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On Sunday, Erik ten Hag was forced to rely upon the youth in his Manchester United squad versus Everton, with academy stars, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, stealing the spotlight.

The 3-0 victory was the first time United had netted more than two goals in a game all season and it is clear that putting the ball in the back of the net has been a major issue, with the Red Devils scoring an average per game of 1.23.

The individual who has the potential to boost that output is an attacker with "amazing talent" – as per Tony Mowbray – yet he has just three career appearances in the Premier League, Amad Diallo.

A knee injury in pre-season has halted the winger’s progress, but once he returns, he may just have a Garnacho-esque impact on United.

The 3 most exciting young stars that Man Utd could unleash after Kobbie Mainoo

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By
Matt Dawson

Nov 27, 2023

Man United’s right-wing issues

It is well-known that Manchester United are struggling to nail down an individual at right-wing, with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri all failing to impress the boss. The trio scored a combined ten goals last season in the Premier League, three less than what Amad netted in the Championship alone (13).

The 2023/24 campaign was supposed to be a fresh start for Sancho and Antony in particular, but they have both been unavailable for large spells, with the former now not allowed to train with the first team. This ultimately led to Ten Hag opting for an out-of-position Marcus Rashford on the right against the Toffees.

Diallo spent last season on loan at Sunderland, where he became instrumental to the way Mowbray’s side played. Ten Hag believed that the Ivorian needed an opportunity to “get strong physically and mentally”, luckily the winger who was signed for £37m in 2021 thrived in the second tier and the loan was successful.

Why Amad Diallo will be vital for Man United

Despite not winning the Player of the Match award, Mainoo looked like a seasoned professional against a physical Everton team, displaying confidence and eagerness to increase the tempo. Diallo holds a similar approach and his influence in and out of possession could elevate Ten Hag’s side to a new level.

Firstly, Amad will provide a much-needed balance to the United attack and due to the constant rotation in the right-sided role, relationships have been unable to form with Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back.

The 21-year-old is also left-footed, which helps improve passing angles into the central areas, but he also has the ability to go on the outside, giving him an edge of unpredictability.

Diallo isn’t blessed with blistering pace that will see him breeze past opponents due to pure speed, but he thrives when playing quick, one-touch football that can craft open opponents, with Mowbray naming him a “Magician”.

Although he can do a good job holding the width, he comes alive in a slightly inverted position, and as such, he will get the best out of Rasmus Hojlund, who loves to play with his back to goal.

Much like Mainoo, Amad oozes class and a high amount of potential whilst remaining composed. Slotting home three penalties last season for Sunderland also highlights that he is willing to take responsibility and that he doesn’t shy away from game-defining moments, the exact mindset that Manchester United have sorely missed of late.

Newcastle United inherited obscene riches when the club was bought by the PIF back in 2021 but sporting director Dan Ashworth has ensured that money isn't being needlessly spent on players.

Manchester City's early days under Sheikh Mansour were a great reference point for what the Geordie club shouldn't do with their newfound wealth as City spent huge wads of cash on the likes of Jo, Robinho and Nigel de Jong, all of whom didn't last very long at the Etihad Stadium.

The Magpies have been smart with their recruitment, bringing in some hungry, young players with high ceilings for affordable prices, including Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, while the acquisition of Eddie Howe in the hot seat has proven to be a masterstroke thus far from the board.

With the January transfer window approaching, Newcastle seem to be following the same trend of talent identification and will look to sign one of Serie A's highly-rated centre-backs. However, this target is actually performing worse this season than long-time defender Jamaal Lascelles.

Newcastle transfer news – Radu Dragusin

Newcastle United have been keeping tabs on 21-year-old Radu Dragusin for quite some time and were first linked with signing the Romania international back in September.

However, this past week, in an interview with Turkish outlet Fanatik, via the Express, Dragusin's agent confirmed that he has held talks with the Magpies over potentially acquiring the centre-back in the future, as well as with Premier League leaders Arsenal and even AC Milan.

His agent stated: “I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer and closer. I spoke to Newcastle, to Arsenal, to Tottenham. I also have messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask.

“I want to say that 100% until next summer, Radu will play for a club in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but know that Milan likes him very much. I talked to the people there."

Dragusin could well be on his way to St. James' Park in the very near future, with the January window fast approaching, but is the Genoa star much better than what Newcastle United already have?

Radu Dragusin's career so far

Having made merely four appearances in total for Juventus, Romanian centre-half Radu Dragusin was sent out on loan to Serie B side Genoa in 2022 in the hopes of achieving first-team football.

In his first season with Genoa, the side were promoted back to Italy's top flight under former World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino, with Dragusin featuring 40 times for Il Grifone and picking up more goals than yellow cards. Midway through the 2022/23 campaign, Genoa signed the defender permanently for a fee worth £6.6m in total.

Genoa are currently sitting 15th in Serie A after 13 games and Dragusin has started every single game under Gilardino this term, scoring one goal which came during a 4-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho's Roma back in September. According to the CIES Football Observatory, Dragusin's market value is just £13m after an excellent start to the campaign.

Radu Dragusin's stats this season

Dragusin has been one of Genoa's best players this season and has been a rock at the back for the Italian side as they vie to remain in Serie A. Compared to all other centre-backs in Europe's top-five leagues, the youngster comes out quite favourably, ranking above average in a number of key metrics, with 50% being the median.

Per 90 Metrics

Percentile Rank

Non-Penalty Goals

84

Assists

90

Expected Assists

92

Key Passes

82

% Of Dribblers Tackled

98

Clearances

85

Aerials Won

77

% Of Aerials Won

84

Interceptions

56

Stats via FBref.

When analysing Dragusin's raw defensive ability and set-piece threat, his stats make for really impressive reading.

However, the biggest issue that clubs will have when scouting the centre-half is that Genoa play a very direct style of football which means that Dragusin ranks incredibly low in a whole host of important criterion needed to feature for an attacking side like Newcastle who want to have more of the ball than the opposition.

Per 90 Metrics

Percentile Rank

Touches

6

Progressive Carries

32

Passes Received

8

Passes Attempted

8

Passes Completed

9

Pass Completion %

25

Switches

33

Progressive Passes

1

Stats via FBref.

Genoa have averaged 41.1% of the ball in each game in Serie A this season which is the lowest in the division, meaning Dragusin won't be used to playing consistently in a team that wants to maintain possession and build through the thirds on the deck.

Newcastle head coach Howe will likely see Dragusin as the man to partner alongside Sven Botman in the heart of the defence given that he is right-footed. This means that the 21-year-old will have to contend with both Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar for the starting berth in the team.

However, Lascelles is actually outperforming Dragusin statistically this season and has been sensational at the back for the Magpies amidst an injury crisis at the club.

Pass Completion %

81.7

85.5

85.8

Progressive Passes

1.31

2.54

3.23

Passes To Final 1/3

1

2.25

3.69

Long Pass Completion %

47

40.5

61.8

Switches

0.23

0.28

0.69

Tackles Won

0.54

0.56

1.06

Blocks

0.77

1.55

0.77

Interceptions

1.23

0.42

0.92

Errors

0.23

0

0

Stats via FBref

Both Lascelles and Schar are performing at a much higher level right now than Dragusin, particularly the former who earned a 7.1 Sofascore rating at the weekend as Newcastle ran riot over Chelsea in the Premier League. Dragusin will struggle to break into Howe's side in the short term if Lascelles keeps up his excellent displays at St. James' Park.

Celtic return to Champions League action on Tuesday night as they go in search of their first win in the group stages of the competition this season.

The Hoops are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and have managed one draw and three defeats from their opening four European ties.

Brendan Rodgers' side were humbled by a 6-0 defeat to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last time out and they now travel to Italy to face Lazio.

The Northern Irish head coach's side come into this match off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

He could look to make a few alterations to his starting XI after that draw and here is our predicted line-up – including four changes – to face the Italian side on Tuesday…

1 Joe Hart

The former England international – Joe Hart – could start between the sticks as the veteran shot-stopper has only missed one match in the Premiership and Champions League combined so far this season. This suggests that the boss trusts him and that is why he may start on Tuesday.

2 Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Alistair Johnston could return to the starting line-up after Anthony Ralston came in to play the full 90 minutes against Motherwell.

The Canada international has started all four of the club's Champions League matches so far this season and it remains to be seen whether or not his Scottish teammate has done enough to oust him from a fifth European selection.

Johnston has made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match in Europe, whilst Ralston is yet to feature in a single game in the competition, and could provide a strong defensive presence on the right side of the backline.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

It would not be a shock to see the former Tottenham Hotspur enforcer at the heart of the defence. The 25-year-old colossus has won 61% of his duels in the competition this season and could be a commanding presence at the back with his dominant defending.

4 Liam Scales

Next to the USA international, Liam Scales could complete the central defensive pairing. He has started 16 of the club's 18 matches in the Premiership and Champions League so far.

5 Greg Taylor

At left-back, Greg Taylor could keep his place. He has started all four of the club's European matches so far this season and has contributed with 1.8 tackles and interceptions combined per match.

6 Callum McGregor

Starting in midfield, it would be a surprise to see the captain lose his position in the side as Callum McGregor has started all 18 of the club's Premiership and Champions League matches so far this season.

7 David Turnbull

The second alteration that could be made to the starting XI is Scotland international David Turnbull being brought in for Odin Thiago Holm, who could be ditched from the midfield.

Against Motherwell, the Norwegian midfielder was named in the starting line-up and flopped with a disappointing display. He lost five of his six duels and failed to create any chances for his teammates, to go along with zero shots on goal, before being withdrawn at half time.

Whereas, Turnbull came off the bench and impressed with one key pass, a 100% duel success rate (2/2), and one goal from the penalty spot to secure a point.

The Scottish whiz, who was once lauded as a "terrific" player by ex-Hoops man Peter Grant, has four goals in his last five games for Celtic and could provide an attacking threat from midfield.

He has also created four 'big chances' in the Premiership and could offer creativity as well as goalscoring, whilst Holm has zero goals and two 'big chances' created in eight matches in the top-flight.

8 Matt O'Riley

The third and final position in midfield could go to Denmark U21 international Matt O'Riley, who has two 'big chances' created and two assists in four European outings this season.

9 Hyun-jun Yang

Hyun-jun Yang could retain his position on the right side of the attack as Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada continue to recover from their respective injury woes.

10 Hyeon-gyu Oh

In the number nine position, Hyeon-gyu Oh could start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi as the third change to ensure that the Hoops have a useful outlet at the top end of the pitch.

In the 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, the Japan international struggled badly and failed to provide his team with an outball to relieve pressure when the hosts were piling it on.

Minutes played

61

Sofascore rating

6.4

Goals

Zero

Assists

Zero

Touches

Eight

Passes completed

Zero

Duel success rate

25%

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo was a lightweight who offered incredibly little in and out of possession and this was also the case against Motherwell on Saturday.

The striker completed three passes and failed to score a goal or create any chances for his teammates whilst also only winning one duel in 67 minutes.

Oh, who has scored three Premiership goals this season, came off the bench against Motherwell and caught the eye by winning three of his five duels and a penalty, which was converted by the aforementioned Turnbull.

He has won 60% of his aerial battles in the Champions League this season, compared to Kyogo's 0%, and could, therefore, offer more of a presence for Celtic to compete with opposition defenders.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na sequência da 24ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Grêmio e Vasco se enfrentam neste domingo, às 16h (de Brasília), na Arena, em Porto Alegre. Em situações distintas na temporada, as equipes necessitam da vitória para subir na tabela. O Imortal Tricolor pode entrar no G4 e encostar de vez nos líderes, enquanto o Cruz-Maltino tenta fugir da zona da degola.

+ Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

No meio de semana, o Tricolor gaúcho garantiu a classificação para as quartas de finais da Copa Libertadores da América, e enfrentará o Santos. Por outro lado, o Gigante da Colina foi eliminado da Copa Sul-Americana em pleno estádio de São Januário diante do Defensa y Justicia, da Argentina.

Para o duelo deste domingo, o Grêmio terá o retorno de alguns titulares poupados no confronto diante do Guaraní-PAR. Victor Ferraz, Geromel, Diogo Barbosa e Matheus Henrique serão os grandes reforços para a partida. Com 37 pontos, a equipe não perde há 15 jogos na temporada e está embalada sob o comando de Renato Portaluppi. O goleiro Vanderlei e o meia Jean Pyerre deverão ser poupados pelo treinador.

Pelo lado do Vasco, o técnico Ricardo Sá Pinto começa a balançar no cargo por ter apenas duas vitórias em onze jogos e ver a equipe ser eliminada da competição continental. ​No jogo, o time terá os desfalques de Andrey, suspenso por causa do terceiro amarelo, Jadson e Germán Cano, artilheiro da equipe no ano com 20 gol, por causa da Covid-19 (seguem em isolamento social após testar positivo para a doença). Além deles, o lateral Henrique tem um quadro de sinusite e não estará à disposição.

O clube carioca tem 24 pontos, apenas um atrás do Sport, primeira equipe fora da zona do rebaixamento. No entanto, o histórico recente não é bom, já que não vence o Grêmio em Porto Alegre desde 2006.

RelacionadasVascoCom duas vitórias em 11 jogos, Ricardo Sá Pinto começa a ser pressionado no VascoVasco04/12/2020GrêmioDiego Souza faz planos para se aposentar dos gramadosGrêmio04/12/2020GrêmioJean Pyerre pode desfalcar o Grêmio diante do VascoGrêmio04/12/2020

FICHA TÉCNICA
GRÊMIO x VASCO

Data/Hora: 6/12/2020, às 16h00
Local: Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre
Árbitro:Raphael Claus (FIFA-SP)
Assistentes:Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (FIFA-SP),Alex Ang Ribeiro (SP)
VAR:Marcio Henrique de Gois (SP)
Onde ver: TV Globo, Premiere e tempo real do LANCE!

GRÊMIO (Técnico: Renato Portaluppi)
Paulo Victor; Victor Ferraz, Geromel, David Braz e Diogo Barbosa; Matheus Henrique, Maicon, Luiz Fernando (Ferreira), Pinares (Isaque) e Pepê; Diego Souza,

Desfalques: Kannemann,Alisson e Robinho (transição física)
Suspensos:Rodrigues (3º Amarelo)
Pendurados:Darlan, Pedro Geromel, Robinho e Diego Souza
Voltam de suspensão: –

VASCO (Técnico: Ricardo Sá Pinto)
Fernando Miguel; Miranda (Ricardo Graça), Marcelo Alves e Leandro Castan; Léo Matos, Bruno Gomes (Marcos Júnior), Léo Gil, Benítez e Neto Borges; Talles Magno e Ribamar (Tiago Reis).

Desfalques:Felipe Bastos (deixou o CT após atrito com o treinador)
Lesionados: Cano e Jadson (Covid-19), e Henrique (sinusite)
Pendurados:Leonardo Gil, Neto Borges, Ricardo Graça, Henrique, Talles Magno, Gabriel Pec e Bruno Gomes
Suspensos:Andrey (3º amarelo)
Voltam de Suspensão:Yago Pikachu

Palpites: Na redação do LANCE!, 80% acreditam na vitória do Grêmio, 10% apostaram no triunfo do Vasco, enquanto 10% creem no empate.

كشف وكيل مهاجم نادي سبارتاك موسكو، شامار نيشولسون، فرص انتقاله إلى الأهلي في الميركاتو الصيفي لتدعيم صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم.

ويبلغ نيشولسون 27 عامًا وهو من يمثل منتخب جامايكا ولديه عقد مع سبارتاك موسكو حتى 30 يونيو 2026، بعد انضمامه للفريق قبل عامين.

وخلال مشواره مع الأندية، شارك شامار في 210 مبارايات وسجل 67 هدفًا وصنع 22 أخرى، ولعب مع منتخب جامايكا 42 مباراة وسجل 11 هدفًا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مصدر لـبطولات: بيراميدز رفع سعر التذاكر بسبب ما فعله الأهلي

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وكانت هناك أنباء في الأيام القليلة الماضية عن دخول الأهلي في مفاوضات لضم اللاعب من سبارتاك موسكو خلال الميركاتو الصيفي.

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع وكيل شامار رئيس وكالة، إنترناشونال ديمينشين ويدعى، روجيرو مونتيبيلو بيجيو، وقال: “في الوقت الحالي، نيشولسون يمتلك عقدًا مع سبارتاك ويحترمه”.

وأتم: “كل ما أريد تأكيده في الوقت الحالي هو أن شامار نيشولسون سيبقى مع سبارتاك موسكو في الموسم الجديد”.

Arsenal are expected by one journalist to seal the signing of one "unique" marquee star for manager Mikel Arteta, and he looks set to leave his club.

Who will Arsenal sign in January?

There are some holes to fix in Arteta's squad next year, despite their rip-roaring start to the new Premier League campaign. While Arsenal are unbeaten over their first nine top-flight matches, winning six of them, arguments remain over the lack of depth in certain areas. Going by some reports in the media, they've made no secret of their desire to sign another midfield player, leading to links with Royal Antwerp sensation Arthur Vermeeren and Wolves left-winger Pedro Neto.

Amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Thomas Partey, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Arteta shore up that area of the squad, with Partey apparently growing frustrated over his playing time despite the player's mounting injuries (90min). Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to want an alternative to Bukayo Saka out wide, leading to their reported interest in Neto (Football Transfers).

However, the most heavily linked star comes in the form of Brentford ace Ivan Toney. Arteta is lacking world-class strength in depth in the centre-forward area with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to choose from, while summer signing Kai Havertz hasn't exactly pulled up many trees as the makeshift number nine option. As reported by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the "big name" Toney is "ready" to leave Brentford, which could hand Arsenal an opportunity.

"He’s another big name to watch for January," wrote Romano on his Daily Briefing last week.

"Arsenal and Chelsea are informed on Toney’s situation, they know his situation very well and that he’s ready to make a top club move in January. It will depend on how much these clubs want to spend.

"In any case, Toney is absolutely ready to leave Brentford."

Ivan Toney transfer update

The Englishman, who scored 20 league goals last season, is currently serving a ban for alleged gambling breaches but will return to the field in mid-January. Reporter Tom Roddy of The Times, speaking on The Game Football Podcast, fully expects Toney to join Arsenal – and adds to Romano's point that he looks set to leave his current club.

“Oh yeah, almost certainly, I think January," said Roddy when about Toney's possible exit.

"I think it will happen in January. I would be surprised if he played for Brentford again. My expectation is Arsenal. They have looked at him, there are multiple clubs that have looked at him, he’s on a list at Chelsea of interest, but you watch Arsenal and they create a lot of chances and they just don’t take them, that’s what they lack, a goalscoring striker."

The 27-year-old could cost as much as £80 million (ESPN), but alongside his excellent goal record in recent seasons, he's been praised as "unique" player by his manager Thomas Frank.

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank said earlier this year.

“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member."

انتهت قبل قليل مباراة الأهلي وطلائع الجيش بنتيجة 4-0، لصالح الأحمر، والتي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وأقيمت مباراة الأهلي وطلائع الجيش على أرضية استاد الكلية الحربية، في المواجهة المؤجلة من الجولة 13 بالمسابقة المحلية.

طالع.. فيديو | الأهلي يضرب طلائع الجيش برباعية في الدوري ويواصل مطاردة بيراميدز

وبهذه النتيجة واصل الأهلي احتلال المركز الثاني بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه في رصيده 51 نقطة، حيث خاض 21 مباراة حتى الآن، فاز في 16 وتعادل في 3 وخسر مواجهتين.

 ويصطدم الأهلي بنظيره الداخلية في المواجهة القادمة في إطار لقاءات الجولة 30 للدوري المصري، وذلك على أرضية استاد القاهرة موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة أمام الداخلية في الدوري المصري

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع منافسه الداخلية يوم الخميس 4 يوليو الجاري، على أن تنطلق في تمام الساعة السابعة مساء بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

Southampton manager Russell Martin has delivered an update on his future on the south coast, with Sport Republic's current stance regarding his position also revealed.

How have Southampton started the season?

In the Championship, Martin’s side have had an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having secured three wins, one draw and suffered four defeats from their opening eight games, meaning that having taken ten points from a possible 24, they find themselves 15th in the table, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking on the ‘What The EFL?!’ podcast, EFL pundit Adrian Clarke claimed that the St. Mary’s outfit won’t be able to achieve promotion this season should the 37-year-old remain at the helm and that he believes he will be sacked before the end of the campaign.

Unfortunately for the Saints, life isn't set to get any easier with their next two second-tier fixtures being a home match against also recently relegated Leeds United followed by a trip to face Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium, so it's vital they pick up as many points as possible.

Is Russell Martin leaving Southampton?

Speaking to The Athletic, Martin was asked whether Sport Republic are understanding of Southampton's current position and if he still has their full backing.

As quoted by Football League World, he replied: “I think so, yeah. There’s been a lot gone on. They’ve made huge changes in the football club. Listen, we shouldn’t have lost the amount of games we have but I don’t think they expected a magic wand.

"Yesterday I said the club has embarked on a journey and what I meant by that was with us [coaches] as well, not the players, with Jason, the chief exec, so many new people, a different way of behaving — all that stuff you don’t see when you’re not there every day.

"And when you’re trying to do something really different, I don’t think that is ever easy. It’s a time to be really brave, for everyone to stick together, to get through it together. Or you don’t. That’s football.”

What is Russell Martin's record at Southampton?

Since joining Southampton back in July, Martin has only secured three victories from nine games and is averaging just 1.11 points per match, via Transfermarkt, but it’s not just his side’s performances in the league that have been concerning.

During the first round of the Carabao Cup, the south coast outfit bowed out following a shock 3-1 loss to League Two side Gillingham, so due to a result that nobody would have expected, they have also lost one of their roads to potentially securing some silverware away from the second tier.

The Brighton-born coach still has another three years remaining on his contract, but as it stands, it’s unlikely that he will last that long in his job unless he is to rapidly turn the club’s form around and get them back in the race for promotion with the aim being to jump back up to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Fulham didn't have the easiest of summer transfer windows, having lost Aleksandar Mitrovic late on to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, and eventually winning their battle to keep hold of Joao Palhinha after his move to Bayern Munich reportedly collapsed.

On the pitch, meanwhile, they haven't been at their best, winning just once in their opening four games, and conceding 10 goals in the process. Marco Silva will hope that the Cottagers settle down after the international break, and pick up a comfortable victory up against Luton Town.

Now that the transfer window is shut, they can at least focus on results, and ensuring that key players put pen to paper on new deals. And that's exactly what one particular player would be willing to do, despite being linked with a move away in the summer transfer window.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

Those around Craven Cottage would have breathed a sigh of relief when the news of Palhinha's stay filtered around the club. The midfielder will be a Fulham player until January at the very least, when they will likely have a battle on their hands once more.

Another midfielder who was linked with a move away in the summer was Harrison Reed. According to Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a £3m bid for Reed late on in the window, only to see that offer turned down.

Now, as per Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Reed would be 'happy to extend' his Fulham contract 'if a suitable offer arrives'. As things stand, of course, the former Southampton midfielder's contract comes to an end next summer, meaning that he'll be free to negotiate an exit ahead of next season from January.

With Palhinha's future uncertain, the last thing that Fulham need is another midfielder bidding farewell, arguably making a new contract for Reed imperative in the coming months.

How has Harrison Reed performed this season?

So far this season, whilst he is yet to reach the heights of last season, much like the rest of his Fulham teammates, Reed has still impressed at times, as the stats show.

According to FBref, the midfielder has made 1.67 progressive passes per 90, as well as maintaining a pass completion rate of 85.7% in four games played so far this season. He has also won one tackle per game so far, in what has been a season of showing glimpses as things are going.

With plenty of the season left to come, however, both Reed and Fulham have plenty of time to get up to speed, possibly returning to last season's form in the process.

Silva is certainly a fan of his player, too, saying via The Athletic, after Reed scored against Swansea City a couple of years ago:

“I congratulated him straight away, because he had a very good game. I think it was his first 90 minutes this season. I congratulated him on the way he played 90 minutes.

"He’s playing in a different position and he is adapting really well. I know he can be very good in the No 6 position, but he can play a little bit higher up the pitch with his mobility as well.”

Newcastle United have been backed to sign an exciting player by TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, who believes the player would rather join the northeast outfit over several other high-profile clubs in the Premier League.

How have Newcastle started the season?

Eddie Howe’s side have had a mixed start to the new campaign having secured two wins but also suffered three defeats from their opening five games, meaning that having taken six points from a possible 15 and they find themselves 12th in the table, as per the division’s official website.

The Magpies, however, did enjoy their first game in the Champions League, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw against AC Milan at San Siro Stadium on Tuesday night, and the opportunity to play under the lights at the highest level is something that could appeal to one of the club’s targets in particular.

According to Spanish reports, PIF are plotting a swoop for West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta in January following his failed £80m move to Manchester City over the summer, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that chiefs wanted him back in May, but at the time, decided to instead prioritise a deal for Sandro Tonali.

Are Newcastle signing Lucas Paqueta?

Speaking to Football Insider, TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor was asked whether Paqueta would choose to join Newcastle over some of their biggest rivals in the Premier League should he leave David Moyes' side in 2024, to which he replied:

“Of course. They’ve got a project now, and they’ve got the richest owners in the world. The ambition is to play Champions League football every season, and that will attract Paqueta – playing in the big boy competition.

"I think Paqueta would go to Newcastle, Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool – these big clubs have a bigger chance of finishing in the top four.

“The Man City move might not have happened but I think he’d choose Newcastle. He knows there is a good Brazilian contingent at the club already in Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. I think it’s a move he would seriously look at.”

What age is Lucas Paqueta?

Paqueta is currently 26 years of age so is in the real prime years of his career, and with the positive impact that he has at both ends of the pitch, he has been dubbed a “mind-boggling” player by his former teammate Declan Rice at West Ham.

The Brazil international, who is naturally an attacking midfielder, has posted 14 contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 46 appearances at the London Stadium, but he is also a rock in defence, where he currently ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 97th percentile for clearances by midfielders, via FBRef (prior to the game vs TSC on Thursday).

Moyes’ left-footed ace, who pockets £150k-per-week, has even already had a taste of success having been crowned Europa Conference League winner during the 2022/23 season, but he would have the perfect chance to step up to the next level and really test himself should he decide to put pen to paper at Newcastle.