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Kevin Phillips has claimed that Newcastle United have been gifted a ‘massive boost’, with Callum Wilson fit to play against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Wilson fit for Spurs clash

Ahead of his milestone 1,000th game as a manager, Steve Bruce revealed in his pre-match press conference that the 29-year-old is fit to play today, as are Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey after injury scares.

However, both Martin Dubravka and Paul Dummett are still not available.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Sunderland striker Phillips has given his reaction to the news, claiming that having Wilson back on the pitch after his hamstring injury will be a ‘massive plus’ for Newcastle. The pundit said:

“It’ll be a massive boost to have Wilson back.

“He’s an excellent player, he certainly brings quality to the squad when he plays.

“He is a goal threat, and that is something that Newcastle haven’t had when he’s been out.

“Another good thing about him is he can create something out of nothing, he’s got the power and he’s quick.

“It will be a massive plus to have him back in front of a packed St James’ Park.”

The Verdict: First win on the cards

With Wilson back and playing in front of a buzzing St James’ Park after the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was finally completed, a first win in the Premier League this season could well be on the cards for Newcastle.

The Magpies have not been able to win any of their last four league games without their talisman, while only managing to score four goals in that time, with Wilson himself scoring two in their first three fixtures (Transfermarkt).

They are a much more potent team with him on the pitch, and with the added threats of Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock in attack, the latter being a former Arsenal player of course, Newcastle should fancy themselves at home to Spurs today.

In other news, find out which ‘phenomenal’ manager is now a contender to replace Bruce

Crystal Palace will look to sign 18-year-old Derby County prospect Malcolm Ebiowei this summer with the winger out of contract in June.

What’s the story?

That’s according to The Sun, who claim that the Eagles want to sign another Rams youngster after securing the signature of 19-year-old striker Luke Plange in January.

Plange was loaned back to Wayne Rooney’s side for the remainder of the season, but couldn’t prevent Derby from miraculously avoiding relegation to League One after having a total of 21 points deducted earlier this season.

Ebiowei has featured in 14 of the Rams’ last 15 Championship matches, starting the last nine, and looks to be a real prospect.

In the pipeline

Like with Plange, Palace boss Patrick Vieira may look to loan out Ebiowei next season if he is to favour a move to south London, with the Frenchman seeing the Derby duo as long-term options.

The English forward recorded his first senior assist on Saturday, setting up Craig Forsyth as the already-relegated Rams were subject to a rare home defeat against Bristol City.

After the match, first-team development coach Justin Walker labelled the youngster as “a breath of fresh air” and declared that he has the “X-factor.”

Ebiowei had fluttered between the U18s and U23s before his first-team call-up, making a combined 13 appearances for the Derbyshire outfit’s youth sides, scoring seven goals in seven U18 Premier League appearances this term.

Known for his skill and pace, the 18-year-old could prove to be a direct replacement for Palace forward Jordan Ayew, with the Eagles still yet to exercise the option of extending the Ghanaian’s contract by a year.

Despite an impressive first season under the reign of Vieira, the Frenchman’s side have struggled for goals outside of the contributions of Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher, who have netted 12 and eight times across all competitions respectively this season.

The out of favour Odsonne Edouard hasn’t scored since January whilst Jean-Philippe Mateta has found form in the second half of the season.

As for Ayew and striker Christian Benteke, the duo have netted a combined six goals.

With Gallagher likely to return to parent club Chelsea and Zaha’s contract set to expire in 2023, Palace need fresh blood with bags of potential to come through the door at Selhurst Park.

Therefore, the decision to sign Ebiowei, especially on a free, could save chairman Steve Parish millions as opposed to dipping into the European transfer market.

AND in other news: Cost £0, now worth £15.3m: Parish struck gold with “fantastic” £25k-p/w Palace dynamo

The previous summer transfer window ended up being a rather busy one for West Brom after being relegated from the Premier League last season, followed by Sam Allardyce leaving the club.

As well as securing the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager, Albion also brought in a handful of new players such as Alex Mowatt, Adam Reach, Matt Clarke and Jayson Molumby among others.

Jordan Hugill was also brought in during the summer to strengthen Ismael’s squad and help them secure promotion back to the Premier League this season, but so far his signature hasn’t proved to be a particularly good piece of business from club owner Guochuan Lai.

Signed from Norwich City on a loan deal until the end of the season, the striker has only netted one goal so far during his time with the Baggies.

Having made 20 league appearances and seven starts in a West Brom shirt this season, it’s not as if the 29-year-old hasn’t had the chance to show what he can do either, proving why Kevin Phillips has said that Hugill has not “stepped up to the plate” for the club this term.

As well as his lack of assists and regular goals, his overall performances have not been good enough either, with WhoScored giving him a season rating of 6.31/10, making him the lowest-rated West Brom player to have started more than one league game in the current campaign.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Lai may have dropped a clanger by securing a move for Hugill in the summer, even though it’s just a loan deal and they don’t have to keep him on a permanent basis.

With this in mind, it seems unlikely at this moment in time that the 29-year-old will be staying at West Brom after his loan deal ends.

However, there is still enough time left in the season for Hugill to step up and push the Baggies towards promotion if he can find a consistent run of goalscoring form.

His appearance for the Baggies during the final 27 minutes of their 1-0 defeat against Derby yesterday earned him an overall match rating of 7.1/10, making him West Brom’s joint-third highest rated player on the day according to SofaScore. That illustrates that he is capable of playing well, but he just needs to find the back of the net more regularly.

In other news: Ismael should axe “dreadful” £13k-p/w “stinker” who must never play for WBA again

Graeme Bailey has revealed that Eddie Howe is now personally pushing to sign Hugo Ekitike for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Progressing…

Newcastle’s January business has started in impressive fashion, securing deals for two experienced internationals in the shape of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, but there are still over two weeks left to make more additions.

Bailey reported earlier this week that the St. James’ Park faithful are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ekitike, and even with the arrival of Wood it seems like the Magpies will push ahead for a deal.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium clearly feel the impact of the injury to Callum Wilson cannot be offset by just one arrival, and the latest update on the Reims forward sounds extremely promising.

The Latest: Howe wants him

As per Bailey, Howe is now pushing to sign Ekitike, and ideally wanted him to be signed before they play Watford at home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon:

“Told that Eddie Howe is pushing Newcastle hard to get the deal for Reims highly-rated forward Hugo Ekitike done.

“Howe wants the teenager to be signed in time to feature against Watford on Saturday along with Chris Wood.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Ekitike would now not be registered in time to face the Hornets even if talks progress quickly, as the top flight game-week kicks off on Friday night when Brighton take on Crystal Palace.

That said, the North East club can still sign him in time for when they play Leeds United away from home next week, another big game at the bottom of the table.

With Wilson still out injured, Ekitike and Wood should be able to provide sufficient cover for him until he gets back, and the former is perhaps more of a signing for the long-term anyway.

Bailey has claimed himself that Ekitike is an ‘outstanding talent’, and cited that many people in French football believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe’.

High praise indeed for the 19-year-old, who seems to have the world at his feet.

Nonetheless, with Wood offering the immediate injection of top-flight experience, Ekitike could be signed with less risk and pressure, and he certainly could be an exciting player to watch for the Toon Army, having bagged eight goals in just ten Ligue 1 starts this term.

In other news, find out which ‘powerful’ beast NUFC are now eyeing here!

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa are “confident” of making two more new signings in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Steven Gerrard’s side have already enjoyed a successful first few weeks of the transfer window thus far, signing the likes of Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho and watching both of them deliver the goods in recent games in the Premier League.

Now, Evans has indicated that Villa’s work in the transfer market is not done just yet.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Gerrard has identified defensive midfield as the priority and had Rodrigo Bentancur watched in person on Sunday night. #AVFC know the fee required to get him. Villa are confident of getting a DM in before the deadline + a back-up centre-half.”

Fans will be excited

Talk about the impact a couple of new signings can make.

Coutinho marked his debut for the club by netting the all-important equaliser against Manchester United a couple of weeks ago, before Digne got in on the action by supplying the assist for Emi Buendia’s winner against Everton at the weekend.

It’s all changed the mood at Villa Park, and set the club up for a very exciting end to the second-half of the Premier League season.

Evans’ update that Villa are still keen on bringing in two new signings, and that they are “confident” of bringing in a new holding midfielder – Bentancur being the man in the frame at the moment – is sure to have fans buzzing.

Gerrard has come in and lifted spirits since the disappointing end to Dean Smith’s tenure at the club, and the two marquee additions of Coutinho and Digne have just galvanised things.

Certainly, the Villa manager has a major pull when it comes to convincing potential new players to join, and the fans will be hoping he can work his magic once again with Bentancur.

Meanwhile, Villa are set to launch a move for this star…

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Blackburn Rovers produced a woeful first half performance against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park on Sunday. Boro were good value for their 1-0 half-time lead, courtesy of a Britt Assombalonga strike. Despite a second half improvement, Rovers couldn’t overturn the deficit and slumped to their fourth consecutive Championship defeat.

After the game, Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray gave his verdict on his side’s first half display.

What he said

As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray was damning in his assessment of his team’s performance.

The 55-year-old said, “I didn’t recognise many of them first half I would have to say…We didn’t compete, I’m not sure where it came from.”

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

Mowbray acknowledged that his side showed more spirit and quality after the break, but the game was lost in the opening 45 minutes, “we nearly sneaked something in the second half which was much better, but the first half we don’t see want any performances of that level ever again.”

Rovers are currently 14th in Championship and probably safe from relegation fears, but Mowbray must arrest his side’s dismal run of form soon. His comments after Sunday’s defeat indicate the frustration he is feeling with his squad.

What he meant

Mowbray’s words can be considered as a warning to his squad. The likes of Jack Rodwell and Corry Evans need to improve. There is some talent in this Blackburn squad, but they aren’t showing it.

Mowbray will hope that his public condemnation of their first half display elicits a positive response from the group. 

In the opening period against Middlesbrough, Rovers didn’t manage a single shot on target and were penned back in their own territory for much of the half. In a home game, that simply isn’t acceptable. Mowbray’s words need to have their intended effect, for the sake of the remainder of Blackburn’s season.

Leeds United could be eyeing up a successor to one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most-trusted stalwarts…

What’s the word?

According to ESPN journalist Mark Ogden, the Yorkshire giants are one of the teams monitoring the situation of Noussair Mazraoui at Eredivisie champions Ajax.

The 12-cap Morroco right-back is able to negotiate with non-Dutch teams from January as he remains out of contract in the summer, despite being a key part of Erik ten Hag’s side.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

Luke Ayling’s successor?

Mazraoui has started 11 of the Dutch giants’ 12 league games this campaign, missing out just once through illness and across all competitions, he has contributed four goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Only two other players have scored more goals for Ajax this term.

Furthermore, he rates out as ten Hag’s second-best player (7.87), having averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 dribbles and 1.7 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

These returns suggest that the 6-foot defender is very much a solid option – at both ends of the pitch – as he can get up and down using his pace, physicality and attacking flair.

Earlier this season, the Ajax boss revealed his hope of Mazaroui signing an extension and at the same time, praised his impact. He told reporters (via CCeit):

“Let that be an example for many. He’s a top fit right now and always wants to get the most out of his own. I hope he’ll keep it up. Last year I said he can contribute a lot more offensively. But he has played really good matches for that as well. Yes, of course [I want him to stay here].”

Meanwhile, former PSV and Hannover star Arnold Bruggink lauded him “fantastic” and hailed his versatility.

“He cannot be defended, because he walks everywhere,” he claimed before later adding: “He runs deep as a striker, then he is an extra midfielder, then he is just right back. I think: that variation with which he plays, no opponent can handle that at the moment.”

The 24-year-old also impressed in the Champions League last season, and during one game, he managed to keep Liverpool’s deadly duo of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah quiet – the only goal they scored was an own goal from fellow full-back Nicolas Tagliafico.

As per SofaScore, the Ajax gem recorded five tackles (most in the team), three interceptions and two blocks, whilst he also won six duels and created one key chance up against the Senegalese sensation.

On the above evidence, Mazraoui could be a really exciting fit under Bielsa, even more so with Luke Ayling entering his thirties. The former Arsenal graduate has faced more than enough time on the sideline through injury this campaign, too, which is a worrying sign.

Victor Orta and co should ultimately look to sign the Ajax jewel as a priority heading into 2022.

AND in other news, Orta could find Bielsa’s next Saiz in 6 ft “grafter” who’s the “perfect Leeds signing”…

Wolves will head into the summer market with the need to add more bodies to their rather small ranks, something that has needed overseeing ever since the days of Nuno Santo.

The likes of Adama Traore and Trincao have rather unclear futures in the Midlands but it looks as though a potential replacement is in the minds of Jeff Shi and co.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Wolves are one of the teams plotting a move to sign Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos this summer.

They will face a battle with Premier League rivals West Ham to secure his signature in what could be a blockbuster deal.

It’s thought the Argentine winger’s release clause stands at a mighty £58m, although it seems unlikely a fee such as that will be required to land his services.

Terrorising Wolves

If Wolves can secure a deal for Ocampos, they could finally replace Diogo Jota in their ranks at Molineux.

The attacker left for Liverpool in the summer of 2020 and has quickly become one of the most feared prospects in the Premier League.

Jota has found the net on 20 occasions in 41 outings throughout the current campaign.

Ocampos has beat the goalkeeper eight times himself, while also registering four assists so his numbers aren’t quite as mesmerising. However, there are certainly similarities between the two.

Dubbed “electric” by Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan, the Argentina international has shown his dazzling trickery with 1.6 dribbles per game this tally, a statistic that is rather synonymous with Jota’s mazy abilities.

Furthermore, he has been fouled on 1.8 occasions per match, demonstrating that he loves to draw defenders in and win opportunities up the field for his team.

Wolves have seen first-hand just how devastating he can be, as he tore Matt Doherty apart when Sevilla met Wolves in the Europa League back in 2020.

The 26-year-old scored the goal which separated the two sides, on the night and completed an eye-catching five dribbles during the contest.

Ocampos also provided two crosses and managed four shots as Doherty had a night to forget.

The Irishman could only succeed with 55% of his passes and failed to block a single shot from the boot of Ocampos. He did manage four successful tackles but that was representative of what the Sevilla winger was doing to him down the flanks.

On that evidence, he’d be a rather exciting signing for the Old Gold.

AND in other news, Lage can axe “toothless” Wolves flop with swoop for “breathtaking” £28.8m-rated star…

Arsenal came into 2022 with their tail between their legs, buoyed by a renewed sense of both purpose and optimism.

However, as supporters at N5 will be quick to tell you, the roof at the Emirates Stadium can cave in as quick as you can say Edu.

The Brazilian technical director is currently taking a considerable amount of flack from the fanbase in Islington and it’s hardly a surprise when you consider the position the Gunners find themselves in.

Cast your minds back just a matter of weeks and it looked as though Arsenal were in the driving seat to seal a top-four place.

They had won five games on the spin in all competitions and headed towards the New Year looking rather rosy.

However, 2022 has been desperately unkind to Arteta and his team. They are yet to win this year, have scored just once for their troubles and have been dumped out of both domestic cup competitions. All hope of silverware has been evaporated and their transfer plans for January have been thrown into disarray.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exile from the team initially appeared to be a masterstroke but it is now biting Arteta where it hurts most; results on the pitch.

Long-term, it’s a decision that’s proving detrimental to Arsenal and until they sign a new forward, it will continue to be the elephant in the room.

Alexandre Lacazette has benefitted the club’s young players phenomenally well, complementing Emile Smith Rowe, Buyako Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s pace. Yet, when the big moment arrives, the Frenchman is often found wanting.

You cannot fault Lacazette’s determination, nor can you fault his will. What you can criticise, however, is his ability in front of goal.

The striker latched onto a lovely ball over the top from Albert Sambi Lokonga against Liverpool in midweek, only to send his effort haplessly over the bar. Then again, when a big opportunity came against Burnley, he failed to take it. Smith Rowe darted to the byline and then pulled the ball back for his forward but a simple tap in was fired wide of the far post.

Arsenal may have games in hand but a place in the Champions League next season is now out of their hands.

What makes the situation even more frustrating is that a move for Dusan Vlahovic – the key missing piece of the jigsaw – is now unlikely to arrive in January.

As a result, Arteta and Edu will need to consider alternatives. Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad is under consideration, as too is Everton livewire Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Yet, if the club wants to continue their youthful revolution, signing RB Salzburg’s Karim Adeyemi could bear fruit.

Arsenal were linked with a move for the 20-year-old late last year and it’s thought he could set the club back €40m (£34m), considerably cheaper than any deal for Vlahovic this winter.

The young attacker may not boast the power or aggression of the Fiorentina striker, but his left foot is just as dangerous and he’s a very tricky customer to deal with.

Adeyemi is currently enjoying a breakthrough campaign in Austria, starring for the same team and in the same division that Erling Haaland enjoyed so much success in and made his name.

The former has 14 goals in 17 league matches this term, taking his tally in all competitions for the campaign to an impressive 18 strikes.

That kind of composure in front of goal is what Arsenal are desperately missing right now and given his potential, he’d be a wonderful acquisition to Arteta’s side.

Two appraisals from talent scout, Jacek Kulig, perfectly summarise Adeyemi’s qualities. Taking to Twitter at the start of the term, he said that the German was having an “atomic” campaign.

Then, in September, Kulig commented: “Pace, acceleration, movement, flair, agility. Top. He’s such a nightmare for defenders.”

All of that should be music to the ears of Arsenal supporters, especially when you compare him to Lacazette, a striker who isn’t as mobile as he once was, somebody who lacks flair, agility and the prospect of tormenting centre-backs.

Thus, if Vlahovic cannot be brought to the Emirates, it’s Adeyemi who Arsenal’s hierarchy must consider instead.

AND in other news, “My information is”: Ornstein drops huge Arsenal transfer claim, fans will be buzzing…

West Ham have lost their last two games which will be a disappointment to the team, the fans and David Moyes as the side has dominated their position comfortably inside the top four for a while now.

Moyes will be frustrated with two poor results, as the Hammers are now equal on points with Arsenal and could have done with taking even just a point this weekend to give themselves the opportunity to keep the Gunners at arms length.

West Ham have been dealing with a few fitness problems throughout the squad, with Angelo Ogbonna’s ACL injury becoming the latest big blow to the side, with the player being expected to be out for the rest of the season after having surgery last week.

One player that gave West Ham quite the scare on Sunday during the game against Manchester City was Aaron Cresswell.

Creswell has had a great impact on the side’s success so far this season, with moments of defensive brilliance for the team, including an impressive and committed goal-line clearance early into the second half on Sunday afternoon that lead to the defender sliding into the goal post.

The nasty collision saw the full-back in a lot of pain after his back made a hard impact with the goalpost, and the defender was quickly substituted off the pitch for Vladimir Coufal.

West Ham fans flocked to Twitter in despair at the thought of another defender being ruled out of action for the foreseeable;

One wrote; “Cresswell now injured alongside Ogbonna. Hope it’s just a knock and he’s back for Wednesday. But the replacements aren’t good enough. That’s what happens when you don’t invest @ GSB.”

Despite the knock, David Moyes spoke out on Sunday evening to give an update on Cresswell’s condition;

“He is okay, his back is stiff after going into the goalpost. He was in a spasm really and couldn’t move his leg well at that point.”

Fans will surely be buzzing that the defender seems to be okay and there will be no further extended injuries added to the list, especially in the defence area.

It’s not known whether the defender will be available for the midweek Brighton fixture, but could be expected back for a challenging clash against Chelsea at the London Stadium this weekend, an eventuality that will represent a huge boost to everyone at the London Stadium given his importance.

In other news: West Ham are interested in Wout Weghorst