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Newcastle United are believed to be leading the race to sign an exciting young talent in the January transfer window, in a deal that could be worth at least £16m.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with new signings and Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani has been mentioned as a possible addition at St James’ Park. The France international appears to be deemed surplus to requirements at the Ligue 1 side, with a loan move in January mooted.

It looks as though Newcastle see the need to bolster their attacking options, especially the right wing, which is why Brahim Diaz has been backed to join the club. The 25-year-old is struggling to be a regular starter for Real Madrid this season, being kept out by some stellar names including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, so a move away could appeal.

Another leading wide option is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has stood out as one of the Premier League’s best right-sided players so far this season. The fact that he already knows English football so well means he could come straight in and be a star for the Magpies.

Then there are the links with Marc Guehi that have returned, with the Crystal Palace centre-back a massive summer target and now seen as a strong option in the winter window. It feels like a transfer that could happen at some point, and it would arguably be a surprise if it didn’t.

Newcastle in pole position to sign £16m talent

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle and the PIF are in pole position to sign Hertha Berlin teenager Ibrahim Maza in January, having been interested in him for some time. Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, West Ham and Brentford are all mentioned as suitors, too.

The Magpies are said to have ‘positioned themselves to take advantage of one particular opportunity in the marketplace that has presented itself’. The 18-year-old is now potentially available for £16.6m after his asking price was lowered. Offers of £10.8m could ‘get the ball rolling’, though.

Maza may not be the polished attacking player that many Newcastle fans crave in January, but he is a young footballer with an enormous amount of potential, already making an impact at a high level.

He has six goals and four assists in 29 appearances for Hertha, netting once in two appearances in the Bundesliga, and he also already has one cap to his name for Algeria at international level.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Maza is also capable of shining in a central attacking role or on the left wing, and this level of versatility is something that could appeal to Eddie Howe.

Newcastle must regret losing academy ace who's outperforming Gordon in PL

Newcastle lost an academy talent who’s now outperforming Gordon in the Premier League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 23, 2024

The Algerian ace would be considered one for the future, but also a good squad option to bring in midway through the season, and the fact that he could be available on the cheap is an added bonus.

Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as he explained why the Al-Nassr star is 'an example for all players in the world'.

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• Jesus hailed Al-Nassr's Ronaldo
• Cites Portuguese star to inspire Al-Hilal players
• CR7 and Portugal face Denmark on Thursday

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite Ronaldo plying his trade at Al-Hilal's rival club Al-Nassr, Jesus spoke highly of his compatriot as he stressed on the 40-year-old's fitness and work ethic. The manager also revealed that he often cites the Portugal icon as an example to motivate his own players.

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• WHAT JOGE JESUS SAID

  Speaking at the Forum of the National Association of Football Coaches, the 70-year-old said: "I don’t know, but I would like it to happen. Because Ronaldo is an example. Ronaldo is an example at 40 years old. You see some Al Nassr games now, but I am there. He is still a young player, given his performance in the game. And, honestly, I don’t know how long he will continue. Because he is a 100 per cent professional, he takes care of himself like no other player in the world, and that is why he is 40 years old and still going."

  He added: "I often give his example to my players. Ronaldo is an example for all players in the world. What makes an athlete’s career last longer is not just the training process, it is the entire development of the player’s recovery. And today, the player’s recovery is fundamental."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Even at 40, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star continues to dazzle in one of the top leagues in Asia. Ronaldo has scored 28 goals in 33 matches across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, including 19 Saudi Pro League goals. He is once again the front-runner to win the Golden Boot award.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

  Ronaldo now shifts his focus to international football as Portugal are all set to face Denmark in a two-legged Nations League quarter-final clash on March 20 and 23.

West Ham United now hold a key advantage in the race to appoint a potential “mastermind” Julen Lopetegui replacement, according to a report.

Lopetegui on thin ice

Lopetegui is seemingly very close to losing his job at the London Stadium, given that West Ham are already running the rule over potential replacements, with a number of candidates on the shortlist.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is said to be of interest to the Hammers, and the Dane’s stock may well have risen after the Bees’ impressive 4-2 victory against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Maurizio Sarri has also emerged as an option, as it is believed that West Ham have been “offered” the Europa League-winning former Chelsea boss, with David Sullivan and Tim Steidten open to the possibility of bringing him back to the Premier League.

Another target who could perhaps be viewed as more of a left-field option, is Al-Ahli’s Matthias Jaissle, with journalist Rudy Galetti reporting the Irons could soon make contact to discuss the terms of a potential deal with the 36-year-old.

West Ham could soon contact "ambitious" title-winning new manager target

Julen Lopetegui is fighting to save his job.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 7, 2024

Allegri on the shortlist

Earlier this week. it was reported that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is contending to replace Lopetegui in the dugout, and there are now promising signs that West Ham could be able to get a deal over the line should they pursue him.

According to a report from CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), Allegri is now “between West Ham United and Roma”, with the Italian club also searching for a new manager.

However, the Hammers could hold a key advantage over the Serie A side, as the Italian is looking to manage abroad in the future, having never previously managed outside his home country.

With so many candidates lined up for West Ham, it remains to be seen whether the Italian is one of their top targets, but there are clear signs that he could be a brilliant successor to Lopetegui if the Spaniard receives the sack soon.

The Livorno-born tactician boasts an impressive record in his home country, having won six Serie A titles across spells with Juventus and Milan, as well as five Italian Cups and three Super Cups.

Since taking over as Sassuolo boss back in 2007, the 57-year-old has impressed at every club he’s managed, as indicated by his points-per-game tally during that time:

Frosinone chairman Guido Angelozzi dubbed the former Milan boss a “mastermind” earlier this year, and it is clear to see why, given the success he has brought to two of Europe’s top clubs in Juventus and Milan.

As such, it is exciting news that West Ham could be able to attract Allegri to the London Stadium, in light of his ambition to manage outside Italy.

Everything you need to know about Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee's salary at Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Manchester Untied in the summer of 2024, having played for the Italian side Bologna in the Serie A previously.

Zirkzee spent two seasons in Italy before making his move to Old Trafford as United shelled out a total of £36.5 million to sign the Dutch forward.

Despite his high signing fee, Zirkzee makes a relatively modest salary when compared to the top earners at the club

But how much does he exactly earn playing for the Red Devils?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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• Joshua Zirkzee's wages at Manchester United in numbers

  Under his current contract with Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee earns £105,000 ($135,689) on a weekly basis, while his annual salary scales up to £5.46 million ($7.05m).

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Joshua Zirkzee	Dutch	£105,000	$135,689	£5,460,000	$7,055,820

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• Getty Images
  

  Top earners at Manchester United

  Acquiring the top spot in the Manchester United wage bill is former Real madrid midfielder Casemiro.

  The Brazilian is followed by Bruno Fernandes at second position, while Mason Mount makes an appearance at number three despite having played very limited football since his arrival from Chelsea.

  Next in the list comes Dutch centre-back Matthijs de ligt as the fourth-highest earner, while rounding off the list at number five is yet another centre-back in Harry Maguire.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Casemiro	Brazilian	£350,000	$452,296	£18,200,000	$23,519,400
  Bruno Fernandes	Portuguese	£300,000	$387,682	£15,600,000	$20,159,485
  Mason Mount	English	£250,000	$323,069	£13,000,000	$16,799,571
  Matthijs de Ligt	Dutch	£195,000	$251,994	£10,140,000	$13,103,665
  Harry Maguire	English	£190,000	$245,532	£9,880,000	$12,767,674

• Top earners in the Premier League

  Casemiro is not only the highest earner at Manchester United, but also the fourth highest earner across the Premier League.

  The top spot belongs to Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, followed by his Manchester City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.

  At number three comes Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, while the number five spot belongs to yet another Manchester City player in Jack Grealish.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wage sin USD
  Erling Haaland	Norwegian	£525,000	$678,444	£27,300,000	$35,279,099
  Kevin De Bruyne	Belgian	£400,000	$516,910	£20,800,000	$26,879,314
  Mohamed Salah	Egyptian	£350,000	$452,296	£18,200,000	$23,519,400
  Casemiro	Brazilian	£350,000	$452,296	£18,200,000	$23,519,400
  Jack Grealish	English	£300,000	$387,682	£15,600,000	$20,159,485

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Highest paid players in the world

  Despite the astronomical wages of the top earners in the Premier League, they don't even come close to salaries of the highest-paid players in the world.

  At the pinnacle sits the all-time top goal-scorer of the Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays his football for Al Nassr, followed by his former Real Madrid attacking partner Karim Benzema.

  Meanwhile, former Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez makes an appearance at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

  All five highest paid players in the world currently play in the Saudi Pro League.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,224,935	$4,166,513	£167,696,622	$215,658,680
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,612,468	$2,083,257	£83,848,311	$108,329,340
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£841,708	$1,087,460	£43,768,818	$56,547,915
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£644,987	$833,033	£33,539,324	$43,331,736
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£559,526	$722,890	£29,095,364	$37,590,281

Manchester United have placed an international defender on their transfer shortlist, having held talks with the player when Erik ten Hag was in charge. Ruben Amorim’s reign as head coach is now well underway, and while the games come thick and fast, INEOS are putting plans in place ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Amad 2.0: Amorim could unleash Man Utd teen who's outscoring Obi-Martin

Manchester United have yet another exciting star within their academy ranks.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 3, 2024

Man Utd transfer news

It has been claimed that January could be a quiet window for the Red Devils, given they spent heavily in the summer and are still trying to stay within the financial fair play rules. However, there could be one or two departures at Old Trafford in the New Year, and that may help them bring in one or two new arrivals.

One player who could leave United in January is defender Diogo Dalot, as Real Madrid are said to be talking to the Premier League side over a possible deal. The Spanish giants are looking to sign a new right-back, and Dalot has emerged on their radar, but it may be a difficult deal for them to do, as United are demanding at least £41 million.

In terms of arrivals, United have recently sent scouts to watch midfielder Valentin Atangana. A midfield addition looks to be on the cards for the summer at the very latest, as Christian Eriksen and Casemiro look set to leave Old Trafford come the end of the campaign. The Red Devils are among the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on the exciting midfielder.

Man Utd plotting transfer swoop for £20m-rated defender

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have placed defender David Raum on their shortlist, as their search for a new left-back continues. The 26-year-old currently plays for German side RB Leipzig and has done so since 2022, when he joined from Hoffenheim.

Plettenberg reports there were “concrete discussions” about Raum’s possible wages at Old Trafford last summer under Ten Hag, while he is “considered to be a very good fit for Ruben Amorim’s new system” and is represented by ROOF Agency, who have “excellent connections to the Premier League”.

Raum, who has won 26 caps for his national side, Germany, has been a top performer in the Bundesliga for several seasons now. Last season, he scored two goals and registered an impressive 10 assists in 31 Bundesliga games, which has only been bettered by his final season at Hoffenheim, where he scored three goals and recorded 13 assists in 32 league games.

United have kept a close eye on him for a while, and they are “monitoring” his development. Raum is under contract until the summer of 2027 and is currently not playing for Leipzig, as he suffered an injury at the beginning of October. The left-back could cost United around £20 million, as Transfermarkt value the player at 25 million euros.

Tottenham have made Andoni Iraola their number one target to replace Ange Postecoglou amid questions over the Australian coach's future.

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• Postecoglou under pressure at Spurs
• Iraola now the top target to replace him
• Spaniard impressing at Bournemouth

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Bournemouth coach has impressed since his arrival in 2023 following a bright spell in charge of Rayo Vallecano and reports Spurs have made him their top target should they decide to part ways with Postecoglou. The north London club will have to activate his £10 million ($13m) release clause, though the report says that will not be a problem.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Postecoglou has come under pressure due to his team's worrying results, leaving them 14th in the league. Spurs hope results pick up soon and are aiming to win the Europa League, with a quarter-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt coming up. Even if Postecoglou sees out the season, there are "serious doubts" about his long-term future, per the report.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bournemouth, meanwhile, currently sit 10th in the table after 29 matches – five points behind the top four – and could improve on last season's 12th place finish.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Iraola's men will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday while Postecoglou's men head to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the league on April 3.

West Ham United have now joined the race to sign a cut-price defender in the January transfer window as they look to bolster Julen Lopetegui’s ranks, it has been reported, though they will face competition from Newcastle United.

West Ham splash the cash

It was an expensive summer for the Hammers, with the club spending lavishly in a bid to rejuvenate their squad following the departure of David Moyes. Lopetegui was given command of the side, and the club added nine new faces to their squad in a major overhaul of the side, spending around £132m in the process, the fifth most in the Premier League.

However, early form has seen those hopes of potential European football tempered, and there is an expectation that the club will continue to be active in January no matter who is in the managerial hotseat amid reported pressure on Lopetegui.

One position that they will need to strengthen is at striker, with Michail Antonio having been involved in a horror car crash and likely to miss the remainder of the campaign, while summer addition Fullkrug has managed just four Premier League appearances to date, scoring just once. Now, they could also look to strengthen elsewhere.

West Ham want to sign Manchester United defender

That comes with the Hammers reportedly eyeing up a bargain deal to sign Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof. The east London side have previously been interested in teammate Harry Maguire, but never managed to get a deal over the line for the England international.

Instead, they now appear to have pivoted to his teammate, a player who Maguire himself dubbed “technically brilliant” and a “great footballer”.

The Swedish defender is heading into the final six months of his £120,000 a week deal at Old Trafford, but has played just a single minute of football since the arrival of Ruben Amorim at the club and is likely to depart in the coming months.

As per Caught Offside, West Ham are among the sides showing interest in a cut-price deal to sign him in January, with the Red Devils reportedly ready to let him leave for around £6m rather than lose him for free at the end of the season.

Karren Brady urging West Ham to hire interesting Julen Lopetegui successor

The vice-chair has a candidate firmly in mind.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 14, 2024

They claim that “Newcastle, West Ham and Everton” are all “among his suitors”, alongside sides across Europe. Though West Ham splashed out on two new centre-backs in the most recent transfer window, they have looked anything but assured at the back and have only Konstantinos Mavropanos as a recognised alternative to their first choice pairing as things stand, which could explain why they are eyeing up a potential bargain deal to sign Lindelof.

With plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, he could be a very shrewd signing in the short-term for the east London side.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has insistently told the club’s board members to pursue a La Liga star, with the Spaniard attempting to secure his precarious position in the dugout and lead his team back up the Premier League table.

West Ham play Brighton after 1-1 draw at Bournemouth

Lopetegui narrowly avoided the sack after West Ham beat Wolves 2-1 in the ‘El Sackico’ nearly a fortnight ago, and they very nearly nicked three points at high-flying Bournemouth seven days later.

West Ham table £25m bid for striker who they once tried to sign for Moyes

They attempted a deal under the Scotsman.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 19, 2024

Enes Unal’s stunning free-kick in the 90th minute meant West Ham had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw on the south coast, but their last two games perhaps represent some hope that Lopetegui can resurrect the club’s form.

However, the 58-year-old is still very much a man under pressure in the east London dugout.

West Ham reportedly held talks with the likes of Graham Potter around this time two weeks ago, and high-ranking technical director Tim Steidten was believed to be in favour of sacking Lopetegui at the start of December.

The former Spain and Real Madrid boss needs to maintain a run of solid form, or he’ll find himself back at the centre of reports linking him with an unceremonious exit from the London Stadium just months into the job.

Lopetegui is now preparing his West Ham side for a looming home game at home to Brighton on Saturday, and it won’t be an easy task, with Fabian Hurzeler’s men impressing in parts.

West Ham could take some encouragement from the fact Brighton haven’t won in their last four consecutive Premier League games, but it would be foolish for Lopetegui to underestimate the task at hand as he looks to end 2024 on a high.

Julen Lopetegui tells West Ham board to sign Real Sociedad star Brais Mendez

The looming January transfer window also represents a chance for West Ham’s under-pressure head coach to strengthen his ranks, in a bid to potentially reach the European qualification spots by the end of 2024/2025.

According to reports out of Spain, the tactician has a priority target firmly in mind, as he personally eyes a winter move for Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez.

Indeed, it is believed Lopetegui has told West Ham’s board to make a move for Mendez, who’s bagged three goals and three assists over 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Sociedad, for their part, aren’t keen on letting a star player leave mid-season, but they could listen to offers if they’re close to his market value – which Transfermarkt estimates to be around £33 million.

The four-cap Spain international’s future could be decided “in the coming weeks”, and London is seen as a very viable destination for him amid Lopetegui’s serious interest.

Mendez can play both out wide and through the middle, ranking as Sociedad’s third-best performing player according to WhoScored.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is hopeful that Amad Diallo may well feature for the club again before the end of the season.

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• Amad had been ruled out for the season
• Ivorian had been excelling under Amorim
• United hoping to claw back respectability

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Before he suffered an ankle injury in training that had thought to have ruled him out for the season, Amad had been one of very few bright sparks in the United team this season. The winger, capable of playing across the front-line or at wing-back, had chipped in with six goals and six assists in 22 Premier League games and quickly became a key player under Amorim. Despite those initial fears, the Portuguese coach has suggested he may well return for the latter stages of the Premier League and, more importantly, Europa League campaigns.

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  WHAT AMORIM SAID

  Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Amorim said of Amad: "He’s doing quite well. We hope to have him before the season is finished. We'll see, but he's anxious to play, so we are waiting for him."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amad's return would represent a huge boost to the squad and Amorim's attacking options. In a number matches under the new coach, United have often had to rely on the attacking brilliance of Bruno Fernandes to bail them out of trouble and it is hard to imagine Amorim would not want to balance the attacking burden across his forwards. With Champions League qualification via the Premier League all but written off, United will have to put all their eggs in the Europa League basket and will be desperate to have their tricky winger back in time for the later rounds.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  With Amad still recovering, United will have to conjure up any result against Manchester City without their star from the reverse fixture. They face their city rivals on Sunday afternoon, buoyed by their Amad-inspired success at the Etihad. This comes before a huge game in Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.

Lamine Yamal was brutally mocked by Ronald Araujo for wearing his "daughter's jacket" after Barcelona's Champions League win over Dortmund.

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• Yamal shone against Dortmund in UCL
• Was spotted celebrating in the dressing room
• Put on a pink jacket which cracked up Araujo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On a night where everything seemed to click, Barcelona put on a masterclass in attacking football. The trio of Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski caused constant problems for Dortmund’s backline, combining flair, pace, and precision to devastating effect.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Barcelona’s on-field performance earned headlines, it was a humorous interaction in the locker room that drew attention online. Following the final whistle, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal was spotted wearing a striking bright pink jacket, which quickly became the subject of playful teasing from Araujo.

• WATCH THE CLIP

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• WHAT ARAUJO SAID

  Araujo, never one to miss a chance for a joke, shared the clip with a cheeky caption that read: “Look at Lamine! He’s wearing my daughter’s jacket! He’s wearing Aitana’s jacket!”