Just a few seasons ago, Aouar was one of the hottest players dominating European football – the Frenchman received plaudits from some of the biggest names in the game.

Once hailed ‘incredible’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and ‘fantastic’ by Premier League superstar Kevin de Bruyne, the most impressive compliment of which actually came from one of the greatest players to ever live – Lionel Messi.

Having once named Aouar in his list of top 15 young players to watch, the Argentine legend claimed: “He is always calm with the ball at his feet with an excellent technical quality.”

Although his stock may have dipped in the past few years, his arrival at the City Ground would be a huge coup for Forest.

Leeds United are considering a move for Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bamford injury

The Whites continued their unbeaten start to the season on Saturday with a 2-2 draw at Southampton. Rodrigo netted twice in the second half after Jesse Marsch moved the Spaniard into a centre-forward role after another injury to Patrick Bamford.

Marsch confirmed after the game that Bamford was suffering with an abductor issue, while Joe Gelhardt also missed the trip with a minor injury.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones, talking to GiveMeSport in a story shared on Saturday evening, said that Brereton Diaz is on Leeds’ list and that a move is being considered.

“There’s a few backup options for them, Brereton Diaz is one of them and he’s one they’re considering.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Saturday just emphasised that a new forward is needed at Elland Road before the deadline, and Brereton Diaz could be a shrewd signing.

He’s primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required, so could fit Marsch’s narrow formation with inverted wingers perfectly.

The Chile international, who journalist Josh Bunting has called ‘sensational’, has just come off the back of his best season in front of goal with 22 Championship goals in 37 appearances during 2021/22 and even scored against West Brom on Sunday.

Brereton Diaz is still just 23 years of age, so you’d like to think he can still improve on his already impressive game, and a move to the Premier League seems inevitable, especially as he is into the final 12 months of his Ewood Park contract.

Newcastle United are ‘tempted’ to make another move to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Magpies interested

The Magpies have been extensively linked with a move for Maddison this summer and are believed to have seen a £50million offer rejected earlier in the window.

Leicester are understood to be looking for a figure closer to £60million for the 25-year-old England international, who has amassed 78 direct goal contributions in 171 outings for the Midlands club.

Despite the lofty figures involved, one well-informed onlooker has suggested that Newcastle could be about to rekindle their pursuit of Maddison…

The latest: ‘Tempted’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – has claimed that the North East outfit are ‘tempted’ to bid again for the one-cap ace.

He said: “They’re tempted to go one more time for James Maddison. They’ve been weighing it up. The thing that they really like about James Maddison is that he’s quite flexible in what he can bring to them.

“If you look at Newcastle at the weekend, what [Miguel] Almiron and [Allan] Saint-Maximin offer, it’s just not quite there in terms of if you’re going to knock on the door of the top six. They’re just probably going to be short of the creativity needed.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Signing a player of Maddison’s proven Premier League quality would be a significant statement of intent from PIF, particularly in light of the long-term injury suffered by current Toon creator Jonjo Shelvey.

Linked elsewhere to Everton starlet Anthony Gordon, it appears as though Dan Ashworth is still attempting to bolster the forward-thinking options at St James’ Park and the Leicester mainstay, who has successfully completed 255 dribbles in his top flight career, could be the ideal candidate.

Last season, the man dubbed a ‘special talent’ by Henry Winter scored 18 times and provided 12 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions before picking up where he left off this term with an assist in a 7.70 Sofascore-rated display against Brentford at the weekend.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), paying the mooted asking price for Maddison would still represent impressive business and could go a long way towards kickstarting the next phase of the Newcastle project under Eddie Howe.

Newcastle United have been given a boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Alexander Isak…

What’s the word?

Recently, the Telegraph claimed that the Real Sociedad frontman was top of manager Eddie Howe’s wishlist as he looks to bolster his frontline at St James’ Park.

But it’s believed it would take a club record to lure him away from Spain, with the Sweden international holding a £70m release clause in his current contract.

90min also suggested that Isak was not for sale, though it appears the situation has now changed.

“Alexander Isak has been told he can leave, but only at the right price,” transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“He is very open-minded about the situation, but I’m told he does have his eye on the Premier League. Obviously, there is the Newcastle link, but we could yet see others make a play for him.”

Time to strike

With the northeast outfit receiving a green light to make their move, it’s time for sporting director Dan Ashworth to urge PIF to splash the cash on the Sociedad talisman as soon as possible.

There are less than three weeks until the start of the new Premier League season and Howe is left with two options and both have question marks. Chris Wood, signed in January, has only scored twice since his £25m move from Burnley, whilst Callum Wilson has regularly struggled with injuries.

Isak has been a prolific sensation for club and country – he has bagged nine goals in 37 caps for Sweden.

The 6 foot 4 marksman has earned plenty of praise as a result of his obvious quality and goalscoring ability, and he doesn’t just offer goals.

Once dubbed an “exceptional talent” by BBC presenter and former Premier League striker Gary Lineker, Isak ranks within the top 5% of his positional peers across Europe for dribbles completed, managing 1.87 per 90.

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, now also a pundit, is also a big fan of the Swede.

“This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team,” he claimed during BBC’s coverage of Sweden vs Spain (via football.london). “He was a nuisance. He showed today why he’s got Young Player of the Year in La Liga.”

On the above evidence, Isak could well be the answer to Newcastle’s attacking woes and now that the door has opened, PIF would be foolish to not strike.

AND in other news, Contact made: NUFC keen on deal for “unbelievable” £40m gem, just imagine him & ASM…

A big update has emerged on Newcastle and their interest in Lucas Paqueta and Arnaut Danjuma in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has confirmed that the Magpies are not planning moves for either of them ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “It’s very quiet on transfers as I said it would be. NUFC haven’t had any bids for players they don’t need and are continuing to wait for right attacking players to become available. Told it’s very relaxed but Paqueta still a no as is Danjuma from Villarreal in this window.”

The reporter then added: “Suspect it will remain slow for a week or so yet. To bring in three players before end of June means NUFC can focus on attacking needs. Told it’s about getting the “right players” not just the ones they’ve been offered or know would come. That’s the hard part.”

Supporters will be frustrated

The update on Paqueta and Danjuma will leave Toon supporters frustrated as they would both be excellent signings for the club.

Newcastle are in need of reinforcements in attack and both of them are players capable of making a big impact in the final third. In the Premier League last season, no Magpies attacker managed more than eight goals or more than five assists, suggesting that Eddie Howe needs additional firepower.

Meanwhile, Paqueta produced nine goals and six assists for Lyon in Ligue 1 – playing as a central and attacking midfielder. The Brazilian also managed nine strikes and set up five in his first campaign in France, showing that he has the quality to chip in with goals from midfield.

Danjuma enjoyed a fantastic season in Spain with Villarreal. He scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 27 starts across La Liga and the Champions League, after racking up 15 goals and seven assists in the Championship for Bournemouth in 2020/21.

These statistics show that both of them can score and assist goals – from midfield and out wide – and would improve the Newcastle squad if they carried their levels of production over to England.

The Dutch attacker scored twice as many goals as any Newcastle player and the Lyon maestro would have topped the charts in both goals and assists. This illustrates the level of impact they have the potential to make and that is why fans will be gutted that the club will not be signing either of them.

AND in other news, “Lots of talk..”: Keith Downie drops exciting NUFC transfer claim that’ll elate Howe…

Everton are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and a new potential transfer target has now been identified.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, the Merseysiders have approached Burnley with an interest in signing winger Dwight McNeil.

The Toffees join fellow Premier League clubs Fulham, Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Newcastle United with their interest in the 22-year-old.

Another Anthony Gordon

Everton desperately need to identify players who can make an instant positive impact on the team after a difficult and disappointing season for Frank Lampard’s side, and McNeil could certainly add a fresh perspective to the attack.

The 22-year-old was solid for Burnley last season despite their relegation from the Premier League, and although he scored no league goals, he proved that he can offer a formidable presence in his position.

McNeil delivered one assist and created six big chances, making 1.3 key passes and 2.1 tackles and taking 1.4 shots per game, whilst winning the majority of his duels (54%) and also proving successful in the majority of his dribble attempts (60%).

The £72k-per-week gem. who was called “dangerous” and a “real talent” by his former Burnley boss Sean Dyche, has been most comparable to Anthony Gordon in recent months according to FBRef.

Gordon scored four more goals in 2021/22, but McNeil’s attempted more shots with 52 compared to the Everton winger’s 44, while the Clarets ace is more accurate in his pass completion with 69.4% compared to Gordon’s 66.7%.

With that in mind, Everton could add greater depth to their right side by acquiring the services of the 22-year-old, who can also offer defensive attributes and better passing accuracy in games where Lampard’s side may be struggling to retain possession of the ball.

Ultimately, it could be another great piece of business for Farhad Moshiri if he can get a deal over the line for McNeil at a cut-price fee due to Burnley’s relegation, although he could have huge competition from other Premier League clubs so will duly need to offer something special to complete the signing.

AND in other news: Everton could land major Allan upgrade with swoop for £51m gem who’s “one of the best” 

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future

Amid rumours of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Ukraine international decided to put discussions over his future on hold as his nation pushed for World Cup qualification.

Following an unfortunate defeat to Wales in the play-off final, clubs are now hoping to find out in the near future exactly what the 25-year-old’s next move will be.

Rumours of a City departure have arisen, with the defender understood to be eager to secure more regular game-time, having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Collings’ update on Zinchenko

It has been recently reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ukrainian this summer, as they look to add versatile depth to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Collings has now shared the latest transfer news involving the 25-year-old, as he claimed: “Arsenal and West Ham two of the clubs interested in Zinchenko.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

With first-choice Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell now approaching his 33rd birthday, West Ham could be looking to sign an adequate replacement this summer.

At just 25 years old, Zinchenko is already Premier League proven, given his 76 appearances in the English top flight and the 11 trophies he has won at the Etihad.

Also, compared with Cresswell, the City left-back had a greater passing accuracy rate and more tackles, interceptions, crosses and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, as per FBRef.

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and person by his manager Pep Guardiola, the Ukraine international would be an asset to many top teams, given his versatility to play as a full-back or in midfield.

When combined with his outstanding attitude and work ethic, Zinchenko’s prospective arrival at the London Stadium would be a great signing for David Moyes.

In other news: Irons now close to agreement for this transfer target