Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos could be ‘talked about’ regarding a new contract at Ibrox, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Uncertain future
The Colombia international first arrived north of the border back in 2017 and has since taken the Scottish Premiership by storm, posting 106 goal contributions in 157 league appearances, but his future is currently uncertain.
The Light Blues forward’s deal with Michael Beale’s side is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he’s currently able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any foreign suitors.
Ross Wilson revealed back in December that the club had rejected offers for the 26-year-old, though reports are now suggesting that he has emerged onto the radar of Fenerbahce ahead of the summer window.
The Latest: Jones’ comments
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Morelos has seen a recent turnaround in form at Rangers which could make him want to extend his stay. He said:
“I think that Beale has got someone of a very good calibre here. He’s been able to turn to him in recent weeks to help him out and he has weighed in with a couple of important goals.
“If things go well from here until the end of the season, it wouldn’t totally surprise me to see Morelos being talked about for a new contract.”
The Verdict: Keep hold of him
Morelos has been dubbed a ‘machine’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and given the positive impact he has on the team, Rangers need to do everything they can to keep hold of him for the foreseeable.
The Teddy Bears’ attacker has netted nine goals and registered four assists in just 22 league outings this campaign, and he’s currently averaging 2.7 shots each game (WhoScored).
The Cerete native also puts a solid shift in defensively, ranking in the 99th percentile for most blocks per 90 minutes by strikers, highlighting his significance at both ends of the pitch.
Morelos was previously dropped by former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst over attitude problems but it now looks like he’s found a new lease of life, with Beale’s arrival potentially the fresh start he was craving.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly in a huge race to sign midfield gem Kendry Paez for Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Future star
Paez is a future star of the game, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a ‘world-class talent’, and international scout Ron Dor even going as far as to call him ‘ridiculous’.
The Ecuadorian is only 15 years of age but has already been capped five times at international level for the U17s, scoring three goals (Transfermarkt).
He plays his club football for Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, and was the star of 2022’s Next Generation Trophy, where his team made the final.
The Latest: Newcastle interest
Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle are among a whole host of clubs to have spoken to Paez’s representatives to register their interest in signing him.
11 other teams in the Premier League are also thought to be interested in his signature, alongside European heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, PSG, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Inter Milan and Atalanta.
Paez is seen as the next big talent to come out of Ecuador after Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was subject to a £70m bid from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
However, Independiente are reluctant to sell this year, and Paez cannot actually move to a European club until 2025, when he turns 18.
The Magpies would have to fend off a lot of tough competition if they are to sign Paez, with a number of the sides mentioned already well-established in European football.
Still, they will want to grow their exciting young crop of players at St. James’ Park, having already signed teenage talents Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby.
Nonetheless, Paez looks to be a star in the making, and the Tynesiders would do well to get him on their books.
Wolverhampton Wanderers remain interested in bringing Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: January talks held
The Robins starlet has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Ashton Gate to become a regular feature of the first-team squad, where he’s been attracting plenty of interest.
The Telegraph’s John Percy reported that the Old Gold were in talks to sign the 19-year-old in January, but revealed that Nigel Pearson’s side were demanding a fee of £25m for his services.
Despite a deal failing to materialise before last month’s deadline, Julen Lopetegui and Co look poised to go again…
The Latest: Wolves still eyeing Scott
According to Football League World, Wolves are still ‘keeping an eye’ on Scott ahead of a potential move this summer.
The Sun recently revealed that Bristol’s valuation has reduced to £20m, 20% less than what they were previously looking for.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are also credited with a strong interest by the same report, though they are unlikely to meet the required fee.
The Verdict: Exciting prospect
Scott is still a teenager, but having already made 79 senior appearances, he would be a hugely exciting prospect for Wolves to recruit.
The Guernsey-born talent has recorded five assists so far this season and has put an impressive 75 crosses into the box, highlighting the threat he provides in the final third.
Bristol’s prodigy, however, can also play his part defensively as he’s currently averaging 2.4 tackles per second-tier game.
Scott has been likened to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, and with his ability to operate in five different positions, would make a promising signing for Lopetegui.
Arsenal’s Hale End Academy is one of the most famous producers of talent in English football. It has produced some absolute gems over the years, some of which you’ll see below. Most recently, the academy has helped to drag Arsenal out of an incredibly dire situation to make the future seem far less bleak than it originally looked.
Of course, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for youth players to break into first teams around English football. And that’s thanks to the depth of competition that the transfer market adds in a league where even mid-table clubs can splash the cash. But that hasn’t stopped Mikel Arteta from turning to those closest to home when it comes to improving his squad at times, however.
With that said, we’ve ranked the 10 most successful academy products in Arsenal’s history.
10) Michael Thomas
Look away now, Liverpool fans who are old enough to remember a certain goal in the 1988-89 season.
Michael Thomas could have finished his career after scoring in the last-minute of that season to seal the 1988-89 league title for Arsenal; his legacy would still forever be amongst the best in the club’s history.
His career can be looked back on with irony, too, as he went onto play for Liverpool.
But his most telling contribution earns him a place on this list, and in Arsenal folklore.
9) David Rocastle
Taken far too soon at the age of just 33, David Rocastle’s legacy as one of the greatest academy products to ever play for Arsenal very much remains intact to this day.
He played a crucial role in the club’s 1991 title win under George Graham, and starred alongside the likes of Paul Merson and Ian Wright.
Now, he is immortalised on the edge of the Emirates Stadium, with a mural of him forever reminding Gunners fans of how good he was.
A superb footballer.
8) Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka won everything there was to win in club football, whether that was at Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, or Juventus.
He seemed to hit every height possible. Graduating from the Arsenal academy, the Frenchman won one FA Cup, and one league title at the club.
He would go on to win yet more honours at Chelsea, including the Premier League’s Golden Boot award, before ending his career in nomadic fashion.
He would also play for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Shanghai Shenhua and West Bromwich Albion before retiring.
7) Andy Cole
Celtic defender Tom Boyd holds off Andy Cole (R) playing for Newcastle United in the Peter Beardsley testimonial match at St James Park January 27. Newcastle players from several years ago returned to the club to show their support for Beardsley.JJM/CLH/
Although Andy Cole didn’t find his success at Arsenal, he did come through their academy, before going onto write himself into the Premier League history books at Newcastle United and Manchester United.
By the time that his career came to an end, Cole had scored 187 Premier League goals to put himself third in the all-time list.
Cole did actually play once for Arsenal’s first-team but he was loaned to Fulham and Bristol City before being sold to the latter in 1992.
It is from Bristol that Newcastle signed Cole, and he went on to show the Gunners exactly what they were missing.
6) Paul Merson
Paul Merson, the magic man himself, had quite the career at Arsenal.
In total, he made 376 appearances for The Gunners, scoring 87 goals, and assisting a further 28.
Meanwhile, when it came to trophies, Merson was not left short of success, winning two league titles, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and one League Cup.
A sorely underrated footballer who is now perhaps best known for his punditry work.
5) Serge Gnabry
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Like Cole, Serge Gnabry’s success has come after his time in the Arsenal academy.
The German winger remains one of the club’s greatest regrets, as he failed to break into the first team, before exploding into life in the Bundesliga.
Now at Bayern Munich, Gnabry has won it all, from a number of league titles, to a Champions League trophy.
He would fit right into Mikel Arteta’s team right now, too, which makes it all the more painful.
4) Ray Parlour
ARSENAL’S PARLOUR BATTLES WITH EVERTON’S ROONEY DURING THEIR ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER MATCH AT GOODISON PARK. Arsenal’s Ray Parlour (L) battles with Everton’s Wayne Rooney (R) during their English premier league soccer match at Goodison Park, January 7, 2004. The match ended 1-1. NO INTERNET/ONLINE USAGE WITHOUT FAPL LICENCE, FOR DETAILS SEE WWW.FAPLWEB.COM REUTERS/Darren Staples
Making an incredible total of 446 appearances, and winning three league titles, including in 2004 as part of the Arsenal Invincibles, there is no doubting the fact that Ray Parlour is one of the most successful academy graduates to come out of Hale End.
He completed everything possible when it came to domestic honours, and will always have a place in history for that.
Parlour did not end his career as a one club man but he was never the same after leaving the Gunners for Middlesbrough; he also played for Hull City before hanging up his boots forever.
What a player at his best.
3) Ashley Cole
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Ashley Cole remains arguably the best left-back that English football has ever seen.
He played a vital role in the Arsenal invincible side, before also having incredible success at Chelsea, where he won more league titles alongside a Champions League trophy.
Cole was also a regular in the England team that featured the Golden Generation, although they were not able to end all of those years of hurt.
The fact is, it may be a while before we see such an all-rounder at left-back.
2) Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is still far too underrated for our liking.
He is one of the best passers that the Premier League has ever seen, and highlighted just how good he is at both Arsenal and Chelsea.
By the time that he left English football, the Spaniard had assisted a stunning total of 111 assists to put him second on the all-time list.
Upon leaving for Barcelona, he left a mighty large hole for the Gunners to fill.
1) Tony Adams
Tony Adams, Mr Arsenal, is perhaps the true definition of perseverance with several setbacks throughout his career, including prison time for a drunk driving offence, before he eventually stepped up to another level under Wenger – as most Arsenal players did.
By the end of his career, Adams had won four league titles, including two Premier Leagues to cement his place amongst the best defenders to ever play for Arsenal.
He is now regarded as one of the finest centre-backs we’ve seen in the Premier League, and is forever included in all-time XIs featuring Gunners players.
A true Arsenal legend.
So, there you have it, our list of Arsenal’s greatest ever academy graduates. Do you agree with our list? Or, do you believe that we’ve missed some players out? Let us know in the comments!
Something tells us that it won’t be too long before we see the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe on this list. They are simply too good not to write themselves into the Arsenal history books. As Arteta continues to take The Gunners back towards the summit of English football, the academy duo will likely continue to play a crucial role.
Tottenham insiders believe defender Clement Lenglet could become their ‘best option’ at the centre of a back three, according to Alasdair Gold.
The Lowdown: Lenglet joins…
The Frenchman, after a few seasons in the Barcelona wilderness, joined Spurs on a season-long loan deal from the Catalans last summer.
As part of sporting director Fabio Paratici’s bid to strengthen Antonio Conte’s defence, Lenglet put pen to paper on a move to N17, but he has endured a mixed campaign.
The 27-year-old has been criticised for some questionable performances this Premier League season and reports suggest Spurs want to strengthen the centre-back position further this summer with other signings.
The Latest: Spurs hold Lenglet belief…
However, despite the criticism and another lacklustre performance against Wolves on Saturday, Spurs insiders believe Lenglet could star under Conte.
According to Alasdair Gold, writing for football.london, those within the club believe the former Sevilla star could become their ‘best option’ at the centre of a back three.
It’s added that they’re a big fan of his passing ability, even if Lenglet’s showing at Molineux did little to back up that theory.
Lenglet’s ability as a ball-playing central defender is without question – completing a cool 87.4% of his passes out from the back this season (WhoScored).
However, the concerns lie in his ability to thwart opposition attacks, with pundit Jamie O’Hara calling Lenglet an ‘imposter’ after a recent Champions League horror show against AC Milan.
The £145,000-per-week ace also ranks below the likes of Eric Dier and Cristian Romero in a lot of key defensive metrics – with the two Spurs stars averaging a higher rate of blocks, interceptions and clearances made per 90.
While Lenglet stands out a composed ball-player, there appears to still be work to do in terms of his defensive ability, and these next few months will be crucial in determining his future.
The most popular sport in the world is football, and it’s easy to see why. Football is fast-paced, exciting and entertaining. There are plenty of leagues around the world which means there are always matches being played somewhere at any given time – and that means there are plenty of opportunities to bet on football too. If you’re looking for ways to make money as a punter then these tips will help you find success. Some online casinos offer amazing offers so don’t miss out on those.
Football is the most popular sport in the world, and it is not hard to understand why
Football is the most popular sport in the world, and it is not hard to understand why. Football is a global game that appeals to a wide range of people and attracts huge crowds every week. The World Cup is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, with billions tuning in from around the globe to watch their countries battle for glory.
Football betting can be hugely lucrative if you know where to look for value bets and how best to maximize your chances of winning money by betting on football matches correctly.
Football is a global game that appeals to a wide range of people and attracts huge crowds every week
Football is a global game that appeals to a wide range of people and attracts huge crowds every week. The popularity of football has grown considerably over the years, as it has become an important part of our lives. Football has become so popular that there are now hundreds of thousands of players around the world who enjoy playing it on their weekends or evenings.
Football is one of those sports where you can spend time with friends or family members, making sure that everyone gets involved in some way or another. You can also play with other teams from around your area which gives people more opportunities to socialize with others outside their usual circle at home or the workplace. Many online casino sites offer chat options or ways to help out a friend by sending him a tip (so that he or she can start wagering).
The World Cup and the Super Bowl Great Gambling Potential
The World Cup is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, and it regularly attracts many more viewers than even the Super Bowl does. This is because more people are interested in football than any other sport and they have been since before television was invented. In fact, when you think about it, football has been around for centuries longer than any other popular sport on Earth!
The World Cup is held every four years (except during wartime), and takes place in different countries around the world – this means that sometimes it’s held close to where you live so you can go see all those famous players live at your local stadium or arena. It usually takes place between June and July each year; however, there have been times when they’ve had to change this date due to bad weather conditions like snowstorms etcetera…
Gambling on football is big business for both online and offline bookmakers, with thousands of people placing bets every single day on their favourite teams, players and competitions from across the globe.
It’s not just serious punters who enjoy placing a wager on their team though; many football fans enjoy gambling purely for fun or perhaps as an opportunity to win some extra cash. Whatever your reason for betting on football may be, there are plenty of options available online so don’t hesitate!
Gambling on football is a great way to make money. There are many different ways to gamble on football, each with its own set of rules and regulations, similar to what each online casino has – but all can be fun, entertaining and profitable if you follow these simple tips:
Gambling on the Premier League can be made more profitable by using good odds from trustworthy bookmakers such as Ladbrokes or bet365. When gambling on specific matches or markets it is important that you understand exactly what you’re betting on before placing any bets because some markets may not be available at certain times during the season (for example when teams are playing in European competitions) and there may be restrictions placed upon your gambling account by certain bookmakers (such as only being able to bet £5 per person per week). Gambling on quality markets, having good odds and knowing when to pull out at the right time
Identifying Value in Markets on most online casinos.
The first step in being profitable as a football punter is identifying value in your market. This means finding something that other people aren’t seeing or don’t think about. If there is something obvious then everyone will take advantage of it and the odds will get shorter (and therefore harder for you). For example, let’s say there’s an old striker who has been injured all season but he just came back from injury last week against Spurs – he scored 2 goals and created another chance which could have been converted into another goal if not for some poor finishing by his teammates! You could find some reasons why this player might be able to score against Watford today like “he’s fit again”, “he played really well last week” etc…but these things aren’t nearly enough evidence compared with what else could happen during 90 minutes’ worth of football action!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand some of the basics of gambling on football at the best online casinos. If you want to get started with your own bets, then check out our handy guide above on how to bet online and start making some money! Don’t forget that this could take huge risks so gamble responsibly!
Just one week ago, the pessimism seeping out of Stamford Bridge could not have been alleviated by even the most fruitful thinkers among the Chelsea fanbase, but after successive victories against Leeds United in the Premier League and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, optimism is borne anew.
Manager Graham Potter has certainly received some respite after advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals and narrowing the gap on Tottenham Hotspur in fourth in the league, with the two wins coming off the back of a woeful run that left Chelsea boasting just two victories from 15 matches across all competitions.
There is fresh positivity in west London, but the situation surrounding stalwart N’Golo Kante taints the recent success, with the 31-year-old midfielder’s future at the outfit up in the air.
Signed from Premier League champions Leicester City for £30m in 2016, Kante has been instrumental in clinching a plethora of major honours including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League across his 262 appearances.
But this season, beset with a detrimental hamstring injury and consequently missing 33 competitive matches at present, the club must consider their options, with the Frenchman out of contract in a matter of months.
With this in mind, Blues technical director Christopher Vivell might be inclined to delve into the youth ranks and continue the trend that saw the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount find a home in the Chelsea starting XI.
One prudent option could well be that of Leo Castledine.
Who is Leo Castledine?
In 2020, the prodigy departed AFC Wimbledon after seven years to join Chelsea’s prestigious Cobham academy, and he has thus far impressed every step of his development, now within touching distance of a breakthrough onto the senior scene.
According to Chelsea’s official website, Castledine is “an attacking midfield player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle.”
The teenage “talent” – as dubbed by Joe Flemons – has made 72 total appearances for the Blues youth ranks, scoring 22 goals and serving seven assists, and this term has plundered 11 goals and two assists from 30 outings, lauded by creative agency KIN for one “wonder strike” this term.
Should the youngster be offered the platform to shine, he might indeed find a place in the home currently occupied by World Cup winner Kante, whose robust and combative brilliance in his sweeping duties sometimes leave the masses unaware of just how sublime his offensive work can be.
As per FBref, the £290k-per-week gem ranks among the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 17% for assists per 90, illustrating the expansive scope of his game that threads far beyond the industrious facet to his arsenal.
And with Castledine boasting ‘tenacity’ and ‘creativity’ in abundance, he could be the box-to-box prodigy capable of adopting the mantle of one of the Premier League’s greatest contemporary stars.
Considering this, Potter must consider unleashing the precocious 18-year-old talent in the coming months; while the lucrative spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly has provided a new-look sheen to the club, acknowledging Stamford Bridge’s roots and the success of the likes of James and Mount must not fall from memory.
Castledine could just be the perfect heir to replace one of the Premier League’s most stellar modern midfielders.
Manchester United could be one of the numerous clubs interested in signing Goncalo Inacio but nothing is ‘concrete’, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Inacio linked with United move
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to embark on a fruitful time of things in the summer transfer window, as he looks to take his squad up another level next season.
One player who has been linked with a move to United is Inacio, who is enjoying an impressive season for Sporting CP, featuring 23 times in the Primeira Liga.
He has enjoyed a 90.2% pass completion rate in that time, as well as winning an average of 2.1 aerial duel wins per game, outlining his immediate dominance as a young defender coming through.
The Latest: Romano drops update
Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano revealed that there are no active moves for Inacio currently, but United could well be among the clubs eyeing him up:
“I’ve been asked a few times now about Manchester United following Goncalo Inacio. Many, many clubs have followed him since a long time.
“He’s an amazing talent, I think he’s one of the best left-footed young centre backs in Europe. He would be a top signing for any club but I’m not aware of anything concrete for now.”
The Verdict: Huge long-term potential
While signings such as Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have been good ones for United, they are all ageing players and the club also need to bring in young additions.
21 year-old Inacio could be the perfect summer signing, in that respect, coming in as someone who could hit the ground running immediately and also be a long-term acquisition.
The five-cap Portugal Under-21 international is renowned for his passing ability from the back and is left-footed, so could perhaps be the back-up for Lisandro Martinez to begin with, as well as an upgrade on Harry Maguire, who could depart.
To already be a key starter for Sporting at just 21 years of age is a testament to Inacio’s quality, and he could be a hugely exciting signing for United if it happens this summer.
Everton's struggling campaign has been underwritten by a lack of a fit and firing striker, as goals have come at a premium for the Toffees.
Their tally of 22 goals in the Premier League is the joint-lowest, and as such Sean Dyche has had to hang his hopes on gaining vital points through narrow wins. Of the three he has picked up, against Arsenal, Brentford and Leeds United, all three have been won by a 1-0 scoreline.
It is clear that defensively this outfit have been rectified by the ex-Burnley boss, who already has implemented a tightly-knit structure that allows a packed-out midfield to screen the back four.
Were he to have that pure centre forward that he craves too, to add to this impressive newfound solidity, there would surely be little worries of relegation.
Neal Maupay has already been written off as a failure, but the constant hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin might return frustrates fans. He always seems so close to a comeback, only to suffer yet another setback. Despite these recent struggles for the English marksman, his rise to prominence cannot be understated.
How much is Dominic Calvert-Lewin worth?
Having been signed back in 2016 for just £1.6m, Ronald Koeman marked the start of his tenure with a shrewd piece of business that unfortunately did not become a trend. Many of the club's financial issues can be traced back to the free-spending Dutchman, but it was the acquisition of this Sheffield-born forward that does deserve praise.
Quickly establishing himself as a useful asset to have around the squad, around the 2019/20 campaign he began to announce himself as a reliable goalscorer, enjoying a rich vein of form resulting in 13 goals in the Premier League.
The 6 foot 2 titan would follow that up with a 16-goal campaign under Carlo Ancelotti, just before the injuries kicked in.
Since the start of 2020, Calvert-Lewin has missed approximately 203 days due to various ailments which have unsurprisingly seen his stock plummet. This saw him miss out on a spot in the England squad too, as journalist James Marshment noted him as once again "struggling for fitness" around the time of selection.
dominic-calvert-lewin-injury-value-ronald-koeman
Whilst the apex of his Transfermarkt valuation was once at a lofty €45m (£39.3m) across 2021, it has since levelled out at €25m (£21.8m) as of this month. Whilst it has been higher in the past, as of today it still marks an impressive 1,268% increase in value since first signing.
The prospect of the attacker's return is so tantalising because of how integral he would be under Dyche. His hulking frame and deft touch make him incredibly unique, whilst he is also a man for the big occasion.
There will be hope that this international break will afford him the necessary time to finally return to full fitness, so he can come back into be the relegation "hero" that journalist Adam Jones dubbed him at the end of last season after that infamous win over Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United are believed to be one of the Premier League clubs that could make a move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone in the summer.
Which clubs are interested in Manu Kone?
Interest in the French midfielder is heating up in the Premier League, with Newcastle believed to be ready to rival the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool for his services in the summer.
On top of this, the likes of Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain are said to make up some of the interested clubs from across the continent.
The 21-year-old, who earns a wage of €6.7k (£5.9k) per week (as per Capology) still has over two years remaining on his current deal with the German side having only signed for them back in the summer of 2021.
But speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed noises coming out of Tyneside suggest there is an interest ahead of the summer:
"Newcastle like this guy a lot. Whether Newcastle probably go for a player in that mould who has Premier League experience [instead] – that's what we're hearing from St. James' Park – but they do like this player and they've watched him a lot. He's one to keep an eye on."
Would Kone improve Newcastle?
The young Frenchman has impressed massively in the Bundesliga where he has already established himself as a regular in the Gladbach XI with 24 league appearances to his name this season (via Transfermarkt).
Kone has received big praise from talent scout Jacek Kulig who hailed him as a "one-man army" following his display against Bayern Munich last month.
And that has certainly been a theme throughout his campaign so far with the Frenchman registering over 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).
Manu Kone celebrates with the Borussia Monchengladbach fans following their Bundesliga clash against Cologne.
In comparison, this is more than what Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have returned this season with Kone also recording more take-ons per game than the current Toon duo (via FBref).
There have also been links with a potential move to Tyneside for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay ahead of the summer.
But again, the Frenchman has provided more tackles and almost double the number of take-ons per game of the reported Newcastle target (via FBref).
However, it seems as if the Toon will likely face some stern competition if they are to land the young midfielder who was hailed as "very exciting" by TalkSport's Mark Goldbridge.
Eddie Howe is believed to be keen on adding to his midfield over the summer having seen their options in the middle reduced over the January transfer window.
Despite wanting to add to their squad, the Toon allowed Jonjo Shelvey to leave for Nottingham Forest, which has recently seen the Toon linked with potential options for their midfield.