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Newcastle United continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League in a revival which has now seen the side pull themselves away from the relegation zone, creating a seven-point gap between themselves in 14th and the drop zone.

The Magpies worked hard to hold onto all three points against Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday, scoring their two goals within the first 15 minutes before forced to spend the rest of the game defending their lead. It became a tighter challenge when Graham Potter’s side finally broke down the Newcastle defence, with Lewis Dunk finding the net in the 55th minute.

Eddie Howe’s team ultimately claimed all three points, but it wasn’t a comfortable win by any means, with certain players failing to impose themselves effectively throughout. For instance, Chris Wood struggled to have an influence yet again.

Newcastle’s January signing is yet to score for his new club, and while other attacking threats able to convert their chances on Saturday, the former Burnley forward got away with his lack of goals. However, it is hard to ignore just how ineffective Wood was against Brighton.

According to SofaScore, the £5.4m-rated flop lost the ball with every 1.9 touches, had zero shots, failed with 100% of his dribbles and lost 65% of his duels, which will be disappointing for Howe as the side continue to challenge for safety in the Premier League this season.

Luckily for Newcastle, they don’t seem to be missing a talented striker at the moment due to the attacking threat being distributed throughout the team, while the creativity on the wings have been helping to rack up the points needed for them to escape the nerves of a relegation fight in the remaining months. However, the return of Callum Wilson is one which will surely be highly anticipated by the fans, especially since Wood has not been able to find his shooting boots so far on Tyneside.

Howe will be hoping that his team can continue to climb the table with confidence, as they travel to the south coast next Thursday to play Southampton.

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If they can pick up a fifth win in six, it would put Newcastle in a very good position to be taken out of the conversation when it comes to a relegation battle, as they could be 10 points clear of the drop depending on results.

In other news: One of Wood’s team-mates almost cost his side victory against Brighton

Liverpool forward Divock Origi is on the verge of joining AC Milan this summer, with a move now reportedly ‘very close’ to being completed.

The Lowdown: Origi’s departure expected

The Belgian has had to accept being nothing more than a bit-part player for the Reds this season, not starting a single Premier League game to date in 2021/22.

The arrival of Luis Diaz in January has only pushed Origi further down the attacking pecking order at Anfield, leading to strong speculation over his future. Milan looks set to be his next destination, with constant reports suggesting as much.

The Latest: Milan move ‘very close’

According to journalist Nicolo Ceccarini [via Sport Witness], Origi is now ‘very close’ to joining the Rossoneri, with ‘great confidence’ that the move will go through.

The 26-year-old’s current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season, allowing him to move to Milan on a free transfer.

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The Verdict: Goodbye to a Liverpool hero

Milan would be a perfect move for Origi, affording him more regular playing time at a top club, with the slight drop-off in standard from the Premier League also working in his favour.

The Belgium international will leave Liverpool as an undisputed cult hero, considering the magnitude of the goals he scored against the likes of Barcelona, Tottenham and Everton, to name just a few.

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Despite his iconic status, though, it makes sense for both Liverpool and Origi for him to leave in the summer, bringing an end to one of the more eventful Reds careers, with Jermaine Jenas hailing the 26-year-old as ‘very unique’ after a trademark late winner against Wolves earlier in the season.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly keen on a move for a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United’s new manager Jesse Marsch would have been hoping for a better result in his first Premier League game in charge of the club since replacing Marcelo Bielsa last Monday.

Having travelled to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City for the early afternoon kick-off, the Yorkshire club ultimately came away empty-handed after a goal from Harvey Barnes in the second half secured all three points for the home side.

In terms of individual performances from the players, there was one man in particular from whom Marsch would have surely been hoping to see a solid display, but he didn’t end up delivering when it mattered.

Raphinha was below-par v Leicester

With the full 90 minutes under his belt against the Foxes, Raphinha had 54 touches of the ball in total, with just 22 passes completed out of 29 attempted, also losing possession 22 times throughout the match.

The Brazilian also failed to find a team-mate with any of his five crosses and failed to completed any of the four dribbles he attempted, showing how disappointing he was with the ball when in possession.

Things weren’t much better for the winger when he didn’t have the ball, having lost six of his seven duels and giving two fouls away.

This performance ultimately earned the 25-year-old – who is currently picking up £63k-per-week according to Salary Sport – a disappointing overall match rating of 6.4/10, making him the lowest-rated Leeds player to start the game according to SofaScore.

Given how the attacker has been Leeds’ main goal contributor this season with nine goals and two assists to his name, and their highest-rated player in terms of overall performances from WhoScored, it’s safe to say that Marsch would have been looking to him to work his magic and help his team pick up a positive result.

However, having been described as a “passenger” at times in the past by Stephen Warnock, that’s arguably what Raphinha was today against Brendan Rodgers’ side, letting down his manager with an insipid display.

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With the Whites still in danger of being relegated, Marsch will undoubtedly be hoping that the Brazilian winger can fix up his performances and start adding some more goals and assists to his tally before the end of the campaign, or else the club could be facing another spell back in the Championship.

In other news: Graham Smyth has revealed a Leeds “surprise”…

As per Claret & Hugh, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has now made a top transfer demand in a different position amid all the noise surrounding striker Erling Braut Haaland.

The Lowdown: Haaland dominates discussion…

Since Daily Mail reporters Jack Gaughan and Craig Hope broke news of City allegedly having a deal in place for one the world’s most exciting forwards, Haaland to Eastlands has dominated the headlines.

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Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain are well in contention to sign the Norway superstar with journalist Rafa Almansa even claiming that, after speaking with a source close to Haaland’s father and ex-Blue Alf-Inge, that the 21-year-old is nailed on for Eastlands (El Chiringuito).

Amid all of this noise, however, it appears City’s head coach has made a top transfer demand in another position as he eyes a new left-back option this summer.

The Latest: Etihad insiders make Guardiola claim…

As per C&H, hearing from their ‘insiders at the Etihad’, Guardiola ‘wants another top left-back’ with City scouts/officials now ‘on the lookout’.

They also claim the Spaniard’s transfer demand could throw question marks around Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future given City’s versatile ace still hasn’t been offered a new deal.

 The Verdict: Needed?

Joao Cancelo is quite clearly City’s first choice makeshift left-back and a real contender for one of the best full-backs in world football.

The Portugal international’s creativity on that side has been crucial for Guardiola and the Sky Blues over these last two seasons, but if the 27-year-old were to be sidelined, it could seriously put a dent in City’s system.

That being said, Zinchenko has proved time and time again just how capable he is slotting in at left-back when needed – perhaps most notably through some stellar performances in the run up to City’s first ever Champions League final last year.

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The presence of Nathan Ake also, who is capable of playing in that role, arguably nullifies the need to spend too much time in the transfer market hunting for an accomplished left-back.

While Guardiola is allegedly determined to sign a player for that role, we believe all of City’s efforts should be put towards sealing the deal for Haaland.

In other news: Man City eyeing ‘unplayable’ forward as well as Haaland, Pep’s in love with him…find out more here.

Speaking in his press conference on Thursday, Patrick Vieira confirmed the news that Crystal Palace fans will have been dreading.

The Eagles manager revealed that talismanic duo Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise both picked up injuries on international duty.

What’s the latest?

The Ivory Coast forward missed out on facing his former international side England at Wembley after suffering a hamstring problem, whilst Olise withdrew from the France under-21 squad after suffering inflammation in his foot.

Neither have trained since their returns from international duty, but with their game against Arsenal set to be played on Monday night, Vieira is hopeful that both players could feature.

On Zaha’s status, the Crystal Palace boss said: “We will wait and see what happens. We have until Monday so hopefully he will get better, and he can have a couple of days of training with the team. We have to wait and see what will happen over the next couple of days.”

On Olise’s chances of featuring, Vieira added: “He just had an issue with his foot. Until he gets back from the French Under-21s, he is still in the treatment room as well. He is not ready to do some work outside.”

Palace fans face nervy wait

The absence of both players at such a crucial time in the season will come as a massive blow to Vieira and the Palace faithful. In Zaha and Olise, we are talking about the Eagles’ top scorer and leading assists provider respectively.

At just 20 years of age, the latter has been a shining light in what has been a revamped Palace side under Vieira this season. The French under-21 starlet has proven himself as the foremost creator in the squad, with his tally of seven big chances created placing him in the top 15 most creative players in the Premier League this season.

Take nothing away from Zaha, either. The Ivory Coast international has been a big influence in Vieira’s side this season, conjuring up a respectable total of ten goal contributions in England’s top flight, with nine goals and one assist to his name indicative of his potent threat in the final third.

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While Palace fans will be gutted to hear that two such influential players are doubtful to feature against an in-form Arsenal side, they can take solace in Vieira’s assertion that the duo “still have a chance” of making it in time for the Monday night kick-off. A nervy 48 hours awaits for the Selhurst Park faithful.

In other news – Vieira struck gold on “massive” £31k-p/w Palace “tank” whose value has rocketed 200%

Everton’s shirt sponsors Cazoo have decided their agreement with Aston Villa is more important, finance expert Kieran Maguire has told Football Insider, pointing to the presence of Steven Gerrard as a big reason why.

The lowdown

Cazoo signed a two-year deal with Everton in 2020, believed to be worth £10million per year (via The Athletic).

But it emerged recently that The Toffees are looking for a new shirt sponsor after failing in talks to agree a fresh contract.

Villa’s jerseys are also emblazoned with the Cazoo logo after they struck a deal two years ago, though that one is only thought to be worth £6million p/a.

The latest

Maguire suggested that Cazoo may have had to decide between extending their partnership with Everton or Villa.

And Villa are the more attractive proposition at this point, he says, with a ‘high-profile manager’ installed and security in their Premier League status.

“Cazoo have two Premer League sponsorships at present,” he told FI.

“It looks as if they are going to carry on with Villa. It could be that Cazoo’s overall marketing budget didn’t warrant two clubs.

“They have decided in favour of Villa. It’s not necessarily a negative for Everton. Cazoo have just made their choice.

“Villa have got a high-profile manager in Steven Gerrard, whereas we have seen a succession of managers at Everton.

“There will also be a concern at Everton’s league position. They aren’t where any of the parties want them to be.”

The verdict

Perhaps this should be seen as a warning for Everton.

After hiring seven different permanent managers in six years, The Toffees sit on the brink of the relegation zone.

They’re only above Watford by virtue of their goal difference (-19 compared to -26).

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They do hold three games in hand on The Hornets, but their record of nine points from the last 60 available raises serious doubts about their capacity to make that advantage count.

And if Everton to drop, other sponsors might get cold feet too because the levels of exposure simply don’t compare.

For instance, the average Championship fixture broadcast by Sky Sports nets 178,000 viewers, while the average Premier League game on their channels pulls in 1.9million.

In other news, this trio struggled most against Wolves. 

West Ham have now made an approach to sign a Premier League striker with Niclas Füllkrug also agreeing to join AC Milan, according to reports.

West Ham accelerate new striker plans ahead of January

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are accelerating their search for attacking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.

The Hammers currently languish in 18th with just 13 points and sit three points adrift of safety. Their lack of a reliable goalscorer up front has placed enormous pressure on the club’s recruitment team to identify solutions, especially with Fullkrug nearing the exit door.

Fullkrug’s imminent departure will undoubtedly intensify the urgency surrounding West Ham’s striker search.

The German international has endured a nightmare spell since his £27 million arrival last year, managing just three goals in 29 appearances.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

West Ham 2-3 Aston Villa

His agent has also practically confirmed the 32-year-old wants out of London, with Fabrizio Romano sharing this week that Fullkrug has given total priority to Milan despite interest from the Bundesliga.

For West Ham, signing a proven replacement for Fullkrug is imperative as they look to battle their way out of the relegation zone.

A host of strikers have already been linked with moves to the London Stadium, with the Irons holding discussions over a move for ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney, only to be told a Saudi exit for the player is unlikely next month.

Related West Ham hold informal talks for striker who's spoken to Frank about joining Spurs

The Hammers have reached out.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

West Ham were also believed to be in pole position for Promise David, but the Jupiler Pro League star is now more inclined to remain at Union Saint-Gilloise.

As their striker pool runs low, journalist Graeme Bailey has told TEAMtalk that Nuno could bring his search closer to home.

West Ham make approach for Everton striker Beto

According to his information, Fullkrug has agreed personal terms with Milan already, and West Ham have made an approach for Everton striker Beto.

Bailey reports that West Ham have made contact with Everton regarding Beto’s availability, though any potential deal hinges entirely on the Toffees securing their own forward replacement first.

The Portuguese striker has struggled for consistent opportunities under David Moyes this season, making him receptive to a January move.

Subscribe for in-depth Premier League transfer insight Follow moves like West Ham’s striker hunt – subscribe to the newsletter for focused transfer coverage and analysis, with player profiles, negotiation context and realistic assessment of possible targets. Subscribe Subscribe for in-depth Premier League transfer insight Follow moves like West Ham’s striker hunt – subscribe to the newsletter for focused transfer coverage and analysis, with player profiles, negotiation context and realistic assessment of possible targets.

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West Ham have also enquired about former Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte-Lath, currently plying his trade with Atlanta United.

The striker apparently harbors ambitions of returning to European football, making him another viable candidate for Nuno’s struggling frontline.

In Beto’s case, the thought of him being an answer for West Ham is very debatable.

The 27-year-old has bagged just 12 goals in 76 total Premier League appearances for Everton, but the number nine could be a cheaper option financially considering his second-string status under Moyes and the fact his contract expires in 2027.

Related West Ham now set to enter talks to sign "unstoppable" former Barcelona star

The Hammers are looking to improve their forward line next month.

Posts ByDominic Lund

Newcastle United have been handed a major injury lift over forward Allan Saint-Maximin’s fitness…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the French attacker is set to be in a better position to make his return against Brighton at St. James’ Park next week.

Newcastle World quote him as saying: “Allan, we hoped he would make it but he was some way short in the end. We now have our fingers crossed and hope he can make the next game.“I think he will be a lot closer for that game. He is a massive player for us and we are aware we need him back for the next game.” Buzzing

Toon fans will surely be buzzing with this news as the sooner Saint-Maximin returns from injury the better for the side.

He is an important player from the club and could still have a key role to play in the final months of the campaign to ensure that the Magpies avoid relegation. They are four points above the drop but that could become just two if Everton and Burnley win their games in-hand over Newcastle and Leeds.

This means that they are not completely out of the mud yet and still need to pick up more wins and points to put them in a safe position in the Premier League table. Saint-Maximin’s proven quality in the final third will, therefore, be a big boost to the team heading towards the run-in.

Although Newcastle beat Brentford 2-0 at the weekend, the player taking up the Frenchman’s position in the XI – Jacob Murphy – failed to deliver. As per SofaScore, the ex-Norwich man lost six of his nine duels and gave the ball away 13 times, whilst completing zero dribbles and one key pass.

Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, has averaged 4.6 dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game. The former Nice flyer has also produced five goals and three assists, showing that he has the end product to make a difference in the final third when he gets into good positions.

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Therefore, fans will be buzzing with the prospect of him returning for the Brighton match. His quality could prove to be the difference between Newcastle staying up and going down, based on his impressive form this season, and that means that his imminent return could be a major lift for Howe in the coming weeks and months.

AND in other news, Lost the ball every 2.7 touches: “Annoying” NUFC passenger blew his big chance vs Bees…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Victor Osimhen to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Italian media outlet Kiss Kiss Napoli (via Sport Witness), who state that Antonio Conte is a huge fan of the centre-forward, and is considering instructing Fabio Paratici to make a move for the 23-year-old at the end of the current campaign – particularly if Harry Kane once again seeks a move away from north London.

The report goes on to state that Newcastle United are also interested in the Nigeria international, while it is also said that an important offer could tempt Napoli into parting with the striker this summer.

“He’s the future”

Considering Kane’s continuous links with a move away from Tottenham, in addition to the fact that the £90m-rated England captain turns 29 years of age this summer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a move for Osimhen.

Indeed, the Napoli centre-forward is hard-working, incredibly quick and a lethal finisher, with Andries Jonker previously stating of the 23-year-old:

“He has great potential in him. He is ambitious, quick and highly unpredictable, he will be a star in the future if he maintains his focus.”

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo also heaped a considerable amount of praise on the Nigerian hitman, saying of Osimhen:

“He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard-working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.

“He has that lion’s heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”

These are all traits the £54m-rated dynamo has demonstrated over his 19 Serie A appearances for Gli Azzurri this season, bagging nine goals, registering three assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.3 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £112k-per-week attacker average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Luciano Spalletti’s joint eighth-best player in the top flight of Italian football – playing a key role in his club’s push to secure the Scudetto.

However, it has not only been in domestic competition that Osimhen has impressed, with the centre-forward also having been in remarkable form over his five Europa League outings this term, scoring four goals, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.4 shots and making one key pass per fixture.

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These metrics saw the player who Spalletti dubbed a “thoroughbred bomber” average an even more impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.34 in the European competition, ranking him as Napoli’s third-best performer.

As such, it is clear to see that the 23-year-old could very easily become Conte’s first-choice number nine at Tottenham for many a year to come, however, with it being reported that the Serie A outfit are demanding a figure of around €100m (£84m) to part with the striker this summer, securing a deal for the Nigerian sensation will not be easy for Paratici to pull off.

AND in other news: Alasdair Gold drops behind the scenes Spurs update that will have supporters buzzing

Thierry Henry scored what might be his last goal for Arsenal against Sunderland in the Gunners 2-1 victory. Even though the goals he scored in his second spell weren’t classic Thierry Henry, he scored some important goals in his first spell.

When Arsene Wenger signed Henry from Juventus in August 1999 for £11 million, even he didn’t think that this man would become an Arsenal and Premier League legend and surpass Ian Wright’s record of 185 goals. In his time at Arsenal, Henry won 2 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups and 2 Community Shields. The Frenchman also won a huge amount of individual awards, including 2 European Golden Boots, 4 Premier League Golden Boots and was in the PFA Team of the Year 6 times.

This article is a selection of Thierry Henry’s greatest goals that includes exquisite volleys, stunning strikes and astonishing pieces of skill. I hope you enjoy my tribute to the great Frenchman.

10- Charlton

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9- West Ham

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8- Blackburn

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7- Real Madrid

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6- Weiz

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5- Man United

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4- Tottenham

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3- Man City

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2- Liverpool

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1- Man United

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