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Chelsea now want to trigger the £70m release clause included in the contract of an “unbelievable” Premier League star, according to a report.

Blues set for exciting end to the season

As the season approaches its climax, the Blues still have everything to play for, with the result in next Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest set to decide whether Enzo Maresca’s side return to the Champions League next season.

Not only that, but the west Londoners also have the opportunity to become the first club to win all three major European trophies, should they defeat Real Betis in the Conference League final at the end of the month,

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Gus Poyet recently spoke about the importance of Maresca winning the Conference League, despite it not being the most prestigious competition, saying: “I think for him, Chelsea winning the European competition will be the platform to build on for next season. It’s always important winning a trophy for Chelsea and you cannot lose that.

£172k-per-week star keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League race

He’d want the move to Stamford Bridge no strings attached.

13 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

In order to compete for the more major honours next season, however, Chelsea may need to strengthen this summer, and a report from Spain has now revealed they are lining up a move for Eberechi Eze, fresh off the back of the winger scoring the winner in the FA Cup final.

Such is the Blues’ level of interest, they are willing to trigger the £70m release clause in Eze’s contract, but there may be competition for the Crystal Palace star’s signature, with Manchester City also making moves.

Palace are, understandably, reluctant to sell the 26-year-old, but the England international thinks this summer could be the perfect time to leave and start competing for major trophies more regularly elsewhere.

Eze could be "unbelievable" signing for Chelsea

The 26-year-old could now be tempted to remain at Selhurst Park beyond the summer, with his goal in the shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City securing Europa League football for the Eagles next season.

However, the London-born attacker has certainly earned a big move this summer, having regularly provided goals and assists in all three of the domestic competitions he has competed in this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

32

7

8

FA Cup

5

4

1

EFL Cup

4

2

2

The Palace star has been performing at a very high level for quite some time, having been lauded as “unbelievable” by Statman Dave last season, so it is little wonder that some of the Premier League’s top clubs are queuing up for his signature.

Right now, Eze will undoubtedly want to revel in the glory of securing a first-ever major trophy for Palace, but the Englishman will have a difficult decision to make this summer, as a move to Chelsea could be of great appeal, should they manage to qualify for the Champions League.

It was another semi-final defeat on Wednesday night for Arsenal and, as a result, another season that’ll end trophyless.

It was always going to be a tough challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side to overturn their first-leg defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain, but to lose 2-1 on the night just makes it all the more painful.

Moreover, while the visitors started the first half pretty well, they soon faded, and while they played with some real heart, a number of players just didn’t perform well enough.

One of those was Thomas Partey, who picked up a 3/10 match rating from Alex Turk of the Express, and while there was talk of a contract renewal, there have also been links to a certain international who could join this summer and send him packing.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it is worth taking a look at some of the other midfield stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Hugo Larsson and Eduardo Camavinga.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former is still only 20 years old but has already become an established starter at Eintracht Frankfurt and could reportedly cost up to £51m, while the latter was sent off against the Gunners in the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with the club, but with a release clause of £1bn, who knows how much he’d cost.

Fortunately, another international midfielder heavily linked with the North Londoners has a far more reasonable release clause and could be the ideal Partey replacement: Martin Zubimendi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are still incredibly keen on signing the Real Sociedad star this summer, with Arteta making him a ‘top reinforcement priority.’

While interest from Real is far from ideal, reports from elsewhere claiming the Spaniard has a release clause worth £51m could and should make signing him far more straightforward for the North Londoners.

It might still be a lot of money, but Zubimendi has proven his ability over several years now, and as he could be the perfect Partey replacement, Arsenal should do all they can to bring him to N5.

How Zubimendi compares to Partey

So then, if Arsenal are able to sign Zubimendi this summer, there is no doubt he’d come in and play the position Partey has this season, but how does he stack up to the veteran?

Is he good enough to send him packing in the summer without a new contract?

Well, given their position on the pitch and what their primary roles are, their raw output is not all that important.

Instead, the best way to better understand how they truly stack up against one another is to look under the hood at their relevant underlying numbers.

When doing this, it’s evident that while the former Atlético Madrid star does have the advantage in some areas, the bread and butter of a number six, the defensive work, is done far better by the San Sebastian-born star.

Progressive Carries

1.14

1.14

Progressive Passes

5.92

6.09

Passing Accuracy

83.2%

87.3%

Completed Long Passes

3.55

3.02

Blocked Shots

0.54

0.25

Blocked Passes

0.77

0.64

Interceptions

1.20

1.14

Clearances

2.47

1.64

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.10

0.14

Fouls

1.40

1.43

Ball Recoveries

4.38

4.38

Aerial Duels Won

1.67

0.93

Aerial Duel Win %

61.7%

54.2%

For example, the “world-class” defensive midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, comes out on top in essential metrics like blocked shots and passes, interceptions, aerial duels won, clearances made, and he even makes fewer mistakes that lead to a shot, all per 90.

On top of this statistical advantage, the “elite” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also five and a half years the Ghanaian’s junior and has a far healthier injury record.

For example, across his entire career, the Basque star has missed just ten games for club and country, whereas the Gunners’ number five has missed a staggering 88, so no matter how available he’s been this year, you can never truly rely on him in the long run.

Ultimately, from his defensive output to his availability and age, it’s clear that Zubimendi would be the perfect player to come in and replace Partey this summer, in turn making a new contract for the 31-year-old redundant.

Arsenal line up move for PSG star who'd be a big upgrade on Martinelli

The incredibly entertaining international is just what Arsenal need this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

Whatever happens in the Europa League over the next few weeks, those at Manchester United will be fully aware that they are once again approaching a crucial transfer window in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

In truth, amid what has been the club’s worst-ever Premier League season, the INEOS regime can’t afford another wrong turn this summer, with new boss Ruben Amorim needing to be handed the appropriate tools in order to revive this sleeping giant.

There had been minimal signs of progress upon the Portuguese’s arrival – namely impressive displays away at both the Etihad and Anfield – although results have spiralled in recent months, with the top-flight now merely an unwanted distraction for those at Old Trafford.

The club’s current standing in the bottom half of the table has showcased that major surgery is needed ahead of next term, with the club reportedly already beginning that operation by ramping up their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.

That move for the Brazilian sensation certainly won’t be the last move of the summer, if recent reports are anything to go by.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

While last summer still appeared to be partly led by then-boss Erik ten Hag, amid the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui, the common theme of the INEOS era has been youth.

Indeed, the Red Devils managed to edge Real Madrid in the race for Lille teenager, Leny Yoro, while the club have since brought in Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu during the January window.

The Old Trafford side have also dipped into the South American market to land Paraguayan starlet, Diego Leon, ahead of 2025/26, with that a move that could be replicated amid their interest in River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Argentine outlet Soy del Millio, offers have reportedly been lodged for the 17-year-old superstar, with United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid named as the clubs who have made an approach.

The teenager – who has a €45m (£38m) release clause in his existing deal – would likely represent a signing for the future, however, not least with River insisting that he is set to remain in his homeland until the end of the current league season, which finishes in December.

Whether that is merely a bargaining tool or not remains to be seen, although if INEOS can strike a deal over the coming months, it would certainly be a welcome one.

Why Man Utd could be set to land Di Maria 2.0

From Juan Seba Veron to Carlos Tevez, the Red Devils have no doubt welcomed some high-profile Argentine talents to Manchester in the 21st Century, with the now-veteran Angel Di Maria perhaps one of the more polarising of the lot.

Signed from Real Madrid on a £59.7m deal back in the summer of 2014, the silky left-footer simply never appeared to settle at the Theatre of Dreams, having sealed a hasty exit to PSG just a year later.

At odds with manager Louis van Gaal, the then-number seven could only show flashes of his quality in the red jersey, including his memorable dink against Leicester City in the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign.

As he has showcased elsewhere, Di Maria – who did chalk up 15 goals and assists in just 32 games for United – is an undoubted superstar, as evidenced by his 121 goal involvements in just 190 games in Madrid, alongside 212 goal involvements in just 295 games in Paris.

In many ways, young Mastantuono looks to be the second coming of his compatriot, not least due to his ability to operate on the flanks or in a central role, while waving his wand of a left foot to devastating effect.

Previously described as a “world-class talent” and “one of the most talented players of his age category in South America” by scout Jacek Kulig, the teen playmaker has four goals and two assists to his name in 13 games in 2025 to date, despite his relative youth.

In total, the in-demand talent boasts 12 goal involvements in just 55 games at senior level, with his form across the last year or so seeing him recognised as statistically similar to Di Maria, among those in their position outside of Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Non-penalty goals

0.16

0.07

Assists

0.21

0.20

Shot-creating actions

5.09

6.00

Progressive passes

8.46

6.26

Progressive carries

3.89

3.26

Successful take-ons

1,56

3.65

Touches in opposition box

5.81

4.82

Progressive passes received

10.59

10.95

Tackles

0.88

2.28

Interceptions

0.42

0.20

That likeness is notably evident with regard to their creative streak, with Mastantuono ranking in the top 12% of his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, while the current Benfica star ranks in the top 2% in that regard.

Equally, the pair are also alike with regard to their record for shot-creating actions per 90, with the younger man ranking in the top 4%, while Di Maria ranks in the top 12% for that same metric.

Such likeness should bode well for the career that Mastantuono can have in the game, and while there may be concerns that he might go the same way as his compatriot at Old Trafford, he surely represents an exciting talent for Amorim to be able to nurture.

Of course, United are in need of ready-made figures who can immediately improve the first-team ranks, although looking to the future is also vital amid INEOS’ long-term project.

Big Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd set to open talks to sign "extraordinary" star

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho.

ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025

Arsenal have held discussions over signing a quality attacker “in recent days”, with manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to make a head start on the next transfer window.

Andrea Berta identifies Arsenal transfer target with groundwork done

Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium in late March signalled the start of a new era for the north Londoners, who have one eye firmly on the summer window amid their promising Champions League campaign.

Arsenal: Berta set to table bid for "top player" after £202m transfer boost

The Italian will have a big warchest to reinvest into Arsenal’s squad.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 11, 2025

Arsenal smashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night, taking a comfortable three-goal cushion into their quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu next week, but Liverpool are about to win the Premier League title by a seismic distance.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Domestically, their season has been nothing short of a real disappointment, with Berta expected to splash the cash in an effort to rejuvenate and bolster Arteta’s squad ahead of a more fruitful title challenge next term.

Arsenal are already expected to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and they’ve been in advanced talks since January (Fabrizio Romano), but it is widely reported that yet another Spain international could be on his way to N5 as well.

Indeed, that man is Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and Berta is reliably believed to have met with the 22-year-old’s representatives last week.

While Berta is attempting to make a head start on negotiations with Williams, it is believed by some sources that the highly-rated forward is demanding around £250,000-per-week to agree a move away from Bilbao this summer (GiveMeSport).

This would make the player Arsenal’s third-highest earner behind Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, but Williams’ £48 million release clause is still viewed as a “bargain” by some following his exceptional exploits over the last 12 months.

Bilbao’s sensation played a vital role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024 and registered nearly 20 assists in all competitions last season, so it is clear he would give Arsenal a completely new dimension going forward.

Arsenal hold "high level" talks over signing Nico Williams

Now, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal have held “high-level” talks over signing Williams “in recent days”, but there is a stumbling block in this potential move.

Berta and Arteta both want him at the Emirates Stadium, but his overall package, including wages, could still pose a problem considering they’re also attempting to save funds to buy a proven centre-forward.

A swoop for him remains on the cards for Arsenal, but they’ll have to find a way to navigate this situation regarding his salary, amid interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, who could also swoop for Williams.

“Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” said Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho late last year, raving over the Spanish starlet’s obvious quality.

“During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico.”

The 2025 summer transfer window could be another busy one for Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou, with attacking reinforcements potentially on the agenda for Spurs.

Timo Werner extended his loan spell from RB Leipzig for the 2024/25 season, but things haven’t gone to plan for the German in north London.

Used primarily as a left-winger by Postecgolou, Werner has failed to impress back in England and even came in for criticism from the Spurs boss following a Europa League clash with Rangers.

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me,” said Postecoglou.

“I said that to Timo, he’s a German international. In the moment we’re in right now – it’s not like we’ve got many options – I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

10 strikers who could replace Richarlison at Tottenham

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 4, 2025

Recently, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Spurs have not changed their minds about turning down the chance to sign Werner permanently, with the forward even set to leave parent club RB Leipzig upon his return.

But who could come in as a replacement for Werner? We’ve looked at 10 wide forwards Spurs could target in the summer.

1 Jamie Gittens Borussia Dortmund

The latest Englishman starring abroad is Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund. A U21 international for the Three Lions, Gittens is a former Chelsea and Man City academy ace and has been linked with Spurs in the past.

Previous reports have even claimed that Daniel Levy is willing to offer €100m for Gittens – equivalent to £83m – so it looks as if he is one of the top wide targets in north London.

2 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford

Bryan Mbeumo has been a Premier League star for Brentford in recent years, and following the departure of Ivan Toney, he has stepped up as the main man for the Bees.

It does look as if he could be on the move, though, and Tottenham are one of the clubs who have been heavily linked with a move for the Cameroon international.

Mbeumo mainly plays off the right, though, so Postecoglou may need to tinker things if he is to be Werner’s replacement.

3 Tyler Dibling Southampton

With Southampton being relegated to the Championship, Tyler Dibling could be a player in demand this summer after impressing for the Saints.

Still just 19 years of age, Dibling, who is left-footed, can play as an attacking midfielder, winger or centre-forward. Spurs were thought to be in pole position to sign Dibling in January, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they were working on a summer deal behind the scenes.

4 Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth

Bournemouth have been enjoying an excellent 2024/25 season under Andoni Iraola, with Antoine Semenyo one of the Cherries’ main stars on the south coast.

The Ghana international has impressed playing on both the left and right wings, and was loosely linked with a £50m move to Tottenham towards the end of 2024.

He could be another attacker to keep an eye on should Spurs go down the route of proven Premier League stars.

5 Rayan Cherki Lyon

If Spurs want to shop abroad for a wide forward to replace Werner, Rayan Cherki of Lyon could be an option.

They were apparently offered Cherki for £20m in January due to Lyon’s financial problems, although there are ‘personality’ concerns regarding the 21-year-old.

There is no denying his talent, though, with Cherki a two-footed and versatile winger who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €35m Transfermarkt valuation.

6 Johan Bakayoko PSV Eindhoven

Tottenham may look to revisit their interest in Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven if they are in the market for a wide forward this summer.

Linked with a move to Spurs in 2023, Fabrizio Romano called Bakayoko an “elite talent”, with the Belgium international going on to impress in recent months.

He scored 14 goals for PSV during the 2023/24 season while registering the same number of assists, he has been at it again in 2024/25 with 11 goals to his name at the time of writing.

7 Barış Alper Yilmaz Galatasaray

Capable of playing anywhere across the front three is Barış Alper Yilmaz of Galatasaray, who has been mooted to make the move to the Premier League in 2025.

A Turkey international, Spurs showed interest in Yilmaz in 2024 when he was dubbed as the next Gareth Bale. The 24-year-old has enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career in 2024/25, so he may be a wise option to replace the German.

8 Jack Grealish Man City

A left-field shout for Spurs could be to look at somebody like Jack Grealish of Manchester City.

The England international has struggled at various points after his £100m move from Aston Villa, and there were rumours that his representatives are looking for a move away from the Etihad.

Any transfer could come at a fraction of the price City paid, so Spurs may feel they could get the best out of Grealish in north London.

9 Takefusa Kubo Real Sociedad

Japan international Takefusa Kubo has been impressing for Real Sociedad since 2022 and can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. The 23-year-old was also linked with Spurs towards the end of 2024 in a potential £50m transfer.

Kubo has already played under Postecoglou during a loan spell with Yokohama F. Marinos, so who knows, the Australian could be keen on a reunion.

10 Antonio Cordero Malaga

Antonio Cordero appears to be a star in the making and looks likely to be on the move in 2025, with his deal set to expire in the summer.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Cordero and have even held talks over a transfer. However, Newcastle United were thought to be leading Spurs for the 18-year-old, so Levy and co may need to act fast if they want the left-winger.

With one eye on sealing automatic promotion and another on the summer transfer market, Leeds United and the 49ers are reportedly poised to join the race to sign a new midfielder from the Austrian Bundesliga.

Leeds face crucial five-game run

In the space of a week, Leeds have seen their automatic promotion chances thrown into serious doubt for the first time in months to reclaiming their place at the top of the Championship – summing up the drama of England’s second division.

Victory against Middlesbrough last time out would have come as a huge relief for those in Yorkshire, who must now make it two wins in the space of a week when they play host to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds United vs Preston North End

12/04/2025

Oxford United vs Leeds United

18/04/2025

Leeds United vs Stoke City

21/04/2025

Leeds United vs Bristol City

28/04/2025

Plymouth Argyle vs Leeds United

03/05/2025

With just one game against one of the Championship’s top six coming up in their five fixtures, Leeds should be full of confidence that the league title and automatic promotion will be theirs for the taking in the coming weeks.

Currently top on goal difference, the Whites will be desperate to form a gap between themselves on Burnley when the Clarets square off against third place Sheffield United and they, themselves, face Stoke City on April 21.

He's playing like a £50m star: Leeds sold Struijk successor for just £4m

Leeds United must wish they never sold this defensive star now.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 11, 2025

Speaking about the pressure on his side during Leeds’ promotion run-in, manager Daniel Farke told reporters: “It’s so difficult and I wish sometimes the fans knew this. We’re in a business where there is lots of pressure.

“I don’t like to complain about this because the players have a proper life and earn lots of money, but let’s not forget, we work with human beings and we must keep this in mind when we criticise them a little bit.”

Farke, like those at Elland Road, has just five games before he can breathe a potential sigh of relief and then turn his attention towards the summer transfer window for Leeds.

Leeds set to join race for Abubakr Barry

With promotion back in their hands, the Whites have reportedly shifted their focus towards the transfer market. According to Kronen Zeitung in Austria, as relayed by Sports Witness, the 49ers are now poised to join the race to sign Abubakr Barry from Austria Vienna this summer, battling against Hull City as well as clubs in Germany and France for the midfielder’s signature in doing so.

The 24-year-old midfielder has impressed in Austria this season and could yet find himself on the move as a result despite only arriving in Vienna last summer. Dubbed “fantastic to watch” and even compared to Jobe Bellingham by scout and analyst Mfalsafa on X, Barry is undoubtedly one to watch.

Whilst chasing such a player, promotion to the Premier League will certainly go a long way for Leeds, who are already planning ahead.

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks this week to sign a key reinforcement who Arne Slot loves ahead of Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2026.

Slot urges Liverpool to "remain humble"

Sunday’s 2-0 victory against West Ham United simply cannot be a false dawn for Liverpool or record signing Alexander Isak. After a disastrous run of form, the Reds must make it back-to-back victories by defeating Sunderland this evening.

Anything but three points would only spark further concerns about Slot’s tenure, as reports continue to suggest potential managerial candidates such as Ange Postecoglou.

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against the Black Cats, Slot told reporters: “The challenge now will be to build on this win. We do not get to believe that a corner has been turned or that a recovery is under way.

“We have to remain humble, work hard and continue to fight. If we do this then maybe we can continue taking the small steps forward that are very much required.

“I would like to welcome Regis Le Bris, his players and staff as well as the supporters and directors of Sunderland to Anfield for tonight’s game. What they have done in the Premier League already this season reflects incredibly well on all at the club having earned promotion back in May.”

FSG could see £75m bid accepted to sign Liverpool their best LW since Mane

Liverpool are in the market for a left-sided winger this winter.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 3, 2025

It’s been the type of run that sparks serious questions about the January transfer window and the need for reinforcements – particularly on the defensive front. As things stand, Liverpool have just two senior centre-backs available, but have been linked with moves for the likes of Castello Lukeba and, of course, Marc Guehi.

Liverpool open talks to sign Marc Guehi

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool have now opened talks to sign Guehi this week in an attempt to get their deal back on track and land their No.1 defensive target ahead of Real Madrid.

The Reds came within hours of signing the Crystal Palace star in the summer, only for the Eagles to pull the plug on the deal at the death. Now, they’re attempting to jump ahead of the chasing pack by making their move as early as the January transfer window.

Those at Anfield are reportedly willing to offer a deal worth around £30m next month, whilst others wait in line to secure Guehi’s signature as a free agent in the summer.

Not even Slot could hide Liverpool’s admiration for Guehi when they missed out on his signature in the summer, telling reporters: “It would be ridiculous if I were to deny we were close to signing him.

“That is so out in the open. These things happen in football. We would have liked to have signed him, of course. If we feel we can strengthen the team, we never hesitate to do so.”

Whether Crystal Palace willingly part with their defender, who was described as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, remains to be seen, however.

Liverpool star is now very quickly becoming "the next Diaz" at Anfield

Newcastle United could be boosted by the unexpected return of a sidelined star sooner than first thought, according to reports.

Howe: "individual errors" hurt Newcastle

It’s not often that Eddie Howe is publicly critical of his Newcastle side, but even he couldn’t hide his frustration after the Magpies saw their lead wiped away by Tottenham Hotspur at the death. It was yet another late goal and yet more points dropped from a winning position for those in Tyneside, who rarely do things the easy way these days.

Howe admitted that “individual errors” hurt Newcastle against Spurs just when they thought they did enough to secure all three points against Thomas Frank’s side.

Fewer passes than Ramsdale: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Spurs

Newcastle United were denied another Premier League win by Tottenham Hotspur last night.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

The former Bournemouth boss told reporters: “I think it’s definitely a failing, you can’t sit here and go, I can’t sit here and go, everything’s okay in that respect, it’s happened too many times this season, that doesn’t mean we can’t figure it out and put it right very quickly.

“Today’s really a set piece, it’s a moment and those moments happen in football, they’ve been on the other end of it at times and individual errors usually from set plays hurt you and that’s what happened.”

Tottenham will feel as though their late winner was justified, however, after Newcastle were controversially awarded a penalty, which Anthony Gordon converted in the second-half.

Jamie Redknapp demanded “consistency” from the referees at full-time and Howe has every right to demand the same from his players. In a packed December full of fixtures, the Newcastle boss will be relieved to hear the latest update on Yoane Wissa’s long-awaited return from injury.

Craig Hope shares unexpected Yoane Wissa return date

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Wissa could now make a shock return for Newcastle this weekend and take a place on Howe’s bench against Burnley. The forward recently took part in a training ground game, but it remained uncertain when he would finally make his debut for the club.

The summer signing endured a disastrous start to life at St James’ Park when he was injured not long after arriving. Now, he could get the chance to finally make his mark just when Newcastle need him most.

Dubbed “remarkable” by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, it will certainly be interesting to see how Wissa is used in Tyneside.

Record signing Nick Woltemade has enjoyed such an excellent start, but will undoubtedly have a fight to keep hold of his place now that his competition is nearing a return. Whether Howe sticks or twists, there’s no denying that Wissa’s return will be a major boost.

Howe must finally bin 5/10 Newcastle dud who was "very sloppy" vs Spurs

There has now been a major new update on Emiliano Martinez’s Aston Villa future ahead of the January transfer window, amid recent praise from manager Unai Emery.

Martinez was very keen to leave Villa during the summer window, amid interest from Manchester United, but he ultimately ended up staying put at Villa Park, with Ruben Amorim’s side opting to bring in Senne Lammens instead.

The Argentina international was left out of the squad for the 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, given the doubts over his future, with Marco Bizot getting the nod between the sticks, but he has since been able to force his way back into the side.

Upon his return in the 0-0 draw against Everton, the 33-year-old received high praise from Emery, who said: “Today, his comeback has been fantastic. We have to protect him and feel him inside the group so he is comfortable and confident. He was fantastic.”

However, there has now been a major new update on the shot-stopper’s Villa Park future, which suggests a move could be on the cards very soon…

Aston Villa willing to accept January bids for Emiliano Martinez

According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa are now willing to accept January bids for Martinez, as they continue to explore replacements for their long-serving goalkeeper, who has been stripped of the vice captaincy.

Speaking about that decision, Emery said: “The first captain is John McGinn. We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain. Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martinez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back. Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too. Normally, we are managing it like that.”

The Villans recently identified Manchester City’s James Trafford as a potential target, with the Englishman being kept out of Pep Guardiola’s starting XI by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Man United retain an interest in the Villa star, so there may be interest during the January transfer window, with Amorim personally requesting a winter deal back in October.

Should the 57-time Argentina international decide he wants to leave, there is no point Aston Villa standing in his way, but it would be a shame to let him go, given the level of some of his performances over the past few weeks.

The former Arsenal man has kept clean sheets in three of his last four matches in all competitions, most recently keeping a clean sheet after denying Antoine Semenyo from the penalty spot in the 4-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.

The World Cup-winning goalkeeper remains under contract until 2030, so Aston Villa should be able to command a good fee for his services if they do decide to cash-in, but it would be a risk to sell one of their most experienced players.

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Manchester United have won three Premier League matches in succession for the first time in the Ruben Amorim era after their 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

The signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha have had a positive impact on the team, as all three of them were directly involved in at least one goal against Brighton.

INEOS have seen the impact that signing high-quality, ready-made, players can have on the squad, which may be why they are being linked with a move to sign Adam Wharton.

The latest on Adam Wharton to Manchester United

It was recently reported that the Crystal Palace central midfielder has overtaken Brighton star Carlos Baleba on Manchester United’s shortlist of targets ahead of the January transfer window.

That report claimed that Amorim wants to sign the left-footed English starlet because of his direct style of play and forward passing in the middle of the park, as he looks to bolster his options ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

However, it has been reported that it could take a fee of up to £100m to convince the Eagles to part ways with Wharton, which would eclipse United’s club-record £89m deal for Paul Pogba.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Instead of splashing out a club-record fee on the Crystal Palace star, though, Manchester United could unearth their own version of Wharton in Kobbie Mainoo by working with him to improve his game.

Why Kobbie Mainoo can be Man Utd's own Adam Wharton

The England international, who was described as “fearless” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has yet to start a Premier League game this season, because Amorim has stated that he is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth.

However, the Portuguese head coach could solve that problem by coaching Mainoo to excel as the holding midfielder next to the captain, as his own version of Wharton, as the young midfielder has some of the raw materials needed to perform in that position.

The 20-year-old starlet, who Mango also stated had a “meteoric rise” at United, does need to improve his forward passing and creativity in possession, though, as Wharton has the beating of him in those two aspects.

Pass accuracy

74.4%

86.3%

Shot-creating actions

3.80

2.85

Expected Assisted Goals

0.31

0.11

Progressive passes

5.57

3.62

Progressive carries

1.15

1.75

Successful take-ons

0.48

1.10

Tackles made

1.83

2.59

Percentage of dribblers tackled

40.6%

58.1%

As you can see in the table above, Wharton produces more shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90 than Mainoo, based on their statistics over the past year, which shows that Red Devils youngster what he needs to develop.

The United academy graduate, however, has offered more defensive quality to his side than the Palace man by winning more tackles and winning a far higher percentage of his attempted tackles, which suggests that he does have the physical edge to play that role next to Bruno.

Mainoo’s progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, particularly in comparison to Wharton’s, also suggest that he has the direct play in the middle of the park that Amorim wants to sign the Eagles midfielder for.

The 20-year-old star’s statistics show that he does have some impressive qualities that could make him an excellent fit for the role that the club may be lining Wharton up for, if he can work on his progressive passing and creativity in the final third.

Rather than spending £100m or more on the Palace star, United could look within their own squad to coach Mainoo and help him to become their own £100m-rated midfielder by working on his weaknesses to make him a complete star.

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