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Crystal Palace could retain an interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah after their efforts to secure his signature over the summer were rebuffed, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

The Eagles were first linked with the 22-year-old in the previous transfer window when The Athletic claimed that Palace were willing to pay £10m for the youngster, but a deal couldn’t be agreed between the two clubs as the Gunners were holding out for a £20m fee.

Now though, with the January window fast approaching, Barclay believes the south London outfit could try their luck again as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to add further reinforcements to his forward line.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There was big interest in Nketiah in the summer, he’s out of contract next summer.

“But he’s 22, which means he’s under 24 so Arsenal would be due some compensation, so it wouldn’t be a free transfer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they retained interest in Nketiah, though.”

Crystal Palace need him

A recent report by TransferMarketWeb claimed the former England U21 international could be available for as little as €12m (£10m) this winter due to his contract situation, a fee that could prove to be an absolute bargain in years to come.

He was dubbed “so incredibly prolific” by football scout Jacek Kulig after a string of impressive performances for Arsenal that has seen him rack up a combined haul of 16 goals and assists. Sadly, Nketiah has found opportunities hard to come by in recent months.

After receiving just 173 minutes of first-team action this term – all coming in the Carabao Cup – Nketiah has made his desire to depart north London known to Mikel Arteta, meaning an imminent exit could be on the cards.

With Christian Beneteke set to turn 31 next month, and loanee Jean-Philippe Mateta expected to return to his parent club early, Vieira and Palace will need extra attacker options over the coming months, and Nketiah could be the ideal solution.

And, in other news…Journo drops big claim over Palace “warrior” who Vieira loves, fans will be delighted 

Manchester United are still yet to announce their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer, but with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino strong favourites, a new name has been thrown into the mix as the club steps up their recruitment.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese news outlet UOL, the Man United board are considering a third candidate in Carlo Ancelotti, with the club reportedly making an approach for the Real Madrid manager.

Ancelotti is said to be ‘seen with good eyes’ behind the scenes at the Premier League club and although they may pursue the Italian, they will have a challenge to take him away from La Liga with Real Madrid in a good position in both the league and Champions League.

Ronaldo will love it

There have been numerous reports about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford, with rumours that the Portuguese goal machine could leave if the club does not qualify for Champions League football at the end of the season, however his relationship with Ancelotti could save the Red Devils from losing their star.

Ronaldo has a very close relationship with the 62-year-old manager after they worked together at Real Madrid from 2013 to 2015, and once said that he does “miss” his former gaffer in an interview with ESPN:

“He’s an unbelievable person. I just wish every player could have an opportunity to work with him because he’s a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and I miss him a lot because we won many trophies together.”

Ancelotti has a large number of major achievements under his belt with three Champions Leagues, a Premier League title, a Ligue 1 title, a Serie A triumph and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies to name a few, and a serial winner to lead the dressing room is something Manchester United are desperate for.

The Red Devils have not won a trophy since 2017, leaving them in their longest drought without a trophy in 40 years so it would be no surprise if the powers at Old Trafford are keen on signing up the Italian manager to fill up the trophy cabinet once again and inspire a winning ethos in the squad.

There is no doubt that appointing Ancelotti this summer would boost the chances of Ronaldo staying at the club next season, and would also put the side in with a great chance of winning trophies. However, it would take something very special to tear him away from Real Madrid.

In other news: MUFC manager update from sources close to the players will leave fans livid

Newcastle United now have less than two weeks to complete their transfer business and with plenty of large holes still to fill, it seems an uphill task for their new owners, PIF, and the club’s recruitment team.

Unfortunately, life isn’t getting any easier for those behind the scenes with the Magpies dealt regular blows in their quest to land their primary targets.

What’s the word?

This has been a troubling January window for Eddie Howe’s side, even if they have managed to acquire Chris Wood from Burnley and more impressively, Kieran Trippier from La Liga holders Atletico Madrid.

However, they have failed to lure Sven Botman to St James’ Park and now they face rather unwanted competition from a league rival to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla.

Another player of note in a different position is Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard. It’s thought the club are interested in him and were working on a deal this week, only for it to be rebuffed.

An improved offer could yet see a deal go through but according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, a move would appear to be complicated.

He told readers in a Q&A: “At this stage, it is unclear whether the 29-year-old would actually be willing to join Newcastle, be it on loan or permanently, with reports claiming Lingard is keen to return to London, and with some sources claiming he would expect to receive significantly more than Newcastle’s highest earners.

“Also, just as Newcastle were rebuffed when they made tentative contact about loaning Dean Henderson, the goalkeeper, there is a suspicion that Manchester United may keep hold of Lingard and other fringe players due to a fear that another [virus] outbreak could deplete their resources.”

Howe surely gutted

Although the defence remains a key area for Newcastle to strengthen, it’s incredibly vital they add more creativity and goals to their armoury this winter too.

After all, without the ability to score goals on a regular basis, they will continue to sink further towards the Championship.

The arrival of Wood should undoubtedly help their offensive line look more menacing but the supply line behind him is still missing a touch of spice.

Allan Saint-Maximin is their chief creator with three assists but only two other members of the playing squad can say they’ve supplied more than one goal in the Premier League this term.

As a result, a player as dynamic and magical as Lingard would do the trick, certainly on a loan deal where limited finances would be expended.

The England international proved what a success he can be in the top-flight this time last year when he joined West Ham in a temporary move that was a roaring triumph.

During his stint under David Moyes, the United midfielder scored nine times but also assisted further five strikes for his teammates in just 16 outings.

Keeping that in mind, it will be a great shame if Newcastle fail to land him before the window slams shut and Howe will be particularly frustrated too.

AND in other news, Howe can find NUFC’s new Cabaye in “ruthless” gem once dubbed “world-class”…

Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian reporter Carlo Laudisa has made a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyes striker…

As per The Athletic, it is believed that a new centre-forward is on the agenda at Spurs as transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte eye alternatives to Harry Kane.

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The most hotly-linked forward by some distance has been Fiorentina hotshot Dusan Vlahovic with Spurs long credited to swoop for the Serbian.

There have been other names mentioned, like Mauro Icardi previously, but Laudisa has now made an exciting claim involving Premier League star Lukaku.

The Latest: Journalist makes exciting Lukaku claim…

According to the La Gazzetta journalist, the Chelsea forward could ‘decide to follow Conte to Tottenham’ in the summer, with his Stamford Bridge return making him unhappy thus far.

Indeed, amid his unrest at the Blues, it is believed that Spurs have emerged as a possible 2022 destination for the Belgium international.

The Verdict: Big claim…

This piece of news certainly comes as an exciting claim out of Italy, especially considering Lukaku’s obvious pedigree and the fact he has shone under Conte before at Inter.

Indeed, the 28-year-old bagged 47 goals and 13 assists in just two full Serie A seasons during the duo’s time together at the San Siro, and he has continued in that fashion when given the opportunity under Thomas Tuchel.

Managing to score consistently over his limited appearances, the German has called Lukaku ‘world class’ for his contribution at times over 2021/22 despite the recent unease between the pair.

It is clear that Lukaku has ability, but the devil is in the details, with Chelsea arguably unwilling to sell such an impactful, big-name player to a direct rival like Spurs. It is also debatable whether the Lilywhites could afford such a swoop given that Lukaku is valued at around £90m by Transfermarkt and commands a seismic £350,000-per-week pay package.

While Lukaku being linked with Spurs comes as a very interesting development, we believe that a move is less than likely later in the year.

In other news: ‘Absolute no brainer’…Sky Sports pundit thrilled by ‘exciting’ transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Newcastle United are back in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing Mitchel Bakker in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

While the Magpies continue to work on a deal to sign Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, it appears they still have their irons in several fires, with Bakker now well and truly back in the equation.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Ryan Taylor said: “Newcastle have revived talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Mitchel Bakker. Deal looked dead in water. Personal terms have already been discussed. #NUFC”

Fans will be buzzing

After clinching deals for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood earlier this month, Newcastle’s recruitment team are ramping into overdrive heading into this final week of the January transfer window.

They seem to have pipped Arsenal in the race to sign Bruno, and have now come back to the table for Bakker.

The latter has had extensive experience of playing for some big clubs in Europe, with stints at Ajax, PSG and Leverkusen to his name.

Able to play at left-back, but also further forward or even in central defence as he has done in his career before, Bakker looks like the perfect versatile player who Newcastle could really do with in the second-half of this campaign.

With injuries and the virus wreaking havoc across the Premier League, having players like Bakker who can fill multiple positions when required gives managers a welcome option if and when things begin to get tough with their squad.

The £9m-rated star would be another fine signing for the Magpies, and have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has dropped an exciting Newcastle United transfer update on Bruno Guimaraes…

As per Italian newspaper La Repubblica, relayed by Sport Witness and Calcio Napoli 24, an update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans for Lorenzo Insigne.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Insigne…

Recent claims have suggested that Spurs and manager Antonio Conte are very much in the frame to sign Insigne as his contract winds down at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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The Napoli star can leave for free at the end of this season as things stand with his current deal set to expire in 2022 and there is still no sign of an extension.

This has apparently alerted Tottenham with journalist Fabio Santini saying earlier this week that the Lilywhites have entered pole position and Conte is personally ‘crazy about’ about signing him (7 Gold via Area Napoli).

The Latest: Insigne update emerges…

According to La Repubblica, via SW and CalcioNapoli, Tottenham are ‘ready to come forward with a low cost offer’ for the Italy international next month.

They claim this will even be ‘at the beginning of January’ as Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici eyes an early window swoop for one of Conte’s top targets.

The Verdict: No brainer?

While the 30-year-old doesn’t come with much sell-on value given his age, signing Insigne would be an absolute no brainer for free.

The 53-cap star, shining under Roberto Mancini at Euro 2020, has maintained that fine form at club level with four goals and five assists already this Serie A campaign.

Insigne has also averaged a much higher rate of shots on goal per 90 (3.5) over 2021/2022 so far than any Tottenham player – highlighting his obvious threat going forward (WhoScored).

Having always been prolific for a natural winger, amassing 114 goals over his senior Napoli career, he can also play as a second striker when called upon – gifting Conte another option further forward (Transfermarkt).

Lauded as ‘relentless’ by pundit Tony Cascarino during his summer exploits with Italy, Spurs could be targeting a perfect attacker.

In other news: Levy now open to another big name exit as Conte tells Spurs to sell ‘magnificent’ man, find out more here.

As West Ham United manager David Moyes gears up for a crunch clash with Lyon in the Europa League tonight, it appears he is now been dealt a big blow.

The Lowdown: Hammers hunt for history…

Following their historic last 16 tie with Sevilla, which resulted in West Ham knocking out the competition’s most successful ever side, Moyes’ men now prepare for their quarter-final second leg clash with Lyon.

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Their first bout at the London Stadium ended 1-1 after Tanguy Ndombele’s equaliser cancelled out an opening goal courtesy of Jarrod Bowen, finely balancing the second leg in France tonight.

In terms of team news, Moyes has been potentially boosted by the absence of key Lyon stars, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and attacker Lucas Paqueta set to miss the crunch clash.

However, in a major blow, the Scotsman will now be without his mainstay defender Kurt Zouma – who joins Angelo Ogbonna on the sidelines.

The Latest: Irons confirm blow…

Indeed, as confirmed by the club, West Ham’s centre-back will miss tonight through injury alongside Ogbonna who’s still recovering from knee surgery.

“West Ham confirm that Kurt Zouma is ruled out for Thursday’s second leg vs Lyon,” relayed Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard.

“He’ll stay in London for further tests on his ankle.”

The Verdict: Major setback…

Without both Ogbonna and Zouma, the Irons may have to turn to a defensive partnership of Issa Diop and Craig Dawson, with Moyes even hinting at the possibility of using Rice in that role.

The former Chelsea star’s absence seems set to cause a major headache for West Ham with the player’s quality also undeniable.

According to WhoScored, no Hammers player has averaged a better rate of clearances per 90 in the Premier League than Zouma this term – backing just how solid and dependable he can be at the back.

French football correspondent Jonathan Johnson for CBS Sports heaped praise on the 27-year-old during his rise to becoming a star defender, branding Zouma a ‘sensational player’ with a ‘bright future’ for France (Twitter).

He was proven right going by his performances in the Premier League over these last few seasons and there is little denying he will be a big miss for West Ham and Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham now eyeing in-demand £21.6 million-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move…find out more here.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has enjoyed a perfect start to life at Ibrox with two wins out of two in charge of Rangers this month.

The Dutch head coach led his team to a 2-0 victory against Sparta Prague in the Europa League last week, before beating Livingston 3-1 away from home on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership.

Prominence

One player who has immediately benefitted from his arrival is Calvin Bassey, who has started both games for the Gers as a centre-back despite being a left-back by trade and has duly shot to prominence.

Borna Barisic and the ex-Leicester man have been battling it out to start on the left-side of the defence this season, with Steven Gerrard often alternating between them. However, Bassey may have found his new place in the team on a regular basis in a centre-back role.

An injury to Leon Balogun after the 3-1 defeat to Hibernian caused an issue for Van Bronckhorst ahead of his first game. Instead of making the easy decision of playing natural centre-back Jack Simpson alongside Connor Goldson, he put his faith in Bassey and has been rewarded so far.

Leicester City under-23 manager Steven Beaglehole previously dubbed the 21-year-old “phenomenal” and that would be a great way to describe his application to playing at the heart of defence in the last two games.

In the win over Sparta, he was outstanding at the back. As per SofaScore, he won all three of his duels on the pitch, as he made two clearances and one tackle. He also had 66 touches of the ball and completed 84% of his passes as he showed that he could play out from the back effectively against good opposition.

Van Bronckhorst then placed his trust in him again as he started against Livingston. As per SofaScore, he won eight of his 11 duels and made one clearance, three tackles and two blocks as the Gers won 3-1. He also had a whopping 93 touches and completed 91% of his attempted passes, including all three of his long passes.

In the two games combined, he has won 11 duels out of 14 competed and had 159 touches of the ball. This shows how important he has been to Rangers both defensively and in possession in Van Bronckhorst’s first two games in charge, as he has been pivotal to their defending and their progressive play on the ball from centre-back.

Hopefully he will continue to shine in this position and go from strength to strength under the Dutchman. Whilst he has played in the role previously for Gerrard, he has never had a sustained run of games there, and this could be his opportunity to do so.

AND in other news, “Rangers are planning”: Journo drops exciting Ibrox update that fans will surely love…

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Marcos Senesi in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: No Botman?

Sky Sports have reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have had a second bid rejected for Sven Botman, with Lille valuing him closer to £35m.

Despite their riches, it is a lot of money to pay for a player in January, and so the North East club may now look at other targets in the centre-back position, with Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile being mentioned as a potential alternative.

Nonetheless, with Kieran Trippier already through the door and Chris Wood looking like he will follow, it is set to be a very busy window for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The Latest: Senesi eyed

As per journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Tyneside outfit, as well as Brighton and Hove Albion, are now ‘eyeing’ up a move for Senesi, as they look to strengthen their options in the heart of the defence.

The Magpies have the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, and so bringing in a new centre-half will be one of the priorities for the new owners over the next few weeks.

The Verdict: Get it done

If Botman becomes unattainable, then Senesi could be a cheaper and in some ways maybe even better alternative.

Nicknamed ‘The Gladiator’ by Feyenoord fans, the six-foot-one colossus is exactly the kind of character needed for a relegation battle, and at 24 years of age, still has his best years ahead of him.

Comparing him to Botman in their respective domestic leagues so far this term, Senesi actually averaged more tackles and interceptions per game, while he has also chipped in with two goals and two assists from centre-back (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, he could be a great alternative to Botman, should they be able to get a deal over the line.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now set to bid for here!

With Joe Gelhardt beginning to make an impression on Leeds United’s first-team in recent weeks, Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be keeping a close eye on some of the club’s brightest young academy prospects.

If he had his sights on the Yorkshire club’s FA Youth Cup contest against Coventry City in midweek, then he would have been left suitably impressed by one teenager in particular – Max Dean.

The 17-year-old netted twice as the Whites ran out 4-1 winners away from home, with both of his finishes distinctly different in nature: one a well-timed effort from a cut-back, and another latching onto a through ball over the top over the Coventry defence.

Aside from his impressive FA Youth Cup display, he has also been shining at under-23 level too, scoring three goals in eight games in Premier League 2 and also netting once in the EFL Trophy away to Salford.

It’s been no surprise that Leeds’ under-23 boss Mark Jackson has waxed lyrical about the forward and his character, saying: “You don’t have to prepare it with Deano. Deano’s a fiery character, I don’t like to quash that in him. He’s got an edge to him and how he plays – and I like that in his personality.

“Yes he gets frustrated at times and we have to curtail it but his hunger to press and work hard and his hunger to score goals is really apparent.”

In late October, despite a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, Jackson showered Dean with more praise, saying: “I spoke to Max before the game. When he first came to the club, he had a real intensity about his play, really aggressive style in how he pressed and how he competed – we have chats with the players all the time and there’s been stages where we think that’s sort of dipped off a little bit in recent games.

“We’ve had a few chats recently with Max, and particularly before the game, I said ‘listen, you need to try and get back to those moments when you were playing in the 23s last year’. I thought he took that conversation well and he took it on board today and he had a much more positive performance.”

The 17-year-old could well be the next big thing at Elland Road if he continues to improve with the under-23s.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope dropped an early morning setback for Leeds United…