O Corinthians conquistou uma vitória importantíssima nesta quarta-feira ao bater o Coritiba por 1 a 0, no Couto Pereira, pela 23ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. E um dos grandes personagens do time foi Gabriel, que vem crescendo de produção com Vagner Mancini e recuperou a condição de titular. Na saída de campo, ele exaltou o triunfo desta noite com “a cara do Corinthians”.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBrasileirãoCorinthians vai bem no 1º tempo, bate o Coritiba por 1 a 0 e se afasta do Z4Brasileirão25/11/2020CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Fabio Santos resolve para o Corinthians; Gabriel também se destacaCorinthians25/11/2020
TABELA > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui
Eleito o melhor em campo pela transmissão da TV Globo, o volante, que vinha sendo alvo de críticas por parte da torcida do Timão, preferiu não dar uma resposta para isso e optou por manter a cabeça no lugar diante de algo que ele classifica natural no meio em que vive, jogando futebol no alto nível.
-Críticas no nosso meio são normais, jogador de time grande, de alto nível, convive com críticas e elogios. Manter a cabeça no lugar, com confiança no nosso trabalho, que sempre será valorizado em campo – afirmou o camisa 5.
Apesar de fazer um segundo tempo abaixo do que foi o primeiro, quando abriu o placar com um pênalti convertido por Fábio Santos, o Corinthians se sustentou e segurou o resultado para garantir três pontos importantes para o campeonato. Por essas e outras, Gabriel disse ter sido uma vitória com a cara do clube, que agora se afasta da incômoda ameaça da zona de rebaixamento.
-Feliz pelo jogo, pela vitória, vitória com cara de Corinthians, não só hoje, contra o Grêmio fizemos um grande jogo com dois homens a menos, e acredito que hoje no segundo tempo o nível caiu um pouquinho, a parte física do jogo passado pesou, mas agradecer a todos pelo apoio de sempre Agora é descansar, temos um jogo bem competitivo com o Fortaleza fora de casa.
O Timão terá uma semana até enfrentar o Fortaleza, na próxima quarta-feira, fora de casa, pela 24ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Agora, o Alvinegro soma 29 pontos e subiu para a nona posição na tabela, cinco à frente do Z4.
Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with Liverpool's start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, but he will know that there is plenty of work still to be done to ensure that a satisfying conclusion is reached.
Having picked up 20 points from their opening nine league matches, the Reds are looking to keep on the tail of table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur, who have a six-point advantage having played an additional match ahead of Liverpool's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.
But at this stage of the campaign, such frivolous matters are yet to truly reach Klopp's concern, who will ensure his team are focussed only on the forthcoming fixture.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The central point at this stage is sustaining the renewed intensity and cohesion that had disappeared last term, when Liverpool trudged to a fifth-placed finish and received a season-long rebuke from journalists and critics for their substandard performances.
The midfield has been restored after an emphatic summer of transfer activity, but such occurred at the expense of defensive reinforcements, despite much discourse surrounding the need for bolstering at the back.
With that being said, 2024 looks to be a year of further action in the market for the Anfield side, with several targets earmarked to strengthen the rearguard.
Liverpool's transfer targets
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool and heated rivals Manchester United have both registered an interest in French side Lille's 17-year-old defender Leny Yoro, with the precocious centre-back considered one of the finest talents in Ligue 1 right now.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are also intrigued, while Chelsea have held a long-time admiration for the France native, but Liverpool's emergence as a suitor highlights Klopp's desire to improve the backline with a prodigious addition.
The competition is thick, however, but given that Liverpool are pursuing the signature of another rising star in Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio, perhaps priority could be shifted to the touted talent.
As per BILD, Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit following Manchester United's alleged withdrawal from the race, citing difficulties in meeting his £52m release clause.
Why Liverpool are interested in Goncalo Inacio
Inacio is a very distinctive defender with attributes that make him a custom-made fit for outfits chasing illustrious success, with analyst Raj Chohan stating: "Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor. Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play. Immense recovery speed & coverage of space."
Goncalo Inacio: Similar Players (Football Transfers)
#
Player
Club
1
Piero Hincapie
Bayer Leverkusen
2
Jonathan Tah
Bayer Leverkusen
3
Harry Maguire
Manchester United
4
Chancel Mbemba
Marseille
5
Davinson Sanchez
Galatasaray
The four-cap Portugal star has made 134 appearances for his homeland outfit, posting 11 goals and eight assists, and has attracted attention from multiple European giants since rising to the fore, with Newcastle United also withdrawing from the race recently.
A left-footed and dynamic centre-back, Inacio, aged 22, fits the bill; Klopp is searching for such a defender to improve the defence and ease the burden on captain Virgil van Dijk, who is right-footed but has long occupied the left side of the central defence in the absence of a natural alternative.
having been described as a "complete" player by knowledgable talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, it's no wonder that the Reds are hoping to land the star, who could be the missing piece of the puzzle to restore the club's stature at the forefront.
An "immense" distributor
With positive similarities to some of Europe's finest ball-playing defenders, Inacio has the world at his feet and could bloom into one of the game's finest in his position over the coming years, with Fabrizio Romano even going as far as to hail his "very rare" qualities.
Indeed, as per FBref, the 6 foot 1 titan ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs across leagues similar to the Portuguese Primeira Liga for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.
He is one of the most mobile and creative defenders in the game, and with his left-footed inclination aligning with the kind of centre-half Klopp covets to complete his team, it really could be a match made in heaven.
His ball-playing ability is so significant that he even eclipses Trent Alexander-Arnold across several metrics, with the progression of his passing quite simply belying the conventions of the role in the central defence.
Inacio vs Alexander-Arnold: Creativity
Metric (per 90)
Inacio
TAA
Assists
0.11
0.35
Shot-creating actions
1.90
3.73
Passes attempted
86.70
86.13
Progressive passes
8.91
6.69
Progressive carries
2.05
1.46
Statistics sourced via FBref
The £180k-per-week Liverpool vice-captain has been a prominent figure in European football since breaking into Klopp's first-team as a youngster, and having supplied 74 assists from 282 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, he truly is a "genius" – as was claimed by journalist Neil Jones.
Given his free-roaming placement on the right flank of the pitch, one would assume that Alexander-Arnold would have a license to produce a greater output than a player of Inacio's ilk, but he really is shadowed in some regards by the power of Inacio's creativity.
Despite this, the 25-year-old still ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90, emphasising his skill and importance within Klopp's side.
Inacio doesn't create direct chances in the final third with the regularity of Alexander-Arnold, but this is due to his position rather than a failure to pick the apt passes.
Signing the maestro at the back would only be a recipe for success at Anfield, creating a gushing flow of support to cascade down the lanes and into the danger areas, allowing the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister (and Alexander-Arnold), to feed the deadly frontline.
Just imagine the duality of supplementation that could be unlocked across the alternating channels by securing Inacio's signature, with the Sporting sensation exactly what Liverpool needs to continue the budding renaissance and cement a spot at the very top of the European game once again.
West Ham United boss David Moyes is reportedly keen to strengthen his squad in January and could have a plausible opportunity to bolster one key position, according to reports.
West Ham updates: Paqueta latest, Soucek talks, Antonio on Ward-Prowse
According to a West Ham contract update on Lucas Paqueta from TEAMtalk, the Hammers are believed to be keen to offer midfielder Lucas Paqueta a new deal to try and stave off interest from Manchester City in his services. Paqueta has been extensively linked with a move to Manchester City over the last few months and had a release clause of £85 million included in his current terms. On the other hand, England international Kalvin Phillips has been touted with a potential switch in the opposite direction and a swap deal involving both players hasn't been ruled out as a possibility by the outlet.
Football Insider have shared a Tomas Soucek transfer update, claiming that the in-form West Ham midfielder is a target for Inter Milan; however, the Hammers are believed to be trying to step up talks to tie the Czechia international to a new contract. Moyes is a huge fan of Soucek and views him as an important member of his squad at the London Stadium. As per the report, the 28-year-old is likely to ask for a wage hike that would align him with the top earners in east London moving forward.
Meanwhile, in conversation with The Footballer’s Football Podcast cited via The Evening Standard, West Ham striker Michail Antonio is still baffled over James Ward Prowse's omission from the England squad by Gareth Southgate. Antonio said:
"I am upset with Southgate. The stats say that Ward-Prowse is doing everything week in week out to play for England so it is mad he has not been picked. I think that when you are playing at your best you should be rewarded and for me that is England. He has been unbelievable. I understand managers like to pick players they trust, but he has got players in there who are not even playing. I do not like that."
James Ward-Prowse statistics 2023/24 – all competitions
Appearances: 10
Goals: 2
Assists: 7
Ward-Prowse's performance breakdown and key statistics: 2023/24 (WhoScored)
Shots per Premier League game: 1.3
Key passes per Premier League game: 2.1
Pass success rate in the Premier League: 90.6%
West Ham transfer update – Guilherme Arana
According to a West Ham transfer update from Spain, Atletico Mineiro left-back Guilherme Arana is someone the Hammers are now determined to formalize their interest in come January after initial reports emerged of a scouting trip over the weekend by Irons' chiefs. They must have liked what they saw because they are reportedly now ready to proceed forward to try and land the Brazil international, who would be allowed to depart from his current employers if they received a suitable offer for his services.
In 2023, Arana has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Mineiro, registering one assist in the process (Arana statistics – Transfermarkt).
Labelled "spectacular" by former Brazil Under-23 coach Andre Jardine, Arana could help to ease the workload handled by Emerson Palmieri and Aaron Cresswell on the left-hand side of defence if the Hammers can strike a deal to sign the full-back.
ScorecardLife may never be as uncomplicated again for Dom Bess as that magical day at Headingley little more than a week ago when he took his first Test wickets, England forced a victory against Pakistan to draw the series and everything he turned his hand to was an occasion to relish.As The Cure had it, at that moment there was nowhere else in the world he would rather be – it really couldn’t get any better than this. But the strawberry kiss of Headingley was nowhere to be seen as his beloved Taunton, no longer the spin bowler’s paradise of last season, blew him a raspberry.Now Bess’ cricketing life is demanding, pressurised even, as he comes to terms with his new-found status. Zestful and innocent one moment, he now carries the onus of responsibility the next. Initially at least, every ball says: “I Am An England Cricketer.” The shift in reputation must be difficult to block out of his mind. Things are not coming easily for him.Bess did not suffer alone. Somerset’s decision to enforce the follow-on after ousting Notts for 134 on first innings, a lead of 258, consigned all-comers to a slog in favourable batting conditions on the third day. There was no swing this time, as the sky turned pristine blue, and only gentle turn. By closing at 468 for 8, and making 356 runs in the day, Notts held a slightly disturbing lead of 210.In the first innings, there were five ducks in their top eight; this time there were four fifties and a maiden hundred for Tom Moores who overcome a sticky start to play with great freedom. His father, Peter, the Nottinghamshire coach, allowed himself a liberty of a paternal pat on the back at the close.Bess was into his fifth spell of the day when he finally found reward: two wickets which quietly shifted the match back towards Somerset, if not with certainty. His first over back had conceded ten, his figures distinctly unflattering: 0 for 113 in 25 overs. A possible Test against India in August must have been far from his thoughts; his priority was merely to get it to the other end, to create something positive to cling to.Then an innocuous delivery bowled Billy Root, perhaps off a slight bottom edge, as he tried to cut. He struck again with what became the last ball of the day: Moores, with 103 from 117 balls, covering up against a low full toss which in another situation he might have struck out of the ground, and falling lbw. Moores had gradually won his battle with Bess in the final session as the offspinner was heartened by the chance to bowl at two left-handers and would have been frustrated by his demise.Even then the Taunton scorecard, which gets a bit cramped, made it look as if he had taken 2 for 8,115.Another Somerset spinner fared rather better. Not Jack Leach, Bess’ normal spin bowling partner, whose injury presented him with his Test debut, and who hopes to return against Surrey later this month, but Roelof van der Merwe, who looks stocky and battle-hardened enough to be a bouncer who might refuse the young Bess entry to a nightclub.After 43 probing overs, delivered with sagacity at less than three an over, his exertions brought four wickets. Steven Mullaney, six short of a century, Samit Patel and Riki Wessels all fell lbw – Mullaney gesturing that he had hit it, Wessels defeated on the lap – and Ross Taylor was bowled as he searched for his favourite cut shot.He would have claimed his first five-wicket haul if Matt Renshaw, on his knees at first slip, had not dropped Chris Nash, on 40, who was the Notts batsman most in need of sustenance and who went on to his first Championship half-century of the season before Josh Davey bowled him with one that held its line. “I’ve never taken five wickets so that is something to aim for tomorrow,” he said. “Knowing Dom, I expect he will take the last two!”Moores, with a previous best first-class score of 43, understandably punched the air in delight upon reaching his hundred. Bess must have remembered when life seemed so straightforward. Then he thumped Moores on the pad and went into the pavilion reassured that things were still turning his way.
England’s batting can adaptThere was little doubt about England’s prowess on true batting pitches, but questions remained how willing they were to curb their natural instincts with the Champions Trophy semi-final against Pakistan and two startling collapses against the swinging ball, at Lord’s and in Adelaide, as examples. The victory in Wellington on a grubby, uneven drop-in pitch was, therefore, significant with them having to assess that it wasn’t even a 270 wicket and dig their way to a defendable score. In fact, the major collapse which came in this series was a new variety: losing 8 for 46 in Dunedin having been 267 for 1. But to knock off the runs in Christchurch in such domineering fashion meant that the batting bandwagon continued to role.Liam Plunkett plays a vital roleLed by Man of the Series Chris Woakes, England were outstanding with the new ball – never letting New Zealand get off to a flyer and twice keeping them to under three-an-over in the first 10. In three of the matches that was backed up very effectively by the spin pair of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. However, the contrast between spin and pace in the middle overs was stark: between overs 11 and 40, the spinners took 11 wickets and conceded 4.50 per over, the quicks took three wickets and conceded 5.96. Partly, that can be attributed to the spinners bowling extensively in that period, but it also highlighted the crucial role that Liam Plunkett has played in extracting life when the two new balls have become a little softer and before ‘death’ skills take over. In 2017, Plunkett was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs. He is in that World Cup starting XI, fitness permitting.New Zealand have a problem at the topNew Zealand’s opening partnership had a shocker. The highest stand between Martin Guptill and Colin Munro in five matches was 12. It meant, in the four matches he played, Kane Williamson was exposed early. He is good enough to overcome that, but it’s an added pressure on the captain. Barring his 49 in Wellington – a worthy if lucky innings – Munro was batting in single digits. It appeared to have a knock-on effect on Guptill who, even in his two more substantial innings, could not break the shackles. Munro had showed some promise when pushed up to the opening role but against high-quality seam and swing he is vulnerable. With the 2019 World Cup in the first part of the English season, that could be a problem.Ross Taylor brings out the trademark hundred celebration•Getty Images
Ben Stokes can keep his focusThe start of the series marked the big comeback. Five months after the incident in Bristol that led to a not-guilty plea to a charge of affray, Ben Stokes returned to international cricket. In truth it was a soft landing, a world away from the reception and scrutiny he would have received in Australia. Still, Stokes has had a lot on his plate so it wasn’t a given how seamlessly he would slot back in. Parking the debate about whether he should have been on the tour, it was a successful series for him. He almost turned the opening match with two wickets and was Man of the Match in Mount Maunganui. He was never used for his full 10 overs – and his Test workload will be interesting to watch – but he hit good pace, looked in decent nick with the bat (his determination in Wellington was impressive) and was a livewire in the field.Ish Sodhi makes his caseAt the beginning of the series, Ish Sodhi was effectively included in the squad as cover for fellow legspinner Todd Astle who was carrying a niggle. He quickly became the first-choice. Hamilton was Sodhi’s first ODI since last May, when New Zealand took a second-string side to Ireland, but was preferred throughout when the XI wanted two spinners and his career-best 4 for 58 helped turn the match in Dunedin. There was some severe tap for him in Christchurch courtesy of Jonny Bairstow and there remained plenty of loose stuff thrown in, but he is a wicket-taker. Continuing to work on his batting and fielding could be key to whether he makes the 2019 World Cup squad.Ross Taylor on one leg is better than some on twoIt’s a decent pub debate: was New Zealand’s greatest ODI innings played by Ross Taylor in Dunedin? He is batting on another level at the moment, the unbeaten 181 followed another matchwinning hundred in Hamilton, and New Zealand will be desperate that his body stands up for at least another 18 months. Alongside Williamson he is irreplaceable in this current New Zealand era. The match he was run out in and the two he missed, New Zealand lost. Though Tom Latham showed development in the middle-order role – combining with Taylor for stands of 178 and 187 – the loss of either Taylor or Williamson is too great a burden for the team to cover.
The former Under-19 champion struck a half-century at No. 9 and then helped defend a total of 256 by picking up 3 for 55
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2018 ScorecardJermaine Blackwood lays into a pull shot•Getty Images
Not long after a call-up to play international cricket, Keemo Paul showed he was ready for the step up, leading West Indies A to an unlikely victory over England Lions. The former Under-19 champion came in to bat at No. 9, with his team on the ropes at 153 for 7 and in danger of not lasting the full 50 overs. Paul made 55 off 40 deliveries as an outrageous tail-end partnership – 97 runs in only 77 balls with Raymon Reifer – took the hosts to 252 for 9.The target was still not very daunting and the Lions would have felt ahead of the game, cruising to 173 for 4 in the 40th over. But then came a match-defining collapse. The captain Keaton Jennings’ wicket started it all, caught and bowled for 33. Allrounder Sam Curran followed for 26. And the tail folded soon after, 26 runs short of their target, not even batting their full quota. Paul ended his big day with 3 for 55 having opened the bowling, and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was equally effecting, picking up 3 for 41.England in the end were left to rue 10 overs of play that undid some excellent work after they had lost the toss. Curran and Richard Gleeson were excellent with the new ball, collecting six wickets between them for only 93 runs. In the face of their discipline, only one West Indies A batsman from the top six made a score more than 16. Jermaine Blackwood, who usually likes to have a go at the ball, made 53 off 75, while he searched desperately for support at the other end. He did not find it while he was at the crease, but his wicket brought Paul into the game, who basically bossed it from there.
Chelsea attacker Armando Broja has taken to Instagram to respond after footage emerged of him having a friendly fight with iconic staff member Billy ‘Blood’ McCulloch.
What is the latest Armando Broja injury news?
The 21-year-old striker has been sidelined since last December after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a friendly against Aston Villa. But as per a promising update from the club last week he is "at the end stages of his rehabilitation programme".
Amid this good news, it seems as though the player is back around the Cobham training centre and in high spirits, joking around with all his Chelsea teammates and other members of staff.
Indeed, as recently seen in some footage shared by Ben Chilwell on Instagram, Broja can be seen having a little play-scrap with masseur McCulloch.
Some may be familiar with the iconic former kit-man for his larger-than-life personality and apparent willingness to deliver top-tier dad jokes before cracking up with his distinctive laugh.
For instance, as you can see in the footage below, he once said to a reporter:
"What do you call if you cross a football team with a flower seller? Nottingham Florist…"
Well, in the Instagram post from Chilwell, the masseur was spotted messing about again – this time taking one punch from Broja before responding with a jab of his own. Fooling about, the Chelsea striker slumps onto a table as if in genuine pain.
After the clip was shared on social media, Broja responded with a further joke, writing: "Set up the fight @benchilwell. Me vs Billy Blood."
Evidently loving it, former captain John Terry also responded with a couple of laughing/crying emojis posted under the video.
How good is Armando Broja?
Seeing as he's been out with an injury for so long, many may have forgotten Broja still plays for Chelsea but fortunately for the player, it does appear as though he is in Mauricio Pochettino's plans.
As quoted recently in the Independent, the club manager told the press: “I think at the same time we are keeping one or two eyes on Armando Broja because I think we can’t forget him. We cannot stop him, and to bring some profile of player than can stop his evolution.
“We really believe in him. We know him very well. He can be a really important striker for Chelsea. We need to be careful."
Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…
Still only 21 years of age, the Albanian hasn't truly been able to show what he can do for the Blues, having only actually played 19 times for the club – for a total of just 469 minutes.
In that time, he has just one goal and one assist to his name but did show more promising signs while on loan for a season at Southampton as he netted nine goals and one assist in 38 outings.
There certainly does seem to be plenty of potential there for Pochettino to mold but it remains to be seen as to how long exactly it will take Broja to get back to his best after spending so much time out injured.
At the very least, it's good to see his spirits apparently pretty high behind the scenes as he nears a return to action.
Liverpool still remain "at the window" for Torino centre-back Perr Schuurs, but he will not come cheap, with a new report from Italy revealing exactly how much the player will cost the Reds.
Who are Liverpool signing this summer?
The Reds' main priority this summer appears to be strengthening their midfield, with their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia still ongoing, having recently submitted a new bid after seeing their £46m proposal knocked back.
Jurgen Klopp is keen on signing Fluminese midfielder Andre, with it recently being reported the 22-year-old could become their "plan A" target in midfield, while Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga and Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have also been named as potential options.
A whole host of targets have been identified in midfield, but Liverpool's pursuit of a new centre-back has gone a little quiet, having had their opening bid for Schuurs immediately knocked back by Torino last month.
Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE
According to a report from CalcioMercato, however, the Reds still "remain at the window" for the Torino defender, with the Serie A club currently demanding €40m (£34m) in order to sanction his departure.
The Merseyside club are not the only Premier League club interested in signing the Dutchman, with Crystal Palace having already submitted a bid of €30m (£26m), which was turned down, ending their pursuit for the time being.
Fabrizio Romano has reported the 23-year-old is being "discussed internally" by Tottenham, while also detailing the player himself is "keen" on a move to the Premier League.
Torino president Urbano Cairo is said to be "inflexible" in his valuation of the centre-back, meaning it is likely all the potential suitors will have to match the £34m asking price if they are to get a deal over the line this summer.
How good is Perr Schuurs?
Lauded as a "mountain" by journalist Josh Bunting, the 6 foot 3 defender has some impressive defensive attributes, ranking in the 80th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
The £29k-per-week defender, who has been hailed as "phenomenal" by Torino boss Ivan Juric, is also a very competent passer of the ball, recording an average pass success rate of 91.8% in the 2020-21 campaign, amongst the best in Europe.
It could definitely be worth Liverpool bringing in a new defender, considering Joel Matip has gone off the boil in recent times, with pundit Natasha Dowie claiming he "had to do better" in the build-up to Bayern Munich's second goal in the 4-3 loss earlier this month.
perr-schuurs
The Cameroonian defender is now 32-years-old, and with his contract set to expire next summer, Klopp needs to think about a long-term replacement, and Schuurs definitely fits the bill.
The Torino ace is by no means the finished article, with Juric recently claiming he is "still growing", but he has been exhibiting very promising signs since moving to Italy, establishing himself as a key first-team player last season, and Liverpool should undoubtedly test the waters with a new bid.
With the tumultuous rumblings of the transfer window occurring all around high-fliers Newcastle United, Eddie Howe will be delighted that his Premier League outfit have been swift and incisive this summer.
Who are Newcastle going to sign?
It's a credit to Newcastle's transfer strategy and technical director Dan Ashworth's diligence that Howe has recently claimed that he would "love" one more signing.
Effectively, the 45-year-old gaffer is alluding to the fact that the club's business has been conducted efficiently and anything more this month would be a welcome bonus, with Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all bolstering the first-team ranks.
Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…
The Daily Mail's Craig Hope has claimed that Newcastle need to be 'creative' to make their final move to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, and as such could swoop for Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, with the Telegraph's Luke Edwards revealing that the Spaniard could arrive on loan.
How good is Marc Cucurella?
Aside from the obvious fact that Cucurella would bring added depth to Newcastle's side as they target success across four competitions this season, having returned to the Champions League after two decades away, the 25-year-old could play to the strengths of Alexander Isak.
Isak signed for the St. James' Park team for a club-record £63m from Real Sociedad last summer and plundered ten goals from just 17 Premier League starts during an injury-hit maiden year on English soil, but opened his account with aplomb this season by netting twice in a 5-1 drubbing over Aston Villa, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink saying "you can't teach" the innate striking instinct he possesses.
The £120k-per-week Swede is lightning-quick and fleet-footed, ranking among the top 13% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, highlighting his progressive presence and prowess with the ball at his feet.
It is because of this skill set that Isak has often been placed out wide for the Tyneside team, playing five of the last seven top-flight matches on the left wing to accommodate Callum Wilson in the central striking role, with the 31-year-old England international's prolificness last term giving Howe a selection headache, which, albeit, is not the worst quandary in the world.
Isak failed to score across those five matches but did look dangerous and left football fans waxing lyrical in their droves after a magical solo run produced a fine goal; while he was not officially credited with an assist due to a slight deflection, the 40-cap star drew comparisons to Thierry Henry for the feat.
With Wilson scoring 18 goals from just 21 starts last season, should Isak find a home on the left flank again, his craft will be enhanced by Cucurella, who offers a very different skill set to that of Dan Burn.
Cucurella's £60m transfer to west London hasn't worked out after such stellar displays with Brighton & Hove Albion the season prior, where he earned an average Sofascore rating of 7.11 as he completed 82% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes per game and plundered one goal and assist apiece.
The direct contribution is hardly groundbreaking stuff, but it's a far cry better than Burn's offensive output, with the 6 foot 6 titan ranking among the top 5% of full-backs for clearances per 90 but only among the bottom 43% for passes attempted – also averaging just 0.4 key passes per game last season – keeping it conservative and simple.
Hailed as "outstanding" by one football consultant, Cucurella, comparatively, ranks among the top 8% for passes attempted, the top 30% for progressive passes and the top 2% for tackles per 90, and his ball-playing ability could work a treat for Howe's side and indeed Isak, who would no doubt benefit from a more attacking full-back.
The £175k-per-week gem, while not in good form last year, exhibited his passing prowess and could notch his metrics up a level with a move to Newcastle, providing Isak with supplementation upon his forays out wide and increasing the dynamism and multi-dimensional approach of this thriving English outfit.
Newcastle United are now showing an interest in signing Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips, who will be available for just £2m when his release clause kicks in this Friday, according to a report from The Sun.
Who is Ashley Phillips signing for?
Reports from earlier this month indicated that Phillips was closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with journalist Charlie Eccleshare saying:
"Tottenham set to sign highly-rated 18yo centre-back Ashley Phillips from Blackburn for around £3 million. Understood it won't affect Spurs' plans to try and sign at least one senior CB. Phillips expected to have medical in next 24 hours before hopefully joining the tour."
However, there has been little progress since that point, and now The Sun are reporting that Newcastle could make a late move to sign the 18-year-old, with Blackburn still hoping to receive £9.45m if they are to sanction his departure.
Tottenham's stand-off with Blackburn is set to come to an end this week, as a £2m release clause kicks in this Friday, which would allow Ange Postecoglou to snap up the youngster for a heavily reduced fee.
However, Spurs are waiting to see whether Blackburn find another buyer before that point, with the Magpies showing an interest, although they are yet to make an offer above what their Premier League rivals are currently willing to pay.
As such, a move to north London appears to be the most likely outcome at the moment, however there is still time for Eddie Howe to make a late swoop and hijack the Lilywhites' deal, if he is willing to outbid them.
For now, the Blackburn defender is set to continue training ahead of the Championship opener against West Bromwich Albion, but he is unlikely to be risked in games in case of injury.
Who is Ashley Phillips?
Despite the fact he is just 18-years-old, the youngster has already started to gain some first-team experience with his current club, making 14 appearances for the Rovers, including eight in the Championship during the 2022/23 campaign.
The youngster has predominantly played at centre-back throughout his short career so far, where his 6 foot 4 frame would undoubtedly be useful for Newcastle, and former manager Tony Mowbray has also praised his ability in possession, saying:
"He's 6ft 4', he's fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he's composed. Ash is just a phenomenal young boy; if you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute."
It is still very early days for the Blackburn starlet, given that he only turned 18 last month, but he is showing all the signs that he could go on to be a top player in the future, and it is exciting news that Newcastle are still in with a chance of signing him.
That said, Tottenham appear to be in pole position at the moment, and the Magpies will need to move swiftly if they are going to hijack the deal for Phillips.
The teenager could be worth a push from Newcastle, though, given his clear potential to be a brilliant defender.