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A top football journalist has warned the Premier League could have a “silver bullet” waiting for Newcastle United in their arbitration case.

Liam Kennedy, a reporter for the Shields Gazette, has followed the trials and tribulations of the Magpies’ proposed Saudi Arabian-backed takeover which fell through last year.

The case is expected to be heard later this month, although reports suggest Newcastle have yet to be given a date by the Premier League.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley revealed his frustrations in an explosive statement last week, where he asked Newcastle fans, MPs and other high profile figures to urge the Premier League to allow the case to be heard in public.

The proposed takeover, led by Amanda Staveley, was not completed after the consortium rejected the Premier League’s offer of arbitration to determine who would own the club.

Kennedy admits it is difficult to determine whether the case will go in the Magpies’ favour because there are more questions than answers.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge. Predicting which way this deal will go is absolutely impossible.

“Will the arbitration fall in Newcastle’s favour and will it be green-lighted? That would be the ideal scenario because we’re kind of at that point now.

“Will the arbitration go against Newcastle? Will the cap case go against Newcastle and how long will that take? Will we then see disclosure and it played out in a public courtroom? Could it then go through? Will the Premier League fold?

“Will all of this evidence that Newcastle United have suddenly be blown out of the water by some kind of silver bullet sitting there with the Premier League? We just don’t know.”

Southampton are set to miss out on transfer target Junior Firpo, with The Athletic reporting that he has arrived in England for a medical with Leeds United, which will surely be a cause of frustration for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

According to the Athletic writer Adam Crafton, Leeds will pay £12.8m to sign the 24-year-old from Barcelona this summer, with his move set to be confirmed this week.

Southampton have been heavily linked with the former Real Betis man in recent months and although they have confirmed the signing of fellow left-back Romain Perraud, it seems clear that the Saints need more competition and depth in that position ahead of next season.

After Ryan Bertrand’s departure earlier in the summer, it would be unfair to expect Perraud to be Southampton’s only natural left-back in his debut season at the club, especially with youngster Jake Vokins joining Ross County on loan for the season.

Therefore, it comes as a big blow that another of Southampton’s potential full-back options for this summer is no longer on the market, as it would have been good for Hasenhuttl to have two quality young left-backs competing for a starting spot in his side next season.

Whilst Firpo’s time at Barcelona didn’t really go to plan, as he made just 41 appearances in two seasons at the club, he was competing with a world-class left-back in Jordi Alba, and still has plenty of time to realise the potential he showed at Real Betis.

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His former manager at both Betis and Barcelona Quique Setien was full of praise for him when he joined the Catalan side, saying:

“Barca have made a good deal. It’s a boy with enormous potential, youth, desire, excitement and quality. He’s worth the gamble.

“He will make progress at Barca because he has the desire and potential for growth. He has things to improve, of course.

“Barca have made an excellent deal. He has some qualities to polish, and good things that will come in handy.”

Therefore, it seems as if Southampton are missing out on a potential gem in Firpo, and they will have to look elsewhere for another left-back this summer, as they do not want to find themselves in a situation where the only left-back at the club is new signing Perraud as it would be massively unfair on him to be expected to come into a new league and play every game at a high level for an entire campaign.

Hasenhuttl should be gutted that Firpo is moving to Leeds and not to St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl should axe £60k-p/w Saints beast with “great potential” amid European interest

Southampton have been linked with both Adam Armstrong and Matthew Hoppe in recent weeks, but who would be the better addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side?

Adam Armstrong

Southampton have been regularly linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers striker and are expected to return with another bid for the 24-year-old in the near future after seeing their first offer for him rejected by the Championship side.

The former Newcastle United man hit 28 goals in the Championship last season, so despite him entering the final year of his contract at Ewood Park, Blackburn are still demanding a hefty fee for the forward this summer.

Hasenhuttl relied upon Danny Ings and Che Adams as the main goalscorers in his side last season, and if the influential Ings were to depart this summer after rejecting a new contract at St Mary’s, Armstrong could prove to be the clinical striker Southampton need despite his comparative lack of top-flight experience.

Matthew Hoppe

According to 90min, Southampton are one of several Premier League clubs taking an interest in the Schalke 04 striker this summer after he finished as the top scorer for the team last season in what was his first campaign as a professional.

The 20-year-old hit six goals for Die Konigsblauen as they were ultimately relegated from the Bundesliga, so it is no surprise to see clubs showing an interest in him, as Schalke’s worrying financial issues mean that he would likely be available at a cut-price fee.

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The £4.05m-rated forward was heavily praised by Jurgen Klinsmann after he hit an impressive hattrick in a 4-0 win against Hoffenheim last season, with the former Germany coach saying: “Schalke has one of the best academy systems in Germany. It’s not a coincidence that a lot of top talents in Germany come off the Schalke production line.

“And seeing him there today, scoring three goals in probably one of the most difficult moments in Schalke’s history, is just incredible.”

Who would be better for Southampton?

Whilst Armstrong boasts a better goalscoring record and more experience, he has never proven himself in the Premier League, whereas Hoppe showed his class in the German top flight last season despite playing for a relegated team.

Hoppe also has age on his side and will be a lot cheaper than Armstrong, with Blackburn reportedly wanting as much as £25m for their man this summer.

Therefore, if the Englishman proves to be too expensive, then Saints CEO Martin Semmens should instead look to bring the 20-year-old Hoppe to St Mary’s this summer.

In other news… Hasenhuttl can kill two birds with one stone in deal for dynamic 29-goal beast

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Thierry Small.

As per Football Insider, Real Madrid have been knocked back in their bid to try and lure the left-back away from Goodison Park.

Former Merseyside club manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly a huge admirer of his and would ‘take Thierry tomorrow’ if he could.

However, new Brexit rules mean that it would be very complicated for Madrid to be able to sign him, given that he is an English player under the age of 18.

Small is a highly promising player at just 16, and became the youngest ever to make his senior debut for the Toffees in an FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday back in January (BBC).

Nonetheless, it would be a real shame to lose him, especially at the hands of their former boss.

Everton fans on Small transfer update

These Blues fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that Small is a ‘super talent’:

“Kid is a super talent. We will never move forward if we allow our talents to walk out to bigger clubs”

Credit: @dmj_87

“So the snake’s made a personal call to him as well and that’s why he’s not turned up. What would happen with this would it go to a panel to decide the transfer fee???”

Credit: @prehmuk

“Loved him so much he played him once”

Credit: @Stu17666455

“No manager snake”

Credit: @Leaffan27

“Lol. As if.”

Credit: @DNA_EFC

“Yet he never played him”

Credit: @alexrigby91

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 ace likened to Diego Maradona Everton are eyeing here!

Football FanCast‘s EFL spy reckons that Ben Purrington should make the next step and play for a “big” club like Sunderland.

Purrington has been with Charlton for three seasons now but started less than half of their games in League One last season following stiff competition in the full-back areas.

He did make 32 appearances in all competitions but went through long spells in the campaign without featuring due to the form of Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen.

Meanwhile, Sunderland only have one recognised left-back in their squad in Denver Hume after Callum McFadzean was released at the end of last season.

And the EFL insider exclusively told Football FanCast that 25-year-old Purrington, who previously scored against Sunderland in a League One play-off final, would meet the requirements needed to become a successful full-back at the Stadium of Light:

“He was part of a late play-off push and has a good year of game time under his belt to go and play for a big club like Sunderland.

“He fits the hard-working full back type clubs look for, and he is a good size to win headers and defend his posts.”

Both Sunderland and Charlton are both expected to be fighting for promotion next season, which means Purrington is in a healthy position should the Black Cats come knocking.

But in Lee Johnson, Sunderland arguably have the best manager in the division and are expected to end their four-year stay in the third-tier, meaning it would be a no-brainer for the defender.

Matt Woosnam has revealed Everton are targeting squad players rather than first-team regulars to ensure they do not break Financial Fair Play guidelines.

Andros Townsend became Rafa Benitez’s first signing since taking over as the Toffees’ boss as the winger joined following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract earlier this week.

The former Newcastle United man’s arrival was quickly followed by Asmir Begovic making the switch from Championship side Bournemouth, with the goalkeeper providing competition for England international Jordan Pickford by penning an initial one-year deal.

Ex-Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has also sealed his return to England, following a six-month spell with Bayer Leverkusen, by completing a £1.7million transfer to Goodison Park.

The Toffees have freed up some funds by not offering Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie contract renewals.

Woosnam, of The Athletic, believes Everton are having to be shrewd in the transfer market to make sure they do not break regulations.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “When you look at the signings they’re making, they’re very much squad players because they’re probably quite close to the brink of Financial Fair Play and the wage cap.

“Because of that, they’re looking at players who can still contribute at that level but you wouldn’t necessarily want to play them every week and they probably haven’t got the legs or ability to play every week in the Premier League anymore.”

Diego Costa’s agent has offered the forward’s services to Celtic according to journalist Lahcen Senhaji.  

The Lowdown: Costa links

Costa, who has been without a club since January, was initially linked with the Hoops last week.

Reports from France suggested both Celtic and Crystal Palace made an approach for the 32-year-old, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt.

Rumours went quiet for a few days, but it appears as if the former Atletico Madrid man’s agent has now got involved.

The Latest: Agent claims

According to Senhaji, Costa’s agent is offering the forward’s services everywhere, in particular to Celtic and Turkish side Besiktas.

Senhaji claims that the forward’s agent is offering Costa for a considerably reduced salary, with the Spaniard on over £200,000-a-week since 2018.

“Six months without playing were enough to convince Diego Costa to lower his salary to find a club. Its agent is currently offering it everywhere, and in particular in Celtic and to Besiktas for a considerably reduced salary.”

The Verdict: Not going to happen

Celtic’s highest earner is Callum McGregor on £20,000-a-week, so even if Costa is prepared to reduce his wage considerably, it probably still won’t be in Celtic’s price range.

The mega money, along with Costa’s poor form over the last three seasons (12 goals in 58 games) surely means the Hoops would snub a move.

Odsonne Edouard is still working on a Parkhead exit, but Costa shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for the short or long term. He is simply too expensive of a risk.

In other news: Report claims Celtic now want forward Bielsa signed for Leeds. 

Crystal Palace could be set to add another exciting acquisition to their ranks this summer after being linked with a move for Watford midfielder Will Hughes.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, he has been offered a five-year contract extension at Vicarage Road, which included a significant pay rise by the Hornets following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League, but talks have reached an impasse.

Football.London’s Palace reporter Joe Doyle has now provided an update on the situation, claiming that the Eagles are monitoring the ongoing stalemate ahead of a possible move for the 26-year-old.

Hughes only has one year remaining on his current contract at Vicarage Road, and the Watford hierarchy are said to be disappointed that the offer including sizeable financial incentives and the desire for him to be a central component to the club hasn’t been enough for him to commit his future.

As a result, the former England under-21 international has been forced to train with the Watford under-23’s, playing 60 minutes against St Albans in a recent friendly.

Fans will be buzzing

The Eagles are currently undergoing a major overhaul of the first team squad under new manager Patrick Vieira, with several exciting additions already at Selhurst Park.

Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise have brought a new wave of hope and optimism to the south London club, and Hughes could be the next arrival as the new era begins to take shape.

After coming up through the ranks at boyhood club Derby County, the combative midfielder joined Watford back in 2017 in search of top-flight football. Since joining the Hornets, Hughes has established himself as a very useful Premier League player, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 77 appearances in England’s top division.

With experienced campaigner James McCarthy departing Palace on a free transfer last month and Cheikhou Kouyate potentially being called upon to fill in at centre-back once again, Vieira may need further reinforcement to his engine room ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Therefore, the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to hear that the Eagles’ hierarchy are tracking an experienced top-flight player for this position who still has his peak years still ahead of him and seems ready to move on from his current club.

Hughes would represent another astute signing by Palace and further add to their already impressive transfer business this summer.

In other news… Get it done: Parish must complete Palace swoop for £12m wizard, Vieira would love him 

Lots of Wolves fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Rafa Mir.

As per Marca, the striker will sign for Atletico Madrid ahead of Sevilla and a number of other clubs in the UEFA Champions League.

The fee quoted is €15m (£12.7m), and he will sign on a four-year deal after his exploits at the Olympic Games with Spain.

Mir has only played in four senior matches for Wolves throughout his career, so to get £12.7m for a player who is not guaranteed many games at all at Molineux seems like very good business from chairman Jeff Shi.

That money can now be used to reinvest back into Bruno Lage’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season, potentially in a new striker or in other key areas of the pitch.

Wolves fans on Mir transfer update

These Wolves supporters were left buzzing as the transfer update on Mir was shared by Talking Wolves on their Twitter page:

“Nice”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Pretty good deal”

Credit: @OliRobinson26

“More than £10m, we’ve done really well”

Credit: @suen3j

“This is so good. Credit where it’s due, Jeff Shi masterclass”

Credit: @xGJHP

“Unbelievable deal really. He’s not very good and we paid 10 times less. Daylight robbery.”

Credit: @NHCasual

“I’m happy with that”

Credit: @Rich2086

In other news, some Wolves fans slammed this man’s display against Celta Vigo

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a new Leeds United transfer update on Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for the rest of the summer window.

What’s the story?

The Premier League club have had a fairly quiet window thus far, with only Junior Firpo and Kristoffer Klaesson arriving as new faces ahead of the 2021/22 campaign – Jack Harrison saw his move from Manchester City finally made permanent as well.

Writing on Twitter, Hay said: “CM is the main thing they’ve been after since Firpo. Gallagher was top choice, no financials agreed on O’Brien yet.”

Adding his response to a question about whether the Whites would pursue a move for a new winger, the journalist stated: “Hard to say. It’s been floated all summer but was always a case of doing it if the right option came up at the right price.”

Fans will be excited

Make no mistake about it, having addressed the key need of signing a new senior left-back – especially with Gjanni Alioski’s exit after his contract came to an end – a new central midfielder has to be at the top of the agenda for Leeds.

Hay’s update that the position is the “main thing” they’ve been targeting will be music to the ears of Leeds fans, who saw first-hand the kind of impact a lack of genuine quality cover in the middle of the park – the nine Premier League games that Kalvin Phillips missed last season saw the Whites pick up only two wins.

Reinforcing the engine room and adding to Bielsa’s options is exactly what the Whites need, while Hay’s added claim about the club being ready to pounce on signing a new winger if an opportunity comes up is also very exciting.

The club did exactly that late on in the summer transfer window last year when they swooped in to take Raphinha from Rennes on deadline day, and if a similar chance arises once more, Victor Orta and co could deliver yet another transfer masterclass.

It’s exactly why Leeds fans should be excited with Hay’s latest transfer news on the situation.

In other news, Orta must avoid Leeds blunder over 24 y/o dud, fans would be fuming