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Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey may be ‘ahead of schedule’ in his injury recovery, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery. 

The lowdown

Shelvey has yet to play for the Magpies this season after undergoing hamstring injury back in August, but Eddie Howe revealed last week that he’s back on the grass at Darsley Park.

It’s a crucial season for the 30-year-old, who must convince the club of his worthiness for a new contract ahead of the expiry of his current deal in June.

He currently features on an injury list that also includes Karl Darlow (ankle), Elliott Anderson (niggle), Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin (both thigh) and Emil Krafth (ACL).

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery suggested that Shelvey may now be on course to return before the World Cup in November.

He says it could still be another month and a half before the Englishman is back in action, particularly as Newcastle will likely exercise caution.

But there’s no denying that it would be a ‘massive bonus’ for Eddie Howe and Newcastle if he was to make an early comeback.

“The initial timeline suggested that we could be looking at about 12 weeks.

“That’s a realistic assumption with this sort of injury. It appears that he might be ahead of schedule, however.

“The initial timeline might have seen him held back until after the World Cup break. But now, the aim is certainly going to be before that break.

“Realistically, even though he is back on the training pitches, it could be another four to six weeks. We know hamstring problems are prone to re-injury.

“You don’t really know how a player will respond to an increased workload until they are in the thick of it. The road to recovery is never straight. There are always bumps along the way.

“We know Howe is a massive, massive fan of Shelvey. You can argue that they are missing someone like that at the moment, someone who can unlock doors with his range of passing.

“If he was to return before the end of November, that would be a massive bonus for Newcastle.”

The verdict

With Callum Wilson due to return after the international break, this represents more good news on the injury front for Newcastle.

£70,000-per-week man Shelvey can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, ranking in the 77th percentile among central midfielders in the big five leagues for shots per 90 and the 74th for clearances (via FBRef).

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh concurs with Dinnery’s assessment, describing Shelvey as a ‘huge’ miss for Newcastle after the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend.

Indeed, journalist Andrew Musgrove has accused alternative midfield options Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff of ‘not stepping up’ so far this season.

Newcastle United will no doubt be one of a handful of sides who are currently ruing their inability to sign Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghana international having thrust himself into wider focus following his sensational display against Rangers in midweek.

Reports late last month had suggested that the Magpies were one of the clubs who were eyeing a possible swoop before deadline day, while fellow Premier League side Everton were also believed to be in talks regarding a potential deal.

As it proved, despite the 22-year-old reportedly going on strike, no departure came to fruition, with his current boss Alfred Schreuder having insisted that he wanted to keep the youngster having already seen a host of top talent leave the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Managing to keep the 5 foot 10 sensation – who was reportedly the subject of a £15m bid from the Toffees – in Amsterdam has proven a real masterstroke for Erik ten Hag’s successor, with Kudus having showcased his quality on the European stage on Wednesday night.

Thrust into the starting lineup as the Eredivisie side’s main focal point, the £9m-rated man simply ran Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side ragged in the Champions League group stage opener, notably laying on an assist and netting a goal of his own in that brutal 4-0 triumph.

That effort unsurprisingly stole the headlines such was its brilliance, as he simply shrugged off Gers skipper James Tavernier before rifling a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner past a helpless Jon McLaughlin.

The former Nordsjaelland ace dazzled with both his speed and trickery throughout that one-sided affair, notably almost netting a second after the break after weaving his way past the opposition defence with ease, as the likes of Connor Goldson and James Sands simply could not live with him.

Lauded as a “superstar” by journalist Owuraku Ampofo for that display, the highly-rated prospect also caught the eye with his impressive overall statistics, completing five of his six attempted dribbles, while also achieving a 100% pass accuracy rate.

That is no mean feat in a game of such magnitude, with that performance an indication as to just why he was so highly coveted by Newcastle – and others – in the recent window.

While he has just eight goals and five assists in 49 games for his current side at present – after netting 14 goals in 47 games during his time in Denmark – it looks as if this could well be the season that the young “baller”, as dubbed by Kwame Benaiah, truly explodes.

Amid the current shortage of quality attacking options at Howe’s disposal at St James’ Park – a fact exacerbated by injuries to both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin – it appears a notable blunder not to have got a deal over the line for Kudus this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an ‘opening offer’ to sign Manchester United midfielder James Garner this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep moving?

After the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and, most recently, Destiny Udogie – could Spurs look to further Premier League incomings before September 1?

The Lilywhites have backed manager Antonio Conte throughout this summer transfer window but reports suggest they might not be done there amid continued links to Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo and Garner.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici is thought to be a fan of the latter man, and while some have claimed a deal is unlikely, one reporter claims a bid has gone in.

The Latest: Journalist makes ‘opening offer’ claim…

Indeed, the north Londoners have apparently made their ‘opening offer’ to sign Garner from football giants United.

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Alan Nixon, writing via his Patreon, says Spurs have tabled a bid and ‘plan to snatch’ the 21-year-old this summer ahead of fellow suitors Nottingham Forest.

However, it is believed that the bids so far have been below what the Red Devils are willing to accept.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Having enjoyed a brilliant 2021/22 campaign on loan at Forest, Garner’s ability is evident with the midfield ace even finishing that season as one of Steve Cooper’s top-five performers by average match rating (WhoScored).

The Englishman also averaged more key passes per 90 than any Forest player last season, leaving little wonder pundits like Paul Robinson have called him ‘exceptional’ for his time at the City Ground.

Also able to help solve Tottenham’s troubling homegrown quota issue, moving for Garner could be smart for both on and off-field factors.

Newcastle United have reportedly made a £20m offer for Watford youngster Joao Pedro as they look to bolster their attacking options this summer.

The Lowdown: Pedro shines for Watford

The Hornets may have been relegated from the Premier League last season but Pedro arguably proved to be one of the more positive aspects of their campaign. The 20-year-old scored three goals and chipped in with one assist in the top flight and was also described as a ‘brilliant striker’ by his former boss Xisco Munoz in 2021.

With Watford now in the Championship, Pedro could look to move on from Vicarage Road, and it looks as though St James’ Park could be his next destination.

The Latest: Newcastle make £20m bid

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have submitted a £20m bid for the forward’s services, with a new centre-forward seen as a priority signing at St James’ Park this summer.

The Magpies are believed to see the Watford ace as a ‘top talent’ with the potential to be a ‘sensation’ in the Premier League.

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The Verdict: Great young talent

This is an exciting transfer update from a Newcastle perspective, with Pedro such a talented young prospect who could come in as a massive long-term prospect.

The fact that he can play out wide makes him a versatile option, while he took more shots than the Magpies’ top scorer Callum Wilson in 2021/22 (47 to 32) and had a greater rate of shots on target per game (0.88 to 0.78) than the 30-year-old, as per FBRef.

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There is no doubt that Eddie Howe could do with more firepower in the final third, with Newcastle’s attack looking a little toothless in the 0-0 draw at Brighton on Saturday as they landed only one shot on target.

While Pedro may not necessarily start every match for the Toon given his tender age, this would be the kind of signing which suggests the Magpies are planning for success over the long-term rather than looking for quick fixes.

Wolves have regularly been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes throughout the summer transfer window and the Portuguese maestro could represent a big upgrade in Bruno Lage’s side next season.

What’s the word?

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a Premier League switch after an impressive season with Sporting, with Wolves, Chelsea and Liverpool all reportedly keen.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his views on Wolves’ interest in Nunes.

He said: “He’s attracted interest from a number of top clubs [like] Liverpool. Pep Guardiola has spoken highly of him in the past as well. So he’s obviously a very talented player and if Wolves were to get him he would definitely be a big upgrade for that midfield.”

Would Nunes be an upgrade?

Nunes’ form in the Portuguese top-flight last season emphasises just what he could add to Lage’s squad ahead of next season.

The young midfielder, who is reportedly valued at a whopping €60m (£52m), contributed three goals and two assists in 33 domestic appearances, averaging an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

According to WhoScored, Nunes’ strengths include passing, dribbling and concentration, while he has no significant weaknesses, which suggests that he could work well alongside fellow pass-masters Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves in Wolves’ midfield.

Nunes’ average rating was better than any Wolves player would manage last season, while he also averaged more dribbles per game than everyone bar Adama Traore, which suggests that he could be a great player to carry the ball forward in Wolves’ side.

While both Neves and Moutinho are undoubtedly great players, they arguably lack the ability to burst forward with the ball at their feet, and Nunes could definitely provide a different, more dynamic option in Lage’s squad.

Considering Guardiola dubbed the 23-year-old as one of the best players in the world last season, it would be extremely impressive if Wolves could bring him in, and he would undoubtedly be a top signing for the Old Gold.

AND, in other news: Wolves plotting bid for “powerful” £120k-p/w target, he’d be a huge “weapon” for Lage…

Southampton reports have now been backed by talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, as the club eye a move for Chelsea’s rising star Levi Colwill.

The Lowdown: Southampton make moves…

The Saints have had a busy start to the summer transfer window as Ralph Hasenhuttl sees a host of promising starlets make the move to St Mary’s.

Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has signed from Manchester City, while promising German defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has joined from VfL Bochum.

Another head-turning starlet from the Etihad Stadium is also on the way in midfielder Romeo Lavia, coming after his comparisons to Sky Blues legend Fernandinho.

The Latest: Crook makes Colwill claim…

Backing other reports, Crook has now made a Saints transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Colwill, as Hasenhuttl eyes even more moves this summer.

The talksSPORT reporter explained (via Twitter): “Definite interest from #SaintsFC in Southampton-born centre-back Levi Colwill. Fits their recruitment profile and likely to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge once #CFC have recruited a couple of defenders.”

The Verdict: Make the move…

Provided that Chelsea sign new defenders, a move for Colwill could prove hugely beneficial to Southampton and Hasenhuttl.

The 19-year-old sensation enjoyed an absolutely stellar spell on loan at Huddersfield last season, playing an integral role in their run to the Championship play-Off final as he started 28 league matches.

As per WhoScored, Colwill finished the 2021/22 campaign as one of the Yorkshire club’s top four performers by average match rating, having even made a colossal 4.3 clearances per 90 minutes.

The teenager also won more aerial duels per game than any Terriers player except Tom Lees, leaving little wonder as to why journalists like Steven Chicken raved over his ‘sensational’ and ‘flawless’ time at the John Smith’s Stadium (via Chelsea Loan Army).

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding Leeds United’s reported interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Adama Traore.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that sporting director Victor Orta is driving the pursuit of the dynamic Spaniard, following reports that the Elland Road outfit are interested in the 26-year-old.

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O’Rourke stated:

“Victor Orta, the Leeds United head of recruitment, is a huge fan of Adama Traore having previously worked with him at Middlesbrough and has been chasing him for a long time, so it’s a deal that he will definitely try and push over the line.”

The one-time Aston Villa man had spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga giants Barcelona, although is set to return to his parent club this summer with the Nou Camp outfit unable to afford his reported £29m buy option, due to their ongoing financial crisis.

With just a year remaining on his deal at Molineux, the eight-cap gem is set to fetch in the region of £18m, with the Yorkshire side having previously been linked with a deal last summer during Marcelo Bielsa’s time in charge.

Raphinha heir

The desire for a new attacking addition in the current window has been heightened by the seemingly imminent departure of talisman Raphinha, with the Brazilian ace looking set to join fellow Premier League side, Arsenal, this summer.

Replacing the 25-year-old’s 29 goal contributions from the last two top-flight campaigns combined will undoubtedly be difficult, as too will be replacing his influence on the game, with the £17m addition having posed a constant threat down either flank with his speed and trickery.

In Traore, however, Orta has identified a player who can perhaps offer an even greater attacking threat, with the “unique” colossus – as dubbed by former boss Nuno Espirito Santo – a simply rare asset for any side.

While his attacking output has been poor in recent seasons in truth, with just eight goals and 14 assists in his Premier League career thus far, the £18m-rated man did impress on his brief return to Catalonia, registering four assists in all competitions for Xavi’s side.

An improvement on that end product is needed, although it is his explosive pace and immense power that makes the £46k-per-week machine such an eye-catching and devastating presence, with the former Middlesbrough man a simply unstoppable force on the counter-attack.

Unsurprisingly, the statistics reinforce that claim, as he ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed and in the top 3% for progressive carries among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his brilliance in dragging his side up the pitch.

Described as a “freak” by journalist Tim Spiers, the 5 foot 10 menace would seemingly suit the often relentless, high-octane style that is on show at Elland Road, with it a mouthwatering thought as to the carnage he could cause while willed on by frenzied home support.

Undoubtedly, the loss of Raphinha would be a blow for next season’s preparations, although in Traore the Whites can find his perfect heir.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Celtic’s recent dealings in the transfer market proved a key factor in the club’s return to Scottish Premiership glory, with manager Ange Postecoglou proving himself something of a master when it comes to recruiting new talent.

While Hoops’ supporters can likely have little complaint with the title-winning manager at present, one decision that both he – and the club – may be regretting is the sale of midfielder Ryan Christie, with the Scotsman having shone since his move to Bournemouth last summer.

Although the decision was largely taken out of Postecoglou’s hands – with just a year (or less) remaining on the 28-cap international’s contract – the former Yokohama boss may well have been regretting not pushing harder to keep his former asset at the club.

The 5 foot 10 playmaker had been plucked from Inverness Caledonian Thistle for just £500k in the summer of 2015, going on to win a plethora of silverware over the next few years and establishing himself as a regular at international level.

Despite starting the 2021/22 campaign as part of the Old Firm outfit’s squad – notably registering a hat-trick of assists in a 6-0 thrashing of Dundee – speculation was rife over his future due to his contract situation, before he eventually signed for the Cherries on a £2.5m deal on deadline day.

While the club were able to earn a tidy profit on his initial fee, losing such a key player late in the window was no doubt a significant blow, while the small nature of the fee seemingly did not reflect the quality of the player.

That has been made evidently clear with the 27-year-old recently enjoying a rise in valuation, as per Transfermarkt, with the player now worth £8.1m, having been valued at just £6.3m back in May 2021.

That ascent has been sparked by his impressive form in the recent campaign, as he scored three goals and registered eight assists in 38 games for Scott Parker’s side, playing a pivotal role in the club’s return to the Premier League.

Should the £23k-per-week gem – who has previously been dubbed “ferocious” by pundit Chris Sutton – continue to dazzle in the top-flight next term that valuation will no doubt soar again, with the player seemingly having been proven right on his bold decision to jump ship to a second-tier outfit.

In other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has heaped plenty of praise on Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski for his ‘great mentality’ during the club’s final day Premier League victory over Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski’s brace

The Lilywhites recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over the Canaries at Carrow Road in their last game of the season on Sunday, and the 22-year-old contributed to that scoreline by bagging a brace for Antonio Conte’s side.

The Sweden international arrived in north London on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January, with an option to buy within his contract, something that Spurs are expected to trigger after his outstanding performances of late.

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The Latest: Robinson’s high praise for Kulusevski

Speaking to BBC Sport during a post-match interview on Sunday, Kulusevski admitted that he was ‘embarrassed’ after missing a glorious chance in the second half, just moments before netting his second goal of the match.

However, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson seemed to be very impressed by what he saw from the Swedish star, telling Football Insider: “To score that goal after the miss just goes to show that he has a great mentality.

“We know that Son [Heung-min] and [Harry] Kane are telepathic in the way that they work and the way that they play.

“He was a bit-part player at Juventus but he has come into another big European club and become a mainstay. His mentality and ability are brilliant.

“He has taken Spurs onto another level in an attacking sense. When you look at their numbers as a trio they are up there with the best in Europe.

“Kulusevski has complimented Kane and Son. He has helped Son get the Golden Boot.”

The Verdict: Great start…more to come?

The 22-cap Sweden international has more than excelled in his time so far in N17, having provided eight assists and scored five goals for Tottenham already, as per Transfermarkt.

As Robinson said, Kulusevski has been able to create a brilliant on-field relationship with the strike partnership of Kane and Son, and his addition to that double act to make it a deadly attacking trio has certainly played a huge role in the club successfully securing Champions League football next season.

If Conte does complete the permanent signing of the £31.5m-rated ace as expected, especially given how much potential he has to offer considering his young age, it’s players like him to whom the Tottenham manager may well be looking to build the team around in years to come.

In other news… Harry Kane appears to have made a huge decision regarding his future at Spurs

Rangers haven’t had resounding success in the transfer market recently, as numerous signings just haven’t forced their way into the starting XI and only a few geninely improving the first-team at Ibrox.

Along with a sense of regret over the players in whom they invested, they may also rue the ones that got away in terms of prospective signings which didn’t materialise.

Ross Wilson disaster

One player on whom the club will be gutted to have missed out is Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The 31k-p/w marksman – who was hailed as a “lion” by his manager Thomas Frank after an excellent start to his Premier League career – could have easily ended up in Glasgow.

While Toney was plying his trade at Peterborough in 2020, Rangers were linked with a move for the striker, who admitted that he was close to agreeing a move to Ibrox. However, he instead signed for Brentford and has netted a quite ridiculous 47 goals in just 85 appearances (0.55 per game) for the west Londoners.

There seems little doubt the 26-year-old would have been a fantastic success in Glasgow. Instead of signing Toney, Steven Gerrard secured the services of Kemar Roofe, and although the Jamaican has been good in spells for the Ibrox side, in retrospect the Bees marksman would have been the better signing.

Roofe has plundered a solid tally of 34 goals in 71 matches for the club (0.48 per game), but his injury-prone nature often hinders the team, and this return could have been much better if he was fit more often.

There is no chance of Rangers signing Toney now, whose market value is a whopping £31.5m, and it is a case of opportunity missed for Ross Wilson yet again.

With the Premiership winners this season more than likely qualifying for the Champions League group stage next term, Toney’s goals could have made a massive difference if they were for the Gers, especially with Alfredo Morelos missing the last chunk of the season due to injury.

Hopefully, another mistake like this won’t happen again in the future.

AND in other news, 100% duels won: £18k-p/w Rangers “train” was outstanding against Leipzig on Thursday