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Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has made an exciting claim about the possibility of further transfer business at Newcastle United this summer. 

The lowdown: Three in…

So far during the off-season, sporting director Dan Ashworth and ownership group PIF have added Matt Targett (permanently), Sven Botman and Nick Pope to Eddie Howe’s squad, spending £59.4m in the process (Transfermarkt).

Meanwhile, outcast striker Dwight Gayle became the latest player to leave the Magpies as the 34-year-old joined Stoke City, following Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Freddie Woodman and Jeff Hendrick out the door at St James’ Park.

With the transfer window set to remain open until September 1, there is plenty of time for Newcastle to get deals over the line, something that one well-informed onlooker now expects to happen…

The latest: ‘A few more additions’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth has claimed that the Magpies will almost certainly add to their ranks before the deadline, earmarking two key positions in particular.

He said: “Callum Wilson, of course, is their number nine at the moment, but he’s got a history of injuries, and when he’s played, his goals to games ratio is fantastic, but he misses too many games.

“So, I think they will want to reinforce that area and reinforce the area on the right-wing as well.

“So, all along the forward line, I would expect before 31st of August, maybe not necessarily before the start of the season, but definitely before the window closes, for Newcastle to have a few more additions.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Newcastle have been left somewhat frustrated in multiple pursuits during the window thus far, with the long and ultimately fruitless endeavour to sign talented French striker Hugo Ekitike, particularly time-consuming.

However, despite interest in many targets seemingly falling by the wayside, including the current pursuit of Jack Harrison from Leeds United, the Tynesiders must continue to seek out worthwhile targets in order to suitably strengthen the options at Howe’s disposal.

While there was a major upturn in fortunes last season following the appointment of the 44-year-old and the January spending sanctioned by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the depth of the squad remains threadbare in places. In order to continue on an upwards trajectory in the Premier League and perhaps mount a genuine cup run, further signings will be required.

Recently linked with a move for attacking trio Memphis Depay, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Marco Asensio, there is still a distinct possibility that there will indeed be further much-needed incomings to the Newcastle ranks.

Tottenham Hotspur may have a ‘boost’ in the chase to sign Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, according to journalist journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Spurs pursue Zaniolo move…

The Lilywhites are chasing a deal for Zaniolo as manager Antonio Conte and club director Fabio Paratici remain in the market for a creator who can inject some real quality in the final third.

Foot Mercato recently claimed that Spurs are in ongoing talks to sign the 23-year-old, and the door for his exit from Italy will ‘likely open’.

Meanwhile, 90min claimed in late June that Paratici has even offered players in part-exchange for Zaniolo, with Spurs appearing to strongly pursue the player.

The Latest: O’Rourke shares possible Zaniolo ‘boost’…

Speaking to This Is Futbol, journalist O’Rourke claims that the Premier League side hold a ‘boost’ as they continue to attempt Zaniolo’s signing.

The reporter says that the presence of Paratici as Spurs’ managing director could well hand Tottenham an advantage given his strong Serie A connections.

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O’Rourke explained: “It [connection with Italian football] definitely gives them a boost in that potential signing of Zaniolo.

“Spurs have done a lot of their business in Serie A over the last couple of transfer windows, including a couple of signings from Juventus in January. They signed Perišic this summer as well, so it’s a market that Paratici and Conte know very well.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Paratici’s contacts may well hand Spurs a boost in the race for Zaniolo, and we believe that signing the Italy international is worth the effort.

As per WhoScored, the starlet finished 2021/22 as one of Jose Mourinho’s most threatening players, completing more dribbles per 90 than any of his team-mates while attracting the most fouls.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson also believes that Zaniolo would be an ‘exciting’ signing, and his winning goal in the Europa Conference League final in May indicates that he is capable of rising to the big occasion.

A big update has emerged on the future of Pablo Mari at Arsenal…

What’s the word?

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are working on his departure from the Emirates Stadium as they look to trim Mikel Arteta’s squad before deadline day on September 1st.

“Monza have submitted an official proposal for Pablo Marí: loan with obligation to buy, mandatory clause in case Monza will remain in Serie A next season,” he tweeted.

“Up to Arsenal now, working on Marí and Lucas Torreira departures.”

Disastrous signing

The north London giants have been rather busy in the transfer window so far.

Technical director Edu Gaspar has sealed as many as five new signings, the most notable of which being a new no.9 in the form of Gabriel Jesus from Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as six outgoings, with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno moving on.

Mari could be next in line to seal an exit and quite rightly too as the 28-year-old has been nothing short of a disaster for Arteta and co.

The Spanish centre-back has racked up 22 appearances for the club but spent much of last season out on loan to Serie A outfit Udinese, with his last appearance for the Gunners being a Carabao Cup clash with EFL minnows AFC Wimbledon.

Arteta had clearly seen enough from Mari as he was in the starting lineup for the two 2-0 losses against Brentford and Chelsea where he was given an embarrassing run around by Romelu Lukaku, being pulled from pillar to post by the Belgian forward. His performance against the former. meanwhile, was even described as “shambolic” and “terrible” by ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell.

The former City man was quite a left-field signing from Edu at the time, costing around €8m (£6.7m) from Flamengo after an initial loan spell and with his wages thought to be in the region of a whopping £85k-per-week at the Emirates Stadium, he has been nothing short of a waste of money.

As such, it’s great news to learn that the Gunners are ‘working on’ his exit and Serie A outfit Monza appears to be a viable destination, so we should see the 28-year-old flop move on, sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Romano also reveals what Arsenal could do in August…

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a potential move for Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s interest

Antonio Conte has already signed Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan from Barcelona, but with uncertainty surrounding the future of Japhet Tanganga, the boss appears keen to bolster his ranks further.

The Lilywhites have been linked with a deal for the South Korean for the majority of the window, and whilst he still has a solid three years remaining on his contract with Luciano Spalletti’s side, could be on his way to the Premier League after details of a buyout clause have emerged.

The Latest: Spurs plotting Min-Jae move

Football.London report that Conte ‘would like to add depth’ in that central defence position, and therefore ‘could go for’ Min-Jae.

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The source states that the 25-year-old ‘has a £40m release clause’ in his deal at Napoli, and is a ‘firm favourite’ of the Spurs boss.

It’s claimed that the north London outfit ‘could still dip’ into the transfer market as the manager ‘searches for a new centre-back’ before September 1.

The Verdict: International advantage

Son Heung-Min is an international teammate of Min-Jae having played together for South Korea, so this existing relationship could help Spurs fend off any competitors and get a deal over the line.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, labelled ‘impressive’ by his colleague Alessandro Chanoly, averaged an outstanding 4.1 clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig last season, via WhoScored, highlighting how much of a rock he can be at the heart of a backline.

Min-jae has also been called ‘amazing’ by members of the media who particularly highlighted his partnership with Attila Szalai at Fenerbache over 2021/2022.

Tottenham are expected to announce the signing of Destiny Udogie imminently, and there’s a chance that Min-Jae could follow in his footsteps and be the next to walk through the doors at Hotspur Way in the weeks ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is ‘pushing for a definitive sale’ and is even willing to take strong action, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Out of favour…

The Frenchman is one of a few Spurs players currently out-of-favour at N17 alongside the likes of Harry Winks, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso as manager Antonio Conte revamps his Premier League squad.

Ndombele is not in the coach’s plans this season and it is believed that Serie A giants Napoli have expressed serious interest in securing his services.

The future of Tottenham’s club record signing could not look any further away from north London at this stage with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport sharing news on the player’s personal stance.

The Latest: Ndombele ‘pushing’ to leave permanently…

They claim, via Sport Witness, that Ndombele is ‘pushing for a definitive sale’ rather than a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy.

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Indeed, it is believed the 25-year-old is also willing to take strong action to push through a move – specifically by taking a pay cut and reducing his salary to make it happen.

Napoli are listed as a suitor specifically as their midfield star Fabian Ruiz finalises a move to Paris-Saint Germain.

The Verdict: Cut losses…

Bar some bright flashes of form under ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Ndombele has been unable to display his real ability on a regular basis with concerns surrounding his attitude and application.

He certainly has talent – West Ham star Declan Rice has backed the former Lyon star as a ‘top player’ and ‘street footballer on the pitch’ despite his uncertain future and lack of game time under Conte – but patience must be wearing thin at Hotspur Way.

Whether his exit be permanent or on a temporary deal, Ndombele leaving really does seem best for all parties at this point.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the brink of sealing the deal for Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot property

Courted by a number of Europe’s elite, Wolves’ pursuit of Nunes has been a protracted one that started last year and resurfaced at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

Since then, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea have all been heavily linked with the 23-year-old Portugal international.

However, now it seems as though Scott Sellars Old Gold have finally managed to land their highly sought-after man…

The latest: Record swoop

As per Record, translated by SW late on Monday night, Sellars and Co have reached an agreement with Sporting ‘in the past few hours’ to sign the eight-cap star.

It’s claimed that the Wanderers will pay €45million (£38million) upfront plus a potential €5million (£4.2million) in performance-related bonuses, breaking the previous record high spend from Molineux that saw Nunes’ compatriot Fabio Silva arrive for £36million.

The report states that the cultured midfielder – who was hailed ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos – has said ‘yes’ to a move to Wolves, owing to the persistence of Bruno Lage.

The verdict: Huge statement

Given the levels of interest from domestic rivals, this has to be regarded as a sensational coup for the Midlands club as Sellars and chairman Jeff Shi go into overdrive after an inauspicious opening two fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign for Lage’s side.

Meanwhile, Brazilian-born Nunes has made a stellar start to the new campaign, scoring once and providing one assist in two Primeira Liga outings, earning a staggering 7.70 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.5 duels, completing 3.0 successful dribbles and making 2.0 key passes on average per game in the process.

Currently earning a reported £13,000 per week (Salary Sport), Wolves are likely to hand the talented midfielder a hefty pay rise to accompany the club’s record expenditure and will hope their new man lives up to expectations.

Linked elsewhere to Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu, it could yet be a busy end to the window for the Molineux hierarchy.

Liverpool have been name-checked in connection with a mystery £75m bid for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

The Reds’ midfield crisis was clear to see during their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Monday night, with Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all currently sidelined.

Jurgen Klopp admitted before the game at Old Trafford that he would like to add another central player to his ranks before September 1, which has been further backed up by journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos.

The Anfield outfit have been linked with several players, including Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but now a new name has entered the fold.

The Latest: Valverde’s secret admirer

According to Spanish publication El Debate (via The Mirror), it’s claimed that Liverpool are set to ‘move forward’ with a new midfield signing, with Valverde being the subject of a €90m (£75m) bid from an ‘unnamed’ Premier League club.

The outlet assumes that the team sending the offer is likely to be one of the ‘big six’, or Newcastle United, who now ‘could afford’ this price following their takeover.

It’s believed that the proposal has been ‘rejected’ by Real Madrid, who view their maestro as ‘untouchable’, with a ‘substantial fee’ required to be sold.

The Verdict: Too much money

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are the club who have approached Valverde, but this deal is not one that they should consider pursuing.

The Uruguayan, dubbed ‘world class’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is undoubtedly a household name, but £75m is a huge sum of money to pay for a panic buy to cover injuries, and it’s not even guaranteed that he would be a starter when the out of action players do return.

It’s obvious that Klopp is a massive fan of Jude Bellingham, and any potential deal for him next year is likely to break the bank, so the Reds should hold off and find a cheaper short-term alternative.

Nottingham Forest are back in action today as they prepare for their fourth Premier League game of the season, welcoming high-flying Tottenham Hotspur to the City Ground.

The Tricky Trees boast a mixed but satisfactory start to the season, with a win, draw and defeat apiece, although a win today would see them draw level on points with the Lilywhites.

Steve Cooper’s men recorded an impressive 1-1 draw against Everton last week, thus proving that the victory against West Ham United six days previously was no flash in the pan.

They will be looking to frustrate Antonio Conte’s side, who narrowly defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

The 42-year-old again has some injuries to contend with, along with plenty more new signings to consider integrating into his team.

With that in mind, here’s the starting XI that we’re predicting today for the Reds…

There could be as many as ten changes from the Forest side which swept Grimsby aside in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

In goal, the usual number one Dean Henderson is set to continue after his stellar display against the Toffees last week. It would also be a surprise to see any of the back five change from the Everton game, as Moussa Niakhate still seems unlikely to return after he was forced off against the Hammers.

With Cooper being coy on the severity of that injury, Steve Cook will likely continue alongside Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, all of whom were rested in midweek, as were wing-backs Harry Toffolo and Neco Williams.

The midfield is where we are likely to see the only bit of consistency from the team which faced Grimsby, as Remo Freuler has finally had his introduction with a full 90 minutes on Tuesday. We could see him handed his Premier League debut alongside Lewis O’Brien today.

The “special” Morgan Gibbs-White could also be handed a start, as he impressed off the bench against Everton last weekend. He was involved with some neat touches, racking up 20 in just under half an hour on the pitch; he could replace the toothless Jesse Lingard, who did not record a single shot at Goodison Park.

Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi will likely come back in after their midweek rests, although Emmanuel Dennis will surely be ready to battle with them now that he has had his club debut against Grimsby.

Newcastle United supporters enjoyed a day to remember in October 2021 as they gathered en masse outside of St. James’ Park to celebrate PIF’s takeover of the club.

The Saudi Arabian consortium took control of the Magpies from Sports Direct supremo Mike Ashley for £305m, ending his reign in charge that began in 2007.

Ashley led the Toon army to two relegations from the Premier League and put the club up for sale in 2008 and 2017 before eventually selling to PIF last year.

At the time of the takeover, a survey by the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust revealed that 93.8% of members were in favour of the change in ownership, which illustrated their feelings towards their former owner.

However, Ashley did have a few highlights during his time on Tyneside, particularly when it came to making a profit on selling players.

One gem the Englishman played a masterclass with was central midfielder Moussa Sissoko as he made an enormous amount of money from the sale of the French talent.

The club moved to sign him from French side Toulouse in January 2013 for a fee in the region of £2.2m. He had played over 200 games for the Ligue 1 outfit and was a full international for France before arriving in England and hit the ground running for Newcastle as he instantly became a key player for the club.

In three-and-a-half seasons for the Magpies, he played 133 matches – with 118 of those coming in the Premier League – and chipped in with 12 goals and 19 assists.

Sissoko caught the eye in his final campaign for the Toon as he registered seven assists and created 10 ‘big chances’ in 37 top-flight outings, creating 1.6 chances per game from central midfield.

These statistics are particularly impressive when you consider that Allan Saint-Maximin, Newcastle’s main creator last season, managed five assists, seven ‘big chances’ created and 1.4 key passes per match in the Premier League in 2021/22.

His performances, and the club’s relegation in 2016, led to him earning a big-money move to Tottenham in the summer of 2016 as he pushed to leave to maintain his place in the France set-up.

The gem, who Stan Collymore claimed could be a “monster” at Spurs, joined the London club for a reported fee of £30m, rejecting Everton to seal a move to the Lillywhites.

This means that Newcastle made a 1264% profit on the initial £2.2m they spent to sign him in 2013.

Therefore, Ashley pulled off a masterclass with Sissoko as he made £27.8m off the gem whilst getting over three years of regular Premier League game time from him. For any faults the fans may have seen in him, the Sports Direct boss certainly played a blinder with this particular deal.

Club ‘insider’ John Wenham claims Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is ‘hampering the team’ amid his poor run of form so far this season.

The Lowdown: Son struggles…

The South Korea superstar marked himself out as Antonio Conte’s player of the season last year, even sharing the Premier League golden boot with Liverpool big name Mohamed Salah after both men finished 2021/22 with 23 goals each.

However, Son hasn’t managed to replicate that imperious form over his first six league matches – having failed to find the net once whilst currently ranking as Spurs’ ninth-best performer overall (WhoScored).

If the north Londoners are to regain European qualification or clinch silverware by the end of this campaign, they’ll need their previously electric forward back to his best.

The Latest: Wenham makes ‘complacent’ Son claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham, who regularly breaks club news on his Lilywhite Rose social media accounts, claims the 30-year-old is ‘hampering’ Conte’s side.

He explained:

“Son just looks complacent and he is hampering the team at the moment because he and Kane are the main men.

“When it works, we score goals. It’s just not happening for them right now, it’s a bad run and he needs a rest.”

The Verdict: Rested for Leicester?

The Lilywhites take on struggling Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon, and if there is an opportunity for Son to get his season up and running, it’s against Brendan Rodgers’ out-of-form side.

Languishing at the foot of the table, only newly-promoted Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have conceded more goals than the Foxes who are currently very vulnerable.

Tottenham’s winger may well have a field day this afternoon and it’s arguable he is in dire need of an afternoon where he can run rampant and rediscover his ruthless streak.