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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata…

What’s the talk?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Magpies have already agreed personal terms with the centre-forward, to whom they are willing to offer a salary of €6.5m (£5.4m) per season.

The report claims that the Tyneside club will be able to snap him up from Atalanta if they pay €40m (£33.4m) up front and sign him on a permanent deal in the current transfer window rather than on an initial loan.

Masterstroke

Newcastle could seal a masterstroke this month by securing a deal to sign Zapata from the Serie A club, as he could save the Magpies’ season.

He is a proven goalscorer at the top level and is a multi-faceted forward who could offer a big threat for Eddie Howe’s side at the top end of the pitch. His vast skill set could make him a danger to opposition defences and he has the physical strength to endure the relentless nature of Premier League football.

His former teammate Papu Gomez previously hailed his physique, saying: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

This suggests that the 30-year-old will not be bullied by Premier League defenders and will be able to hold his own in individual duels. Therefore, there should be no concerns that he will be too lightweight for the English top flight, which means that his technical ability could be shown in full view.

In 152 games for Atalanta, he has scored 78 goals and provided 38 assists. This shows that he is an all-round centre-forward who can find the back of the net himself whilst also linking the play for others to allow his team-mates to score through his creative nous as the number nine.

Zapata has scored 35 headers, 52 goals with his right foot and 16 with his left foot, showing that he can find the net in a variety of ways whilst playing at the top level in Italy. This suggests that he could be a major asset for Newcastle and a terrific signing for Howe’s team, which is why PIF could land a masterclass if they can bring him to the club in the coming days.

AND in other news, NUFC could find the “next Paul Gascoigne” as PIF plot bid for £25m “freak of a talent”…

A number of Manchester United supporters have been reacting positively to another rumour claiming Anthony Martial could leave the club.

The Frenchman has had a curious United career in many ways, enjoying some success but never quite matching the expectations many had when he arrived in 2015.

Martial has scored 79 goals in 268 appearances for the Red Devils but he has found himself increasingly out of favour at Old Trafford.

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Only two Premier League starts have come his way this season, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness and utdreport on Twitter], Martial will now do all he can to leave United in the January transfer window, assuming he is not in Ralf Rangnick’s plans.

Man United fans like Martial rumour

These United fans reacted to the news on Twitter, seeing it as a positive update due to the Frenchman’s lack of form recently…

“Please go”

Credit: @BigGruntz

“Thank God he wants to leave”

Credit: @_joromie

“Where does he want driving?”

Credit: @33georgejohnson

“On your bike then”

Credit: @alexkevans1992

“Who’s gonna miss a lazy striker???”

Credit: @Fabianhdw1

“He should have performed when he was given the chances…”

Credit: @lit08

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on one rumoured United target. Find out who it is here.

As per reliable reporter Scott Burns, writing for the Scottish Daily Express, some news has come to light on Southampton’s transfer plans for January involving Rangers star Joe Aribo.

The Lowdown: Semmens eyeing winter moves?

As the winter window looms, Southampton chief Martin Semmens, who oversees the club’s transfer activity, has already hinted that the Saints could be active business-wise as he aims to bolster manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s chances of Premier League survival.

Sitting just six points above the drop zone, Hasenhuttl’s men will potentially be looking to strengthen if the right opportunity arises, with links emerging to a few names like Angers wonderkid Mohamed-Ali Cho.

Now, as per an update from north of the border, another claim has emerged on the Saints’ transfer plans.

The Latest: Semmens eyeing Aribo bid…

According to Burns, Southampton, and by extension Semmens, are ‘weighing up a move’ for Gers star Aribo and they even had a representative sent to watch him in action at the weekend.

Standing out for the Teddy Bears this season, Southampton already have a number of reports on the midfielder as they keep tabs on his situation ahead of January.

The Verdict: Time to move?

The 25-year-old has been one of Rangers’ players of the season so far, making more SPFL appearances than anyone in their squad so far whilst averaging the second-highest rate of dribbles completed per 90 and scoring the second-most goals (WhoScored).

His contract is also expiring in 18 months, putting some pressure on the Ibrox side to contemplate a sale while they still can.

The Nigeria international, lauded as ‘red hot’ by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor for his form this season, could well be an astute purchase for Southampton if they can negotiate a realistic price.

In other news: ‘Worst player we have’…Southampton fans blast ‘terrible’ player after recent ‘stinker’, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now willing to pay big money in order to sign Ronald Araujo.

The Lowdown: Destined for greatness

Despite the trouble in which Barcelona have found themselves in recent times, having to let Lionel Messi go to Paris Saint-Germain and potentially not being able to qualify from their Champions League group, the emergence of Araujo is at least one shining light at Camp Nou.

Recently described as a ‘spectacular’ player by his new manager Xavi, the 22-year-old looks destined for great things, and his teammate Gerard Pique already thinks that he ‘has everything’ for a central defender despite his tender age.

One of the most notable qualities about Araujo is his physique, as he stands at 6 foot 2, and he is in ‘exuberant physical condition’ according to former Uruguay centre-back and fellow countryman Andres Scotti, making him a bit of a beast.

The Latest: Wanted

As per El Nacional, Newcastle now want Araujo and are ‘one of the most interested’ clubs from the Premier League in the race for his signature, along with Chelsea.

They would reportedly be ‘willing’ to put an offer of £60m on the table, comfortably surpassing the club-record £40m that they spent on Joelinton, as well as giving the 22-year-old a ‘big’ contract.

Ideally, Barcceloa do not want to sell, but the report claimed that they would ‘have to study’ a prospective offer of that magnitude.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

It does seem too unrealistic that a player of Araujo’s quality and promise would move to Newcastle this early in the project, especially as they are currently in a relegation scrap.

Eddie Howe’s preference for high possession and attacking football would certainly suit Araujo more than some of the other centre-half options in the Magpies’ squad, given that the Uruguay international has averaged more passes at a higher success rate per game than Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

However, despite the kind of money that the Tynesiders now have at their disposal, it seems likely that Araujo would look elsewhere for now, perhaps to reigning Champions League holders Chelsea, until the long-term project at St James’ Park has developed further.

In other news, NUFC are also eyeing this ‘incredible’ beast

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign wantaway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Gini Wijnaldum ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs interested in securing the 31-year-old’s signature over the coming months, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa all listed as potential suitors.

The report stated: “Gini Wijnaldum’s representatives have sounded out several Premier League and European clubs with a view to a loan move in January, 90min understands.”

It added that a move to England over Germany and Spain is most likely due to his hefty £300,000-per-week wages, but PSG are far from guaranteed to let Wijnaldum leave halfway through the campaign, with a hectic schedule still to play out.

Rafa Benitez can seal big Everton coup

Wijnaldum briefly played under Rafael Benitez during their time together at Newcastle, and bringing him to Goodison Park would be a significant coup for the 61-year-old.

That’s because the Dutch international established himself as one of European football’s elite midfielders during his five-year stint at Everton’s local rivals Liverpool, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists in 237 appearances.

The £27m-rated gem also played a pivotal part as the Reds secured their maiden Premier League title back in 2019/20 and their Champions League success the season before, with his eye-catching performances across Stanley Park earning praise from several impressed onlookers.

“I have no words for Gini’s performances and quality,” former Liverpool and Netherlands forward Ryan Babel told Liverpoolfc.com. “He’s an incredible person. His energy is incredible, he has lungs for days. You can tell when he has the confidence, he’s really unbeatable and very hard to play against.”

However, things have not worked out as planned for Wijnaldum since he swapped Merseyside for Paris over the summer.

So far this season, the creative talent has started only seven Ligue 1 fixtures, completing the full 90 minutes on just four occasions in all competitions as Mauricio Pochettino has regularly picked the likes of Ander Herrara and Idrissa Gueye ahead of him.

With Wijnaldum’s growing frustration at his lack of action appearing to open the door to an imminent exit, Benitez could be reunited with the dynamic midfielder, adding some much-needed star quality to his struggling side.

In other news… Patrick Boyland issues behind-the-scenes Everton claim which should leave fans buzzing

Sheffield Wednesday’s previous League One match saw them secure a third consecutive draw with a 1-1 result against Lincoln City at Hillsborough.

Their next league outing sees Darren Moore’s side take a trip to face Cheltenham Town on Saturday to try and secure a win rather than another draw or even worse, a defeat.

On the chalkboard

Looking ahead to the weekend, one player that was in the starting XI against Lincoln that we feel should not be in the team to face Cheltenham is 28-year-old centre-forward Saido Berahino.

During the 62 minutes he was on the pitch against Lincoln before being replaced by Theo Corbeanu, Berahino only managed to have one shot at goal, complete just 12 passes of the 19 he attempted, failed to make one accurate cross or long ball, lost possession on 14 occasions and ultimately earn himself a rather uninspiring overall match rating of 6.6, according to SofaScore.

Not only this, but Berahino, who is currently valued at £1.35m according to Transfermarkt, has only managed to score one goal and provide one assist in eight League One appearances, which isn’t the best record at this moment in time.

In addition to this, Berahino, who has been accused of having the “wrong mentality” in the past by former Stoke City teammate Glen Johnson, has only managed to rack up an average of 0.5 shots on target per game in League One so far this season, as well as just 0.6 key passes per game and an average passing accuracy percentage of 69% per game, which suggests to us that he hasn’t been a particularly useful attacking figure for the Owls yet.

Looking ahead to the Cheltenham game, Wednesday would probably have a better chance of securing all three points on Saturday if Moore took Berahino out of the starting XI on this occasion.

In terms of who could replace the striker on Saturday if Moore decides to take him out of the team,  adding Callum Paterson in, who has two goals and one assist under his belt in the league so far this season, could be the way forward for this encounter.

In other news: Moore must now unleash Sheff Weds’ 22 y/o beast who has “great energy”, he needs him – opinion

Many Wolves supporters have been gushing over news which has emerged on Dexter Lembikisa.

As per the official website of the club’s academy, the 18-year-old has now put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Molineux as a reward for his ‘excellent’ start to the season with the under-23s.

Technical director Scott Sellars claimed that the teenager has ‘really kicked on’ with his development and ‘progressed really well’, adding that his performances at youth level have been ‘excellent’.

He has played in 26 games throughout the youth setup over the last three campaigns, including eight appearances in Premier League 2 and one in the EFL Trophy so far this term (Transfermarkt).

Wolves fans on Lembikisa contract

These Wolves supporters were left gushing over the news of Lembikisa’s contract as it was shared on Twitter, with one saying that he was ‘thunderous’ in a recent match against Midlands rivals West Brom, which ended 1-1:

“Looked good whenever I’ve seen him play”

Credit: @dmarsden1988

“Look how proud his dad looks. That is everything.”

Credit: @GWooldridge5

“Watched him against the Albion in U23s last Friday. Was absolutely thunderous down that left flank, excited to see him push on in the first team”

Credit: @bagnall_brad

“How lovely”

Credit: @carolq59

“Love this!”

Credit: @Annie62916459

“Well done young man”

Credit: @neilcostin

In other news, find out what update involving four loan players has left these Wolves fans buzzing

David Moyes will be tempted to remain with an unchanged starting XI for West Ham’s trip to Merseyside this afternoon.

But the Scotsman did hint at a couple of injury worries following the international break, so that may not be possible.

Last time out, the Irons suffered only their second defeat of the 2021/22 campaign, losing to a last-gasp goal against newly-promoted Brentford and now they head to Goodison Park to face an in-form Everton side.

It leaves Moyes with plenty of selection headaches but with that in mind, here’s the Hammers XI we’re predicting today…

There could be as many as three changes from the side that tasted defeat at the London Stadium.

Between the sticks, Lukasz Fabianski is expected to resume duties, with Paris Saint-Germain loanee Alphonse Areola only being used sparingly in the cup competitions.

We’re also predicting there to be a shuffle in defence as Issa Diop comes in for Angelo Ogbonna to form an all-French partnership in the middle. He’s yet to start in the league but after assistant manager Stuart Pearce described him as a “colossus”, it’s surely a matter of time before he does.

Whilst there have been concerns over the fitness of Vladimir Coufal.

The 29-year-old right-back pulled out of international duty for the Czech Republic during the break and still may not be risked just yet. You could tell he was rushed back for the Brentford defeat and he looked some way off his usual standard.

Instead, we may see Ben Johnson pair up with fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell.

It’s in midfield where there is a third and final change as club captain Mark Noble gets the nod over Tomas Soucek.

According to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, “it would not come as a surprise” if Moyes rested the Czech Republic international ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Genk.

He has played a lot of football since the start of last season, resulting in some leggy outings in recent weeks. He played the full 90 minutes on international duty twice last week.

Noble joins England star Declan Rice in the engine room, whilst the attack remains untouched, meaning Michail Antonio leads the line, having benefitted from pulling out of the Jamaica squad.

He’ll be supported by the trio of Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen.

AND in other news, Moyes must brutally axe “unplayable” £45k-per-week star at Goodison Park…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of John Lundstram in the first half of their game at home to Aberdeen.

The former Sheffield United midfield player was guilty of losing the ball cheaply while the Light Blues were trying to play out from the back at Ibrox, leading to Christian Ramirez opening the scoring for the visitors.

Lundstram also appeared to misjudge the flight of the ball as former Celtic captain Scott Brown headed home to put Aberdeen 2-0 up just after the 15-minute mark.

Alfredo Morelos spared his blushes a little by pulling one goal back for Steven Gerrard’s men shortly after, but it was a nightmare start for the Englishman, who will now be hoping to put in a much better personal performance in the second half.

Rangers fans on Lundstram display

These Bears supporters slammed his first 45 minutes on Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that he is ‘amateur’:

“If anybody thinks Lundstram is Rangers class please book an appointment with your doctor first thing tomorrow”

Credit: @mullanmcm

“Goldson and Lundstrom provide Aberdeen with a goal. Amateur stuff! 8 times this season @RangersFC have conceded the first goal.”

Credit: @NaeBull

“Can the Lundstram slander make a return now?”

Credit: @72Rab_

“Lundstram doesn’t do himself any favours making mistakes like that all too often. Hard to defend him when he makes mistakes that cost goals.”

Credit: @GordzCC

“John Lundstram again. Unbelievable.”

Credit: @christtocs

“Lundstram AGAIN.”

Credit: @rfc986532784512

In other news, find out what news before Aberdeen had Gers fuming here!

Celtic will sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis from Tottenham in January, according to Spurs insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers’ Celtic start

Carter-Vickers was Celtic’s 12th and final summer addition, joining on loan with an option to buy.

The 23-year-old, described as ‘quick’ by Jonathan Woodgate, scored on his Hoops debut in a 3-0 win over Ross County and has kept his place in the side in defeats to Real Betis and Livingston.

Ange Postecoglou described Carter-Vickers’ debut as ‘excellent’, and Wenham has backed the £20,000-a-week defender to move on a full-time basis as soon as the New Year.

The Latest: Wenham’s comments

Spurs insider Wenham was talking to Football Insider regarding Carter-Vickers.

He believes Celtic will exercise their option to make the defender’s move permanent ‘as soon as January’.

“Celtic, in my opinion, will take up that option to buy him as soon as January.

“He is starting games and scored a goal, they really like him. For whatever reason at Tottenham, he has been there too long without making it.

“Sometimes you need to go elsewhere and establish yourself. Wherever he has been he has done really well.

“I know Luton wanted to keep him and Bournemouth would have kept him but the money wasn’t quite right.

“I think Celtic will end up keeping him.”

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The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Should Carter-Vickers continue to impress Postecoglou, making his move permanent in the winter window could be a shrewd decision.

Postecoglou still wants more centre-backs following the summer window, so tying down the USA international on a full-time basis could help him push on.

Celtic Park is Carter-Vickers’ seventh temporary home away from Tottenham, so making it his permanent home may benefit both the Hoops and the defender himself.

In other news: Celtic now working on ‘top’ transfer without McKay; 48 y/o says he ‘would shine’ in Glasgow.