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Newcastle United were notoriously shrewd under the Mike Ashley regime, only spending money when pressure from the fan base grew too large or if there was a bargain to be had.

Returning from the Championship at the first time of asking in 2017, then-manager Rafael Benitez and the club had changed their focus and were attempting to sign a new youth-focused brand of players.

Jacob Murphy, who was just 22 years old and had excelled for Norwich City, emerged as their primary target. The Magpies managed to acquire him for £12m after coming off the back of scoring eight goals and setting up eight more as the Canaries finished eighth in the second tier in 2016/17.

However, since moving to Tyneside, he has struggled to truly kickstart his career and recapture this initial form which earned him that move to St James’ Park.

The 27-year-old has featured 116 times for the Magpies across all competitions, but his goal contributions in that time fail to surpass his total from that 2016/17 campaign alone. He has scored just six times for the Toon, setting up a further nine goals.

It is therefore no surprise to see his value depreciate over time, with CIES Football Observatory outlining a 64% decrease from the initial fee that Newcastle forked out, as he is reportedly worth just €5m (£4.3m) now.

Murphy has shown some sparks of the player that he could have become, and after a good run of form during 2018 he was noted as “unlucky to drop to the bench” by Chris Waugh. However, consistency has been the player’s main issue for Benitez and subsequent Newcastle managers.

Since making the move to St James’ Park, the 27-year-old is yet to score more than two goals in the Premier League in a single campaign.

Despite this, a couple of loan moves back to the Championship saw him once again thrive, scoring nine and setting up six for Sheffield Wednesday during the 2019/20 season.

It is clear that the Premier League seems a step too far for the winger, but he can be regarded as a fine player for the second tier.

To see Ashley spend such precious funds on a player who has been so wholly disappointing would have been frustrating for Newcastle fans at the time, but given the vast wealth of their current ownership, financial blunders are becoming less and less of a worry.

Southampton have been handed a double injury blow ahead of tonight’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the official Southampton website, where manager Ralph Hasenhuttl issued the following update on Tino Livramento and Romeo Lavia.

He revealed that they were the only two major absentees for tonight’s fixture, claiming that “it looks good” and that they are “on a good time schedule” for his return, about the former’s rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

With regards to Lavia, he claimed:

“It’s tough for him, you can see it’s not easy, because it feels like a full break after a very, very good start”.

He continued:

“This setback is always a chance – especially for players who are coming in here – to scan your body, scan your deficits you have, and work on this in this time you are out now. This is always the chance.”

It’s a big blow for Hasenhuttl

Although the injury to Livramento will not be a great surprise to the Austrian, the fact that he will be without his teenage sensation is still a gutting blow.

Lavia had impressed, earning an average SofaScore rating of 7.02 in his five Premier League games so far.

At 18 years of age, the Belgian youngster has shown maturity beyond his years and even managed to score his first goal in senior football with a fine driven strike in his side’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.

He had quickly become an important cog in the Saints machine and was averaging 2.0 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game.

Livramento similarly had impressed in his first real run in senior football before he was struck down last April but did have 32 appearances during the 2021/22 season.

There is excitement at the prospect of his return, with a positive update issued by the manager. However, the more pressing issue is how Southampton will cope without Lavia, especially given Romeu’s exit in the summer.

This comes at a bad time, given the opponent they face are somewhat fragile at the moment having not won since mid-August. It represents a good opportunity for a fine result, but this injury update will hamper their chances significantly and therefore, the manager will be gutted, if not worried heading into tonight’s kick-off.

Derby County have joined the race to sign Sheffield United striker William Osula, according to reports in the last 24 hours. 

The Lowdown: Left out of midweek squad

The 19-year-old was omitted from Paul Heckingbottom’s matchday squad for the Blades’ 4-0 victory over Reading in midweek having been in the 18-man squad for their previous clash against Luton, which could suggest that a deadline day exit might be on the cards.

Several other League One clubs – including Rotherham United, Lincoln City, Burton Albion and Ipswich Town – have been credited with an interest, but it now appears that the Rams are attempting a late hijack in the final hours of the transfer window.

The Latest: Derby eye late Osula move

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon (via Football League World) on Wednesday night, Derby are now ‘in the running’ to sign Osula, with Liam Rosenior ‘wanting two strikers’ before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.

It’s stated that the Rams manager would like a ‘more experienced figure’ to complement James Collins and David McGoldrick, but they are willing to ‘utilise the loan market’ to get a deal for the Blades starlet over the line.

The Verdict: Not enough experience

Osula is yet to feature for Sheffield United’s first team this season, and whilst he might have plenty of potential judging by the widespread interest in him, this isn’t a deal that Derby should consider pursuing any further.

The Dane has only scored one goal throughout his career at senior and youth level, and it’s likely that he wouldn’t get as much game-time as he’d like with Rosenior seemingly chasing a senior forward to come in.

For someone who would likely be nothing more than a bench-warmer, there’s no point in the Rams cashing out, so they should instead focus their attention on an attacker who will be able to make a genuine impact on the starting XI every week.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers left-back Borna Barisic as a club looks to snap him up in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Mail on Sunday, via Football Scotland, the Rangers full-back is attracting interest from south of the border.

It has been reported that newly-promoted Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest are keen on a deal to sign the Croatia international before the deadline.

The report does not state how much the Gers, who bought the defender for £2m in 2018, value the 29-year-old at with two years left on his contract. 

Masterclass by Ross Wilson

Rangers chief Ross Wilson could seal a masterclass this summer by cashing in on Barisic and selling him to Forest in the coming weeks.

The Croatian left-back turns 30 later this year and will only have 12 months left on his contract at the end of this season, which means that now may be the optimal time to sell him.

He is not getting any younger and he will be in a position where clubs could wait six months to snap him up on a reduced fee or a pre-contract in January if the club do not get rid of him now.

Since arriving at Ibrox, he has racked up 160 appearances for the club and won one Premiership title, assisting 36 goals in that time.

However, he has become a defensive liability this year and the club have brought in Ridvan Yilmaz at left-back to strengthen that position, which could allow Wilson to move Barisic on – potentially bringing in a back-up option to support the Turkey international.

Last season, former Gers man Derek Ferguson criticised the Forest target for his performance in an Old Firm clash, saying: “With Barisic, he got spooked. He has one look, two looks, he has three looks. He knows he’s there. Then there comes a time, you know he’s there. Is there a panic in him? Instead of thinking there’s the ball, I’ll go and meet it, he doesn’t react.

“You can see the disappointment. (Steven) Davis is close to him and knows the danger is there and he’s going off his head at Barisic. See for me, I wouldn’t play him at Parkhead.”

Jonny McFarlane noted a piece of “awful” defending from him against St. Johnstone at the weekend and journalist Josh Bunting was scathing in his criticism of him earlier this month, Tweeting:

“I don’t like writing people off especially two competitive games into the season but I am not liking Borna Barišić at all this season. Yes it’s early but he looks lost, getting beaten too easily, not putting challenges in and just doesn’t look anywhere near up to speed.”

His defending has not left a good impression on former players and journalists alike and that, coupled with his age and contract situation, is why selling him to Forest could be a late summer masterclass by Wilson.

Tottenham Hotspur potentially signing Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan is on the cards this summer after a recent meeting with the La Liga club’s board, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes more signings…

While the focus is on outgoings for now, it is reliably believed that Spurs remain in the market for a creative attacker and could also reinforce other areas of Antonio Conte’s squad.

Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks are on the chopping block, with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Japhet Tanganga also linked with exits.

Following on from some of these potential departures, it is entirely possible the Lilywhites could further strengthen ahead of what looks set to be a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

The Latest: Estupinan signing ‘possible’ after Villarreal talks…

Indeed, according to journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez, signing Estupinan from Villarreal is now on the cards for Spurs after talks were held with club chiefs in a recent meeting.

They discussed Lo Celso’s possible move to Spain at this summit, where the idea of a ‘possible exchange’ involving both Estupinan and Ndombele also came up.

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Marquez explained (via Twitter):

“The club has taken a very important step for Gio

The names of Pervis Estupiñán and Tanguy Ndombelé have come out

A possible exchange has been considered.”

The Verdict: Do it?

Dubbed ‘excellent’ by some members of the media, Estupinan could well strengthen Conte’s left-back area and provide sufficient backup for the likes of Ryan Sessegnon.

The Ecuador international would also come to N17 in place of Ndombele, who has been left out of Spurs’ pre-season programme, and it’s safe to say that securing a move away for the latter could take great pressure off Tottenham’s wage bill.

Indeed, this potential swap deal could seemingly benefit the club in numerous ways.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Flynn Downes.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter revealed that, following a number of reports linking David Moyes with a move for the Swansea City midfielder this summer, the Hammers are now increasingly confident of securing a £12m deal for the central midfielder ahead of Crystal Palace – who are also reported to have made an offer for the 23-year-old.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “West Ham United close to finalising a deal for Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes. Fee under discussion believed to be worth £12m. Told West Ham ‘increasingly confident’ of completing move.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Downes has proven himself to be in recent seasons, Sheth’s claim that Moyes is now closing in on a deal for the Swansea starlet is sure to be news that will have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 League One appearances for Ipswich Town back in 2020/21, the £1.8m-rated talent highly impressed in the middle of the park, making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, 33.4 passes, 1.5 long balls and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 63% – per game.

These returns saw the player who Matt Holland dubbed “absolutely outstanding” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Town’s seventh-best player in the league that season – earning him a £1m move to Swansea last summer.

The £9.3k-per-week midfielder once again impressed over his 37 Championship appearances for Russell Martin’s side in 2021/22, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 61.7 passes, 1.0 long ball and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 23-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.83, ranking him as the Swans’ ninth-best performer in the second tier last time out – with this form evidently catching the eye of a number of Premier League sides.

And, in response to the question as to whether Downes will be able to make the step up to the top flight with the Hammers, Matt Grimes certainly appears to think the answer is yes, with the Swansea club captain stating of the youngster when asked where he ranks amongst the midfielders he has played alongside:

“Right at the top. I think he’s been first class. His attitude to training every day and how hard he works and the understanding we have between each other, especially playing in this style and system, he’s a top, top player. I think he can go as far as he wants, to be honest, if his dedication and work ethic is anything to go by. I think he can go right to the top, for sure.”

As such, it would very much appear as if the former England U20 international could prove to be something of a huge coup for the Irons this summer, with the midfielder undoubtedly possessing the ability and potential to quite quickly make his £12m fee look an absolute bargain for the east London side.

AND in other news: “Verified by two sources..”: Ex drops big WHU transfer claim, supporters surely gutted

Leeds United have reportedly had a recent transfer bid for Otavio turned down by FC Porto.

What’s the news? 

According to a recent report from Portuguese media outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Yorkshire club have had a €30m (£25.7m) bid rejected for the player, who apparently has a release clause of €60m (£51.4m).

The 27-year-old joined Porto in 2014 from Brazilian club Internacional. Since then, he has gone on to make 237 appearances for the Dragoes across all competitions.

During his eight years with his current club, Otavio has found the net 24 times and delivered 67 assists, highlighting the attacking and creative talent that he has.

Over 32 league appearances last season, the £27m-rated winger scored three goals, supplied nine assists, had 49 shots at goal and provided 74 crosses. He also ended the campaign with a higher average of key passes per game (2.2) than any other player currently at the Estadio Dragao.

In addition, the Portugal international also won more tackles (62) than any other player in Porto’s squad, showing that he is willing to put in the workin for his team and win the ball back when needed.

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His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.46/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated figure currently in Sergio Conceicao’s squad.

Leeds fans will be gutted

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see why Leeds have made a bid to sign the player and why his current club were quick to reject it.

It would also be safe to assume that many Whites fans will be gutted to hear that this attempt to bring Otavio to Elland Road has been thwarted.

Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Leeds decide to go back in and trigger the Porto star’s release clause before the summer transfer window closes.

With Raphinha being linked with a move away from Yorkshire and a fee of around £65m being touted as enough to see the Whites let him go, the Brazilian’s potential departure could pave the way for Jesse Marsch’s side to launch a move to sign Otavio.

In other news – “Negotiations ongoing..”: Romano drops big Leeds claim, it’s great news for supporters

Crystal Palace are interested in Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to the print edition of the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (via Football League World).

The lowdown

Palace and manager Patrick Vieira appear to be in the market for a new midfield player during the summer transfer window.

Conor Gallagher is returning to Chelsea after starting 33 of the Eagles’ 38 Premier League matches last season, and the future of out-of-contract option Cheikhou Kouyate has yet to be resolved.

Palace are reportedly working on a deal for Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, while they’re also said to be seriously considering a swoop for Rangers’ Joe Aribo.

O’Brien, 23, is predominantly a central midfielder but he can also play in a more withdrawn role.

Last season, he started 46 out of 49 Championship matches for the Terriers, playing the full 90 minutes as they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the play-off final.

The latest

Palace are one of three Premier League sides keen on O’Brien, along with West Ham United and Southampton, says the report.

All suitors have the option to trigger the £12million release clause in the player’s contract, at which point it would be down to him to pick his preferred move.

The verdict

O’Brien would be a solid, reasonably-priced addition for Palace.

He has a well-rounded skill-set, directly contributing to six goals (three goals, three assists), and averaging one key pass, 2.1 dribbles and 2.1 tackles per game (via WhoScored).

These numbers stack up well against Gallagher (1.1 key passes, 1.3 dribbles, two tackles), though he would perhaps have to score more goals if he was to adequately fill the void, with the Chelsea man bagging eight over the course of the season.

O’Brien was, of course, playing in a lower division, but he showed top-flight class in the second tier. Indeed, journalist Mark Douglas believes the ‘terrific’ midfielder is ‘destined’ to play at the highest level.

And manager Carlos Corberan has heaped praise on one of his star players, dubbing him ‘special’ and ‘exceptional’.

In other news, read the latest update on a key Palace target.

Liverpool are not only attracting players with potential moves to Anfield but are also working to clear out some of the current squad this summer, with an update on one Reds player emerging ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to The Mirror, Aston Villa and West Ham United are interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

The 28-year-old currently has one year left on his contract at Anfield and the report claimed that the Merseyside club will listen to offers for the player, with Steven Gerrard suggested as a keen contender to plot a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain in order to strengthen his squad at Villa Park.

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Time to go

The midfielder has been a loyal servant to Liverpool over the years since he joined from Arsenal in 2017 and has gone on to achieve plenty of success, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but now it looks like it could be the right time for him to go.

This season Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and contributing three assists. He has averaged only 52 minutes of game-time per appearance, proving that he has become more of a fringe player for the team as opposed to a starter, which won’t be ideal for him.

Kevin Campbell claimed that the £10m-valued Liverpool dud is “frustrated” with the lack of game-time in an interview with Football Insider.

The former Arsenal striker stated: “Look, he is frustrated because he wants more game time. But there is only so much game time available when you have that much quality in your squad.”

“The Ox won’t be happy though because he wants to play every week. It is something he needs to consider at the end of the season.”

That is rather summed up in his play, with the midfielder proving incredibly lax in possession of the ball, giving it away once in every 6.3 minutes of Premier League action in 2021/22.

If the Reds can make some money on the 28-year-old and he can move to a club which can offer him more involvement and a bigger role in their team, then it could be mutually beneficial for both Liverpool and the player.

Supporters will be sad to see Oxlade-Chamberlain leave this summer as he has been at Anfield for the majority of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and excelled in his first season on Merseyside before being struck by serious injury, but ultimately seeing the midfielder get the game-time he deserves elsewhere would be the best outcome.

AND in other news: James Pearce shares exciting Liverpool update that supporters will love

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a potential transfer boost as they eye a move for Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Danjuma transfer hunt…

The Lilywhites and club chief Fabio Paratici are apparently interested in a move to bring the former Bournemouth forward to the Premier League.

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Sharing news recently, 90min claimed that Spurs officials were in attendance to run the rule over Danjuma and heavily-linked team-mate Pau Torres in Villarreal’s recent Champions League semi-final clash against Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has been in red-hot form in La Liga, with pundit Kevin Phillips claiming that the Dutchman is a rare type of player who can be a ‘nightmare’ for defenders when at his best (Football Insider).

The Latest: Bridge drops Danjuma transfer hint…

Speaking to GiveMeSport in sharing what he’s ‘heard’, Sky Sports journalist Bridge has now hinted that Danjuma could be open to joining Spurs.

The reporter says that the 25-year-old would ‘like to come back to England’ amid reports Tottenham have registered their interest.

Bridge explained: “The little bits I’ve heard here and there is that he’d like to come back to England. He’s enjoyed his time in Villarreal, but I don’t know how happy he is there.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

As this claim emerges that Danjuma is in fact eyeing a move back to England, we believe that Paratici shouldn’t hesitate in giving him the opportunity to sign on the dotted line.

The Dutchman is one of Unai Emery’s most potent attacking threats, ranking among the most goals and assists combined (13) for Villarreal over the 2021/22 domestic season (WhoScored).

He also attempts the most shots at goal per 90 for Villarreal (2.7), illustrating his real menace going forward and leaving little wonder that his club saw fit to include a €75m (£64m) release clause in his contract.

If Spurs can negotiate that price down in potential negotiations and persuade the La Liga outfit to sell for less, Danjuma may well be a brilliant capture if the north London club decide to advance.

In other news: Paratici tables crucial bid as Conte personally pushes for Spurs signing, find out more here