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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for former Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from AS (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are battling Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma to secure the Spaniard’s signature this summer following his exit from the Bernabeu.

After scoring 17 goals and delivering 12 assists in 84 appearances for Malaga, the midfielder joined Los Blancos during the 2013 summer transfer window.

In 352 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid, the 30-year-old ended up scoring 53 goals, delivering 56 assists and winning numerous trophies including five Champions League titles.

Imagine him and Saint-Maximin

Since the start of the 2017/18 La Liga campaign, Isco – who was picking up a hefty wage of £211k-per-week at the Bernabeu – has racked up 258 shot-creating actions and 150 successful dribbles in the Spanish top flight.

This shows just how creative and tricky player he is for opponents to face and illustrates what he could offer to the Toon should he find himself at St James’ Park this summer.

In fact, when Spain beat Italy 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in 2017, the Azzurri’s Marco Verratti got a clear picture of how impressive Isco can be.

After that emphatic result, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said: “I suffered a lot against Isco. I was taken aback by his performance. Not even [Lionel] Messi has come close to that level. When I saw his nutmeg, I felt like standing up and applauding too.”

Bearing in mind how Newcastle ended their previous Premier League campaign with fewer shot-creating actions (653) than the likes of Southampton (732), Leeds United (711) and Everton (667), adding a player like Isco to their ranks could be just what Eddie Howe needs in order to make his side a bit more dynamic going forward.

Allan Saint-Maximin was by far Newcastle’s most creative player in the Premier League last season with more shot-creating actions (114) to his name than any of his team-mates. In terms of a potential move to Tyneside for Isco this summer, the Frenchman’s statistics would suggest that having him and the Spaniard in the same team would make the Magpies a much more dangerous attacking outfit.

With the 30-year-old now a free agent following his departure from Real Madrid, Newcastle and PIF should be doing all they can to beat Roma to his signature and get him to start a new chapter in his career as a Premier League player.

AND in other news: Newcastle “very” keen on deal for “superb” 19 y/o “huge talent”, he could be ASM 2.0

Everton have reportedly made an approach to sign Armando Broja from Chelsea and the striker could be the ideal man to replace Richarlison at Goodison Park.

According to The Athletic, Frank Lampard’s side have made an approach to sign the 20-year-old after his eye-catching performances on loan at Southampton last season.

The Albania international hit nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Saints in 2021/22, in what was his first taste of senior football in England, so it has been no surprise to see him linked with a number of Premier League sides this summer.

Lampard looks desperately short of striking options after Richarlison’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon the only real options for the Toffees, which is a big risk for the club after the former’s injury concerns last season.

Ellis Simms is unlikely to be deemed ready to make the step up into the first-team just yet, despite some impressive loan spells in recent seasons, so Lampard needs another option with Premier League experience.

According to FbRef, Richarlison is the eighth-most similar player to Broja in terms of style of play, so the Albanian feels like a natural replacement for the Brazilian at Goodison Park.

The two registered similar numbers in terms of non-penalty goals per 90, shots on target and pass completion rates last season, while Broja’s youth and athletic ability suggests that he could perform a similar role to Richarlison, in that he can be a constant nuisance to Premier League defences with his pace and physicality.

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Ralph Hasenhuttl was full of praise for the young forward last season, saying:

“He’s a great threat. He has not had many poor games this season and today he showed again how dangerous he can be for the opponent and he’s very helpful for our game.”

Therefore, if Everton are willing to pay Chelsea’s reported £30m asking price, then Broja could prove to be the ideal heir to Richarlison at Goodison Park next season.

And, in other news… Alan Myers drops exciting Everton transfer update, “outstanding” target could arrive

Aston Villa transfer target Tomas Soucek is said to be available for a transfer this summer.

That’s according to Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, who claims that the Midlands outfit are looking to “add more quality” to the engine room with “Johan Lange exploring options” and the West Ham United midfielder is thought to be an “available” candidate.

It comes a week after The Sun reported that the Czech Republic star’s future is in doubt at the London Stadium as the Hammers aren’t willing to hand him a substantial pay rise despite his consistent form for the club.

Villa were linked with interest in the report, though they face competition from Newcastle United and Everton.

Soucek would be something of a coup for manager Steven Gerrard as he may well see shades of himself in the 27-year-old as he can impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

The 6 foot 4 titan is capable of providing goals from midfield, having bagged 18 goals from his 101 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Further back, Soucek compares very favourable to his positional peers across Europe’s ‘big five’ – as per FBref, the Irons enforcer ranks amongst the top 1% for clearances (3.22) per 90 and the top 2% for aerial duels won (3.95) per 90.

Soucek’s performances in east London have seen many sing his praises, including a particularly glowing endorsement from former Toffees winger Yannick Bolasie, who once dubbed him “unplayable” on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has previously lauded him as “incredible”, having formed a solid partnership with former Blues academy graduate Declan Rice in the heart of David Moyes’ midfield.

Unbelievably, he cost the West Ham hierarchy only £15m back in July 2020 after they triggered their option-to-buy following a successful loan spell.

Soucek is now thought to be valued in the region of £42.5m by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.

With Douglas Luiz linked with an exit and Gerrard lacking real quality behind him – after all, Morgan Sanson hasn’t exactly set the ground alight – it would make sense for sporting director Johan Lange to swoop for Soucek, given his proven experience in the English top-flight.

If the Villans can secure him, then they’d be securing quite the coup indeed.

AND in other news, Ashley Preece drops exciting Aston Villa transfer claim…

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a shock move for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe as the Whites attempt to sign a replacement for Barcelona-bound Raphinha.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla, the Elland Road club are believed to be one of the teams who are interested in landing the Cote d’Ivoire international this summer, having seen their Brazilian talisman complete a move to the Camp Nou on Friday.

The report claims that the 27-year-old – who joined the Gunners in a club-record £72m deal from Lille in 2019 – has recently changed his agent in order to potentially prompt a departure from the Emirates Stadium, having failed to truly establish himself under Mikel Arteta.

With the north London outfit likely looking to recoup some of that hefty transfer fee, the suggestion is that the asking price could be in excess of €25m (£21m), with La Liga outfit Sevilla – along with Marseille and Lyon – also said to be in the running.

Raphinha heir

There may be some in Yorshire who are scratching their heads at this possible deal, although Pepe could well prove to be the ideal heir to the departed Raphinha, with Jesse Marsch and co potentially able to offer the 27-year-old the starting berth that he has been craving at his current club.

There’s no doubting that the £22.5m-rated forward has underperformed in the Premier League over the last few years in relation to his initial cost, although some would argue that he has hardly been handed a fair crack of the whip, notably earning just five top-flight starts last season.

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That lack of action appears particularly unfair when considering his impressive form during the 2020/21 campaign, in which the £140k-per-week gem registered ten goals and one assist from 29 league outings, having also provided ten goal contributions in just 13 Europa League appearances that season.

His previous form during his days in Ligue 1 also demonstrates the undoubted talent that the Ivorian wizard possesses, having chipped in with 37 goals and 18 assists in 79 games in all competitions during his time at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

That haul included a sparkling run of form in the 2018/19 campaign in which he netted 22 goals and provided 11 assists in the French top flight, with that remarkable record unsurprisingly catching the attention of those at Arsenal.

Although he hasn’t shown it consistently enough since his move to England, the 34-cap forward clearly has the quality to pose a real threat in the final third, with a fresh start potentially all that is needed to spark a career revival.

With his “lightning fast” speed – as described by radio host Kevin Egan – and a devastating left foot, the 6 foot menace possesses striking similarities to that of the aforementioned Raphinha, with the pair both at their brutal best when cutting in off the right flank.

Attempting to replicate the form of a player who provided 29 goals and assists in the league during his two-year spell with the Whites certainly won’t be easy, although Pepe appears to have the skill and quality to become a standout figure in his own right.

It would no doubt be a risk, although it could prove to be a gamble worth taking for Leeds’ sporting director Victor Orta to bring in someone who could be the perfect heir to the Brazilian.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for “formidable” £19m sensation, he’s “one of the best”

Celtic are reportedly set to secure a free transfer for Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post from journalist Mike McGrath, the midfielder is about to “disappoint a host of Championship clubs to secure a dream move” to Celtic.

He then added that “talks have progressed” over the potential deal that would see the 31-year-old make a move to Parkhead this summer.

After making a combined total of 152 appearances for Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, in which he scored 13 goals and delivered 17 assists, the midfielder made a move to China and joined Shanghai Port back in 2020.

Since then, Mooy has found the net six times and supplied three assists in 31 appearances for the Chinese club, where he was picking up a weekly wage of £52k-per-week.

Postecoglou will be buzzing

Securing a free transfer for the former Huddersfield star would not only be a great deal for the Hoops from a financial point of view, but also for many footballing reasons as well.

Firstly, having seen the likes of Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro wave goodbye to the Parkhead club in recent weeks, this highlights the need for Celtic to bring a new midfielder in.

Then, with Mooy’s clear knack for being an attacking nuisance in front of goal, this shows what he’d be able to offer the team.

Additionally, having made a decent number of appearances for Australia under the management of Ange Postecoglou, this will give him an idea of what the Bhoys manager will want from him on the pitch, which could make it easier for the player to settle in at Celtic Park.

Bearing in mind how McGrath mentioned that numerous clubs in the Championship were reportedly after Mooy’s signature, this also shows what a great bit of business it could be from the Hoops and why seeing him at Parkhead will surely have Postecoglou buzzing.

Hailed as an “extraordinary” player by David Wagner, the Australian would surely add some serious quality to Celtic’s squad and strengthen their midfield.

If the Bhoys can wrap up this reported deal for the 31-year-old as soon as possible, this will then give them the opportunity to focus on other potential deals they may want to secure before the summer window ends.

AND in other news: Postecoglou could unearth the next Wanyama with Celtic bid for “complete” £5.5m target

A major update has emerged on the future of Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

The England international has been the subject of interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in recent weeks, with their manager Julian Nagelsmann speaking publically about the striker.

“He’s very expensive that’s the problem – but a brilliant player,” the German said (via Sky Sports), before later adding: “He could score a lot in the Bundesliga, I don’t know the price, but it’s really tough for Bayern Munich. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

Those remarks have left Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte rather angry, though Fabrizio Romano’s latest update should alleviate any fears of the talismanic centre-forward leaving anytime soon.

When asked about the potential of Bayern signing Kane, the Italian transfer guru claimed it would be “impossible.”

“Kane is untouchable and will play for Tottenham next season. Never been in doubt,” he further reiterated.

Great news for Spurs fans

This claim from Romano will have supporters around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium absolutely buzzing as it seems that there will be no saga this summer, as there was last year with Manchester City.

Spurs are arguably in their strongest position in terms of squad depth in several years, so they could probably deal with Kane’s exit – to an extent. Richarlison is capable of playing through the middle, as can Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski.

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But, of course, his absence would be a killer blow in the long run as he has finished as their top goalscorer in all competitions for the last eight campaigns, scoring 24 or more goals in the process.

Back in April, Conte heaped praise on his star man, claiming (via the Daily Mail):

“To have a player like this in your team is very important. He can score goals and create chances. I like him as a person.

“Talented players don’t always want to work hard but from the first day I arrived here, he set an example. You think that’s normal but it’s not. Great players are sometimes lazy and that’s not him. He’s a big example for his teammates. He’s encouraging us to be competitive.”

With Spurs under something of an exciting renaissance under the trophy-hungry Italian, keeping Kane around will only bolster their chances of ending that near 15-year wait for silverware.

Therefore, this update is great news for Tottenham and their fanbase heading into the new season, which gets underway in less than two weeks. Whisper it quietly, but the Lilywhites could well be back.

AND in other news, Big boost: Paratici can now seal “extraordinary” Spurs signing, Conte badly needs him…

West Ham United left-back Arthur Masuaku is nearing a loan move to Turkish giants Besiktas, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Kostic’s arrival

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are still working on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt left-midfielder Filip Kostic.

It is reported that the Irons’ initial £12.6m bid for the Serbia international was rejected, with the Bundesliga outfit looking for a fee closer to £16.8m.

Kostic is represented by the World Soccer Agency (WSA) – the same agency that looks after new Irons arrival Gianluca Scamacca.

With the 29-year-old’s agents pushing for a move to the London Stadium, this suggests Masuaku will fall further down David Moyes’ pecking order.

The Latest: Taylor’s claim

Whilst providing an update on West Ham’s pursuit of Kostic, Taylor also shared news on Masuaku’s future at the East London club.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Expected to be case of one in, one out. Arthur Masuaku nearing departure with Besiktas in talks over loan move.”

The Verdict: Lack of game time

Having only made 13 appearances in the Premier League last season, with just six features in Moyes’ starting XI, the arrival of Kostic at the London Stadium would push the Democratic Republic of the Congo international down to their third-choice option at left-back, also trailing behind current starter Aaron Cresswell.

However, a loan switch to Besiktas would certainly be a good move for both the player and the Turkish side.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 28-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 98th percentile for expected assists and in the 96th percentile for interceptions.

Once hailed as ‘the thinking man’s Ronaldinho’ by FourFourTwo journalist Mark White for his iconic piece of skill against Tottenham, a loan move away would be the best option for Masuaku’s career.

Celtic midfielder James McCarthy is ‘looking to move’ in this transfer window, according to reputable journalist Fraser Fletcher. 

The lowdown: Faltering start

Signed as a free agent following the expiry of a contract at Crystal Palace in 2021, McCarthy arrived at Parkhead as a vastly experienced operator having already amassed 439 senior career outings including spells at Hamilton, Everton and Wigan.

However, things haven’t gone to plan for the 31-year-old Glasgow-born Republic of Ireland international after he picked up an injury during pre-season last term and was plagued by issues in his early time with the Hoops, struggling to break into Ange Postecoglou’s immediate plans as a result.

Now, it appears as though the veteran defensive midfielder is already considering his options and a move away from the Scottish champions could be on the horizon…

The latest: ‘I’m told’

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher has claimed that McCarthy has been left ‘disappointed’ by his time under Ange and is ‘looking to move’ this summer.

He stated: “James McCarthy is looking to move after a difficult time at Celtic. I’m told the 31 year old is disappointed with how things have gone and seeking a new challenge for the season . Interest is there and some offers being prepared. McCarthy has contract until 2025 in Glasgow.”

The verdict: One in one out?

Seemingly still in the market for further midfield reinforcements despite the capture of Aaron Mooy and with Matt O’Riley staying put, opportunities for McCarthy could be limited once again in the 2022/23 campaign.

Last season, the 42-cap tough tackling stalwart – who was hailed by teammate David Turnbull for a ‘brilliant’ display in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen in November 2021 – made just 22 appearances across all competitions for the Bhoys, completing 90 minutes on only three occasions.

Having been omitted from the match-day squad for the opening day Scottish Premiership victory against Aberdeen, the future of the £1.44million valued ace appears to be more uncertain than ever and an exit from Celtic Park could be the best option for all parties.

Italian broadcaster Radio Radio have made an exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Roma star and Lilywhites target Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs begin…

The north Londoners have got off to a brilliant start this season, opening their Premier League campaign with a comfortable 4-1 demolition at the expense of Southampton.

Antonio Conte’s side put the Saints to the sword on Saturday afternoon courtesy of goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu (own goal) and Dejan Kulusevski, with the quartet of strikes cancelling James Ward-Prowse’s opener.

Despite their fantastic first game of 2022/23, if reports are anything to go by, Spurs are still eager to strengthen, with sporting director Fabio Paratici appearing to be busy behind the scenes.

The Latest: Zaniolo talks advance…

Indeed, reports from Italy over the weekend have shared a potentially exciting development as the Lilywhites continue their pursuit of Zaniolo.

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As shared by fantacalcio.it, broadcaster Radio Radio claim that Tottenham have become ‘very close’ to signing the 23-year-old ‘in recent days’.

It is believed that negotiations have not only ‘just begun’ but are in fact ‘well advanced’ and Zaniolo’s future could well be in England, with the report going on to advise Spurs supporters to ‘watch out’.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

If this rather promising claim comes to fruition, it’s safe to say sealing a move for the Italy playmaker would perfectly round-off an already impressive window for Spurs.

As per WhoScored, Zaniolo finished 2021/22 as one of Jose Mourinho’s brightest attacking players, completing more successful take-ons per 90 (two) than any of his team-mates whilst drawing the most fouls per game (2.3).

Compared to Tottenham’s squad from last season, no member of Conte’s team matched or bettered those figures in the English top flight.

It’s clear that the exciting midfielder could gift Spurs another option and avenue of creativity in the final third, with journalist and Serie A critic Carlo Garganese even branding Zaniolo a ‘beast’.

Nottingham Forest are showing ‘serious’ interest in Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi and have even made a first bid, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Malinovskyi

The Reds were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier in the week, with the club seeing him as someone who could further take their midfield up a gear.

Malinovskyi has won 49 caps for Ukraine and made 128 appearances for Atalanta, registering ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in Serie A last season.

While Forest are yet to get their man, a new update suggests that they are pushing hard.

The Latest: Interest ‘serious’, bid made

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing in Malinovskyi, having ‘already made’ a €15million (£12.6m) bid for him.

Atalanta want ‘closer to €20m (£16.9m)’ though, and the level of interest in the Ukrainian means they can drive up his price.

It is stated that he ‘could indeed be the next to go’ from the Serie A club this summer, however, giving Forest hope.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Malinovskyi’s pedigree speaks for itself, given his international experience and the fact that he has made nine appearances in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

That being said, Forest just need to make sure they don’t overbuy in the summer transfer window, to a point at which Steve Cooper has too many options all of whom need bedding into an unfamiliar system.

Midfield does still arguably look the most in-need area for reinforcements, but a move for Cheikhou Kouyate looks all but done and Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala have already been added.