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Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Newcastle United are one of the few clubs who ‘could afford’ to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Lowdown: Scouts sent

It was reported in October that the St James’ Park outfit had sent scouts to watch the Ukrainian in action in Shakhtar’s 1-1 draw at Celtic in the Champions League group stage, where he scored a screamer to ensure that his team qualified for the play-off round of the Europa League.

The 21-year-old is believed to be ‘open’ to a move to Tyneside and is ‘keen’ on moving to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘could afford’ Mudryk

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has claimed that Newcastle are one of a select few clubs who ‘could afford’ Mudryk, as Shakhtar’s deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini has claimed that it would take at least €100m (£87.4m) to sign the youngster.

The journalist said: “The one good thing on Newcastle’s side is that they’re probably going to be one of the few clubs that could afford Mudryk, considering the price tag that Shakhtar have put on his head.

“Newcastle are competing for a top four spot right now in the Premier League, so if they continue that, maybe that can persuade someone like a Mudryk to join this Newcastle project.”

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The Verdict: Another club-record fee?

Judging by the stance of Shakhtar’s deputy sporting director, it would likely take another club-record fee for the Magpies to sign Mudryk, having already broken it with the £63m signing of Alexander Isak in the summer.

Football presenter and pundit Jack Collins has lauded the Ukrainian as ‘absolutely unreal’ and ‘undefendable’ in explosive bursts, and that was shown in his solo effort against Celtic, while he has managed six other goals and seven assists across all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Newcastle will likely have to negotiate his price tag down significantly, but Mudryk has such a high ceiling at just 21 years of age, so this would be an investment which would likely pay itself off in the future.

When Jose Fonte left Crystal Palace for Southampton in 2010, few Eagles fans would have predicted that the centre-back would still be playing at the top level 12 years later.

Fonte joined Palace from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and was a regular during his time at Selhurst Park, making 92 appearances, in which he contributed six goals and seven assists.

However, he was sold to Southampton, who were in League One at the time, in a deal worth just £1.2m in 2010, a move which really helped the Portugal international propel his career towards the top.

He would help the Saints to two successive promotions in order to reach the Premier League, where they have remained ever since, with Fonte a regular at St Mary’s until his exit seven years later.

The centre-back would make 288 appearances for Southampton in total, contributing 15 goals and nine assists, and he will undoubtedly be fondly remembered by Saints fans.

In 2017, he joined West Ham and endured a less successful time with the Hammers, making just 24 appearances before he was sold to Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional the following year.

While he struggled for form during his time at the London club, teammate Darren Randolph was full of praise for his impact in training, saying:

“It is only going to add to the quality that we have and to the squad as well. I have already seen in training that he is a leader. He is loud and vocal and organises well. It should be a good addition.”

His time in China was no more than a dalliance and in 2018 he would make the move to Lille, where he has gone on to make 172 appearances, scoring eight goals and contributing five assists during arguably the most successful spell of his career.

Indeed, the £28k-per-week brute played a key role in Lille’s remarkable title-winning season in 2021, making 36 appearances in the French top-flight as they toppled PSG in order to claim top spot.

Even now, aged 38, Fonte remains a regular in Lille’s first team and has made nine appearances so far this season in Ligue 1.

While it is impossible to say if he would have reached the same level had he remained with Palace, his impressive career since leaving suggests that they made a rather big mistake in selling him for just £1.2m in 2010.

When Tottenham Hotspur decided to sell up-and-coming right-back Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton for £12m back in the summer of 2020, many involved with Spurs may well have wondered exactly why Daniel Levy decided to cash in on the defender.

Indeed, speaking to Football FanCast following the 25-year-old’s sale, former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt stated his belief that the north London side were making a grave error in parting with Walker-Peters, stating:

“I was a Kyle Walker-Peters fan. I thought, when he was coming through the ranks, he was a player who could stake a claim for that position. It didn’t really happen as I expected it was going to. There are a lot of things that managers will get to know that you’ll never know and the fans will never know.

“I thought it was strange that a player of his ability was leaving the club, but we were bringing other players in who it was clearly felt could do a job they were needing more of in that position. But I think he’s got a great future ahead of him, and for Southampton fans, I think he’s a great acquisition for them.”

And, considering just how impressive the £26m-rated full-back has been since joining Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, in addition to how much Spurs have struggled with right-backs over the past few seasons, the argument that it was a mistake for Levy to let the academy product leave the club is a very easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 32 Premier League appearances last season, Walk-Peters was in excellent form for Saints, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 6.1 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

In comparison, over Tottenham’s best-performing right-back’s 15 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22, Matt Doherty failed to help his side keep a single clean sheet, while he also made an average of just 0.9 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 1.3 clearances and won 2.9 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game.

The £50k-per-week Southampton talent also impressed going forwards last time out, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.8 key passes, taking 0.8 shots and completing 2.0 dribbles per fixture.

As such, it is not difficult to understand why Ian Wright also criticised Spurs’ decision to move the right-back – who Chris Miller dubbed “unreal” – on, with the Arsenal legend stating of the 25-year-old following his call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad earlier this year (via the Daily Mail):

“Kyle Walker-Peters. It’s great to see him [in the England squad]. I remember watching him at Tottenham and I’m thinking, ‘they got rid of him and brought in Serge Aurier?’ When I watched Serge for a couple of games I’m thinking, ‘I’m sorry, Kyle Walker-Peters is a better player.’

“They brought Emerson Royal in and I’m saying, ‘I’m sorry, [Walker-Peters is] a better player.’ And even with Doherty, who does great stuff going forward, I’ve watched Walker-Peters and I’m glad he’s got the call-up.

“I’m thinking why have Tottenham got rid of him when you see how he plays? Moving from Tottenham – would he have really wanted to? He probably had to because they wanted him out. He’s gone to Southampton – not so fashionable – and continued with great form and he’s been rewarded.”

Indeed, when taking into account the fact that Southampton reportedly placed a £40m asking price on the 25-year-old’s head this summer – 233% more than the £12m Spurs received for the defender just two years ago – coupled with just how impressive the England international has been on the South Coast, Levy must surely regret his decision to move Walk-Peters on when he did.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly ‘in talks’ to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Right-back cover wanted

As per 90min, the St. James’ Park outfit are on the hunt for a player capable of filling in at right-back after Emil Krafth suffered an ACL injury.

Although Eddie Howe does not expect the club to conduct any ‘major business’ over the next couple of days, he is thought to be ‘open’ to strengthening his squad with loan signings.

The Latest: Maitland-Niles talks

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Tynesiders’ owners are ‘in talks’ over the possibility of signing Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal:

“Newcastle in talks with Arsenal over Ainsley Maitland-Niles loan deal.”

In a more recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Premier League rivals Southampton are closing in on signing Maitland-Niles, so the Toon will need to act fast.

The Verdict: Get it done

Jumping in front of Saints and signing Maitland-Niles on loan would certainly be a smart move by the Magpies.

He can play in a wide number of different positions across the pitch as well as at right-back, meaning he could still provide depth in several areas of the squad once Krafth returns.

Hailed as a player who can be a ‘Rolls-Royce’ at times by Gunners legend Martin Keown, and called a ‘huge talent’ by his manager Mikel Arteta, the 25-year-old has perhaps lost his way since breaking into the England squad back in 2020.

Nonetheless, he still has plenty of Premier League experience, and at a new club in a new environment, the Magpies could help him rediscover his form and confidence.

West Ham United have ‘held initial talks’ with Paris Saint-Germain over defender Thilo Kehrer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Defensive additions

The Hammers have already welcomed a fresh centre-back to the London Stadium this summer with the arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes in a deal worth £30m.

However, during pre-season, the new Irons ace suffered an injury to his ankle, limping off the pitch in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers.

After undergoing successful ankle surgery, The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas revealed that there is “no timeframe on how long Nayef Aguerd will be sidelined”.

With Issa Diop set to join newly-promoted Fulham, the need for an extra central defender has arisen once again at West Ham.

The Latest: Sheth’s news

Sheth has shared an update on the Hammers’ centre-back situation, touting interest in a Ligue 1 star.

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist claimed:

“West Ham United have held initial talks with PSG over the signing of defender Thilo Kehrer. Sevilla are also interested – they can offer Champions League football. West Ham looking to bring in a central defender before Sunday’s game at Nottingham Forest.”

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The Verdict: Fantastic signing

Having arrived in the French capital in 2018 after joining from Schalke in a deal worth £33m, the Germany international has gone on to make 85 appearances in Ligue 1.

Analysing his underlying stats, it becomes obvious as to why David Moyes would like to see him in a claret and blue shirt this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion, in the 91st percentile for passes attempted, in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals and in the 84th percentile for aerials won, coupling a real physical presence with elite ball playing skills.

Hailed as one of Germany’s fastest players by SportsMob, it appears Kehrer has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.

Therefore, with big competition on their hands for the defender, this would be a brilliant coup for West Ham if they get a deal over the line.

Tottenham Hotspur finally return to Premier League action this afternoon as they welcome Southampton to north London to kickstart the 2022/23 campaign.

Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte will be looking to get off to the best possible start after he steered Spurs back into the Champions League last season with a fourth-place finish, snatching it late from arch-rivals Arsenal’s grasp.

Backed in the transfer market with six new summer signings, the Italian will have been delighted with his pre-season preparations but it remains to be seen what sort of side he’ll select this weekend.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting for today’s encounter…

In goal, club captain Hugo Lloris is likely to resume his no.1 duties as Fraser Forster, signed on a free from today’s opponents, has only been brought in as a backup.

Conte will surely remain with his wing-back system, so we’re expecting a back three involving Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, whilst the third spot is a little less clear. Ben Davies missed some of pre-season with injury, so summer loan signing Clement Lenglet could get the nod.

The French centre-back could be joined by one more new arrival in the form of Ivan Perisic, who is expected to become Conte’s first choice left wing-back this season.

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Meanwhile, on the other flank, the Italian head coach has a big call to make as he has as many as three options. Emerson Royal could be chosen ahead of Matt Doherty and £15m signing Djed Spence.

In midfield, Spurs won’t have the services of the injured Oliver Skipp and another summer signing, Yves Bissouma, is a big doubt, so the reigns are likely to go to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Further up the pitch, the £60m acquisition of Richarlison isn’t likely to change much as Conte will surely run with the free-flowing and exciting front three of Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Harry Kane.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-3): Lloris; Lenglet, Dier, Romero; Perisic, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Emerson; Son, Kulusevski, Kane

AND in other news, Spurs dealt “freak” injury blow ahead of Premier League opener…

Wolves centre-back Max Kilman could be available for the opening game of the season after recovering from injury, according to fitness expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Kilman a huge player

Wanderers were resolute in defence last season, conceding 43 goals in 38 Premier League games, and Kilman was a big reason for that success.

The Englishman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in a back-three alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, starting 30 league games and averaging 2.2 aerial duel wins per match.

Unfortunately, an ankle injury kept Kilman out of action from April onwards, however, and he faces a race to be fit for the opening game at Leeds United on August 6.

The Latest: Expert gives Wolves big boost

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claims that the 25-year-old will be available, having made a ‘surprise’ behind-scenes comeback during pre-season:

“Everything is in place for him to be raring to go. Bruno Lage always maintained that his target was going to be game week one and we have seen him working individually ahead of that return.

“Maybe the fact that he played in that behind-the-closed doors game against Burnley came a bit of a surprise. That was maybe seven days earlier than I expected him.

“But it looks like he has come through that with no problem. Now, it’s just a case of reintegrating him and ramping up those minutes. Barring any setbacks or reaction, I fully expect him to be vying for a place in that starting XI come game week one.”

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The Verdict: Time to find another gear

This is a massive boost for Wolves, with Kilman hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Coady and his performances becoming more dominant by the season.

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Nathan Collins has arrived from Burnley in a big-money deal and the hope is that he, Kilman and Coady can thrive in a three-man defence, following Saiss’ summer departure.

It is Wolves’ returning hero who is arguably their most important defender, however, and the 2022/23 campaign could see him find another gear and push for regular spots in the England squad, potentially even squeezing his way into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given the green light to make their move for Lucas Paqueta this summer…

What’s the word?

The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, with ESPN Brazil reporting of Antonio Conte’s interest, and now he could well leave Lyon before deadline day on September 1st.

That’s according to L’OL president Jean-Michel-Aulas, who claims he would accept an offer if it was the right one.

“There are proposals for him. There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don’t. Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives,” he told Goal.

“I want to keep all the good players, but you also have to be realistic. There is the player who is very important in the matter, the coach, the club, the other clubs. It is always a game between the different parties.”

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Paratici gets green light

Valued at a whopping £60m by CIES Football Observatory, it is certainly going to cost a pretty penny to seal a move for the Brazil international this summer.

However, he’d be a player that Conte would love to have in his ranks as he would add some much-needed creativity and a goal threat from attacking midfield.

FBref have compared Paqueta to that of Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, as well as Paulo Dybala, so that only goes to show the sort of player Spurs could be signing.

Last season, the 24-year-old maestro delivered nine goals and six assists across 35 appearances, as per Transfermarkt. It’s no wonder that he has been lauded as “extraordinary” and “amazing” by his Lyon boss Peter Bosz.

Elsewhere, teammate Jerome Boateng believes the midfielder will be a “world star” in the future.

After sealing five new additions in the form of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet, it would make sense to add a no.10-like presence, given it’s a role that Conte currently lacks.

Therefore, Paqueta makes for an intriguing target and one that sporting director Fabio Paratici must push ahead with plans to sign after Aulas’ teasing remarks.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops summer transfer update…

Liverpool could complete the big-money signing of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez imminently as the player has told his club he’s ready to quit, according to an update in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Nunez heading to Anfield?

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in recent days, with the Reds seemingly winning the race to sign him.

Nunez is considered one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe, having scored 26 goals in just 24 Primeira Liga starts last season.

He also scored home and away against Liverpool in the Champions League – something that seemingly alerted Jurgen Klopp to his brilliance.

The Latest: Move done this week?

According to Football Insider’s Friday morning update, Nunez could officially become a Reds player by the end of this week, with the 22 year-old wanting it done ‘as soon as possible’ and a deal ‘edging closer’.

Negotiations are thought to be ‘accelerating’ and a long-term deal has been offered to the Uruguayan, who has told Benfica he wants to quit and move to Anfield – the report calls this a ‘clear sign the transfer is close to completion’.

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The Verdict: What a signing

Barring a major twist, it looks now a given that Nunez will be confirmed as a Liverpool player before too long, in what represents a significant piece of business for a likely record fee – Football Insider say £60m plus £20m in add-ons.

With Sadio Mane looking set to eventually join Bayern Munich, the Benfica sensation could be a perfect replacement down the middle, bringing goals, movement and physicality to the Reds’ attack.

At 22, he still has so many years ahead of him, too – he is eight years Mane’s younger – and is someone who could mature into a true Premier League force.

In other news, one Liverpool player is ‘closing in’ on a Reds exit. Find out who it is here.

Wolves will try to nail down Morgan Gibbs-White to a new contract this summer but may also be tempted to cash in on him, according to journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White in good form

The 22-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Sheffield United, where he enjoyed a hugely fruitful time of things.

Gibbs-White ended up with a tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in the Championship for the Blades, being hailed as having the ‘world at his feet’ by Bramall Lane team-mate David McGoldrick.

The midfielder will now return to Molineux this summer, at which point a big decision may need to be made regarding his future.

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The Latest: Gibbs-White’s Wolves future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook claimed that Wolves are very much keen on securing his future at the club, but could also be tempted by a substantial transfer offer for him. The journalist stated:

“There’s a lot of interest in Morgan Gibbs-White, I’m just trying to stand up exactly where that’s going. I think Wolves would like to sign him to a new contract, but if he’s a player they can get £20m for, they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

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The Verdict: Don’t lose him

To lose Gibbs-White at this point in his career would be criminal, considering his vast potential and the distinct possibility that Ruben Neves will be sold.

The 22-year-old is too good a talent not to be kept at the club, considering that he has made seven appearances for England’s under-21s and been touted as one of the best young players in the country.

Handing Gibbs-White a new deal seems a no-brainer for Wolves, especially given his current form. Whether or not the player accepts it is another thing altogether, and he may feel that he wants a new challenge. An interesting summer could lie ahead for player and club.

In other news, a key update regarding one Wolves hero’s future has emerged. Read more here.