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After the disappointment of last season, Leeds United are bidding to make a swift return to the Premier League following a solid start to life under promotion expert, Daniel Farke.

The German tactician – who twice led Norwich City into the top flight during his stint at Carrow Road – was appointed earlier this year and subsequently oversaw a mass squad overhaul in west Yorkshire, with nine new signings arriving through the door, while a further 15 first-team assets moved on elsewhere.

While that hectic window has ensured that there is likely to be far less activity in January, the early indications are that plans are being made for possible fresh recruits in the New Year, particularly if injuries are to impact Farke's squad over the coming months.

If funds are to be made available for the Leeds boss to strengthen his hand heading into the second half of the season, it would be wise for the Elland Road hierarchy to revive their interest in a previous summer target, in the form of Celtic playmaker, Matt O'Riley.

Are Leeds interested in Matt O'Riley?

While there has been little suggestion at present as to whether the Championship outfit will make a move for the 22-year-old in the winter, the speculation over the summer was that he was very much on the radar of Farke and co.

As per Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Leeds were believed to have lodged a £10m offer for the former MK Dons man late in the window, albeit with Brendan Rodgers' side holding firm after already losing the likes of Jota.

Joseph predicted at the time that the Old Firm giants were hoping to instead tie O'Riley down to a new deal, with that prophecy becoming a reality last month as both he and Reo Hatate extended their contracts at Parkhead.

That bumper extension will likely see the Hoops demand far more than that £10m offer, particularly with reports a year ago having indicated that the Denmark international could be worth closer to £20m, amid Premier League interest.

As such, signing the elegant left-footer won't be easy, but it could well be worth the investment as far as Farke is concerned, particularly with creative options rather limited in the midfield ranks at present, with Joel Piroe operating as something of a makeshift number ten.

How good is Matt O'Riley?

The one-time Fulham youth asset had initially caught the eye during his time in England's lower leagues after scoring ten goals and contributing eight assists in 54 games at Stadium MK, prior to being snapped up by Ange Postecoglou and Celtic in January 2022.

Not a particularly high-profile talent at the time, O'Riley commanded a fee of just £1.5m when making that move to Glasgow, with that now looking like something of a bargain such has been his form since in the Scottish Premiership.

While still a relative youngster, the former England youth international has emerged as something of a leader of late under Rodgers, who hailed him as a "wonderful footballer" earlier this season.

Also described as a "magician" by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, the midfield maestro already has 32 goals and assists to his name in 83 outings for his current side to date, having been part of the side that claimed a domestic treble last season.

Despite the subsequent blow of seeing Postecoglou depart, O'Riley has thrived under the new regime with five goals and three assists from just 11 appearances across all fronts this season, ensuring he is likely to covet fresh attention come January.

Who is Matt O'Riley comparable to?

Interestingly, the Hounslow-born dynamo has been noted as a 'similar player' to Todd Cantwell – according to Football Transfers – with the latter man having previously flourished under Farke during their time together at Norwich.

While Cantwell – who also plies his trade in Glasgow with Rangers – did endure a sour end to his spell with the Canaries after falling down the pecking order under Dean Smith, he had largely been a regular fixture under Farke prior to the German's dismissal in late 2021.

In total, the attack-minded midfielder scored 14 times and registered 12 assists in 107 games under the current Leeds boss, notably starring in the Championship in the 2020/21 season with six goals and seven assists in 33 league games.

For Farke to be able to find his next version of the 25-year-old with the signing of O'Riley would represent a dream scenario, with the pair both seemingly playmaking assets who can really hurt the opposition in the final third.

That is evidenced by their respective form in Scotland last season, with the Celtic man scoring three goals and providing 12 assists in 38 Premiership games, while also creating 16 big chances and averaging 2.2 key passes per game.

Cantwell, meanwhile, joined the Gers in January yet still enjoyed a profitable end to the campaign, registering four goals and six assists from only 16 league games, while creating five big chances and averaging 1.3 key passes per game.

There may be a suggestion as to why Farke wouldn't just attempt to reunite with his former asset, although the Englishman isn't particularly impressing this time around, having registered just two assists and no goals so far this term.

Equally, O'Riley also has the edge due to his prior standout displays at Champions League level, with journalist Guillem Balague writing last season that the youngster "did not look out of place" when lining up against a Real Madrid side containing the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Such sparkling form over the last couple of years would then make the £12k-per-week asset a worthy signing for the Elland Road hierarchy and for Farke, with O'Riley potentially set to follow in Cantwell's footsteps by helping to steer the German coach to promotion.

The next step, then, is to lodge an offer that will pique the interest of the Hoops…

Mary Earps boasts a “huge amount of respect”, with the Manchester United and England goalkeeper a source of inspiration to her rivals.

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• England keeper one of the best in the business
• Opponents looking to take lessons from her
• Euro 2025 qualification about to begin

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Everton shot-stopper Courtney Brosnan admits as much, as she prepares to face a fellow WSL star in international competition. The Republic of Ireland are set to play host to the Lionesses in Euro 2025 qualification on April 9.

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• WHAT BROSNAN SAID ABOUT EARPS

  That contest will see Brosnan trying to keep England out, as she looks to tread a similar path to Earps – who is a European champion, World Cup finalist and two-time winner of the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award. She has said of Earps: “I think she’s a great player and these past two to three years she’s been amazing for England winning the EUROs. She’s somebody that a lot of people look up to and I have a huge amount of respect for her.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Brosnan looks to learn from as many rivals as possible, with Manchester United keeper Earps very much part of that group. She added: “I really do enjoy watching other goalkeepers in the WSL or different national teams. The position is always about picking up different things and finding out what works for you. It’s cool to watch other goalkeepers and see what they do. Then you can be like, ‘maybe I could try that and it could work for me’. (The squad) will watch a lot of clips of the opposition and goalkeepers will watch clips of the forwards and wingers to try and see their tendencies but I think I really like to watch clips of myself from training and from the games. I feel that goalkeeping is so detail oriented and it is all about these little moments, maybe the distances of six inches like that. I think it is great to have that (analysis) resource to make changes and continue to learn.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  England are set to get their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign up and running against Sweden on Friday, while the Republic of Ireland will open their bid to secure safe passage out of Group A3 when taking on France.

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to already be "working on an agreement" for a new defensive signing as Spurs' absentee list grows and grows.

Postecoglou's problems at Tottenham

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had been overseeing the best start made by a new manager in Premier League history, but the club's early-season unbeaten streak finally came to an end against Chelsea on Monday.

There were real positives to take from Tottenham's 4-1 defeat in north London, namely the performance of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and their real bravery in playing a high line despite being down to nine men.

The fall-out has been worse than Spurs' actual result, as Postecoglou will now have to make do without a few key players. Both Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero are suspended following their red cards against Mauricio Pochettino's side, while James Maddison and Micky van de Ven were hauled off due to injury.

Tottenham are waiting to find out the severity of these knocks, but van de Ven's problem is already looking like a significant one after he want off clutching his hamstring.

Uncertainty surrounds the future of Pierre-Emile Hobjberg, who could leave in January, while fellow midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma will undergo a Spurs hiatus early next year for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Depending on van de Ven's injury, with the Dutchman facing months out (Daily Mail), Postecoglou could be left very short in both defence and midfield pretty soon.

Spurs targeting new midfielder for Ange

Reports in the last few days have suggested that a new midfield man could be added in the January transfer window as a result. Spurs are targeting Fluminese midfielder Andre, with Brentford star Christian Norgaard eyed by Postecoglou as well (Football Transfers).

Indeed, it appears new sporting director Johan Lange is eyeing up reinforcements for the middle of the park at Spurs. As per a new rumour out of Spain, Tottenham might not be wasting any time in giving Postecoglou exactly what he wants after a rip-roaring start to the new campaign.

Spurs "working on an agreement" for Ndidi

As per Spanish media sources, Tottenham are "working on an agreement" for Wilfried Ndidi, who has starred for Leicester City in the Championship so far this season.

Postecoglou's side are apparently "seeking the signing" of Ndidi to shore up their defensive midfield options, with his potential signing viewed as an "important solution" taking into account his uncertain future at the King Power Stadium.

The 53-cap Nigeria international has racked up a goal and three assists in 12 second tier appearances so far, but with his contract expiring next summer, he could come as a fairly astute/affordable option for Spurs.

Called a "machine" by BBC Sports contributor Raj Chohan, Foxes boss Enzo Maresca refuses to rule out the possibility of him leaving despite being an "important player".

“Wilfred, he arrived as I said from day one, into the box. He’s scored and got an assist. Probably it was better, the assist, than the goal," said Maresca on Ndidi after a recent performance (via Leicester Mercury).

“He’s an important player, but I have to say the same, the window market is open. Anything can happen for Wilfred and for all of the squad.”

Thomas Muller insists "nothing has been solved at all" after Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with Arsenal as he denied the result has lifted morale.

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• Bayern enduring woeful season
• Muller not content with 2-2 draw
• Bavarians set to lose Bundesliga title

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Muller has batted away suggestions that Bayern's 2-2 draw with the Premier League leaders has lifted their morale. After all, Thomas Tuchel's beleaguered side have essentially surrendered the Bundesliga title – they are 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen with just six games remaining, and were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round by lower-league Saarbrucken. It leaves the Champions League as their only hope of silverware.

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  Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane were both on the scoresheet at the Emirates but the tie is delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Munich. As a result, Muller has denied that spirits have been raised, as they simply must win next week when they welcome the Gunners back to the Allianz Arena.

• WHAT MULLER SAID

  Muller told reporters at a charity run, per : "Nothing has been solved at all! Of course there is a fundamental dissatisfaction when you look at the overall picture: where we are in the Bundesliga, what our statistics look like and how often we have lost in the league. We have problems winning games consistently. We always had good games – but not the kind you would expect from FC Bayern."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Before the return leg, Bayern play Koln in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Arsenal are in action against Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah revealed a surprise contender for his favourite Argentinian and ribbed Liverpool team-mate Alexis Mac Allister for his lack of bulk.

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• Salah impressed by Mac Allister
• Liverpool star admits he loves Messi
• Reveals he adores another Argentine

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Egyptian international spoke with about how impressed he has been with summer signing Alexis Mac Allister at Liverpool, while quipping he needs to spend more time in the gym, his adoration for Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, and how former Argentine star Gabriel Batistuta stole his heart years ago.

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  WHAT MOHAMED SALAH SAID

  When asked how good Mac Allister has been this season, he said: "He's very good. Overall he's a good guy, he's trying to improve a lot. He needs a little push in the gym but he's really professional, he looks after himself; the way he eats and practises – he just needs to work in the gym a little bit more but overall he's very good. He does go [to the gym] but in my opinion he needs to go more [laughs]."

  When asked who his favourite Argentine player was apart from Mac Allister, Salah replied: "[Lionel] Messi. I love Messi. He is. Messi is Messi; I love [Gabriel] Batistuta as well, I met him once in Argentina and got his t-shirt signed, but yeah, I love Messi.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since Mac Allister swapped Brighton for the Reds last summer, the midfielder has increasingly proven his worth at Jurgen Klopp's side. In recent weeks in particular, the 25-year-old appears to have taken his game to a new level and he is likely to be key as they try to win the Premier League and the Europa League, to add to their Carabao Cup triumph earlier this year. And Salah will of course be a key part of that success as well.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mac Allister and Salah are likely to feature in Liverpool's crunch away clash at bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday. A win at Old Trafford will ensure they are top of the table going into the final six weeks of the season.

All the pointers suggest that while Ange Postecoglou is delighted with how well his Tottenham Hotspur side have assimilated his managerial philosophy, there is much work to be done before the squad is complete.

Tottenham currently lead the race in the division and boast 26 points from ten matches, which is their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with Postecoglou accruing the highest total at this stage by any manager in their maiden year.

While the narrative seems to centre around the club's title-winning credentials, such is the way of football's clamouring discourse, the fans will simply be thrilled by the restoration of confidence and identity, producing compelling performances each week.

It has been a resounding few months, but the onus now lies on Postecoglou's ability to sustain his squad's endeavours, and to do so, 2024 may need to be a year of success in the transfer market.

Tottenham transfer news – Florian Wirtz

While defensive work is expected to take precedence in the winter transfer window, Spurs will be keeping an eye on the progress of prodigious midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has been at the centre of Bayer Leverkusen's sensational start to the campaign.

According to TEAMtalk earlier this week, Tottenham are among the growing host of Premier League clubs interested in signing the German player, though will face fierce competition from frontrunners Chelsea and Manchester City.

Separate reports claim that Leverkusen intend to maximise the 20-year-old's staggering value and cash in next summer, with figures as high as €85m (£74m) mentioned.

Whether Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is able or willing to meet such an expensive valuation remains to be seen, but there's no question that he would be a stunning addition to cement the club's new stronghold at the top of the table.

Florian Wirtz's style of play

Under the guidance of the effortlessly cool Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen has propelled themselves into title contention in the German Bundesliga, indeed topping the table to mirror Spurs' success against the division's monopolising force.

The £42k-per-week talent has endured a dismal run of luck on the injury front and scarcely featured last season after rupturing his ACL, though did return to bag four goals and assists apiece last year, from only 19 starts.

Noted for his "phenomenal" age-belying ability and maturity by teammate Jonathan Tah, Wirtz is silky and swift in his motions, a natural manufacturer of openings and an innate weaver through the lines.

Former Germany national coach Hansi Flick is among those to have been left dazzled by his skills, saying: "Florian is just a huge asset for this team through his carefree nature. He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's got a good total package."

That stats that show why Wirtz would thrive for Tottenham

As per FBref, the 12-cap Germany international has been among the finest playmakers in the business over the past year, ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues and European competitions for assists and shot-creating actions, and the top 3% for progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90.

It's remarkable how well he has performed following such a detrimental setback, and he's comfortably an "elite talent" on the European stage, as has been pronounced by informed scout Jacek Kulig.

Compared to some of the most creative and technically skilled players around, Wirtz has the world at his feet, and is continually demonstrating his worth as one of Europe's most exciting talents, with CIES Football Observatory claiming that he is worth £87m.

It's most intriguing that Heung-min Son and James Maddison are listed as the star's most comparable players, while the Spurs teammates are two of Postecoglou's most devastating offensive outlets, they differ greatly in their strengths and roles, with the South Korean's eight goals in the league this term, having been reshaped in the centre-forward position, highlighting his best fit.

Maddison, in comparison, has been utterly extraordinary since joining the club from Leicester City for £40m and is performing at the main creative supplier, with his role aligning with Wirtz's more accurately considering Son's new job at the front.

How Florian Wirtz compares to James Maddison

Maddison has been one of English football's most impressive summer transfers and has thrived since making the move to London, winning August's Premier League Player of the Month.

Similarly superlative in his supplementation, Maddison ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90.

As the graph above delineates, Maddison edges his younger confrere in most metrics but they are both equally impressive creative outlets for their respective sides, who can also offer a goal threat.

Well, the Spurs man is clearly more of a central fulcrum for his team, but there is no denying that Wirtz, who is only 20 and not long recuperated from a lengthy injury, boasts more than enough talent to surpass the Englishman in the future.

Given Wirtz has plundered 14 direct contributions from as many matches across all competitions during 2022/23, he is an impressive attacking talent who could thrive alongside Maddison as an exciting forward in Postecoglou's set-up.

Indeed, the £170k-per-week Lilywhite, in comparison, has posted three goals and five assists in the Premier League, but that is the extent of his success thus far, having played 11 matches in total this term.

While Tottenham are well-equipped in the creative department of the midfield, Wirtz is versatile and can play across a range of roles, a bit more comfortable than Maddison in the final third, and the Spurs boss must now swoop to secure his services in January.

With Giovani Lo Celso reportedly transfer listed for £15m, there might just be space for Tottenham to pull off an almighty deal for one of football's most coveted prospects, and with both Maddison and Wirtz in the team, Postecoglou's illustrious vision might just be realised.

It's no secret that Manchester United have struggled for form this term under Erik ten Hag. However, what has been most surprising is the lack of potency the Red Devils have shown up front.

Rasmus Hojlund is the team's top goalscorer in all competitions with five goals, but in the Premier League, the Denmark international has failed to register a single goal, having missed more big chances than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.

Ten Hag will have to try to get the best out of his £72m man when the January transfer window opens by bringing in a player who can complement his number '9', and the Dutchman seems to have his eye on one in particular.

Jayden Addai to Manchester United

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United sent scouts to a game between AZ Alkmaar and Molde FK in the UEFA Youth League last week to keep an eye on the former's 18-year-old star winger Jayden Addai, who scored the second goal in a 4-3 win for AZ.

Addai has been in fine form this season, having scored ten goals for the Dutch outfit's U21s, including one in Europe and nine in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, which has attracted interest from the English giants.

The youngster has also found the net 48 times in 96 matches in all competitions for club and country since the beginning of the 2020/21 season, according to Transfermarkt, while playing anywhere across the front three and even as a number '10' at times.

Amid interest from the Red Devils, AZ decided to tie the attacker down to a new five-year deal which keeps Addai at the club until 2028. Man United would now have to pay a heftier price should they want to prise him away from his current side. At the announcement of his contract signing, AZ's technical director Max Huiberts called Addai "a boy with a promising future".

Addai's stats this season

While Addai can play anywhere along the front four, his preferred position at AZ Alkmaar has been on the right wing in a 4-3-3 as he can cut inside on his favoured left foot and let one fly or cross it into the box for a teammate to attack. This worked wonders for the Dutch side last season as they lifted the UEFA Youth League title, the club's first-ever European trophy across any level.

Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the teenage sensation has assisted eight goals in all competitions. In comparison, Man United's big-money signing Antony has recorded merely three assists in 56 appearances for the Red Devils. Addai has bagged more goals and assists this season alone than Antony has since moving to Old Trafford.

The duo are quite similar in terms of their styles of play. Both like to take on the opposition's fullback and cut inside on their left foot but Antony's productivity has been questioned at times during his career in a red shirt. Club legend Paul Scholes even called the Brazilian a "one-trick pony" last season.

As such, Hojlund needs a winger who can consistently provide him with opportunities from the flanks. His first goal against Galatasaray a few weeks back was a prime example of this.

Unfortunately, Antony is not supplying the goods thus far to his Danish teammate, averaging just 1.62 crosses per 90 which puts him in the bottom 17% of all wingers in Europe's top five leagues over the past calendar year, according to FBref.

Addai is more selfless than Antony on the right and would offer greater end product to that side for United, which could see Hojlund finally getting some service on a consistent basis in the Premier League.

A “frustrated” Lionel Messi is a good thing, says Bradley Wright-Phillips, with emotion proving how much the all-time great has “bought in” to MLS.

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• Argentine icon moved to America in 2023
• Has already delivered on trophy triumph
• Demands the best of himself & team-mates

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentine icon Messi completed a stunning move to the United States in 2023, with the decision taken to chase the American dream after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Any questions of his desire to compete were quickly answered when inspiring a historic Leagues Cup triumph for Inter Miami.

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  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to star for the Herons in 2024, with A-list guests attracted to every fixture that he graces, and the plan is to add more major honours to a record-breaking collection. Messi, like eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo, has never been a man to settle for second best.

• WHAT WRIGHT-PHILLIPS SAID

  He is proving that across every outing for Inter Miami, with former New York Red Bulls star Wright-Phillips telling after seeing the all-time great score two and make another in the Herons’ 3-1 win over Nashville: “We spoke about that, that smile you’re talking about, it’s great. When you see a big player come over here and really take on the league and enjoy it, even getting frustrated in the moments they want more from their team-mates, it tells me that Messi has bought in, and we can’t ask for nothing more than that.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Messi has registered nine goals through as many appearances this season, helping Inter Miami to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. He is having to counter an injury crisis at Chase Stadium, with more smiles and frowns to be expected as Tata Martino’s side compete for major honours on multiple fronts.

Juventus reportedly believe that they can agree a transfer with Manchester United for Mason Greenwood at much less than his true market value.

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• Forward impressing on loan in Spain
• Linked with clubs across Europe
• Red Devils expected to sell this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old forward is expected to sever ties with the Red Devils this summer despite the Premier League giants having him tied to a contract through to 2025 that includes the option for a 12-month extension. There appears to be no way back for Greenwood at Old Trafford.

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  He has, however, been catching the eye during a loan spell at La Liga side Getafe and is said to be attracting interest from teams in Spain and Italy. Juve are ready to form part of the clamour for Greenwood’s signature in the next window.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to , the Bianconeri are confident that they can acquire Greenwood in a cut-price agreement. That is because United are under pressure to sell and are unlikely to hold out for what could be considered the one-cap England international’s "real" asking price.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Gazzetta claims that “many at Man Utd no longer want to see him, therefore a permanent transfer in the summer is more than a possibility”. Juve are ready to make their move for a player that has posted a personal best this season when it comes to league goal contributions, with Greenwood up to 14 for Getafe.

Newcastle United are believed to have sent their scouts to watch a world-renowned star who has been described as a "£100m player", according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle want January signings

Eddie Howe could be desperate to get to the January transfer window without any further injury problems, having seen his squad riddled with fitness issues throughout this season. Newcastle have had so many absentees at different points during the campaign, whether it be Sven Botman, Bruno Guimarares, Callum Willson or Alexander Isak, to name just a few. The winter window will allow the Magpies to add to their squad, assuming they are allowed to financially, and they have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks.

In midfield, Manchester City ace Kalvin Phillips has been backed to join Newcastle, with the 27-year-old arguably seen as the best option to come in for the suspended Sandro Tonali. Meanwhile, further attacking reinforcements have also been mooted, and Brentford striker Ivan Toney is also considered a target for the Magpies, with his own suspension ending in January.

Newcastle eyeing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia move

According to a new transfer claim from 90min, Newcastle have scouted Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with other Premier League clubs also in the mix.

The report states that "Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United all had representatives in attendance" to watch the Georgia international in action for his country against Spain on Sunday, as the possible Newcastle transfer target scored in a 3-1 defeat.

While those present at the game may have been there to watch any number of players in action, "sources have confirmed to 90min that Kvaratskhelia in particular was under the microscope." Kvaratskhelia could be a sensational signing by Newcastle, whether that be in January or next summer, with the Napoli ace arguably one of the world's most exciting attacking players over the past 18 months or so.

The 22-year-old was an integral part of his side winning their first Serie A title since 1990, with the Magpies target registering 22 goal contributions (12 goals and 10 assists) in 34 league outings, linking superbly with Victor Osimhen in the process. Former Rubin Kazan manager Leonid Slutsky has called him a "£100m player" in the past, too, which says a lot about his current ability and long-term potential.

Kvaratskhelia is a footballer who would not only get Newcastle fans off their seats with his trickery, pace and unpredictability out wide, but also back it up with relentless end product, which is something Alla Saint-Maximin often failed to do, for example. The ex-Magpies man only scored 13 times in 124 appearances, which isn't at the level required at St James' Park these days.

Whether Newcastle have the funds to wrestle the Georgian superstar away from Napoli remains to be seen – he is contracted at the Serie A champions until the summer of 2027 – but he is someone who could take Howe's side to another level, possibly becoming a new attacking maverick hero at St James' Park.