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Newcastle United’s shift in momentum since the affluent takeover in 2021 has been nothing short of resounding, with the stellar signings on the transfer front transcending the fortunes on the field.

By and large, the work plied has been shrewdly done; prudent investments to instil a newfound mentality and ensure that European-chasing seasons replace desperate bids to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

Manager Eddie Howe has done a fine job indeed, and with the Magpies perched admirably in fifth after 24 matches, bolstering the ranks with several first-rate acquisitions could go a long way toward embedding the new era with quality unseen on Tyneside for an age.

As such, rumours attributing interest from Howe and co in Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae must be acted upon, with the South Korean centre-back exceeding expectations at the heart of the high-flying Italian Serie A leaders’ backline.

According to Napoli’s former sporting director Carlo Jacomuzzi (via Area Napoli), the English outfit are keeping tabs on the defender and could make their move in the summer.

The Magpies boast the most formidable defence in the division, having shipped just 17 strikes, but might seek assurance over the calibre of their defensive department, with one eye firmly fixed on a seat in the Champions League over the coming years, and Kim could be the optimum choice to bolster the fold.

Would Kim be a good signing for Newcastle?

Despite only signing for the Partenopei last summer for €18m (£16m) – a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea for £33m – the 26-year-old has swiftly asserted himself as one of the division’s finest, with his outfit now touting him at £42m, amid interest from several of Europe’s most prominent sides.

Having made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and registering an assist, Kim has been an  unflappable “rock” as lauded by Serie A expert Matteo Bonetti, who also hailed him as “the most impressive defender in the league.”

17 points clear at the top of the table, Napoli are destined to win the Scudetto this term, basking in glory not gleaned in Naples since 1989/90, the club’s previous league title.

And with the 47-cap colossus ranking among the top 10% of centre-backs for pass completion, top 8% for shot-creating actions, top 17% for progressive passes and top 8% for aerials won per 90, his all-encompassing scope and ball-playing prowess slots him right into the mould of the quintessential top-class defender of modern times.

With Bayern Munich phenom Matthijs de Ligt listed as the most comparable player to the Napoli ace, as per FBref, Howe could welcome his own version of the Dutch dynamo to the fold at St. James’ Park.

De Ligt signed for Juventus for roughly €75m (£68m) in 2019, when he was still only 19-years-old, before switching for German giants Bayern last summer for £68m.

With the respective centre-backs both possessing an innate ball-playing aptitude and an astute intellect on the pitch, the Magpies would make an auspicious move indeed if they were to prise Kim away from Naples.

The 23-year-old Bavarian ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for pass completion and 9% for aerials won himself, and given the striking similarities between his approach and the South Korean’s, the Magpies simply must swoop.

Heralded as an “iron barrel” by prodigious team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kim would be the perfect signing for Newcastle, who only a little over one year ago faced the daunting embrace of the drop, but with an illustrious new chapter tantalising its arrival, Howe must continue the ascension and sign the titan.

He would inject the iron-clad grip needed to cement United’s defensive line with steely and unwavering resolve.

West Ham all but sealed their spot in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals as they eased to a 2-0 win against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.

Two goals from the much-lamented Michail Antonio eased the pressure on David Moyes following last weekend’s embarrassing defeat against Brighton, although his side were always expected to win against the Cypriot minnows.

While Antonio impressed on his return to the side, contributing two impressive finishes on Thursday evening, it was arguably Said Benrahma who was Moyes’ star performer against Larnaca.

How did Benrahma perform versus Larnaca?

As per Sofascore, the Algeria international would earn an impressive 8.2/10 rating for his performance, which was the best of any player to feature in the game from both sides.

The former Brentford man was instrumental in the Hammers’ opener, as he sent Larnaca’s right back to the shops before whipping in a delightful cross, which Antonio simply had to steer home.

This was just one of two big chances that the 27-year-old would create on Thursday, with Antonio missing a chance for his hat-trick when he hit the post in the second half.

Benrahma looked extremely assured in possession and dangerous every time he received the ball, completing 24 of his 27 attempted passes with an 89% success rate, which is an improvement on his 84.6% average in the Premier League so far this season.

The wide man, who touched the ball on 42 occasions, played two key passes, registered three shots and completed four dribbles in total, which again is a significant improvement on the 1.4 key passes, 1.9 shots and 1.5 dribbles he has averaged in the top flight.

It was something of a surprise when Moyes decided to take him off just after the hour mark, as he also contributed in defence, winning six of his seven duels on the night and completing two tackles, which again is impressive given he has managed just 0.7 tackles per game in the Premier League.

This wasn’t the first time that the Algerian winger has impressed in Europe, as he also earned a huge amount of praise from Joe Cole last season after a strong performance against Genk.

Cole said on BT Sport (via Read West Ham): Tonight at times he was unplayable. Fantastic, that’s how good he is, as soon as he saw the defender and squared him up, he knew he was in control of the situation. The finish was exquisite.”

West Ham fans will be hoping that the decision to sub Benrahma was simply to rest him ahead of Sunday’s big fixture against Aston Villa, where a defeat will surely spell the end for Moyes at the London Stadium.

Journalist Jonny McFarlane has suggested that Rangers could cash in youngster Leon King this summer.

What's the latest Rangers transfer exit news?

Thanks to rules put in place by Brexit, it's now harder for Premier League sides to sign youngsters from the EU.

As a result, the youth talent from within Scottish clubs is suddenly quite an attractive prospect. Indeed, when the changes occurred in 2020, one Scottish Premiership chief executive told The Athletic: “We become their second-biggest market overnight behind other English clubs."

With that being the case, if Michael Beale and co are looking to raise some funds for the upcoming summer market, they could look to offload some unwanted youth options.

Indeed while speaking about this on the latest edition of The Rangers Review, McFarlane suggested that 19-year-old King could be sold to raise some unexpected cash.

He said: "We know that Brexit has really, really disrupted how Premier League teams recruit, and has made them much more focused on Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

"So with that in mind, does Leon King have a really, really strong market value – you know, could you turn him into three million quid? Well, if you could…

"I mean, I think there's a strong argument to say it doesn't really look like he's going to be Michael Beale’s cup of tea at this point.

"Perhaps that is the kind of transfer where Rangers can generate cash that you're not expecting."

Will Rangers want to sell Leon King?

Despite his age, the young centre-back still has plenty of experience in the Rangers senior setup. Indeed, he has 28 games under his belt in total.

However, as McFarlane suggests, he might not be too fancied by boss Beale. After all, King has played just one minute of football since the new manager arrived in November.

Before then, he'd been well-trusted by Giovanni van Bronckhorst – playing 25 times in total – so it's not as though he hasn't shown he can play at this level.

With that being the case and the fact he's still a teenager, perhaps an English Championship or even Premier League club could come in for King in the summer with a reasonable bid.

As referenced before, due to Brexit, it's harder for English clubs to snap up talent from overseas nowadays, but this could open the door to a summer transfer exit at Ibrox – which would be a bit of a shock seeing as the 19-year-old was trusted in six Champions League games earlier in the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has personally held talks with the representatives of Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Maddison is being pushed as a top target for Spurs by sections of the press with some sources even suggesting that the 26-year-old was at the centre of a double bid last week.

The Lilywhites were said to have lodged an offer for both Maddison and his teammate, Harvey Barnes, worth in excess of £50 million which was swiftly rejected by Leicester.

Sky Sports rebuffed this claim, stating while Spurs had a serious interest in both, no formal proposal of any kind had gone in for the duo.

As well as the Foxes playmaker, it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new goalkeeper, central defender and possible forward additions.

David Raya of Brentford is wanted to replace Hugo Lloris, meanwhile the likes of Man City defender Aymeric Laporte have been tipped with potential moves to Spurs.

Galasary forward Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a target in recent days, too, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.

Going back to Maddison, a report by Football Transfers has shared some interesting news on Tottenham's chase for the England international.

According to their information, Postecoglou has personally held talks with Maddison's agents recently, and he is thought to have made a really good impression on them,

This has apparently helped to sway Maddison more towards Tottenham than Premier League rivals Newcastle, and the former Norwich City star may be tempted to join.

Despite this, Maddison is yet to have any personal contact with Spurs, but Postecoglou coming across well to the player's camp could be crucial.

How many goals did Maddison score last season?

Maddison starred for Leicester over the course of 2022/2023, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in the league alone, totalling an impressive 19 attacking contributions (WhoScored).

The Three Lions ace also attempted more shots at goal per 90, completing more key passes and registered their joint-highest rate of successful take-ons in the top flight (WhoScored).

These numbers make one thing crystal clear – he is far too good for the Championship.

Whether it is Newcastle or Spurs, either side may be on to seal a very potent and capable attacking threat in the final third.

Former West Ham and Leicester City star David Connolly has also called Maddison "absolutely magnificent" for his form at the King Power.

Liverpool are "speeding things up" in regard to signing Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, according to reliable journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Thuram likely to join Liverpool?

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the Reds' primary midfield targets this summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to make significant additions in the middle of the park.

Alexis Mac Allister was an early-summer arrival, in what looks like an exciting piece of business, while the club recently announced the arrival of Dominik Szoboszlai.

It could be that Thuram is seen as the third addition to bring in, which would be a huge transformation of Liverpool's midfield, with the £14,000-a-week Nice star enjoying an eye-catching 2022/23 season. He registered four assists and scored twice in Ligue 1 – while the Reds are not the only ones apparently interested.

While the Szoboszlai news has dominated the headlines in recent days, it looks as though Thuram could now return to the forefront of the Reds' thoughts, following a new update.

What's the latest on Thuram to Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti claimed that Liverpool are now trying to make a move for Thuram happen quickly, with Newcastle United hovering ominously:

"Liverpool are speeding things up for Khephren Thuram. LFC want to close the gap with OGCNice soon to anticipate the competition of Newcastle, which are starting to move concretely for the player: evolving situation."

This is great news, with Thuram someone who could be a devastating addition to Liverpool's midfield, potentially adding something that was not there last season as the Reds missed out on Champions League qualification.

The 6 foot 4 Nice ace is a towering player with great physical attributes, but he is also technically strong, using the ball intelligently and with purpose, as seen in his 86.9% pass completion rate in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign.

Nice teammate Aaron Ramsey has said that Thuram is "very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball", adding that he is "another player that can go all the way to the top", which says a lot about his ability.

If Liverpool could bring in Mac Allister (24), Szoboszlai (22) and Thuram (22), it would have to be considered a wonderful summer – completely rebuilding a problem area of the pitch and solving the issue for years to come, considering the ages of the players in question.

Liverpool have completed background checks on Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure, and a reliable journalist has revealed the chances of him moving to Anfield.

Is Cheick Doucoure leaving Crystal Palace?

The Mali international only arrived in the Premier League from Lens last summer and quickly became a regular feature of Roy Hodgson’s side during his debut season, making 34 starts from 38 matches in the top-flight.

Despite still having another four years remaining on his contract, the midfielder firmly established himself as the Eagles’ top-performing defensive player during the previous campaign and has therefore emerged as a summer target for FSG and Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have reportedly identified the 23-year-old as a potential candidate to replace Fabinho who left the club last month to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, but he’s not the only player to have been considered by the hierarchy at Anfield.

The Merseyside outfit had been heavily linked with moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but with those two having both joined Chelsea, not to mention that a deal for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch is yet to come to fruition, the boss has been assessing alternatives in the form of the talisman at Selhurst Park.

Are Liverpool signing Cheick Doucoure?

Taking to X, RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Liverpool have gathered information on the conditions of a deal for Doucoure, but says that they are yet to table an opening bid due to the price tag set by Crystal Palace. He wrote:

“Liverpool surveyed Cheick Doucoure. There has been no significant progress in recent days and no concrete offer from the Reds for the 23-year-old Malian midfielder. Crystal Palace values ​​the player at more than 60 million euros (£51m).”

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Doucoure is a defensive midfield “boss” when sitting just in front of the backline, and considering the protection he provides, he could be a fantastic addition should he eventually put pen to paper at Liverpool before September 1st.

The Bamako native ranked in the 94th percentile for interceptions and made a total of 77 tackles over the course of last season which was more than any other of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to get stuck into challenges and win back possession for his team.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

The Blackskill client, who has also registered three assists during his time at Palace, even has the ability to operate at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, so he could provide the boss with some welcome versatility should any unexpected injuries occur in other roles that need covering.

The Reds may feel that £51m for Doucoure is too much to pay considering that he only has one season under his belt at the required level, but the fact that he can play in the heart of the defence and the centre which are the two positions that need addressing the most, he could prove to be a more useful acquisition than first imagined.

Tottenham and manager Ange Postecoglou have been given a pre-Brighton boost after some injury news out of north London.

Brighton vs Tottenham preview

The Lilywhites will face off against Roberto De Zerbi's side in newly rejuvenated form on Thursday, having picked up three wins from their last three Premier League games.

International could push to join Spurs for one key trait Postecoglou has

The Australian is seriously tempting Tottenham’s transfer target.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 23, 2023

Victories over Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton have brought the good feeling back to N17, coming after they previously went from November 4 to December 10 without a single league win.

Injuries to Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, coupled with suspensions, gave Postecoglou real selection headaches throughout that time – but he now appears to have struck a winning formula.

After their latest win over the Toffees, Postecoglou heaped praise on Spurs for their resilience in particular.

"Obviously the result is very pleasing against a very difficult opponent today in Everton, who have been the form team of the competition for the past few weeks," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's win over Everton (via football.london).

"You can see why today, they worked hard and we kind of got on top of them in the first half, apart from our goals our football was good. We looked really threatening and then after we got 2-0 ahead we just eased back a little bit and I thought that allowed them to get back into the game.

"We just took a bit more time on the ball and some of it was because of them. They kept working hard and in the second half it became something of a transitional game. We had to show some resilience and some strong defending in the box and a couple of outstanding saves from Vic, who was brilliant again today. It had a little bit of everything. A different type of performance from us. I guess the pleasing thing for us is that we got the three points."

One worrying aspect of the game, especially as Tottenham prepare for a tough away trip to Brighton, was star defender Cristian Romero being hauled off with hamstring tightness.

This brought up some concerns that the Argentine could miss Spurs' trip to the south coast, but they've now been alleviated by journalist Dom Smith of The Evening Standard.

Romero in line to face Brighton

Indeed, Romero is expected to be fit for Spurs against Brighton and is line to feature, which will come as a big boost for Postecoglou who is looking to make it a fourth win in four games. The 25-year-old has been an important player for Postecoglou's top four-chasing Londoners, starting every Premier League game he's been available.

Romero and van de Ven formed an imperious centre-back partnership at the beginning of the campaign, and his return from suspension has been a vital part of Spurs' recent up tick in form. News of him most likely being available will surely lift the Lilywhites in their pursuit of a solid end to 2023.

Harry Maguire could stay at Manchester United now following a discussion with current boss Erik ten Hag, according to Alex Crook.

The England international originally looked set to depart Old Trafford this summer, however a U-turn could be on the cards.

What is the latest news about Harry Maguire?

The Maguire saga has seemingly taken another turn.

The expectation was that the former Leicester City man would leave this summer, especially after it was announced that he had been stripped of the Red Devils captaincy, with David Moyes and West Ham United being the most interested side in the defender. However, it seems that a potential switch to the London Stadium is off the cards after the Hammers opening offer of £20m was rejected, with reports stating that a second offer is unlikely due to a combination of Maguire's wage demands, the clubs reported £50m asking price as well as his seeming unwillingness to make the move to West Ham.

Now it seems that the stance on Maguire has changed, with the defender now being seen as an important member of the United squad ahead of next campaign despite being limited to just 759 minutes of Premier League action last term and effectively becoming the sides fifth choice central defender behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and even natural left-back Luke Shaw.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook stated that Maguire has been informed by ten Hag during discussions that he can stay at United for the upcoming season. Crook also believes that the Red Devil's focus will switch onto Sofyan Amrabat, as the England international remaining at the club means the club do not need to buy another centre-back this summer.

He said: "From what I'm told, ten Hag is content for Maguire to stay. In fact, he has told him that. He thinks Maguire has still got a job to do. I think if they sign anybody else, it'll be Amrabat now."

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Should Maguire stay at Manchester United?

There are arguments for both sides regarding this question.

Should Maguire leave the club this summer, he could potentially have the chance to reinvigorate a career that has slowly begun to stall at Old Trafford by playing regular first team football at another Premier League side, whilst also being able to do it away from the pressure cooker that is Man United. This season could also be the perfect time to make the switch as with Euro 2024 next summer, a strong individual campaign across both the Premier League and the Europa League should he make the switch to West Ham could potentially secure himself a starting spot in Gareth Southgate's team for the tournament. Another reason to make the switch is the point in his career that the defender is at, because at 30 years of age, the Englishman should be in his prime years, and one could believe that he would not want to spend the prime years of his career as a fifth choice option.

Should Maguire stay at United, he gets the chance to be a part of a squad competing for top honours both domestically and continentally for one of the most historic sides in the world. Maguire may also keep his spot for the upcoming Euros should he stay at the Red Devils, with the player being called up to the World Cup last season despite his dramatically reduced game time. There is also the possibility that the defender could earn his spot back should he be given the opportunity due to injuries and suspensions to the clubs current options. But, nothing is guaranteed, as Ten Hag isn't afraid to make big calls.

Leeds United are thought to be eyeing a possible move for RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Okafor profiled

Okafor has been in fine form during the current campaign, contributing to 15 goals in 30 games in all competitions for the Austrian side playing as a centre-forward, even scoring against Chelsea in the Champions League. The 22-year-old was labelled as ‘incredibly prolific’ and in ‘crazy form’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier in the season.

The Switzerland international appears to be going from strength to strength with Salzburg and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rise from €5m to a career-high €25m in just over 12 months. It looks as if a summer move could be on the cards, with Fabrizio Romano recently saying:

‘RB Salzburg forward Noah Okafor, one to watch in the summer as many clubs are following him — it’s expected to be time to leave the club. Okafor appointed new agent Sports360 in order to make summer move happen.’

The Latest: Transfer update

Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey shared an update regarding Okafor on Monday morning, revealing that Leeds are keeping tabs on the forward.

He said that Okafor is the ‘latest player from the Red Bull stable to be on United’s radar’, with Elland Road scouts regularly watching him in action. The report added that Leeds’ interest ‘will increase if they can escape from relegation’.

The Verdict: Needed?

Javi Gracia has made a positive start to life in Yorkshire as head coach, with Saturday’s impressive 4-2 win at Wolves seeing him pick up seven points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

The Whites now sit in 14th position in the table with 11 games remaining, however, they are no means out of the woods just yet when it comes to relegation.

Should they retain their top-flight status, though, Okafor could be just what the club need heading into the 2023/24 campaign, following in the footsteps of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Tyler Adams and Max Wober who have all arrived from the Red Bull stable over the last 12 months.

Rodrigo has been Leeds’ main source of goals this season with 13 in all competitions, nine more than any other player. Patrick Bamford has four to his name but has missed large parts of the season through injury, so Okafor could be viewed as a possible long-term replacement for the Englishman and the future first-choice forward in Yorkshire.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has now hailed one of his Gunners teammates for "always" working hard behind-the-scenes.

Latest Arsenal news

Mikel Arteta's men have enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League season and remain unbeaten following their latest triumph – a 1-0 win away to struggling Everton on Sunday.

Leandro Trossard's strike with just 20 minutes remaining ensures that Arteta and co keep pace with Pep Guardiola's imperious Man City at the top of the table.

Arsenal have tasted victory in four out of their opening five top flight matches, with Fulham being the only side to get a result against them so far. The north Londoners had to dig deep on Merseyside but yet again displayed real grit to come away with all three points.

Arteta, commenting after Arsenal ended their hoodoo of six years without an away win at Everton, praised his side's display.

“Six years without a win here is a long time, so we had to learn some lessons, we had to be better." said Arteta.

"I am delighted for the win but especially the way we won it, the way we played, how dominant we were, the presence that we showed on the pitch. We fully deserved to win the game.

“I think we had many other openings to put the ball in the last line and to put somebody in the box and finalise. Credit to Everton, they defended the box extremely well, and they had some big, big blocks when we opened them up. It’s great to have other ways to score goals, it gives you different resources and be more unpredictable."

In and around the contest, there were question marks as to why goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was dropped in favour of summer signing David Raya.

The 25-year-old hadn't set a foot wrong before their trip up north, with Arteta even having to defend his decision to the media.

It appears the contest for Arsenal's number one spot is now hotting up, but club captain Odegaard has moved to defend Ramsdale.

Indeed, the Norway international insists he is a player of real quality and is "always" working behind-the-scenes.

"I think he will just keep working hard, like he is always doing," Odegaard said on Ramsdale (via The Standard).

"Today he was there supporting us, cheering for us, helping us. He is a great character and he showed a very good response today by backing the team. It was excellent from him.

"We have two good goalkeepers and big competition. They have different qualities. They are both so good on the ball and in goal as well. So, we are lucky to have two such good goalkeepers and we will see who plays."

How good is Aaron Ramsdale?

Arsenal signed Ramsdale on a long-term deal from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021, for a fee which could rise to £30m including add-ons.

The Englishman has gone on to make 83 appearances in all competitions, all while performing at a high enough level to earn multiple England caps.

The presence of Raya could motivate him to play even better as he attempts to keep his spot as Arsenal's go-to shot-stopper.