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As per Mundo Deportivo, relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United have an exact bid amount in mind to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier in January.

The Lowdown: Magpies eye moves…

The first transfer window of the new PIF era is dawning, with Newcastle supporters arguably curious to see whether their new owners will back Eddie Howe with major incomings during the month.

Currently in the midst of a relegation battle, their business after the New Year could be crucial in maintaining their hopes of staying in the Premier League and kickstarting an interesting age for the club.

They have already been linked with some major signings, including Trippier, with the latest from Spain detailing just how much Newcastle could be willing to spend on his capture.

The Latest: Newcastle willing to table £25.3m…

As per Mundo Deportivo (relayed by Sport Witness), the Magpies are willing to table an eight-figure bid of £25.3m to sign Trippier for Howe next month.

According to their information, the England international also wants to return to his homeland and the Premier League, as Atletico also contemplate selling to bolster their own transfer kitty.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The right-back, labelled ‘sensational’ by former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie (Football Insider), would certainly strengthen Howe’s defensive options and Newcastle’s survival chances.

Trippier would come with a plethora of experience performing on the biggest stages in world football and the 35-cap international’s exploits at the 2018 World Cup with England are well known.

His free kick against Croatia in the semi-finals of the tournament is one indicator of his technical quality, while he has also averaged an impressive 2.7 tackles per 90 over three Champions League starts this season (WhoScored).

That’s more than any Magpies defender has managed in the English top flight by comparison and it will be interesting to see whether PIF will truly back Howe with his addition to the squad.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

Aston Villa have reignited their interest in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

That’s according to The Telegraph’s John Percy and Sam Wallace, which unsurprisingly has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

The reliable reporters shared the update on the morning of deadline day, revealing that a ‘key decision’ is set to be made today over a late January move or whether to wait until the summer.

Villa reportedly had a £25m bid turned down earlier this month for the Brighton midfielder and failed in their pursuit of Rodrigo Bentancur, but it seems as if they could attempt a late swoop for the Mali international.

Bissouma is now back from the Africa Cup of Nations and has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, with both Manchester United and Tottenham also credited with a late interest on Twitter.

Villa fans react

Well-known fan feed @villareport relayed Percy and Wallace’s claim on Twitter. It had these Villa supporters excited, with many urging Johan Lange to push through with a late deadline day deal.

“DO IT TODAY!”

Credit: @JordAVFCx

“Lange at the back post”

Credit: @avfctom_

“Would be unreal if we get him”

Credit: @GW_94

“Get it done today!!!!”

Credit: @SamSamchilton9

“Pleaseeeeee ”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

“Don’t play with my emotions, he’d be class”

Credit: @Mattachu_Avfc

In other news: ‘Hats off to the board’ – Sky Sports man purrs at ‘amazing’ out-of-the-blue Villa transfer news. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Dejphon Chansiri for his decision not to hire a director of football.

The Sheffield Wednesday owner recently reiterated to the fan engagement panel that he has no intention of appointing a director of football, adamant that the manager should have the final say on recruitment.

With the managerial merry-go-round that has taken place at Hillsborough this season, though, some may wonder if there is any point in giving a manager total control over transfers when he could be shown the door the next month.

On the topic, Palmer told FFC:

“He keeps reiterating he doesn’t want to get a director of football. He’s put a shedload of money in the football club and he’s on the brink of being relegated to League One when he should have been in the Premier League. And he’s saying he doesn’t want a director of football at the football club? That says it all.

“As far as I’m concerned, whoever is advising him… I’m not knocking the chairman. I get grief for not supporting the chairman and whatever, but I’m just a realist and call it as it is.

“He has put a lot of money into the football club, that there can be no arguments about. But he’s been badly advised, hence why Sheffield Wednesday are in the position they’re in this season.”

As things stand, Wednesday are set to lose a whole host of players this summer due to expiring contracts.

It means a large rebuilding job may need to be carried out at Hillsborough before the start of next season, so perhaps the arrival of a director of football would be useful.

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Mohanad Jeahze to Parkhead in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that Ange Postecoglou is on the lookout for a new left-back this summer, in order to provide Scotland international Greg Taylor with competition for his starting spot next season.

The report then goes on to state that the 56-year-old Bhoys boss has identified Hammarby’s Mohanad Jeahze as his primary target in the position, with the Allsvenskan defender’s side believed to be willing to part with the 25-year-old for a figure in the region of £2m.

He’s perfect for Angeball

Considering just how impressive Jeahze has been for Hammarby following his 2020 switch from Mjallby, it is not difficult to see why Postecoglou would be interested in the signing of the left-back this summer.

Indeed, over his 27 Allsvenskan appearances last season, the £900k-rated full-back was a bundle of creativity on the left flank, scoring one goal, registering seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.4 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The Iraq international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the 25-year-old average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.24, not only ranking him as Hammarby’s best performer in the league but also as the joint 15th-best player in the division as a whole.

In total, the left-back has notched a total of two goals and 12 assists over his 55 appearances in all competitions for the Swedish side – incredibly impressive returns for a defender.

As such, with Jeahze evidently being a talent who is incredibly creative, boasts an impressive reading of the game and is extremely capable with the ball at his feet, it is not difficult to understand why Postecoglou would be keen to bring the defender to Celtic Park ahead of the Hoops’ 2022/23 campaign – as the Hammarby star appears to be a perfect fit for Angeball.

And, if the Iraqi is indeed available for as little as £2m this summer, the 25-year-old sensation could very easily go on to join the Greek-Australian’s ever-increasing list of impressive budget buys.

AND in other news: Celtic must secure “mouth-watering” deal for “outstanding” £6.5m gem, Ange loves him

Southampton have reportedly been scouting Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo recently and if he were to join The Saints, it could prove to be similar to the deal that saw Morgan Schneiderlin sign for the South Coast club in 2008.

According to the Bristol Post, Southampton scouts have been in attendance at Ashton Gate for recent Bristol City fixtures, and one player who they are said to be looking at is 19-year-old Massengo.

The Robins splashed the cash to bring the teenager to the club from AS Monaco in 2019 and he has since gone on to make 51 appearances for the Championship side.

Like Schneiderlin, Massengo established himself as a regular in Ligue 1 from a young age, before moving to a lower-league English side, with the defensive-midfielder enduring a relegation in his first season with Southampton, before helping the South Coast club to back-to-back promotions.

He would go on to make 257 appearances for the Saints, in which he contributed 15 goals and 11 assists, before completing a £25 million move to Manchester United in 2015, where he would spend just a year and a half before joining Everton.

Massengo can play as a defensive midfielder and has featured for the French U’19 side in the past, although he has struggled to adapt to Bristol City in his time there thus far, having averaged a pretty poor 6.27 rating for his performances this season.

However, he is still just 19-years-old and undoubtedly has some potential, which Southampton could help him realise if he makes the switch to St Mary’s this summer. If he did join, then perhaps it could be a repeat of the masterclass that saw Schneiderlin join from Strasbourg 13 years ago.

If the French midfielder proved to be even half as good as Schneiderlin was during his time on the South Coast, he would be a very good signing indeed, so it will be interesting to see if Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side make an official approach for the 19-year-old this summer.

And, in other news… Forget Diallo: Southampton can sign their ideal Romeu heir in 22 y/o gem

Celtic are prepared to pay up to £8m for Sheffield United right-back George Baldock this summer, according to The Star.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ long-standing interest

The Hoops have had Baldock on their radar for some time. He was first linked with a move to Parkhead back in 2019, however, he remained in Yorkshire and has been a Premier League regular since.

Unfortunately, Baldock and the Blades were relegated last season, and with Celtic after a right-back following Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed’s permanent exits earlier this year, it seems as if Baldock is once again back on the club’s shortlist.

The Latest: Celtic willing to spend big

According to The Star, who have been informed by sources north of the border, Celtic are prepared to pay between £5m and £8m for the defender, who former Hoops rival Alan Hutton believes has ‘got it all’.

However, the report claims that fee would fall well short of the Blades’ valuation, although the Hoops believe a compromise could be reached.

Should Celtic seal a deal at £8m, that would make Baldock the club’s fourth most expensive signing of all-time behind John Hartson, Chris Sutton and Odsonne Edouard.

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The Verdict: Is Baldock worth £8m?

Sheffield United seem to want more than £8m for Baldock’s services, but Celtic shouldn’t pay any more than that for his signature.

The 28-year-old has just 12 months left on his Bramall Lane deal, so technically, the Hoops could wait until January ahead of a potential pre-contract agreement.

As we know, Celtic need right-back additions, but Baldock’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at £4.5m, so perhaps they could have a real chance of landing the defender in their price range reported.

The Yorkshire outfit may well realise Celtic are in desperate need of a right-back, but the Hoops shouldn’t bow to United’s demands over the coming months.

In other news: Martin O’Neill interested in Celtic return, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Barry Fry, who is Director of Football at Peterborough United, claims that Eddie Howe will be keeping his options open before deciding whether or not to commit to the Celtic job.

Celtic are still on the hunt for Neil Lennon’s successor after he left the club by mutual consent with the Bhoys surrendering the league title to rivals Rangers earlier this season.

Last week Eddie Howe was reportedly set to be appointed as Celtic manager last week, however, Howe is now apparently having second thoughts with reports linking him to the potentially soon-to-be-vacant Crystal Palace job.

Speaking on how Eddie Howe is keeping his options open and why he won’t commit to Celtic just yet, Fry told FFC:

“He’s just keeping his options open at the minute and he’s not going to rush into anything.

“So, I can see Eddie waiting for an opportunity in the Premier League again.”

Heading into this season Celtic had a chance to make it a record 10 SPFL title in a row, however, they were blown away by Rangers’ dominance and consistency.

Howe has been out of a job since he left Bournemouth after failing to keep them in Premier League during the 2019/20 season.

Borussia Dortmund have been credited with an interest in Leeds star Raphinha, according to Eurosport.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s impressive season

It’s safe to say now that the Whites struck gold with their £17m move for the Brazilian back in October.

Leeds sealed a deal on deadline day, and Raphinha was one of the standout performers under Marcelo Bielsa in an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old scored six times and registered six assists in 30 league appearances, ending the campaign as Leeds’ best-rated performer, as per WhoScored.

It appears that his displays have caught the eye abroad, with the summer transfer window set to open over the next few weeks.

The Latest: Dortmund’s interest

According to Eurosport, German giants Dortmund have made tentative enquiries to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi as they seek replacements in case Jadon Sancho departs.

The report adds that the former Champions League winners could explore deals for Lille’s Jonathan Ikone and Raphinha as alternatives.

Raphinha, who former Elland Road man Noel Whelan described as ‘sensational’, is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

The Verdict: Whites should be under no pressure to sell

In our opinion, unless a mega-money offer comes in from Dortmund, the Whites should dismiss all interest in the winger.

Only five players in the Premier League registered more assists than the Brazilian last season. He started just 26 league games, so that tally could have been a lot more if he signed prior to the start of the campaign.

Leeds will be looking to improve on their 9th place finish next year, and to do that, you’d expect keeping hold of their prized assets will be crucial.

It just goes to show the impact he’s had in Yorkshire for Dortmund to show an interest, but hopefully, a deal won’t materialise.

In other news: Whites boosted in hopes of signing Emi Buendia, find out more here. 

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now held three rounds of talks with Roberto Martinez and more in recent days as the club ‘close in’ on appointing a new manager.

The Lowdown: Spurs hold ‘extensive’ Martinez discussions

Recent reports by the same outlet indicated that ‘extensive discussions’ have been held with the 47-year-old who has been shortlisted by Tottenham for the role.

They also emphatically claimed that the Spaniard has been making a ‘huge play’ for the job behind closed doors and is very keen on succeeding former boss Jose Mourinho.

The Latest: Further talks emerge…

Bringing an update on this story, Football Insider now believe that further negotiations have been held in recent days which brings the total to three rounds of Spurs discussions with Martinez.

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The first two came before the 2020/2021 Premier League season ended last weekend, meanwhile the third round of talks have come only in the last few days.

Football Insider also say that the Lilywhites also closing in on a new manager with Martinez shortlisted.

Indeed, in an encouraging claim, the outlet believe that Tottenham are ‘confident’ of appointing a new manager this week and in a matter of days.

The Verdict: Mixed bag…

While it is fantastic news that Spurs are allegedly close to an appointment behind the scenes, Spurs fans may be hoping that man isn’t Martinez despite former Scotland boss Alex McLeish lauding him as ‘world class’ recently (Football Insider).

Reports have now emerged that former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with Spurs and is apparently eager to make a return to the north London club (The Athletic).

Depending on the validity of these claims, with conflicting reports also emerging, we believe that the Argentine would be a far superior candidate to Martinez given everything he achieved at Tottenham in his first spell – including a Champions League final appearance.

However, if Spurs want to appoint him, they will apparently have to fight tooth and nail given PSG’s alleged stance.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has raved about Leeds United’s recruitment over the course of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

While Marcelo Bielsa’s side may have only had a quiet window in terms of first-team incomings with the likes of Junior Firpo and Dan James joining, they did however do more business in bolstering their U23s squad, and it’s something McLeish has voiced his approval about.

He said: “Great development is terrific but you don’t bring ordinary players to the club. There has to be a talent in spotting them in the first place. There has to be an assessment of if these kids have great potential.

“That they were the standouts that they (talent spotters) saw at their level of under-16 or under-15s or even before that. Some of them join academies at the age of nine or ten.

“It can be a very long process but they are really singled out quite early in their football careers. It seems that at Leeds, the recruitment has been brilliant.”

Fans will be buzzing

According to Transfermarkt, Leeds signed four new players to add to their club’s already talented group of U23s players, including the likes of Lewis Bate from Chelsea, Amari Miller from Birmingham City, Sean McGurk from Wigan and Leo Hjelde from Celtic.

That of course followed on from the summer of 2020 when Bielsa’s side brought in the likes of Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt among others – all of whom were features in the U23s Premier League Division 2 success last season.

As McLeish says, the Whites are making a conscious effort to ensure that they are spotting talent way before they really burst onto the scene and make their mark, at which point it becomes far more difficult to sign them as there will be lots more competition, and far more costlier too.

The signings Leeds have made, have all been for very minimal fees which ensures that really, whatever the case, they either stand to make a big profit, or watch them turn into first-team players for Bielsa’s senior side themselves.

In either case, the Whites’ transfer strategy is one that should be applauded, and McLeish’s verdict is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star has been an absolute bargain…