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Without a doubt, Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible summer transfer window, with FSG spending like never before to establish Arne Slot’s dynasty.

The Dutch coach replaced Jurgen Klopp and won the Premier League last season, and he did so having welcomed only Federico Chiesa to Anfield for a £12.5m fee. Well, Chiesa only started one league game all season and is expected to depart in the coming weeks.

However, the Italian’s not the only one facing the exit doors this summer.

Liverpool's transfer plans

As Liverpool kicked off their pre-season tour with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, they could not call upon Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez, with the respective forwards set to be sold.

While Liverpool have already spent £79m on forward Hugo Ekitike this summer (breaking the British transfer record to reel Florian Wirtz over too), there’s more to come.

We all know that Alexander Isak is on Liverpool’s radar, having informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a transfer to Anfield. He did not travel with the Toon for their pre-season tour.

However, talkSPORT have now revealed that Liverpool have ‘signalled their willingness’ to pay for the Sweden international, who has rejected the Magpies’ proposals of a new contract. That comes amid rival interest from Al Hilal, albeit with Saudi Arabian officials believing that he ‘wants to join Liverpool’.

If Liverpool want Isak, they will likely have to break the British record once again, forking out some £130m.

Why Liverpool still want Alexander Isak

This would be a truly remarkable transfer. And it’s beginning to look more and more probable.

Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, and he’s now renowned as one of the deadliest goalscorers in the world, hailed by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for being “the most complete striker” in the Premier League.

While Liverpool’s acquisition of Ekitike might make it feel like this signing would be redundant, this isn’t the case. The respective forwards are both technically sound, but bring different things to the table and could actually become an unstoppable partnership.

Ekitike, 23, is principally a central striker but is known for his pace and power, capable across a range of positional roles. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Utilising these attributes, Ekitike could bring out the best in Isak, allowing him to focus more on his incredible goalscoring. There’s no question that the United man surpasses his prospective teammate in ball-striking.

Alexander Isak’s Record at Newcastle (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

42 (41)

27

6

23/24

40 (36)

25

2

22/23

27 (18)

10

3

Data via Transfermarkt

The £120k-per-week Sweden native, moreover, has the wealth of Premier League experience, which could prove vital for Ekitike’s development.

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With both players in Slot’s system, the coach can manage workloads and utilise the respective strengths of both to the greater effect of his ambitious Liverpool team. The sum is greater than the individual parts, after all.

Given that both strikers are so dynamic, there’s no reason why they couldn’t cohabit at the front of the ship for Liverpool, especially if Nunez is sold in the coming weeks.

Related Bigger loss than Diaz or Nunez: Barcelona charge into race for £70k-p/w Liverpool star

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Posts ByTom Cunningham

For Chelsea supporters with a vested interest in the England national team, this international break was a great deal more appealing to them.

That’s because Thomas Tuchel, a man who once occupied the Stamford Bridge dugout, is now in the Wembley hot seat.

He’s the head honcho of the England side, the man tasked with bringing football home. In America no less, in 2026, the German will hope to end 60 years of hurt.

If he’s to win the tournament, then a number of Chelsea players could well be key.

Cole Palmer missed the latest camp through injury but will no doubt play a big role next year having scored England’s only goal in last summer’s European Championship final. Doesn’t that feel like a long time ago now?

Much has changed for the Three Lions since then. Gareth Southgate departed his role, Lee Carsley took over on an interim basis and now Tuchel is at the helm.

He’s already sprung a few surprises, too, notably calling up Reece James.

Reece James' stunning England return in numbers

When Tuchel announced his first England squad nearly two weeks ago now, there were a few shocks.

This was perhaps a moment to mark a changing of the guard, a moment to get rid of the old and bring through the new.

Well, the head coach decided to merge the two ideologies together, combining youth with experience.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s exuberant 18-year-old made his debut and scored during the 2-0 win over Albania but even his inclusion wasn’t the most surprising.

That honour went to Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker who both now ply their trade on the continent with Ajax and AC Milan respectively.

Rivalling Walker for a place on the right-hand side of the defence was none other than James.

The Blues skipper has only played 14 times this season as he has his load managed following a string of injuries but Tuchel knows him well, having managed the 25-year-old on 74 occasions. For context, no other manager has used James more.

Speaking before the game with Albania, the boss was confident the full-back would stand up to the task.

Well, he certainly stepped up alright. Handed a rare England start in their 3-0 win over Latvia on Monday evening, it was James who opened the scoring.

The hosts won a free-kick on the edge of the area and it was the Chelsea captain who stepped up to take. Step up he did, curling a delicious set-piece past the goalkeeper.

While that goal will no doubt give Tuchel the confidence to select James again, it wasn’t just the attacking phases of the game that he impressed in.

The defender only misplaced one pass all night, had a whopping 118 touches, completed two tackles and made two interceptions. Forget about the level of opposition, it really was a complete performance.

James vs Latvia

Minutes played

90

Touches

118

Accurate passes

96/97 (99%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

2/3

Duels won

2/5

Interceptions

2

Tackles

2

Shots on target

1

Stats via Sofascore.

However, while James caught the eye, the rest of Chelsea’s England contingent shouldn’t be too confident of a call-up next time around.

Chelsea's England hopefuls

There are a number of England prospects in the current Chelsea side, ranking from that man James to the likes of Jadon Sancho, Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke, somebody who actually assisted a goal during the Lee Carsley era.

While it wouldn’t be out of the realms of fantasy to suggest all three could be at the World Cup next year if they find form, one Chelsea player who is seriously unlikely to be there is Ben Chilwell.

The £200k-per-week left-back could have been the answer to their lack of options on the left side of the backline but the fact of the matter is there’s far more promising options coming through.

Take the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly for instance, take two former Chelsea boys in Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall too.

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Both Lewis-Skelly and Livramento were in Tuchel’s first squad but Hall was unfortunate to miss out having sustained a season-ending injury a few weeks ago.

So, there’s two left-backs Chilwell would have to usurp and despite his Chelsea connections, someone like Luke Shaw who was at the Euros is probably still in their mind.

So, we’re up to three left-backs and if you count Colwill and Dan Burns’ ability to feature in that position, you’re looking at five players standing in the way of Chilwell. Add players like Tyrick Mitchell and Leif Davis to the mix and it looks quite bleak for the former Leicester defender’s hopes of an inclusion.

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So, with Chilwell quite rightly not being called up for the matches with Albania and Latvia, it looks as though he’s already played his last game in an England shirt.

He’s played just 45 minutes of football for Chelsea this term and hasn’t exactly done a lot since a winter loan move to Crystal Palace was formalised, featuring in only five games and yet to start in the Premier League.

Barring a severe improvement in his injury history and game time, it’s unlikely we’ll see him in a Three Lions jersey again.

Aged 28 and once valued at £50m, that feels like a sad sentence to be writing.

Related 7 left-back options for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad

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Posts ByStephan Georgiou

Everton picked up another point last time out. You know how it goes. It’s a coin with two sides, to be sure. From one standpoint, the Blues have lost just once across eight Premier League fixtures, but from the other, Sean Dyche’s tactics leave plenty to the imagination.

What to do? The Friedkin Group are closing in on a takeover, ending Iranian tycoon Farhad Moshiri’s unsuccessful reign as the top brass at Goodison Park. Should Dyche follow?

It feels like the pragmatic manager is treading close to the precipice, but whether he falls or steadies himself and his side remains to be seen.

In any case, Everton are eager to assess their options and are considering bringing one well-known gaffer to the Blue stretches of Merseyside.

Everton's potential Dyche replacements

According to scout Mick Brown, via Football Insider last month, David Moyes would be keen on taking over from Dyche if Everton decide to sack the 53-year-old in the coming weeks.

Everton’s Remaining Premier League Fixtures in 2024

Date

Opponent

Venue

01/12/24

Man United

Old Trafford

04/12/243

Wolves

Molineux

07/12/24

Liverpool

Goodison Park

14/12/24

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

22/12/24

Chelsea

Goodison Park

26/12/24

Man City

Etihad Stadium

29/12/24

Nott’m Forest

Goodison Park

Dyche’s outfit are 16th but a gruelling winter period awaits and trepidation concerning Dyche’s ability to pass through this span is building.

He’s a wanted man though. While managerless Leicester City appear to have distanced themselves from rumours, TEAMtalk revealed last month that Crystal Palace would be interested if Oliver Glasner is relieved of his duties.

Everton need to pounce. It might just re-energise their frontline.

Why Everton should appoint David Moyes

Moyes, of course, knows the streets of Liverpool well. Way back when, he served as Everton’s manager, triumphed as Everton’s manager, leading the Toffees out 518 times across an 11-year period before Manchester United anointed him as Sir Alex Ferguson’s heir.

He left his role as West Ham United manager at the end of the 2023/24 season, mutual consent, after his tactics and managerial rule gave rise to the most illustrious spell in the east Londoners’ modern history, winning the Conference League in 2022 – a feat that Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher praised as “special.”

Now, Moyes is chomping at the bit to get stuck into Premier League action once again and could be the perfect fit to reunite with Everton as they move to a new stadium and begin a new era.

Its’ been 11 years since Moyes, now 61, left Merseyside, and he’s not the same manager anymore. Even so, his tactical disposition and preferred 4-2-3-1 formation would not differ too greatly from Dyche’s but would see tweaks that could maximise the wide players. Mohammed Kudus at West Ham, for example, enjoyed great success under the Scotsman last term.

Therefore, Moyes could prove to be the perfect tactician to take Iliman Ndiaye to another level, with the Senegalese star enjoying a rich season at Goodison Park so far.

Ndiaye has scored three goals across 14 appearances for the Irons this season after Dyche signed Marseille’s talent for a £17m fee in the summer.

Across the Premier League campaign, so far, the data makes an exciting comment on his future success too, for Ndiaye has averaged 2.3 dribbles, 6.1 ball recoveries and 5.7 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, which basically means that he is operating with an all-encompassing approach, determined to make an impact across a range of roles.

This is crucial for Dyche’s system, and you can be sure that Moyes will expect his players, no matter where they perform, positionally, to subscribe to such tactical ideas too.

Further corroboration: he ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for pass completion, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 18% for tackles made per 90, as per FBref, speaking of ball-carrying brilliance that aligns with that of Kudus.

West Ham enjoyed some fine individual results from Kudus last season – as the forward provided 20 goals and assists in east London – and now, if Moyes were to take the helm, that could be replicated at Everton, providing an injection of attacking inspiration to take the Merseysiders away from the pit of the Premier League.

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Pundit Micah Richard claimed last season, on The Rest Is Football podcast, that Moyes “doesn’t always get the appreciation he deserves” in regard to his football philosophy, with his “wisdom within the game” allowing his sides to exceed expectations.

That kind of nous is needed at Everton, to be sure. The forwards at the club are struggling to finish, and there is only so much coaching that can be put toward this kind of instinctive thing, but creativity is also drying up too, with Everton’s 17 big chances created in the Premier League this term one better than Southampton (16) who suffer the measliest creative record in the division.

Some segments of the support base might wish for a radicalised managerial approach to provide the club with the slick and stylish football that every football fan wants to see their club perform, but wishes must be tempered with realism here.

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Dyche’s style does not differ all that greatly from Moyes’, but with the results not coming, a more experienced head with a trophy-winning record might prevail.

Moyes knows the club, and he took the reins at West Ham when things were colourless and concerning, lifting them toward the European light.

Can he repeat that feat?

Related Everton star was "like Messi" when he signed, then he left as a giant flop

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair

After failing to qualify for any form of European competition for the 2024/25 campaign, there’s no surprise that boss Eddie Howe wants to improve his Newcastle United squad this summer.

However, his side were halted with any attempts, having to sell key youngsters Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively to avoid a PSR punishment in the near future.

Their respective sales made the club £68m, giving them an added chunk of funds to splash on talents who can catapult the Magpies to a top-four Premier League finish this season.

A whole host of players have been linked with moves to Tyneside, but up to now, only goalkeepers Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and centre-back Lloyd Kelly have arrived at St James’ Park.

However, the club are still desperately trying to bolster their attacking ranks, with Howe’s side still interested in signing one talent who hasn’t been short of attention during the off-season.

Newcastle interested in £40m star this summer

According to journalist Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain in the race to sign Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville this summer.

The 22-year-old was in exceptional form last season, becoming a crucial player for Leeds in the Championship, scoring 19 goals and registering nine assists in the competition, in which they fell just short of promotion after a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.

After their failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, the Dutchman is expected to depart Elland Road this summer, with Jacobs claiming that Newcastle and Chelsea are among the front runners for his signature.

A fee in the region of £40m has been touted for his services, which could replicate a deal conducted for one current Newcastle player, with the pair potentially able to form a deadly partnership on Tyneside next season.

Why Summerville could thrive alongside Gordon at Newcastle

Anthony Gordon enjoyed his best campaign to date for Newcastle last season, registering a total of 21 goal contributions during the Premier League campaign.

His success at St James’ Park earned him a call-up to the England national side for the recent Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, but only featured for one minute over the seven matches, with Gareth Southgate opting against the 23-year-old in an attempt to end the country’s 58-year wait for a tournament victory.

However, his undeniable frustration could allow him to hit the ground running for Howe’s side next season, forming a formidable partnership with potential new signing Summerville.

The Leeds forward, who’s previously been described as a “1v1 monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, backed up the acknowledgement, by achieving a success rate of 51% in attempted dribbles.

Crysencio Summerville's Championship stats in 2023/24

Statistics

Summerville

Games

43

Goals & assists

28

Shots per 90

3.2

Shot on target %

37%

Take-on success

51%

Progressive carries

196

Stats via FBref

He also managed 3.2 shots per 90, with 37% of his efforts finding the target – helping Howe boost his side's already impressive tally of 85 Premier League goals scored from last season.

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Summerville produced a staggering tally of 196 progressive carries, demonstrating his ability with the ball at his feet, potentially allowing fellow winger Gordon to add to his own impressive tally of goals in 2024/25.

It’s a frightening prospect having such clinical options on either flank for Howe, with Summerville having the ability to end the club’s hunt for a new wide attacker.

As previously mentioned, they would face tough competition from Chelsea for his services, but if the Magpies can get a deal over the line for him this summer, it would give Newcastle a huge boost in their attempts to return to being Champions League nights back to St James’

Park.

Related Outscored Isak: Newcastle line up £20m CF who'd make Gordon unplayable

He’d complete Eddie Howe’s frontline.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Over the seasons, every football club will have had one or two signings which they may feel haven't performed to the standards that they initially expected.

However, in the case of Manchester United, this has happened on more than one occasion in recent times. So, when a signing made by Erik ten Hag has actually worked out for the better, it comes as quite a shock.

Players such as £86m man Antony – for instance – have cost the Red Devils a small fortune without making a notable impact on the side – the Brazilian scoring just once in all competitions this season.

A signing made in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, however, has gone against the grain and proved his worth to Ten Hag's squad.

How much Rasmus Hojlund cost Man United

That player is, unsurprisingly, Rasmus Hojlund. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has seen his stock rise considerably.

After joining the club for a fee in the region of £72m, there was a lot of pressure upon the shoulders of the then-20-year-old following his move from Atalanta.

Prior to joining the Red Devils, the striker had only played one season in Europe's top five leagues and that was whilst he was in Bergamo, having plied his trade for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen before that.

The Denmark international had a fairly prolific season in Italy and managed to score ten goals in 34 games. Despite this, the striker had something of a slow start to Premier League life and only managed to score his first top-flight goal on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.

Since getting over that first-goal hump, however, the 21-year-old has managed to bag a further six goals for United and has scored in six consecutive top-flight clashes, with two coming in his most recent game against Luton Town.

Thanks to this good run of form, the in-form striker has seen his value scale up and is proving to be a very smart piece of business by Ten Hag – even if he has now been struck down by a 'small injury' that will keep him sidelined for two to three weeks.

As aforementioned, this recent sharp increase in form – prior to the recent injury setback – has had a positive impact on his value as he now finds himself worth more than star-man, Bruno Fernandes.

The current market value of Rasmus Hojlund

As per the CIES Football Observatory, the striker is now worth €100m (£85m) whereas fan favourite, Fernandes, is only worth €80m (£68m).

This may come as a shock to most as, more often than not, Fernandes is among United's best players and is always one of the first names on the team sheet, having started 25 league games this term.

Additionally, as Hojlund is still a relative youngster, there is plenty of room for him to develop, and it feels as if Manchester United have found their striker for many years to come.

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Due to his recent performances, he has been lauded by many, with fellow teammate, Harry Maguire, deeming the youngster as "exceptional."

"We've seen the talent he has, and now it is really clicking for him in front of goal," the former Leicester City defender said. "We always knew that was going to come because he's an exceptional talent

"He's going to be a big player for this club. I'm sure he'll keep scoring goals and there are many more to come."

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Receiving this level of praise from a player as experienced as Maguire is a testament to how well Hojlund is playing and shows that not all of Ten Hag's transfer decisions have been below par during his time at Old Trafford.

Sunderland are back in Championship action this weekend, but they have been dealt some bad injury news before the game, courtesy of reliable journalist James Hunter.

Stoke vs Sunderland team news

The Black Cats endured a terrible result before the international break, losing 4-0 at home to local rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, in a scoreline that few saw coming.

While this was undoubtedly a big setback, Sunderland are still in a strong position in the grander scheme of things, sitting fourth in the Championship table and looking like strong contenders to at least seal a place in the playoffs.

The key now is for Tony Mowbray's side to produce a big response to the Middlesbrough defeat on Saturday afternoon, as they make the trip to Stoke City, who are currently in 21st position, languishing just above the relegation zone.

Sunderland aren't without injury problems heading into the game, with Aji Alese, Timothee Pembele, Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda missing of late, and doubts surrounding the involvement of Pierre Ekwah, Alex Pritchard and Bradley Dack this weekend.

Sunderland injury updates

Taking to X on Thursday, Hunter dropped a new injury update, saying the Alese and Pembele Sunderland injuries mean they have been ruled out of the Stoke game: "Injury setbacks for Alese and Pembele. Better news on Cirkin and Mayenda."

Providing more information regarding the Sunderland injuries for The Chronicle, Hunter said: "Aji Alese and Timothee Pembele have suffered injury setbacks which will further delay their integration into Sunderland's Championship campaign.

"Centre-back Alese was back in training and nearing full fitness but has now aggravated the thigh injury that has sidelined him since his involvement in the Black Cats' play-off semi-final defeat at Luton Town in May and will need an extra couple of weeks to recover, with boss Tony Mowbray determined to avoid bringing him back too soon given how things panned out at the end of last season.

"And deadline day signing from Paris St-Germain Pembele was making good progress as he built his fitness following a long-term knee injury, but the full-back has also run into problems which will keep him out for at least another month."

Not having both Alese and Dembele available for the trip to Stoke to an undoubted blow for Sunderland, with the duo both seen as important figures who are key to their side's promotion push this season.

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The former has made 24 appearances for the Black Cats since signing for them last year, but Alese's statistics make for grim reading so far this season, with injuries meaning he hasn't played a single minute of action.

Meanwhile, the latter joined from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, being seen as an exciting addition, but he is another whose absence has been a big blow, resulting in no minutes played to date (Pembele's stats).

The hope is that they are back sooner rather than later, but on the plus side, Mowbray's men have still shown that they can pick up positive results without them in the team. As the season goes on, though, as much depth as possible will be vital, as legs begin to tire and fixtures come thick and fast.

West Ham United are now ready to test Harry Maguire's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United, with the centre-back high up on David Moyes' list of centre-back targets, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United?

Journalist Ben Jacobs believes that Maguire may seek pastures new this summer, despite the fact Erik ten Hag may want to keep hold of him as a back-up option, recently saying:

"Obviously, ten Hag's perspective is that Maguire is going to get diminished game-time, but he is valued as a leader at the football club. Maguire may look to go elsewhere because he has to start thinking about the Euros and, ultimately, the long-term England game-time."

There have been several Premier League clubs linked with moves for the England international, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Sheffield United recently being named as potential suitors by transfer insider Dean Jones.

Jones also details that £35m could be enough to seal a deal for the centre-back, although some of his sources believe that Man United will ot be able to receive that figure, so they may have to consider selling him for a lower fee.

According to a report from The Telegraph, West Ham are now ready to test the defender's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez now above him in the pecking order.

The Englishman believes he can force his way back into the Man United starting XI, and he is currently happy at the club, but he is now emerging as one of Moyes' top targets to bolster the centre-back area.

The offer of first-team football would give the 30-year-old a huge decision to make ahead of the European Championships next summer, with the Hammers looking to bring him in on loan at this stage, rather than on a permanent basis.

How good is Harry Maguire?

The Man United defender, hailed as "fantastic" by former teammate David de Gea earlier this year, has received heavy criticism over the past few years, and he has admitted he has found it difficult to ignore the critics at times, but a lot of it has been unwarranted, given the level of some of his performances.

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At the 2022 World Cup with England, the former Leicester City man averaged a 7.34 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest figure in the squad, showcasing that he is still very capable of competing at the top level.

The Sheffield-born centre-back only received limited game time for the Red Devils last season, making a total of 16 Premier League appearances, but he did impress at times, ranking in the 88th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 89th percentile for blocks in the past year.

A move to the London Stadium could be exactly what Maguire needs to reignite his career, particularly if he wants to keep his place in the England team for next summer's Euros, and West Ham should undoubtedly pursue a deal. However, a loan move is probably wise, as it may be difficult to match the defender's £200k-per-week wages if he is signed on a permanent basis.

Sky Sports' Pete Gill has slammed Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock for missing a huge opportunity in the club's most recent game.

What's the latest on Joe Willock and Newcastle?

As the race for the final Champions League spots heat up, two key top four contenders met at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, the Magpies played host to Manchester United in the Premier League, coming into the game two places and three points behind the Red Devils on the table.

The first half flew by as both teams pushed for the break-through in a fiercely-contested opening 45 minutes, but they score remained 0-0 at the break despite Newcastle having the best of the opportunities.

The Athletic's George Caulkin best summed it up: "The only thing missing from an #NUFC perspective has been a bit of finesse in the final third. Otherwise, a really good performance so far and a feisty, aggressive match, played in a great atmosphere."

And perhaps the man who was mostly guilty of being wasteful was Willock who missed a brilliant opportunity in the 40th minute when set up by Allan Saint-Maximin – as seen in this footage.

Reacting to the wasted chance, Pete Gill said on Sky Sports: "That is a dreadful finish. Two Newcastle players threw themselves to the floor in despair at Willock's miss."

How bad was Willock's miss against Man Utd?

Having helped create the opportunity Saint-Maximin was one of the players to also hit the deck after the miss, alongside a visibly exasperated Alexander Isak.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had some advice for the £80k-p/w man, echoing Gill's words: "Do not lean back! There are a couple of Newcastle bodies on the floor, they cannot believe he has put it over."

While Alan Shearer perhaps summed it up most aptly with his Tweet: "How many f…… chances man!!"

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Thankfully, it seemed as though Willock got the message at half time. Indeed, having missed two big chances in that first 45, he made no mistake when the next opportunity came his way.

Indeed, when Saint-Maximin arrived at the far post to meet a cross, he nodded the ball across the face of goal and Willock couldn't miss as the Englishman headed home from just a couple yards out.

Arsenal are interested in a Premier League winger as Mikel Arteta aims to complete another signing during the January transfer window…

What’s the news?

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in signing AFC Bournemouth winger Jaidon Anthony as Arteta looks to add some more depth to his attacking options.

He could face competition for the 23-year-old however, with Leicester City, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Bayer Leverkusen also keen on Anthony.

His contract expires at the end of the season and Arsenal could be looking to secure a bargain move for him this month and with the club close to completing a move for Leandro Trossard, it could be a strong end to the window for Arteta.

He’s a dream signing

Anthony knows Arsenal well, having spent ten years at the Hale End academy during his formative years, playing alongside Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe, so settling in shouldn’t be a problem for the player.

At just 23 years old, he also fits Arteta’s vision for the future, with the Spaniard looking at bringing the average age of the side down significantly while signing young players who can develop and improve over time.

In the Championship last season, Anthony was excellent, featuring in all but one of Bournemouth’s matches as they gained promotion back to the Premier League. The winger averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.16/10 which ranked him as the club’s best performer during the campaign.

He underlined his attacking qualities by registering 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – while creating an astonishing 18 big chances across his 45 matches, demonstrating just how effective he was from a wide position.

Anthony didn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty work either, chipping in with 1.3 tackles and 0.5 clearances per game while winning 3.6 duels per match, proving that he can also provide solid defensive support when required.

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His former manager Scott Parker lauded his performances last season, saying: “What he does for this team is nothing short of incredible at times really.” And although he has struggled for game time this season, the Englishman has still scored three times in 18 appearances for the Cherries.

Following the disappointment of missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, Arteta will be working twice as hard to secure attacking reinforcements and a move for Anthony could be a very shrewd investment indeed.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that Kevin Thelwell’s connections with Wolves ‘can only help’ in Everton’s pursuit of Daniel Podence in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Everton interested in Podence

It was reported in October that the Toffees’ sporting director is looking to bring the 27-year-old to Goodison Park from his former club in January.

Everton want to sign versatile attackers who are proven in the Premier League, and the Portuguese wide man fits that profile.

The Latest: Thelwell could be key

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that Thelwell’s connections at Molineux will give the Merseyside club a ‘boost’ in their pursuit of Podence.

The journalist said: “I think Thelwell’s close relationship with Wolves can only help in their pursuit of Podence.

“We’ve already seen how well he’s worked that relationship in the summer to help Everton sign Conor Coady on loan from Wolves and that looks like a real masterstroke right now.

“He’s been a key man for Frank Lampard’s side, so I think Thelwell’s connections with Wolves will only boost their chances of a potential deal for Podence.”

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The Verdict: Worked with Coady…

Thelwell likely had a big say in bringing Wolves captain Conor Coady to Everton on loan, and he could do the same with Podence.

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The £60,000-per-week winger has not been the most prolific in the English top flight but has plenty of experience in the division (Transfermarkt), so he should need little time to adapt to playing in Frank Lampard’s side if he comes to Goodison Park.

Hailed by pundit Noel Whelan as a player who is ‘direct’ and has ‘pace’, Podence ranks in the 81st percentile for progressive passes out of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, and he would certainly add another dimension to the Blues’ attack.

Indeed, with his current deal expiring in 2024, they could potentially sign the 27-year-old for a cut-price amount in January.